by orionontv | Nov 25, 2025 | Health and Wellness
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 25, 2025
CONTACT: Laina Stebbins, 517-241-2112, StebbinsL@michigan.gov
Nominations sought for Hometown Health Hero awards
Deadline for nominations is Friday, Dec. 19
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Public Health Week Partnership, a collaboration of 13 organizations working to increase the visibility of significant accomplishments in public health, is seeking nominations of individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to preserve and improve their community’s health for its annual Hometown Health Hero awards.
Hometown Health Hero awards are presented every spring as part of Michigan Public Health Week. Award recipients will be honored at a reception Wednesday, March 18 in Lansing.
Michigan Public Health Week is observed as part of National Public Health Week to recognize public health contributions and to highlight issues that are important to improving the nation’s health. Each year, the American Public Health Association develops a campaign to educate the public, policymakers and health care providers about issues related to that year’s theme.
“As we look toward a healthier future for every Michigan resident, it’s important that we recognize the individuals and organizations leading the way,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “The 2026 Hometown Health Hero Awards honor those addressing critical public health issues and creating safer, stronger communities.”
The online nomination form is available at Michigan.gov/MPHW and must be submitted no later than Friday, Dec. 19.
The following organizations make up the Michigan Public Health Week Partnership: Central Michigan University Public Health Programs, Eastern Michigan University Master of Public Health Education, Grand Valley State University Master of Public Health Program, Michigan Association of Counties, Michigan Association for Local Public Health, Michigan Association of Medical Examiners, Michigan Health & Hospital Association, Michigan Public Health Association, Michigan Public Health Institute, Michigan State University Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Wayne State University College of Human Medicine Family Medicine program and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
For questions, please email Jim Koval at KovalJ@michigan.gov.
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by orionontv | Nov 24, 2025 | Regional News
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 24, 2025
Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167
Michiganders Encouraged to Find
Lost or Unclaimed Property This Week
LANSING, Mich. – Michiganders have a long-standing rivalry with our Buckeye neighbor to the south, especially during football season. This week, you too can channel your competitive Wolverine spirit and be part of Michigan’s blitz for the win.
Michigan Unclaimed Property is challenging the Ohio Division of Unclaimed Funds to see which state’s residents can find and claim the most forgotten funds. Special focus is on the University of Michigan vs. the Ohio State University game on November 29, which will spotlight the sparring states’ “Find Forgotten Funds-Football Edition” competition.
“This is a fun and spirited way to celebrate Michigan’s rivalry with ‘that state to the south’—and remind everyone who’s really on top,” said Terry Stanton, manager of Michigan Unclaimed Property. “The clock may run out on the game November 29, but there’s no time limit on claiming what’s yours. Unclaimed property is always available to its rightful owner.”
All Michigan residents are encouraged to visit Michigan.gov/UnclaimedProperty from now until November 30 to scoop up forgotten cash or property.
Michigan Unclaimed Property is looking for a repeat performance of their 2023 Michigan-Ohio Challenge victory.
At the midway point of the Challenge, Ohio holds a slim lead, so we need all of Michigan to get out there and search. Let’s win where it counts!
Michigan has returned more than $675 million to rightful owners or their heirs over the last five years, and a quick online search could reunite you, your friends and your family members with a potential windfall, including long-lost:
- Checking and savings accounts
- Certificates of Deposit (CD)
- Over payments
- Uncashed Checks (payroll, refunds, money orders, cashier checks, insurance benefits, etc.)
- Dividends Stocks and bonds
- Contents of a safe deposit box
As part of the home team, we want to award Michiganders the MVP (Most Valuable Property), but even more – we want our state to win the Find Forgotten Funds-Football Edition challenge. Rush to Michigan.gov/UnclaimedProperty and let’s win where it counts.
