Foundations
Here's a look at documents from U.S. foundations
Featured Stories
Hispanic Access Raises Concerns Over Passage of 'One Big Beautiful Bill' and Its Impact on Environmental Protections
WASHINGTON, July 12 -- The Hispanic Access Foundation issued the following news release:
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Hispanic Access Raises Concerns Over Passage of 'One Big Beautiful Bill' and Its Impact on Environmental Protections
On July 3, Congress passed the final version of H.R. 1-the Lower Energy Costs Act-as part of its budget reconciliation bill, which was signed into law on July 4. While the legislation is framed as an energy initiative, it includes provisions that scale back key environmental protections, potentially increasing pollution risks and long-term climate impacts, especially for Latino communities.
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WASHINGTON, July 12 -- The Hispanic Access Foundation issued the following news release:
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Hispanic Access Raises Concerns Over Passage of 'One Big Beautiful Bill' and Its Impact on Environmental Protections
On July 3, Congress passed the final version of H.R. 1-the Lower Energy Costs Act-as part of its budget reconciliation bill, which was signed into law on July 4. While the legislation is framed as an energy initiative, it includes provisions that scale back key environmental protections, potentially increasing pollution risks and long-term climate impacts, especially for Latino communities.In response, Maite Arce, president and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation, issued the following statement:
"The passage of H.R. 1--the Lower Energy Costs Act, also referred to by some as the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' raises serious concerns for the future of environmental protection, public health, and the climate resilience for communities across the country, including the more than 56 million Latinos living in the United States.
"The bill includes provisions that delay and weaken the Methane Emissions Reduction Program and the methane polluter fee-tools that were designed to reduce energy waste and limit harmful methane emissions. Many Latino communities already experience disproportionate exposure to air pollution and its health effects, including asthma and other respiratory conditions, since they live and work near air-polluting facilities.
"Additionally, the bill mandates 30 new offshore oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico, each totaling at least 80 million acres, and 6 off Alaska's coast, each totaling at least 1 million acres, and reduces funding for programs aimed at strengthening coastal resilience. These provisions will most likely result in increased pollution risks and reduced investments in infrastructure and habitat restoration that protect coastal communities--home to millions of Latinos--from rising sea levels, storms, and flooding.
"The legislation also reduces support for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) scientific research and environmental review processes. These cuts will impair our ability to track weather events, respond to climate threats, maintain national marine sanctuary programs, and safeguard marine ecosystems that are vital to the economic and cultural well-being of coastal communities.
"As we move forward, it is critical that future legislation prioritizes community health and safety, supports scientific research, and strengthens--not weakens--our collective capacity to address climate change and protect the natural resources that so many communities rely on."
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Original text here: https://www.hispanicaccess.org/news-resources/news-releases/item/3471-hispanic-access-raises-concerns-over-passage-of-one-big-beautiful-bill-and-its-impact-on-environmental-protections
AmfAR-the Foundation for AIDS Research: Progress on HIV--Derailed
NEW YORK, July 12 (TNSrpt) -- AmfAR-the Foundation for AIDS Research issued the following news release:
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Progress on HIV--Derailed
The latest UNAIDS report shows advances in the global HIV response but warns funding cuts are creating a crisis for millions of people impacted by HIV
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Over two decades and counting, the global HIV response has saved 27 million lives, thanks in large part to its single biggest contributor: the United States. The sudden withdrawal of international assistance from the U.S. has had a catastrophic effect, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, as a
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NEW YORK, July 12 (TNSrpt) -- AmfAR-the Foundation for AIDS Research issued the following news release:
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Progress on HIV--Derailed
The latest UNAIDS report shows advances in the global HIV response but warns funding cuts are creating a crisis for millions of people impacted by HIV
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Over two decades and counting, the global HIV response has saved 27 million lives, thanks in large part to its single biggest contributor: the United States. The sudden withdrawal of international assistance from the U.S. has had a catastrophic effect, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, as anew UNAIDS report titled AIDS, Crisis, and the Power to Transform details. Interrupted testing, treatment, and prevention services, as well as debilitated healthcare infrastructure, threaten to derail progress and alter the lives of millions.
