November 2009

Distance runners who live at high altitudes with low oxygen levels are known to improve their performance during races in areas that are at sea level. Can heart failure patients, who suffer from fatigue, improve their exercise performance by staying in a tent-like, high-altitude simulator? That is the question being studied among 15 heart failure patients at Montefiore Medical Center. "The goal of the FDA-approved study is to see if high altitude simulation is safe and feasible for heart failure patients. And, more specifically, will low-oxygen exposure improve their skeletal muscle function, cardiac function and exercise capacity," said Simon Maybaum, MD, medical director of the Montefiore-Einstein Center for Advanced Cardiac Therapy. "It seems counterintuitive to put heart failure patients in a low-oxygen tent to improve their performance," said Dr. Maybaum. "But, we know that athletes, as they acclimate to an oxygen-low environment, benefit physiologically. In just a few weeks, they show improvement in the oxygen carrying capacity of their blood, in tissue oxygenation and in physical performance. We want to see if similar physiological changes would be beneficial to heart failure patients," he said. Full release.

PREET BHARARA, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and THOMAS E. PEREZ, the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice, announced today that a long-term federal investigation has found that conditions at the Westchester County Jail systematically violate the constitutional rights of inmates. Key findings of the investigation conclude that the jail has failed to adequately protect inmates from physical harm caused by excessive force used by staff; and failed to provide adequate medical and mental health care, particularly with respect to juveniles housed in the jail's punitive segregation unit, all resulting in unconstitutional living conditions. The comprehensive findings are contained in a 42-page letter (the "Findings Letter"), which was delivered on November 19, 2009, to Westchester County Executive ANDREW J. SPANO, Westchester County Commissioner of Correction JOSEPH K. SPANO, and Westchester County Attorney CHARLENE M. INDELICATO, and made public today. Full release.

TheBody (www.thebody.com), the #1 HIV/AIDS resource online, today launched My Health Tracker, an online and mobile tool offering HIV/AIDS-infected patients the ability to save, track and analyze their medical data. The tool, created with sponsorship from Merck, is available at www.thebody.com/tracker and is able to be updated through text messaging. "We are proud to officially launch My Health Tracker to help those coping with HIV/AIDS better manage this life-changing condition," said Christopher M. Schroeder, CEO of HealthCentral, TheBody.com's parent company. "Tracking lab results and medication is a critical component to good HIV management. This tool empowers patients to take control of their health, creating the ideal patient-doctor relationship: a partnership, not one-way communication." With already more than 2,000 registrants, the feature-packed My Health Tracker is a user-friendly tool for HIV-infected patients. Using the tool, people with HIV can actively track various aspects of their health securely and anonymously. They can also keep a log of their medication history, observe how their lab results change over time and keep a detailed journal. A unique feature is the ability to use a cell phone to update lab results critical to HIV-infected patients - CD4 counts and viral loads - or to add a new journal entry via text message. Full release.

Having reviewed preliminary findings regarding a breach of security at the White House State Dinner last Tuesday, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, announced his intention to hold a Full Committee Hearing on the matter this Thursday, December 3, at 10 a.m. in room 311 of the Cannon House Office Building. Thursday's hearing will focus on the breakdown in security arrangements on the evening of Tuesday, November 24, deficiencies in security planning leading up to the State Dinner, actions taken to correct the vulnerabilities and identify any violations of Secret Service policy or management failures at the agency. The Committee plans to invite testimony from Mr. and Mrs. Salahi, who managed to attend portions of the State Dinner without proper White House and Secret Service clearance, and Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan, who is responsible for the safety of Secret Service protectees and the plans his agency develops and implements to secure them. "This is a time for answers, recognition of security deficiencies past and present, and remedies to ensure the strength of the Secret Service and the safety of those under its protection," said Chairman Thompson. "This is not the time for political games or scapegoating to distract our attention from the careful oversight we must apply to the Secret Service and its mission," Chairman Thompson cautioned. "My confidence in the management of the Secret Service hangs in the balance." Full release.

The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of an updated version of its popular Employment Law Guide, an online publication that describes the major employment laws administered by the department. The Guide helps the public -- workers and employers -- understand many of the laws affecting the workplace. For instance, it helps small businesses develop wage, benefit, safety and health, and nondiscrimination policies. It also benefits employees and employee representatives who need information about worker rights and responsibilities under federal employment laws. "Fair and safe practices in the workplace are a top priority for the Department of Labor, and we want to make it simple for both employers and workers to understand the federal policies that protect them," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Our new Employment Law Guide provides updated and user-friendly information and guidance. We encourage everyone to use it." Full release.

Army Col. Mike Bird is about to move a mountain. And he won't be doing it alone. Bird, the commander of Defense Logistics Agency -- Central Command will have help from members of his own team, a DLA support team and participants from several agency primary-level field activities. But that doesn't make the task of helping the military services draw down a mountain of equipment and supplies accumulated during six years of operations in Iraq any less daunting. As the Department of Defense's combat logistics support agency, DLA is responsible for providing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, other federal agencies, and joint and allied forces with a variety of logistics, acquisition and technical services. These services include procuring and distributing nearly five million separate line items such as rations, medical supplies and equipment, clothing and textiles, repair parts for land, sea and air weapons systems and platforms, fuel and energy services. DLA is also responsible for reutilizing and disposing excess property received from the military services, to include disposing of hazardous waste and material. Full release.

