The Issues
Recent Articles
Primary Day in Michigan, Supreme Court Rules on Line 5, Former UP Congressman and Resident Dies, and Convening the Governor’s Cabinet in the UP
Primary Day in Michigan, Supreme Court Rules on Line 5, Former UP Congressman and Resident Dies, and Convening the Governor’s Cabinet in the UP. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.
Bridge Over Troubled Waters: Walking the International Bridge Between Sault Ste Marie Michigan and Ontario
Michael Broadway reflects on walking the International Bridge between Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Ontario during a period of heightened U.S.–Canada tensions. His article explores the bridge’s enduring importance as a symbol of cross-border friendship, trade, and the close ties between the twin Saults.
Appointed University Boards Vs. Elected Boards, The Mingle Project, Reading Books, Reading Books, a DNR for the UP Only, & Major Health Reform
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NMU Professor Publishes New Book, 2026 Ballot Proposals, Food Insecurity Programs in the UP, and Michigan: A Poor State?
NMU Professor Publishes New Book, 2026 Ballot Proposals, Food Insecurity Programs in the UP, and Michigan: A Poor State? Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.
Fewer Hands, More Pressure: Local Government Challenges in the U.P.
Communities in the U.P. rely on residents stepping up, but new survey data shows local governments are struggling to find people willing to run for office or serve on boards. In small towns, participation isn’t optional–it’s what keeps communities running.
