Check out the latest news, features, opinions, and more from Appalachia, the Midwest, and other Postindustrial Communities.
ASHEVILLE
Asheville passes a “No Rent for Slumlords” ordinance, but how enforceable is it?
Blue Ridge Public Radio: Dubbed the “No Rent for Slumlords” ordinance by local organizers, the policy makes it unlawful for landlords to collect rent on a unit that has structural issues, fire hazards, no access to potable water or violations of other parts of the city’s minimum housing code.
ATLANTA
Trump pulled the plug on EVs. Georgia EV makers are adapting and forging ahead
Georgia Recorder: A year ago this month, federal immigration agents raided an electric vehicle battery plant in coastal Georgia and arrested more than 400 people, most of them South Korean workers there to help get the new factory off the ground.
BALTIMORE
Baltimore City Community College leader defends school against audit
Maryland Matters: The president of Baltimore City Community College defended the school against a recent state audit that found management problems and the potential payment of financial aid to nonexistent “ghost students,” but said Wednesday that improvements remain a work in progress.
Chicago Archdiocese settles 9 sex abuse claims for $5.4 million
Chicago Sun-Times: “Nobody’s paying that kind of money for something that didn’t happen,” said Marc Pearlman, one of the attorneys representing the sexual assault victims.
CINCINNATI
Cincinnati considers restrictions on surveillance technology
Cincinnati Public Radio: Cincinnati City Council unanimously passed a motion Thursday requesting an ordinance to put limits on surveillance technology like license plate readers. It’s not clear whether the eventual ordinance will have majority support, however.
CLEVELAND
An unusual tax deal could take care of long-term maintenance at new Browns stadium
Cleveland.com: Brook Park City Council discussions this week shed light on a potential tax incentive deal that could generate money for Browns stadium maintenance well beyond the end of what is expected to be an initial 30-year lease.
COLUMBUS
Ohio Task Force 1 member recalls team’s response to Sept. 11 attack 25 years later
Ohio State Public Media: Memories linger for millions 25 years after two commercial passenger airplanes were hijacked and crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. Members of Ohio Task Force 1 in Dayton were called to help in finding survivors and clearing tons of debris.
DETROIT
Michigan business group says US trade war with Canada taxing residents’ patience
Detroit Public Radio: Canada is imposing huge tariffs on a variety of U.S. products, as a response to President Trump’s recent series of 50 % tariffs on certain Canadian goods. And a coalition of business groups says Michigan is feeling the brunt of the trade war.
INDIANAPOLIS
Indiana Supreme Court weighs limits of religious exemptions to abortion ban
Indiana Capital Chronicle: The attorney general’s office urged Indiana’s highest court to dismiss a religious freedom challenge to the state’s near-total abortion ban, arguing that women who are not pregnant or seeking abortions have brought their case too soon.
LOUISVILLE
Democratic governors, led by Beshear, go on offense in Louisville ahead of midterms
Louisville Public Media: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, chair of the Democratic Governors Association, said Democrats will see a resurgence as Trump pushes to make midterms a referendum on his presidency.
MEMPHIS
ACLU claims Memphis Safe Task Force harassing plaintiff
Tennessee Lookout: Memphis Safe Task Force agents are continuing to harass and intimidate people who record their activities, according to a new federal court filing by the American Civil Liberties Union.
MILWAUKEE
As Wisconsin Supreme Court starts new term, Planned Parenthood challenges abortion restrictions
Wisconsin Public Radio: Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin filed a new lawsuit challenging Wisconsin abortion restrictions Thursday, just days after the Wisconsin Supreme Court returned to work with a newly cemented 5-2 liberal majority in place.
MORGANTOWN
Data shows big jump in WV voters choosing no-party ballot in closed Republican May primary
West Virginia Watch: In a stress test for West Virginia Republicans’ return to a closed primary, new data shows fewer Republicans came out to vote in the May primary election compared to the 2022 primary.
PHILADELPHIA
Philadelphia developers are seeking more building permits for new rentals. Here’s why
Philadelphia Public Radio: Last year, developers obtained building permits for multifamily properties comprising 2,179 units, according to data from Drexel University. That total is projected to reach 3,588 by the end of 2026. The multifamily category covers apartment buildings but also duplexes and triplexes.
Deluzio eyes possible Senate run as Fetterman’s fracture with Democrats grows
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio of Fox Chapel, running for reelection in this year’s pivotal midterms, is positioning himself for a possible Senate run in 2028.
WHEELING
Gas prices fall in West Virginia despite rising national averages
WTRF.com: The average price for gasoline across Northern West Virginia is eight cents lower this week at $3.84 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.
YOUNGSTOWN
25th anniversary of 9/11 commemorated across the Mahoning, Shenango Valleys
WFMJ 21 Youngstown: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered that all Ohio flags on public buildings and grounds be lowered to half-staff on September 11 to honor those who died in the attacks. People across the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys will be pausing to commemorate the lives lost on September 11, 2001 and pay their respects.
