TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla., Aug. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Aeronautical Systems Center issued the following news release: Researchers at the Air Force Research Laboratory's Materials and Manufacturing Directorate have now twice successfully tested a robotic refueling system that could dramatically change the way the U.S. military services its aircraft. The prototype device connected a single point refueling nozzle to a mock-up based on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, although program offic  more

NEW YORK, Aug. 17 -- The American Institute of Graphic Arts issued the following news release: Since 1954, the I.D. Annual Design Review has recognized the best in product, furniture, graphic and environment design, from the iconic to the obscure. This year the esteemed showcase features the addition of a student prize and a new venue for the exhibition. F+W Media is pleased to announce that the "I.D. Annual Design Review 2010" exhibit will be on display at the AIGA National Design Center   more

HOUSTON, Aug. 17 -- The Texas Attorney General issued the following news release: Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today partnered with Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas (CACTX) to launch "One With Courage," a public service campaign that will help raise awareness and prevent children from being sexually abused. "One With Courage" is centered on the courage it takes for a child victim to come forward and inform loved ones about the abuse. The initiative also acknowledges that courageous   more

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio, Aug. 17 -- Bowling Green State University issued the following news release: "Contextual Intelligence for Leadership Development," half-day seminars offered by Bowling Green State University at its Levis Commons site, will help leaders learn to manage the business environment so their organizations can survive and succeed amid rapid change. The seminars, led by Dr. Matthew Kutz of BGSU's College of Education and Human Development, will focus on leadership skills for medic  more

NATCHITOCHES, La., Aug. 17 -- Northwestern State University issued the following news release: The project to construct a new Student Services Center at Northwestern State University took a major step forward as a bid has been awarded for construction of the facility. Don M. Barron Contractor Inc. of Farmerville was the low bidder at $5,986,000. The project was budgeted for $7.3 million which will allow the University to proceed with the second phase of the project which is a renovation of  more

WINCESTER, England, Aug. 17 -- The Winchester City Council issued the following news release: A previously disused facility in the centre of Winchester has been given a new lease of life by the Winchester Boxing Club. Renovations have already begun ahead of the club's opening on Monday 6th September. The project has been made possible by close partnership work between Winchester City Council and local boxing enthusiast Richard Colbourne, and Polish National Boxing Champion, Bernard Gruszc  more

CARDIFF, WALES, Aug. 16 -- The Cardiff Council issued the following news release: Cardiff has successfully retained its Fairtrade city status for a further two years, following the successful renewal application submitted to the Fairtrade Foundation. The city was originally declared a Fairtrade city on March 1, 2004 and in doing so became the world's first ever Fairtrade capital city. Cardiff has achieved a great deal in the six years it has had Fairtrade status, with the Fair Trade Ca  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- The office of Sen. Benjamin Cardin, D-Md., has issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) today announced the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released almost $2 million to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to help restore the Chesapeake Bay's oyster population. The funding, secured by Senator Mikulski in the FY2010 Commerce, Justice and   more

RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 17 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Coast Guard, 5th District, issued the following news release: United States Attorney George E.B. Holding announced that in federal court today United States District Judge James C. Dever III, sentenced Vaja Sikharulidze, a citizen of Georgia, to one year probation to include seven days of home detention, which reflected a sentence reduction based upon his substantial cooperation in the investigation. A Criminal Infor  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement issued the following news release: Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEM) Director Michael R. Bromwich today announced that the department will restrict its use of categorical exclusions for offshore oil and gas development to activities involving limited environmental risk, while it undertakes a comp  more

HARTFORD, Conn., Aug. 17 -- The Connecticut Business and Industry Association issued the following news release: The Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA), in conjunction with three Connecticut community colleges, is offering free training programs to help workers expand their skills and knowledge and prepare them for new careers in one of the fastest-growing green industries-- solar photovoltaics (PV). The program is available free of charge to eligible participants under the Te  more

