Check out the latest news, features, opinions, and more from Appalachia, the Midwest, and other Postindustrial Communities.
ASHEVILLE
PVC pipe manufacturer IPEX makes $500,000 commitment for Helene debris cleanup
WLOS Asheville: PVC pipe manufacturer IPEX, which had been criticized for not cleaning up pipe debris in the French Broad River following Helene, announced an investment on Sept. 16 in the cleanup process.
ATLANTA
New CDC director talks measles outbreak, employee morale and distrust in agency
Atlanta News First: In her first media interview since becoming the director of the CDC, Dr. Erica Schwartz said restoring trust in the Atlanta-based agency is among her top priorities.
BALTIMORE
Baltimore police deputy commissioner Brian Nadeau suspended amid investigation, department says
Maryland Matters: “The Baltimore Police Department is aware of an investigation involving allegations made in reference to a member of our command staff,” a spokesperson said. “In accordance with BPD protocol, the members’ police powers were suspended, pending the outcome of the investigation.”
Illinois asks for FEMA help after August storms
Block Club Chicago: Illinois is asking the federal government for help recovering from August storms that left a trail of destruction through Chicago’s south suburbs and several central Illinois counties.
CINCINNATI
Ohio physicians’ association endorses Ramaswamy, but some doctors are defecting
Cincinnati Public Radio: The Ohio State Medical Association’s Political Action Committee has endorsed Vivek Ramaswamy, the GOP candidate for governor, over Democratic candidate Amy Acton, a licensed doctor.
CLEVELAND
New $1 million anti-tariff ad campaign targets Browns, Buckeyes fans
Cleveland.com: Small Businesses Against Tariffs launched a $1 million billboard and digital advertising campaign across Ohio and six other states, using football rivalries to highlight the group’s concerns about the economic impact of tariffs.
COLUMBUS
How does Ohio State’s safety alert system compare to other universities?
Ohio State Public Media: More than 65% of Ohio State students live off-campus, with hundreds of them residing within the University District. Yet, Ohio State’s Buckeye Alerts and public safety notices are not issued for situations occurring beyond its bordering streets.
DETROIT
El-Sayed issues EV challenge during Michigan United Auto Workers conference
Michigan Public: United Auto Workers members from across the state are meeting in Lansing this week. They’re gathering for the union’s restarted Michigan Community Action Program Conference.
INDIANAPOLIS
Indiana could take over coal ash regulation from the EPA
Indianapolis Public Media: Officials from Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency visited the state to announce efforts to put Indiana in charge of issuing coal permits, managing the disposal of coal ash and other waste.
LOUISVILLE
Are Trump’s policies helping Kentucky coal? Not much, new federal outlook shows
Kentucky Lantern: Coal generation is expected to decline 8% in 2026 and another 6% in 2027. That’s according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Short Term Energy Outlook.
MILWAUKEE
Loosened EPA power plant regulations could negatively impact Wisconsin public health
Wisconsin Public Radio: A decision to abandon rules regulating emissions for power plants could harm the health of Wisconsinites, but ultimately won’t beat economic drivers towards renewables for power generation
MORGANTOWN
Lawmakers told data centers could be key to improving West Virginia water issues
West Virginia Watch: In Mingo County, residents have questioned why a proposed power plant and data center could potentially have access to new water sources while they go sometimes weeks without water. They fear that the amount of water needed for the proposed development could affect how much local water is available.
NASHVILLE
Residents push back against planned Nashville ICE coordination center
Tennessee Lookout: “We are here to protect our community from a system that doesn’t reflect the morals and ethics of our city,” said Alexandra Van Zeelandt, who criticized ICE’ mass arrest and deportation policies.
PHILADELPHIA
A rare Keith Haring mural is close to making preservation history in Philly
Philadelphia Public Radio: A rare Keith Haring mural in Point Breeze is one step away from becoming a city landmark — and making a bit of Philadelphia history.
PITTSBURGH
Annie Dillard, Pulitzer-winning author and Pittsburgh native, dies at 81
WESA Pittsburgh: Annie Dillard, the Pulitzer-Prize winning author and essayist renowned for her poetic explorations of nature, love, spirituality and the art of writing in the “Pilgrim at Tinker Creek,” “The Maytrees” and numerous other works, has died. She was 81.
WHEELING
Ohio Valley businesses recognized for 100 years of operation
WTRF.com: West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner recognized three Brooke County businesses that have been in operation for 100 years or more with the West Virginia Centurion Chamber of Commerce Award.
YOUNGSTOWN
McDonald council places moratorium on allowing data centers in village
WKBN 27 Youngstown: McDonald Village Council unanimously voted, 5-0, at an emergency meeting to place a 12-month moratorium on allowing data centers in the village.
