Recent Articles

Exploring the Latest Census Bureau Estimates of UP Population Change from 2020 to 2022

The latest article by Michael and John Broadway explores the complex demographic changes happening in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and looks at the effects of population decline and growth on the region’s economy and environment.

Read More

988 Suicide Prevention Help Line, SAIL and UP Vets Program to Host Annual Campout, UP Voices on Governor’s Population Growth Commission, and Max Age Limit for Elected Officials?

988 Suicide Prevention Help Line, SAIL and UP Vets Program to Host Annual Campout, UP Voices on Governor’s Population Growth Commission, and Max Age Limit for Elected Officials? Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.

Read More

John D. Voelker, Food, and Drink

John Voelker–aka Robert Traver–was the best-known author of the twentieth-century Upper Peninsula, with Anatomy of a Murder being his best-known work. In this article, Dr. Russell Magnaghi delves into how John Voelker presented food and drink in his works and concludes with a look at Voelker’s legendary food habits.

Read More

New Organization Aims to Build Thriving Talent and Leadership in the UP

The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance (DAEDA) recently launched a new personal development and networking organization called LINK U.P. that aims to help build talent and leadership in the Upper Peninsula.

Read More

UP Store Salutes Those Who Serve, Michigan Graduated Income Tax, UP Population Losses, Governor Appoints New Commission, & The World Around Us

UP Store Salutes Those Who Serve, Michigan Graduated Income Tax, UP Population Losses, Governor Appoints New Commission, & The World Around Us. Read this week’s edition of Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.

Read More

Student Research: Assessing Socioeconomic Trends and Disparities in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

We have a new research paper to share, this time from NMU economics major and Rural Insights student researcher Jonah Sebranek along with David Haynes, assessing the counties in the UP along a number of socioeconomic factors.

Read More

Rural Michigan Veteran Honored, Keweenaw Says No to Zoom, Veterans Home Relocation, Minimum Wage, From the World Around Us, & Happy Fourth

Rural Michigan Veteran Honored, Keweenaw Says No to Zoom, Veterans Home Relocation, Minimum Wage, From the World Around Us, & Happy Fourth. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.

Read More

Urban Gardens in Poland – How a Polish Tradition Could Inform American City Planning

Dr. Weronika Kusek explores the rich history and emerging trends of urban gardens in Poland and how these sustainable and community-focused practices could influence American city planning. This piece dives into how urban gardens offer solutions to urbanization, food deserts, and mental health challenges, while fostering a deep connection to nature and our food sources. Could these age-old traditions be a solution for a sustainable future?

Read More

A Conversation with Representative David Prestin on Rural Issues, Veterans, Childcare, and Healthcare in the U.P.

In the latest episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, David Haynes and Rural Insights Student Researcher Brenna Musser talk to Representative David Prestin from the 108th House District. They discuss the top issues affecting the district, including the need for more opportunities, housing, and jobs to improve the quality of life in the Upper Peninsula.

Read More

The Challenge of New Home Construction in Marquette County

In their latest article, Michael and John Broadway examine the housing crisis in the US with a focus on Marquette County, discussing the causes of reduced housing supply, rising costs, and new local developments–set against the backdrop of data from the Federal Reserve.

Read More