CHICAGO, Aug. 17 -- The Chicago Department of Public Health issued the following news release: City officials announced today that they are stepping up efforts against West Nile Virus by spraying to kill adult mosquitoes in a portion of the Northwest Side. Spraying will occur in the Forest Glen neighborhood, where CDPH traps recently yielded mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus. The area to be sprayed is bounded by Touhy on the north, Bryn Mawr on the south, with irregular boundaries on the  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior's National Park Service issued the following news release: The National Park Service has awarded close to $1 million in grants for easements and land acquisition at three endangered Civil War battlefields: Richmond Battlefield, Ky.; Franklin Battlefield, Tenn.; and Bentonville Battlefield, N.C. "Americans have a duty to protect these scenes of combat. We must honor the memories of those who fought and teach people about the Civil   more

BLOOMINGTON, Ill., Aug. 17 -- The CropLife America issued the following news release: CropLife America (CLA) president and CEO Jay Vroom spoke today on the importance of safety as a key component of modern agricultural stewardship at the 2010 National Agronomic Environmental Health & Safety School, a two-day intensive training and educational event geared specifically towards workers in the agricultural industry. CLA is a sponsor of the annual event and supports developing stewardship opportu  more

TERRE HAUTE, Ind., Aug. 17 -- Indiana State University issued the following news release: A new climate action plan represents the latest in a decades-long effort by Indiana State University to protect the environment - and students will play a significant role in helping the campus meet its goals of energy savings and cleaner air. From planting trees that turn carbon dioxide into oxygen to a recycling initiative that has kept millions of tons of trash out of landfills to a cleaner burning  more

POINTE A LA HACHE, La., Aug. 17 -- Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif. (35th CD), issued the following news release: Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) visited Plaquemines Parish last week to speak with some of the black oystermen who operate out of Pointe a la Hache, LA. Along with the president of the local black oystermen, Mr. Byron Encalade, Congresswoman Waters held a listening session with some oystermen who have been economically harmed by the oil spill. Congresswoman Waters assured them that  more

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 17 -- The University of North Carolina-Charlotte issued the following news release: "The Importance of Strategy in Stormy Times" was the title given by UNC Charlotte Chancellor Philip L. Dubois to his State of the University address during convocation today. With the state's ongoing budget constraints serving as the backdrop to his remarks, Dubois said one of his top priorities for the coming year will be to address the need to revise the University's five-year instit  more

WHITEWATER, Wis., Aug. 17 -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued the following Region 5 news release: The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed penalties of $374,500 against Cooperative Plus Inc., a farmer-owned cooperative, for federal workplace safety violations at its Whitewater and Genoa City, Wis., sites. These penalties follow $721,000 in penalties issued earlier this month after a worker was  more

PROVIDENCE, R.I., Aug. 16 -- The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management issued the following news release: The Department of Environmental Management announces that test results from two mosquito pools, or samples, from a trap set in Tiverton have been confirmed positive for Highlands J Virus. The positive Highlands J results came from a Culiseta species and an Aedes species of mosquitoes that bites birds. In addition, test results from all 114 mosquito pools, or samples, from  more

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 17 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news release: The Department of Environmental Protection has fined Atlas Resources LLC $97,350 for allowing used hydraulic fracturing fluids to overfill a wastewater pit and contaminate a high-quality watershed in Hopewell Township, Washington County. The violations were discovered on Dec. 5 and 6, 2009, at the Cowden 17 gas well on Old Trail Road off Route 844. Once the unknown quantity of   more

BATON ROUGE, La., Aug. 17 -- The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development issued the following news release: The Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced today that researchers at the Louisiana Transportation Research Center's Transportation Training and Education Center (LTRC - TTEC) predict a new virtual training method they developed will help save lives. LTRC - TTEC developed a new computer-based training program similar to that utilized in gaming sys  more

