Our POLITICS + POLICY category provides users with an extensive list of articles dealing with past, present, and future issues relating to politics and policy throughout the UP.

Recently Published

For What It’s Worth

In our latest UP Scholars article, Katelyn Jasmin writes about how partisan politics and polarization are hurting relationships within U.P. communities, but that simple actions like fostering open dialogue and questioning extremist politicians can help to rebuild trust.

Read More

Rethinking ‘Affordable’: The Case for ‘Attainable’ Housing in Marquette

MSHS senior Roenak Ghiardi writes that we need to shift our focus from “affordable” to “attainable” housing, a concept that better reflects the economic realities and needs of our community. Ghiardi is also Co-Founder and Editor of the newspaper “MSHS In Print.”

Read More

The Upper Peninsula’s Tension between Infrastructure Spending and Infrastructure Needs

In her latest article, UofM Research Assistant Mia Brodeur looks at the growing infrastructure needs and spending in the Upper Peninsula, highlighting challenges in meeting demands despite federal funding, including ARPA allocations, and successful local projects in UP counties like Marquette, Menominee, and Houghton.

Read More

Budget Proposals Backtrack on State’s Recent Commitment to “At-risk” Students

In an opinion piece for Bridge Michigan, Craig Thiel examines Michigan’s proposed changes to the K-12 education budget, which could allow school districts to divert “at-risk” student funding for general expenses, potentially undermining support for low-income students with unique educational needs.

Read More

Proceed With Caution

In her latest “CLOSUP on the UP” article, Katelyn Jasmin discusses the unchanged perceptions of climate change seriousness among Michigan local officials despite increasing climate disasters, emphasizing the need for urgent action and preparation.

Read More