The Issues
Recent Articles
UP Challenges for the Governor’s Office of Rural Development
The Upper Peninsula faces many challenges as a rural region that Governor Whitmer’s Office of Rural Development seeks to address–namely broadband access, infrastructure, and recruiting and retaining talent.
Raising Awareness of Local Industry Needs Through Talent Initiatives
Talent is needed everywhere these days, and the Dickinson County area is experiencing a tight labor market like many communities, according to Lois Ellis, Director of Economic Development for the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance. Read about the current programs they are offering to help raise awareness of the most in-demand careers.
Webinar on Federal COVID-19 Funding for U.P. Schools, Michigan Learning Channel, Lansing Updates, and COVID-19 Vaccinations in Rural Areas
Joint Rural Insights and CRC-Sponsored Webinar on May 26th, Michigan Learning Channel and the Upper Peninsula, Lansing Updates, COVID-19 Vaccinations and Rural Areas, & Appearing This Week on Rural Insights Website. Read this week’s edition of Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes!
New Research Publication Analyzes GDP in the Upper Peninsula
NMU student researcher Max Steele gives a detailed quantitative analysis of the Upper Peninsula’s GDP using data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, in his latest research paper published on Rural Insights.
New Podcast Interview, U.P. Impacts from State Budget, New Marquette City Manager, U.P. Internet Advances, and U.P. University Vaccination Decisions
New Podcast Interview, U.P. Impacts from State Budget, New Marquette City Manager, U.P. Internet Advances, and Michigan and U.P. University Vaccination Decisions to Be Made. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise and Rumors by David Haynes.
New Research Publication on Dark Store Theory in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
NMU student researcher Isabelle Karl gives an in-depth look at the losses in revenue and increased costs for local governments in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula due to tax breaks given to big box stores under the “dark store” loophole. She also discusses current legislative efforts to change how big box stores in Michigan are taxed in order to bring more revenue to local communities.
Trust the Compass
“The compass was always there, steady and true. I looked at it often and knew my headings to each location by heart. I never doubted the compass when I could see clearly–but when the fog rolled in, so did my doubts and fear.” Read more from Marquette native and current Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA Police Chief Paul Tomasi in this edition of Rural Voices.
Belated Happy Mother’s Day, a UP Trivia Question, UP Counties Among Top Vaccinated in State, New Health Care Developments, and This Month’s Lansing Legislation
Belated Happy Mother’s Day, a UP trivia question, UP counties among top vaccinated in state, new health care developments, and Lansing legislation you might have missed. Read the latest edition of Rural Whispers, Noise and Rumors by David Haynes.
Rural Voices: Jon G. LaSalle
“I was raised on our family’s homestead near Fayette Historic State Park on the Garden Peninsula. I attended school in a two-room schoolhouse in Fairbanks Township called “Mud Lake School” that had K-4 in one room and 5th-8th grades in the second room.” Read Jon G. LaSalle’s fascinating account of growing up in the Upper Peninsula in his Rural Voices piece.
Veteran Food Assistance, Health Care in the U.P., More on University Trustee Oversight, and a New Guest Podcast
Veteran food assistance, health care in the U.P., more on university trustee oversight, and a new guest podcast. Check out this week’s edition of Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.