ALMA, Michigan, Feb. 16 -- Alma College issued the following news: Since the start of the pandemic, organizations and countries around the world have struggled with the testing costs of COVID-19. Sarah Cox-Vazquez '15, an Alma College alumna living in Singapore, hopes to change that. Cox-Vazquez is working to develop a new way of testing samples possibly infected with COVID-19 that will get results out faster and more accurately. From thousands of miles away, she says, she hopes the research w more PR

YPSILANTI, Michigan, Feb. 19 -- Eastern Michigan University issued the following news on Feb. 18, 2021: In recognition of a new $5 million gift in addition to $15 million contributed over the past 15 months by GameAbove, an Eastern Michigan University alumni group, the University is renaming its engineering and technology college to the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology. The EMU Board of Regents approved the renaming at its regular meeting on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021. The new name more PR

SAN RAMON, California, Feb. 18 -- Chevron issued the following news release on Feb. 17, 2021: Brightmark LLC and Chevron U.S.A. Inc. today announced the expansion of their previously announced joint venture, Brightmark RNG Holdings LLC, to own projects across the United States to produce and market dairy biomethane, a renewable natural gas (RNG). Brightmark RNG Holdings LLC's subsidiaries currently own RNG projects in Western New York, Western Michigan, Central Florida and South Dakota. Additi more PR

JACKSON, Michigan, Feb. 17 -- Consumers Energy issued the following news release on Feb. 16, 2021: Consumers Energy announced it began ownership of 166-megawatt Crescent Wind which began producing clean, renewable energy today for residents and businesses in Michigan. "We are thrilled to welcome Crescent Wind to our assets powering Michigan with clean energy," said Dennis Dobbs, vice president of enterprise project management, engineering and services for Consumers Energy. "It's amazing to con more PR

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The Democratic Governors Association issued the following news on Feb. 17, 2021: Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey continued to spread lies about the election yesterday, saying during a radio interview that "too many dead people voted" [05:55], despite having no evidence to back up his claim. Following Shirkey's interview, the Michigan Secretary of State's office reassured Michiganders that there was "no widespread evidence of wrongdoing, including 'dead peopl more PR

LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 16 -- DTE Energy issued the following news release on Feb. 15, 2021: Habitat for Humanity of Michigan (HFHM) announced today it received $110,000 in funding from the DTE Energy Foundation to support HFHM's COVID-19 Response and Recovery Safe at Home Program. This funding is being used to make critical home repairs for people in west and northern Michigan, protecting them from Michigan's harsh elements and seasonal weather patterns. All funds will be dedicated to supporti more PR

DETROIT, Michigan, Feb. 17 -- DTE Energy issued the following news release: DTE Energy, a national leader in clean energy, is partnering with distributors to offer savings of up to $1,200 per unit on the purchase of high-efficiency, ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers. The freezers could allow pharmacies, medical offices and hospitals to keep doses of COVID-19 vaccines safely stored at the extremely low temperatures they require. "DTE is pleased to offer this rebate at a critical time during  more PR

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan, Feb. 20 -- Grand Rapids Community College issued the following news: Grand Rapids Community College is testing basketball players for COVID-19 weekly through a partnership with Ferris State University, saying the college is committed to keeping student-athletes safe while competing. Interim Athletic Director David Selmon said the testing exceeds safety protocols prescribed by the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Michigan Community College Athletic Ass more PR

ALLENDALE, Michigan, Feb. 17 (TNSRes) -- Grand Valley State University issued the following news: Students who use the recently launched MyBlueLaker app can now explore new functionality, including tracking due dates for assignments and assessments as well as getting real-time, personalized grade information from their instructors. The Blackboard integration works with any class where a faculty member uses Blackboard as part of the class. Grades are available as soon as faculty members update  more PR

ALLENDALE, Michigan, Feb. 16 -- Grand Valley State University issued the following news: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges to students across all levels of education. They've had to adjust to new forms of learning and interacting with others, while uncertainty brought on by the pandemic looms. The University Counseling Center recognizes these challenges and is dedicated to promoting the mental health of the student body through counseling, education and consultation. COVID-19-s more PR