Simultaneous studies, released this week by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), document the true costs of illegal immigration in Maryland and demonstrate strong voter objections to the burdens placed on them by illegal immigration. The price tag associated with providing education, health care and incarceration of criminal illegal aliens is at least $1.3 billion a year, finds The Costs of Illegal Immigration to Marylanders. The impact is clearly recognized by Maryland voters. A new Pulse Opinion Research poll of 1,000 likely voters across the state found that, by a large margin, Marylanders believe that illegal immigration is harming their state. The cost study is based on an estimate that the illegal alien population in Maryland is now 250,000 persons. The illegal alien population of Maryland has grown exponentially during this decade, nearly quadrupling since 2000. In a separate report English Learners and Immigration: A Case Study in Prince George's County, Maryland, FAIR examines the impact of mass immigration in local schools in Prince George's County. Because of large-scale legal and illegal immigration, the county has seen its non-English proficient student population grow from 7,064 in 2004 to 13,825 today. Programs to teach immigrant students English cost the county more than $66 million a year. Full release.

In response to the high-risk road travel holiday season and the record number of families traveling by car, a coalition of national and state medical, safety and business representatives gathered today at Christiana Hospital to encourage safe driving and urge lawmakers to pass strong traffic safety laws. Each year nearly 40,000 people die and two million more are injured in highway crashes in the U.S. The December holiday season typically sees a higher incidence of traffic crashes, deaths and injuries. Most at risk are novice teen drivers for whom highway crashes are the leading cause of death and disabling injury nationwide. Each year more than 6400 die in crashes involving a teen driver. Rep. Michael Castle (R-DE) spoke about legislation he is co-sponsoring, the Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection (STANDUP) Act (H.R. 1895), which sets minimum standards for state graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws. Research shows that comprehensive GDL laws dramatically reduce deaths and injuries among young beginning drivers and those who share the road with them. Full release.

As individuals, communities and organizations across the globe get ready to mark World AIDS Day 2009, ONE is launching "Coming Together as ONE" -- a new PSA campaign designed to mobilize young people to get involved in the fight against extreme poverty and preventable disease. The public service announcements, which debut online today and will first appear on TV during the Dec. 2 episode of Gossip Girl on The CW, feature young stars from some of the hottest entertainment properties. The spots were created by filmmaker Jesse Dylan who is known for a variety of films, music videos and the Emmy Award-winning "Yes We Can" Barack Obama campaign video collaboration with will.i.am. The PSAs feature actors and actresses Leighton Meester, Jessica Szohr and Ed Westwick from Gossip Girl; Ashley Greene, Kellan Lutz, Nikki Reed and Jackson Rathbone from Twilight; Hayden Panettiere from Heroes; Corbin Bleu from High School Musical; Tristan Wilds from 90210; John Cho from StarTrek and Brandon T. Jackson from Tropic Thunder. Full release.

On Friday, November 27, 2009, Disbar Torture Lawyers, www.disbartorturelawyers.com, a group of NGOs representing over a million members, filed complaints with the Washington, D.C. Board of Professional Responsibility requesting disbarment of Bush Administration attorneys John Yoo, Michael Haynes, and Alberto Gonzales. The detailed complaints and supporting documents set forth the illegal and unethical conduct of the attorneys with regard to the issue of torture against detainees held by the United States. All of the legal advice and written opinions of the three attorneys have been rejected and rescinded by the Department of Justice. The three complaints were filed in the District of Columbia because the attorneys were practicing in Washington at the time of their illegal conduct. Jurisdiction for the filings is based on the McDade Amendment, 28 U.S.C. Section 530B, which states in relevant part, "(a) An attorney for the Government shall be subject to State laws and rules, and local Federal court rules, governing attorneys in each State where such attorney engages in that attorney's duties, to the same extent and in the same manner as other attorneys in that State." Full release.

Business leaders representing a network of over 150 companies from more than 30 states today applauded President Obama's decision to travel to Copenhagen on Dec. 9 to participate in the United Nations Climate Change Conference and to work with the international community to drive progress toward a comprehensive and operational accord to combat climate change. "An international agreement on climate is essential for creating a level playing field for American businesses and to increase our competitiveness. We are thrilled at President Obama's announcement today that he will travel to Copenhagen to help drive these issues forward," said John Doerr, Partner, Kleiner Perkins Caufield Byers. "President Obama's leadership in Copenhagen will send a strong message to the world that America is committed to lead in clean energy." "I applaud President Obama's travel to Copenhagen, demonstrating the United States' commitment to action on climate change," said Jim Rogers, CEO of Duke Energy. "His presence will help ensure a successful outcome at the global climate talks, driving new investment, strengthening our global economic recovery, and moving us forward in building a productive, competitive economy here at home. The rules that Congress is developing will complement Copenhagen's global road map, supporting our business objectives to provide clean, efficient, affordable, and reliable energy to our customers." Full release.

Last week, Humane Police Officers with the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals filed criminal complaints against six Pennsylvania commercial dog breeders after agents and volunteers purchased twelve dogs at a dog auction in Holmes County, Ohio on October 7, 2009. There is clear evidence as set forth in the criminal complaints that the dogs have been victims of deliberate cruelty. This is the first time any law enforcement agency has brought abused breeding dogs back into their state of origin and filed charges against the breeders who harmed them. PSPCA agents drove unmarked trucks from Philadelphia to the rural town of Baltic, Ohio in Holmes County, to attend the auction, where some of Pennsylvania's largest commercial dog breeders had sent almost four hundred breeding dogs to be sold at auction. At the same time, investigators from Main Line Animal Rescue flew a private plane, on loan from a generous supporter of MLAR, to Holmes County to attend the same auction. On board was a licensed veterinarian who provided invaluable assistance, examining dogs inside the auction and later dogs purchased by agents and volunteers. Full release.

