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Thursday, July 10, 2025

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Kerr County struggled to fund flood warnings NPR reports Under Trump, it's getting even harder; Policy expert: New budget law could reshape life in Michigan; Rural organizers hope to inspire more non-political establishment candidates.

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Americans voice objections to administration's aggressive immigration crackdown. Grassroots candidates hope to gain traction in Western states. The new budget law slashes rural energy funds, Brazil faces steep tariffs, and only select African leaders are invited to White House summit.

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Rural Americans brace for disproportionate impact of federal funding cuts to mental health, substance use programs, and new federal policies have farmers from Ohio to Minnesota struggling to grow healthier foods and create sustainable food production programs.

Water

The study found in 2024, Illinois beaches had potentially unsafe levels of fecal contamination on at least 25% of all days tested.  (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, July 10, 2025

IL beaches pose danger from bacteria presence

"Don't go into the water" is a warning Illinoisans may want to heed. A 2024 study released this week found all state-border beaches on Lake Michigan …

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More than 85% of the land in Iowa is dedicated to farming. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Rural Iowa farmers diversify crops for future success

Iowa is the nation's number one corn and soybean producer and federal polices are designed to keep it that way but more farmers are moving away from t…

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Members of the Blackfoot Drought Committee, first formed in 2000, include local landowners, irrigators and outfitters, as well as representatives from state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. (Jason Olstad/Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 7, 2025

MT’s dry conditions test updated Blackfoot River drought plan

Following last year's historic drought in Montana and hot temperatures early this spring, the Blackfoot River is running at roughly 25% of normal …

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Residents along the Guadalupe River say it will take years for the area to recovery from the deadly flooding event on July 4. (Photo courtesy Casey Claiborne)

Monday, July 7, 2025

Texans grieve victims of deadly Hill Country flooding

Tributes and memorials are pouring in for victims of the deadly flooding along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County. The storm stalled over the Texas …

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The dam removal opened up more than 30 miles of new spawning grounds for steelhead and 15 miles of salmon habitat. (Ian Shive)
WA conservationists preserve 5 miles of lower White Salmon River

Conservationists are celebrating the protection of five miles of river frontage along the White Salmon River. The 174-acre site was purchased by The …

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Beaver Dam analogs, designed to mimic natural beaver dams, can help restore and improve stream ecosystems. (Emily Luberto/National Park Service)
Beavers' dam expertise helps NM communities restore waterways

Sometimes called the original "ecosystem engineers," beavers and the techniques they use are guiding conservationists in New Mexico to protect scarce …

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Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller says farmers in south Texas are suffering the most from water shortages caused by drought and failing infrastructure. (sawitreelyaon/Adobe Stock)
Without changes, TX could run out of water by 2030

Because of drought and failing infrastructure, the state of Texas will run out of water by 2030, according to the Texas Water Development Board…

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The Buffalo National River is America's first national river. It's 135 miles long and is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states. (Phil Fitzgerald/Adobe Stock)
CAFOs banned from Arkansas' Buffalo National River but not other rivers

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, or CAFOs, are banned from the Buffalo National River watershed. That's after the Arkansas Legislative …

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Despite the area's beauty, a decades-old waste disposal site lies underwater around Bonneville Dam, leaching toxic levels of mercury and lead as well as industrial chemicals known as PCBs. (thecolorpixels/Adobe Stock)
Some fish around Bonneville Dam remain unsafe to eat

As outdoor recreation picks up for summer, a clean-water advocacy group reminds people that some fish around Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River are …

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Nutrient management planning has been around for more than 30 years, traditionally developed for farmers by private sector farm co-ops and agronomists. (Adobe Stock)
WI farmer education collab helps save money, environment

A joint effort is helping Wisconsin farmers protect water quality in their communities by learning more about how to prevent manure and fertilizer spi…

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Fluoridation of drinking water has been considered one of the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)
Despite known Iowa nitrate risks, EPA focuses on fluoride

By Gabriella Sotelo for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Iowa News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration T…

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Christina Eastman, a fifth-generation farmer who is a co-founder of Farmers Against Foster Farms. Her farm is located next to a proposed CAFO site which has now been blocked. (Kendra Kimbirauskas)
OR farmers block construction of new factory farm

By Nina B. Elkadi for Sentient Climate.Broadcast version by Isobel Charle for Oregon News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service …

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