ANN ARBOR, Mich. (FOX 2) – It’s time for the game Michigan football fans have circled on their calendar every year. Blue versus red, Michigan versus Ohio State, a rivalry rooted in their prolific history.

From the fans to the governors, everyone’s picking sides ahead of Saturday’s big game. It is a game that will show how both states will show their pride and keep people safe while they enjoy themselves.

When Michigan and Ohio State meet, it’s always a fight, with bragging rights and pride shining bright. Now the governors have joined the fray, with a candy bet for the big game day. A tale to tell of this rivalry where emotions swell.

It is a steep rivalry, but safety’s the focus troopers will keep. Michigan and Ohio patrols will unite to sideline impaired driving on Saturday night.

“We know people will be out celebrating the win or the loss,” said Lt. Rene Gonzalez from Michigan State Police.

The game is in Ohio, so it is away, but if you’re traveling, basic traffic rules still apply. Officials are reminding all drivers what not to do. 

No drinking, no speeding, no unsafe rides, use a sober driver, stay safe, and take pride. Roads will be watched, both far and near, to curb fatal crashes and bring good cheer.

Hosting a party? Keep safety the goal, no underage drinks—stay in control.

Michigan State Police are joining the rivalry run, keeping it safe while having some fun.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Ahead of the rivalry game Saturday, police in Michigan and Ohio are teaming up against drunk driving.

Michigan State Police and Ohio State Highway Patrol will both be cracking down on impaired driving Saturday, the two agencies said in a joint news release. The agencies said while Michigan and Ohio have a football rivalry, there “is no rivalry when it comes to removing impaired drivers from our roadways.”

“There is absolutely no reason to drive impaired — ever,” Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police, said in the release. “Enjoy the game and the celebrations that come with it but please be responsible because lives depend on it. Protect yourself and others on the road by using a rideshare service or if driving, only drive sober, avoid distractions, and wear your seatbelt.”

Col. Charles A. Jones, the superintendent of Ohio State Highway Patrol, reminded fans to designate a sober driver, follow speed limits and wear a seat belt.

“The best way to keep the roads safe during this weekend’s Ohio State vs. Michigan game is for all drivers to make safety a priority,” he said in the release. “Whether you’re cheering for Scarlet and Gray or Maize and Blue, safe driving habits are key.”

The rivalry game will kick off at noon Saturday in Columbus. It will air on Fox.

Michigan State University’s School of Packaging is entering the next phase of its evolution as it seeks funding for a $25m expansion.

This effort comes just over a year after the completion of a $10m renovation of its existing facilities, a project that modernised laboratories, classrooms, and collaboration spaces.

The proposed expansion would double the size of the school’s current building, allowing for more research capabilities, advanced technology, and increased capacity for students and faculty.

According to university representatives, the expanded facility will be designed to support the school’s focus on sustainable and innovative packaging solutions.

Founded in 1952, the School of Packaging is recognised as a pioneer in the field, educating 40% of packaging professionals in the US The school’s network of over 10,000 alumni remains deeply involved in global packaging industries.

Focus on sustainability and innovation

The School of Packaging has maintained a strong emphasis on addressing environmental challenges in packaging. Its research spans a variety of areas, including biodegradable materials, food preservation technologies, and solutions for hard-to-recycle plastics.

Dr. Rafael Auras, a leading voice in packaging sustainability, continues to explore alternatives to traditional plastics through his work on bio-based and biodegradable materials.

Auras’s research team has collaborated on notable projects, including the development of packaging solutions for space missions with NASA.

Another ongoing project involves the use of cellulose nanomaterials to create recyclable single-layer films, led by associate director Dr. Laurent Matuana. This research could significantly impact the recyclability of flexible packaging, which currently poses major challenges for the industry.

Growth in research funding and collaboration

The school has seen a surge in funding from industry, government agencies, and commodity groups over the past year. Projects led by researchers such as Dr. Eva Almenar, who focuses on extending the shelf life of fresh produce through sustainable packaging, exemplify the school’s collaborative approach.

Almenar has partnered with international institutions to tackle food waste issues, a key concern for both industry and consumers.

New faculty members are also driving innovation. Dr. Qiang Yang, a recent addition to the team, has made significant strides in improving the energy efficiency of pulp processing and developing cellulose-based packaging materials.

The road ahead

While MSU’s School of Packaging is in the early stages of its $25m fundraising effort, its ambitions reflect a broader trend in academia: addressing global challenges through interdisciplinary research and education.

If realised, the expanded facility will position the school to further contribute to sustainable packaging solutions and meet growing industry demand.

For now, the school remains at the forefront of tackling issues like plastic waste, food security, and the circular economy. As packaging continues to evolve, the institution’s role in shaping the future of the field is likely to grow.

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