Features

Feature Story Inside the restaurant, the Negaunee Bazaar offers merchandise and imported delicacies.

Buono! Strega Nonna's Italian fare enchants diners in Negaunee

With a love for snow and affection for her hometown, 34-year-old Rachael Grossman returned to her roots to open an Italian bar -- Strega Nonna. She's winning over foodies and visitors with her authentic cuisine and also creating a destination in Negaunee's downtown.

Feature Story The entrance to Lake State University in Sault Ste. Marie.

New space program lifts off at LSSU

The growing aerospace industry in the U.P. prompted Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie to add the Space Missions and Operations Certification program this fall. The one-year program will prepare students to obtain high-paying jobs and careers in U.P. space businesses.

Feature Story brickmortarexterior

Iron Mountain couple creates their own path

An entrepreneurial Iron Mountain couple has successfully created a pair of distinct businesses in the city's downtown. Their efforts have added vibrancy to the community and enabled them to pursue their own dreams. 

Feature Story mercyvehicles

Easing the EMS staffing shortage in the U.P. and Michigan

The Michigan Center for Rural Health offers scholarships to train prospective emergency medical service EMTs and paramedics across the state. The shortage of EMS staffing is especially acute in areas of rural Michigan. 

Partner Content A technician at the Laboratory at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault works to process specimens.

Facing blood shortage, MyMichigan Health & UP Regional Blood Center urge public to donate

While the state faces an ongoing blood shortage, the situation in the Upper Peninsula is breaching critical. With a smaller donor pool and aging population, blood donations in the UP are lagging behind regional demand.  

Longform A number of financial incentives for post-secondary education help those interested in an early education career.

Michigan looks to create a better career path for early childhood educators

Improved career pathways, state incentives, and improved wages are essential to recruiting and retaining the early education workforce needed for the PreK for All roll-out.

Feature Story Ana Dyreson

The snowy U.P.: Ideal for testing solar panels

Conventional wisdom says extremely snowy climates aren't ideal for alternative energy sources such as solar panels. No one really knows how much snow impacts solar power systems or what to do about it. Those are questions Ana Dyreson, an assistant professor at Michigan Technological University, is looking to answer.

Longform Participants at Ypsilanti PreK for All listening session.

PreK for All listening sessions gather feedback from parents, childcare providers, and educators

PreK for All listening sessions in Michigan's 10 prosperity regions gather feedback from parents, childcare providers, and educators.

Feature Story ahmeekhighwaysign

Big vision for a small village

This tiny village at the base of the Keweenaw Penisula wants to be a more welcoming destination. Ahmeek is at the beginning stages of a five-year recreation plan to improve the quality of life in the village for residents and visitors alike.

Feature Story The passing of MI SB0227 would improve mental health care ofr Michigan's children.

Community mental health agencies want more options for helping Michigan's children

Michigan's community mental health agencies address children’s mental health care but need legislative change to do it better.

Partner Content AAoM held a back-to-school event at Corner Health in Ypsilanti on Aug. 16.

Health and wellness are the building blocks for a successful school yearAAoM helps little Michiganders with autism be prepared.

Prioritizing children’s health and wellness is the first step toward ensuring they are prepared for a successful school year and able to fully participate in learning.

Feature Story investuplogo

InvestUP tackles housing issue with $15 million fund

The lack of housing is an issue across many communities in the U.P. Looking to ease pathways to new housing, InvestUP has launched the Build U.P. fund, with financial components intended to each the crunch.

Feature Story rozsafacade

Pay as you're able at this performing arts center

Looking to make it financially easier for everyone in the community to access live professional entertainment, the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts has launched an innovative ticket plan -- allowing patrons to pay what they're able to afford. 

Longform Michigan's goal is to have the voluntary universal pre-kindergarten for 4-year-olds in place by 2027.

PreK for All: Other states and cities share models for Michigan’s universal preschool program

A wealth of knowledge is available from other states and cities in building a universal preschool program for Michigan.  

Feature Story The Highway 2 Community Drive-in Theater is the last drive-in theater in the Upper Peninsula.

Community rallies to keep nostalgic Manistique drive-in open

The Highway 2 Community Drive-In Theater is the last drive-in theater in the Upper Peninsula and among the few remaining in Michigan. The theater is run by a nonprofit organization and is open only for special movie events and community programs. 

Feature Story orientationweek

Need off-campus housing in Houghton? HOWL

Michigan Technological University in Houghton this month launched an online platform, Helping Out With Living (HOWL) for Huskies, to help students find off-campus housing for the fall semester.

Feature Story downtownnorway

Three small towns to discover in the U.P.

Some of Michigan's best-kept secrets are the small towns of the U.P. Long-time U.P. resident and writer Jennifer Donovan shares some cool things she's discovered about three towns off the beaten path in the Upper Peninsula.    

Partner Content womensleadershipgroup

Narrowing the gender gap in municipal leadershipU.P. managers participate in MML program

Allison Watkins, village manager of Newberry, is among the dozens of women across the state who have participated in the Women's Municipal Leadership Program organized by the Michigan Municipal League. The multi-level program has helped women like Watkins gain confidence in their leadership roles.   

Feature Story A stop along the 1,200-mile route.

The story of the Tour da Yoop, Eh

A U.P. native creates a one-of-a-kind organized bicycle tour of the peninsula, drawing dozens of riders each summer. The 1,200-mile trek takes 10 days and follows the perimeter of the Upper Peninsula. 

Feature Story canoes

An adventure hub rocks Norway (not the country)

A trio of friends renovated a century-old farmhouse in Norway as the staging area for a host of outdoor adventures, taking advantage of the many recreational opportunities in the central U.P. 

Development News

Third Street Marketplace opens in Marquette


U.P. featured in Pure Michigan fall campaign


Lumberjack Festival draws visitors to Seney


Calumet Theatre receives grant for heating system


Going PRO helps fund training in Western U.P.


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