Check out the latest news, features, opinions, and more from Appalachia, the Midwest, and other Postindustrial Communities.
ASHEVILLE
North Carolina law that eliminated a key climate target has made Duke Energy millions this year
Blue Ridge Public Radio: A law that eliminated North Carolina’s interim climate target accounted for 17% of Duke Energy earnings per share increase in 2026, according to Duke’s most recent earnings report. But Duke says the difference comes from a different part of the law — and that the effect on earnings will be “neutral” in the long run.
ATLANTA
Jimmy Carter’s family farm to be preserved and opened to the public
Associated Press: The family farm where President Jimmy Carter tended peanuts, corn and sugarcane as a boy and later returned throughout his life will be preserved and opened to the public.
BALTIMORE
Maryland environment secretary to step down, in latest shakeup to Gov. Moore’s Cabinet
Maryland Matters: Two more Cabinet secretaries will leave state government by the end of the year, as Democratic Gov. Wes Moore continues an overhaul of his administration in advance of the start of his second term in office.
Developers pitch Chicago Bears stadium at former Michael Reese site
NBC 5 Chicago: Another proposal to keep the Bears in Chicago was unveiled Thursday, with a pitch to build a stadium at the former Michael Reese Hospital site
CINCINNATI
Amid plans to shut off landlines, rural Ohioans worry of isolation
Cincinnati Public Radio: Around 270,000 Ohio households have traditional landline telephone connections to their local phone network, according to a report from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. Verizon estimates less than 3% of their customers use the copper service nationwide.
CLEVELAND
Bill removing certain weapons from Ohio’s “dangerous ordnance” list sent to Gov. DeWine
Ideastream Public Media: State lawmakers have sent to Gov. Mike DeWine a bill that removes short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns from a list of weapons that are heavily restricted in Ohio and require registration and special licenses.
COLUMBUS
Bill removing certain weapons from Ohio’s “dangerous ordnance” list sent to Gov. DeWine
Ohio State Public Media: State lawmakers have sent to Gov. Mike DeWine a bill that removes short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns from a list of weapons that are heavily restricted in Ohio and require registration and special licenses.
DETROIT
Michigan reproductive justice advocates lay out priorities for incoming Democratic trifecta
Michigan Advance: Danielle Atkinson, the founder and executive director of Mothering Justice Action Fund, said that she is “cautiously optimistic” about the incoming Democratic trifecta to work with organizations like hers on prioritizing legislation to support caregivers and to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
INDIANAPOLIS
Indiana Republican chair steps down week after sweeping election losses
Indiana Capital Chronicle: Indiana Republican Chair Lana Keesling resigned from the position amid the party turmoil following last week’s widespread election wins by Democrats.
LOUISVILLE
Gov. Beshear sends letter to Trump requesting immediate removal of RFK Jr.
WLKY Louisville: The governor accuses Kennedy of putting American lives at risk by spreading misinformation about vaccines. Beshear pointed to the resurgence of measles, saying Kentucky has had more cases this year than in the past 35 years combined.
MILWAUKEE
2 new Wisconsin Democrats will join the House next year, replacing Republicans
Wisconsin Public Radio: Two new freshman Democratic lawmakers will be representing Wisconsin next year, after a wave of victories for their party this midterm election. Across America, Democrats unseated Republican incumbents in a string of victories. Wisconsin saw several Republicans rebuffed as well.
MORGANTOWN
Gov. Morrisey announces multibillion-dollar investment in West Virginia power plants
West Virginia Watch: Appalachian Power, which serves most of the state south of Sutton and parts of the Northern Panhandle, will invest $17 billion into new natural gas generation, generating 3.3 gigawatts — enough to power 2.4 million homes for a year.
NASHVILLE
“We hear you:” Tennessee Senate Republicans reckon with blue wave in leadership elections
Nashville Public Radio: Every county in Tennessee shifted further left during last week’s election. That fact loomed large in Tennessee Senate elections, as Republicans wrestled with the results of the midterms.
Philadelphia teachers union releases plan to save 17 schools
Philadelphia Public Radio: The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers is calling on Mayor Cherelle Parker to intervene to stop the closures and begin overdue maintenance.
PITTSBURGH
More than 10,000 Pittsburgh red light camera warnings issued in first 60 days of enforcement
KDKA Pittsburgh: More than 10,000 warnings were issued during the first 60 days of enforcement of red light cameras at two Pittsburgh intersections. Countless injuries, some deaths and avoidable accidents over the years put Pittsburgh on a path to try and make the city’s streets safer.
Wheeling prepares to kick off the winter season at Winter on the Plaza
WTRF.com: It will feature the lighting of a brand new, 20ft Christmas tree, free ice skating, festive entertainment, family activities, and it all caps off with the arrival of the big man himself, Santa Claus.
YOUNGSTOWN
It’s the most wonderful time at Youngstown’s Arms Family Museum
WKBN 27 Youngstown: The Arms Family Museum in Youngstown is kicking off its epic “Memories of Christmas Past” display on Nov. 14. Operating as a museum since 1964, it carries a rich local history steeped in tradition.
