The Rural Blog

The Rural Blog is a publication of the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues based at the University of Kentucky.

Penguin Random House has used its media might to resist bans, educate consumers and share "censored" content.
By The Rural Blog
Canva photo
Energy officials believe solar could provide up to 40% of the country's electricity by 2035, but it would require roughly 5.7 million acres of land for panels.
By The Rural Blog
solar panels farm feature
The American Farm Bureau Federation's survey says the average price for this year's meal is down 4.5% from last year.
By The Rural Blog
thanksgiving dinner table feature
The Elk and Bison Prairie at Land Between the Lakes is one of the places in the U.S. where the massive mammals can be seen.
By The Rural Blog
Bison resting in the Elk and Bison Prairie at Land Between the Lakes. (LBL photo)
Barbara Kingsolver, who grew up in Nicholas County, Kentucky, won the Pulitzer for "Demon Copperhead."
By The Rural Blog
Demon Cooperhead
The organization has recovered more than 13,500 archival items since the flood in 2022.
By The Rural Blog
Appalshop
One man said he carries an umbrella when he goes into the woods because flapping it scares bears.
By The Rural Blog
Black bears are powerful climbers and can run at speeds of nearly 35 mph for shorts bursts. (Canva photo)
Many Americans may not be willing to take the leap of faith to electric vehicles if they don't trust that public chargers will work.
By The Rural Blog
EV charging station
A Paducah TV station is suing Murray State University for records "related to the university's attempts to interfere with reporting by WKMS."
By The Rural Blog
wkms logo
Plains, Georgia, has kept alive the spirit of the farmer who was president from 1977-81.
By The Rural Blog
The old train depot in Plains, Georgia, once served as a campaign headquarters for Jimmy Carter. It's now a tiny museum. (National Park Service photo)
The rate of change caused by artificial light is occurring much faster than scientists previously believed.
By The Rural Blog
Canva photo
The new policy is an effort to address the extreme number of veteran suicides.
By The Rural Blog
Canva photo