Home
From Pews to Pints: Why some rural Michigan churches are reopening as breweries
The desire to keep existing churches and historical buildings intact has motivated and inspired a number of Michigan’s 400 licensed brewery owners.Â
Latest stories
Building Stability: Black Rock Crossing’s 45-year commitment to affordable housingÂ
Black Rock Crossing in Marquette, a partnership between Woda Cooper Companies and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, addresses regional housing shortages with 50 affordable units.
Top Flight: Houghton earns exclusive honors in Bird City Michigan program
Houghton has been recognized as the first “Bird City” in the U.P., achieving “High Flyer” status for its commitment to conservation and habitat protection.
2026 Proactive Grant applications now open at West End Health Foundation
Local nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving access to nutritious food are invited to apply for awards typically ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
Marine Trades Institute re-earns national accreditation
The Marine Trades Institute’s Marine Technology School has earned reaccreditation from the Marine Trades Accreditation Program following a unanimous vote and a comprehensive evaluation of its industry-aligned curriculum.
CEDAM’s new guide helps communities use tax incentives for housing
CEDAM has released a new housing TIF guide to help Michigan communities understand and apply tax increment financing as a tool to support local housing development and affordability goals.
United in Recovery: Grassroots efforts and rapid relief aid rural Michigan’s hardest-hit regions
Amidst the wreckage, recovery has begun, spearheaded by nearly 50 Red Cross disaster specialists and a massive grassroots initiative to restore power and provide refuge.
The Grant Maze Solved: Marquette-based Syncurrent’s AI revolution
By replacing the manual slog of federal grant hunting with a high-velocity AI platform, the Marquette-based startup ensures small communities no longer miss out on millions in critical funding due to lack of staff.
Upper Peninsula concert series expands to Southeastern Michigan Â
The series dates back to 1968, presenting music inspired by stories and exploring how music and art carry history and impact our present and future.
Wisconsin company relocates to Menominee County, bringing $1.2M investment
With the relocation to the U.P. , Menco LLC will consolidate operations and expand its capabilities. The move is expected to create 13 jobs.
Lake Superior Community Partnership announces new CEO
Natalie Chmiko is the former senior vice president of culture and collaborative operations for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Teaching the Future: How Marquette-Alger Schools are embracing AI integration
Students will gain an understanding of the foundations and workings of AI before learning to apply the technology responsibly and create AI-supported solutions.
A publication of
Issue Media Group is a multi-local network of digital news outlets focused on community transformation through solutions journalism. We highlight the people and projects tackling challenges and driving change. Through its national, regional and local publications, IMG connects communities, shares impactful solutions, and inspires progress.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
You can unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time. Have a question? Contact us or review our privacy policy for more information.

Solutions that work, from communities like yours. Explore innovative stories from across our network showcasing how neighborhoods are solving today’s challenges together.
- Is it wrong to pay incarcerated people in jail? This Pennsylvania county says no
- Michigan Food Club Network names leader to expand innovative model
- Parents are first teachers, and, with resources, they can be the best teachers
- Schools on the brink: Centers of small-town life, some districts face financial emergencies
- Planet Smilez program gives students hands-on dental career experience
- Child Abuse Prevention Month spotlights year-round efforts to support parents, protect children
- Metro Detroit schools see progress in reducing chronic absenteeism. Here’s how they’re doing it
- Seeking help: What the mental health care journey looks like
- On-Demand Coaching helps Michigan municipalities and their small businesses build a winning team
- Happier, more connected neighborhoods start right in the front yard
Top 5 Articles
1
The Grant Maze Solved: Marquette-based Syncurrent’s AI revolution
2
Teaching the Future: How Marquette-Alger Schools are embracing AI integration
3
U.P. Arts and Culture Alliance awarded $50,000 for local projects
4
Building Stability: Black Rock Crossing’s 45-year commitment to affordable housingÂ
5
Upper Peninsula concert series expands to Southeastern Michigan Â
Support independent journalism in the Upper Penninsula of Michigan
Upword is a local digital media outlet covering neighborhoods, small business and entrepreneurship, arts and culture, health, sustainability, talent, and social innovation.













