BOSTON, Aug. 18 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release: EPA's New England office has awarding of a $15,000 grant to the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) to oversee a program at the Lowell, Mass. Regional Wastewater Utility for the summers of 2010 and 2011. The funding was made available through EPA's National Environmental Justice Program. Since its inception in 1990 EPA's Youth and the Environment Program has been focuse  more

PHOENIX, Aug. 18 -- Arizona State Senate Republican legislators issued the following news release: On August 11 and 12 eleven of us went to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Texas to meet and discuss the F-35. I went at my own expense. For openers the military goal was a single fighter airframe that with variations could meet the needs of the Air Force, Marines and Navy. This would permit the use of many interchangeable parts for mechanical simplicity and cost savings. There is a consortiu  more

CHENEY, Wash., Aug. 18 -- Eastern Washington University issued the following news release: As part of its effort to improve campus safety and emergency preparedness, the Eastern Washington University Police Department will host an extensive active shooter training drill on Thursday, Aug. 19, on the Cheney campus. The exercise will include emergency response teams from around the region, including the Washington State Patrol, Cheney Police and Fire and Fairchild Air Force Base. A mock sc  more

PHOENIX, Aug. 17 -- The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release: The number of members of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality's Green Business Automotive Program reached 65 today as nine more Valley auto-repair shops and five more Tucson shops pledged that they would have environmentally friendly car repair practices. The new Phoenix member auto-repair shops are: AAA Auto Repair, 1050 E. Camelback Road; Firestone Complete Auto Care at 2858   more

JUNEAU, Alaska, Aug. 18 --The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation issued the following public notice: Notice is hereby given that the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, as provided by 18 AAC 76.235 has determined the following project located in Palmer, Alaska, qualifies for a Categorical Exclusion (CE) to the Environmental Review Procedures of the Alaska Drinking Water Loan Fund: Midtown Estates Water Utility (MEWU) To Midtown Estates Property Owners Associ  more

ATHENS, Ohio, Aug. 18 -- The Ohio University Office of Research Communications issued the following news release: The ancient "terror bird" Andalgalornis couldn't fly, but it used its unusually large, rigid skull--coupled with a hawk-like hooked beak--for a fighting strategy reminiscent of boxer Muhammad Ali. The agile creature repeatedly attacked and retreated, landing well-targeted, hatchet-like jabs to take down its prey, according to a new study published this week in the online, open-acc  more

COLLEGE STATION, Texas, Aug. 18 -- Texas A&M University issued the following news release: Much like quiet, middle-aged baby boomers peacefully residing in some of the world's largest cities, families of some galaxies also have a hidden wild youth that they only now are revealing for the first time, according to research by astronomers at Texas A&M University. In ongoing observations of one of the universe's earliest, most distant cluster of galaxies using NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope, a  more

KENT, Ohio, Aug. 18 -- Wright State University issued the following news release: What is war like through the eyes of a child soldier? How does he become a killer? How does he stop? These are among the questions raised in A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier, the critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller written by Ishmael Beah. It is a story of redemption and hope for a boy caught up in a civil war in the west African country of Sierra Leone. His book is the 2010 common text  more

WINCESTER, England, Aug. 18 -- 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

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release: Cheese manufacturer Sorrento Lactalis Inc. will pay the United States a $315,000 penalty for excess discharges in violation of its wastewater permit levels, according to an agreement between the company, the Justice Department and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The company discharged the excess pollutants into Mason Creek from its factory operations in Nampa, Idaho, in violation of the Cl  more

MIAMI, Aug. 18 -- The Miami-Dade County Public Schools issued the following news release: Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho, Mayor Don Slesnick, and other elected and appointed dignitaries, school administrators, and community leaders participated this morning in a ribbon-cutting ceremony launching the conversion of Coral Gables Elementary into the Coral Gables K-8 Preparatory Academy scheduled to open its doors for operation in time for the 2010-2011 school year. "The conversion of Coral  more

MCALLEN, Texas, Aug. 18 -- South Texas College issued the following news release: Congressman Henry Cuellar, TX-28, was joined by educational and community leaders on Aug. 12, when he presented a check for more than $1 million in grant funds to South Texas College. The funds, which will be dispersed over the course of four years at $250,000 a year, will benefit the college's Child Development Center and its efforts to provide affordable, campus-based child care to low income STC students.   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 -- The U.S. Department of Energy issued the following Fossil Energy Techline news: Eight projects that will focus on gasification of coal/biomass to produce synthetic gas (syngas) have been selected for further development by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The total value of the projects is approximately $8.2 million, with $6.4 million of DOE funding and $1.8 million of non-Federal cost sharing. Syngas is a mixture of predominantly carbon monoxide and hydrogen wh  more

