Whitmer Takes Action to Divest from Russian Investments 

Whitmer Takes Action to Divest from Russian Investments 

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 1, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Takes Action to Divest Michigan from Russian Investments

 

LANSING, Mich. — In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Governor Gretchen Whitmer today sent a letter to State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks calling on the State of Michigan Investment Board to hold a special meeting to divest the state of Michigan Retirement Systems pension plans from Russia, and for the State Treasurer to do the same with various trust funds over which she is fiduciary.

 

From the letter:

 

“I am writing to call on the State of Michigan Investment Board to hold a special meeting to divest the State of Michigan Retirement Systems pension plans from any investments in institutions or companies headquartered in Russia or that have their principal place of business in Russia. Additionally, I am calling on you, as the State Treasurer and fiduciary over various State trust funds, to do the same.”

 

The full text of the letter is below:

 

Dear Treasurer Eubanks:

 

I am writing to call on the State of Michigan Investment Board to hold a special meeting to divest the State of Michigan Retirement Systems pension plans from any investments in institutions or companies headquartered in Russia or that have their principal place of business in Russia. Additionally, I am calling on you, as the State Treasurer and fiduciary over various State trust funds, to do the same.

 

Last week, the world watched with horror as President Vladimir Putin launched an illegal and destructive war against the people of Ukraine. These heinous attacks are aimed at overthrowing Ukraine’s democratic government and violate international law. Since then, the federal government and our international allies and partners have announced significant sanctions targeting Russian financial institutions, state-owned enterprises, and other government-related activities. Michigan supports these national and international sanctions and should align our state-level actions. 

 

As the situation in Ukraine progresses, I will continue to stay in touch with top leaders in the federal government on behalf of Michiganders. Michiganders may feel concerned about the impacts this situation will have on Michigan’s economy. For that reason, I will continue to monitor any potential disruptions to our supply chains and prices to protect Michiganders’ pocketbooks and put Michiganders first.

 

Sincerely,

 

Gretchen E. Whitmer

Governor of Michigan

Bridge demolition requires closing I-75

Bridge demolition requires closing I-75

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                     MEDIA CONTACT

March 2, 2022                                                                          Rob Morosi

                                                                                                    248-361-6288 [email protected]

 

Reminder: Bridge demolition requires closing I-75

in Oakland County this weekend

Fast facts:

– I-75 will be closed between I-696 and I-75 Business Loop (Square Lake Road) starting Friday night.   

– 13 Mile Road will be closed under I-75 until Monday morning.  

– Local traffic will be able to enter northbound I-75 at 14 Mile, Rochester, Big Beaver, and Crooks roads.   

 

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. ­- Weather permitting, the rebuilding of I-75 in Oakland County continues Friday night with a freeway closure for bridge demolition.

 

The freeway will be closed in both directions between I-696 and the I-75 Business Loop (Square Lake Road) to complete demolition of the overpasses at Gardenia and Lincoln avenues. In addition, 13 Mile Road will close between Stephenson Highway and Agnello Drive to allow crews to safely remove the bridge that carries northbound I-75 over 13 Mile Road. A detour will be posted.

 

The freeway closure will begin at 11 p.m. Friday, March 4, and will reopen to traffic by 5 a.m. Monday, March 7. Prior to the freeway closure, crews will begin closing ramps at 9 p.m. and start freeway lane closures at 10 p.m. All ramps to northbound I-75 will be closed from I-696 to 14 Mile Road. All ramps to southbound I-75 will be closed from M-59 to 11 Mile Road.

 

During the closure, northbound I-75 traffic will be detoured west on I-696 to northbound M-1 (Woodward Avenue), then eastbound Square Lake Road back to northbound I-75. Entrance ramps to northbound I-75 will remain open from 14 Mile Road to Crooks Road/Corporate Drive for local traffic. Southbound I-75 traffic will use westbound Square Lake Road to southbound M-1, then eastbound I-696 back to southbound I-75.

 

Follow I-75 modernization progress on the web at www.Modernize75.com, or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Modernize75 or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Modernize75.

 

### Protect workers. Protect drivers. Safe work zones for all. www.Michigan.gov/WorkZoneSafety   www.twitter.com/MDOT_MetroDet | www.facebook.com/MichiganDOT | www.youtube.com/MichiganDOT

 

DNR: New name for a familiar pest

 
March 2, 2022
Program contacts: Cheryl Nelson, 231-284-1714, Rob Miller, 517-614-0454
Media contact: Joanne Foreman, 517-284-5814

New name for a familiar pest: Gypsy moth is now spongy moth

The Entomological Society of America today announced a new common name for the Lymantria dispar moth. The invasive moth most familiar in its voracious, leaf-eating caterpillar stage will now be known as “spongy moth.”