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by orionontv | Nov 24, 2025 | Regional News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 24, 2025
Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167
Delta Township grandmother’s MET gifting tradition shows how small contributions, and this year’s bonus offer, can grow into a college future
LANSING — Black Friday and Cyber Monday holiday shoppers looking for meaningful gifts will find more than discounts at the Michigan Education Trust (MET) with seasonal bonuses added to a present that never goes out of style — prepaid college tuition.
For a limited time, MET is offering a special holiday bonus to encourage families to open or contribute to a prepaid tuition account, making this season the perfect time of year to give the gift of a college education.
With MET’s minimum contribution recently lowered to just $25, families can start a child’s college savings journey for less than many holiday stocking stuffers, while getting extra value in return with seasonal bonuses.
“Black Friday and Cyber Monday are all about finding value,” said Diane Brewer, executive director of MET. “There’s simply no better long-term value than helping a child pay for college. MET gives families a way to start small and build a meaningful foundation for the future.”
For Sue Stock, a mom and grandmother from Delta Township, that small start more than 35 years ago turned into a family tradition and a life-changing investment.
Stock first purchased MET accounts for her sons, Jon and Chris, in 1988 after reading about the then-new program in the Lansing State Journal. Her mother encouraged her to open an account for each boy and Sue quickly embraced the idea. Soon, she began asking her parents, relatives and close friends to contribute to the boys’ MET accounts instead of traditional gifts for holidays and birthdays.
“MET became our version of holiday giving,” Stock said. “The boys didn’t need more toys. I wanted to give them something that would matter long after the wrapping paper was gone.”
Those early gifts paid off.
Chris used every dollar of his MET savings to earn his degree from Michigan State University, graduating in 2003. Free from significant student debt, he landed a job with NASA before moving into the supply chain marketing field.
“He got a degree with little or no debt,” Stock said. “That is truly a gift that keeps on giving.”
Jon’s path took another turn. He earned an accounting degree at Lansing Community College, where his tuition was covered because Sue was working at LCC at the time. Since Jon didn’t need to use his MET benefits, the account remained intact and is now helping fund the MET account of Jon’s daughter, Sue’s granddaughter.
“That’s the beauty of MET,” Stock said. “Even when life takes a different direction, nothing is lost. It still becomes part of the future.”
MET is putting a bow on it this holiday season to encourage families to follow Stock’s lead. With just a $25 minimum to open an account and digital gifting tools that allow grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends to contribute directly, MET offers a way to replace short-lived presents with something that grows in value over time.
MET makes holiday gifting easy
- Start an account for just $25.
- Online gifting portal for fast contributions from anywhere.
- Prepaid tuition that locks in today’s rates.
- Flexible use for Michigan public universities, community colleges and even private or out-of-state schools.
- A gift that lasts a lifetime, not a single season.
Families can learn more or open a MET online.
From Nov. 29-Dec. 2, families who start or grow their college savings with MET prepaid tuition contract can receive a $50 Black Friday Bonus when they contribute at least $250.
And as an added bonus during the season of giving, the offer applies to both newly opened MET contracts and qualifying contributions made to existing MET contracts, making it an easy way for parents, grandparents and loved ones to turn a holiday gift into long-term opportunity. New purchasers must enter the coupon code BLKFRI25 at checkout to qualify. All contributions must be made in a single transaction through MET’s online payment system.
The bonus is limited to one $50 award per beneficiary. Funds will be deposited into qualifying MET contracts within eight to 10 weeks following verification.
Complete details and full eligibility requirements are available on MET’s website.
About MET
MET is Michigan’s Section 529 prepaid tuition program, allowing parents, grandparents and others to purchase undergraduate tuition credits at today’s rates. MET is administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury.
by orionontv | Nov 21, 2025 | Regional News
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 20, 2025
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AG Nessel Issues Notice of Intended Action to Five Below Over Alleged Pricing Violations
LANSING – Today, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel sent a notice of intended action (PDF) to Five Below, urging the retail chain to address repeated allegations of scanner overcharges and failing to clearly display item prices. The Attorney General contends that Five Below has committed pricing violations under the Michigan Shopping Reform and Modernization Act and the Michigan Consumer Protection Act at nearly 20 stores in Michigan on 30 separate occasions.
