Food processing in the district is doing surprisingly well. But its future-and that of rural areas that attract food plants-depends on economic forces that run much deeper than the recent downturn

Rural sprawl happens when people try to grab their slice of paradise in the country. Critics view it as devastating; newcomers are just looking for a better life.

Rural telephone companies in the district collect millions of dollars annually in universal service subsidies. Has the time come to let them fend for themselves?

Critical access program brings life, hope back to some rural hospitals. But if access is the goal, it may be overmedicating.

Proposed measures would curb the costs of subsidizing rural phone service.

Incentive-based tools to protect rural land from sprawl are increasingly popular, but some doubt their effectiveness.