Alana Rocha
@viaalana.bsky.social
Dir of Collaborative and Rural Initiatives for the Institute for Nonprofit News. Seasoned millennial. Skeets son míos. #GoGators
ruralnewsnetwork.org
ruralnewsnetwork.org
An @oklahomawatch.bsky.social investigation exposes the questionable and potentially illegal tactics of a self-styled “predator-catching” group, whose leaders now face felony charges in Texas — underscoring how their vigilante approach has spiraled beyond state lines.
#nonprofitnews #ruralnews
#nonprofitnews #ruralnews
Oklahoma Predator Hunters Face Felony Charges - Oklahoma Watch
Three Oklahoma men involved in the group Oklahoma Predator Prevention were arrested Friday morning by members of a U.S. Marshall’s task force on felony warrants out of McLennan County, Texas. The men ...
oklahomawatch.org
October 20, 2025 at 10:01 PM
An @oklahomawatch.bsky.social investigation exposes the questionable and potentially illegal tactics of a self-styled “predator-catching” group, whose leaders now face felony charges in Texas — underscoring how their vigilante approach has spiraled beyond state lines.
#nonprofitnews #ruralnews
#nonprofitnews #ruralnews
Leaders of the effort say they moved to rural Hood County for its quiet country charm, which was shattered by what locals call “that roar” from the facility.
@texastribune.org reports –
#localnews #ruralnews #nonprofitnews
@texastribune.org reports –
#localnews #ruralnews #nonprofitnews
A North Texas community will vote to form a city in an effort to quiet down a crypto mine
Leaders of the effort say they moved to rural Hood County for its quiet country charm, which was shattered by what locals call “that roar” from the facility.
www.texastribune.org
October 10, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Leaders of the effort say they moved to rural Hood County for its quiet country charm, which was shattered by what locals call “that roar” from the facility.
@texastribune.org reports –
#localnews #ruralnews #nonprofitnews
@texastribune.org reports –
#localnews #ruralnews #nonprofitnews
Robert Roberson faces execution in TX Oct16 for the ‘02 murder of his daughter Nikki Curtis. For yrs, a growing pool of supporters—from the lead detective to Dr. Phil—have argued he’s innocent; that doctors & prosecutors blamed him for Nikki’s death through a faulty diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome
Did the ‘Psychopath Test’ Help Send Robert Roberson to His Execution?
The case against Robert Roberson, whose execution is scheduled for Oct. 16, is the latest to raise questions about a controversial diagnosis.
www.themarshallproject.org
October 7, 2025 at 2:11 AM
Robert Roberson faces execution in TX Oct16 for the ‘02 murder of his daughter Nikki Curtis. For yrs, a growing pool of supporters—from the lead detective to Dr. Phil—have argued he’s innocent; that doctors & prosecutors blamed him for Nikki’s death through a faulty diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome
Water resource “hedge funds” and corporate farms are running the desert dry. @sentientmedia.org reports from Arizona where they produced this powerful video filled with local, rural voices.
#localnews #ruralnews #nonprofitnews
sentientmedia.org/arizona-desert-where-your-neighbor-is-an-alfalfa-farm/
#localnews #ruralnews #nonprofitnews
sentientmedia.org/arizona-desert-where-your-neighbor-is-an-alfalfa-farm/
In the Arizona Desert, Where Your Neighbor Is an Alfalfa Farm
YouTube video by Sentient
youtu.be
October 6, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Water resource “hedge funds” and corporate farms are running the desert dry. @sentientmedia.org reports from Arizona where they produced this powerful video filled with local, rural voices.
#localnews #ruralnews #nonprofitnews
sentientmedia.org/arizona-desert-where-your-neighbor-is-an-alfalfa-farm/
#localnews #ruralnews #nonprofitnews
sentientmedia.org/arizona-desert-where-your-neighbor-is-an-alfalfa-farm/
Reposted by Alana Rocha
In La Paz County Arizona, like 80% of the state, there are few restrictions on groundwater use.
We went to investigate why the desert is running dry, and who stands to profit.
Meet the residents who fear that without change, the area will become unlivable.
buff.ly/32dhv7q
We went to investigate why the desert is running dry, and who stands to profit.
Meet the residents who fear that without change, the area will become unlivable.
buff.ly/32dhv7q
In the Arizona Desert, Where Your Neighbor Is an Alfalfa Farm
Meet the residents of La Paz County Arizona. Here, like 80% of the state, there are few restrictions on groundwater use.