ARGONNE, Ill., Aug. 17 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory issued the following news release: Few drivers know exactly which well in which country their gasoline comes from, and from an environmental standpoint, it may not matter. Burning petroleum from the United States, Canada Russia, or Iran would each release large amounts of harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. However, the blossoming development of market-ready plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHE  more

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Aug. 17 -- The Broward County Public Schools issued the following news release: The NatureScape partnership between Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) and the Broward County Commissioners, established in 2007, has matured into one that increasingly provides useful resources for teachers, BCPS staff and students. One goal of the partnership, which continues to expand, is to establish indigenous ecological habitats at schools that not only support the environment but  more

DES MOINES, Iowa, Aug. 17 -- Drake University issued the following news release: Drake University earned the third spot again this year in its ranking for academic quality among Midwest master's universities in the annual college rankings released today by U.S. News and World Report magazine. In addition, the University received high scores in the Best Undergraduate Teaching category,which appeared for the first time in this year's issue. Representatives from peer institutions who respond  more

DUBUQUE, Iowa, Aug. 17 -- The city of Dubuque issued the following news release: The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) recently named Dubuque one of its "2010 Smarter Cities," a list of 22 municipalities that are leading the way in green power, energy efficiency, and conservation. According to the NRDC, these cities are already testing out the solutions that will launch America into the 21st century. "National recognition as a pioneer in sustainability is a tremendous advantage in g  more

YPSILANTI, Mich., Aug. 17 -- Eastern Michigan University issued the following news release: Eastern Michigan University has been named one of the top gay friendly universities in the nation by the 2010 Campus Pride Climate Index. The complete listing can be found at http://www.campusclimateindex.org/search/ "This is exciting news, and we are grateful for this recognition. It's a reflection of EMU's commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for our LGBT community," sa  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- Rep. John D. Dingell, D-Mich. (15th CD), issued the following news release: Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) praised the Department of Energy's (DOE) plan to award loan guarantees to approved renewable energy projects. The Commercial Technology Manufacturing Systems and Components solicitation is supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through Section 1705 of the Loan Guarantee Program. "I talk all the time with entrepreneurs who have great, viabl  more

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 17 -- The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation issued the following news release: The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation's Division of Underground Storage Tanks and TN.gov today announced the availability of Tennessee Tank Helper, an online training tool designed to assist petroleum underground storage tank owners and operators in understanding regulatory requirements and maintaining compliance. "Tennessee Tank Helper is a free onli  more

NAPA, Calif., Aug. 16 -- Napa County issued the following news release: The Federal 9th District Court of Appeals today issued a stay of District Court Judge Vaughan Walker's order declaring California's Proposition 8, passed in November 2008 defining marriage as between one man and one woman, unconstitutional. "This action by the appellate court means that Napa County will not be able to issue licenses and perform ceremonies for same gender couples until after this matter is heard in Dece  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued the text of the following delegated order: FERC Order to Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC Regarding Order Modifying and Approving Non-Project Use of Project Lands and Waters 1. On February 2, 2010, Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (licensee) filed a notification of intent to grant Crescent Resources, LLC (permittee) a lease of 0.42 acre of land for use as a permanent construction staging area within the   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement issued the following news release: They represent the best of American mining and reclamation efforts in the coal mining industry and state and tribal regulatory programs. This fall, the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) will recognize the accomplishments of several state regulatory agencies and mining companies under the   more

MORGANTOWN, W.Va., Aug. 17 -- The West Virginia University School of Medicine issued the following news release: Four undergraduate students completed cancer research fellowships at the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center of West Virginia University this summer. Sean Hanlon, Andrea Labus, Eric Emery and Amy Mihalchuk- the winners of the fellowship-shared their research findings with their peers and mentors during a symposium recently at the WVU Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center. The  more

