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.

More 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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

rural-insights-logo-white-large

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.

The Issues

More From Our Articles

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.

Read More

Knife Fight in a Phone Booth, Food Waste Research Project, Status of Former Marquette Hospital Site Development, and the High Cost of Higher Education

Knife Fight in a Phone Booth, Food Waste Research Project, Status of Former Marquette Hospital Site Development, and the High Cost of Higher Education. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.

Read More

Going to war, it happened before

War rarely begins with a single event. Barry Kaye’s latest article examines how the Gulf of Tonkin incident helped draw the United States into Vietnam, the role of political decision-making, and the lessons history still offers today. A thought-provoking look at how nations drift into conflict—and why understanding the past matters.

Read More

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…

Read More

Earned Income Tax Credit: Max Steele’s Analysis

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

Read More

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

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

Read More

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

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

Read More

Survey Shows Diversity of NMU’s Student Veterans

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

Read More