The Issues
Recent Articles
Still Believing in America, Still Asking Questions
In the third essay of our American series, Bill Vajda compares the faith he placed in America’s promises as a young man with what he sees today, urging voters to weigh their sources, see past propaganda and glittering generalities, and do the work, while affirming his faith in the American way of life.
What Does It Mean to Be an American Series, Election Day Less Than a Month Away, Vaccination Waivers, School Absenteeism, UP University Enrollments, and Congress Term Limits
What Does It Mean to Be an American, Election Day Less Than a Month Away, Vaccination Waivers, School Absenteeism, UP University Enrollments, and Congress Term Limits. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.
The Weight of Citizenship
In the second essay of our American series, Karen Ogle weighs the legal and moral duties of U.S. citizenship, drawing on her years representing the country abroad and arguing that voting and civic participation are obligations every American carries.
What It Means to Me to Be an American
Naval Academy graduate and retired Seabee Hugh Marcy reflects on family service, participatory democracy, and what active citizenship asks of Americans.
The Changing Church Landscape of the Upper Peninsula
Gallup reports and U.S. Religion Census data show declining religious affiliation across Upper Peninsula counties. Michael Broadway traces denomination patterns, shrinking congregations, and what happens to vacant church buildings.
9/11 Twenty-Five Years Later, Social Security Funding, and Fall University Enrollment for 2026
9/11 Twenty-Five Years Later, Social Security Funding, and Fall University Enrollment for 2026
Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.
Michigan Future Inc: Michiganders want schools to prepare critical thinkers and lifelong learners
Michigan Future Inc.’s Lou Glazer writes that strong majorities of Michigan voters, across partisan, demographic and geographic divides, want schools to develop students as critical thinkers and lifelong learners.
School Enrollments Decline, Ballot Proposal Fails to Qualify, Veterans Running in Record Numbers, and UP Residents Appointed to State Boards
School Enrollments Decline, Ballot Proposal Fails to Qualify, Veterans Running in Record Numbers, and UP Residents Appointed to State Boards. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.
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.