The National Response Team (NRT) of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with ATF special agents from the New York Field Division have been activated by a request from the Rochester Fire Department Arson Bureau to investigate a fire at the FAMILY DOLLAR located at 1731 North Clinton Avenue, Rochester, NY. The fire occurred just before noon on Monday, November 23, 2009. The team of about 20 agents and specialists started the scene investigation this morning. Several local ATF agents have been onsite since the fire. "ATF along with the Rochester Fire and Police Departments are investigating this fire," said Ronald B. Turk, ATF special agent in charge of the New York Field Division. "We will work together to determine the origin and cause of this fire, and if criminal in nature work closely with our partners to bring those responsible to justice." He estimates total loss of the businesses to be in excess of $3 million. This is the 4th activation of the NRT in fiscal year 2010, and the 686th activation since the inception of the team in 1978. Aside from being placed on standby during the Republican National Convention in 2004, this is the first activation of the NRT in New York State since the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in February 1993. Full release.

Today, Lung Cancer Alliance-California (LCA-CA) issued its 2nd Annual Report Card on Lung Cancer. The 2009 Report Card is an assessment of progress being made against this lethal disease in the state of California. LCA-CA is a chapter of Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA), the only national organization dedicated exclusively to patient support and advocacy for people living with or at risk for lung cancer. The 2009 California Report Card on Lung Cancer tracks LCA's National Report Card on Lung Cancer, now in its fifth edition, which gauges national progress in the battle to reverse lung cancer's stigma and mortality rate. These Report Cards have become centerpieces to draw attention to the need for increased support, attention and research funding for lung cancer. "We have again laid out our commitments for reversing the decades of stigma and neglect associated with lung cancer," said Mike Stevens, LCA-CA Co-chair and lung cancer survivor. "Our team is in place and is willing to work with other organizations to increase research funding and ending lung cancer as we know it." Full release.

The Justice Department today announced an agreement with the city of Poplarville, Miss., to improve access for persons with disabilities to its programs, services, activities and facilities. The agreement was reached under the department's Project Civic Access initiative to bring localities into full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This agreement is the 173rd under Project Civic Access and the 12th this year. "Access to public programs, activities and services is critical to ensuring that individuals with disabilities can participate fully in their communities and in civic life, and the ADA guarantees them that access," said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. "The department is pleased that city officials have made this commitment to great access for persons with disabilities." Full release.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Kaiser Permanente today announced an exciting program designed to improve care and services to our Nation's heroes. VA and Kaiser Permanente are launching a pilot program to exchange electronic health record (EHR) information using the Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN) created by the Department of Health and Human Services. "The ability to share critical health information is essential to interoperability," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric K. Shinseki. "Utilizing the NHIN's standards and network will allow organizations like VA and the Department of Defense to partner with private sector health care providers to promote better, faster and safer care for Veterans." This week, VA and Kaiser Permanente will send a joint letter to Veterans in the San Diego area who receive care from both institutions, to invite Veterans to participate in this first-ever pilot program. Veterans, who respond and ask to participate, will enable their public and private sector health care providers and doctors to share specific health information electronically, safely, securely and privately. This initial pilot is planned to begin in mid-December 2009. Full release.

Workers making shoes, Christmas lights, tools, curtains and paper boxes sold at Wal-Mart stores labor in illegal and degrading conditions. China Labor Watch's latest investigation of five Wal-Mart supplier factories reveals that not a single factory has implemented Wal-Mart's basic standards, and a total of 10,000 workers included in the report suffer serious rights abuses. "This is not about a single factory, but about Wal-Mart's inability to implement its standards," says CLW Executive Director, Li Qiang. In the report, CLW attributes this failure to ineffective auditing and a pricing structure that forces factories to sell goods at unsustainable prices. As the world's largest retailer, Wal-Mart leverages its massive product orders to purchase goods at low prices, and workers suffer the financial burden. As Wal-Mart gears up for holiday sales, workers at all five factories work at least 3 hours of overtime/day, for 100-140 total hours of overtime/month, and one factory routinely schedules overtime through the night. Two of the factories illegally underpay overtime wages at rates as low as $0.44/hour, and two withhold wages from workers who fail to meet production quotas. Workers' low wages are further undermined by excessive fines and unpaid days off or maternity leave, and some workers cannot even purchase social security! Full release.

The Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism has awarded 12 fellowships to its "Strictly Financials Seminar" for working journalists and 12 fellowships to its "Business Journalism Professors Seminar." Both programs will be held Jan. 5-8 in Phoenix. These competitive fellowships, valued at $2,000, cover all seminar expenses. The seminars take place during Reynolds Business Journalism Week at Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, where the Reynolds Center is based. "The dramatic increase in number of applications this year underscores the strong interest journalists have in improving their financial skills and the importance universities are now placing on business journalism," said Andrew Leckey, president of the Reynolds Center. "It is an honor to have these fellows join us this January." The financials seminar covers stock markets, financial statements, options and SEC documents. The professors seminar covers how to teach a hands-on, university course in business journalism. Full release.

