Rural & Small Communities

The Americans with Disabilities Act is now 30 years old. Among its many provisions, the ADA prevents employment discrimination and provides support services like interpreters. But advocates say more work needs to be done to fulfill the law’s promise of independent living, especially in rural areas.

Libby, Montana was already living with an invisible enemy that attacks the lungs long before COVID-19. For the past century, asbestos has killed hundreds in this small town — at least. That experience informs how it’s reacting to the pandemic today.

COVID-19 infections are waning slightly in the rural U.S., but the number of deaths there is still climbing.

Nate Hegyi, rural reporter for the Mountain West News Bureau, is embarking on a 900-mile cycling trip crisscrossing the continental divide in August and September, interviewing and listening to Americans ahead of the 2020 election.

The Rural West Covid Project was conducted back in June and July, when cases of the novel coronavirus were spiking across the country.

Only about 20% of Americans live in rural areas, but that’s where 30% of driving and 45% of fatal traffic accidents happen.

Muslims celebrated Eid al-Adha on Friday. As with most aspects of life these days, the important holy celebration was different this year because of COVID-19.