The Issues
Recent Articles
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.
Singapore U.P. Land Purchases, Michigan Population Growth from Immigrants, Government Officials Being Threatened
Singapore U.P. Land Purchases, Michigan Population Growth from Immigrants, and Government Officials Being Threatened. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.
NMU Search Process Adds to President Search, K-12 Funding Advocacy Group Formed, New Marquette Campground, and Mackinac Island Ferry Prices Increase
NMU Search Process Adds to President Search, K-12 Funding Advocacy Group Formed, New Marquette Campground, and Mackinac Island Ferry Prices Increase. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.
Bridging Divides: The Ford School’s Resilient Democracies Initiative Encourages Conversations Across Differences
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.
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.
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.
