The Issues
Recent Articles
Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center Expands Veteran Care with New Specialists and Improved Access
The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center is expanding access to healthcare for Veterans by hiring new specialists, including its first gynecologist and gastroenterologist, and implementing gap and surrogate providers to reduce wait times.
Shrinking Population: Why It Matters
Michael Broadway explores the implications of population decline in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, using Cairo, Illinois as a case study to highlight the economic and social challenges faced by communities with shrinking populations–particularly the impact on local businesses, schools, housing values, and government pensions.
Big Pinwheels in the Sky
According to survey data, a significant majority of UP officials oppose large-scale wind projects within their own jurisdictions. Check out this second article in the “CLOSE UP on the UP” project, a collaboration between CLOSUP, U-M’s UP Scholars Program, and Rural Insights.
Local Government Officials’ Assessments of Community Poverty in the Upper Peninsula
In her recent article, UofM Research Assistant Mia Brodeur explores the issue of poverty in the Upper Peninsula and how local government leaders perceive and address this challenge. This is the first in a series from the “CLOSE UP on the UP” project, a collaboration between the UofM Ford School of Public Policy’s Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy (CLOSUP), UofM’s UP Scholars Program, and Rural Insights.
UP Local Government Survey, Keweenaw National Historic Park Announces Commissioned Artist, UP Hotel Tax, Pretty Quiet on UP Campuses, & From the World Around Us
UP Local Government Survey, Keweenaw National Historic Park Announces Commissioned Artist, UP Hotel Tax, Quiet on UP Campuses, and From the World Around Us. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.
National Lost Sock Day, LSSU Gets New Board Members, Airbnb Tax, Additional Hotel Tax, and UP Voice Needed on Michigan Supreme Court
National Lost Sock Day, LSSU Gets New Board Members, Airbnb Tax, Additional Hotel Tax, and UP Voice Needed on Michigan Supreme Court. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.
2020-2023 Census Population Estimates: A Mixed Bag for UP Counties
In their latest research piece, Michael and John Broadway explore the mixed demographic trends in the Upper Peninsula. While some counties see modest population growth due to remote work and migration, economic challenges remain deep-rooted in distressed communities.
Former UP Legislator Indicted, Transparency and Sunshine for Michigan Public Officials, and From the World Around Us
Former UP Legislator Indicted, Transparency and Sunshine for Michigan Public Officials, and From the World Around Us. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.
Farming? Yes!
Dr. Russell Magnaghi’s latest article explores the rich history of farming in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, highlighting its significance from Native American agriculture to modern-day farming practices, and celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Michigan State University Research and Extension Center at Chatham.
US President Trivia, News for Finns and Friends, Old Hospital Property Construction, UP Senator’s Push for Transparency, and Proposed Hotel Tax Amendments
US President Trivia, News for Finns and Friends, Old Hospital Property Construction, UP Senator’s Push for Transparency, and Proposed Hotel Tax Amendments. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors from David Haynes.
