The Rural Blog

A digest of events, trends, issues, ideas and journalism from and about rural America, by the Institute for Rural Journalism, based at the University of Kentucky. Links may expire, require subscription or go behind pay walls. Please send news and knowledge you think would be useful to benjy.hamm@uky.edu.

The Rural Blog

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Regenerative-ag farmers had to persuade Trump to sign order over opposition from Farm Bureau boss in Oval Office

Gas prices are high, and inflation has continued to climb. How do Trump voters feel about his performance so far?

Farmers are 'on the hook' for millions of dollars in repairs and improvements as promised USDA funds are paused

Journalists grapple with Trump's threats toward the U.S. media. How can free speech and truth remain the priority?

Opinion: As president, Jimmy Carter made rural health, economics and energy a priority

Opinion: Jimmy Carter brought human rights to the forefront and 'made a lasting impact on the U.S. and the world'

Vilsack says legacy of his 12 years at USDA is new revenue sources that will help smaller farmers and small towns

A snapshot of Trump's Pennsylvania win: Most rural voters stuck with Trump, and some major metro voters went red

Sixty-nine percent of Americans are worried about the 2024 presidential election, but there are steps to reduce stress

Rural Wisconsin communities face division and racism fueled by immigration concerns as presidential race tightens

Disagreement, diversity and a look that 'reflects the face of America better' give the Midwest political power

In their first 3 years, Biden has sent as much federal money to farmers as did Trump, who likes to talk about his largesse

Big non-metro vote gives Trump a majority in Iowa caucuses

Facebook, Instagram allow ads saying election was stolen; AP allows weeklies to use its story debunking the claim

The Washington Post's first Freedom of Information Act director explains how to find important information

Feds propose the first minimum-staffing rules for nursing homes, and they are weaker than the industry expected

Rural commentators on PBS, from right and left, agree Haley had strongest peformance in Republican debate

Fact-checking the first presidential debate of the 2024 race

Iowa State Fair, a celebration of rural life and a must for presidential candidates, is on; voters get up close, personal

USDA's voluntary tack on climate change brought farmers along; next job is convincing Wall Street, environmentalists