Alex Milan Tracy for Underscore
Explore the Archive
The dozens of independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan news organizations that make up the Rural News Network are developing the broadest news alliance reporting on rural America. These newsrooms are pursuing coverage that provides a more complete picture of what it means to live and work in these communities.
Filter by Topic
Filter by Outlet
Search by keywords
Filter by State
LATEST NEWS FROM THE NETWORK
-
Colorado River Basin Negotiations Failing to Reach Consensus — Again
February 19, 2026
The states of the Upper and Lower Basins have been attempting to arrive at a new agreement to meet the realities of climate change, a twenty year-long Western drought, and lower river levels.
-
Judge recommends sale of troubled rural water company to one of Pa.’s largest private utilities
February 19, 2026
Pennsylvania American Water is the suggested buyer for the long-troubled Rock Spring Water Company. Pennsylvania American has been managing the small rural utility in an interim capacity since March 2025.
-
As AI investors eye Montana for new data centers, communities brace for water impacts
February 12, 2026
Massive data centers could more than double Montana’s electricity needs. Here’s what we know about how three are expected to impact local water supplies.
-
In Iowa, many rivers and lakes improve briefly, then fall back into impairment
February 02, 2026
Following years of inaction on the Clean Water for Iowa Act, one lawmaker is looking to advance several smaller bills that would improve monitoring and strengthen permit requirements for large industrial farms.
-
Red Lake charter school partners with nonprofit to bring classroom on the water
November 17, 2025
Through a partnership with the Nature Conservancy, Endazhi-Nitaawiging, Red Lake’s first charter school, celebrated the arrival of its new pontoon with family boat rides and hot chocolate on Nov. 12.
-
River users, landowners and lawmakers revive decades-long debate over river access in Colorado
October 27, 2025
“Lack of clarity.” “Unclear.” “Murky.” Those are three ways river users describe Colorado’s river access laws.
-
‘Encouraging news’ in fight against invasive plant in Sokokis Lake
October 17, 2025
If the efforts prove successful long-term, it would mark a significant win against what the Lakes Environmental Association describes as “arguably the most difficult invasive plant to control in Maine.”
-
To Rewild the Truckee River: The Rock-McCarran Flood Project
October 15, 2025
The Truckee River is the spine of the greater Reno community, threading through neighborhoods, open spaces, and industrial areas alike.
-
In the Arizona Desert, Where Your Neighbor Is an Alfalfa Farm
October 06, 2025
Water resource “hedge funds” and corporate farms are running the desert dry.
-
‘Dead, dry rivers’: Lawsuit says state isn’t managing rivers for the benefit of all
October 06, 2025
Environmental groups raise public trust doctrine claims in lawsuit after the Blackfoot, Big Hole and Bitterroot rivers hit record lows.
-
The Rio Grande’s pecan problem
September 08, 2025
How Big Ag is threatening New Mexico’s water supply. This article was produced in collaboration with the Food and Environment Reporting Network.
-
Data Center Energy Demand Is Putting Pressure on U.S. Water Supplies
September 03, 2025
From Arizona and Georgia to New Jersey and Minnesota, data centers have been the target of public pushback due to the water used directly in their operations to cool racks of data-crunching, heat-producing servers.
-
Gasoline spill near Durango now estimated at 97,000 gallons, making it Colorado’s largest since 2016
August 27, 2025
New number comes after the state and Southern Ute Indian Tribe questioned Enterprise Projects original estimate of the spill, 23,000 gallons.
-
Hundreds lose water source in Colorado’s poorest county with no notice, no warning
August 25, 2025
Costilla County residents were cut off from the local water filling station when the Fort Garland water board voted to stop sales because of an “angry mob.”
-
How Georgia Residents Hope to Protect Their River From an Industrial Poultry Farm
July 09, 2025
A proposed 60-house poultry operation near the Satilla River has locals alarmed about pollution, health risks and the future of their water.
RURAL NEWS SPOTLIGHT
Sign up to receive our occasional newsletter, Rural News Spotlight. Read a recent issue here.