Primary Day in Michigan, Supreme Court Rules on Line 5, Former UP Congressman and Resident Dies, and Convening the Governor’s Cabinet in the UP. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.

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Bridge Over Troubled Waters: Walking the International Bridge Between Sault Ste Marie Michigan and Ontario

Michael Broadway reflects on walking the International Bridge between Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Ontario during a period of heightened U.S.–Canada tensions. His article explores the bridge’s enduring importance as a symbol of cross-border friendship, trade, and the close ties between the twin Saults.

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Appointed University Boards Vs. Elected Boards, The Mingle Project, Reading Books, Reading Books, a DNR for the UP Only, & Major Health Reform

Appointed University Boards Vs. Elected Boards, The Mingle Project, Reading Books, Reading Books, a DNR for the UP Only, & Major Health Reform. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise, & Rumors by David Haynes.

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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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More From Our Articles

Latest Census Bureau Population Estimates for the U.P.

The latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates show that the Upper Peninsula’s population has remained relatively stable overall—but the story varies widely by county. While places like Marquette and Houghton continue to attract new residents through migration, many other counties face long-term population decline, an aging population, workforce shortages, and rising housing costs. Our newest article explores what these trends mean for the future of the U.P.

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U.P. Exceptionalism: The Case of Craft Beer

Michigan’s craft beer industry has grown dramatically over the past decade—even as overall beer consumption declines. Discover how Upper Peninsula breweries are adapting by becoming community hubs, diversifying their offerings, and finding new ways to thrive in a changing market.

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The U.P. Falling Further and Further Behind?: An Comparison of Median Household Income Growth

How has the U.P. fared economically compared to neighboring Wisconsin counties over the past 35 years? This new analysis by Michael Broadway examines changes in median household income, population trends, manufacturing job losses, and what they may mean for the region’s future.

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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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