rural Texas

Local leaders and rural revitalization experts say Texas’ smallest towns can survive — despite a shift to urban and suburban counties — but it will take investments.

This is the third year businesses in the Permian Basin — known for high school football and oil fields — have participated in the University of Texas at Austin program. Students this year say they are seeing their hometowns in a new way.

The number of volunteer firefighters has dropped sharply nationwide, a trend that appears to be gripping rural Texas communities.

Lawmakers also approved a $15 million grant program to improve local mental health options for children and families.

Today on High Plains Morning, we talked to Texas Tribune reporter Jayme Lozano about their upcoming event, "The Future of Rural Texas." On Thursday, November 17th and Friday, November 18th, join leaders and experts from across rural Texas for panel discussions, lectures, interviews and more. It's a free event, and it's also available streaming online.

About 3 million people live in rural parts of the state, and this year they’ve gotten more visits from Democratic candidates.

Just a few years ago, one tiny Texas school system decided to try a four-day school week. Now, nearly 50 districts use them. Officials hope the schedule attracts quality teachers and helps retain the rest, as many schools struggle to stay fully staffed. The schedule is still being tested in many schools; but in others, results are in.

Eager to bring new jobs to their towns and boost their tax base, rural Texas counties are courting companies that produce cryptocurrencies.

In the past 10 years, more than 20 rural hospitals in Texas have stopped delivering babies.

Texas Highways Magazine took note of 15 small shops all around the state and what makes them so special.