In the report's foreword, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima conveyed the potential devastation ahead: "UNAIDS modelling shows that if the funding permanently disappears, there could be an additional 6 million HIV infections and an additional 4 million AIDS-related deaths by 2029."
Yet the report also highlights ways in which countries are striving to rebound from the cuts and salvage what momentum they can. States Byanyima: "Twenty-five of the 60 low- and middle-income countries included in this report have found ways to increase HIV spending from domestic resources into 2026. This is the future of the HIV response--nationally owned and led, sustainable, inclusive and multisectoral."
Here's a snapshot of the global state of HIV in 2024 (i.e., before the funding cuts).
What we have achieved
* An estimated 1.3 million people newly acquired HIV in 2024, only slightly down from 2023.
* Between 2000 and 2024, nearly 4.4 million mother-to-child transmissions were averted thanks to programs to prevent vertical transmission of the virus. Programs in eastern and southern Africa were integral to this success, the report noted.
* Approximately 31.6 million of the 40.8 million people living with HIV were receiving HIV treatment in 2024. Seventy-three percent of all people living with HIV achieved viral suppression.
* Spurred to a large extent by expanded access to antiretrovirals and suppressed viral loads in Asia and the Pacific, the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa, the number of AIDS-related deaths in 2024 was an estimated 630,000, with annual decreases from 2010 to 2024 across all regions except eastern Europe and central Asia.
What we need to work on
* Disproportionately burdened by discrimination, stigma, punitive laws, gender inequalities, and violence, key populations continue to be hard hit by HIV. From 2020 to 2024, HIV prevalence among adults aged 15-49 globally was 0.7%; however, among key populations it was much higher: sex workers (2.7%); gay men and other men who have sex with men (7.6%); people who inject drugs (7.1%); transgender people (8.5%); and people in prison and other closed settings (1.4%).
* In 2024, an estimated 620,000 children living with HIV were not receiving HIV treatment.
* As of 2024, 156 countries criminalize HIV transmission, exposure, or nondisclosure.
* Gender inequity continued to hinder the HIV response. From 2020 to 2024, only a little over half of women and girls aged 15-49 were able to make their own decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use, and accessing healthcare.
* UNAIDS set a 2025 target of 21.2 million people to be on oral PrEP. However, only about 3.9 million used the HIV prevention tool in 2024.
Read the full report by clicking here (https://www.amfar.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/UNAIDS-report-Clean.pdf).
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REPORT: https://www.amfar.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/UNAIDS-report-Clean.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.amfar.org/news/progress-on-hiv-derailed/
Prevent Cancer Foundation: What is a Plant-Based Diet and Can It Prevent Cancer?
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 11 -- The Prevent Cancer Foundation issued the following news:
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What is a plant-based diet and can it prevent cancer?
The term "plant-based diet" has been around for years--and it's this type of diet that's recommended to reduce your risk of cancer--but there's still some confusion as to exactly what it means. Does plant-based mean you should be eating only plants?
We're taking a look at what it means to follow a plant-based diet, how that differs from a vegetarian or a vegan diet and why this diet provides health and cancer-fighting benefits!
What is a plant-based
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ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 11 -- The Prevent Cancer Foundation issued the following news:
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What is a plant-based diet and can it prevent cancer?
The term "plant-based diet" has been around for years--and it's this type of diet that's recommended to reduce your risk of cancer--but there's still some confusion as to exactly what it means. Does plant-based mean you should be eating only plants?
We're taking a look at what it means to follow a plant-based diet, how that differs from a vegetarian or a vegan diet and why this diet provides health and cancer-fighting benefits!
