What You Need to Know for November 3
From COVID-19 to mail-in voting, this election is unlike any other. Learn more about local proposals and protocols for the upcoming election.
By Allison Arnold's Latest Articles
Mental Health Clinicians of Color aim to destigmatize mental health in communities of color
The City of Grand Rapids recently awarded funding to nine organizations with projects centered around COVID-19 resiliency, equity, and structural racism. Through the city’s Neighborhood Match Fund (NMF) $64,000 was granted to projects igniting community change. One of these is the Mental Health Clinicians of Color in Grand Rapids, which works to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health in communities of color, while also increasing awareness of clinicians of color.
How Beer City USA is handling the impacts of COVID-19
The beer industry is a significant part of economic vitality in West Michigan and the COVID-19 pandemic has made its mark. Industry entrepreneurs are doing their best to innovate amid the challenges, keeping customers coming in (or staying outside) and ordering online.
How West Michigan’s trash has changed in quarantine
COVID-19 has affected nearly every aspect of the typical day-to-day, but its impact on West Michigan’s waste and recycling reflects how much our lives have changed.
Why the census really counts: How Michigan’s district maps affect your local communities
The census plays a significant role in determining funding and resources for communities, but it also impacts the map that divides the state into districts. These maps can affect the political process and representation, which is why the census count is so important.
Health-insurance, diagnoses, and intersectionality: One couple’s experience with COVID-19
Systemic inequalities have become increasingly apparent with COVID-19, making many communities more vulnerable to its impacts. Many LGBTQ individuals are at a heightened risk and Tierney Pierce and Autumn Johnson discuss their shared experience with the disease.
With a growing Asian community, local organizations dismantle misperceptions of the 2020 census
As Wyoming's population and diversity continues to grow, local organizations are working to raise awareness of the 2020 census in these often undercounted communities. In the Asian community, organizations such as Asian Community Outreach and the Bhutanese Community of Michigan have worked to dismantle misperceptions about the census and to bridge language and technology barriers.
How tattoo parlors are reopening in West Michigan
Monday, June 15, after months of shuttered doors, tattoo and piercing parlors across Michigan will be allowed to reopen ... with restrictions. Those seeking a final sitting for a large tattoo or a piercing or body art for the first time can once again visit these venues for self expression.
