Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
Food and Water Watch: Analysis Maps Glyphosate, Cancer Connection
WASHINGTON, March 17 (TNSrpt) -- The Food and Water Watch posted the following news release:
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Analysis Maps Glyphosate, Cancer Connection
71% of high glyphosate counties have late-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma rates above the national average
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High glyphosate use is linked to elevated rates of non-Hodgkin lymphoma cancer, particularly in Iowa and the Upper Midwest, finds a new Food & Water Watch analysis. Accompanying the analysis is a new interactive national map, detailing rates of glyphosate application on cropland and incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, down to the county level.
This
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 17 (TNSrpt) -- The Food and Water Watch posted the following news release:
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Analysis Maps Glyphosate, Cancer Connection
71% of high glyphosate counties have late-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma rates above the national average
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High glyphosate use is linked to elevated rates of non-Hodgkin lymphoma cancer, particularly in Iowa and the Upper Midwest, finds a new Food & Water Watch analysis. Accompanying the analysis is a new interactive national map, detailing rates of glyphosate application on cropland and incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, down to the county level.
Thiscomes on the heels of President Trump's Executive Order to boost domestic glyphosate production, and as Bayer pushes Cancer Gag Acts across the country to give pesticide manufacturers immunity from health-related lawsuits. Glyphosate-based herbicides including Bayer's Roundup are the most widely used in the country; the World Health Organization classifies glyphosate as probably carcinogenic.
The analysis finds that, of the U.S. counties spraying the most glyphosate per square mile that have reported non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) rates:
* 60% have NHL rates above the national average.
* 71% have late-stage NHL rates above the national average.
* In Iowa alone, 82 percent of high glyphosate counties have NHL rates above the national average, and half are "hot spots" -- in the top 20% for NHL rates nationwide. Iowa has the second-highest overall cancer rate in the nation.
Iowa has become a flashpoint of opposition against Bayer's Cancer Gag Act, which faces a funnel deadline of Friday, March 20. Fully 89% of Iowa voters oppose pesticide immunity legislation; over 150 people rallied at the State Capitol against the bill last month.
Food & Water Watch Research Director Amanda Starbuck issued the following statement:
"The research is clear: glyphosate poses a serious threat to human health. As cancer diagnoses become heartbreakingly common in America's farming communities, the pesticide industry has gone on the offensive. Not content with introducing toxic chemicals to our environments, manufacturers now want immunity from the health impacts of their pesticide products. President Trump has been all too willing to endorse the corporate crusade.
"President Trump's embrace of glyphosate will make America very, very sick. Bayer's cruel Cancer Gag Acts have no place in communities struggling with cancer crises. It's time to follow the science and end our reliance on dangerous pesticides once and for all."
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REPORT: https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2603_RB_GlyphosateCancerClusters.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/2026/03/16/new-analysis-maps-glyphosate-cancer-connection/
[Category: Science]
Consumer Reports Urges Veto of Comprehensive Privacy Bill in Oklahoma
YONKERS, New York, March 17 -- Consumer Reports posted the following news release:
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Consumer Reports urges veto of comprehensive privacy bill in Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma --Consumer Reports urges Governor Kevin Stitt to veto SB 546, a weak consumer data privacy bill that passed the Oklahoma Legislature today despite objections from consumer advocates.
The bill includes some basic consumer rights, such as the right to know the information companies have collected about them, the right to delete certain information, and the right to limit some data disclosures. However, those rights
... Show Full Article
YONKERS, New York, March 17 -- Consumer Reports posted the following news release:
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Consumer Reports urges veto of comprehensive privacy bill in Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma --Consumer Reports urges Governor Kevin Stitt to veto SB 546, a weak consumer data privacy bill that passed the Oklahoma Legislature today despite objections from consumer advocates.
The bill includes some basic consumer rights, such as the right to know the information companies have collected about them, the right to delete certain information, and the right to limit some data disclosures. However, those rightsare undercut by weak definitions of key terms like "sale" and "targeted advertising", no universal opt out or authorized agent provisions, and insufficient enforcement mechanisms. The bill also allows companies to discriminate against consumers who exercise their right to opt out by denying service or charging extra.
"Oklahoma is poised to enact a weak comprehensive privacy bill unless the governor takes action," said Matt Schwartz, policy analyst at Consumer Reports. "This legislation ignores many of the improvements made by recent privacy laws, and instead opts for an outdated model matching that of some of the weakest laws in the nation. The bill includes definitions rife with loopholes, creates broad carveouts, and lacks universal opt-out controls. It should also include enforcement mechanisms that will actually incentivize companies to comply the first time around. We urge Governor Stitt to veto this bill in its current form."