The leader of the Raelian Movement in Iran, Negar Azizmoradi, was arrested in Turkey a few days ago after escaping from Iran, where she faced a likely death sentence for declaring herself an atheist. Raelians deny the existence of god - any god. Instead, they say that advanced extraterrestrial scientists known as the Elohim created all life on Earth, including humans in their own image. After she had stated her beliefs publicly in Iran, her native land, Azizmoradi found herself increasingly under surveillance. But the worst was yet to come. More recently, after the last elections, she faced a situation in which she had only two choices: to leave her homeland forever or stay and face arrest and a sure death. "A few days after her arrival in Turkey, our Iranian leader was arrested because she didn't have a proper passport," said Brigitte Boisselier, official spokesperson of the International Raelian Movement. "Unfortunately, according to our information, she may be sent back to Iran, where she faces certain death for her Raelian beliefs. The 70,000 plus members of the Raelian Movement have mobilized to help her stay alive. They will be demonstrating in front of Turkish embassies worldwide, and they will also alert international authorities about this brave woman's predicament." Full release.

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) is sharply critical of the Obama Administration's decision, announced Tuesday by the State Department, to decline to join the international treaty to ban anti-personnel landmines, a weapon that kills or maims thousands of civilians each year. "This is a default of U.S. leadership and a detour from the clear path of history," Leahy said in a statement. "The United States is the most powerful nation on earth. We don't need these weapons and most of our allies have long ago abandoned them. It is a lost opportunity for the United States to show leadership instead of joining with China and Russia and impeding progress. The United States took some of the earliest and most effective steps to restrict the use of landmines. We should be leading this effort, not sitting on the sidelines." For two decades Leahy has been the leading U.S. officeholder advocating an international ban on the use of anti-personnel landmines. Leahy's groundbreaking legislation, including the world's first export ban on landmines, was a catalyst in launching the treaty effort. Full release.

Environmental Defense Fund praised the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for its preliminary draft regulation (PDR) to reduce global warming pollution in the state. The PDR outlines key concepts the agency is considering as it designs a comprehensive cap-and-trade program. California's groundbreaking clean energy law, The Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32), requires cutting global warming pollution 15 percent by 2020. The CARB board approved a plan last December calling for a cap-and-trade program that covers 85 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in California by 2020. "On the eve of the international climate negotiations in Copenhagen next month, California's 'leadership by example' is an important sign that meaningful action is occurring at the sub-national level in the United States and around the world," said Derek Walker, director of the California Climate Initiative at Environmental Defense Fund, which co-sponsored AB 32. "California is taking another important step on the path to a clean energy future that will create economic opportunities and environmental benefits for all Californians." Cap-and-trade is a proven, effective mechanism for cutting pollution quickly and at the lowest cost, a particularly important consideration given the economic downturn. Full release.

Groups and individuals speaking out about forthcoming world oil supply challenges are frequently stereotyped as a fringe element with little knowledge about the oil industry. But their warnings are increasingly supported by some surprising allies: senior petroleum industry officials, consultants and analysts. Call these serious-minded critics the Harsh Realists. Most prominent are CEO's from several large oil companies. Christophe de Margerie, CEO of France's Total SA, said earlier this year, "world oil production may plateau below 90 million barrels a day (mb/day)" -- marginally more supply than today's 85 mb/day rate. Last month, CEO's James Mulva (ConocoPhillips) and John Hess (Hess Corp.), sounded similar warnings, though with less specificity about the numbers, at the Oil & Money Conference in London. At ASPO-USA's October conference in Denver, Ray Leonard, CEO of Hyperdynamics Corp., said, "world oil was nearing peak oil at 90 mb/day, and that isn't changed by recent events." During September, ASPO-USA representatives interviewed numerous oil industry experts from the UK, Ireland and the Middle East. Links to those online videos are below. Featured is Sadad al Husseini, former exploration and production VP with Saudi Aramco and currently a consultant. Said Husseini, "There is not enough new capacity coming on line, within say the next five to six years, to make up for global declines. And that's assuming a very moderate level of declines." Full release.

The Teamsters Union today urged the House of Representatives to swiftly pass legislation tightening safety requirements for the transportation of hazardous materials. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved a hazardous materials safety bill last week. It requires lithium batteries on cargo airplanes to be stowed where the crew can reach them. Lithium cells and batteries can ignite on an airplane. "If these batteries ignite on a cargo aircraft, the crewmembers need to be able to reach them to put out the fire," said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. In 2006, lithium batteries ignited in a cargo plane as it approached the airport, nearly killing the crew and destroying the aircraft. There have been several similar, smaller fires this year. The Teamsters represent 2,550 air cargo pilots at 15 cargo airlines. The Teamsters Union also supports the bill's provision that bans the transportation of flammable liquid in the loading lines of tank trucks. The standard has to be met within two years for newly manufactured vehicles. Full release.

At Monday's United Nations Security Council (UNSC) hearing on Bosnia, clear differences of opinion emerged in assessment of the stability and progress of Bosnia-Herzegovina. In a report to the UNSC, Bosnian Serbs countered statements by the internationally-appointed High Representative (HR) Valentin Inzko, who administers Bosnia, with evidence of significant progress made this year by Bosnia's elected officials. The report also concludes that progress has been achieved when Bosnian elected officials were able to deliberate without intervention by the HR and "certain foreign states." The Bosnian Serb report cited controlling law found in the Dayton Agreement which defines the powers of the HR, and highlighted several instances where the HR acted outside the scope of the Dayton powers. Bosnian Serbs consider these actions to be illegal. They assert that international administration is no longer needed, and its continuance only serves to shield Sarajevo politicians from accountability, which inhibits needed reforms. They conclude that UN administration is a destabilizing influence and seek for Bosnia to be governed by "the Serb, Croat, and Bosniak populations of Bosnia." Full release.