Since June 5, 2025, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has issued 30 Shopping Reform and Modernization Act non-compliance findings at Five Below stores. Five Below previously stated it would conduct an internal pricing audit to confirm that all displayed prices align with sale prices, retrain staff, and instruct them to verify the prices of items in stores. However, it is alleged that these steps have not fully corrected the pricing violations.
From August 3 to November 5, MDARD documented more than 18 instances where items labeled as $5 were allegedly charged $6 or $7 at the register. In October alone, overcharges were documented at eight different Five Below store locations.
“Shoppers should know the price they see on the shelf is what they will be charged, and repeated overcharging violations are unacceptable,” Nessel said. “I want to thank MDARD for their work in identifying these violations and urge consumers to remain vigilant against overcharges when they shop.”
“MDARD’s Weights and Measures inspectors work every day to ensure Michiganders encounter fair and transparent pricing when they’re out shopping,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “This investigation and coordination with the Attorney General is an example of that diligent commitment to consumers and a reminder to pay attention to pricing when you get to the register, especially as we enter the holiday season.”
Five Below has until December 15, 2025, to meet with the Department of Attorney General to explore an agreement for voluntary assurance of compliance addressing the alleged pricing violations, including an enforceable agreement to cease and desist pricing practices that violate Michigan law. Failure to do so may result in litigation and civil fines.
To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, contact:
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by orionontv | Nov 21, 2025 | Health and Wellness
| For immediate release: November 21, 2025
Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734
MDARD Offers Food Safety Tips for a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving Holiday
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) encourages Michiganders to keep food safety top of mind as they gather with loved ones during the holiday season.
Here are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your holiday feast is safe to eat:
- Store your food at the correct temperatures before preparation.
- Make sure the refrigerator and freezer are set to 40°F and below and 0°F, respectively.
- Make room for holiday meal items and leftovers by clearing outdated foods from your refrigerator.
- Make sure your refrigerator shelves and storage drawers are clean by washing and wiping them with hot, soapy water and letting them air dry.
- Use a cooking thermometer. A thermometer can help you make sure you’re cooking your food completely and safely.
Thawing Your Turkey Safely
The USDA outlines three safe methods for thawing your turkey:
- Refrigerator Thawing: Allow 24 hours for every four to five pounds of turkey. For example, a 16-pound turkey will take four days to thaw.
- Cold Water Thawing: Submerge the turkey in cold water and change the water every 30 minutes. Allow 30 minutes per pound of turkey.
- Microwave Thawing: Check your microwave’s manual for specific instructions. Cook the turkey immediately after thawing.
Never thaw your turkey by leaving it out on the counter. A turkey must thaw at a safe temperature. When a turkey stays out at room temperature for more than two hours, its temperature becomes unsafe even if the center is still frozen. Germs can grow rapidly in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F.
- Cook to the Right Temperature: Use a food thermometer to ensure your turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Check the thickest part of the breast, thigh, and stuffing (if cooked inside the turkey).
- Avoid Cross-Contamination: Wash hands, utensils, countertops and cutting boards thoroughly after handling raw meat. Use separate tools for raw and cooked foods.
- Stuffing Safety: Cook stuffing in a separate dish according to package instructions or ensure it reaches 165°F if prepared inside the turkey. If you cook stuffing in the turkey, put the stuffing in the turkey just before cooking.
- Refrigerate leftovers at 40°F or colder within two hours of cooking to prevent bacteria growth.
- Store leftovers in small, shallow containers for quick cooling.
- Reheat leftovers to 165°F before serving and consume refrigerated leftovers within three to four days. For longer storage, freeze leftovers and use within two to six months for best quality.
By following these tips, you can focus on enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving meal without worrying about foodborne illnesses.
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