Digital connections have become more important in a time of social distancing, but rural broadband access still lags behind cities.

The digital access “homework gap” most severely affects students in poor households and is compounded in rural areas by a lack of broadband internet infrastructure.

Research indicates that one promising strategy for rural development is maintaining and improving the quality of an area's public schools.

Although the Fifth District’s black population tends to have higher employment and educational attainment compared to the nation’s, there are still significant disparities relative to whites.

While most businesses surveyed have suffered some negative effects and loss of revenue as result of COVID-19, most remained open and operating, at least partially.

Population decline has been a problem for many rural communities, including in the Fifth District. What are the current trends and potential strategies to address it?

What does hospital capacity look like in the Fifth District, and how might rural hospital closings impact the current crisis?

Why are hospitals in rural areas closing at a higher rate, and what are the consequences for these communities?

How serious is the digital divide across the country and in the Fifth District? It depends on who you ask.