What is a plant-baseddiet?
Plant-based eating means to focus on a diet consisting primarily of plants. Plants include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, lentils, legumes and more. The key word here is primarily, not exclusively.
Unlike a vegetarian or vegan diet, eating a plant-based diet doesn't mean that you can't include meats, eggs or dairy in your meals-it simply means those foods are taking up a smaller portion of your plate than they might in some other nutrition plans.
While there is no exact agreed-upon ratio of plant-to-animal foods in a plant-based diet, many nutrition experts suggest plants should make up between 66%-80% of your diet and animal foods between 20%-34% of your diet.
Dr. Christine Kirlew with Piedmont Healthcare encourages you to include lean protein as 25% of your diet.
How can a plant-based diet help prevent cancer?
Many plant-based foods, especially fruits and vegetables, are loaded with vitamins and minerals. Foods that are high in vitamins like A, B, C, D and K--along with other minerals like calcium and potassium--can protect your cells from damage and support your immune system, both contributing to cancer prevention.
These nutrients help just about every part of your body function at a high level.
Additionally, adding high-fiber foods to your diet could help you lower your cancer risk. The carbohydrates in fiber help you feel full for longer, which aids in preventing overeating and snacking. Maintaining a healthy weight is a critical factor in reducing your cancer risk.
What are some easy ways to eat a plant-based diet?
Here are some of our favorite tips when it comes to consuming a plant-based diet:
* Pack the plate with vegetables. Try to fill half of your plate with veggies. Mix up the vegetables to keep things exciting and to incorporate more nutrients. You can also find fun ways to enjoy your veggies, such as using them to make salsa or guacamole.
* Mix in the whole grains. Start your day with oatmeal and add some berries! Then incorporate quinoa, barley or brown rice for lunch and dinner. Whole grains contain phytonutrients, which are antioxidants that protect your body from disease.
* Have meat take a back seat. Try to get away from thinking about a piece of meat as the centerpiece of the plate and treat it like a side portion. Limiting your red meat intake and eliminating processed meat entirely is proven to lower your risk of cancer. Also, consider swapping out some meat dishes with plant-based alternatives.
* Salads before meals. Make a habit of eating a small salad before some of your meals. This can help you get your daily servings of veggies, and it helps fill you up so you're not craving snacks later.
* Fruits for dessert. Instead of a bowl of ice cream or slice of cake, give fruit a try for your post-meal treat. Slice up some strawberries, an apple or a peach to satisfy that sweet craving. Maybe add a small scoop of ice cream if you'd like, but make the fruit the star of the show. This is a tasty way to not only get your daily servings of fruit, but to cut back on fats, oils and simple carbohydrates in the process.
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Original text here: https://preventcancer.org/article/plant-based-diet-prevent-cancer/
International Myeloma Foundation's Brian D. Novis Research Grants: Celebrating 30 Years of Paving Way for Transformative Breakthroughs in Myeloma Research
STUDIO CITY, California, July 11 -- The International Myeloma Foundation issued the following news:
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The International Myeloma Foundation's Brian D. Novis Research Grants: Celebrating 30 Years of Paving the Way for Transformative Breakthroughs in Myeloma Research
The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is proud to announce the 30th anniversary of the Brian D. Novis (BDN) Research Grant Program. To honor the memory of its co-founder, the Brian D. Novis Research Grant Program was established in 1995.
For the past 30 years, BDN Research Grants have been awarded annually to deserving senior
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STUDIO CITY, California, July 11 -- The International Myeloma Foundation issued the following news:
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The International Myeloma Foundation's Brian D. Novis Research Grants: Celebrating 30 Years of Paving the Way for Transformative Breakthroughs in Myeloma Research
The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is proud to announce the 30th anniversary of the Brian D. Novis (BDN) Research Grant Program. To honor the memory of its co-founder, the Brian D. Novis Research Grant Program was established in 1995.