DURHAM, England, Aug. 17 -- Durham County Council issued the following news release: County Durham residents are being urged to shop loan sharks trying to hook their next debt victim. The council's fair trading team is warning that paying off summer holidays and worries about job security could push some people into the wrong hands, as they try to manage their debts. Craig Hudson, Durham County Council's fair trading manager said: "As we are nearing the end of the summer break, there a  more

HONOLULU, Aug. 17 -- The U.S. Pacific Air Forces issued the following news release: Eighty-one Airmen from around the Pacific Air Forces participated in the first Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Expeditionary Medical Support Training from Aug. 9-13. The five-day course is typically held at Brooks City Base in San Antonio. The course is a mandatory pre-deployment requirement, where participants are taught what is expected of them in a deployed environment. Sixteen subject matter experts   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration issued the following news release: U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected New Mexico State University (NMSU), Las Cruces, NM, to lead a new Air Transportation Center of Excellence for Commercial Space Transportation. The center is a partnership of academia, industry, and government, developed for the purpose of creating a   more

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Aug. 17 -- The U.S. Embassy in Pakistan issued the following news release: The United States has responded immediately and generously to Pakistan's call for assistance following the tragic and devastating floods that began July 29. The total U.S. pledged and in-kind contribution to date is approximately $90 million. America's response to this tragic flood has been consistent with our humanitarian values and our deep commitment to Pakistan. Support includes both financi  more

JUNEAU, Alaska, Aug. 18 --The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation issued the following public notice: Notice is hereby given that the Department of Environmental Conservation, as provided by 18 AAC 76.235, proposes to reaffirm a previously issued Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) to the Department's Alaska Clean Water Fund (ACWF) Environmental Review procedures for the following project: Fairbanks North Star Borough Landfill Construction Cells 3 and 4 The Departmen  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued the text of the following delegated order: FERC Order to City and County of Denver, Colorado Regarding Order Granting Extension of Time 1. On July 26, 2010, the City and County of Denver, licensee for the Gross Reservoir Project, requested an extension of time for filing a water quality monitoring report required by the Commission's June 25, 2002 Order Modifying and Approving Dissolved   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued the text of the following delegated order: Jacquelyne M. Rocan Senior Counsel Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company 1001 Louisiana Street Houston, TX 77002 Re: Notice to Proceed with Construction of Facilities and Variance Approval FERC Order to Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company Regarding Notice to Proceed with Construction of Facilities and Variance Approval Dear Ms. Rocan: I gra  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued the text of the following delegated order: FERC Order to Wyckoff Gas Storage Company, LLC Regarding Order Amending Certificate On June 10, 2010, Wyckoff Gas Storage Company (Wyckoff) filed an application pursuant to section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act (NGA) to amend the certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the Commission on October 6, 2003 in Docket No. CP03-33-000, et al  more

EDINBURGH, Scotland, Aug. 18 -- The Scottish government issued the following news release: Every local authority in Scotland is invited to apply for funding from the Scottish Government to help ensure that people going out for the night can enjoy themselves in a safe environment. Last year's Safer Streets funding awards benefited projects around Scotland. Community Safety Partnerships in all 32 local authorities used funding for community safety initiatives including high visibility polic  more

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 18 -- Gov. Rick Perry, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Gov. Rick Perry today announced the state is investing $1.56 million through the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) in BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a leading global medical technology company, for the creation of its global professional services headquarters in San Antonio. This investment will create 296 jobs and generate an estimated $6.35 million in capital investment. "Texas continues to attract Fort  more

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 18 -- The Tennessee Department of Transportation issued the following news release: As part of the effort to StopLitter(TM) in Tennessee, Governor Phil Bredesen and TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely today awarded $3,862,515 in litter grant funds to all 95 counties in Tennessee. "Each year volunteers pick up almost 25 million pounds of roadside litter in Tennessee alone," said Bredesen. "Litter is an eye-sore, it's costly to clean up and it can be harmful to our enviro  more

DES MOINES, Iowa, Aug. 18 -- Gov. Chet Culver, D-Iowa, has issued the following news release: Governor Chet Culver has named a long-time conservation leader in Iowa to serve as interim director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Patricia Boddy, who has been deputy director of the DNR since January of 2008, has been named interim director of the DNR after Director Richard Leopold announced he was stepping down to take a position with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "P  more