CLEMMONS, N.C., Aug. 17 -- Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C. (5th CD), issued the following news release: Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) announced today that she will host a federal budget forum in Lewisville, NC on August 23, 2010. The workshop will be conducted in cooperation with the Concord Coalition, a national, non-partisan grassroots organization that has developed a program to foster understanding of the federal budget process. "Many taxpayers are very concerned with how the federal  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- The office of Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., issued the following news release: A just-released Government Accountability Office report finds that the Department of Defense has been at fault for its lack of cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency in cleaning up contamination at a number of military bases (link to report: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d10348.pdf). However, since the struggle between the two departments came to light in 2008 (http://www.washing  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- The office of Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg, D-N.J., issued the following news release: A just-released Government Accountability Office report finds that the Department of Defense has been at fault for its lack of cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency in cleaning up contamination at a number of military bases (link to report: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d10348.pdf). However, since the struggle between the two departments came to light in 2008 (http://www.was  more

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass., Aug. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Materiel Command issued the following news release: It's critical to find the right balance between the security and utility of an information technology network, the Air Force's chief information officer said here Aug. 13. Speaking at a Hanscom Representatives Association luncheon, Lt. Gen. William Lord described that balancing act as one of "yin and yang," a term from ancient Chinese philosophy that describes the interdependenc  more

ATLANTA, Aug. 17 -- The Georgia Department of Transportation issued the following news release: The Georgia Department of Transportation is accepting applications for projects that will enhance biking and walking conditions for students in grades K-8. Local governments and school systems can apply for federal funds through the Department's Safe Routes to School Program (SRTS). "In an effort to stretch dollars, several municipalities have opted to eliminate school bus services to students r  more

BOSTON, Mass., Aug. 17 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release: Even in a tight economy, parents and students still need a back*to*school shopping trip for clothes, backpacks, computers and school supplies. A survey conducted by the National Retail Federation found that this year consumers expect to spend an average of $606 for back*to*school needs. A little advanced planning can help both the environment and your pocketbook. Here are a few tips from the U.  more

BATON ROUGE, La., Aug. 17 -- Louisiana Economic Development issued the following news release: With investment funding from Dow Venture Capital and American Superconductor Corp., Blade Dynamics will create 600 new jobs averaging about $48,000 per year, plus benefits Today, Gov. Bobby Jindal joined Blade Dynamics Ltd. Co-founder and Sales Director Theo Botha, The Dow Chemical Co. (NYSE: DOW) Global Business Director of Government Markets & Lightweight Materials Douglas Parks, American Super  more

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Aug. 17 -- Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M., issued the following news release: Governor Bill Richardson today announced he is releasing $300,000 to help complete new water lines in Albuquerque's South Valley. The discretionary award from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will go to build new water lines to southwestern Bernalillo County. The improvements will increase water delivery and enhance fire protection. "I'm pleased that the Recovery Act has provided our st  more

ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 17 -- Gov. Charlie Crist, R-Fla., has issued the following news release: Governor Charlie Crist today highlighted the benefits of school choice during Charter Schools USA's fifth annual summit in Orlando. During his remarks, the Governor also expressed optimism for Florida's students who will be beginning a new school year in the upcoming weeks. "As always, I am excited about the opportunities Florida's students will have this school year to better themselves and our st  more

ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 17 -- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release: Water samples from wells in Carver and McLeod counties will be collected over the next two months to get information on groundwater chemistry. Hydrogeologists from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will collect about 90 water samples from each county. The data are being collected for the Carver County Geologic Atlas and the McLeod County Geologic Atlas, a cooperati  more

HIGH POINT, N.C., Aug. 17 -- High Point University issued the following news release: High Point University continues to move up in the ranks, thanks to its continued transformation in academics, student life programs and facilities. The university was today named No. 3 among comprehensive colleges in the South in "America's Best Colleges" 2011 edition, published by the U.S. News & World Report. Last year, High Point was listed at No. 5 in the same report. Four years ago, HPU occupied the No.  more

