Check out the latest news, features, opinions, and more from Appalachia, the Midwest, and other Postindustrial Communities.
ASHEVILLE
El Niño could be supercharged this year. Here’s what that means for the Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge Public Radio: The El Niño Southern Oscillation is projected to be supersized this year — and that could mean extreme weather in Western North Carolina. Assistant state climatologist Corey Davis says this weather pattern means the Blue Ridge region should prepare for a warm, very rainy winter.
ATLANTA
You still can’t smoke medical cannabis in Georgia, but you can vape it. What’s the difference?
Georgia Recorder: Medical cannabis dispensaries are now selling the flower form of the drug in Georgia, but a new state law that took effect this summer has created some confusion over how it can be legally consumed.
BALTIMORE
Baltimore’s Marlin Steel warns Canada tariffs could hit 100% American-made steel business
WBAL-TV Baltimore: Marlin Steel CEO Drew Greenblatt discussed the impact of tariffs on American manufacturing during a visit to the factory floor of his Baltimore-based company. “We’ve got to make things in America. We have to create things here, because we have to be self-sufficient,” Greenblatt said.
State bill would make gunmakers pay if their weapons are recovered in shootings
Chicago Sun-Times: Gun violence costs Illinois about $20 billion each year. That figure includes direct costs like medical care and funeral expenses and indirect costs such as loss of income and childcare.
CINCINNATI
A month after TPS ends for Haiti, immigration enforcement surges in Springfield
Cincinnati Public Radio: More than a month has passed since the Trump administration’s order to end temporary protected status for Haiti took effect. Since then, immigration enforcement in Springfield has ramped up.
CLEVELAND
Man accused of charging at Amy Acton during campaign event pleads not guilty to assault
Cleveland.com: Patrick Havas, 38, of Canfield, appeared by video in Mahoning County court after the Sunday incident. He faces two counts of assault, one count of disorderly conduct and one count of inducing panic, records show. All charges except disorderly conduct are first-degree misdemeanors.
COLUMBUS
Columbus Public Health offers walk-in clinic ahead of school deadline for required vaccines
Ohio State Public Media: The deadline for Columbus City Schools students to have all of their vaccinations is fast approaching. Ohio law mandates students to have required vaccines by the 15th day of school, which is Sept. 10 for Columbus students.
DETROIT
Mike Rogers, Abdul El-Sayed Senate race in tossup territory, poll shows
Detroit News: The fight for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat has surged to a dead heat between Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, according to a new statewide poll showing Rogers with a razor-thin lead that puts the race in toss-up territory.
INDIANAPOLIS
West Nile virus found in dozens of Indiana counties. Here’s how to protect yourself
Indianapolis Public Media: West Nile virus has been found in mosquitoes in 34 counties across Indiana, including Greene County, as health officials urge residents to take precautions when going outside to guard against bites.
LOUISVILLE
Squeezed by a tough economy, many farmers are relying on decades-old machinery
Louisville Public Media: More farmers are opting to repair old tractors, combines and other machinery instead of buying new upgrades. A tough farm economy and historically-high equipment prices are at least partly to blame.
MEMPHIS
COVID-19 cases are low, but rising.Where to get vaccines in Memphis
Memphis Commercial Appeal: COVID-19 cases are low in Tennessee, but they’re growing, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
MILWAUKEE
Federal data shows Enbridge leak is the largest reported oil and gas spill in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Public Radio: Environmental groups are urging the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to do more in response to the spill, including demands for an independent investigation and revocation of permits for Enbridge.
MORGANTOWN
Voices: 60 years of West Virginia water worries
Andrew Donaldson writes for West Virginia Watch: “The long hot summer of 2026 has brought flood after flood to the state. Over the last 60 years, hundreds of West Virginians have died and untold thousands more affected by various floods.”
PHILADELPHIA
Philadelphia Public Radio: Registered nurses at several Jefferson Health hospitals and centers in the Greater Philadelphia area announced Tuesday that they are unionizing, citing persistent staffing shortfalls, heavier workloads and other issues.
Booster group pushes to keep Downtown Pittsburgh businesses viable
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership has sought to bring more small businesses into the Golden Triangle in recent years — and now it’s launching a concerted effort to keep them there.
WHEELING
West Virginia reports declines in crime, overdose deaths
WTRF.com: Reported violent crime, property crime and drug overdose deaths fell across West Virginia in 2025, according to Governor Patrick Morrisey’s office. Reported violent crime dropped 5.6%, from 4,310 offenses to 4,070. The governor’s office said West Virginia’s violent crime rate was 31% below the national average.
YOUNGSTOWN
Future changes to tax breaks in Youngstown could mandate hiring from city workforce
WFMJ 21 Youngstown: “Our anticipation is that not only the three will join the club as a couple fall off, but then as we’re beginning to see a lot of development in our city, we know that a lot of developers are starting to ask that question about the tax abatement, said Stephanie Gilchrist, director of economic development for the city of Youngstown.
