Rural communities need younger people to step up into leadership roles in local government, volunteer organizations, churches, schools, and families. As we enter the second quarter of the 21st century, it’s time to let go of old habits that make things harder for them.
Commentary: Trump’s Expansionist Agenda Will Hurt Rural America
Trump ran on the promise of ending forever wars abroad. Now he’s starting another one, and rural young people are at risk of once again becoming an extractive resource for America’s imperial goals.
Trump ran on the promise of ending forever wars abroad. Now he’s starting another one, and rural young people are at risk of once again becoming an extractive resource for America’s imperial goals.
Soybean Wars: When a Commodity Becomes a Political Weapon
“When [the federal government] starts using my commodity as some sort of leverage, some sort of weapon, I’m the one that suffers.” – Farmers face the aftermath of a soybean showdown between the U.S. and China.
“When [the federal government] starts using my commodity as some sort of leverage, some sort of weapon, I’m the one that suffers.” – Farmers face the aftermath of a soybean showdown between the U.S. and China.
The Data Center Rush in Appalachia
Big tech eyes coal country as AI demand soars, but rural communities push back.
Big tech eyes coal country as AI demand soars, but rural communities push back.
Colorado’s Attempts to Put Out the Insurance Wildfires
In Colorado’s backcountry, the question of wildfire insurance affordability and availability is an existential one. A new state law is aiming to provide some much-needed relief.
In Colorado’s backcountry, the question of wildfire insurance affordability and availability is an existential one. A new state law is aiming to provide some much-needed relief.
Commentary: America Has Gotten Trade Backward for Decades
NAFTA and other big deals with big trading partners hammer many farms — small deals with many trading partners could save them.
NAFTA and other big deals with big trading partners hammer many farms — small deals with many trading partners could save them.
Rural Rust Belt Towns Inspire Crime Thriller “What About the Bodies”
In his second novel, author Ken Jaworowski returns to the fictional Rust Belt town of Locksburg for more page-turning action.
In his second novel, author Ken Jaworowski returns to the fictional Rust Belt town of Locksburg for more page-turning action.
Commentary: HPV Cancer Rates Are Higher in Appalachia. Wish I Had Known.
Cancer cost me almost everything. It didn’t have to be like this.
Cancer cost me almost everything. It didn’t have to be like this.
45 Degrees North: The Bitter Truth
Sometimes it’s a challenge to hold strong feelings that run contrary to those of most of your rural neighbors. But maybe a little bitterness can be good for all of us.
Sometimes it’s a challenge to hold strong feelings that run contrary to those of most of your rural neighbors. But maybe a little bitterness can be good for all of us.
Q&A: Dr. Holland Haynie on Rethinking Rural
The practicing physician in rural Missouri talks about the future of small town healthcare.
The practicing physician in rural Missouri talks about the future of small town healthcare.
A Proposed 1,500-Mile Trail Across Texas Will Take a Village – Or Dozens
Texas towns, landowners, ranchers, and recreation enthusiasts come together to build a new trail system.
Texas towns, landowners, ranchers, and recreation enthusiasts come together to build a new trail system.
Q&A: Keith Pilapil Lesmeister, Author and Editor
The Iowa author and editor talks about his latest project, ‘An Anthology of Rural Stories by Writers of Color.’
The Iowa author and editor talks about his latest project, ‘An Anthology of Rural Stories by Writers of Color.’
The Rush at Rush Pond
An annual ritual that began 40 years ago — a reminder that friendship, presence, and embodied practice are forms of wisdom.
An annual ritual that began 40 years ago — a reminder that friendship, presence, and embodied practice are forms of wisdom.
‘Train Dreams’ Tracks Story of Rural Progress and Loss in the 20th Century
Quiet and contemplative, the Netflix film offers a moving meditation on how a changing world affects us all.
Quiet and contemplative, the Netflix film offers a moving meditation on how a changing world affects us all.
A Mental Health First Aid Training Helps Address Growing Rural Mental Health Crisis
The new training initiative already has a proven track record of rural community members stepping up as the first line of help in a mental health crisis.
The new training initiative already has a proven track record of rural community members stepping up as the first line of help in a mental health crisis.
Q&A: Author Art Cullen on Rural Iowa and Screaming Louder
Iowan author and editor Art Cullen discusses his new book, ‘Dear Marty, We Crapped in Our Nest: Notes from the Edge of the World.’
Iowan author and editor Art Cullen discusses his new book, ‘Dear Marty, We Crapped in Our Nest: Notes from the Edge of the World.’