Check out the latest news, features, opinions, and more from Appalachia, the Midwest, and other Postindustrial Communities.
ASHEVILLE
North Carolina governor celebrates ongoing Helene recovery, hopes for increased housing supply
Raleigh News & Observer: Gov. Josh Stein has been traveling across Western North Carolina, celebrating the region’s ongoing recovery from Helene, highlighting restored housing and water systems.
ATLANTA
Survey aims to understand the financial wellbeing of Georgia farmers
Georgia Public Broadcasting: Georgia researchers are hoping to learn more about the financial well being of the state’s farmers, who drive Georgia’s largest economic sector.
BALTIMORE
Mosquito trappings test positive for West Nile virus in Maryland
WBAL-TV Baltimore: The West Nile virus was found in mosquito trappings in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties, the Maryland Department of Agriculture confirmed.
CHICAGO
Before he fatally shot partner, Chicago police failed to place troubled cop under strict supervision
Chicago Sun-Times: Carlos Baker was referred to a program that puts officers under intense oversight. Failing could mean “severe” discipline or firing. But Baker wasn’t enrolled before he shot Officer Krystal Rivera because a supervisor didn’t respond to an email.
CINCINNATI
“Remarkable” storms left 1 dead, Cincinnati businesses, homes flooded
Cincinnati.com: As a fierce downpour soaked Cincinnati neighborhoods with several inches of rain on Friday, July 17, hundreds of first responders rushed to rescue stranded pedestrians and people in vehicles trapped in rising flood waters, according to city officials.
CLEVELAND
Ohio breweries win big at U.S. Open Beer Championship
Cleveland.com: Ohio winners garnered 101 medals – 30 gold, 35 silver and 36 bronze. In one category – Chili Beer – Ohio breweries nailed a sweep of four medals.
COLUMBUS
Columbus police seeks leads in 2025 Fourth of July fatal shooting at “pop-up” party
NBC4 Columbus: Investigators learned that a large “pop-up” party formed at a VRBO property, with about 150-200 people in attendance. Video evidence taken from social media posts indicate that many party-goers were taking pictures, but authorities have yet to determine what led to the shooting.
DETROIT
Trump eyes Michigan visit ahead of primary election
Detroit News: Trump is expected to campaign in Michigan ahead of the state’s Aug. 4 primary election, according to three sources with knowledge of the Republican leader’s plans.
INDIANAPOLIS
Indiana election officials defend the vote’s security as Trump sows doubt
Indianapolis Public Media: Indiana election officials are confident in the security of the state’s upcoming midterm election, even as Trump warns of election security concerns.
LOUISVILLE
Kentuckians with disabilities, advocates say looming 4% Medicaid cut is a “threat”
Kentucky Lantern: Kentuckians with disabilities and their loved ones and advocates came to Frankfort Friday and pleaded with elected officials to find a way to protect the services they receive through Medicaid waivers.
MILWAUKEE
Wisconsin Public Radio: David Crowley jumped back into the race for governor Saturday in a last minute attempt to take control of the contest just 24 days before the August primary.
MORGANTOWN
CDC tracks parasite that causes diarrhea to lettuce at Taco Bell locations in West Virginia
West Virginia Watch: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising people not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell locations in West Virginia and four other states after it’s been linked to a multistate outbreak of cyclospora, a parasite that causes diarrhea.
NASHVILLE
Music City’s can’t-miss music conversations, from Cajun roots to Brit Floyd classics
FOX 17 Nashville: From Louisiana Cajun music to Brit Floyd classics and a behind-the-scenes look at Nashville’s songwriting community, this past week’s edition of Rock & Review brings together artists and storytellers from across the music world.
PHILADELPHIA
3 Philadelphia-area medical schools agree to add nutrition education in response to RFK Jr.’s push
Philadelphia Public Radio: The Trump administration has pushed medical schools to spend more time teaching nutrition education to future doctors, and three local medical schools have since signed on to a national program called Advancing Nutrition Education.
PITTSBURGH
Pennsylvania Lyme disease cases near historic highs in Pittsburgh area
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: With more than 1,300 cases of Lyme disease already reported in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties this year, Western Pennsylvania remains one of the most heavily impacted regions in the nation for the tick-borne illness.
WHEELING
Wheeling residents gather in protest of proposed data centers
WTRF.com: Advocacy group Humans First coordinated the days movement, saying the country wide demonstrations are intended to pressure local, state and federal officials to stray from rapid AI expansion.
YOUNGSTOWN
Pulmonologist clears up misconceptions about smoke in air
WKBN 27 ‘Youngstown: “The wildfire smoke has a lot of small and fine particles, and those particles have a variety of chemicals in them, and they can get deep into the health of the body,” said Dr Ryan Toolson, a pulmonologist with Mercy Health in Youngstown.