Formerly referred to as “gypsy moth,” the hairy, yellow-faced caterpillar with pairs of red and blue spots down its back was big news in 2021 when a population explosion in Michigan caused leaf loss in oaks and other trees in infested areas.

A spongy moth caterpillar on a leafSpongy moth is now the approved common name in the ESA Common Names of Insects and Related Organisms List. The old name was removed from this list in July 2021 because it contained a derogatory term for Romani people. The move is part of the society’s Better Common Names Project.

“When an invasive species carries the name of a nation or culture, it’s easy to unintentionally associate that culture with the pest’s harmful effects,” said Joanne Foreman, invasive species communications coordinator with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “We anticipate additional common name changes for other invasive species to reduce these negative connotations.”

The name spongy moth — derived from the common name used in France and French-speaking Canada, “spongieuse” — refers to the moth’s egg mass, which has the color and texture of a sea sponge.

Well known in Michigan

Though present in Michigan since the 1950s, widespread spongy moth outbreaks first occurred in the mid-1980s. When populations reach a nuisance level, caterpillars cover tree trunks, decks and just about everything outdoors, and round waste pellets rain down from the trees throughout the day and night.

Suppression programs in the 1990s and early 2000s introduced predators, parasitoids and a fungal disease caused by Entomophaga maimaiga to aid the naturally occurring nucleopolyhedrosis virus in controlling outbreaks.

These control measures remain in the environment, continuing to keep spongy moth populations largely in check and naturalizing infestations into Michigan’s forests. Today, spongy moth outbreaks are cyclical, peaking every seven to 10 years. In these years, the virus and the fungal disease spread more easily through dense populations, eventually causing a crash.

What’s in a (common) name?

A spongy moth near brown, fuzzy egg massesEach known species has a unique scientific name, allowing people across the world to communicate clearly about the species even if they speak different languages. Species usually also have common names, but these are often local or regional and can vary from place to place. Common names often arise from the way a species looks, or its behavior or origin.

The ESA recently launched the Better Common Names Project to address names that include derogative terms or inappropriate geographic references or are otherwise unwelcoming to people of various ethnicities and races.

More information

Though it’s not clear whether spongy moth populations will boom or bust in your area in 2022, expect to see its new name alongside its scientific name, Lymantria dispar, in future publications and informational materials.

An upcoming NotMISpecies webinar, “New Name, Familiar Pest” (9 a.m. Thursday, April 14), focuses on the unusual history of spongy moth in the United States and here in Michigan, and what you can do to reduce some of the unpleasant impacts of an outbreak. An expert panel including Dr. Deborah McCullough from Michigan State University, Dr. Steven Katovich of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, Susie Iott of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the DNR’s James Wieferich will share tips to help stressed trees recover from leaf loss and options to help reduce the nuisance effects around the home.

Find more about spongy moth, including homeowner resources, at Michigan.gov/Invasives. Learn more about the name change from the Entomological Society of America.


Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes and Energy; and Natural Resources.


/Note to editors: The original release from the Entomological Society of America, ‘Spongy Moth’ Adopted as New Common Name for Lymantria dispar, was published March 2, 2022.

Accompanying photos are available below for download. Suggested captions and photo credit information follow:

Caterpillar: Though it’s now called “spongy moth,” the spotted, yellow-faced, invasive caterpillar is a familiar sight in many areas of Michigan. Photo courtesy of Harutu Ovidiu, University of Oradea, Bugwood.org.

Egg mass: The new common name for Lymantria dispar, “spongy moth,” derives from the French name, “spongieuse,” likening it to the color and rough texture of a natural sponge. Photo courtesy of Karla Salp, Washington State Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org./

Oakland County Announces new 40 Under 40 Class

Oakland County Announces new 40 Under 40 Class

Oakland County Executive Coulter Announces new 40 Under 40 Class

  • ​10th class among the best young professionals living, working in Oakland County
  • Exemplify County Executive Dave Coulters’ Oakland Together vision for future
  • 40 individuals selected from 125 applicants born before Dec. 31, 1981
Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter announced members of the 2022 40 Under 40 Class of 2022 today.The 10th 40 Under 40 class honors young professionals who live and/or work in Oakland County. These individuals exemplify Oakland Together, Coulter’s vision for a community working together to leverage its strengths, address its challenges, and find value in working with regional partners.

