Karen Rothmyer

Karen Rothmyer is a former Nation managing editor. More recently she lived in Kenya, where she taught at the University of Nairobi and served as the country’s first public editor.

My Neighbors Certainly Didn’t Celebrate Biden’s Win, but They Also Didn’t Publicly Mourn Trump’s Loss

My Neighbors Certainly Didn’t Celebrate Biden’s Win, but They Also Didn’t Publicly Mourn Trump’s Loss My Neighbors Certainly Didn’t Celebrate Biden’s Win, but They Also Didn’t Publicly Mourn Trump’s Loss

More than 60 percent of my county voted for Trump this year, so the relative calm when he lost gives me hope for the future.

Nov 19, 2020 / All Politics Is Local / Karen Rothmyer

One Black Lives Matter Protest in Rural New York Opens the Door to Change

One Black Lives Matter Protest in Rural New York Opens the Door to Change One Black Lives Matter Protest in Rural New York Opens the Door to Change

In the months since a Black Lives Matter protest in Catskill, N.Y., one of the march’s organizer has decided to run for office. Change is coming to the rural town.

Sep 28, 2020 / All Politics Is Local / Karen Rothmyer

As Democrats Leave Cities, Rural Areas See an Uptick in Voter Registration

As Democrats Leave Cities, Rural Areas See an Uptick in Voter Registration As Democrats Leave Cities, Rural Areas See an Uptick in Voter Registration

A rural marketing campaign offering “solace in a more secluded setting” might give Republicans more than they bargained for.

Aug 20, 2020 / All Politics Is Local / Karen Rothmyer

Where I Live, Hostility Toward Black Lives Matter Is Often Indirect

Where I Live, Hostility Toward Black Lives Matter Is Often Indirect Where I Live, Hostility Toward Black Lives Matter Is Often Indirect

But it’s still there in rural New York—just as it is in Washington.

Jul 15, 2020 / All Politics Is Local / Karen Rothmyer

Rural New York Is in the Streets, Marching for Black Lives

Rural New York Is in the Streets, Marching for Black Lives Rural New York Is in the Streets, Marching for Black Lives

My town voted overwhelmingly for Trump, so I didn’t expect a big crowd at a recent Black Lives Matter protest. I was wrong.

Jun 24, 2020 / All Politics Is Local / Karen Rothmyer

rural pharmacy

In Rural America, Opioids Kill Many More Than Covid-19 In Rural America, Opioids Kill Many More Than Covid-19

But the pandemic has made the problem worse, too.

May 27, 2020 / All Politics Is Local / Karen Rothmyer

Where I Live, the Pandemic Can Feel Remote

Where I Live, the Pandemic Can Feel Remote Where I Live, the Pandemic Can Feel Remote

In a rural village in upstate New York, our hospital laid off staff because there’s not enough for them to do.

Apr 30, 2020 / All Politics Is Local / Karen Rothmyer

What the Pandemic Looks Like in Rural New York

What the Pandemic Looks Like in Rural New York What the Pandemic Looks Like in Rural New York

“Travel into Greene County from any area at this time is inadvisable and is highly discouraged,” the legislature said.

Apr 1, 2020 / All Politics Is Local / Karen Rothmyer

Not ‘Feeling the Bern’

Not ‘Feeling the Bern’ Not ‘Feeling the Bern’

I proudly staked a Bernie yard sign on my lawn in 2016. This cycle, it’s still in my garage, and I haven’t yet decided whom I’ll vote for in the 2020 primary.

Feb 26, 2020 / All Politics Is Local / Karen Rothmyer

How I Learned to Stop Worrying About My Neighbors

How I Learned to Stop Worrying About My Neighbors How I Learned to Stop Worrying About My Neighbors

I hope people driving through my town don’t see the sign and believe everyone here—and in small towns around the US—is a caricature.

Feb 5, 2020 / All Politics Is Local / Karen Rothmyer

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