We went to investigate why the desert is running dry, and who stands to…
buff.ly
October 6, 2025 at 4:10 PM
In La Paz County Arizona, like 80% of the state, there are few restrictions on groundwater use.
We went to investigate why the desert is running dry, and who stands to profit.
Meet the residents who fear that without change, the area will become unlivable.
buff.ly/32dhv7q
We went to investigate why the desert is running dry, and who stands to profit.
Meet the residents who fear that without change, the area will become unlivable.
buff.ly/32dhv7q
🚨🌾🚨 Nine newsrooms in @inn.org's Rural News Network just wrapped Sowing Resilience, a cross-country reporting series, in partnership with @apnews.com.
The series tackles hunger in rural America, connecting local reporting to a national crisis. 🧵
#ruralhunger #ruralnews #nonprofitnews
The series tackles hunger in rural America, connecting local reporting to a national crisis. 🧵
#ruralhunger #ruralnews #nonprofitnews
Sowing Resilience
Sowing Resilience features 9 stories on how communities are navigating — and reimagining — the systems that have left them hungry.
inn.org
October 1, 2025 at 7:15 PM
🚨🌾🚨 Nine newsrooms in @inn.org's Rural News Network just wrapped Sowing Resilience, a cross-country reporting series, in partnership with @apnews.com.
The series tackles hunger in rural America, connecting local reporting to a national crisis. 🧵
#ruralhunger #ruralnews #nonprofitnews
The series tackles hunger in rural America, connecting local reporting to a national crisis. 🧵
#ruralhunger #ruralnews #nonprofitnews
Reposted by Alana Rocha
Fresh, local meals are disappearing from North Carolina schools after federal funding cuts. Rural districts are struggling to fill the gap and students are the most affected.
Enlace Latino NC & #RuralNewsNetwork
Read more here👇
enlacelatinonc.org/en/north-car...
Enlace Latino NC & #RuralNewsNetwork
Read more here👇
enlacelatinonc.org/en/north-car...
North Carolina Students Face Reduced Access to Fresh, Local Meals Amid Federal Funding Cuts
News in Spanish about politics, immigration and community issues for Latinos in North Carolina.
enlacelatinonc.org
September 22, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Fresh, local meals are disappearing from North Carolina schools after federal funding cuts. Rural districts are struggling to fill the gap and students are the most affected.
Enlace Latino NC & #RuralNewsNetwork
Read more here👇
enlacelatinonc.org/en/north-car...
Enlace Latino NC & #RuralNewsNetwork
Read more here👇
enlacelatinonc.org/en/north-car...
Called 287(g) agreements after their section in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1991, they allow local police to interrogate and arrest people for federal immigration violations, then hold them for deportation processing.
@oklahomawatch.bsky.social + @kosuradio.bsky.social reports
@oklahomawatch.bsky.social + @kosuradio.bsky.social reports
Oklahoma’s Small-Town Police Take Federal Immigration Role - Oklahoma Watch
The number of people deported without a criminal history continues to rise in Oklahoma. But as local law enforcement leaders enter into new ICE agreements, they say they are trying to take a nuanced a...
oklahomawatch.org
August 22, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Called 287(g) agreements after their section in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1991, they allow local police to interrogate and arrest people for federal immigration violations, then hold them for deportation processing.
@oklahomawatch.bsky.social + @kosuradio.bsky.social reports
@oklahomawatch.bsky.social + @kosuradio.bsky.social reports
“We killed the corrupt special session, withstood unprecedented surveillance and intimidation and rallied Democrats nationwide to join this existential fight for fair representation — reshaping the entire 2026 landscape,” said Rep. Gene Wu of Houston, House Dem Caucus chair.
via @texastribune.org
via @texastribune.org
Texas House Democrats announce return, ending walkout over redistricting plan
After two weeks out of state, Democratic lawmakers said they would return to Austin and lay the groundwork for a legal challenge to the GOP’s proposed congressional map.
www.texastribune.org
August 18, 2025 at 3:29 PM
“We killed the corrupt special session, withstood unprecedented surveillance and intimidation and rallied Democrats nationwide to join this existential fight for fair representation — reshaping the entire 2026 landscape,” said Rep. Gene Wu of Houston, House Dem Caucus chair.
via @texastribune.org
via @texastribune.org
For people who live hundreds of miles from clinics, in small towns where the pharmacist might be your uncle—or cousin—losing access to mifepristone through the mail isn’t just inconvenient. It can be dangerous and stigmatizing.