ANNAPOLIS, Md., Aug. 18 -- Gov. Martin O'Malley, D-Md., issued the following news release: Governor Martin O'Malley joined Lt. Governor Anthony Brown - an adoptive parent himself - as well as Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, foster families, advocates, community leaders and others to announce the results of the Governor's Place Matters initiative, a reform program for Maryland's child welfare system that focuses on finding permanent families for children in foster care. Standing in f  more

ARKADELPHIA, Ark., Aug. 18 -- Henderson State University issued the following news release: Henderson State University faculty, staff and students will be "Reddie" to serve the community on September 11 by helping citizens clean up and improve their properties. Volunteers will be available to paint, mow, rake, pick up trash and perform other small maintenance projects during Henderson's first Reddie to Serve Day. Dr. Lewis Shepherd, vice president for external programs at Henderson, said t  more

RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 17 -- The North Carolina Department of Transportation issued the following news release: An historic number of citizens - more than 3,800 people - sent comments regarding the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge replacement project to the N.C. Department of Transportation during the public comment period that ended Aug. 9. About 95 percent of those comments favor replacing the 48-year-old bridge immediately. "I've worked at NCDOT for 15 years, and I've never seen a project generate  more

HIGH POINT, N.C., Aug. 18 -- High Point University issued the following news release: As the High Point University academic programs continue to expand along with the overall size of campus, so does the number of top-notch faculty and staff. The university has added an additional 115 faculty and staff to the HPU family - a 15 percent increase from last year. The numbers translate an overall trend on the growing campus. In 2004, 462 full-time employees worked at the university. Today, the u  more

NEW YORK, Aug. 18 -- The National Audubon Society issued the following news release: This fall, thousands of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds will begin to migrate from Canada towards their winter home in Mexico and Central America. Some will travel down along Highway 61 south of Memphis, stopping to refuel at the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center, near Holly Springs, Mississippi. Last year 9,000 visitors to the Center got to see these tiny titans before they continued their daunting journey, which   more

RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 18 -- The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Wildlife Resources issued the following news release: With dove season opening on Sept. 4, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is encouraging hunters to purchase their licenses now by visiting www.ncwildlife.org. The last week of August is traditionally the busiest week of the year for hunting license sales. With opening day of dove season again falling on the long Labor Day weekend  more

LAFAYETTE, La., Aug. 17 -- The University of Louisiana issued the following news release: As an incoming freshman at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Alice Costa Alegra faced a formidable challenge. The Angola, Africa native did not speak English. She spent her first year at UL Lafayette in the university's Intensive English Program, mastering the language in six, eight-week sessions. This fall, she will begin tackling the petroleum engineering curriculum. Monday evening, Alegr  more

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill., Aug. 18 -- McHenry County College issued the following news release: The Illinois Small Business Development Center at McHenry County College is offering opportunities and assistance to small businesses. Some topics include Survival Skills for the Entrepreneur, Marketing Bootcamp and Trademark, Copyright and Patent Protection. See how ISBDC professionals can help your business become more successful. The following classes are accepting registration: Branding Brainsto  more

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Aug. 18 -- The city of Hoffman Estates issued the following news release: The Village of Hoffman Estates Youth Commission is pleased to offer two free "Project Alice" computer animation training classes for children of Hoffman Estates residents ages seven to 14. Both sessions will take place on Saturday, Aug. 28. The first session will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and the second session will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Classes are held at the Village Hall, 1900 Hassell R  more

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, Aug. 17 -- World Bank issued the following news release: In a bold effort to save one of the world's rarest amphibians from extinction, one hundred Kihansi spray toads (KST) have been flown home to Tanzania after being painstakingly reared at the Bronx Zoo and The Toledo Zoo working in close partnership with the Tanzanian government and the World Bank. The toads now reside at a new, state-of the-art propagation center in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's commercial capital  more

LA VERNE, Calif., Aug. 17 -- University of La Verne issued the following news release: University of La Verne students soon will be investigating how birds flock, fireflies synchronize and bees swarm, thanks to a $250,000 grant from The Fletcher Jones Foundation. The prominent statewide foundation recently awarded La Verne a grant to help fund a Complex Dynamical Systems Laboratory (CDSL). Complex Dynamical Systems is an emerging interdisciplinary field founded in applied mathematics and p  more

RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 18 -- The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Wildlife Resources issued the following news release: The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is alerting hunters that the first four open days of dove season on Sandy Mush Game Land in Buncombe and Madison counties are now permit only. Permits are still available on a first-come first-serve basis through any license agent or by calling 1-888-248-6834. Because of heavy use by dove hun  more

