Features
An Auto Plant Becomes a State Park
“Green space is an equity issue... Part of environmental justice is making sure that everyone has access to the outdoors. It's important for physical health, it's important for mental health, and it's not a luxury—it's a human right.”
East Chicago’s Fiestas Patrias
Nearly a century of celebration for Indiana's growing Mexican community.
My Aunt, the Ghost of Kirtland Ohio
Some twenty-five miles east of Cleveland, ghost hunters in the small, leafy town along Lake Erie tell stories about the “Veiled Lady of Kirtland.”
Water Skiing in Sconnie
From pyramids to barefooting, water ski clubs have been a Wisconsin family tradition for sixty years.
Black Liberation and Nature in Detroit
“I just want my people out here”: A growing number of initiatives in Detroit are working to redefine outdoor activities as acts of liberation.
Detasseling Corn – Less Fun Than it Sounds
Detasseling is a "Rite of Passage" Promising "Fun, Freedom & Money"
Fire and Brimstone in Southeast Chicago
Low-quality air has things in it that will get inside you and kill you slowly.
The Gritty, DIY World of Lawn Mower Racing
The niche, grassroots sport has a global presence, but it was born in the Rust Belt.
Chicago Was Almost a Country Town
In the 1970s, Chicago's Uptown neighborhood was a hotbed for people looking for something better—and their music.
How Some Communities are Monitoring Their Own Air Quality
In Ohio, local advocacy groups are using low-cost sensors to gather information.
Get the latest stories from around the region sent straight to your inbox.
Get the latest stories from around the region sent straight to your inbox.
Support independent, context-driven regional writing.