If the Governor signs SB 546 into law, Oklahoma will become the latest state to enact a comprehensive privacy law. Since the passage of the California Consumer Privacy Act in 2018, the number of comprehensive state privacy laws has grown to 19, though the strength of these laws varies in terms of consumer privacy protections.
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Original text here: https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/press_release/consumer-reports-urges-veto-of-comprehensive-privacy-bill-in-oklahoma/
[Category: Business]
Catholic League Issues Commentary: Mamdani Unsure He's Marching in St. Pat's Parade
NEW YORK, March 17 -- The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, an organization that defends the right of Catholics to participate in American public life without defamation or discrimination, issued the following commentary on March 16, 2026, by President Bill Donohue:
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MAMDANI UNSURE HE'S MARCHING IN ST. PAT'S PARADE
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has not confirmed marching in the St. Patrick's Day Parade. That's to be expected given the way he treats Catholics.
He had clergy from many religions at his inauguration, but never invited Cardinal Timothy Dolan or any other
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, March 17 -- The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, an organization that defends the right of Catholics to participate in American public life without defamation or discrimination, issued the following commentary on March 16, 2026, by President Bill Donohue:
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MAMDANI UNSURE HE'S MARCHING IN ST. PAT'S PARADE
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has not confirmed marching in the St. Patrick's Day Parade. That's to be expected given the way he treats Catholics.
He had clergy from many religions at his inauguration, but never invited Cardinal Timothy Dolan or any otherpriest. He had clergy from many religions at his February 6 Interfaith Breakfast, but never invited a priest. He refused to attend the installation of our new archbishop, Ronald Hicks, though virtually every other dignitary was there.
Why is Mamdani hesitant about marching in the St. Patrick's Day Parade? It's not the Irish he has a problem with--it's the Catholic Church.
Mamdani is a big fan of abortion rights and LGBT rights, including the mutilation of the genitals of minors, politely called sex-reassignment surgery. The Catholic Church is opposed to both. Also, he is still unhappy that gays were not allowed to march in the parade under their own banner until 2015. For these reasons, he is reluctant to march.
Mamdani has marched in the following parades:
* Lunar New Year Parade
LGBT Contingent: Yes (since 2010)
* Panamanian Day Parade (Brooklyn)
LGBT Contingent: No
* African American Day Parade
LGBT Contingent: Yes (last marched in 2019)
* Labor Day Parade
LGBT Contingent: No
* West Indian Day Parade
LGBT Contingent: Yes (since 2015)
* Indian Day Parade (Bellerose/Floral Park)
LGBT Contingent: No
* Dominican Day Parade
LGBT Contingent: No contingent; LGBT activists marched in 2019
* Puerto Rican Day Parade
LGBT Contingent: Yes (since 1989)
* Sikh Day Parade
LGBT Contingent: No
* Bangladesh Day Parade (Jackson Heights, Queens)
LGBT Contingent: No
* Phagwah Parade (Richmond Hill, Queens)
LGBT Contingent: Yes (since 2016)
* Pat's For All Parade (Sunnyside, Queens)
LGBT Contingent: Yes (since 2000)
Mamdani only makes a stink about gays not marching in the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Given the way he dismisses Catholics, it would make sense if he skipped the big parade in 2026.
It's not just Catholics he has a beef with.
Mamdani has never marched in the Salute to Israel Parade or the Veterans Day Parade, and his animus against the police and ICE is palpable. To top it off, he never stops talking about diversity and inclusion, but somehow that never seems to include Catholics, Jews, veterans or law enforcement. The man is a phony.
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Original text here: https://www.catholicleague.org/mamdani-unsure-hes-marching-in-st-pats-parade/
[Category: Sociological]
CAIR-LA Hosts Global Interfaith Iftar in Celebration of LA's Diverse Communities
WASHINGTON, March 17 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR-LA Hosts Global Interfaith Iftar in Celebration of LA's Diverse Communities
The Greater Los Angeles area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA), with support from the Office of LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell and the County of LA Department of Parks and Recreation, recently hosted a Global Interfaith Iftar celebrating LA's diverse communities.
SEE: Global Interfaith Iftar Photos (https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=cairgla&set=a.1347468407415372)
More
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 17 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR-LA Hosts Global Interfaith Iftar in Celebration of LA's Diverse Communities
The Greater Los Angeles area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA), with support from the Office of LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell and the County of LA Department of Parks and Recreation, recently hosted a Global Interfaith Iftar celebrating LA's diverse communities.
