Water transfers can be as simple as an individual seller, or large-scale, involving two or more states.

Small towns struggle with dwindling populations as young adults leave, but the return of older residents can offset this out-migration with their contributions to the local workforce.

Changes in the labor market and the effects of the banking crisis may mean unemployment will recover much more slowly compared to past severe recessions.

Community banks are experiencing problems along with the rest of the industry, but balance sheets of many community banks are still strong. Sticking to their fundamentals helps during turmoil.

Small, rural banks see the federally chartered Farm Credit System as increasingly significant loan competition. Banks say there is an unfair advantage; the System says choices are good for customers.