The Yonder Report: News from rural America - June 26, 2026
This week, we’re starting with an update on state governments’ efforts to regulate data centers. Daily Yonder reporter Julia Tilton drops by to tell us about the fate of an Illinois bill, called the POWER Act, which aimed to limit water usage for data centers and increase transparency.
Then, Daily Yonder reporters Madeline de Figueiredo and Anya Petrone Slepyan head to far West Texas, where the Trump administration is enacting controversial plans to build 500 miles of border wall through the Big Bend region.
Next, we learn about Rural Assembly Everywhere, a virtual gathering taking place in July, which will connect rural leaders, innovators, and community members across the country.
And reporters Julia Tilton and Claire Carlson fill us in about efforts to fight coastal erosion in Washington, whilst standing in – where else – a cranberry bog.
Our featured musician is Gabe Mangold, a heavy metal guitarist out of Del Norte, Colorado.