SEE: Global Interfaith Iftar Photos (https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=cairgla&set=a.1347468407415372)
Morethan 100 community members, faith leaders, and representatives from community organizations and elected officials' offices came together on Tuesday, March 10, to build partnerships across faith and cultures and share a meal together. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims break their daily fast at sunset with a meal known as iftar.
The event featured relationship-building activities and booths representing the different Muslim cultures in LA and around the world, highlighting Islam's rich and diverse heritage. It also included presentations and traditional dishes from various cultural groups, including African American Muslims and communities from Belize, Ghana, Indonesia, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.
Representatives from the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia, the Consulate General of Senegal, the Consulate General of Turkiye, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Azerbaijan were also invited to the event.
In a statement, CAIR-LA Senior Policy & Advocacy Manager Aliya Yousufi said:
"We are grateful to all the partners, leaders, and community members who joined us in celebrating the diversity of LA County's residents. Ramadan is a time that encourages us to grow our faith and strengthen our communities--whether that's through communal nightly prayers, acts of service for our neighbors, or simply coming together to share a meal. This Global Interfaith Iftar was a powerful opportunity to honor and share the cultures, traditions, and experiences that make us unique, and unite in our shared values of community, justice, and tolerance."
CAIR-LA is Southern California's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-la-hosts-global-interfaith-iftar-in-celebration-of-las-diverse-communities/
[Category: Sociological]
CAIR Says Congress Must Act After Israeli Troops Massacre West Bank Family, Taunt Survivors Saying 'We Killed Dogs'
WASHINGTON, March 17 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on March 15, 2026:
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CAIR Says Congress Must Act After Israeli Troops Massacre West Bank Family, Taunt Survivors Saying 'We Killed Dogs'
Muslim civil rights group also condemns Israeli slaughter of healthcare workers in Lebanon
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The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today said Congress must act to halt U.S. taxpayer support for Israeli war crimes following reports that Israeli forces killed an entire Palestinian
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 17 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on March 15, 2026:
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CAIR Says Congress Must Act After Israeli Troops Massacre West Bank Family, Taunt Survivors Saying 'We Killed Dogs'
Muslim civil rights group also condemns Israeli slaughter of healthcare workers in Lebanon
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The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today said Congress must act to halt U.S. taxpayer support for Israeli war crimes following reports that Israeli forces killed an entire Palestinianfamily in the occupied West Bank and mocked surviving children after the attack saying, "We killed dogs."
According to media reports, Israeli forces opened fire on a family car in the West Bank town of Tammun, killing a Palestinian father, mother, and two of their children as they returned home from shopping during the holy month of Ramadan. Two other children survived the shooting with injuries.
Witnesses and survivors reported that Israeli troops beat one of the injured children and taunted survivors, allegedly saying, "We killed dogs," after the attack.
CAIR also condemned Israel's slaughter of 12 healthcare workers in Lebanon.
According to media reports, at least 12 healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, were murdered when an Israeli strike hit a medical center in southern Lebanon.
SEE: Israeli strike kills 12 healthcare workers in southern Lebanon (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/14/lebanon-israeli-rockets-kill-healthcare-workers) - The Guardian
In a statement, Washington, D.C., based CAIR said:
"The reported execution-style killing of a Palestinian family, including young children, followed by the reported abuse and dehumanizing taunts directed at surviving children, represents a horrifying war crime carried out by forces supported by our tax dollars. No government that receives billions of dollars in U.S. taxpayer support should be able to commit such atrocities with impunity.
"Congress must immediately act to halt U.S. military assistance to the Israeli government. Our nation must not be complicit in the killing of children or the targeting of healthcare workers."
CAIR said the killing of healthcare workers in Lebanon constitutes another grave violation of international humanitarian law.
"Doctors, nurses, and paramedics must never be targets. Attacking healthcare workers and medical facilities is a clear violation of the laws of war," CAIR said.
Last week, CAIR welcomed the Netherlands and Iceland joining the case launched by South Africa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) arguing that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
CAIR's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-says-congress-must-act-after-israeli-troops-massacre-west-bank-family-taunt-survivors-saying-we-killed-dogs/
[Category: Sociological]
Best Plant-Based Immune System Nutraceutical Company
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, March 17 -- 4Life Research issued the following news release:
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Best Plant-Based Immune System Nutraceutical Company
The Global 100 has named 4Life Best Plant-Based Immune System Nutraceutical Company of the Year.
Since 2012, UK-based Global Publishing--who governs the Global 100--has championed business excellence worldwide. Today, the organization's network reaches more than 650,000 engaged subscribers with more than 750,000 monthly visitors. The Global 100 is recognized by strategic leaders across multiple business sectors.