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Aug. 16 -- The Illinois Commerce Commission issued the following news release: The final meeting in a three-year regulatory partnership ended last week after the Illinois Commerce Commission hosted visiting members of the Energy Regulatory Office of Kosovo. The Kosovo delegation visited the ICC's Chicago offices to participate in a Commission meeting as well as informational dialogues with commissioners, staff members and utility market participants. They also toured Hor  more

POCATELLO, Idaho, Aug. 17 -- Idaho State University issued the following news release: It's for the grizzly bears at the Pocatello Zoo and so much more. On Tuesday, Aug. 17, Idaho State University, the City of Pocatello/Pocatello Zoo and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game signed a Memorandum of Understanding that formalizes and aims to increase the collaboration on a variety of fronts between the three entities. "The Memorandum of Understanding formalizes the many cooperative efforts   more

NORMAL, Ill., Aug. 17 -- Illinois State University issued the following news release: Illinois State University moved up in its overall ranking among "America's Best Colleges" and improved in several criteria used to determine the annual U.S. News & World Report rankings, according to information released Tuesday. Illinois State moved to 156 in the "Best National Universities" category, up from 162 in last year's ranking. The "Best National Universities" category includes 262 American un  more

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Aug. 17 -- Syracuse University issued the following news release: Vicki Brackens, the founder and creator of the World of Cheddar LLC, a financial company, has teamed up with Syracuse University School of Information Studies (http://ischool.syr.edu/) Associate Dean for Research Jeffrey Stanton to help create a 3-D practice world for students to learn about money management. This simulated World of Cheddar (slang for money) will allow young people to make mistakes with their mo  more

TOWNSVILLE, Australia, Aug. 16 -- James Cook University issued the following news release: A James Cook University researcher is working on a project to help fight a deadly fungus which has decimated various frog species across the world for decades. United States-based charity the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) recently announced it would provide $109,000 (AUD) to fund a study titled "Identifying Genes That Help Amphibians Fight Deadly Fungus" headed by JCU's Dr Lee Skerratt. Dr Skerra  more

LONDON, Aug. 17 -- The Greater London Authority issued the following news release: London is grabbing the opportunity to showcase the capital to the world by providing a fully equipped media center in the heart of the city during the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson (http://www.london.gov.uk/who-runs-london/mayor/boris-johnson), today announced that the spacious One Great George Street conference center off Parliament Square will house the London Media  more

BATON ROUGE, La., Aug. 18 -- The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality issued the following public notice: The LDEQ, Office of Environmental Services, is accepting written comments on a draft for the reissuance of a LPDES water discharge general permit for discharges of treated groundwater, potentially contaminated storm water, and/or associated wastewaters from petroleum contaminated sites, areas, or containers. Coverage under this general permit is available to facilities operat  more

BATON ROUGE, La., Aug. 17 -- The Louisiana State University Ag Center issued the following news release: With the capping of the Deepwater Horizon and the ending of new oil washing into Louisiana's coastal wetlands and marshes, observers are reporting plants sprouting in areas that had been denuded by the oil spill. And that shouldn't be a surprise, according to Gary Breitenbeck, a plant scientist with the LSU AgCenter. When oil contacts the above-ground portions of marsh plants, it gener  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs issued the text of the following remarks: MR. TONER: Good afternoon, everyone. Very pleased to introduce Near Eastern and North African Affairs Bureau Deputy Assistant Secretary for Iraq Michael Corbin and Defense Department Deputy Assistant Secretary for Middle East Affairs Colin Kahl. They're here to talk about the next phase in America's relationship with Iraq and focusing on the transition from military t  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- The office of Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski, D-Md., issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Benjamin L. Cardin (both D-Md.) today announced the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released almost $2 million to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to help restore the Chesapeake Bay's oyster population. The funding, secured by Senator Mikulski in the FY2010 Commerce, Justice and  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- The Freedom House issued the following news release: Freedom House today raised alarm about proposed legislation that could potentially place further restrictions on press freedom in South Africa by limiting the public's right to access information, as well as the ability of investigative reporters to hold the government to account. The Protection of Information bill, put forward by the Ministry of Intelligence and currently under consideration by the South African  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- The National Farmers Union issued the following news release: National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson addressed the 123rd Annual Meeting of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association (CCCGA) today. CCCGA is an affiliate member of the New England Farmers Union (NEFU). "The New England Farmers Union and the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association have worked hand-in-hand since 2006 to help cranberry growers achieve successes in Washington," said NEFU Pres  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology issued the following news release: Fabrication specialists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are joining forces with conservators at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to protect and display a document that influenced our nation's foundation, the 1297 Magna Carta. Only four originals of the 1297 Magna Carta survive, and the one at the Archives  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., issued the following news release: Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will make opening remarks at the District Department of Environment's (DDOE) community meeting today at 6:30 p.m. at the Riverside Center, 5200 Foote Street NE, on the new flood zone maps mandated by federal law that will require a number of homeowners and businesses in the District to purchase flood insurance. Norton also will speak to residents at another   more

