Marquette may become a destination as high heat and drought drive folks from southern communities more vulnerable to a shifting climate. But it still faces challenges — from intensifying rains to disease-carrying pests.
Upper Peninsula
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Old mines, perilous drains in Michigan’s Copper Country, which now eyes a fix
Epic floods devastated Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula. Foundations are now stepping in to fix a unique vulnerability: century-old drainage systems — built by mining companies — that sat neglected after mines shuttered and towns shrank.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
This flu season looks deadly. Yet much of Michigan won’t get its shot.
In much of rural Michigan, and in Detroit, fewer than 20 percent of residents get flu shots, even though the vaccine makes it far less likely that people will die or get seriously ill from the virus.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan environment roundup: Bringing solar power to the Upper Peninsula
The latest can’t-miss journalism about natural resources in Michigan and the Great Lakes.
Posted inTalent & Education
Tiny school districts to Lansing: Stop acting like ‘middle-schoolers’
Superintendents in some of Michigan’s most isolated districts blame Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Repubican leaders for a budget fight that they say threatens their future and treats students like political pawns.
Posted inMichigan Government
Rural Michigan sheriffs fear layoffs after Whitmer vetoes road patrol
Law enforcement raises alarms after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer axed $13 million for a state grant program that has helped county sheriffs hire road patrol deputies since 1978.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan’s ban on flavored vaping products with nicotine now in full force
Court ruling thrusts into doubt the future of Michigan’s e-cigarette industry and millions in taxes. Sales of products are punishable for jail time, fines.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
In Ironwood, a tiny hospital merged to save itself. Despite fears, it thrived.
For Aspirus Ironwood Hospital, in a sparsely populated former mining region in remote Michigan, merger points to a brighter future.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Rural hospitals in Michigan face a dilemma: Merge or not?
Rising fiscal challenges force independent Michigan hospitals to seek alliances. They can save the hospitals, but some critics ask at what cost.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Q&A: Demystifying sky-high electricity rates in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
“There is widespread discontent” with the U.P.’s biggest electricity provider: Upper Peninsula Power Co. Elise Matz, a consumer advocate, wants to help Yoopers understand what’s going on.