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 17 -- Lipscomb University issued the following news release: Lipscomb University is ranked among the top 18 universities in the South, according to the U.S. News and World Report's "2011 America's Best Colleges" guidebook published today. With an overall ranking of 18th in the Regional Universities-South category, Lipscomb progressed in 10 of the 12 indicators used for the ranking. With 16 new graduate programs, a new doctoral program in education, $40 million in con  more

COLUMBIA, S.C., Aug. 18 -- The South Carolina Department of Commerce issued the following news release: The South Carolina Department of Commerce and Dorchester County today announced that Maverick Equipment Manufacturing Inc., a maker of hydraulic hammers and components, will locate its new facility in Dorchester County. The $1.5 million investment is expected to generate 71 new jobs over the next five years for South Carolina. "We are excited about this new facility and look forward to s  more

LISMORE, Australia, Aug. 17 -- Southern Cross University issued the following news release: Protecting vital wetlands and developing the technology to lock up carbon in crops are among the key objectives of Southern Cross GeoScience, which was opened at the Lismore campus today (Tuesday, August 17). Southern Cross GeoScience, a Special Research Centre of Southern Cross University, was opened by The Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP, the Minister for Resources and Energy and Minister for Tourism an  more

WELLS, Maine, Aug. 17 -- Maine Maritime Academy issued the following news release: Maine Maritime Academy faculty, staff, and students began welcoming new students to campus yesterday for the first session of annual orientation. Following a new orientation programming format that was successfully piloted last year at the college, the college will host three separate orientation sessions for students in the Class of 2014. All new students must attend a session. According to organizers, the new  more

KINGMAN, Ariz., Aug. 17 -- Mohave County issued the following news release: Mohave County has received an improved rating that can result in a 15 percent discount in flood insurance premium costs. Mohave County Development Services Director and Floodplain Administrator Nick Hont wrote County Manager Ron Walker in late July, "As a participating community in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), Mohave County has recently received an improved  more

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 18 -- The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission issued the following news release: The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is proposing changes to the Federal-aid Highway System functional classifications to add the planned I-70/I-71 collector-distributor roads in downtown Columbus. This will allow the streets to be eligible for federal funding as modifications to them are made as part of the Ohio Department of Transportation's I-70/I-71 project and for future r  more

SHIMLA, India, Aug. 18 - The Government of Himachal Pradesh issued the following news release: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Himachal Pradesh Government and Jaypee Group for setting up of 2.75 million tonne annual capacity, Clinkerization Unit in village Baga P.O. Kandhar, Tehsil Arki, Solan and 1.5 million tonne capacity Cement Grinding Unit at Malokhar P.O. Chakoh, district Bilaspur with the investment of Rs. 610 crore. These units will generate employment to more   more

ROTA, Spain, Aug. 18 -- The U.S. Navy issued the following news release: U.S. personnel who operate motorcycles or mopeds aboard Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota practiced their motorcycle skills during the 2010 Motorcycle Safety Standdown Aug. 17. The event, attended by service members, civilian personnel and dependents, reinforced riders basic riding skills to handle the road safely. The rally included a variety of events, such as emergency stops, weaving, the box-turn, and multiple curves.   more

RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 18 -- The North Carolina State Board of Education issued the following news release: North Carolina students increased their performance on the ACT college admissions exam in 2010 with an average ACT score that was 0.9 points higher than the nation's, according to results today released by the ACT. ACT test scores are among the factors that colleges and universities use in their admissions process. North Carolina's average ACT composite score has been increasing steadil  more

RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 18 -- Public Schools of North Carolina issued the following news release: North Carolina students increased their performance on the ACT college admissions exam in 2010 with an average ACT score that was 0.9 points higher than the nation's, according to results today released by the ACT. ACT test scores are among the factors that colleges and universities use in their admissions process. North Carolina's average ACT composite score has been increasing steadily for the p  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued the following news release: Scientists working on methods to prevent and control harmful algal blooms impacting coastal communities along the Atlantic coast have been awarded more than $1 million for the first year of an anticipated $2 million, multi-year NOAA research grant. This funding supports three projects under the newly initiated Prevention, Control and Mitigation of Harmful  more

CORVALLIS, Ore., Aug. 18 -- Oregon State University issued the following news release: When Oregon State University students walk into the new physics studio in Weniger Hall, they immediately know they're not in a typical classroom. For one, instead of desks assembled in rows facing a lectern, the room is filled with a series of round tables surrounded by brightly colored chairs. The walls are covered in Starboards, which are like whiteboards that double as giant touch screens. There's  more

TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 18 -- Hillsborough County issued the following news release: Hillsborough County Commissioners honored the new Miss Florida, Jaclyn Raulerson, at their regular Board meeting today for her stand against bullying. Commissioner Rose Ferlita presented the Beauty Queen with a proclamation congratulating her on receiving the Miss Florida 2010 title. Miss Raulerson, from Plant City and a ninth generation Floridian, told Commissioners her platform includes anti-bullying. She said  more

NEW YORK, Aug. 18 -- The Natural Resources Defense Council issued the following news release: The Natural Resources Defense Council launched a campaign today to spotlight key U.S. Senators for their failure to act on a clean energy bill to fight global warming. Obstructionism by a minority in the U.S. Senate led by Republican leadership, and a small number of Democrats, forced Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to announce on July 22 that climate legislation would not be brought to the floor.   more

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 18 -- Gov. Ted Strickland, D-Ohio, has issued the following news release: Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today welcomed the announcement by Vice President Biden that three Ohio broadband projects received more than $118 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to extend broadband access throughout Ohio and create more than 430 jobs, and likely many more through indirect job creation. "These awards support our plan to create a seamless broadband infrastruct  more

LANSING, Mich., Aug. 18 -- The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth issued the following news release: The Olympic Steel Detroit Division received the prestigious Michigan Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) Award today for an exemplary safety and health management system. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) established the Michigan SHARP Award to recognize employers that have achieved workplace safety and health exc  more

DURHAM, England, Aug. 18 -- Durham County Council issued the following news release: Eco champs will be beside the seaside this week as they help clean a popular coastal beauty spot. Youngsters from Pelton Fell will join Durham County Council neighbourhood wardens and coastal rangers to carry out a clean-up at Seaham beach on Thursday, 19 August. The activity is the latest venture for the group, who are spending their summer holidays taking on a variety of environmental projects. Th  more

SWARTHMORE, Pa., Aug. 18 -- Swarthmore College issued the following news release: This summer, several members of the Swarthmore community began collaborating on an extensive project to create an organically maintained lawn at the heart of campus. The group includes current students, alumni, and faculty and staff members and represents the College's ongoing commitment to a greener, more sustainable campus. Their goal is to maintain the five-acre field between Mertz Hall and Magill Walk with c  more

STILLWATER, Okla., Aug. 18 -- Oklahoma State University issued the following news release: She spent this past summer doing an internship at a mobile veterinary clinic in New Mexico. As a young person, her favorite part of deer hunting was field dressing the deer and seeing how everything worked inside. Meet Audra Blasi of Wichita, Kan., one of 82 students in the Class of 2014 at the Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. Chosen from an applicant pool of 478 s  more

TULLAHOMA, Tenn., Aug. 17 -- The University of Tennessee Space Institute issued the following news release: This 46th Joint Propulsion Conference held in Nashville from July 25-28, 2010 encompassed the following professional societies: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Society of Automobile Engineers (SAE), and the American Society of Electrical Engineers (ASEE). This event marked an all-time high for UTSI's particip  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 -- The Air Line Pilots Association issued the following news release: The Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA) brought the views of nearly 53,000 airline pilots to the FAA's Partnership for Safety Symposium, held this week in Washington, D.C., and made clear the importance of ensuring that every professional involved in the operation of a flight adheres to the highest possible communications standards. "Airline pilots learn the importance of adhering to standard pr  more

JOHNSTOWN, Pa., Aug. 18 -- University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown issued the following news release: The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown has climbed seven spots to earn the #21 ranking among Best Regional Colleges in the 2011 edition of America's Best Colleges by U.S. News Media Group. The exclusive ranking, which includes more than 1,400 schools nationwide, will be published in the September issue of the U.S. News & World Report magazine. Over the past two decades, the U.S. News col  more

MAHWAH, N.J., Aug. 17 -- Ramapo College issued the following news release: In the 2011 edition of "America's Best Colleges," released by U.S. News & World Report, Ramapo College advanced in the rankings for the fourth year in a row in the Best Regional Universities, North category. Of the 49 public colleges and universities ranked, Ramapo College advanced to number 4. Ranking criteria continued to distinguish Ramapo as an institution dedicated to small class size, a strong first-year rete  more

HARTFORD, Conn., Aug. 17 -- Connecticut State Rep. Elizabeth B. Ritter, D-38th District, issued the following news release: State Representative Betsy Ritter (D-Waterford & Montville) has been recognized by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) for her 100% support of environmentally sound legislation during the 2010 legislative session. The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) is a bipartisan, statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Connectic  more