ALLENDALE, Michigan, Feb. 16 (TNSPer) -- Grand Valley State University issued the following news: Teresa Beck has been appointed to serve as acting dean of the College of Health Professions beginning June 21, when current dean Roy Olsson retires. Beck is currently an associate dean in CHP and a professor of recreational therapy. She joined Grand Valley in 1995 as a recreational therapy faculty member and has held positions of program director and department chair. Provost Maria Cimitile said  more PR

ARCATA, California, Feb. 16 -- Humboldt State University issued the following news: Morgan clocked in for his first day at HSU on February 15. Previously, Morgan served as police chief in Mount Rainier, Maryland and Covington, Virginia after more than 15 years with the police department in the college town of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Last year, Morgan's department worked closely with protestors to safely hold a Black Lives Matter rally in Mount Rainier along with overseeing food distribution effort more PR

ALLENDALE, Michigan, Feb. 19 (TNSRes) -- Grand Valley State University issued the following news: Former prisoners who qualify for expanded Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are more likely to receive treatment for addiction and are less likely to return to prison, said a Grand Valley researcher. Erkmen Aslim, assistant professor of economics in the Seidman College of Business, along with colleagues from Texas A&M University and Dalton State College, studied the implication more PR

LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 18 -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following news release: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel advises Michigan residents facing financial hardship during the pandemic may be eligible for continued rent and mortgage payment assistance, as well as deferred student loan payments. Nessel also warns that these relief programs may motivate bad actors to think of new ways to attempt to steal personal information and money. "As this nation continues to g more PR

LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 19 -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following news release: In an effort to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and ensure patients have safe access to reproductive health care, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs' request for a preliminary injunction in American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists et al. v. FDA et al. In 2020, a lower cou more PR

LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 19 -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following news release: As Michigan faces dropping temperatures and increased heating needs across the state, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel continues her work to ensure that natural gas costs are affordable for ratepayers. On Tuesday, the Attorney General intervened in DTE Gas Co.'s recently filed rate case as an advocate for the utility's natural gas customers across the state. In the case pending before t more PR

LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 20 -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following news release: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel recently joined a group of 18 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief defending a New Jersey policy that governs the interactions between state and local law enforcement officials and federal immigration authorities and is designed to ensure that state and local authorities are able to protect their immigration and limited English proficiency communiti more PR

LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 18 -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following news release: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and 17 other attorneys general recently filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court case Cedar Point Nursery v. Hassid arguing the importance of state and federal regulations that allow limited access to private property to protect the health and safety of workers and the general public. In Michigan, statutes like the Michigan Occupational Health and more PR

LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 19 -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following news release: Michigan Attorney General Attorney General Dana Nessel recently joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general in support of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors' efforts to strengthen regulations under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). The CRA was enacted to help prevent racially discriminatory redlining in housing and encourage banks and depository institutions to meet the credit needs of  more PR

LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 17 -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following news release on Feb. 16, 2021: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced today the voluntary dismissal of yet another lawsuit that challenged the integrity of Michigan's 2020 general election. Filed in June 2020, Plaintiff Anthony Daunt sued Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Director of Elections Jonathan Brater based on allegations of inadequate voter registration list maintenance. However, amo more PR

LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 18 -- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, D-Michigan, issued the following news release on Feb. 17, 2021: Critical relief totaling approximately $52.5 million for nearly 6,000 small businesses across the state has been awarded to date through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Michigan Small Business Survival Grant program, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced today. "The Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program provides crucial support to Michigan's small business more PR

LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 18 -- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, D-Michigan, issued the following news release on Feb. 17, 2021: Lifting millions of Michiganders out of poverty will require bold new initiatives, expanded state policies and a significant financial investment, according to a new report released today by the Michigan Poverty Task Force. The group presented its findings - a list of 35 policy recommendations - to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who created the task force in December 2019 to identify ne more PR

LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 17 -- The Michigan Democratic Party issued the following statement on Feb. 16, 2021: * * * The Michigan Democratic Party released the following statement on behalf of Chair Lavora Barnes. "Less than 30 days into his administration, and President Biden continues to deliver on his campaign promises. "Starting today and running through May 15, the Biden-Harris Administration is opening HeathCare.gov for all Americans to have an opportunity to sign up for health insurance more PR

LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 19 -- The office of the superintendent of the Michigan Department of Education issued the following memo by William A. Pearson, interim deputy superintendent division of educator, student, and school supports: TO: Local and Intermediate School District Superintendents Public School Academy Directors FROM: William A. Pearson, Ed.D., Interim Deputy Superintendent Division of Educator, Student and School Supports SUBJECT: 2021 Virtual Education Workforce Job Fairs The  more PR

LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 20 -- The office of the superintendent of the Michigan Department of Education issued the following memo by State Superintendent Michael F. Rice, Chief Deputy Superintendent Sheila A. Alles and State Librarian Randy J. Riley: TO: Local and Intermediate School District Superintendents Public School Academy Directors Michigan Pre-K-12 Educators FROM: Michael F. Rice, Ph.D., State Superintendent Sheila A. Alles, Chief Deputy Superintendent Randy J. Riley, State Librarian more PR

LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 19 -- The office of the superintendent of the Michigan Department of Education issued the following memo by William A. Pearson, interim deputy superintendent division of educator, student, and school supports: TO: Local and Intermediate School District Superintendents Public School Academy Directors FROM: William A. Pearson, Ed.D., Interim Deputy Superintendent Division of Educator, Student, and School Supports SUBJECT: Michigan Participation in the NAEP 2021 School Su more PR

LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 20 -- The Michigan Department of Education issued the following news release: The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is pleased to share the dates of the 2021 virtual education workforce job fairs, presented in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). "From administrative assistants to teachers, from principals to bus drivers, it takes a broad range of educational staff working together to serve our students and their diverse more PR

LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 18 -- The office of the superintendent of the Michigan Department of Education issued the following memo by State Superintendent Michael F. Rice: TO: Local and Intermediate School District Superintendents Public School Academy Directors FROM: Michael F. Rice, Ph.D., State Superintendent SUBJECT: MDE Leadership Opportunities I am pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Sheryl Kennedy as the Michigan Department of Education's legislative liaison. As a state representativ more PR

LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 17 -- The office of the superintendent of the Michigan Department of Education issued the following memo by Kyle L. Guerrant, deputy superintendent finance and operations: TO: Local and Intermediate School District Superintendents Public School Academy Directors FROM: Kyle L. Guerrant, Deputy Superintendent Finance and Operations SUBJECT: U. S. Department of Agriculture Programs and U.S. Department of Education Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 Programs: F more PR

LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 19 -- The Michigan Public Service Commission issued the following news release on Feb. 18, 2021: The Michigan Public Service Commission today launched new efforts focused on educating and engaging utility customers amid sweeping changes in the energy industry and ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. "Michigan is in the midst of a significant transition from large, central power plants to clean, distributed sources of energy, and active customer involvement more PR

EAST LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 17 -- Michigan State University issued the following news release: MSU Health Care and the Greater Lansing Food Bank are partnering to mitigate food insecurity in the mid-Michigan area. When people think of donating to food banks, it is often during the holiday season. Food insecurity happens year-round, however, food banks experience a drop in donations during the rest of the year. Together, MSU Health Care and the Greater Lansing Food Bank hope to reverse this tre more PR

EAST LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 16 (TNSRes) -- Michigan State University's College of Social Science issued the following news release on Feb. 15, 2021: Dr. Joe Darden has been a beloved and integral member of MSU's faculty for over 40 years. A professor in the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences, Dr. Darden has authored 8 books, won countless awards and earned international recognition for his work as a geographer. These awards include the MSU Distinguished Faculty Award (19 more PR

EAST LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 16 -- Michigan State University issued the following news release: With an outpouring of generous gifts and enthusiasm bolstered by the naming gift from James K. Billman, Jr., MD, the College of Music at Michigan State University is pleased to announce the completion of fundraising for the recently opened Billman Music Pavilion. Consisting of 37,000 square feet of new space with 8,500 square feet of renovated space, the $41.5 million project set a goal of $17.5 mil more PR

