Agriculture

Michigan experts say businesses, farmers harmed in China trade wars

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By CRYSTAL CHEN

LANSING — The trade war between the world’s two largest economies has lasted for nearly one year and has already affected U.S industries and consumers, especially buyers and sellers of two items important in Michigan — soybeans and auto parts. Economists have long argued that tariffs come with real income losses. A newly published research article from the Centre for Economic Policy Research, a research network based in London, found that by the end of 2018, import tariffs were costing U.S. consumers and companies that import goods an extra $3 billion per month in added tax costs and an additional $1.4 billion per month in reduction in real income. “Everything affects everything, and everything is related to everything,” said Erkan Kocas, an international trade specialist at the Michigan State University International Business Center. Kocas said that an individual’s income and needs don’t change in spite of tariffs.

Agriculture

Two Michigan universities pilot cannabis curriculums; other universities and farm educators yet to show interest

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By ZARIA PHILLIPS
Capital News Service

LANSING — Last week Lake Superior State University (LSSU) approved a business-centered “cannabis curriculum.”

That comes in the wake of Michigan’s fall ballot proposal that legalizes recreational marijuana and is in addition to the school’s cannabis chemistry degree program announced in January. Northern Michigan University started a medicinal cannabis degree program in 2017. So far, no other Michigan universities have expressed similar interest, said Dan Hurley, the chief executive officer for the Michigan Association of State Universities. But Lake Superior students are interested. “We ran a special topics chemistry course last spring and we got about 40-plus students to enroll despite the steep science prerequisite course requirement including organic chemistry,” said David Myton, the associate provost and interim dean of the college of science and the environment at Lake Superior State University.

Arts & Entertainment

Watch Focal Point: CMU sexual assault goes to trial, campus robberies continue, Michigan native wins an Oscar, and more.

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On this edition of Focal Point, get an overview of a CMU sexual assault going to trial, campus robberies continue in a dorm and in the Eppley Center, and a Michigan native wins an Oscar. In sports, MSU men’s basketball won against Michigan and a high school wrestler shows what true sportsmanship is like. Those stories and more this week on Focal Point.

News

Watch Focal Point: 2020 presidential candidates, potato shortage in Michigan, a preview of the Oscars, and more

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On this edition of Focal Point, Interim President Satish Udpa apologizes to the survivors who were involved in the Larry Nassar case, MSU might gain a new spot on campus, and a student started her own business at the age of 21. In sports, we have an overview on men’s and women’s basketball, hockey, and wrestling. This week in entertainment, we have a preview of the nominations for the Oscars. These stories and more on this week’s edition of Focal Point.

Business & Economy

Williamston’s small-town feel draws visitors from near, far

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To Elizabeth “Liz” Williams, dance is much more than a passion. It’s a lifestyle. When she was in junior high, Williams knew she wanted to share that lifestyle with others. So in 1992, she opened the doors to the Elizabeth Williams School-Dance in downtown Williamston. Williams fell in love with the old buildings in Williamston, a community that she was familiar with prior to opening her studio.

News

Watch Focal Point: Engler cancels Nassar survivor fund, Michigan new minimum wage and more

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On the last show of the semester, Interim President John Engler has put a halt to a fund dedicated to help Larry Nassar survivors. Plus, a easy way to get money in Michigan could soon not be possible. Also, a student is trying to get more American flags installed on campus, but he’s being met with complications. In sports, the MSU football team is going west for their bowl game against Oregon. This week in entertainment, Kevin Hart gives up his Oscar-hosting gig after old homophobic slurs resurface.