FORT VALLEY, Ga., Aug. 18 -- Fort Valley State University issued the following news release: The Brother-Sister Ceremony is a fitting conclusion to an action-packed week of activities for Fort Valley State University's freshmen class of 2014. After parting with loved ones the Sunday before, students attended gender specific daily workshops with catchy titles such as "Shut Up and Listen", "Manhood 101" and "Why Wait?" But the culminating event was Sunday's rite of passage for new Wildcats h  more

COLUMBIA, S.C., Aug. 18 -- The South Carolina Department of Commerce issued the following news release: The South Carolina Department of Commerce and Greenville Area Development Corporation announced that SAATI Americas Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Italy's SAATI Group S.p.A., will establish its new U.S. Composites and Protection division operations and certain distribution operations in Greenville County. SAATI's investment is expected to generate more than 80 new jobs within the  more

FORT MYERS, Fla., Aug. 18 -- Florida Gulf Coast University, a component of the Florida state university system, issued the following news release: State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) welcomed the inaugural classes of SCF Collegiate School (SCFCS) with the announcement of a groundbreaking partnership with Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) that will provide a scholarship program for SCFCS students to continue to FGCU for a baccalaureate degree after graduating from SCFCS with bo  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued the following news release: NOAA administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco and Adm. Thad Allen joined state, federal, and partner biologists today as they released 23 Kemp's ridley sea turtles back into the Gulf of Mexico near Cedar Key, Fla., after the turtles were successfully rescued and rehabilitated from the effects of the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill. Scientists selected the area   more

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 18 -- The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission issued the following news release: NOAA administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco and Adm. Thad Allen joined state, federal, and partner biologists today as they released 23 Kemp's ridley sea turtles back into the Gulf of Mexico near Cedar Key, Fla., after the turtles were successfully rescued and rehabilitated from the effects of the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill. Scientists selected the area on Florida's Gulf coast  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 -- The Airports Council International - North America issued the following news release: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Portland International Airport, Southwest Florida International Airport and Buffalo Niagara International Airport have been selected as winners of Airports Council International - North America's (ACI-NA) 2010 Environmental Achievement Awards. "Airports are actively leading a 'green revolution' in aviation by implementing many inventive program  more

EDINBURGH, Scotland, Aug. 18 -- The Scottish government issued the following news release: A new report has identified significant scope for growth in Scotland's shellfish industry, with mussel farming identified as an area that Scottish producers should place more focus on. Researchers at the University of Stirling have analysed the prospects and opportunities of farming mussels, oysters and scallops. The report says that, despite Scotland's marine environment offering good opportunities  more

STUTTGART, Germany, Aug. 17 -- The U.S. Army Special Operations Command issued the following news release: Human intelligence is critical and key to Special Operations Forces missions. Knowing how to collect, analyze and debrief information is particularly important for intelligence soldiers when providing integral data to commanders and operators on the ground. In an effort to increase the intelligence gathering capability of the Poland Special Operations Forces Command (POLSOFCOM), exper  more

HARTFORD, Conn., Aug. 17 -- Connecticut State Rep. Christopher G. Donovan, D-84th District, issued the following news release: Long-time commuter rail advocate House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) applauded today's approval by the State Bond Commission of $260 million toward a New Haven-Hartford-Springfield high speed rail line (http://www.housedems.ct.gov/Donovan/pubs/NHHS_rail_2010.pdf), saying it would create jobs, spur economic growth and help the environment. "High speed r  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 -- Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility issued the following news release: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency policies are creating a profound toxic legacy from coal combustion wastes with no containment strategy, according to regulatory comments filed today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). By allowing virtually unlimited reuse of coal ash and other highly toxic combustion wastes, EPA is allowing the most potent pollutants - the s  more

SALEM, Ore., Aug. 18 -- The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release: The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued $15,000 in penalties to Odell, Oregon-based Stadelman Fruit LLC, which operates an orchard and produce shipping facility in Milton-Freewater, for spilling an herbicide mixture onto property adjacent to its Milton-Freewater orchard about a year ago. The penalties stem from a complaint DEQ received Aug. 25, 2009 that an unknown pa  more

FORT WAYNE, Ind., Aug. 18 -- The city of Fort Wayne issued the following statement: Our community received some challenging news yesterday from Navistar. While our spirits may have been dampened for a moment, we are not discouraged. We are more committed now and more united in our fight for good jobs here in Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana than we ever have been. That's why I am so pleased that so many business and community leaders and many of our local elected officials have joined me this  more

DURHAM, England, Aug. 17 -- Durham County Council issued the following news release: Street champions will go walkabout in Easington Colliery to help highlight environmental problems. Local people, Durham County Council neighbourhood wardens, and police community support officers will be 'on the beat' on Wednesday. (August 18) The walkabout will take place between 11.30am and 1pm and local people can raise concerns such as dog fouling, litter and graffiti. County Council civic pride  more

