City & Local

Rural Healthcare

2 articles

A rural emergency services station with an ambulance and fire engine, symbolizing the financial strain on essential services due to rising costs.
Services

Rural emergency services struggle with rising fuel and vehicle costs

A single new fire engine can now cost more than a million dollars, a price tag crippling rural emergency services already struggling to keep ambulances fueled and staffed.

Marco Alvarez·May 8, 2026
A rural Montana hospital at dusk, lights on, with a silhouetted figure in the foreground looking on with concern, symbolizing community anxiety over federal funding cuts.
Community

Federal Funding Changes Raise Concerns for Montana Local Services

A new federal program intended to bolster rural healthcare is causing significant concern among local leaders in Montana, who fear it may force rural hospitals to cut essential services. This complex situation highlights how a fund designed to help might inadvertently lead to difficult decisions for small towns.

Sophie Nguyen·March 31, 2026