Recent Articles

A Tradition in Hancock, Good News at NMU and MTU, Tourist Tax Gets Lots of Response, and From the World Around Us

A Tradition in Hancock, Good News at NMU and MTU, Tourist Tax Gets Lots of Response, and From the World Around Us. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.

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

The Upper Peninsula’s Tourist Economy

In his latest research piece, Michael Broadway examines trends in tourism in the Upper Peninsula and its effects on our economy.

Read More

Welcome New LSSU President, Disturbing News from Rural K-12 Schools, Important State Supreme Court Seats, Tourist Tax, and Big Box Store Loophole

Welcome New LSSU President, Disturbing News from Rural K-12 Schools, Important State Supreme Court Seats, Tourist Tax, and Big Box Store Loophole. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.

Read More

US Veteran Program Announced, Onto the General Election, Michigan Minimum Wage Increase, Students Returning to School, and Comments From Our Readers

US Veteran Program Announced, Onto the General Election, Michigan Minimum Wage Increase, Students Returning to School, and Comments From Our Readers. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.

Read More

The UP’s Farming Revival Reconsidered

Michael Broadway provides an update of the Upper Peninsula’s farm economy using the latest Agricultural Census data from 2022, beginning with an overview of the environmental and economic factors affecting farming in the region.

Read More

UP Boat Building, Michigan Municipal Execs Meet, Update on Dark Store Issue, Tourist Tax, & Free Community College Tuition

UP Boat Building, Michigan Municipal Execs Meet, Update on Dark Store Issue, Tourist Tax, & Free Community College Tuition. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.

Read More

The Challenge of Job Creation in the Upper Peninsula

In his latest article, Michael Broadway analyzes job growth among Michigan’s counties between 2006 and 2023, and compares the Upper Peninsula’s job creation performance with other areas in the state.

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

Chippewa County Gets Massive New Industrial Park, Ironwood CEO Wins Award, From the World Around Us, and Survey Questions for our Readers

Chippewa County Gets Massive New Industrial Park, Ironwood CEO Wins Award, From the World Around Us, and Survey Questions for Our Readers. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.

Read More