There is a new game in town when it comes to dealing with alcohol problems. It is harm reduction, offering pragmatic and realistic strategies where traditional approaches to alcohol problems have failed. Spearheading this movement is a group called HAMS -- Harm Reduction, Alcohol Abstinence and Moderation Support. HAMS is a free-of-charge, lay-led support and informational group for people who drink alcohol. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism tells us that only 7% of people with an alcohol problem ever seek treatment. And clinical research shows that over two-thirds of those who enter 12-step treatment programs drop out. HAMS acknowledges that 12-step programs are a great resource for those people who've had success with them; and applauds anyone who manages to beat a drinking problem by going to AA. But why do so few people succeed with 12-step programs? Full release.

As atheists celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Charles Darwin's The Origin of Species TODAY, thousands are still livid at best selling author and Creationist Ray Comfort and 1200 Christians for handing out 170,000 copies of a special edition at 100 of the top U.S. universities on Nov 18. Now Comfort says he plans to giveaway 1 Million more copies at universities worldwide. Comfort's special edition of The Origin of Species contains a controversial Introduction that presents the case for Intelligent Design. Despite threats of "unilateral resistance," book burnings, and prominent atheist Richard Dawkins' public encouragement to students to rip out the Introduction, Comfort says his group has decided to continue giving away books. "It's our aim to get this edition into the hands of students in every university in the United States, then Europe, and then the rest of the world," Comfort said. "We have the manpower to do it because of our television program that is aired in 70 countries." Full release.

A federal court in Los Angeles has permanently barred a local tax preparer, Jacqueline Cornejo from preparing tax returns for others, the Justice Department announced today. Cornejo, who operated J.C. Income Tax Services in Los Angeles, agreed to the injunction order without admitting the allegations in the suit. The government complaint in the civil injunction case alleged that Cornejo promoted a tax fraud scheme designed to siphon millions of dollars from the U.S. Treasury. Cornejo allegedly requested a total of $12.1 million in fraudulent refunds. According to the complaint, Cornejo promoted a tax fraud arrangement known as the "redemption" or "OID redemption" scheme. Cornejo allegedly filed a series of false IRS forms, including tax returns, amended returns and IRS Forms 1099-OID to request fraudulent tax refunds based on phony claims of large income tax withholding. For one of her customers, Cornejo allegedly requested a $4.4 million dollar refund on a false tax return. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) catches the vast majority of bogus redemption scheme tax returns and blocks the claimed refunds. Full release.

America's pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies are testing 97 medicines and vaccines to treat or prevent HIV/AIDS and related conditions, according to a new report released today by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). December 1 marks the 21st anniversary of "World AIDS Day" - a global awareness campaign that originated at the 1988 World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmes for AIDS Prevention. "We are greatly encouraged by these critically important medicines and vaccines in development to treat and prevent HIV infection," says PhRMA President and CEO Billy Tauzin. "Pharmaceutical researchers are continuing their efforts to develop new therapies and vaccines to improve and lengthen the lives of HIV-infected patients." The report found that the 97 products in development include 23 vaccines and 54 antivirals. These drugs are either in human clinical trials or awaiting approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Thirty-one medicines to treat HIV/AIDS have been approved since scientists first identified the virus that causes AIDS more than 20 years ago. The first HIV/AIDS medicine was approved in 1987, just four years after the virus was identified. Full release.

The following should be attributed to Sterling K. Speirn, president and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation: The W.K. Kellogg Foundation commends Congress for its recognition of the urgent need to comprehensively and substantially strengthen oral health care for our most vulnerable children. Most recently, the Senate version of health reform represents a high water mark for oral health legislation, with more than two dozen important provisions aimed at improving oral health care, which include: * Expanding insurance coverage for pediatric oral health services and eligibility for preventive oral health services without co-payments. * Launching new dental disease prevention initiatives including public education, school- based sealant programs in all 50 states, and research grants for dental caries management. * Addressing critical dental care workforce issues and the cultural competence and diversity of the provider teams through expanded training programs and education resources for general, pediatric and public health dentists and for the exploration of new solutions for dental professionals to reach rural and underserved areas. Full release.

As Black Friday nears and national unemployment levels push into double digits for the first time in decades, the American Psychological Association's (APA) newest Stress in America survey finds that Americans continue to cite financial concerns as leading sources of stress. Approximately seven in ten Americans report that money is a significant source of stress (71 percent), according to APA's 2009 Stress in America survey, with similarly high percentages reporting stress resulting from work (69 percent) and the economy (63 percent). More than half of adults (55 percent) also cited family responsibilities as a significant source of stress in their lives. "According to our survey three quarters of adults in this country already report moderate to high levels of stress," says psychologist Katherine Nordal, PhD, APA's executive director for professional practice. "The holiday season can bring with it additional emotional and financial stressors that can negatively impact both physical and mental health." Full release.

David S. Kris, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, Department of Justice, and U.S. Attorney Michael L. Levy, together with Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI Janice K. Fedarcyk, Special Agent-in-Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement John P. Kelleghan, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Don Fort, and Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police Colonel Joseph R. Fuentes, today announced arrests in a case involving a conspiracy to procure weapons, including anti-aircraft missiles. A criminal complaint, unsealed today, charged Dani Nemr Tarraf with conspiring to acquire anti-aircraft missiles (FIM-92 Stingers) and conspiring to possess machine guns (approximately 10,000 Colt M4 Carbines). In addition, Tarraf and other defendants -- including Douri Nemr Tarraf, Hassan Mohamad Komeiha, and Hussein Ali Asfour -- were charged with conspiring to transport stolen goods. Dani Nemr Tarraf and Ali Fadel Yahfoufi were charged with conspiring to commit passport fraud. Full release.

