Central Appalachia is home to the third-largest concentration of forest carbon offsets traded on the California carbon market. But while these projects bring new investments to Appalachia, most people in Appalachia are not benefiting.

The effect of this new economic activity is evident in the Clearfork Valley, a forested region of steep hills and meandering creeks on the Kentucky-Tennessee border.

Rents across the U.S. have climbed to staggering levels in recent years. Millions of renters spend more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities, a situation that housing experts call being cost burdened.

OMAHA — The fundraising effort to pay for the Omaha Public Library system’s new central library has surpassed its $158 million goal.

Partner organizations describe the 96,000-square-foot facility under construction at the southwest corner of 72nd and Dodge Streets as a new “cultural and technological landmark.”