For the past 30 years, BDN Research Grants have been awarded annually to deserving seniorand junior investigators in the field of myeloma.
The BDN Grants Program is one of the many initiatives that the IMF is working hard to raise funds for-- to promote research into all areas of myeloma, in the hopes of improving patient outcomes.
To date, the IMF has funded almost close to 160 of the most promising projects by both senior and junior investigators in the field of multiple myeloma. Important research supported by the IMF has made contributions that bring us closer to fulfilling the IMF's mission - finding a cure for myeloma.
Because of the fresh perspectives and novel ideas they bring to myeloma research, junior investigations play an imperative role in the research community. These research efforts provide innovative approaches and explore unconventional strategies and novel technologies--thus, leading to a deeper understanding of the disease and to forward-thinking advancements in treating multiple myeloma. Their body of work can also have significant long-term impact--paving the way for future transformative breakthroughs in myeloma research.
However, these junior investigations are also at the lowest rung of the ladder when it comes to research funding. This is why research grants like the BDN Grants Program are so crucial and essential for junior investigators to be able to put their innovative ideas into action.
By supporting junior investigators through the BDN Grants Program, the IMF is helping expand the research workforce and foster a more diverse and robust research landscape.
"The Brian D. Novis Grants have transformative power over the recipients and their work and efforts in advancing science and research. The grants provide them with the opportunity to pursue novel ideas, taking them out of the incubator to see where a research design or question will lead them. Many past recipients' careers have gotten a head start because of these grants. Researchers are making significant strides in their efforts to find a cure for myeloma. The IMF is grateful to donors, friends and supporters of the IMF who make this possible," said IMF Vice President of Development Sylvia Dsouza.
"For the past 30 years, the Brian D. Novis Grants have been funding and sustaining promising junior and senior investigations in the field of myeloma. We are truly proud of this IMF initiative and its continuing role in encouraging bright and upcoming junior and senior investigators to pursue innovative and forward-thinking projects in all areas of myeloma. By doing so, the IMF hopes to set the scene for transformative breakthroughs in myeloma research while improving patient outcomes," said IMF Executive Vice President of Research & Operations Lisa Paik.
"Without research, we would not have made the massive progress we have made in myeloma - over the 30 years of the BDN grants, the average survival of myeloma patients has more than tripled and over 20 drugs have been developed and approved to treat this terrible disease. Now, more than ever, it is critical to support research in myeloma, and I am thrilled to know the IMF continues its tradition of funding projects and researchers to improve the quantity and quality of life of our patients," said IMF Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Mikhael.
The 2024 BDN Grant Recipients: Where Are They Now?
In 2024, Martin Gazvoda, PhD (University of Ljubljana--Slovenia) received a junior grant amounting to $50,000 for his project "Boron-rich antibodies for synergistic targeted therapy with boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) in multiple myeloma data." The junior grant was provided by Laughs for Life, organized by Kent Oliver.
The IMF did some catching up with Martin to ask him about his 2024 BDN Junior Grant project, as well as other future endeavors in myeloma research.
"As a 2024 BDN Junior Grant awardee, my grant period is now coming to an end. However, it will definitely have a lasting impact on my career as it allowed me to enter the field of multiple myeloma research. I have proposed a novel treatment approach for myeloma that I will pursue in the future and therefore believe that the project will still be very much alive. Over the past year, my research has focused heavily on developing this new therapeutic strategy, and it has been an exciting and productive journey that has brought both challenges and valuable progress," said Martin.
"The project has an ambitious goal: to develop a novel treatment for multiple myeloma using modified biologics with a synergistic mode of action. We have achieved several important milestones, including the successful development of key reagents required to produce these biologics. In addition, we have demonstrated that these reagents can be used to produce targeted biologics, which we consider a promising step forward that already represents a breakthrough of sorts in the overall project."
