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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Canadian rail strike leaves U.S. commodities unable to move; agricultural interests push for a resolution

National Labor Relations Board judge tells Dollar General to stop messing with worker efforts to win union representation

Several states put the brakes on autonomous vehicles; Teamsters back bill that would require a safety driver

USDA meatpacker grants for pandemic health and safety don't address underlying problems, say worker advocates

Quick hits: local investors saved two rural California papers; report showcases rural economic success stories

Meatpacking workers say company policies force them to work or risk being fired when they have covid-19 symptoms

Weekly fact check: Trump's long history with conspiracy theories, and Biden's misleading union endorsement claim

Quick hits: movement seeks to increase number of young Black farmers; hope outlasts prosperity in oil-bust town

Poultry workers' unions sue USDA over line speed waivers

Ag economists say moving USDA research agencies to Kansas City would cost, not save, millions of dollars

USDA to move research agencies from D.C. to Kansas City; employees turn backs on Perdue during his announcement

Leaders of union at Casper Star-Tribune express worry about owner Lee Enterprises' commitment to journalism

Quick hits: dying at home in rural Texas; learn about MAT; how to talk to political opposites; origin of the word 'redneck'

Special congressional election in Pennsylvania is a possible litmus test for blue-collar union voters' allegiance

West Virginia teacher strike highlights underpaid rural teacher crisis in other states

Ex-con coal baron's bid for W.Va. Senate seat gains traction

Budget deal permanently guarantees health benefits for 23,000 retired coal miners or families

Trump remains silent on expiring benefits for retired coal miners; benefits to expire April 28

Retired coal miners set to lose benefits, as United Mine Workers of America struggles to stay alive

Fear grows about health care benefits, pensions of Appalachian miners from bankrupt coal companies