Community
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.
Read MoreBridge 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.
Read MoreFewer 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.
Read MoreA strong foundation of local democracy in the U.P.
Local democracy often gets overshadowed by national politics, but the health of our communities starts closer to home. New research looking at Upper Peninsula local officials shows how leaders here view the strength of democracy at the federal, state, and local levels. The results offer an interesting snapshot of how democracy is functioning across the U.P.
Read MoreBalancing Tradition and Technology
In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, small-town policing is finding a balance between tradition and technology. From body cameras to drones, U.P. law enforcement agencies have rapidly adopted new tools over the past decade–boosting safety and accountability while navigating questions about privacy, cost, and community trust. Tristin Smith explores how these innovations are reshaping rural policing and what it means for the close-knit communities that define the U.P.
Read MoreLetter to the Editor: Reflections on a Fading American Dream
One reader reflects on a lifetime of hope, progress, and now disillusionment as he answers the question: “Is the American Dream still alive?”
Read MoreTo Mow or Not to Mow? Marquette’s Changing Lawn Landscape
America’s obsession with manicured lawns—once a status symbol of wealth and order—faces growing backlash over water waste, chemicals, and loss of biodiversity. From “No Mow May” to native plant rebellions, cities like Marquette are seeing a quiet shift toward pollinator-friendly, sustainable yards despite ordinances and HOA rules.
Read MoreEviction in the U.P. Deserves a Closer Look
Mia Brodeur, a research assistant at the University of Michigan’s Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy (CLOSUP), writes about eviction rates in the Upper Peninsula based on the available data, and notes the importance of more and better data that will better serve the UP on this issue.
Read MoreBeyond the Bubble: Perceptions of Drug Crime in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Tristin Smith, research assistant at the University of Michigan’s Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy (CLOSUP), explores the prevalence of drug crime in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, highlighting how isolation contributes to the issue and calling for greater awareness, local action, and support for at-risk communities.
Read MoreOscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center Expands Veteran Care with New Specialists and Improved Access
The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center is expanding access to healthcare for Veterans by hiring new specialists, including its first gynecologist and gastroenterologist, and implementing gap and surrogate providers to reduce wait times.
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