To this year's BDN Grant recipients, Martin gives a special message: "I wish you all the best on your research path. The fact that your proposal has been selected means that it has great potential. My advice is to start strong from the beginning and not be discouraged by setbacks, which can come, especially if your project is ambitious (which probably is). Keep moving forward!"
Alireza Gholipour, PhD also received a junior grant amounting to $50,000 for his project, "Advancing spinal stability in multiple myeloma: a predictive biomechanical simulation approach." The junior grant was provided by Miracles for Myeloma 5K Run/Walk, organized by Ron and Sheree Pask.
"I'm deeply honored to be a recipient of the 2024 Brian D. Novis Junior Research Award. Since receiving the grant, we've made significant progress in developing a patient-specific predictive biomechanical simulation model to better understand and manage spinal instability in multiple myeloma patients. Our model has already demonstrated its clinical value by accurately identifying areas of spinal risk and informing successful surgical intervention. This project not only validates the power of personalized modeling in spine oncology but also represents a step forward in integrating biomechanics into clinical decision-making," said Alireza.
He extends this message to the 2025 BDN Grant awardees: "Embrace this opportunity--it's not just funding, it's a platform to push boundaries, innovate, and make a tangible impact on patient care."
Miracles for Myeloma 5K Run/Walk organizers Ron and Sheree Pask have been keeping in touch with Alireza and the progress he's been making on his BDN Junior Grant project.
"Ali has been wonderful right from the beginning at last year's grant reception. We exchanged email and phone numbers so we could keep in contact. Ali was kind enough to come and participate in our Miracles for Myeloma 5K by speaking and running at our event. He also spoke at our support group meeting to share his findings on his research," said Ron and Sheree, adding that "Ali is very enthusiastic and seems to be pleased with his progress, as we are."
The Pasks are very excited for this year's new BDN junior and senior grant recipients, especially for the Miracles for Myeloma 5K Run/Walk's BDN grant awardee for 2025.
"It's always a very special time to meet the research recipient and to learn what their research will be as we try to make a difference in the myeloma world," said Ron and Sheree.
As longtime donors to the IMF's BDN Grants program, Ron and Sheree expressed that they "continue to have the same exhilarating feeling when we shake the hand of the researcher and realize that all of our hard work to raise awareness and money for myeloma has been achieved for this year."
"Advancing science, and research in our goals to find a cure for myeloma requires undeterred focus and resource allocation. Philanthropy has the power to change the world and make it healthier, prosperous, and safer for all to live and thrive in. This is a call to action for those who want to make a difference and become a change agent in finding a cure for myeloma and potentially, for many other types of cancer. The IMF is at the forefront, leading some transformative curative trials and therapies. We do not want to leave any stone unturned in our work and efforts. However, the IMF cannot do it alone. Please join us in making this world a better place for patients with multiple myeloma. They are counting on us," said IMF VP of Development Sylvia Dsouza.
Currently, the IMF is preparing to award this year's BDN Junior and Senior Grant recipients in August at a celebratory awards reception and dinner following the Patient and Family Seminar.
To know more about the Brian D. Novis Research Grants and past BDN grant recipients, visit myeloma.org/brian-d-novis-research-grants.
Make an Impact on Myeloma Research and Finding a Cure
IMF Vice President of Development Sylvia Dsouza invites you to join the International Myeloma Foundation in its efforts to help fund and further myeloma research. If you are interested in attending the event on August 16 to learn more and meet the awardees and their research and/or want to support this initiative, please reach out to Sylvia by emailing sdouza@myeloma.org or by calling (310) 947-4126 to start a conversation.