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Aug. 18 -- Syracuse University issued the following news release: Syracuse University has received two Prius plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHV) as part of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.'s (TMS) U.S. plug-in demonstration program. The Syracuse Center of Excellence (SyracuseCoE) and CuseCar, a local not-for-profit community car share provider utilizing alternatively fueled vehicles, also received two cars each through the program. Clean Communities of Central New York, the local chapt  more

BETHLEHEM, Pa., Aug. 18 -- Lehigh University issued the following news release: The concept was simple: A basic blue letter "O" partially obscured by five red and white stripes. From the choice of color to the selection of font to its understated simplicity, this basic concept gave aesthetic appeal to Barack Obama's presidential campaign. But more than a logo, this stylized letter "O" created a brand and connected with an audience. It permeated the public consciousness, appearing on far more   more

MAHWAH, N.J., Aug. 17 -- Ramapo College issued the following news release: The Angelica and Russ Berrie Center for the Performing and Visual Arts at Ramapo College will present an eclectic slate of music, theater and comedy performances this fall. The season starts off with a Comedy Night, featuring Dat Phan, the very first winner of Last Comic Standing, on Saturday, September 25 at 8 p.m. Phan will be joined by other contestants from the show for a hilarious evening of stand-up comedy. T  more

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Aug. 18 -- The U.S. Agency for International Development issued the following news release: The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) and the United States Government, acting through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), today announced that USAID will provide an initial contribution of $1 million to the Haiti Hope Project, a public-private initiative that aims to develop a sustainable mango industry in Haiti. In March 2010, The Coca-Cola Company launched the Haiti   more

DURHAM, England, Aug. 17 -- Durham County Council issued the following news release: With staycations proving more popular than ever this year, Durham County Council is offering free safety advice to residents to help them head in the right direction when towing or motor-homing. With the August Bank Holiday looming, many people will be planning a getaway and it's hoped, by offering the right expert advice in advance, the council can help motorists stay safe while they travel. The event  more

CARY, N.C., Aug. 18 -- The town of Cary issued the following news release: Starting August 25, 2010, the Town of Cary Police Department will launch its annual back-to-school traffic safety campaign, School's In, Speed's Out. The campaign, which runs through September 10, 2010, reinforces safe school zone driving practices, like speed reduction and the proper ways to share the roads with cyclists, pedestrians and buses. Each school day during the campaign, the Town of Cary Police Department  more

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 18 -- Lambda Legal issued the following news release: Last Friday, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a friend-of-the-court brief in support of discrimination claims against Indian River Central School District in a federal lawsuit filed by Lambda Legal, with the assistance of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, on behalf of Charlie Pratt, who suffered sexist and antigay harassment at school. "For years, our client Charlie Pratt was repeatedly harassed by other students in the India  more

SHAWNEE, Okla., Aug. 17 -- Oklahoma Baptist University issued the following news release: For the 17th consecutive year, Oklahoma Baptist University has been listed as Oklahoma's highest-rated baccalaureate college in U.S.News & World Report's annual ranking of "America's Best Colleges." In the 2011 ratings, released Aug. 17, OBU is ranked second in the West. OBU has made the news magazine's "top 10" in its category for 19 consecutive years. In the 2011 rankings, the United States Air Forc  more

BALLARAT, Australia, Aug. 17 -- University of Ballarat issued the following news release: The University of Ballarat has made two major research appointments at its Horsham Campus. The appointments are part of a growth program at the University's Horsham, Stawell and Ararat Campuses. "The University is undergoing an expansion program adding to the economic value of the Western Campuses," Professor David Battersby, Vice-Chancellor, said. "The investments have renewed the level of opti  more

CINCINNATI, Aug. 18 -- University of Cincinnati issued the following news release: By: Richard Stackpole The University of Cincinnati is one of approximately 300 universities that will be represented at the Cincinnati National College Fair that will be held from 1-4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 3, at the Duke Energy Convention Center downtown. The fair allows students and parents to meet one-on-one with admission representatives from a wide range of national and international, public and private,  more

ROSEBURG, Ore., Aug. 18 -- Umpqua Community College issued the following news release: "Ciao Amici! Primo Italiano, a beginning Italian class will be offered fall term by Umpqua Community College Community Education Department. The class, taught by Jean Melo, will be held on Thursday nights, 5:30-6:30 p.m., on the UCC Campus beginning September 30. This class offers students an opportunity to gain a speaking knowledge of the basics of the Italian language in a relaxed environment, with Ita  more

