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ENVIRONMENT
“A City Upon a Hill”
In 1993, the Mississippi River destroyed the town of Valmeyer, Illinois. So residents moved it a mile uphill.
“A City Upon a Hill”
In 1993, the Mississippi River destroyed the town of Valmeyer, Illinois. So residents moved it a mile uphill.
Featured Stories
CITIES
Uncovering Pittsburgh’s Black Muslim History
Pittsburgh was once a Black Muslim refuge. Here's one family's story.
DEPT. OF LABOR
Worker-Owned Cooperatives and the Future of Rust Belt Labor
Amid declining union power and attacks on organized labor, some Rust Belt workers are turning to worker-owned cooperatives.
HISTORY
How the Kent State Shooting Changed American Music
From 'the end of the Sixties' to the 'Akron sound.'
SKETCHBOOK
More Ohio Vaccine Incentives
Yesterday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine unveiled a million-dollar vaccine lottery. Here are some other ideas.
More Ohio Vaccine Incentives
Yesterday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine unveiled a million-dollar vaccine lottery. Here are some other ideas.
Independent, context-driven regional writing. Support Belt Magazine today. »
More Stories
The Most Dangerous People in the Country
In 2018, a West Virginia teacher’s secret Facebook group sparked a "union renaissance” in the tradition of Mother Jones.
Trouble
"The jukebox at Pizza King didn’t bump any songs past / 1978 but we fed it quarters anyway"
From Wasteland to Wildlife Habitat
A former Chicago dumping ground finds new life with restoration efforts.
Solidarity, Trauma, and a Moment of Relief in Minneapolis
Snapshots from the streets of Minnesota, where the fight is far from over.
What the USDA Still Owes Farmers of Color
The American Rescue Plan offers debt relief for farmers of color, but structural factors have kept many from obtaining loans in the first place.
“The King of the Hoboes”
“A-No. 1,” the legendary rambler, spent thirty years riding the rails and thirty more preaching against that lifestyle.
The Great Railroad Strike in Pittsburgh
Excerpted from "An Alternative History of Pittsburgh."
Envisioning a Progressive Future for Lima, Ohio
Lima’s current mayor is retiring after thirty-two years. Sharetta Smith, his current chief of staff, says “it’s time for the next generation to lead.”
Ode to Olcott
Olcott, New York—"The French Riviera of Lake Ontario"—has sunk and rebounded in a way so minor, yet major enough to feel like a triumph.
What Michael Stanley Meant to Cleveland
His story is the story of the rise and fall of rock 'n' roll in Cleveland—and of the city itself.
Documenting Home
Meet the panelists for our March 31 event in partnership with PEN America.
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From the Archives
Armed, Angry Men
Trump, militias, and the long history of voter intimidation and violence in the Midwest.
Racism, Rebellion, and Police Violence in the Midwest
Stories on the long history of racism and police violence in the Midwest—and what to do about it.
Belt News
Centering Community Narratives in the Rust Belt
Watch the full video of our March 31 event "Documenting Home," in partnership with PEN America.
The Best of Belt Magazine 2020
Announcing a new anthology of regional writing, available exclusively to Belt members.
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