The Issues
Recent Articles
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.
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.
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.
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.
Congrats to Graduates, Governor Appoints First Yooper to Appeals Court, the UP and Canada, Opinion in Rural Insights, and Stats Around Michigan
Congrats to Graduates, Governor Appoints First Yooper to Appeals Court, the UP and Canada, Opinion in Rural Insights, and Stats Around Michigan. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.
Exploring Lake Superior’s Lost History: The Forgotten Expedition of Melanchthon L. Woolsey
Melanchthon L. Woolsey’s little-known letters vividly document Henry Schoolcraft’s 1831 Lake Superior expedition, offering rare glimpses into early exploration, landscapes, and reflections on his brief but remarkable journey.
Presidential Age Limits Survey Results, UP Planned Parenthood Closing, Line 5 Negotiations, Canadians Visiting Us, and a Gas Tax Increase in Our Future?
Presidential Age Limits Survey Results, UP Planned Parenthood Closing, Line 5 Negotiations, Canadians Visiting Us, and a Gas Tax Increase in Our Future? Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.
Births, Deaths and Migrants: The U.P.’s Changing Population 2020-2024
Rural Insights contributor Michael Broadway examines newly available data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and IRS Migration data to provide an update on population changes in the UP between 2020-2024.