EAST LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 19 (TNSRep) -- Michigan State University issued the following news release: Flint Lead Free has released its 2021 report with the goal of sharing the widespread community efforts to reduce lead exposure, highlighting progress from new investments and partnerships and demonstrating the positive impact on the Flint community. A workgroup of the Flint Registry, Flint Lead Free is a multidisciplinary group of partners -- including Flint residents, nonprofits, landlords more PR

EAST LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 17 (TNSPer) -- Michigan State University issued the following news release on Feb. 16, 2021: America's Public Television Stations announced today that Susi Elkins, director of broadcasting and general manager of WKAR Public Media at Michigan State University has been elected to serve as professional vice chair on the board of the nonprofit organization. The mission of APTS is to ensure a strong and financially sound public television system and help member stations  more PR

MONROE, Michigan, Feb. 18 -- Monroe County Community College issued the following news release: Monroe County Community College is offering a brand new non-credit professional training program, Pesticide Applicator and Basic Lawn/Turf Maintenance, this spring beginning March 17, 2021. The 30-hour Pesticide Applicator course will be held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, 6 - 9 p.m., through April 15 in the Health Education Building on the college's main campus, 1555 Raisinville Road, in Monro more PR

MONROE, Michigan, Feb. 16 -- Monroe County Community College issued the following news release: Monroe County Community College is once again offering the 12-week Sterile Processing Technician program, a noncredit, medical career training track that awards continuing education units upon completion. The Sterile Processing Technician course will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-9:30 p.m. beginning March 16, 2021. Classes will include a combination of virtual learning via Zoom and on-campus more PR

MARQUETTE, Michigan, Feb. 20 -- Northern Michigan University issued the following news release: Northern Michigan University has announced the winners of its 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. NMU graduate students and McNair scholars presented their original research during the competition in only three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. Each candidate was limited to one static PowerPoint slide. The winners received prizes for their accomplishments, and graduate  more PR

EVANSTON, Illinois, Feb. 17 (TNSRes) -- Northwestern University issued the following news release: For moist-heat decontamination to properly sanitize N95 facemasks, the conditions have to be perfect. If the temperature or humidity are even the slightest bit too low, then dangerous pathogens can survive the process, putting mask-wearers at risk for infection. Researchers at Northwestern University, University of Michigan and University of Florida have developed a new wireless sensor platform t more PR

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pennsylvania, Feb. 17 (TNSRes) -- Penn State's College of Education issued the following news: Public colleges and universities have long served as engines of social mobility for low-income students in the United States, yet the rising cost of higher education in the past few decades has diminished that role. Researchers at Penn State and Michigan State University contend that no-loan policies, where student loans are replaced with institutional grant aid that does not require  more PR

MADISON, Wisconsin, Feb. 19 -- The University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute issued the following news release: More than an expected 100 water managers and researchers will gather virtually March 3 and 4 for the annual American Water Resources Association Wisconsin Section meeting to discuss and strategize regarding water challenges and opportunities. Adam Bechle, Wisconsin Sea Grant's coastal engineer, will deliver a plenary talk. Wisconsin has a wealth of water--1.2 quadrillion gallons of more PR

ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Feb. 17 (TNSRes) -- The University of Michigan issued the following news release on Feb. 16, 2021: Four University of Michigan researchers have been named Sloan Research Fellows for 2021. The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation recognizes 128 early career researchers from the United States and Canada whose "creativity, innovation and research accomplishments make them stand out as the next generation of scientific leaders," according to the organization. U-M's researchers include  more PR

ALLENDALE, Michigan, Feb. 18 -- Grand Valley State University issued the following news: Two ideas from a GVSU virtual design challenge for high school students have been developed into university pilot programs. One idea focused on a life readiness class to help students see opportunities that lie ahead of them; the other idea called for a theme-based curriculum with a goal of making clear connections to careers. The ideas came out of the 2020 Summer Learner Engagement Challenge, an initiati more PR