New from @civilbeat.bsky.social –
#localnews #ruralnews #nonprofitnews
New from @civilbeat.bsky.social –
#localnews #ruralnews #nonprofitnews
Hawaiʻi Providers Fear RFK Jr. Could Roll Back Access To Abortion Pill
Women in remote and rural parts of Hawaiʻi have long struggled to access abortion care.
www.civilbeat.org
August 13, 2025 at 10:11 PM
For people who live hundreds of miles from clinics, in small towns where the pharmacist might be your uncle—or cousin—losing access to mifepristone through the mail isn’t just inconvenient. It can be dangerous and stigmatizing.
New from @civilbeat.bsky.social –
#localnews #ruralnews #nonprofitnews
New from @civilbeat.bsky.social –
#localnews #ruralnews #nonprofitnews
Reposted by Alana Rocha
Canadians and Americans are working together to stop the construction of two new mega-dairies in North Dakota. At the core of the fight? Clean water.
@jesslsr.bsky.social shares how advocates and residents are fighting against factory farms.
@jesslsr.bsky.social shares how advocates and residents are fighting against factory farms.
August 12, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Canadians and Americans are working together to stop the construction of two new mega-dairies in North Dakota. At the core of the fight? Clean water.
@jesslsr.bsky.social shares how advocates and residents are fighting against factory farms.
@jesslsr.bsky.social shares how advocates and residents are fighting against factory farms.
In this spotlight on @capitalb.bsky.social –– one of 90+ newsrooms in @inn.org's Rural News Network –– health care professionals, advocates tell @aallyahpatrice.bsky.social their biggest fear is that Black communities will be the hardest hit and the lack of access could worsen economic disparities.
Medicaid Cuts Endanger Life-Saving Care for Black Families in Rural America
Advocates and experts warn that the rollbacks could have a drastic impact on public health in Black communities.
capitalbnews.org
August 12, 2025 at 7:04 PM
In this spotlight on @capitalb.bsky.social –– one of 90+ newsrooms in @inn.org's Rural News Network –– health care professionals, advocates tell @aallyahpatrice.bsky.social their biggest fear is that Black communities will be the hardest hit and the lack of access could worsen economic disparities.
In this unincorporated Florida community, farmworkers often struggle to put fresh fruit and vegetables on their own tables, @sentientmedia.org reports.
Since ICE raids have increased, a group of Quakers have started attending distribution, making sure their phones are always charged and accessible.
Since ICE raids have increased, a group of Quakers have started attending distribution, making sure their phones are always charged and accessible.
In Immokalee, Community Groups Plant With Extreme Heat and Farmworker Neighbors in Mind
Volunteers keep an eye out for ICE while others grow and distribute plants like cactus and jute mallow.
sentientmedia.org
August 12, 2025 at 5:36 PM
In this unincorporated Florida community, farmworkers often struggle to put fresh fruit and vegetables on their own tables, @sentientmedia.org reports.
Since ICE raids have increased, a group of Quakers have started attending distribution, making sure their phones are always charged and accessible.
Since ICE raids have increased, a group of Quakers have started attending distribution, making sure their phones are always charged and accessible.
NEW TO RNN: @thewarhorsenews.bsky.social is among the newest @inn.org-member newsrooms to join the Rural News Network. The award-winning nonprofit newsroom holds power to account and is a trusted source for bulletproof reporting on the human impact of military service.
Home
The War Horse is an award-winning nonprofit newsroom educating the public on the military through military news, forums, and writing seminars.
thewarhorse.org
August 11, 2025 at 5:11 PM
NEW TO RNN: @thewarhorsenews.bsky.social is among the newest @inn.org-member newsrooms to join the Rural News Network. The award-winning nonprofit newsroom holds power to account and is a trusted source for bulletproof reporting on the human impact of military service.
NEW atop ruralnewsnetwork.org, this immigration story from @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social:
"The first thought for many immigrants at the sight of an abandoned car, residents say, is now that ICE took the passengers. Not car trouble or a busted tire, but federal agents."
#ruralnews #nonprofitnews
"The first thought for many immigrants at the sight of an abandoned car, residents say, is now that ICE took the passengers. Not car trouble or a busted tire, but federal agents."