As Congress turns to address the estate tax before it is repealed at the end of the year, a new study announced today shows that same-sex couples who are affected by the estate tax are assessed an average of $3.3 million more in taxes upon the death of a spouse than similarly-situated different-sexed married couples. Because the federal government refuses to recognize same-sex marriages, lesbians and gay men are disadvantaged in their ability to pass on their wealth to their partners and children after their death. The study, "Federal Estate Tax Disadvantages for Same-Sex Couples," was released by the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law and comes only a month after the organization released a report finding that the majority of same-sex couples have less retirement income than married different-sex couples. The new report shows that same-sex couples at the top end of the socioeconomic scale and those with small businesses are also hurt by inequalities in the federal law. Both reports were conducted with funding from Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management. Full release.

The Bipartisan Policy Center's (BPC) National Transportation Policy Project (NTPP) held a public forum today in Minneapolis, Minnesota to discuss their blueprint for surface transportation reform, Performance Driven: A New Vision for U.S. Transportation Policy, and its implications for the Twin Cities region. The forum, featured as part of the Martin Olav Sabo Lecture Series, held in partnership with the University of Minnesota's Center for Transportation Studies and the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, attracted prominent local transportation policymakers, academics, business leaders and other key transportation stakeholders. Participants at today's event agreed that current national transportation policy fails to recognize and reward innovation, and as a result there are insufficient funds to adequately maintain existing infrastructure. "Metropolitan regions like the Twin Cities bear the burden of misallocated investments," said NTPP Co-Chair and former Congressman Martin Sabo. "The structure of current federal funding makes it challenging for metropolitan regions to use federal money to solve their transportation problems. Revenue collection should be linked to use and impacts, and the trend toward financing federal transportation investments with non-user based, general funds should not be maintained. The Twin Cities would benefit greatly from a reformed funding structure based on performance and outcomes." Full release.

DaVita, the nation's leading provider of dialysis services, today announced a nationwide Minority Bank Initiative designed to create jobs and spur revitalization in minority communities across the country with investments in leading community and minority-owned banks. DaVita has donated $5 million through bank partnerships in Washington, DC, New York, N.Y., Los Angeles, Calif. and Columbia, S.C. "DaVita is committed to developing business partner relationships that reflect our diverse base of patients and teammates," said Kent Thiry, DaVita CEO. "Through our Minority Bank Initiative, DaVita is supporting the revitalization of under-served neighborhoods it serves by helping banking institutions as well as minority-owned businesses to thrive." Full release.

The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (www.asnc.org) released preliminary results from a survey of its membership today, which show that the impending cuts to cardiovascular services outlined in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule will force widespread layoffs, office closures, and limited imaging services. These actions will ultimately lead to reduced access to imaging tests and more expensive care for America's seniors. The reductions would result from implementation of new practice expense survey data (the Physician Practice Information Survey) into the methodology used to determine Medicare payment. As result of implementation of this new survey data, Medicare payment for SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging--a diagnostic test critical to the management of patients with known or suspected heart disease--will be reduced by 36% in 2010. Full release.

Share Our Strength(R), the leading national organization working to end childhood hunger in America, released powerful survey results today indicating that teachers across America see children arriving at school hungry. Whether they work in urban, rural or suburban communities, teachers believe that hunger is a problem negatively affecting their student's ability to learn. Hunger in America's Classrooms: Share Our Strength's Teachers Report, conducted by Lake Research Partners and funded by C&S Wholesale Grocers, shows that schools provide a critical safety net for kids when it comes to food and that teachers often are the first responders to hunger in our classrooms. In fact, 62 percent of teachers say they see children who regularly come to school hungry each week because they are not getting enough to eat at home. "No amount of creative lesson planning on my part, no amount of studying on my students' part can change the fact that if children don't have their basic nutritional needs satisfied, they cannot learn," said Christine Gottshall, a fifth-grade teacher at Orchard Green School in Roxbury, Mass. The report contains highlights of a public opinion survey of 740 kindergarten through eighth grade public school teachers nationwide conducted October 21 to 28, 2009. Full release.

Supporting President Obama's call for a renewed focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA), Microsoft Corporation, and the MacArthur Foundation today announced a suite of multi-faceted efforts to engage and motivate students in STEM learning. The organizations will work to harness the excitement surrounding computer and video games through a series of STEM-related video game design competitions. "Computer and video games are one of the most effective ways to reach America's children and encourage them to stay interested in vital STEM principles. We are honored to have President Obama recognize the unique ability of games to act as a catalyst in generating new areas of growth in education," said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of the ESA, the trade association representing U.S. computer and video game publishers. "Our industry's lifeblood is the energy and innovation of new, emerging developers. To create the next generation's epic titles and incredibly immersive storylines, we need America's youth to have strategic and analytic thinking skills along with complex problem solving abilities. It is my hope that it will produce games that will have a lasting impact on the STEM skills our nation's students so desperately need." Full release.