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL MYELOMA FOUNDATION
Founded in 1990, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is the first and largest global foundation focusing specifically on multiple myeloma. The Foundation's reach extends to more than 525,000 members in 140 countries worldwide. The IMF is dedicated to improving the quality of life of myeloma patients while working toward prevention and a cure by focusing on four key areas: research, education, support, and advocacy. The IMF has conducted more than 250 educational seminars worldwide, maintains a world-renowned InfoLine, and in 2001, established the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG), a collaborative research initiative focused on improving myeloma treatment options for patients. In 2012, the IMF launched the Black Swan Research Initiative(R), a groundbreaking research project aimed at curing myeloma. The IMF can be reached at (800) 452-CURE (2873). The global website is www.myeloma.org.
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Original text here: https://www.myeloma.org/news-events/multiple-myeloma-news/international-myeloma-foundations-brian-d-novis-research-grants-paving-way-transformative
EFF Investigation: AI Product for Police Reports is Designed to Hinder Audits
SAN FRANCISCO, California, July 11 -- The Electronic Frontier Foundation issued the following news release:
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EFF Investigation: AI Product for Police Reports is Designed to Hinder Audits
Axon Enterprise's Draft One Allows No Real Transparency and Accountability
Axon Enterprise's Draft One product, which uses generative artificial intelligence to write police report narratives based on body-worn camera audio, seems designed to stymie any attempts at auditing, transparency, and accountability, an Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) investigation (https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/07/axons-draft-one-designed-defy-transparency)
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SAN FRANCISCO, California, July 11 -- The Electronic Frontier Foundation issued the following news release:
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EFF Investigation: AI Product for Police Reports is Designed to Hinder Audits
Axon Enterprise's Draft One Allows No Real Transparency and Accountability
Axon Enterprise's Draft One product, which uses generative artificial intelligence to write police report narratives based on body-worn camera audio, seems designed to stymie any attempts at auditing, transparency, and accountability, an Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) investigation (https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/07/axons-draft-one-designed-defy-transparency)has found.
The investigation - based on public records obtained from dozens of police agencies already using Draft One, Axon user manuals, and other materials - found the product offers meager oversight features, and the result is that when a police report includes biased language, inaccuracies, misinterpretations, or lies, there's no record showing whether the culprit was the officer or the AI. This makes it extremely difficult if not impossible to assess how the system affects justice outcomes over time.
"Police should not be using AI to write police reports," said EFF Senior Policy Analyst Matthew Guariglia. "There are just too many questions left unanswered about how AI would translate the audio of situations, whether police will actually edit those drafts, and whether the public will ever be able to tell what was written by a person and what was written by a computer. This is before we even get to the question of how these reports might lead to problems in an already unfair and untransparent criminal justice system."
Axon' Tasers, body-worn cameras and surveillance technology bundles are used by thousands of police agencies, and the company is using those existing relationships to heavily promote Draft One. Many more cities are expected to deploy this AI in the next few years.
EFF's investigation found that Draft One does not save the draft it generates, nor any subsequent edited versions. Rather, an officer copies the AI draft text and pastes it to the police report, and the AI draft disappears as soon as the window closes.
Nothing remains that would let judges, defense attorneys, or the public review know what part, if any, of a report was written by AI and which portions were written by the officer, except for the officer's own personal recollection. And if an officer generated a Draft One report multiple times over, there's no way to tell whether the AI interpreted the audio differently each time.
Axon has promoted its "audit log" function as the primary transparency measure. However, after obtaining examples of this data, EFF found that it shed little light on the usage of the technology. Nevertheless, EFF also has released a guide on what records may be obtainable under public records laws.
"As AI technology proliferates in policing, it's crucial that journalists, researchers, and advocates try to get these records to not only identify poor police practices, but also to highlight the structural gaps in accountability," EFF Director of Investigations Dave Maass said.
