How's the Economy Where You Live? 3 Interactive Maps Show State-by-State Comparisons
Daily Kos | READ STORY

Three different maps provide differnet angles in answering "how is the economy where you live?" The Wall Street Journal addresses the question using wage stagnation. The Washington Post uses a chronological map filtering out the counties where decade inflation-adjusted incomes peaked. The final map is from a New York Times multi-article looking at the percentage of men of prime working age (25-54) who aren't working.

The Geography of Happiness
Pennsylvania State University | READ STORY

Geography and other environmental factors can affect residents' happiness. Researchers at Pennsylvania State University looked at self-reported mental health assessments of people living across the U.S. counties and found a "sweet spot" for happiness. One place that correlates with more happiness is the line between rural and urban areas, where residents may benefit from the best of both worlds.

As U.S. Energy Production Grows, Public Policy Views Show Little Change
PEW Research Center | READ STORY

Despite the growth of domestic energy production, public attitudes about energy policies have changed only modestly in recent years. In broad terms, developing alternative energy is viewed as a more important priority than expanding the exploration and production of oil, coal and natural gas.

Drought impact study: California agriculture faces greatest water loss ever seen
UC Davis | READ STORY

A new report from the University of California, Davis, shows that California agriculture is weathering its worst drought in decades due to groundwater reserves. The study found that the drought -- the third most severe on record -- is responsible for the greatest water loss ever seen in California agriculture, with river water for Central Valley farms reduced by roughly one-third.

Many in Emerging and Developing Nations Disconnected from Politics
PEW Research Center| READ STORY

In recent years, high-profile protest movements have erupted in several emerging and developing countries. However, a recent Pew Research Center survey finds that many people in these nations remain relatively disconnected from politics. Although most vote in elections, few take part in other forms of political participation.

Take That, Car Culture: Public Transportation Ridership Up
APTA | READ STORY

Despite plummeting gas prices, public transportation ridership in the U.S. hit a record high. According to a new report by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), 2.7 billion trips were taken on public transit systems in the third quarter of 2014. That marks a 1.8 percent increase from the same period last year, and makes it the third quarter with the highest ridership since 1974. It continues a trend, as 12 of the last 15 quarters have shown increased public transportation use, APTA says.