According to the director of the "Gulf Coast Recovery Project" at George Mason University's Mercatus Center, the main lesson from Hurricane Katrina may be that governments need to "get out of the way".

Listen to statements from many of those participating in the 25th "International Sweetener Symposium", being held August 1-6 on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.

On behalf of the American Sugar Alliance (ASA), the president of the American Sugarbeet Growers Association explains how many sugar farmers will base their vote for president this year on how the candidates stand on farm policy.

Activists with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) will be meeting in San Francisco, starting on July 28, to lay out their battle plan for the November elections.

State Farm Insurance encourages people to remember both the need to evacuate their pets and the need to have a full supply of their prescription drugs, in the event of a hurricane.

Listen to statements from many of those participating in the National Governors Association (NGA) "Centennial Meeting"--being held July 11-14 in Philadelphia.

The president and CEO of America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) discusses how her organization is helping thousands of seniors and doctors express their opposition to proposed Medicare Advantage cuts.

A former government advisor on energy issues believes that allowing drilling in coastal waters and wilderness areas that are now off-limits would help reduce gas prices.

The Coleman Company has developed a new list of essential items that helps families better prepare for hurricane season.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), illegal and improper use of fireworks continues to harm consumers--with more than half of the injuries occurring around the July 4th holiday.

According to the Center for Individual Freedom (CFIF), the Air Force needs to comply with the GAO's ruling concerning the aerial-refueling-tanker contract.

The president and CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) urges Congress to pass a ban on self-referral to physician-owned hospitals.

Listen to statements from many of the county officials participating in the 2008 National Association of Counties (NACo) Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) "fly-in" in Washington, D.C. (June 3-5), during which they met with members of Congress concerning the group's legislative priorities.

A policy proposal from America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) could result in a reduction of $145 billion in America's annual health-care costs.

A new study from the Travel Industry Association (TIA) finds that air-traveler frustration is resulting in millions of trips not being taken each year.

According to the Institute for Energy Research (IER), increasing taxes on oil firms would do nothing to decrease prices at the gas pump.

On behalf of the Child Safety Task Force, a toxicologist discusses why proposed legislation that would ban the use of "phthalates" in children's products is misguided.

According to the Video Access Alliance, Congress should reject "network neutrality" regulations---and focus instead on promoting broadband delivery to more consumers.

On behalf of the American Sugar Alliance (ASA), the chairman of American Crystal Sugar Company describes how a product derived from sugar beets is proving to be effective as a road de-icer.

The National Taxpayers Union (NTU) believes that upcoming congressional hearings may serve as an excuse to blame domestic energy producers for high prices.

The national commander of AMVETS believes that the administration's VA-funding recommendations fall short in vital areas.

According to an expert affiliated with the Institute for Energy Research (IER), a proposal currently in Congress to increase taxation on American oil and gas companies could threaten the nation's energy security.

The latest "MetLife Survey of the American Teacher" finds that most teachers, parents, and students strongly believe that homework is indeed important.

According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), new rules from the U.S. Department of Labor should help employees and their employers in dealing with provisions of the "Family and Medical Leave Act" (FMLA).

The national commander of AMVETS discusses how his organization's "National Service Foundation" helps to ensure that today's veterans have access to support--60 years after its formation.

According to HNTB, the U.S. needs to address its crumbling levee system.

A former North Carolina governor, an environmental expert, and the National Grange all criticize an EPA proposal to tighten ozone air-quality regulations.

API's chief economist believes that the Senate should greatly rework the energy bill passed by the House.

A senior economic analyst for API discusses a new survey that finds that energy bills being debated in Congress would likely hurt U.S. consumers and businesses, if they become law.

According to the national director of bridge and tunnel design for engineering and architecture firm HNTB, the U.S. must take major steps to ensure the safety of the nation's aging bridge infrastructure.

The president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) urges Congress to override President Bush's expected veto of SCHIP legislation.

