The Issues
Recent Articles
Expansion of Telemedicine in Rural America
“The increased use of telemedicine and telehealth has been a breakthrough for rural health,” says Dennis Smith in his analysis of how telemedicine has expanded in America and the role this technology has played in rural communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Neighbor, How Stands the UP?
Paraphrasing Stephen Vincent Benét, William Vajda asks the question, “Neighbor, How Stands the UP?” and offers a heartening response to that question amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Whispers, Noise & Rumors: June 22, 2020
Budget bills progress, Veteran involvement, Marquette beaches, and a Whispers correction. Read more in this week’s Whispers, Noise & Rumors.
Changing demographics and employment structure bring long-term challenges to the Upper Peninsula
NMU Professor of Geography and former Dean of Arts & Sciences weights in on the long-term challenges he believes the Upper Peninsula will face as a result of changes in demographics, employment structure, and economic diversification.
CRC article warns of challenges in borrowing to stabilize the state budget
In a recent article, the Citizens Research Council of Michigan provided important information and research on the risks and challenges involved with borrowing to stabilize Michigan’s state budget.
Whispers, Noise & Rumors: June 15, 2020
State revenue woes continue, more on revenue options, state prison population during COVID, and a Marquette rumor from whisperers. Read more in this week’s Whispers, Noise & Rumors.
COVID-19 and its impact on rural independent healthcare
David Aro, General Manager and Partner at Superior Rehabilitation & Professional Services, gives his perspective on COVID-19’s impact on rural independent healthcare. “Our population base and infrastructure make virtually every aspect–prevention supplies, detection, treatment supplies, and alternative treatment options–more difficult.”
NMU professor shares expertise on COVID-19 stimulus and unemployment
Northern Michigan University Economics Professor Gary McDonnell was featured on the website WalletHub.com as an expert panelist for an article analyzing states affected most by unemployment claims.
Whispers, Noise & Rumors: June 8, 2020
Students returning to UP campuses, Soo Locks expansion, Copper Country wifi hotspots, and airport service in the UP. Read more in this week’s Whispers, Noise & Rumors.
Rural students face unique technological challenges amid COVID-19 pandemic
Educational challenges affect students in rural areas differently than in urban and suburban areas. Without sufficient access to technology like computers and high-speed internet, rural students are not going to have the same educational opportunities simply because of where their family calls home.
