Locally sourced, collaborative reporting from and for rural America.
Featured Story
Vaughn Wheat for The Beacon
Teaching Kansas students to read gets tougher after $22.6 million federal funding cut
Kansas used federal money on an evidence-based reading program. It was helping Kansas students improve their reading skills after pandemic learning loss.
LATEST NEWS FROM THE NETWORK
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Many hope this NC county’s hospital won’t close. It’s the only one around.
Washington Regional Medical Center in rural Plymouth is a lifeline in a barren health landscape. But financial problems could threaten that.
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Historic jail opens its doors to first art show
Their goal is twofold: to celebrate local art and to raise awareness for the jailhouse’s preservation needs.
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New Mat-Su special ed group looks to connect parents with district officials
The group’s first meeting is scheduled for April 28.
RNN Highlights
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Eric J. Shelton for Mississippi Today
Rural Realities
People are growing more skeptical about the value of higher education. This five-part series explores how institutions and students are meeting their educational needs and the demands of today’s rural workforce.
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Winik Sartwell for Carolina Public Press
Deserting Women
Rural North Carolina counties are seeing growing deserts of health services for women at local hospitals, with serious health implications. Multiple pressures are driving this trend. But solutions may be available.
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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.
MORE NEWS FROM THE NETWORK
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Hawaiʻi Farmers And Ranchers Face $46 Million In Federal Funding Cuts
April 23, 2025
The USDA decision has led to lost jobs, confusion and a setback on climate initiatives in the agricultural sector.
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Amid Ongoing Threats to Local Food Systems, Alaska Native and Rural Alaskan Leaders Imagine Alternatives
April 23, 2025
Cascading environmental, economic, and political factors are making it increasingly challenging to put food on the table in rural Alaska. These communities are looking to the past, and the future, for solutions.
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State leaders defend climate change initiatives despite Trump administration’s threats
April 22, 2025
Elected officials and members of environmental interest groups gathered at the Statehouse to reaffirm their commitment to upholding the state’s climate protection laws.
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Hageman quietly resumes in-person town halls
April 22, 2025
Less than a month after canceling in-person town halls due to safety concerns, Rep. Harriet Hageman has restarted the process, though you’ll have to register to attend.
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Every day is Earth Day for Indigenous people
April 22, 2025
A worldwide survey finds 89 percent of the world’s people believe their country should do more to fight climate change.
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Fall River School District Faces Financial Pressure Amid Decreasing Enrollment, End of Pandemic Funding
April 21, 2025
Like other school districts across California, Fall River Joint Unified School District is scrambling to avert potential financial deficit as public schools experience both decreasing enrollment and an end to federal COVID funding.
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Libraries evolve and thrive despite funding uncertainty
April 21, 2025
Any funding cut at the state or federal level to the state library would require local libraries to ask for more taxpayer money or to reduce offerings if local replacement money isn’t available.
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Planning begins for new year-round county homeless shelter
April 21, 2025
Tompkins County is seeking an outside organization to run and help design its planned homeless shelter.
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With federal cuts looming, future of Blackfeet homeless shelter in limbo amid funding challenges
April 21, 2025
Funding challenges have crippled the Medicine Bear Lodge homeless shelter on the Blackfeet Reservation. Looming federal cuts could threaten its existence.