Check out the latest news, features, opinions, and more from Appalachia, the Midwest, and other Postindustrial Communities.
ASHEVILLE
Blue Ridge Public Radio: In a 25-page report, the panel said it found that Rep. Chuck Edwards “engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct” toward the staffers, which included giving them “lavish” gifts, inviting them to “intimate dinners and vacations” and sending them notes about his “effusive affection” for them.
ATLANTA
Georgia Power breaks ground on natural gas expansion at Plant Bowen despite air pollution concerns
Georgia Recorder: A major natural gas expansion at Georgia Power’s Plant Bowen will hurt air quality in the Atlanta region, which is already struggling with ozone pollution, according to environmental groups challenging a state air permit for the project.
BALTIMORE
Maryland lawmakers split over redistricting amendment as special session turns sharply partisan
WBAL-TV: It didn’t take long before a partisan divide emerged as Maryland state lawmakers convened a special legislative session over a constitutional amendment for redistricting.
CHICAGO
Chicago Sun-Times: As states across much of the South and Midwest banned or further restricted abortions after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade in 2022, they fueled a wave of people with high-risk pregnancies traveling to hospitals in Chicago.
CINCINNATI
Democratic Ohio governor candidate faces a backlash over LGBTQ+ comments
Cincinnati Public Radio: There’s a rift between Democratic candidate for governor Amy Acton and some members of the LGBTQ+ community. Acton recently made comments that are causing some in the LGBTQ+ community to question their support for her.
CLEVELAND
Puerto Rican community planting its heritage in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens
Signal Cleveland: The OK to build a Puerto Rican garden came in June after a new nonprofit, the Cleveland Puerto Rican Heritage Coalition, presented its vision to the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation.
COLUMBUS
Eolian’s battery storage plant in Columbus area could kick off building spree in northeast US
Ohio State Public Media: The Flint Grid project will be built near the cluster of hyperscale data centers in New Albany, but the energy stored in the batteries will be used in the PJM Interconnection grid, when needed. PJM spans 13 states with a population of 65 million people.
DETROIT
Michigan partially denies RNC request for personal information of poll workers
Michigan Advance: The Michigan Department of State will provide redacted records in response to a Freedom of Information Act request from the Republican National Committee for the personal information of everyone who has expressed an interest in becoming a poll worker in Michigan this year.
INDIANAPOLIS
Indianapolis Public Media: Indiana officials say the state’s push to ensure criminal defendants are competent before trial has reached a breaking point, and it leaves little room for other patients who need psychiatric care.
LOUISVILLE
Trump policies favor coal, but rail data show a drop in domestic shipments
Louisville Public Media: Two of the largest coal rail shippers reported an overall increase in volume in the second quarter of the year. Yet domestic volumes declined even as the Trump administration pushes a flurry of favorable coal policies.
MILWAUKEE
Wisconsin Rapids’ historic paper mill site could become a data center. Residents aren’t happy.
Wisconsin Public Radio: The mill, which opened in 1894, was Wisconsin Rapids’ largest employer and its identity for more than a century. It closed amid the pandemic in 2020 after years of decreasing demand for the specialty glossy magazine paper it produced.
MORGANTOWN
As data centers eye West Virginia, local communities feel overlooked
West Virginia Public Broadcasting: Data center development is a fast growing industry, with projects popping up in seemingly every corner of the country. But that’s not been the case in West Virginia so far. Now, state officials are rolling out the red carpet for the expensive and increasingly expansive projects.
NASHVILLE
In crowded primaries for Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District, what separates the candidates?
Tennessee Lookout: Three months ago, Tennessee lawmakers created a new U.S. House District 9, scaring off the Democratic incumbent and creating a mad-dash primary for both parties.
PHILADELPHIA
Philadelphia Public Radio: Talking about weight, eating habits and obesity treatment options requires sensitivity, patience and the absence of judgement, said Dr. Samantha Flanagan, a family medicine practitioner and obesity specialist at Temple University.
PITTSBURGH
Conservative activists turn to Pennsylvania juror records to purge non-citizens from voter rolls
WESA Pittsburgh: A group of conservative activists says it’s found a way to get a behind-the-scenes look at Pennsylvania elections in order to root out potential voter fraud: by reviewing lists of people disqualified from jury duty and comparing the names with those on the county’s voter rolls.
WHEELING
Wheeling’s “National Night Out” returning this week
WTRF.com: Now in its 43rd year nationwide, National Night Out is an annual campaign held on the first Tuesday of August to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
YOUNGSTOWN
Week-long career camp helps Youngstown-area autistic youth gain job skills
WKBN 27 Youngstown: The Autism Society of Mahoning Valley’s Career Exploration Camp FRIEND is giving autistic students the chance to explore different careers while building real-world skills, like practicing interviews and learning about financial literacy.
