Read the latest positive news, breakthroughs, and inspiring stories about small towns, curated daily by BrightWire.
A North Carolina mayor earning $500 a month is building a national movement to help small towns lead America's clean energy transition. His new coalition aims to unite thousands of overlooked communities representing 60 million Americans.
The mayor of Enfield, North Carolina, who earns $500 a month, is launching a national coalition to help America's smallest towns lead the clean energy revolution. His plan could give 60 million rural Americans a powerful new voice.
The Osage-American writer who traveled 13,000 miles on backroads searching for the real America turns 87 today. His debut book Blue Highways spent 42 weeks on bestseller lists and inspired a generation to explore small-town America.
A small Ohio community has distributed nearly half a million dollars in scholarships this year alone, continuing a tradition that started with submarine sandwich sales in 1965. Since 2008, the foundation has awarded over $3.5 million to local students.
Small towns across Pennsylvania are turning new electric vehicle charging stations into tourist destinations, hoping to draw visitors to local shops and restaurants. The state has already built more EV chargers than any other in the nation.
Rolf Hermanson has spent over two decades making sure Strawberry Days happens, from setting up tents to serving beer to announcing ball drops. His story shows how one person's steady commitment can help keep an entire community tradition alive.
A tiny Australian coastal town of 3,000 is creating its own documentary as a visual time capsule, bringing longtime residents and newcomers together. Four schoolchildren are starring in the film, hoping to preserve what makes Agnes Water special before growth changes it forever.
Women starting businesses in rural America create jobs and strengthen local economies far beyond their own companies, new research reveals. The West Virginia University study shows their impact multiplies across entire communities.
Celina, Texas went from quiet ranching town to America's fastest-growing city, adding one new resident for every four already living there. Despite bulldozers replacing cattle pastures, this North Texas community is proving rapid growth doesn't have to destroy small-town charm.
Small towns across North Carolina are getting a major boost as the state commits nearly $6 million to revitalize downtowns, create hundreds of jobs, and preserve what makes rural communities special. From historic lighting projects to new tech company headquarters, these grants are breathing new life into Main Streets.
When a tiny Australian town lost its only store and post office, 70 neighbors showed up to save it. They transformed an abandoned train carriage into a thriving community hub in just 30 days.
A small Minnesota high school just gave out over $150,000 in scholarships to its 38 graduating seniors. That's nearly $4,000 per student from a community that shows up big for its kids.