#ruralnews #nonprofitnews
'Incredibly dystopian': ICE enforcement upends lives for rural Delaware communities
ICE crackdowns have sparked fear in immigrant communities along the Delaware-Maryland border, upending residents’ lives.
spotlightdelaware.org
August 8, 2025 at 6:30 PM
NEW atop ruralnewsnetwork.org, this immigration story from @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social:
"The first thought for many immigrants at the sight of an abandoned car, residents say, is now that ICE took the passengers. Not car trouble or a busted tire, but federal agents."
#ruralnews #nonprofitnews
"The first thought for many immigrants at the sight of an abandoned car, residents say, is now that ICE took the passengers. Not car trouble or a busted tire, but federal agents."
#ruralnews #nonprofitnews
The move follows Maxwell's two-day meeting with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche in Tallahassee, where her attorney said the two discussed "about 100 names" associated with Jeffrey Epstein.
Bureau of Prisons declined to give any explanation for Maxwell’s move.
Bureau of Prisons declined to give any explanation for Maxwell’s move.
Ghislaine Maxwell moved to federal prison camp in Texas | CNN Politics
Jeffrey Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, who had been serving a 20-year prison sentence in Florida, has been moved to a lower-security federal prison camp in Texas.
www.cnn.com
August 1, 2025 at 5:28 PM
The move follows Maxwell's two-day meeting with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche in Tallahassee, where her attorney said the two discussed "about 100 names" associated with Jeffrey Epstein.
Bureau of Prisons declined to give any explanation for Maxwell’s move.
Bureau of Prisons declined to give any explanation for Maxwell’s move.
Reposted by Alana Rocha
200 employees at a JBS plant in Iowa were informed that their visas had been revoked. Now, their employment is over, and they may have to leave the U.S. immediately.
Watch the whole story with our investigative reporter @ninaelkadi.com.
Watch the whole story with our investigative reporter @ninaelkadi.com.
July 28, 2025 at 3:36 PM
200 employees at a JBS plant in Iowa were informed that their visas had been revoked. Now, their employment is over, and they may have to leave the U.S. immediately.
Watch the whole story with our investigative reporter @ninaelkadi.com.
Watch the whole story with our investigative reporter @ninaelkadi.com.
MUST READ from @inn.org member newsroom @sentientmedia.org – "Although a U.S. firm owned by JBS made the single biggest donation to Trump’s inaugural campaign, the corporation is not immune to the effects of his policies."
#ruralnews #nonprofitnews #climate #politics #immigration #factoryfarms
#ruralnews #nonprofitnews #climate #politics #immigration #factoryfarms
Hundreds of Iowa Meatpacking Employee Visas Revoked
200 JBS employees from four countries are losing their U.S. work authorization.
sentientmedia.org
July 23, 2025 at 3:27 PM
MUST READ from @inn.org member newsroom @sentientmedia.org – "Although a U.S. firm owned by JBS made the single biggest donation to Trump’s inaugural campaign, the corporation is not immune to the effects of his policies."
#ruralnews #nonprofitnews #climate #politics #immigration #factoryfarms
#ruralnews #nonprofitnews #climate #politics #immigration #factoryfarms
Via @shastascout.bsky.social: New California State (NCS)––a political movement whose leaders say they have support from the federal admin to propose the creation of the 51st state––hopes to present the results to Congress in an attempt to leave behind the “tyranny and corruption” of CA's gov.
They hope to form a new state. Shasta's top elections official is paying attention. – Shasta Scout
New California State is a political movement whose leaders say they have support from the federal administration to propose the creation of a new state. Federal officials haven't commented.
shastascout.org
July 18, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Via @shastascout.bsky.social: New California State (NCS)––a political movement whose leaders say they have support from the federal admin to propose the creation of the 51st state––hopes to present the results to Congress in an attempt to leave behind the “tyranny and corruption” of CA's gov.
Reposted by Alana Rocha
I got permission to share this, and I'm extremely grateful for that.
The Onion got this letter from one of our subscribers in Alaska. She works with dementia patients and decided to leave a copy in the car for each one.
This email made my year. Read it and you'll see what I mean. People are good.
The Onion got this letter from one of our subscribers in Alaska. She works with dementia patients and decided to leave a copy in the car for each one.
This email made my year. Read it and you'll see what I mean. People are good.
July 1, 2025 at 6:46 PM
I got permission to share this, and I'm extremely grateful for that.
The Onion got this letter from one of our subscribers in Alaska. She works with dementia patients and decided to leave a copy in the car for each one.
This email made my year. Read it and you'll see what I mean. People are good.
The Onion got this letter from one of our subscribers in Alaska. She works with dementia patients and decided to leave a copy in the car for each one.