Among the members are a pharmacy manager for cancer patients, a curator at a major educational institution, a senior community engagement specialist for a Medicaid and Medicare managed services provider, and a client partnership officer at a financial services firm.

“This diverse group of exceptional individuals are leaders and entrepreneurs, activists and teachers,” Coulter said. “But overall, they are all passionate about their communities, successful in their careers and bound for great things in the future. They embody the Oakland Together message that blends talent, skill and excellence with a commitment to public service.

Approximately 125 candidates, born on or before Dec. 31, 1981, applied for the honor. A panel of independent judges selected the new class.

Highlights

  • Jennifer Forman, 35, of Rochester Hills, a pharmacy manager at Ascension St. John Hospital. Forman is a board certified clinical pharmacist for cancer patients. She leads a team of oncology pharmacists and pharmacy technicians across eight outpatient infusion pharmacies at Ascension St. John Hospital. She co-chairs a nationwide subcommittee focused on the improvement of infusion services throughout Ascension Health’s 142 hospitals. Under her leadership, the eight outpatient infusion pharmacies participate in the Commission on Cancer accreditation program to ensure they meet the standards of excellence for infusion centers set forth by the American College of Surgeons.
  • Kevin Adkisson, 32, of Bloomfield Hills, the curator of the Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research. Rising from collections fellow in 2016 to become the first Curator for the Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research, Adkisson assists in the preservation, interpretation, and public educational programs across the many notable buildings of Cranbrook, a National Historic Landmark campus. He welcomes thousands of visitors – both in person and virtually – for tours, lectures, and online programming. Adkisson makes history come alive with his friendly, humorous personality and deep passion for art and architecture.
  • Elizabeth Crenshaw, 38, of Pontiac, a senior community engagement specialist for Molina Healthcare. Crenshaw, who was one of only three Black women in her engineering class at Michigan State University, owns her own community-based yoga business, Yaktown Yoga. The studio is a mobile holistic wellness center that provides meditation, mindfulness, yoga and yoga therapy to the Pontiac area. As senior community engagement specialist at Molina Healthcare, Crenshaw manages health-related initiatives, health education, equity training, and curates outreach programs that highlight healthcare’s role in reducing health disparities, especially in underserved communities. She also advocates for breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in Black and Brown communities.
  • Caleb Sheng, 39, of Commerce Township, the client partnership officer for Waldo Wealth Partners. Sheng is an attorney whose parents’ experiences as immigrants shaped his decision to work closely with East Asian ex-patriot and first-generation communities in navigating the unfamiliar American legal system in their second or third language. He also led the City of Wixom’s Downtown Development Authority in 2020, supporting business owners throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. He also helps children in developing countries grow out of poverty through Compassion International.

Below is a complete list of the members of the 40 Under 40 Class of 2022. They will be honored at a reception preceding Coulter’s State of the County address March 15, 2022. For more information on 40 Under 40, click here:

