Over the last week you may have noticed sign-holding demonstrators outside the Planned Parenthood offices on Third Street. They're from Forty Days for Life, an anti-abortion group. They'll be there for another month. No incidents, no problems so far. Just a quiet, heartfelt protest.  The demonstrators ... Continue Reading

A relative calm has descended upon the newsroom at WLUC.Steve Asplund, the hardest working man in the news business, has been named the news director at the station. Rather, re-named. He was news director for a few years back in the mid-90's, as well.And don't worry, he'll remain as the 6 pm anchor. What most viewers don't ... Continue Reading

Huge news from Cliffs Natural Resources.The Empire mine, which had been scheduled to close by the end of the year, will now remain open until at least the end of 2016. There's an option for a third year, as well.The last minute agreement with ArcelorMittal was announced Thiursday morning.The agreement means 700 miners won't ... Continue Reading

Don't be surprised if the biggest, most publicized issue in this year's City Commission election is marijuana. Namely, decriminalizing marijuana possession in the city of Marquette.The newly formed group, Legalize MQT, is planning to run a slate of three candidates for the three open commission seats.All three will favor ... Continue Reading

The folks at WLUC have certainly shown their muscles in the last month.Total page views on their website in January: 7.7 million. That's about 250,000 a day. Back in 2004, the same website was getting 250,000 a month.A 30-fold increase in ten years. Yeah, that's pretty good growth.A couple of caveats here: Last month's ... Continue Reading

It's been almost two months since the hit-and-run death of Robin Rahoi in Big Bay and still, no charges have been filed.Family and friends of Ms. Rehoi, along with residents of Big Bay, are confused and dismayed by the delay. What's holding things up?Michigan State Police refuse to say anything publicly about the case ... Continue Reading

What we have long feared is now just about upon us.The Empire mine is closing. There are really no ifs, ands or buts about it. Barring a miracle, it's shutting down.Cliffs' partnership with ArcelorMittal will end on December 31st which means there will be no more customers for Empire's pellets. The mining costs at ... Continue Reading

Fallout continues in the wake of Farmer Q's closing up shop downtown.The shutdown was precipitated, the owners say, by the persistent opposition to them by local farmers and the Marquette Food Co-op at the Farmers' Market.Farmer Q's sold produce from downstate. Their fruit and vegetables were  attractive ... Continue Reading

 Bonanza Steakhouse, one of Marquette's most popular restaurants for the last couple of decades, is shutting down this weekend.   A manager at the restaurant Friday afternoon would only confirm that employees had been told Sunday would be their last day of work. Economic reasons brought about ... Continue Reading