The Issues
Recent Articles
Affordable Housing in Marquette
Bill Vajda gives his thoughts on affordable housing in the City of Marquette, and in particular the impact of current rates on renters and the service economy.
Christmas Comes to the Upper Peninsula
The observance of Christmas in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a remarkable 361-year chronicle of transformation. Read Dr. Russell Magnaghi’s history of Christmas in the UP and the holiday traditions various immigrant groups practiced, which have all influenced how people celebrate Christmas in the UP today.
Taking a Holiday Break, Looking Into 2022 in Michigan, and Child Care Tax Credit Lapses
Taking a Holiday Break, Looking Into 2022 in Michigan, and Child Care Tax Credit Lapses. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.
Main Streets Across the Upper Peninsula: An Assessment
How do four different Upper Peninsula main streets compare as markers of economic vitality? We take a look at the main streets of Marquette, Houghton, Sault Ste. Marie, and Ironwood and see how they size up against each other.
The UP at a Crossroads: Beyond the 2020 Census Results
Earlier this year, the US Census Bureau announced its 2020 Census results, showing worrisome population decline throughout the Upper Peninsula. We take a look at what this means for the counties in the UP and what will be needed in order to reverse this trend.
Child Care Concerns Continue, Michigan Minimum Wage Increase, DCHS Closer to Deal, and Democracy Failing?
Child Care Concerns Continue, Michigan Minimum Wage Increase, DCHS Closer to Deal, and Democracy Failing? Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.
U.P. Brothers Shoot Major Motion Picture Celebrating Yooper Culture and Values
Anders and Davin Lindwall, brothers from Iron County, are taking a decidedly different approach to the portrayal of small-town life and values in their new film called God Loves the Green Bay Packers that just finished shooting in earlier this month.
A Conversation With Dr. Charles Ballard, Professor of Economics at Michigan State University
In the latest episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, David Haynes sits down with Dr. Charles Ballard, Professor of Economics at Michigan State University. They discuss Michigan’s economy and budget, wealth inequality and Michigan’s shrinking middle class, childcare tax, and more.
Newberry Native Was Named One of 100 Most Influential People in the World
Newberry native named one of 100 most influential people in the world. His name is Ian Fishback and the year was 2005, and the honor was bestowed by Time Magazine. Read this week’s edition of Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.
The Beechwood Murders: A Tragedy in the Pioneer Days of Iron County, MI
This year marks the 120th anniversary of a spree of murders that took place in the pioneer community of Beechwood located in Iron County, Michigan. There were five lives taken in the span of five minutes on Saturday, October the 26th of 1901.