CHICAGO, Aug. 17 -- The University of Chicago issued the following news release: This September a select group of professionals will begin training at the University of Chicago to fill an emerging position in the U.S. workforce: sustainability director. The professionals have enrolled in the Leadership in Sustainability Management Certificate Program (https://grahamschool.uchicago.edu/php/sustainabilitymanagement/) at the Graham School of General Studies (https://grahamschool.uchicago.edu/  more

WILMINGTON, N.C., Aug. 18 -- The University of North Carolina-Wilmington issued the following news release: Researchers at the University of North Carolina Wilmington will conduct water and sediment sampling at Surf City/Topsail Island Thursday, Aug. 19. The sampling is part of a project to develop a baseline projection of the condition of the state's coastal environment, shellfish and fish, as well as GPS profiling of beach conditions. The testing will help the state detect changes that m  more

PEMBROKE, N.C., Aug. 18 -- The University of North Carolina-Pembroke issued the following news release: A $1.4 million grant for UNC Pembroke's Student Support Services program was awarded in early August by the U.S. Department of Education. The funding is for five years and begins on September 1. It will serve 200 students per year. Student Support Services is directed by Larry McCallum and provides additional academic and counseling support to low-income, disabled and first-generatio  more

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Aug. 18 -- United Nations Development Programme issued the following news release: Jacmel was founded in 1698 as the capital of the south-eastern region of the French colony Saint-Domingue, or present-day Haiti. The town has historically been inhabited by coffee merchants; in modern times it has become a popular tourist destination, with people from all over the world drawn to its early 19th century architecture and vibrant art scene. The 12 January earthquake destr  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued the following news release: The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is today announcing the opening of a new plant inspection station in Miami, Fla. "APHIS personnel are on the front line each day, inspecting agricultural commodities, detecting plant pests and diseases, and mitigating these threats before they can endanger Florida  more

USS NEW ORLEANS, At Sea, Aug. 18 -- The U.S. Navy issued the following news release: USS New Orleans (LPD-18), along with Amphibious Squadron 5 (PHIBRON 5), and other embarked units departed Bahia Malaga, Colombia Aug. 17, after completing a port visit in support of Amphibious-Southern Partnership Station (A-SPS) 2010. Amphibious-Southern Partnership Station (A-SPS) is the amphibious component of Southern Partnership Station, a deployment of various specialty platforms to the U.S. Southern  more

FAIRMONT, W.Va., Aug. 18 -- Fairmont State University issued the following news release: Welcome Weekend, planned for Thursday, Aug. 19, through Sunday, Aug. 22, is a program designed by the Office of Student Affairs to provide incoming freshmen with their road map to start their college experience moving in the right direction. Classes for the fall 2010 semester begin Monday, Aug. 23. From 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19, new students will be moving into the residence halls and they will ha  more

BETHLEHEM, Pa., Aug. 17 -- Lehigh University issued the following news release: This past May, Gallup's Values and Beliefs (http://www.gallup.com/poll/137357/four-moral-issues-sharply-divide-americans.aspx) survey revealed a growing acceptance of the American public on the topic of homosexual relations. The issue is still one of the most divisive in American society. Only physician-assisted suicide is more controversial. But with a record-high 52 percent of Americans saying that gay and le  more

ROCK HILL, S.C., Aug. 18 -- Winthrop University issued the following news release: At a time when the United States has slipped to 12th place among developed nations in higher education degree attainment, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has issued invitations to a number of higher education leaders who have successes in boosting attainment to talk about. One of them is Winthrop University President Anthony DiGiorgio. According to the Gates Foundation, the Sept. 16 Washington, D.C.,   more

MORGANTOWN, W.Va., Aug. 18 -- The West Virginia University School of Medicine issued the following news release: First-year dental students in the West Virginia University School of Dentistry's Class of 2014 will participate in the school's Ninth Annual Professionalism Assembly at 3 p.m. Aug. 20 in the Okey Patteson Auditorium. "The WVU School of Dentistry maintains an exemplary educational environment that is supported by a longstanding tradition of professionalism. The Professionalism A  more

BEIJING, Aug. 19 -- Chinese Academy of Sciences issued the following news release: The Yangtze River finless porpoise population is declining by 5 percent every year, said Wang Ding, deputy director of the Institute of Hydrobiology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in an interview with the Beijing News published on August 15. He added that they may become extinct in the next 15 years. No more than 1,500 Yangtze finless porpoise remain today. There were 1,800 four years ago. Wang said the  more