Locally sourced, collaborative reporting from and for rural America.
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New Rural Project
Why the Political Power of Black Rural Voters Is Often Invisible
Their impact shows up in local and state elections, and while there’s a desire for national influence, increased efforts to suppress their vote poses obstacles.
LATEST NEWS FROM THE NETWORK
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Tourism is booming in Pocahontas County. It’s causing problems for some locals
Pocahontas County has become a leader in tourism statewide, but residents say this has led to surging housing costs as more visitors move in. They’re also looking for better public schools and local shopping options.
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Losing its only 24/7 gas station pushed this rural Pa. community to think differently about its future
The small north-central community in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds would lose the only Sheetz convenience store for miles. Residents, who’ve watched industries come and go over the years, thought this was just the latest economic blow.
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A century of connections: Geneva’s Rural Heritage Center celebrates its 100th year
What started as one of the first school buildings in Seminole County, The Rural Heritage Center has become a community hub, hosting everything from weddings and yoga classes to plays and birthday parties.
RNN Highlights
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Angelica Edwards for Enlace Latino NC
Bridging Access
Rural communities of color may be facing barriers to health care, but they’re also laying the groundwork for a more equitable future. Whether it’s hospitals reopening, These stories led by Capital B and The Associated Press, offer a roadmap.
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Jerry L Mennenga for the Flatwater Free Press
Nebraska Evolving
The perception is that Nebraska’s smaller communities are dying. The reality is that many rural Nebraska counties are now growing for one reason. Immigration.
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Dave Pellar for Oviedo Community News
Preserve or Develop? The Race Against Time to Protect Florida’s Wildlife Corridor
Just off a trail in Central Florida lies evidence, piled in bear boneyards, of Florida’s battle between development and an imperiled corridor.
MORE NEWS FROM THE NETWORK
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What if your NC absentee ballot return envelope arrives already sealed?
October 15, 2024
Exposure to humid conditions has caused some NC absentee ballots in 2024 to arrive with return envelopes already sealed. Here’s what do to.
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A Prison Newspaper Hopes to Bridge ‘Inside’ and ‘Outside’ Worlds in Rural California
October 15, 2024
Rural prisons tend to have fewer programs for incarcerated residents than urban prisons do. A new media project at the Central California Women’s Facility is bucking that trend.
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Food bank bounces back from Helene to tackle hunger crisis in western NC
October 15, 2024
Organizations are moving quickly to address food insecurity as the region continues to reel from historic flooding.
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Train derails near Glacier, spills hundreds of tons of grain
October 14, 2024
While no hazardous material was spilled in the wreck, the hundreds of tons of grain that did will likely concern wildlife officials in northwest Montana.
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‘What hope can you provide?’ Upshur County residents say rising costs are leaving people hungry and schools underfunded
October 12, 2024
Reporters asked Upshur County residents and West Virginia Wesleyan College students what they want to hear candidates talking about this election season. They said they need a stronger investment in the public school system and more help for those in need.
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New bill would pay farmers to put rentals on their land
October 12, 2024
The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Angus King, would give certain rural property owners two grants of up to $100,000 each to build rental housing.
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A public safety disconnect among Liberty County voters
October 11, 2024
Only one race on the Nov. 5 ballot – the sheriff’s race – specifically involves public safety. But when The Current asked Liberty County residents about public safety and the election, not one mentioned the county sheriff’s race.
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Montana businessman gets 2 years in prison for role in Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the US Capitol
October 11, 2024
Per prosecutors, Henry Phillip “Hank” Muntzer of Dillon was involved in physical confrontations with law enforcement. In Dillon, Muntzer is known for a pro-QAnon mural on the building that houses his appliance store, according to the Dillon Tribune.
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Texas Rangers, Stephens County Sheriff’s Office solve 14-year-old murder case; suspect is deceased
October 11, 2024
The Texas Rangers Unsolved Crime Investigation Program (UCIP) assisted the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, re-investigating the deadly shooting of Jimmy Earl Whitt.