Since 1998, 4Life has been the recipient
... Show Full Article
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, March 17 -- 4Life Research issued the following news release:
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Best Plant-Based Immune System Nutraceutical Company
The Global 100 has named 4Life Best Plant-Based Immune System Nutraceutical Company of the Year.
Since 2012, UK-based Global Publishing--who governs the Global 100--has championed business excellence worldwide. Today, the organization's network reaches more than 650,000 engaged subscribers with more than 750,000 monthly visitors. The Global 100 is recognized by strategic leaders across multiple business sectors.
Since 1998, 4Life has been the recipientof dozens of top honors for research, scientific discovery, academic publication, worldclass manufacturing, and customer satisfaction. Past awards include local panels like the Utah Genius Award, regional designations from the Chamber of Commerce, and national and international honors like the Grand Globee(R) Judge's Choice Award and Global Health & Pharma's Best Supplement Provider.
In late 2024, 4Life discovered transfer factors in the Brassica napus seed. They named this discovery PhytoFactor(TM). The company's Research and Development team published two articles in international scientific journals to substantiate the research: one in Molecules and the other in International Journal of Applied Sciences. This began 4Life's recognition for plant-based transfer factor research. Next month, the company will launch 4Life Transfer Factor Max--the world's first and only plant-based transfer factor product.
Calvin Jolley, Vice President Corporate Communications: "This most recent recognition as 2026 Global 100 Best Plant-Based Immune System Nutraceutical Company continues 4Life Founder David Lisonbee's legacy of scientific excellence for worldwide Affiliates."
4Life, The Immune System Company(R), and the first to bring transfer factor research to market, has offices in dozens of countries to serve the company's worldwide customers.
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Original text here: https://www.4life.com/corp/news/details/5377?slug=best-plant-based-immune-system-nutraceutical
[Category: Health Care]
ATR Commends Illinois Pledge Signers Ahead of March 17 Primary
WASHINGTON, March 17 -- Americans for Tax Reform posted the following commentary on March 16, 2026, by Theresa Grover:
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ATR Commends Illinois Pledge Signers Ahead of March 17 Primary
As Illinois Primary voters head to the voting booth, they deserve to know where their candidates stand on key issues such as taxes and spending.
Fortunately for voters in Illinois, these candidates have signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge and made written commitments to oppose and vote against tax hikes.
Current Elected Officials:
* Rep. Mary Miller (IL-15)
* Rep. Darin LaHood (IL-16)
Candidate for
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 17 -- Americans for Tax Reform posted the following commentary on March 16, 2026, by Theresa Grover:
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ATR Commends Illinois Pledge Signers Ahead of March 17 Primary
As Illinois Primary voters head to the voting booth, they deserve to know where their candidates stand on key issues such as taxes and spending.
Fortunately for voters in Illinois, these candidates have signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge and made written commitments to oppose and vote against tax hikes.
Current Elected Officials:
* Rep. Mary Miller (IL-15)
* Rep. Darin LaHood (IL-16)
Candidate forU.S. Senate:
* Pamela Denise Long
Candidates for U.S. House:
* James Marter (IL-14)
* Dillan Vancil (IL-17)
Candidates often make campaign promises not to raise taxes, only to abandon taxpayers once elected. The Taxpayer Protection Pledge requires candidates to put their commitment in writing - making it harder to reverse course.
Americans for Tax Reform created the Taxpayer Protection Pledge in 1985 to solidify candidates' commitments to taxpayers. President Reagan urged all candidates to sign the Pledge. He campaigned for and praised candidates who signed the Pledge. Today, over 1,400 elected officials and candidates at the federal and state levels are Taxpayer Protection Pledge signers.
There are currently 192 Pledge signers in the U.S. House and 44 Pledge signers in the U.S. Senate. 88% of Congressional Republicans have signed the Pledge and put their commitment to oppose tax increases into writing, contrasting with the ZERO congressional Democrats who have made this commitment.
"Illinois voters are looking for solutions that get Americans back to work and grow the economy. Signing the Taxpayer Protection Pledge and holding the line on taxes is the first step in that process." said Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform.
Unfortunately, Democratic candidates for office do not share this commitment. They seek to reverse course and implement tax-and-spend policies that would only stunt economic growth and take more money out of the hands of taxpayers.
New candidates sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge regularly. For the most up-to-date information on these races or any others, please visit the ATR Pledge Database.
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Original text here: https://atr.org/atr-commends-illinois-pledge-signers-ahead-of-march-17-primary/
[Category: Political]