The head of the American Wholesale Marketers Association (AWMA) believes that raising federal tobacco taxes in order to fund a national health-care program would create major problems.

According to the Petroleum Marketers Association of America (PMAA), a proposal to raise federal tobacco taxes would greatly harm the nation's small businesses.

Both the president of the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) and the policy director of Americans for Prosperity (AFP) believe that a proposal in Congress to increase capital-gains taxes would harm small businesses and economic growth.

According to the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), proposed federal legislation would interfere with state efforts to promote the production of electricity from renewable resources.

A former U.S. transportation secretary who now heads Driving America's Future believes that helping develop alternative fuels may be better than simply mandating higher fuel economy.

A former U.S. senator believes that while one fuel-economy proposal in Congress may go too far, another may be a lot more reasonable.

Two former members of Congress discuss Health IT Now!--a new coalition that aims to promote the rapid deployment of health-care information technology.

A former FTC chairman says that proposals in Congress to establish gasoline-price controls may bring back some of the energy problems of the 1970s.

This year's Anheuser-Bush (A-B) "Green Week" emphasizes how each individual can have a positive impact on the environment.

Listen to statements from many of the participants in the 104th Annual Convention and Exposition of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), being held April 10th-13th in Baltimore.

According to Project Kuwaiti Freedom, four Kuwaiti prisoners continue to be held without charge at Guantanamo Bay.

According to the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), President Bush's "State of the Union" address indicates that the administration plans on making the expansion of nuclear energy a priority.

According to NETCompetition.org, the Senate should be allowed to vote on "net neutrality"--in order to defeat it.

The father of a Flight 93 hero speaks out in support of a new advocacy effort from Progress for America that urges the nation to continue its mission in the War on Terror.

According to the Internet Innovation Alliance (IIA), the Senate has an opportunity to pass legislation that would bring real competition to the cable-TV marketplace.

According to the Internet Innovation Alliance (IIA), bringing video competition to the cable industry would create thousands of new jobs.

On behalf of the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC), Rudy Boesch of the first "Survivor" series and the commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard remind all Americans to wear their life jackets while boating this summer.

The new Internet Freedom Coalition aims to keep Congress from regulating the Internet.

A former EPA head and a Greenpeace co-founder lead the new "Clean and Safe Energy Coalition" ("CASEnergy Coalition"), which will promote nuclear energy as a clean, safe, reliable, and cost-effective way to meet U.S. electricity demands--while also protecting the environment.

According to the U.S. Internet Industry Association (USIIA), Congress should not fix the "problem" of "network neutrality".

A port-security expert at DCI Group explains how the controversy over a UAE-based company handling operations at major U.S. ports needs to result in improvements in the ports' currently lenient security.

According to Pre-K Now, state legislatures throughout the country are increasing funding for pre-kindergarten programs.

According to the Consumers Alliance for Affordable Natural Gas (CAANG), Congress currently has the first chance in 25 years to lift federal restrictions that block access to new supplies of natural gas.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is responding to the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Stan in Central America.  (For this report in Spanish, click here.)

The vice president of overseas operations for Catholic Relief Services (CRS) discusses the group's response to the recent devastating earthquake in South Asia.  (For this report in Spanish, click here.)

A new, first-of-its-kind public-opinion survey--commissioned by the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI)--finds that the overwhelming majority of Americans who live near nuclear power plants are in favor of nuclear energy, and are willing to see a new reactor built near them.

A grassroots organization known as "Save Gush Katif" is aiming to inform the American public of the likely impact of Israel's disengagement plan.

State-specific reports on behalf of the Policy and Taxation Group discuss opinion polls gauging public support for a permanent repeal of the U.S. estate tax.

Hear from 20 members of Congress who are part of a bipartisan coalition supporting www.AmericansForFairTrade.org's efforts against the "Central America Free-Trade Agreement" (CAFTA).