The following is being issued by Information Technology Industry Council:

Today the White House is announcing a national education initiative to strengthen America's economic competitiveness through leadership in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. Led by former CEO and Chairman Craig Barrett of Intel Corporation; Chairman, President and CEO Glenn Britt of Time Warner Cable; Ursula Burns, CEO of Xerox Corporation; Antonio M. Perez, Chairman and CEO of Eastman Kodak Company; and Dr. Sally Ride, CEO of Sally Ride Science and the first American woman in space; in conjunction with Carnegie Corporation of New York, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the effort seeks to improve America's students' interest and performance in the STEM disciplines, which are the foundation for innovation. "At Intel, we have seen what young people can do with math and science when they are inspired and well-taught. It is up to all of us to stimulate that interest and provide teachers who can guide and nurture students in these critical subjects," said Craig R. Barrett. Full release.

A new report released today by Bread for the World Institute warns that unless the triple threats of hunger, unemployment, and climate change are addressed, any economic recovery will only lead to another bubble. "To blunt the surge of hunger, unemployment, and the long-term effects of climate change, we need a just and sustainable economic recovery," said Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World Institute. "If we do not reshape our economy with jobs that allow low-income workers to feed their families and move out of poverty, our recovery will not be sustainable. Like a bubble, it will only collapse again." According to the new report, Hunger 2010: A Just and Sustainable Recovery, more than 1.02 billion people are hungry every day -- an increase of more than 100 million from a year ago. In the United States, the number of people who struggle to put food on the table has surged to 49.1 million. "It's deeply disturbing to think that nearly one in four children live on the brink of hunger in this country," said Rev. Beckmann. "It's a scandal for us as the richest country in the world." Full release.

The Fort Hood tragedy is an example of how critical information can be disregarded or overlooked. "Individuals within the military and the FBI had information that Major Nidal Hasan was flirting with radical Islam," claims Dr. Robert J. Flower, Director of The Gilchrist Institute for the Achievement Sciences, an economic and political think tank. "But the structure of the information-gathering and decision-making systems prevented anyone from acting on this information effectively." Government investigators now show that the shooter was checked out by a Department of Defense investigator last year who found discussions with his Imam were of a "scholarly" nature. Yet, in response to the event and the shooter, the Imam stated, "He is a hero!" "Clearly, something was overlooked: a fatal flaw in comprehension is evident," says Dr. Flower. "It is the lack of objective, impartial focusing and insight that consistently enables disasters of this type to occur in America and Europe. While Government agencies are notoriously reactive to events, they are weak in proactive application." Full release.

The American Dental Association (ADA) today asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish appropriate classifications for tooth-whitening chemicals. Citing concern about the safety of whitening products that are often administered without the benefit of professional consultation or examination by a dentist, the Association said that the application of chemically based tooth whitening or bleaching agents can harm teeth, gums and other tissues in the mouth. The ADA pointed out that such concerns have prompted many states to prevent application of tooth whitening products in non-dental settings. "The tremendous expansion of products available directly to consumers and application of products in venues such as shopping malls, cruise ships, and salons is troubling since consumers have little or no assurance regarding the safety of product ingredients, doses or the professional qualifications of individuals employed in these non-dental settings," said ADA President Dr. Ron Tankersley and Executive Director Dr. Kathleen O'Loughlin, in a letter to the agency. Full release.

On behalf of approximately 38,000 Transportation Security Officers, the American Federation of Government Employees questioned how TSA came up with its 2009 performance levels and why the agency isn't focused instead on fixing standing problems with its pay system. In response to TSA's Performance Accountability & Standards System (PASS) 2009 Final Rating Thresholds & Payout Information, AFGE National President John Gage today issued the following statement: "TSA's 2009 PASS ratings raise more questions than provides answers. The first of which is: why did TSA, with no warning or explanation, increase the point range needed to obtain a rating level from that of last year? This arbitrary increase means that some TSOs will have to achieve a higher score than before just to maintain the same rating. It is illogical to increase the point range when TSA has struggled with several evaluation components that constitute it, including training and testing. Former TSA Administrator Kip Hawley even admitted to flaws in PASS, stating that it 'distracted the workforce from its primary mission with its confusing procedures and burdensome administrative and testing requirements.' Unfortunately, that remains true. Full release.

Entrepreneurial activity shows positive signs during these hard times, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2008 National Entrepreneurial Assessment for the United States of America, produced by Babson College and Baruch College. To view the report, visit www.gemconsortium.org. * Entrepreneurship Increases: Total entrepreneurial activity (TEA) increased to 10.8% in 2008 from 9.6% in 2007. * Opportunity Obsessed: Opportunity continues to be the main driver for entrepreneurs in the United States - 87% started their businesses because of a business opportunity while only 13% started their businesses out of necessity. * Early-Stage Entrepreneurs: The United States continues to be at or near the top of the world's innovation-driven economies in terms of early-stage entrepreneurial activities. * Substantial Perceived Opportunity: Perceived opportunity is substantial despite a greater fear of failure. This fear of failure has increased appreciably in the U.S. and in the other GEM countries. Perceived opportunity has declined in the U.S. and in the other innovation-driven countries. It is important to note, however, that the decrease in perceived opportunity is only off its high levels of 2007. Thus, perceived opportunity is still substantial despite a greater fear of failure. This contrasts with the marked decrease across the board in GEM countries for individuals who expect to start a business in the next three years. Full release.

