Locally sourced, collaborative reporting from and for rural America.
Featured Story
Emily Bader for The Maine Monitor
Bucking national trends, a third of Maine towns still count ballots by hand
Maine’s other municipalities use voting tabulation devices, which studies have shown are faster and more accurate.
LATEST NEWS FROM THE NETWORK
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Ingles reels from storm damage. Food options in NC mountains limited.
Storm damage to distribution center and stores has ripple effects on Western NC areas that rely on Asheville-based Ingles for food and jobs.
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The future of coal country: Money, power, politics, and tradition
As Montana’s coal loses economic vitality, billions of tax dollars can fund renewable energy initiatives — if anyone wants them.
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Kentucky school district pulls books from shelves in reaction to conservative group mailer
A far western Kentucky public school system pulled some books from its high school library shelves after a mailer in support of Amendment 2 was sent out earlier this week questioning whether they were appropriate for students.
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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Student Arrested for Making Threat of Mass Harm at Rhinebeck High School, State Police Report
October 18, 2024
Police concluded that the threats were not credible, but they carried out a search of the building as a precaution.
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Tribal nations endorse retention of Oklahoma Supreme Court justices
October 18, 2024
Historically, the justices have ruled in favor of tribal issues.
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Wages, housing and health care are top priorities for voters in Mineral, Hampshire and Morgan counties
October 18, 2024
Residents in Northeast West Virginia are concerned about the lack of well-paying jobs, affordable housing options and health care services to meet the need in the communities.
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Post-Helene, mental health providers help kids cope
October 18, 2024
Tens of thousands of NC kids have had their lives upended by Helene. Mental health professionals are taking the first steps toward supporting their long-term healing.
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Why the Political Power of Black Rural Voters Is Often Invisible
October 17, 2024
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.
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Tourism is booming in Pocahontas County. It’s causing problems for some locals
October 17, 2024
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
October 16, 2024
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
October 16, 2024
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.
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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.