Opinion

Every rural community faces challenges. Whether it’s finding housing, strengthening the local economy, supporting families, or keeping a school or hospital open, the biggest issues rarely have simple solutions. They require people who can bring others together around a shared vision.

Once the world’s mining superpower, the United States is now dangerously reliant on Chinese mineral supply chains. Yet, as we race to reclaim our mineral security, we’re fighting blindfolded.

On January 4, 2025, the Veterans Expedited TSA Screening (VETS) Safe Travel Act was signed into law. Public Law 118-238 allows certain disabled veterans, who meet specific criteria, to receive Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck enrollment at no cost.

On March 13, 2026, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released a VA Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Veterans Health Registry Report.

Once a week in the summertime, brightly colored 10×10 tents pop up in a corner parking lot in my community. Under each one of those tents is a producer, crafter, or small business owner who has tables of goods for sale.

When gas prices climb, calls to cut the gas tax are never far behind.

In late July of 2015, during a Disabled American Veterans (DAV) National Convention held in Denver Colorado, I joined an elite Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Program called the “Million Veterans Program” (MVP).