Medco Health Solutions, Inc (NYSE: MHS) is today contributing to a transformation in American healthcare through an advanced, wired pharmacy paradigm that is already delivering higher quality clinical care and fundamentally bending the cost curve downward -- making medicine smarter for the benefit of patients and payors alike. The company today explained how the elements in its strategy enable "Smarter Medicine" to help address the estimated $350 billion in waste related to the treatment of patients with chronic and complex diseases -- patients who currently account for 96 percent of all drug costs and 75 percent of all medical spending in the United States. "Our clients are not waiting for healthcare reform. They're aggressively seeking solutions that can be immediately implemented," Medco Chairman and CEO David B. Snow Jr. told those attending the company's annual investor conference. "Medco innovations have created a superior clinical model that is proven to deliver value today in managing the debilitating human and financial costs associated with chronic and complex diseases. The market has responded by awarding our company more than $21 billion in new business over the past two years as we leverage the practice of pharmacy as a tool to improve quality and eliminate inefficiency across the healthcare system." Full release.

The United Nations General Assembly welcomed a resolution on the Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children today, on the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The Guidelines call attention to the vulnerability and needs of orphaned and abandoned children. Over the last five years, SOS Children's Villages International has been a leading organization in supporting the development of the Guidelines and lobbying for their adoption. SOS Children's Villages joins the international community in celebrating the passing of a resolution that further strengthens the rights of children without parental care. "The implementation of the Guidelines will ensure that children are listened to and receive specific attention for their particular situation and needs. Furthermore, the Guidelines will help us to speak out for those children and to constantly monitor and improve our own services," said Richard Pichler, Secretary-General of SOS Children's Villages International. Full release.

In recent months, there's been a great deal of attention paid to the issue of texting while driving, and with good reason: keeping your eyes on the tiny keyboard in front of you instead of the highway ahead is a sure way to head down the road to disaster. It's also an increasing threat in this digital age. Unfortunately, texting is just the latest in a long line of distractions that are having deadly consequences on America's roadways--with over 37,000 lives tragically lost each year. "Distracted driving is increasingly having an impact on lives lost and property damaged," said Bill Moore, president of MetLife Auto & Home. "Safe driving is really about focus. Every day, our Claim Department receives reports of claims that could have been avoided, had the basic principles of defensive driving and driver attentiveness been observed." Full release.

For the protection of frontline health care and emergency medical workers at high risk of infection, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today issued a compliance directive to ensure uniform procedures when conducting inspections to identify and minimize or eliminate high to very high risk occupational exposures to the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus. The directive, which closely follows the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) guidance at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu, is available online at https://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/Directive_pdf/CPL_02_02-075.pdf. "OSHA has a responsibility to ensure that the more than nine million frontline health care workers in the United States are protected to the extent possible against exposure to the virus," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. "OSHA will ensure health care employers use proper controls to protect all workers, particularly those who are at high or very high risk of exposure." Full release.

Consumers Union urged the Federal Reserve Board today to stop credit card companies from unfairly hiking interest rates and engaging in other unfair practices designed to get around new consumer protections set to go into effect in early 2010. The Fed is currently considering a set of proposed regulations to implement the Credit CARD Act passed by Congress earlier this year. Most of the new rules are due to go into effect on February 22. In the meantime, however, credit card companies are raising interest rates on many customers and implementing new changes to contracts in order to circumvent the protections of the new law. "There's no question that many credit card companies are using the long implementation time before new regulations go into effect to gouge consumers and test new ways to evade the law," said Lauren Bowne, staff attorney with Consumers Union. "The Fed should use its power to make sure consumers are protected from these unfair practices that undermine the safeguards Congress intended to enact." In a letter submitted to the Federal Reserve Board today, Consumers Union outlined a number of unfair credit card practices that have emerged since Congress passed the Credit CARD Act. Full release.

The Association of Hispanic Healthcare Executives (www.AHHE.org) and the National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Health (www.NHCCH.com) today announced the launching of their social media campaign, which will partner Hispanic media, the country's leading Hispanic professional health associations and Hispanic consumers. The launching of the partnership coincides with the appointment of Mirian Zavala, RN, MS, Doctoral Candidate, as the chair of AHHE's Policy Committee. The social media campaign launch and Ms. Zavala will be introduced at a reception, "Health Care Reform: Communicating Policy with Hispanic Media," on Monday, November 23, 2009, 6:00-8:00pm, at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, 16th floor Sky lobby. In attendance, and partnering with AHHE and the NHCCH on this initiative, will be the leading national Hispanic health association presidents, including George A. Zeppenfeldt-Cestero, President, Association of Hispanic Healthcare Executives; Suzanne Colin, PhD, President, the Association of Hispanic Mental Health Professionals; Miguel Hernandez, MD, President, the Dominican Medical Association; Norma Martinez Rogers, PhD, RN, FAAN, President, National Association of Hispanic Nurses; Samuel Arce, MD, President, Spanish American Medical Dental Society of NY, Inc., and Luis A. Vazquez, Chairman, National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Health. The Honorable Joel Rivera, Chairman of the Health Committee for the NYC Council and other elected officials, will give remarks during the event. Full release.

More employers are taking steps to improve their employees' health by making sure they take their medicines as prescribed, a move that could stave off more serious and costly health consequences, according to a new report sponsored by the National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC). Medication compliance, sometimes referred to as medication adherence, is simply following a medicine treatment plan developed by an individual's health care provider, filling prescriptions, and taking medications as prescribed. And the NPC report, "Employer Medication Compliance Initiatives," which for the first time surveyed employers' views and strategies on compliance, says 89% of employers acknowledge its importance to employee health. Only preventive care and lifestyle behaviors were rated more highly. "It's well documented that people with chronic diseases who take their medications as prescribed are healthier and more productive," said NPC President Dan Leonard. "This report shows that employers are actively taking steps to encourage medication compliance to help improve the health and well-being of employees and their families." Full release.

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