The national gas price average hit a record high in June, exceeding $5 a gallon for the first time in American history. Of course, this comes as no surprise to anyone with a fuel-reliant vehicle — costs at the pump have been scrolling to $100 a tank for most consumers.
American manufacturing production jobs are more concentrated in the Midwest than in any other region. Well into the 21st century, manufacturing remains a fundamental part of the region’s identity, and is still central to ideas of economic prosperity.
Cities like Cleveland, Cincinnati and Detroit are shaking off the Rust Belt moniker — or, in some cases, embracing it in a new era. But in some Midwestern, mid-sized cities, recovery is lagging as the memory of high quality manufacturing jobs remains wishful reminiscing.
