At the University of Michigan, leaders like Jenna Bednar are working to revive civil discourse through respectful dialogue—not debate. The Ford School’s Resilient Democracies initiative and speaker series bring together diverse voices to help students learn how to listen, find common ground, and engage across differences.

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Old Marquette Hospital Disappears, Former UP State Rep Going to Trial, International Students in UP and Across Michigan, State Revenue Down, and a Disturbing Number

Old Marquette Hospital Disappears, Former UP State Rep Going to Trial, International Students in UP and Across Michigan, State Revenue Down, and a Disturbing Number. Read this weeks’ Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.

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Not Our First Rodeo: Reflections on Iran, Inflation, and Déjà Vu

Bill Vajda provides a reflection on history repeating itself—from Iran to inflation and political drama—reminding younger generations that today’s headlines aren’t new.

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Rural Voices

Global Service from Upper Peninsula Roots: Talking to Karen Ogle About Her Foreign Service Career

In the latest episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, David Haynes sits down with Karen Ogle, a Marquette native who has carved out a distinguished career in the U.S. State Department’s Foreign Service.

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Diplomatic Paths: From Marquette to the World with Robert Hilton

In the latest episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, David Haynes sits down with Robert Hilton, Foreign Policy Advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Army and a Marquette native with a storied international career.

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We are the primary source for economic and policy research and information in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and beyond, working to ensure that our citizens and policymakers alike have the information they need to make informed decisions.

 

We believe that Truth + Knowledge equals Power, and that the people in rural areas deserve access to these tools just as much as anyone else.

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Happy Belated Mother’s Day, A New Pope and New University Presidents, Nation’s Longest Serving Mayor in the UP, and UP Tourism Spending Increases

Happy Belated Mother’s Day, A New Pope and New University Presidents, Nation’s Longest Serving Mayor in the UP, and UP Tourism Spending Increases. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.

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Outstanding Upper Peninsula Farmers and Promoters of Agriculture

Although often overshadowed by mining, agriculture has quietly shaped Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for over 350 years. Discover the unsung heroes and innovators who made farming flourish, despite challenging soils and harsh climates.

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Touring Cloverland: An Early Auto Adventure Across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

In the summer of 1921, a Grand Rapids couple embarked on an epic 18-day journey through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula by automobile. Discover their adventures exploring pristine roads, untouched forests, and remarkable fishing along the legendary Two Heart River.

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Research

Assessing Socioeconomic Trends and Disparities in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula: A County-by-County Analysis

We occasionally publish research by NMU students, and this article is an…

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Earned Income Tax Credit: Max Steele’s Analysis

Rural areas have several demographic components that lend themselves to having a…

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Recent Population Changes in the U.P. Amidst the Pandemic

The population dynamics of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are well documented. Its population,…

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Boom and Bust: Calumet and Keweenaw National Historical Park 30 Years On

Many communities throughout the Upper Peninsula have developed their sense of place…

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Survey Shows Diversity of NMU’s Student Veterans

Diversity is something that members of America’s armed forces inadvertently come to…

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