This email made my year. Read it and you'll see what I mean. People are good.
As Trump administration cuts off the 988 Lifeline’s Option 3 for focused LGBTQ+ support, Hopelab and Born This Way Foundation release report showing great needs for LGBTQ+ youth in rural areas and their heavy use of digital tools to connect for support.
#ruralnews #localnews
#ruralnews #localnews
Trump Team Ends LGBTQ+ Youth Hotline Option. New Report Suggests It May Hurt Rural Youth Most – MindSite News
As Trump administration cuts off the 988 Lifeline's Option 3 for focused LGBTQ+ support, Hopelab and Born This Way Foundation release report showing great needs for LGBTQ+ youth in rural areas and the...
mindsitenews.org
June 27, 2025 at 10:01 PM
As Trump administration cuts off the 988 Lifeline’s Option 3 for focused LGBTQ+ support, Hopelab and Born This Way Foundation release report showing great needs for LGBTQ+ youth in rural areas and their heavy use of digital tools to connect for support.
#ruralnews #localnews
#ruralnews #localnews
The retail giant is looking to expand its rural delivery reach by investing $4 billion across the country to speed up local delivery times. via @mendovoice.bsky.social
#ruralnews #localnews #nonprofitnews
#ruralnews #localnews #nonprofitnews
Will Amazon build a delivery logistics center in Ukiah? • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA
If the center is built, it could increase local delivery times by 50%.
mendovoice.com
June 19, 2025 at 4:44 PM
The retail giant is looking to expand its rural delivery reach by investing $4 billion across the country to speed up local delivery times. via @mendovoice.bsky.social
#ruralnews #localnews #nonprofitnews
#ruralnews #localnews #nonprofitnews
👀 A revealing look at the GOP fault lines, from Ted Cruz’s home state: @texastribune.org reports on how Texas Republicans are reacting to his Iran war talk — and how it ties into Trump.
www.texastribune.org/2025/06/19/t...
www.texastribune.org/2025/06/19/t...
As Ted Cruz calls for a regime change in Iran, other Texas Republicans are more cautious
Cruz’s intense interview with Tucker Carlson earlier this week exposed a rift in President Donald Trump’s coalition.
www.texastribune.org
June 19, 2025 at 3:28 PM
👀 A revealing look at the GOP fault lines, from Ted Cruz’s home state: @texastribune.org reports on how Texas Republicans are reacting to his Iran war talk — and how it ties into Trump.
www.texastribune.org/2025/06/19/t...
www.texastribune.org/2025/06/19/t...
Reposted by Alana Rocha
⭐ INN's Collaborations Project Manager Paulina Velasco has been named one of @current.org's 2025 Rising Stars — and we couldn't agree more!
A former colleague said that Paulina is a "highly critical thinker" and "showed tenacity and perseverance in her reporting."
current.org/our-2025-ris...
A former colleague said that Paulina is a "highly critical thinker" and "showed tenacity and perseverance in her reporting."
current.org/our-2025-ris...
Paulina Velasco - Current
Institute for Nonprofit News
current.org
May 19, 2025 at 5:13 PM
⭐ INN's Collaborations Project Manager Paulina Velasco has been named one of @current.org's 2025 Rising Stars — and we couldn't agree more!
A former colleague said that Paulina is a "highly critical thinker" and "showed tenacity and perseverance in her reporting."
current.org/our-2025-ris...
A former colleague said that Paulina is a "highly critical thinker" and "showed tenacity and perseverance in her reporting."
current.org/our-2025-ris...
A new 5-part series from @inn.org's Rural News Network, w/ support from Ascendium Edu Group, explores how industry, state governments and education systems are training a growing clean energy workforce. @canarymedia.com kicks us off in Decatur, IL.
#nonprofitnews #localnews #cleanenergy #ruralnews
#nonprofitnews #localnews #cleanenergy #ruralnews
From EVs to HVAC, clean energy means jobs in Central Illinois
Decatur has been losing factory jobs for years. A clean energy workforce hub promises renewal — and provides training for students from disenfranchised…
www.canarymedia.com
May 20, 2025 at 4:03 PM
A new 5-part series from @inn.org's Rural News Network, w/ support from Ascendium Edu Group, explores how industry, state governments and education systems are training a growing clean energy workforce. @canarymedia.com kicks us off in Decatur, IL.
#nonprofitnews #localnews #cleanenergy #ruralnews
#nonprofitnews #localnews #cleanenergy #ruralnews