Rural jobs continue to rebound in West, losses in Alaska and Oregon

Several areas across the rural West saw noticeable gains in employment in the year preceding June 2015, but others, such as Alaska, suffered losses in the same period, keeping that state’s jobless rate above the national average.

Advocates sue the city of Tulare for safe water

The Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, a Fresno-based advocacy organization seeks a court order requiring the city of Tulare to supply water to the Matheny Tract community, a 300-home rural subdivision south of the city.

California farmers face water restrictions

California farmers’ surface water allocations were cut drastically this summer due to ongoing drought conditions. Now, farmers with water rights dating back to 1903 face water restrictions; last time farmers faced such restrictions was in 1977, according to the New York Times.

Court rules cities and counties can require affordable housing in new developments

California cities and counties can continue to require builders to include affordable housing in new developments, the state’s Supreme Court ruled earlier this month.

EPA and US Army finalize Clean Water Rule

The Clean Water Act was established in 1972. In an historic step to update this legislation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army finalized the Clean Water Rule to clearly protect fresh water sources from pollution and degradation.