Check out the latest news, features, opinions, and more from Appalachia, the Midwest, and other Postindustrial Communities.
ASHEVILLE
For the Deaf community, storm recovery comes with extra challenges
Blue Ridge Public Radio: Malia Johnson is deaf. She lives in Swannanoa in a 55 plus community. She can lip-read and has cochlear implants, but the batteries died and there was no power to recharge them. In the chaos, she struggled to make sense of things. Her neighbors often forgot to look directly at her as they updated her on the storm’s damage.
ATLANTA
Alabama-Georgia game remains scheduled as Gulf storm threatens weekend weather
Atlanta News First: The University of Alabama said there are currently no plans to change Saturday’s game against Georgia, though officials are monitoring the system forming in the Gulf.
BALTIMORE
“Leveling the Playing Field” supports youth athletes by providing free sports equipment, gear
WBAL-TV Baltimore: A Baltimore nonprofit is helping children across the region by providing them with free sports and playground equipment. For many children, Leveling the Playing Field has lived up to its namesake and is making a difference.
Mayor Johnson doubles down on his tax-the-rich mantra as budget deadline nears
Chicago Sun-Times: Brandon Johnson said he will use his 2027 budget to level the playing field that has allowed corporations to make “more money” while working people “are standing in lines for food.”
CINCINNATI
Meet the Democrat and Libertarian running to represent Ohio’s 1st congressional district
Cincinnati Public Radio: Ohio’s 1st congressional district is on the ballot this Election Day. The seat is being targeted by the National Republican Congressional Committee. And Swing Left, which supports Democrats running for office, considers it one of 16 “must-hold” districts.
CLEVELAND
Trump sends $500 Obamacare refund checks to roughly 70,000 Ohioans
Cleveland.com: Roughly 70,000 Ohioans who buy health insurance through Affordable Care Act programs are getting $500 checks in the mail this week from the federal government, just as early voting begins in the state.
COLUMBUS
Students share mixed feelings about Ohio State’s new partnership with Google
Ohio State Public Media: Ohio State and Google recently launched an AI partnership expanding the university’s AI resources, including a new AI research hub and access to Google for Education AI platforms.
DETROIT
11-year-old accidentally shot by sibling in west Detroit home
Detroit Free Press: An 11-year-old was accidentally shot in the face by a sibling with an unsecured gun on Wednesday, Oct. 7, and is in critical condition after being left home alone in Detroit’s west side, Police Chief Todd Bettison said.
INDIANAPOLIS
Big money stirs up squabbles in Indiana secretary of state’s race
Indiana Capital Chronicle: Millions of in-state dollars have also flowed into the campaign accounts, along with controversies over some donations, such as $50,000 accepted by Republican candidate Max Engling from a convicted felon.
LOUISVILLE
Kentucky Democrats hit a rare milestone in September. Could that signal election success?
Louisville Public Media: After more than a decade of being outpaced by Republicans on voter registration, Kentucky Democrats received a rare piece of positive news last week: They gained more registered voters in September than their GOP rivals for the first time in eight years.
MILWAUKEE
Wisconsin DNR apologizes for not consulting with tribes on the killing of 9 wolves
Wisconsin Public Radio: An intertribal agency is objecting to the state’s decision to kill nine wolves in northern Wisconsin without consulting tribes, prompting an apology from the head of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
MORGANTOWN
West Virginia lawmakers give Flock until Friday to answer questions
West Virginia Watch: As West Virginia lawmakers consider how to rein in artificial intelligence-driven police surveillance technology with legislation during their upcoming session, they’ve given Flock Safety a deadline of this week to answer a series of questions to their satisfaction — or else they may use subpoenas or compel witnesses to answer them.
NASHVILLE
GM plans to produce cheaper long-range EV batteries in Tennessee
Nashville Public Radio: Ultium Cells, a joint venture between General Motors and battery manufacturer LG Energy Solution, is transforming its factory to produce batteries made primarily of manganese.
PHILADELPHIA
Philadelphia Public Radio: Therapists say investor-backed counseling giants monopolize search results and pressure them to take high caseloads at low pay.
PITTSBURGH
New poll shows Gov. Shapiro up 25 points in race for Pennsylvania governor
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: A new poll from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut showed Democratic incumbent Gov. Josh Shapiro leading Republican challenger Stacy Garrity, 59% to 34%.
WHEELING
Ohio Valley career expo introduces students with disabilities to jobs and education
WTRF.com: The third annual Career and Transition Expo welcomed students with varying levels of disabilities, from 8th grade through high school. The students could have cerebral palsy, autism, hearing or vision impairments, intellectual, learning or physical disabilities.
YOUNGSTOWN
Youngstown Boys & Girls Club closed for the rest of the year
WFMJ 21 Youngstown: Franko says the club has sustained losses, so it is doing an audit to assess its current financial situation. The audit is due within the next few weeks.
