Black residents have borne a disproportionate share of Michigan's COVID-19 cases and deaths, but in recent weeks those disheartening numbers have begun to turn around.

The town of Idlewild was once known as "the Summer Apollo of Michigan." By the1950s, the community was so packed that it would draw 25,000 visitors in a given weekend. But then the Black Eden entered an era of decline.

Thanks to new findings, new funding, and a new focus on mental health, Michigan’s schools are expanding behavioral health services.

Kent County Non-Profit Organization COVID-19 Grant Fund awards to Grand Rapids Community College and West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology will help college students.

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.

"The COVID pandemic has amplified the disparities that have existed for generations...the solution must be intentional, requiring sacrifice on the part of those who have benefitted from disparities. Long-term success will occur only when society is fundamentally changed; that is to say, when we defeat the addiction of American-styled racism." -Dr. Sullivan, 12-year board member of the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute.

The City of Grand Rapids has added six more 24/7 absentee ballot dropboxes across the city.

“You have to be able to take a step back and, at the core, understand what you’re trying to do and what you’re trying to accomplish with your career,” says Laura Hopson, president and CEO of EM Services, LLC. She continuously strives to find opportunities for everyone to thrive, particularly fellow minority- and women-owned businesses. She shares details about her decision to relocate the multi-million dollar company to Grand Rapids and her insights on the importance of diversity within the supply chain.