  • Kevin Adkisson, 32, Bloomfield Hills, Curator, Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research
  • Sumaiya Ahmed Sheikh, 30, West Bloomfield, Executive Director, Oakland County Democratic Party
  • Racheal Allen, 38, Farmington Hills, Chief Operating Officer, Marygrove Conservancy
  • Mary C. Aretha, 32, Clawson, Attorney, Collins Einhorn Farrell PC
  • David E.S. Bowman, 39, Sylvan Lake, Community Health Director, Saint Joseph Mercy Oakland
  • Wisam Brikho, 37, Shelby Township, Immigrant Student Services Coordinator, Oakland Schools
  • Vernon Burden, 39, Farmington Hills, Assistant Principal, Lake Orion Community High School
  • Elizabeth Crenshaw, 38, Pontiac, Sr. Community Engagement Specialist, Molina Healthcare
  • Hon. Jacob James Cunningham, 36, Ferndale, Judge, Oakland County Circuit Court
  • Javon R. David, 33, Birmingham, Attorney, Butzel Long
  • Dr. Andrew DeHaan, 36, Waterford, Owner and Orthodontist, DeHaan Orthodontics
  • Brittney K. Ellis, 29, of Davisburg, Attorney, The Kelly Firm
  • Melissa Ford, 40, Lake Orion, Trail Manager, Paint Creek Trailways Commission
  • Jennifer Forman, 35, Rochester Hills, Pharmacy Manager, Ascension St. John Hospital
  • Katie Gandy, 31, Waterford, Sr. Community Engagement Specialist, Barton Malow
  • Sara Gold, 39, Huntington Woods, Senior Director of Health and Basic Needs, United Way for Southeastern Michigan
  • Kyle M. Hagan, 31, Oxford, Lieutenant, Orion Township Fire Department
  • Adam G. Hamilton, 40, Oakland Twp., Clinical Director, Oakland Community Health Network
  • Tylene Henry, 39, Beverly Hills, Owner and CEO, Ujima Services, LLC
  • Lauren Herrin, 37, Bloomfield Twp., Associate Director, Jewish Community Relations Council/American Jewish Committee
  • Jason Hoskins, 37, Southfield, City Councilman, City of Southfield
  • Dr. Wing-Yue Geoffrey Louie, 33, Troy, Assistant Professor of Robotics, Oakland University
  • Rep. Mari Manoogian, 29, Birmingham, State Representative, Michigan House of Representatives
  • Dr. Anthony Marin, 35, Rochester, Senior Vice President & Chief Research Officer, Metro Detroit Youth Clubs
  • Jordyn Najduk, 31, Highland Twp., Program Manager, Huron Valley Community Coalition
  • Dan Pelchat, 39, South Lyon, Mayor of South Lyon and Field Technician for South Lyon Community Schools
  • Angela N. Powell, 39, Pontiac, Commissioner, Oakland County Board of Commissioners
  • Elizabeth Rivard-Weston, 35, Royal Oak, Workforce Development Specialist, Oakland County Michigan Works!
  • Ashley Ross, 33, Oxford, Director of Programs, Michigan Humanities Council
  • Hy Safran, 37, Director of Philanthropy, Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit & United Jewish Foundation
  • Christopher Samp, 39, Troy, Director of the Office of Disability Affairs, City of Detroit
  • Caleb Sheng, 39, Commerce Twp., Client Partnership Officer, Waldo Wealth Partners
  • Ryan E. Smith, 38, Commerce Twp., Physical Education Teacher Leader, K-6 Electives Content Area Leader, and Athletics Coach, Novi Community School District
  • Sara Stoddard, 39, Clarkston, Administrator Public Health, Oakland County Health Division
  • Karmell Thomas, 36, Troy, Senior Manager Supplier Diversity, Eaton
  • Shatoria Townsend, 29, Pontiac, Public Health Consultant, State of Michigan
  • Thomas Van Koughnett II, 38, Holly, Forensic CODIS Analyst, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office
  • Kelly Westbrook, 33, Metamora, Executive Director, Oxford DDA
  • Kermit Williams, 39, Pontiac, Executive Director, Oakland Forward
  • Adrienne Young, 34, Birmingham, Assistant Appellate Defender, Michigan Appellate Defender Office

WIC Program urges families to celebrate a world of flavors

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 1, 2022

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112,  [email protected]

Michigan WIC Program urges families to celebrate
a world of flavors during National Nutrition Month

LANSING, Mich. – In March, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program is joining with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to encourage Michiganders to focus attention on healthful eating during National Nutrition Month. The 2022 theme, Celebrate a World of Flavors, embraces global cultures, cuisines and inclusion and showcases the expertise of registered dietitian/registered dietitian nutritionists (RD/RDNs).

During National Nutrition Month, the Michigan WIC Program encourages everyone to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits they can follow all year long. The Michigan WIC Program suggests seeking the advice of an RD/RDN – the food and nutrition experts who can help develop individualized eating and activity plans to meet people’s health goals.

“Celebrate a World of Flavors highlights the unique cultural variety of foods available to people from around the world and the role that dietitians play in helping clients create healthy habits while celebrating their cultural food and heritage,” said registered dietitian nutritionist Rahaf al Bochi, a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in Baltimore, Maryland.

“I am excited as we Celebrate a World of Flavors, which is a wonderful opportunity to educate kids and adults on how to eat better by making healthier choices,” said Michigan WIC Director Christina Herring-Johnson. “WIC has a phenomenal staff of RD/RDNs ready and willing to assist families discover life-long health and happiness by choosing the foods that will help sustain and give your body the proper nutrients.”

RD/RDNs help clients fine-tune traditional recipes, provide alternative cooking methods and other healthful advice for incorporating family-favorite foods into everyday meals.

WIC is a federally funded program that serves low-income women, infants and children up to age five by providing nutritious food, nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support and referrals to health and other services. WIC foods are selected to meet nutrient needs such as calcium, iron, folic acid and vitamins A & C.

To learn more about WIC, visit Michigan.gov/WIC or call 211.