Support independent writing by and for the Rust Belt. Become a member today. »
PERSONAL HISTORY
Producing Meaningful Asian American Stories in Minneapolis
The Minneapolis theatres exploring Asian American life in the Midwest, one scene at a time.
Producing Meaningful Asian American Stories in Minneapolis
The Minneapolis theatres exploring Asian American life in the Midwest, one scene at a time.
Featured
ENVIRONMENT
Chicago Public Schools Students on Why They Walked Out
In January, students protested in support of COVID safety and student representation.
HOUSING
You Are Now Entering Grief Country
"When Kathy heard that Nana was ready to die, she called us."
POLITICS
What Roe v. Wade’s Dismantling Means for Environmental Justice
In Detroit, abortion access meets pollution and climate vulnerability.
COMMENTARY
What Would a Proposed Development Mean for Chicago’s Southeast Side?
A developer promises green jobs, but residents are skeptical.
What Would a Proposed Development Mean for Chicago’s Southeast Side?
A developer promises green jobs, but residents are skeptical.
Independent, context-driven regional writing. Support Belt Magazine today. »
More Stories
The Death and Life of the Great Black Swamp
Draining Ohio’s Great Black Swamp was a feat of human effort and engineering. Restoring it will be even harder.
The Rise of Pennsylvania’s Everyday Left
Candidates like John Fetterman and Summer Lee are charting a more progressive future for Democrats.
In the ‘Rubber Capital of the World,’ Health Consequences Linger
In Akron, Ohio, toxic exposures to benzene and asbestos made people sick and cut lives short.
One Woman’s Quest to Defy the Odds of Addiction
Jenny Justice’s daughter died of a drug overdose in 2020. The Illinois mother wants to help others avoid the same fate.
Painting a Future for North Braddock
An upcoming art show asks of Braddock, Pennsylvania, 'Where do we think this is going?'
The End of Green Bay’s Oldest Operating Paper Mill–and Its Union
Georgia-Pacific, a national papermaking giant, plans to close Green Bay’s oldest union paper mill amid a labor revitalization.
The History and Future of Rust Belt Labor Power
A conversation with Kim Kelly, author of 'Fight Like Hell.'
City of Cod
In Pittsburgh, Lenten fish fries remain a proudly local, idiosyncratic, and fraternal tradition.
“We’ve Got to Get Gaming Out of Our Blood”
Tribes contemplate the future beyond casinos.
A New Fertilizer Mine has Michigan Residents Worried
The largest potash mine in the country is coming to Central Michigan. But at what cost?
My American Windows
"I didn’t know it then, but I needed those windows...that wall of blue between my heart and the world."
Get the latest stories from around the region sent straight to your inbox.
From the Archives
The Rubber Industry’s Toxic Legacy in Akron
The stories of workers and their families reveal "unintended consequences" for life and health in the community.
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.
Recipe: Snowballs For Your Cookie Table
Feeding the holiday spirit.
Recipe: Whiskey Cider from Detroit
Make it like the professionals at Detroit Farm and Cider.
Get the latest stories from around the region sent straight to your inbox.
Support independent, context-driven regional writing.