Support independent writing by and for the Rust Belt. Become a member today. »
(Cancel anytime.)
Independent, context-driven regional writing. Support Belt Magazine today. »
(Cancel anytime.)
More Stories
The Slumlords We Love
Ken bursts through the front door of the Bel-Aire office wielding a can of wasp spray. The woman who ran in just before Ken is, to understate matters, distressed, and both are screaming at each other.
Friday Link Roundup
When a church is not a church in Pittsburgh; thanks for nothing, South Carolina; whither the smart money in Detroit?; Lorain-born Jason Molina left behind beautiful, heartbreaking music; and a pretty little map of 1903 US immigration.
Rediscovering Russell Atkins
A leading avant-garde poet lives in obscurity in Cleveland.
Katz’s Beauty
Not far from the ersatz splendor of downtown Cleveland with its god-sized chandelier and soulless schmaltz, a man is keeping the past alive.
Lockdown City
NATO held its international meeting in Chicago a couple months before I decided to quit driving a cab in 2012. Mayor Emanuel turned the city into a militarized showplace for the visitors' benefit.
Attracted To Isolation: Cleveland’s Flats
Piles. Piles of limestone, piles of gravel, piles of broken glass. Items haphazardly piled as if to signal that no one cares what happens here.
Meet The Staff of Belt Magazine – Part II
Here's the second installment of our brief introduction to the Belt staff — their views on our publication and the Rust Belt region, as well as details on their lives away from Belt.
Meet The Staff of Belt Magazine – Part I
Here's the first installment of our brief introduction to the Belt staff — their views on our publication and the Rust Belt region, as well as details on their lives away from Belt.
Why We Anthologize: The Story of Belt Publishing
There is no denying that term “Rust Belt” is as much a nickname of endearment as it is a condemnation. In the postindustrial haze, cities like Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati, quickly fell from popular favor ...
Some Words From Our Sponsors?
Today we are kicking off our second annual Members Week, where we take time to thank members for supporting Belt and tell you more about us.
Girl Strikers: Gender and Cleveland’s Garment District Strikes of 1911
Never before and likely never again will Cleveland witness packs of young Jewish and Italian girls roving the streets for strikebreakers and scabs.

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.