Check out the latest news, features, opinions, and more from Appalachia, the Midwest, and other Postindustrial Communities.
ASHEVILLE
Blue Ridge Public Radio: The damaged stretch of road is a little over a mile long. But its location in a steep and narrow gorge along the North Pacolet River has made the reconstruction process a challenging one, according to David Uchiyama, western communications manager for the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
ATLANTA
Georgia Supreme Court declines medical monitoring suit against BioLab over 2024 fire
Georgia Public Broadcasting: The Georgia Supreme Court will not settle questions of whether BioLab should be held responsible for monitoring the health of people in the path of toxins from a 2024 fire at their plant in Rockdale County.
BALTIMORE
Second lawsuit challenging Maryland redistricting amendment filed
Maryland Matters: A national law firm that advised Louisiana lawmakers on a redistricting effort that later resulted in the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision upending the landmark Voting Rights Act is representing a group of Maryland Republicans seeking to block a proposed amendment to the state constitution.
NASCAR will not return to Chicago’s Grant Park in 2027
Chicago Sun-Times: The NASCAR Chicago Street Race will not return to Grant Park in 2027 after the clock ran out on efforts to find an alternative date outside the already busy July 4th weekend and secure a $15 million state grant.
CINCINNATI
What we do and don’t know about the environmental impact of data centers
Cincinnati Public Radio: The rapid pace of large, new data center projects proposed or breaking ground in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana has sparked a lot of anxiety among some people about how they will affect the natural world.
CLEVELAND
Feds arrest 600+ suspects in summer surge through northern Ohio
Cleveland.com: Federal officials said they used a strategy this summer that focused on one major northern Ohio city each week, aiming to arrest as many drug and violent crime suspects as possible and keep ahead of the seasonal surge in crime.
COLUMBUS
Utica becomes first central Ohio community to enter into formal partnership with ICE
Ohio State Public Media: The village of Utica in northern Licking County became the first known law enforcement agency in central Ohio to enter into a formal partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
DETROIT
Northern Michigan residents receive millions in FEMA aid for April flooding
Michigan Advance: Nearly $5 million has gone to counties in northwestern lower Michigan counties so far, according to FEMA. The application period for homeowner and renter aid closes at the end of the month.
INDIANAPOLIS
Indiana activates disaster relief fund after historic flooding
Indiana Public Radio: Many Indiana communities continue to deal with the aftermath of historic flooding and storms that swept through the state in the past week. Across Indiana the National Guard, Indiana State Police and other agencies are still assisting in response and recovery operations.
LOUISVILLE
Does Kentucky governor’s data center executive order have ‘teeth’ without state law to back it up?
Kentucky Lantern: “The executive order is fully enforceable, and if you don’t believe it, watch me,” Gov. Andy Beshear told reporters. “Watch what happens as we move forward. Watch how these companies present their plans as they have to. Watch the actions of the various agencies.”
MILWAUKEE
Measles outbreak grows to 36 confirmed, 3 probable cases in southwest Wisconsin
Wisconsin Public Radio: The measles outbreak in southwestern Wisconsin has grown to 36 confirmed and three probable cases. Last week, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services said they were investigating 15 confirmed and six probable measles cases.
MORGANTOWN
West Virginia’s GreenPower buses parked to begin school year
WV MetroNews: When schools across the state go back to the classroom this month, transportation departments will not be using GreenPower Motor buses. The electric buses are the focus of a compliance investigation being conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NASHVILLE
Trump administration appeals dismissal of criminal charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia
Tennessee Lookout: The Trump administration has appealed a district court judge’s dismissal of its Tennessee criminal case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the 30-year-old man living in Maryland who drew national attention to the administration’s immigration enforcement practices after he was wrongly deported to El Salvador last year.
PHILADELPHIA
WTF?! Woman recalls creepy encounter with man wearing Chucky mask in Philadelphia
ABC 6 Philadelphia: A woman is speaking out after she says she fought back against a man who, police say, has been terrorizing people in Center City Philadelphia while wearing a Chucky-style Halloween mask.
PITTSBURGH
Father charged in suspected cocaine ring at Penn State is Pittsburgh attorney
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Paul R. Robinson, the only nonstudent charged in the cocaine trafficking ring involving two Penn State University fraternities, is a managing attorney at a Pittsburgh-based law firm.
WHEELING
West Virginia invests $3.2 million in Wheeling Gateway Center announced by Gov. Morrisey
WTRF.com: It is expected to attract 175,000 visitors each year and support 87 permanent jobs. The 23,835-square-foot center will be built at the foot of the Wheeling Suspension Bridge in downtown Wheeling.
YOUNGSTOWN
Youngstown proposes removal of bridge built in 1929
WKBN 27 Youngstown: The City of Youngstown Department of Public Works is providing information to those interested in learning more about a proposed project to remove an old bridge in the city. The bridge on West Avenue goes over the Mahoning River, but it is deteriorating.