NEW YORK, Aug. 17 -- The Natural Resources Defense Council issued the following news release: Today the Natural Resources Defense Council and almost two dozen Gulf Coast groups called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to strengthen the current protocols and data relied on to determine whether seafood is safe for consumption and when to re-open areas for fishing. The groups claim that over the long term, if current procedur  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- The Ocean Conservancy issued the following news release: Today, Ocean Conservancy launches a new searchable online registration system for the 25th anniversary of the International Coastal Cleanup. The online registration helps volunteers find a Cleanup site in their hometown. The International Coastal Cleanup, taking place on September 25th this year, is the world's largest volunteer effort to help protect the ocean. Last year, 500,000 volunteers joined their communiti  more

CORVALLIS, Ore., Aug. 17 -- Oregon State University issued the following news release: A new survey has found that Oregon State University is a pretty green place to be, and not just because of its beautiful campus. The Sierra Club has released its "Cool Schools" rankings based on the 'greenness' of participating universities, and Oregon State has the highest green ranking in the state, and is listed as 24th in the nation. The Cool Schools ranking is open to all four-year undergraduate   more

MAYPORT, Fla., Aug. 17 -- The U.S. Navy issued the following news release: Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (COMUSNAVSO) and U.S. 4th Fleet (C4F) welcomed partner nation participants and staff at this year's PANAMAX exercise Aug. 16 at the Afloat Training Group auditorium. Rear Adm. Vic Guillory addressed the attendees and expressed the importance of partnerships as well as the role of the global maritime forces as it relates to the defense of the Panama Canal Zone. "We wil  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- The White House released the text of the following press briefing: MR. BURTON: Okay. Welcome onboard Air Force One. You all saw Secretary Locke is joining us today. At his remarks at a small business in Seattle, the President will discuss the fact that the Senate is going to take on the small business bill when they come back into session and the importance of Republicans stopping their obstruction so that small business owners can get the assistance that they need as s  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- The Humane Society issued the following news release: The Humane Society of the United States encourages employers to implement programs to allow dogs in the workplace, and a recent study conducted by Central Michigan University confirms the benefits of such programs. The new research found that when dogs were present in a group, employees were more likely to trust each other and collaborate more effectively in the office. "It's heartening when research confirms our   more

TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 17 -- The University of Arizona issued the following news release: Wildcat Welcome events on the University of Arizona campus help new and returning students move in, chow down, be safe, feel at home and cool off. President Robert Shelton, Provost Meredith Hay and more than 300 UA volunteers have signed up to haul luggage, dish out barbecue or scoop ice cream during Wildcat Welcome, with activities running Aug. 18-29. Events begin Wednesday, the first of three days d  more

LA JOLLA, Calif., Aug. 17 -- The University of California at San Diego Scripps Institution of Oceanography issued the following news release: Four scientists at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego have been honored by organizations for their work in exploring the biological aspects of the oceans. Postdoctoral researcher Octavio Aburto-Oropeza in Scripps' Marine Biology Research Division (MBRD) and Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation (CMBC) was selected to receiv  more

ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 16 -- Florida USA issued the following "partner news" news release: Acknowledging late summer as the most wonderful time of the year for families tired of fighting the crowds and looking for great travel bargains, the CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort-Orlando has announced two late summer offers - Kids Eat Free in August and rates starting at $89 in September. "Shorter queues and more accommodating price points make late summer a great time for families with young childre  more

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 17 -- University of Louisville issued the following news release: Peace studies, global justice, ecology and even a televised antiques show -- a University of Louisville luncheon lecture series this fall will serve up a platter of diverse topics from professors discussing their interests and research. The College of Arts and Sciences' Meet the Professors series highlights the college's research and cultural offerings during the first Thursdays of most months. The 2  more

LAWRENCE, Kan., Aug. 16 -- The city of Lawrence issued the following news release: The City of Lawrence Sister Cities Advisory Board will host a special performance of The Trojan Women as part of a celebration of the first anniversary of the Sister Cities relationship with Iniades, Greece. The University of Kansas Theatre Department, Friends of Iniades, and Lawrence Sister Cities are collaborating to bring this event to the community, which will include a pre-play overview of the production,   more

SALEM, Ore., Aug. 17 -- The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release: The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued $12,422 in penalties to East Side Plating Inc., which operates an industrial metal plating facility at 8400 SE 26th Place, Portland, for hazardous waste violations. The penalties stem from two separate inspections DEQ conducted at the facility in December 2009 and in April 2010. During a Dec. 10, 2009 inspection, DEQ found th  more

DE PERE, Wis., Aug. 17 -- The St. Norbert College issued the following news release: St. Norbert College in conjunction with Development Dimensions International (DDI) will host three leadership courses that begin on Thursday, October 21 and run through Thursday, December 16. Matthew Doyle, a certified instructor through DDI and Continuing Education Instructor at St. Norbert College, will facilitate these interaction management courses. For more information about DDI, reference their website   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- The U.S. Department of State issued the following transcript of the daily press briefing: INDEX: TURKEY Incident at Turkish Embassy in Tel Aviv MIDDLE EAST PEACE Quartet Statement / In Contact with Parties / Working on a Variety of Levels / Continue to work on All Remaining Issues / Making Progress / Working Toward Direct Talks CUBA Outreach Efforts to Cuba / Support for Cuban People AFGHANISTAN Private Security Firms / Karzai Decree / Still Gath  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation's Surface Transportation Board issued the following decision: SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD DECISION DOCUMENT Decision Information Docket Number: FD_27590_3 Case Title: TTX COMPANY--APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF POOLING OF CAR SERVICE WITH RESPECT TO FLATCARS Decision Type: Decision Deciding Body: Entire Board Decision Summary Decision Notes: DECISION FOUND THAT NO MODIFICATION TO ITS APPROVAL OF T  more

MACOMB, Ill., Aug. 17 -- Western Illinois University issued the following news release: For K-12 administrators Paul Hertel and Rob Grossi, the next few years will include a lot of weekend work. Both hold high-level positions in the educational leadership world in Chicago's suburbs -- Hertel as an associate superintendent in Des Plaines, IL-based Community Consolidated School District 62, and Grossi as the treasurer for the Bloom Township Trustees of Schools. Both, along with 12 others, are e  more

BOSTON, Aug. 17 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release: The United States has filed an action in U.S. District Court against the operators and owners of an inks and paint products manufacturing facility in Danversport, Mass., that exploded and burned the day before Thanksgiving, 2006. On July 19, 2010, the United States amended a complaint that was filed in March of this year. The civil action against operators C.A.I. Inc., Arnel Company Inc., and two rela  more

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 16 -- The U.S. Conference of Mayors issued the following news release: The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM), the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more, hosted a one-day meeting in San Francisco today at the Fairmont Hotel to discuss how cities in California are using federal stimulus dollars to make local communities more energy efficient and to create green jobs. Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, who serves in the Conference's leader  more

TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 17 -- The University of South Florida issued the following news release: The University of South Florida is ranked 16th as an 'Up-and-Comer' among the country's national universities in the 2011 edition of U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges edition. USF is included in three lists in the new publication of exclusive rankings of more than 1,400 schools. USF ranks in 'Best National Universities,' 'Up-and-Comers,' and 'A-Plus Schools for B Students' lists. The rankings are  more

ONEONTA, N.Y., Aug. 17 -- Hartwick College issued the following news release: U.S. News & World Report has ranked Hartwick College among this year's Best National Liberal Arts Colleges in its 2011 edition of Best Colleges. "Hartwick's ranking as a Best National Liberal Arts College is a testament to our exceptional and affordable liberal arts education, and to our continued dedication to experiential learning, strong programs and faculty, and collaborative learning environment," Vice Presi  more

NEW PALTZ, N.Y., Aug. 17 --The State University of New York at New Paltz issued the following news release: The State University of New York at New Paltz is 7th among the best public universities in the North with master's degree programs, according to U.S.News & World Report's 2011 America's Best Colleges guidebook. The College rose from 8th place last year. In the 2011 edition, which will be published in the magazine's Aug. 24 issue, New Paltz was also ranked 33rd - up from 43rd in the 2  more

LAS VEGAS, Aug. 17 -- The University of Nevada at Las Vegas issued the following news release: Fall semester kicks-off at UNLV Aug. 23, and with it comes one of the busiest times on the UNLV campus. To ensure that students, faculty, staff and campus visitors arrive safely and efficiently, UNLV offers the following parking tips: * Know before you go: Parking maps are available online at http://parking.unlv.edu. * Arrive early: Plan to arrive well before class time, particularly during t  more

LA JOLLA, Calif., Aug. 17 -- The University of California at San Diego issued the following news release: By Kim Wenrick UC San Diego staff will get a preview of the Volunteer 50: The Chancellor's Call to Service at the All-Staff Picnic on Friday, August 20. This initiative, a key component of the university's 50th Anniversary celebration, encourages the entire campus community, including all students, faculty, staff, alumni and university friends, to perform 50 hours of volunteer service  more

SPRING HILL, Fla., Aug. 16 -- The Florida Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news release: In celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Florida State Parks, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Weeki Wachee Springs State Park hosted a weekend event with special presentations and performances on Saturday, August 14 and Sunday, August 15. The event represented one of 25 signature events taking place throughout 2010 to honor the state's award winning park sy  more

CANBERRA, Australia, Aug. 16 -- The Australian National University issued the following news release: The work of Adelaide based glass artist, Wendy Fairclough will be on display in a new exhibition opening this week at the Drill Hall Gallery at ANU. Curated by Karen O'Clery, much of the work in the Commonalities exhibition was created in the course of Fairclough's residency this year at the Canberra Glassworks. Fairclough uses a range of glass-working techniques such as hand-blowing, c  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- The U.S. Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Office issued the following news release: Three of the Department of Defense's premiere resort hotels are offering special discounts and an opportunity to win up to a year of house cleaning to the caregivers who support our Nation's heroes and their Families. From Aug. 1 through Oct. 24, 2010, visit www.afrcresorts.com to nominate a Family caregiver for a chance to win one of four prizes: free house cleaning for  more

ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 16 -- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release: A state project aimed at restoring native plant communities while providing fuel for bio-energy production and material for local biomass markets has money available for public and private landowners interested in habitat improvement, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Woody Biomass Harvest for Habitat Restoration project has $475,000 available for  more

PORTLAND, Ore., Aug. 16 -- The office of Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued the following news release: Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded over $18 million for affordable housing and emergency shelter programs in the Portland Metro area. "Times are tough for a lot of Portland families, and this support from HUD will help fill a much-needed gap in the safety net while the economy continues to rec  more