Rural Life

A stone building with bluish green metal on the front reads "Hall of Waters" a stone water tower is on top of the building, as is a flag.

Rural Rebirth: Excelsior Springs, Eternally 

Excelsior Springs faced the same fate as many rural towns, declining population and vacant downtown buildings. But that didn’t happen. Here’s its rural rebirth.

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A sign on the side of a building reads "Life is Fine in Humboldt."

Politicians Battle Rural Population Declines in Kansas, But Drop-off Continues

Rural parts of Kansas continue to see significant population declines. Some local and state officials are trying to staunch the seemingly endless bleeding.

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Three people fishing in a boat on Table Rock Lake.

Rural America Grew Early in Pandemic, Mostly in Recreational Counties

Despite a spike in deaths from COVID-19 and fewer births, recent research suggests rural counties saw population growth during the first year of the pandemic. Remote work opportunities could have contributed to more people moving to scenic rural destinations.

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Parts of the Platte River in central Nebraska dried up completely this summer, like this stretch near Chapman, Nebraska.

A Hotter, Drier Future Could Change How We Eat, Breathe and Get Our Water

This year’s drought could be a dress rehearsal for a drier, hotter future that scientists predict climate change has in store. Long-lasting droughts could alter the way we live.

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Aerial view of Fair Share Farm in Kearney, Missouri.

Focus on Food Fermentation at Fair Share Farm

Instead of heat, farmers Tom Ruggieri and Rebecca Graff rely on fermentation to transform their organic vegetables into handcrafted jars of sauerkraut, jalapeños, kimchi, beet relish, pickles and hot sauce.

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