Support independent writing by and for the Rust Belt. Become a member today. »
FEATURE
From Pretoria to Peoria
There’s a neologism that I’d propose for the often-radical international activism that comes from non-coastal college towns that are too often easily ignored – midwestern cosmopolitanism.
From Pretoria to Peoria
There’s a neologism that I’d propose for the often-radical international activism that comes from non-coastal college towns that are too often easily ignored – midwestern cosmopolitanism.
EXCERPT
On the Post-Gazette Picket Line
Of course, the irony here is that 30 years ago, the Post-Gazette found itself in the midst of a similar strike. And it’s the only reason the Post-Gazette is still around today.
On the Post-Gazette Picket Line
Of course, the irony here is that 30 years ago, the Post-Gazette found itself in the midst of a similar strike. And it’s the only reason the Post-Gazette is still around today.
Independent, context-driven regional writing. Support Belt Magazine today. »
More Stories
Not Without Its Sweetness
A poem by Andrew Taylor-Troutman.
They Shrink From Hard Work
I don’t have enough memories to draw on to fit the form, and I can’t fake it without moving into the realm of fiction, without lying to myself, no matter how nice a story it would make, no matter how very rural or Appalachian these stories could present me.
Kindness is Its Own Memory
On terrible pantyhose, bad sports writing, and the eternal kindness of the late great Franco Harris.
Belt’s Top Stories of 2022
By Ed Simon This year, Belt Magazine has ranged over quite a lot of topics [...]
The Nature of Chicago Music
Music and nature are two core places where people report to experiencing and channeling the divine.
Wind Resistance
Wind turbines are being built in ocean waters off the east and west coasts. But why don’t we see any in the Great Lakes?
The Dumbest Man in Pro-Sports
By Vince Guerrieri On Jan. 20, 1983, Ted Stepien was having a busy day. Less [...]
Midwestern Ghosts of Christmas Past
That was the street-level windows of the big department stores back in the glory days of Christmas shopping before Walmart and Amazon teamed to suck the last dime from us while, at the same time, squeezing the last drop of joy from the season.
Wild and Wonderful Folklore of West Virginia
"Folklore is living and breathing, always evolving, and part of contemporary life—the twist you add to an heirloom recipe, a lullaby sung to a child at bedtime, the in-jokes that emerge among families, the vocabulary unique to a particular occupation, the beloved foodways of a certain place, the meme altered and shared among friends."
The Relics of Morton Grove, Illinois
All Saints Parish has a special status within the Catholic church because of the massive collection of relics that adorn its walls, vestibules, and nooks.
Adrian Dantley (AD) Circa 1890s
A poem by Cal Freeman.
Get the latest stories from around the region sent straight to your inbox.
From the Archives
Rust Belt Pride
A queer Rust Belt reading list.
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.
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.