Check out the latest news, features, opinions, and more from Appalachia, the Midwest, and other Postindustrial Communities.
ASHEVILLE
WLOS 13 Asheville: Whatley completed his 100-county tour in Yancey County, where he discussed Mountain Heritage High School’s Pillars Program, meeting with local teachers and program directors who are helping students build homes for victims of Helene.
ATLANTA
England to face Argentina in Atlanta semifinal; FIFA Fan Festival nearly sold out
Atlanta News First: Atlanta will host its final World Cup match this week, when England takes on defending champions Argentina in a semifinal showdown at Atlanta Stadium.
BALTIMORE
Maryland may have to go to court to fight for $20M in annual relief for electric customers
Maryland Matters: Maryland lawmakers passed a new rule this year that is projected to save utility ratepayers in the state $20 million a year. But actually getting those savings for Marylanders will take more legwork — potentially a lot more.
CHICAGO
Father Michael Pfleger removed from Saint Sabina again after new sex abuse accusation surfaces
Block Club Chicago: Pfleger said the allegation is an “absolute lie.” It is fifth accusation of sexual assault against the outspoken priest, with the previous allegations being investigated and not sustained by the archdiocese.
CINCINNATI
From the corn field to the ocean floor, this Ohioan is diving deep to document nature
Cincinnati Public Radio: A team of researchers aboard the EV Nautilus, a research and exploration vessel, are chipping away at the sea’s mysteries by exploring the Mariana region – which holds some of the oldest seafloor on the planet. Jacqueline Ratliff from Baltimore, Ohio is among them.
CLEVELAND
Child’s body pulled from Lake Erie amid recovery effort
FOX 8 Cleveland: The body of a 6-year-old was pulled from Lake Erie Sunday afternoon amid search and recovery efforts that began Saturday evening when the child reportedly fell into the water near a Cleveland marina.
COLUMBUS
Columbus mayor orders Columbus police to stop statewide sharing of Flock cameras after audit release
Ohio State Public Radio: Flock cameras are automated license plate reader cameras that often mounted on a skinny black pole or telephone pole, the solar panel charger is more noticeable than the camera itself.
DETROIT
Michigan could approve a constitutional convention this year. What would that mean?
Votebeat: As Michigan works out who (and what) will be on ballots this fall, one proposal is already set in stone: Should the state “convene a constitutional convention?” Proposal 1 will ask voters if they’d like to rewrite the entire state constitution.
INDIANAPOLIS
Indiana librarians to get mental health training
Indiana Capital Chronicle: Hoosiers suffering mental health crises are visiting public libraries for help — transforming the role of librarians who act simultaneously as researchers, archivists and quasi-social workers.
LOUISVILLE
Mitch McConnell mystery deepens as health questions remain unanswered
The Guardian: McConnell, 84, has not been seen in public since he was admitted to hospital in the Washington area on 14 June. Nearly a month later, the Kentucky Republican’s office has released only sparse updates, saying he is “continuing to improve” and remains engaged with Senate business, while refusing to disclose the nature of his illness or explain why he remains hospitalised.
MILWAUKEE
Wisconsin energy demand to rise 40 percent by 2032, driven by data centers, draft report finds
Wisconsin Public Radio: Driven by hyperscale data centers, electricity demand in Wisconsin could increase by more than 40 percent by 2032. The finding, part of a new draft report by state utility regulators, means the state will need to build significant infrastructure to meet rising energy needs.
MORGANTOWN
Morgantown’s Second Saturday Art Market supports local artists
WBOY 12 Morgantown: Local artists lined the sidewalks of downtown Morgantown over the weekend for the monthly Second Saturday Art Market at Hoot and Howl, giving residents a chance to browse handmade prints and support the area’s creative community.
NASHVILLE
Marsha Blackburn again targets China in fortune cookie-smashing campaign ad
Nashville Banner: In the first ad of her gubernatorial campaign, Sen. Marsha Blackburn revisits her anti-China sentiments in a trope-laden, fake Chinese restaurant.
PHILADELPHIA
Tens of thousands walk the Benjamin Franklin Bridge to celebrate its 100th birthday
Philadelphia Public Radio: Originally called the Delaware River Bridge before it was renamed for the famous Founding Father in 1955, the bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it first opened, spanning more than 1700 feet.
PITTSBURGH
Picklesburgh returns for 11th year with bigger festival, new pickle creations
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: More than 200,000 people are expected to fill Downtown to celebrate the region’s century-and-a-half-old pickle tradition. Slated to be the largest-ever Picklesburgh, the free annual festival will expand last year’s footprint to the newly renovated Market Square and Arts Landing.
WHEELING
YWCA Wheeling to host sixth annual Mini-Con
WTRF.com: This year’s Mini-Con will feature more than 20 vendors from across the Ohio Valley, along with comic artists, local creators, interactive games, live demonstrations and improv performances. Organizers say the event is designed to offer something for visitors of all ages while celebrating pop culture in the Ohio Valley.
YOUNGSTOWN
“Big Boy” steam locomotive made its stop in Struthers
WFMJ 21 Youngstown: An all-day slate of events is planned for the train’s arrival, and Struthers has mapped out multiple street closures and parking locations.
