The Issues
Recent Articles
Letter to the Editor: Reflections on a Fading American Dream
One reader reflects on a lifetime of hope, progress, and now disillusionment as he answers the question: “Is the American Dream still alive?”
UP Hospital Closes Birthing Unit, Higher Ed Degree Attainment, NMU and MTU Have Fall Enrollment Increases, The American Dream, Turning Point Vigil, and a Letter from the Editor
UP Hospital Closes Birthing Unit, Higher Ed Degree Attainment, NMU and MTU Have Fall Enrollment Increases, The American Dream, Turning Point Vigil, and a Letter from the Editor. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.
To Mow or Not to Mow? Marquette’s Changing Lawn Landscape
America’s obsession with manicured lawns—once a status symbol of wealth and order—faces growing backlash over water waste, chemicals, and loss of biodiversity. From “No Mow May” to native plant rebellions, cities like Marquette are seeing a quiet shift toward pollinator-friendly, sustainable yards despite ordinances and HOA rules.
Veterans Day of Caring and Services, Busy Labor Day Around the UP, Copper Mine Status, and Third Grade Reading Scores Down Across State
Veterans Day of Caring and Services, Busy Labor Day Around the UP, Copper Mine Status, and Third Grade Reading Scores Down Across State. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.
Canadian Tourists, Boycotts and the Eastern U.P.: An Update on Summer 2025
Canadian tourism to the Eastern U.P. has dropped sharply in 2025 due to tariffs, political tensions, and travel boycotts. Border crossings and tourism-related searches are both down, with Sault Ste. Marie and Chippewa County seeing the biggest impact. Mackinac Island, however, continues to thrive thanks to strong domestic tourism.
The Big Beautiful Act, Medicaid and the Upper Peninsula
The new “Big Beautiful Act” slashes $1 trillion from Medicaid and CHIP, cutting at least 10.5 million people from coverage. For the U.P., this means fewer insured residents, struggling hospitals, job losses, and longer drives for care.
Blues on the Bay, Housing for Teachers, Federal Cuts to Radio and TV, Possible Hole in Michigan Budget, and Stats from Beyond the UP
Blues on the Bay, Housing for Teachers, Federal Cuts to Radio and TV, Possible Hole in Michigan Budget, and Stats from Beyond the UP. Read this week’s Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.
Charging Into the Future: Can EVs Thrive in the UP?
Electric vehicles remain a rare sight in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula due to limited charging infrastructure, cold climate challenges, high vehicle costs, and slow-moving local policy. But with the right investments and political will, EV adoption in the UP could unlock new economic and environmental opportunities for the region.
Calling All Veterans, Public TV and Radio Cuts Felt in UP, School Libraries Facing Loss of Librarians, and Child Care Crisis
Calling All Veterans, Public TV and Radio Cuts Felt in UP, School Libraries Facing Loss of Librarians, and Child Care Crisis. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.
President Trump, Canada and the Upper Peninsula
Canadian travel to the U.S. is down sharply in 2025, and border towns like Sault Ste Marie are feeling the impact. Michael Broadway and Joslin Brown’s latest article explores how Trump-era policies are straining one of North America’s closest relationships.