BUFFALO, New York, Feb. 17 (TNSPer) -- The State University of New York Buffalo campus issued the following news release on Feb. 16, 2021: Nojin Kwak, professor and chair of the Department of Communication and Media and director of the Nam Center for Korean Studies at the University of Michigan, has been named vice provost for international education at the University at Buffalo. Kwak's appointment, announced today by Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs A. Scott Weber, fo more PR

ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Feb. 20 -- The University of Michigan issued the following news release: The Carbon Neutrality Acceleration Program at the University of Michigan's Graham Sustainability Institute has awarded research grants to seven projects aimed at reducing net carbon emissions. The multiyear program was created last year with a $5 million gift from an anonymous donor. The first round of funding, totaling $1.75 million, was awarded this week to projects that investigate groundbreaking e more PR

ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Feb. 16 -- The University of Michigan issued the following news release on Feb. 15, 2021: The University of Michigan's Economic Growth Institute will use a grant from the U.S. Commerce Department to boost cybersecurity know-how among small manufacturers in southeastern Michigan. The EGI is one of seven awardees nationally to receive the STEM Talent Challenge Grant from the department's Economic Development Administration aimed at tackling different needs related to science more PR

ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Feb. 16 (TNSJou) -- The University of Michigan issued the following news release: Some health care professionals allow their bias toward lesbian, gay and bisexual persons to show when diagnosing borderline personality disorder, says a University of Michigan researcher. This bias for borderline personality disorder, or BPD--a chronic mental illness known for impulsive behavior, people's uncertainty about themselves and relationship difficulties--is more pronounced for sexua more PR

ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Feb. 16 (TNSJou) -- The University of Michigan issued the following news release: According to some estimates, chronic pain affects up to 40% of Americans, and treating it frustrates both clinicians and patients--a frustration that's often compounded by a hesitation to prescribe opioids for pain. A new study from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry confirms that a low dose of a drug called naltrexone is a good option for patients with orofacial and chronic pain, more PR

ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Feb. 20 (TNSJou) -- The University of Michigan issued the following news release: Robotic laboratories on the bottom of Lake Erie have revealed that the muddy sediments there release nearly as much of the nutrient phosphorus into the surrounding waters as enters the lake's central basin each year from rivers and their tributaries. Excessive phosphorus, largely from agricultural sources, contributes to the annual summer cyanobacteria bloom that plagues Lake Erie's western b more PR

ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Feb. 19 (TNSJou) -- The University of Michigan issued the following news release: The growth rate of COVID-19 cases and deaths was higher for U.S. metropolitan areas that exhibited greater Black and white or Hispanic and white segregation, a new University of Michigan study shows. Some minority groups have contracted the virus disproportionately more during the pandemic, and both residential segregation and the absence of wealth contributed to the spread, according to the  more PR

ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Feb. 17 (TNSRes) -- The University of Michigan issued the following Q&A on Feb. 16, 2021: The social media world is awash with people hawking products, services and, of course, themselves. But how much influence do the "influencer marketers" really have? It's a question for which there aren't many solid answers. The detailed data is conspicuous in its absence for a sector that's gone viral: The influencer marketing industry has reached a global valuation of around $10 bill more PR

DETROIT, Michigan, Feb. 19 -- DTE Energy issued the following news release on Feb. 18, 2021: DTE Energy and Valentine Distilling Co., one of the nation's largest craft distilleries, today announced the company's enrollment in DTE's MIGreenPower program. MIGreenPower is a voluntary renewable energy program that enables DTE Electric customers to reduce their carbon footprint by matching their energy use to the company's wind and solar projects. Building on Valentine Distilling Co.'s 10-year, $500 more PR

DETROIT, Michigan, Feb. 16 -- Wayne State University issued the following news: The pandemic may have slowed activities at homes and at some businesses, but that's not the case on Wayne State's campus. Facilities, Planning and Management (FP&M) personnel have maintained an expeditious pace over the last several months, implementing protocols to address the ever-changing needs brought on by the pandemic while continuing important infrastructure updates throughout campus. The following is a sam more PR