For EFF's Axon Draft One investigation: https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/07/axons-draft-one-designed-defy-transparency
For EFF's guide to requesting public records about Axon Draft One: https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/07/effs-guide-getting-records-about-axons-ai-generated-police-reports
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Original text here: https://www.eff.org/press/releases/eff-investigation-ai-product-police-reports-designed-hinder-audits
PepsiCo, McCain Foods, Lamb Weston Among Regenerative Agriculture Leaders as Big Food Stumbles
OAKLAND, California, July 10 -- As You Sow Foundation posted the following news release:
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PepsiCo, McCain Foods, Lamb Weston Among Regenerative Agriculture Leaders as Big Food Stumbles
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BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA--JUL 10, 2025-- A new report by As You Sow grades 20 major food companies on the quality of their regenerative agriculture programs and finds that a majority failed to implement key components necessary to achieve regenerative outcomes, risking production inefficiency, missed market opportunities, and reputational damage from greenwashing claims.
"Regenerative agriculture" implies
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OAKLAND, California, July 10 -- As You Sow Foundation posted the following news release:
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PepsiCo, McCain Foods, Lamb Weston Among Regenerative Agriculture Leaders as Big Food Stumbles
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BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA--JUL 10, 2025-- A new report by As You Sow grades 20 major food companies on the quality of their regenerative agriculture programs and finds that a majority failed to implement key components necessary to achieve regenerative outcomes, risking production inefficiency, missed market opportunities, and reputational damage from greenwashing claims.
"Regenerative agriculture" impliesthat companies are using few or no toxic synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, increasing soil coverage, and using diversified crop rotation, among other actions critical to production and cost reductions. It also builds soil health and reduces soil loss; reduces farm workers and fence-line communities' exposure to toxic compounds; reduces water and air pollution; increases biodiversity and pollinator health; and makes food more nutritious. Continued use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers on farms hinders each of these regenerative goals.
" Hundreds of millions of pounds of pesticides are applied to crops in the U.S. every year to control weeds, insect infestations, and plant diseases. Pesticides directly harm the microorganisms essential to regenerating healthy soil, which is regenerative agriculture's main objective. Similarly, 20.8 million metric tons of fertilizer are used, which harm waterways and air quality," said Cailin Dendas, lead author and As You Sow 's environmental health sr. coordinator. "Labelling programs that rely on massive pesticide and fertilizer use as 'regenerative' misleads investors and consumers, and leaves companies susceptible to claims of greenwashing, creating litigation and reputational risk."
Notably, only 3 companies in the report currently require the reduction of toxic synthetic pesticides in their regenerative agriculture programs. McCain Foods, Lamb Weston, and PepsiCo set high standards for peers to follow not only by reducing pesticide use but by defining regenerative agriculture with clear, outcome-based criteria for their suppliers; tracking and reporting progress on regenerative outcomes; and collaborating with suppliers, researchers, technology developers, farmers, and other stakeholders to advance large-scale adoption. These companies received B and C grades, respectively. Unfortunately, a significant majority of companies earned much lower scores, with an average company grade of "D."
"Low company scores shine a light on the food industry's failure to evolve beyond industrial farming," said Danielle Fugere, As You Sow 's president and chief counsel. "Adopting effective regenerative food programs is essential to creating a supply chain resilient to extreme weather events and crop loss, and minimizing the use of toxic synthetic inputs linked to chronic illness and cancer."
"There's an inherent contradiction in using degenerative practices like reliance on pesticides, while claiming regenerative outcomes," said Kendyl Van Dyck, co-author and consultant for As You Sow.
"Our agricultural system is at a significant turning point," said Dendas, " environmental degradation too often outweighs the benefits provided by industrial farming. Food companies have the power to regenerate healthy soil and food - a win for farmers, consumers, investors, and the environment - but, instead, too many are taking half measures rather than adopting the full range of core regenerative practices within their supply chains."
As You Sow is the nation's leading shareholder representative, with a 30-year track record promoting environmental and social corporate responsibility. Its focus areas include climate change, ocean plastics, toxins in the food system, the Rights of Nature, racial justice, and workplace diversity. Click here to view As You Sow's shareholder resolution tracker.
