Growth in the Great Plains
Daily Yonder | READ STORY

The Daily Yonder evaluates data presented in a recent report by the National Agricultural and Rural Development Policy Center, showing that although the Great Plains experienced higher than average unemployment rates prior to the Great Recession, recent trends show an inversion of this, with lower than average unemployment rates in many Great Plains counties.

State of the Air 2013

American Lung Association | READ STORY

State of the Air 2013 presents a number of maps, charts, and graphs showcasing nation-wide research into city-by-city air quality, showing that a number of Montana cities and counties with surprisingly low scores. On the whole, however, the study shows decreasing ozone and particle pollution and increasing air quality in the United States.

Uneven Economic Recovery
Pew Social Trends | READ STORY

The Pew Research Center's inquiry into income and wealth during the 2009-2011 period shows that the wealthiest 7% of the country's earners gained 28% net worth per household, while the lower 93% decreased in the same area by 4%. The report evaluates the data, claiming that uneven improvements across markets may be responsible for the disparate areas of recovery.

Children and Food Availability
USDA | READ STORY

This Chart of Note by the USDA's Economic Research Service shows that the number of children living in so-called food deserts--that is, living further than one mile from an affordable food provider--is quite low, affecting less than 10% of children age 17 or younger.

Birth and Death in Rural America
Daily Yonder | READ STORY

Some rural counties now show more than 25% foreign-born populations, signifying a broader increase in immigration to rural areas. Although foreign-born populations in rural and exurban areas still remains lower than in urban or metropolitan areas, the rate of immigration to rural parts of the country has increased considerably since 1990.

Pedestrian Deaths
Atlantic Cities | READ STORY

The Atlantic provides a graph demonstrating the number of motor vehicle-related pedestrian deaths between 2001 and 2010. Over 47,000 pedestrians died from vehicle-related incidents during the period in question; 69% of these casualties were men, and rates are highest among low-income demographics, and people over 75.