Check out the latest news, features, opinions, and more from Appalachia, the Midwest, and other Postindustrial Communities.
ASHEVILLE
No funding for Asheville-to-Salisbury rail line in North Carolina budget
Blue Ridge Public Radio: The North Carolina General Assembly decided not to provide $28 million in funding for an Asheville-to-Salisbury passenger rail line. Despite the setback, rail advocates said they’re hopeful they’ll be able to secure the funding next year.
ATLANTA
Trump boosts Republican candidates, urges Senate to pass SAVE Act during Georgia visit
Georgia Recorder: Facing what is likely to be a difficult midterm election in Georgia and across the country, President Donald Trump touted his economic platform during a visit to Wheeler High School in Cobb County.
BALTIMORE
Measles cases reported in Southern Maryland residents
WBAL-TV: Including the recent cases, Maryland has reported 11 measles cases this year. Nationally, the U.S. has recorded more than 2,200 measles infections.
CHICAGO
Mexico seeks accountability in Chicago-area ICE death and 16 others. Can it force the U.S. to act?
Chicago Sun-Times: Mexico has filed criminal complaints with state and county prosecutors seeking investigations into the deaths of 17 Mexican nationals, including Silverio Villegas González, who was shot and killed by ICE in Franklin Park nearly a year ago.
CINCINNATI
What does Cincinnati’s emergency declaration mean for residents, business owners?
WLWT 5 Cincinnati: Cincinnati is transitioning from emergency response to recovery after two rounds of flooding prompted the mayor to declare a state of emergency to provide financial relief to affected homeowners and businesses.
CLEVELAND
Northeast Ohio brewers bring home the gold, silver and bronze from global competition
Ideastream Public Media: Among them was Hofbrauhaus Cleveland which won silver in the barrel-aged German lager category for its BBA Doppelbock and bronze in the Kellerbier or Zwickelbier category for its Premium Lager.
COLUMBUS
Getting a read on how much Ohio libraries rely on property tax
Ohio State Public Radio: Ohio’s public libraries are already reeling from cuts to the state’s Public Library Fund instituted in 2025, said Tuscarawas County Public Library Executive Director Michelle McMorrow Ramsell.
DETROIT
City of Detroit details $20 million in park improvements
FOX 2 Detroit: A number of parks in Detroit are receiving major upgrades. The 2026 Park Improvement Project represents a nearly $20 million investment in neighborhood recreation.
INDIANAPOLIS
Six Indiana cities close on low-interest state loans for housing projects
Indiana Capital Chronicle: The Indiana Finance Authority closed on more than $25 million in low-interest loans for housing developments in six Hoosier cities and towns throughout the state, the agency announced.
LOUISVILLE
How’s Kentucky coal doing under Trump? Report shows another 500 jobs lost since early 2025
Louisville Public Media: Kentucky coal production and employment have declined in recent years to historic lows, a trend that has continued in 2026 despite the Trump administration’s efforts to boost domestic use.
MILWAUKEE
Despite cuts in federal incentives, green energy is growing in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Public Radio: “Renewable energy is the fastest form of energy to get on the grid, and it’s also the cheapest per kilowatt,” said Emma Heins, principal at Advanced Energy United, where she works with policymakers, businesses and advocates to promote clean energy in Wisconsin.
MORGANTOWN
West Virginia Watch: Ted McGavran, who said he was an engineer with Fundamental Data, appeared at the city council meeting in Belmont, North Carolina — where he lives — on July 6. There, he told his local officials they should consider implementing noise ordinances.
NASHVILLE
Voices: Tennessee Republican lawmakers fail women with lack of focus on maternal care
Casey Pestona writes for Tennessee Lookout: If protecting life is truly the goal, then symbolic gestures are not enough. The state must be willing to invest in policies that reduce preventable maternal deaths, expand access to care and improve outcomes for both parents and children.
PHILADELPHIA
Philadelphia Public Radio: Among those experiencing homelessness, about 711 people were living or sleeping outside, which represented a 39% drop from the previous year, according to count results.
PITTSBURGH
Pittsburgh City Council advances Downtown tax-subsidy proposal amid sharp criticism
WESA Pittsburgh: After two hours of public comment and two-and-a-half hours of discussion amongst themselves, Pittsburgh City Council members signaled their support of tax incentives to encourage development Downtown and in adjoining areas of the North Side and Strip District.
WHEELING
State of Emergency declared for all 55 counties in West Virginia due to severe weather
WTRF.com: Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency for all 55 counties as severe storms continue to move across West Virginia. The severe weather resulted in various flash flooding, landslides, road closures and other dangerous conditions.
YOUNGSTOWN
National Weather Service surveys tornado damage in Youngstown area
WKBN 27 Youngstown: For the second time this month, parts of Northeast Ohio got hit with a tornado, as at least three tornadoes were confirmed in Ohio after multiple rounds of thunderstorms earlier this week.