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REPORT: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59a706d4f5e2319b70240ef9/t/686e924f0884a7393c23a263/1752076918035/AsYouSow2025_From+the+Ground+Up_final.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.asyousow.org/press-releases/2025/7/10/pepsico-mccain-foods-lamb-weston-among-regenerative-agriculture-leaders-as-big-food-stumbles
Atsena Gets FDA Nod to Expand XLRS Gene Therapy Clinical Trial to Include Pivotal Phase 3 Cohort
COLUMBIA, Maryland, July 10 -- The Foundation Fighting Blindness issued the following news:
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Atsena Gets FDA Nod to Expand XLRS Gene Therapy Clinical Trial to Include Pivotal Phase 3 Cohort
The expanded Phase 1/2/3 shortens time to potential FDA approval.
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Atsena Therapeutics, a developer of innovative gene therapies for inherited retinal diseases, has received agreement from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to expand the current LIGHTHOUSE Phase 1/2 clinical trial for ATSN-201, an X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) gene therapy, into a continuous Phase 1/2/3 clinical trial. By expanding
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COLUMBIA, Maryland, July 10 -- The Foundation Fighting Blindness issued the following news:
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Atsena Gets FDA Nod to Expand XLRS Gene Therapy Clinical Trial to Include Pivotal Phase 3 Cohort
The expanded Phase 1/2/3 shortens time to potential FDA approval.
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Atsena Therapeutics, a developer of innovative gene therapies for inherited retinal diseases, has received agreement from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to expand the current LIGHTHOUSE Phase 1/2 clinical trial for ATSN-201, an X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) gene therapy, into a continuous Phase 1/2/3 clinical trial. By expandingthe current trial, Atsena avoids the need for an additional registrational study, thereby reducing the time to potential approval by at least 1.5 years. The Phase 1/2/3 trial can serve as a registrational trial to support the request for marketing approval through submission of a Biologics License Application (BLA) to the FDA. Atsena anticipates a potential BLA submission in early 2028.
"As part of its commitment to working with industry to develop innovative, practical approaches for accelerating the development of life-altering therapies for patients with rare diseases, the FDA has recently approved seamless Phase 1/2/3 study designs for several rare disease programs," said Kenji Fujita, MD, chief medical officer at Atsena. "We are encouraged that their agreement with our proposed design reflects a continued commitment to pragmatic approaches to drug development in serious, rare diseases."
ATSN-201 has received Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy, Fast Track, Rare Pediatric Disease, and Orphan Drug Designations from the FDA, all of which can accelerate and streamline therapy development.
Atsena will add another, pivotal cohort to the ongoing multicenter LIGHTHOUSE trial, which will include approximately 30 adult and pediatric patients, randomized evenly between treatment and control groups. Patients in the control group will have the opportunity to receive treatment after one year. Efficacy and safety will be assessed in all patients using measures such as microperimetry, visual acuity, and macular structure. The pivotal cohort is anticipated to begin enrolling in the first quarter of 2026 with a data readout expected in the second half of 2027.
In May 2025, Atsena reported that seven of nine patients in Part A of LIGHTHOUSE had resolution of the retinal schisis, the splitting of retinal layers, which is the damaging structural hallmark of XLRS. Those patients with structural improvements generally showed improvements in microperimetry, best-corrected visual acuity, and low luminance visual acuity. Atsena is currently enrolling in Part B of LIGHTHOUSE which will include nine adult and three pediatric (at least 6 years of age) patients.
The RD Fund, the Foundation's venture philanthropy fund for advancing emerging treatments into and through early-stage clinical trials, is a founding investor in Atsena.
Atsena Founder and Chief Scientific Officer Shannon Boye, PhD, University of Florida, is the preclinical developer for the company's emerging gene therapies.
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Original text here: https://www.fightingblindness.org/news/atsena-gets-fda-nod-to-expand-xlrs-gene-therapy-clinical-trial-to-include-pivotal-phase-3-cohort-2554
