The Yonder Report

Kentucky environmentalists tackle ‘zombie’ mines; stereotypes of rural voters are debunked; and despite a messy start, some say rural students bound for college should benefit from the simplified FAFSA.

Hard times could be ahead for rural school districts that spent federal pandemic money on teacher salaries; a former Oregon lumber community drafts a climate-action plan; and West Virginians may soon buy raw milk from squeaky-clean cows.

Pesticides are featured in Idaho’s “David vs. Goliath” conflict; Congress needs to act if affordable internet programs are to continue in rural America; and conservatives say candidates should support renewable energy to win over young voters.

Agriculture built towns on America’s high plains, but now might run them dry; a Texas drone experiment aims to improve healthcare in rural areas; and U.S. growers of wool and cotton get federal money to improve climate-smart land practices.

A Montana dude ranch lassos economic prosperity with big-sky adventures; a child tax credit expansion could save rural families money and reduce their stress; and farmers who grow food on land they don’t own benefit from leasing advice.

Food stamp eligibility requirements leave older West Virginians in a bind; a broadband improvement program aims to help rural Illinois communities access billions; and Iowa’s expanding bald eagle population is watched over by eager volunteers.

Rural Texas teachers unravel a secret to improving student reading scores; a New York nonprofit champions manufactured housing to help solve the state’s housing crisis; and Reba McEntire lends her fame to an Oklahoma town’s revitalization.

An interesting twist could see a solar energy project replace a former Kentucky strip mine; a rural Colorado community won a battle to keep its abortion center; and in that state’s skiing region, a new art show is highlighting rural queer voices.

A retail phenomenon in Texas is helping rural families thrive; Montana’s tribal members get legal help from fellow community members; and rural healthcare needs new workers, but legislation to help has stalled.

Rural vibrancy struggles when local newspapers close; smoke from seasonal wildfires is affecting the mental health of rural residents; and gym classes in Southwest Virginia are helping those in drug treatment court turn their lives around.