Speaking on behalf of www.AmericansForFairTrade.org, a congressman from Minnesota explains why opposition to the "Central America Free-Trade Agreement" (CAFTA) remains strong in the House of Representatives.

Speaking on behalf of www.AmericansForFairTrade.org, a congressman from North Dakota discusses the growing opposition--both in Congress and elsewhere--to the "Central America Free-Trade Agreement" (CAFTA).

The president of the World Resources Institute (WRI) comments on how the recently released final results of the "Millennium Ecosystem Assessment" show that the degradation of the systems that support life on earth will worsen over the next 50 years.

A national meeting organized by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) is focusing on how to make sure America's water supplies remain safe.

Speaking on behalf of www.AmericansForFairTrade.org, Florida's agriculture commissioner explains why trade agreements often have devastating effects on agriculture-dependent states.

According to www.AmericansForFairTrade.org, the "Central America Free-Trade Agreement" (CAFTA) won't help reverse the trend of shrinking agricultural-trade surpluses in the U.S.

According to a new study from the Advancement Project, "zero tolerance" policies in America's schools have created a direct track into the juvenile and criminal-justice system.  (For this report in Spanish, click here.)

Speaking on behalf of www.AmericansForFairTrade.org, North Dakota's agriculture commissioner explains why he believes that the "Central America Free-Trade Agreement" (CAFTA) is bad for U.S. farmers.

A recent poll conducted by www.AmericansForFairTrade.org finds that a majority of Americans oppose the "Central America Free-Trade Agreement" (CAFTA).  (For this report in Spanish, click here.)

The director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) discusses this year's observance of "National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month" in September.

According to the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR), older Americans need to be careful about possible plaque buildup in the legs.

According to Genentech, a recently approved new indication may allow more breast-cancer patients to benefit from Herceptin therapy.

A new study published in the American College of Physicians' "Annals of Internal Medicine" finds that most victims of West Nile virus return to normal health, within a year.

According to early clinical results presented at the annual meeting of the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS), a new, minimally invasive procedure successfully eliminates pain and disability associated with "lumbar spinal stenosis".

Listen to statements from some of those who participated in the 2008 "Cancer Health Disparities Summit", which was organized by the Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD) within the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

A new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) finds that 40 percent of underage drinkers received free alcohol from adults over 21.

According to Women'sEyeHealth.org, two-thirds of all people who are blind or visually impaired are women.

A new study on behalf of Breathe Right finds that snoring can have a major impact on relationships.

A new study shows that Aquafresh White Trays whiten teeth better and faster than a leading competitor.

With "National Start! Walking Day" taking place on Wednesday, April 16th, the American Heart Association (AHA) calls on Americans coast-to-coast to walk for 30 minutes during their workday.

A new contest from Prevent Blindness America (PBA) offers those affected by impaired vision or vision loss the chance to "See America".

The president-elect of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reassures parents that there is no scientific proof of a link between vaccines and autism.

Three scientists have received this year’s "MetLife Foundation Awards for Medical Research in Alzheimer's Disease" for their significant contributions to the understanding of the disease.

Advances in treatment involving the targeted therapy Tarceva are helping some patients with pancreatic cancer live longer.

According to Nature Made, following a joint-healthy lifestyle is important for those engaged in winter activities.

Results announced at the annual meeting of the American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology (ASITN) show that "coiling" is effective in preventing recurrent or first-time bleeding from brain aneurysms, years after treatment is complete.

The FDA has approved the drug Fragmin® as a new treatment to reduce the recurrence of blood clots in patients with cancer.

As part of the "Healthy Vision 2010" campaign, hear from members of the National Eye Institute's "National Health Education Program" glaucoma subcommittee.

According to Sanofi-Aventis and Bristol-Myers Squibb, it's important for people who have had a stroke to take steps to reduce their risk of having another.

New data from the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) and the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM) show that children with hearing loss often don't receive needed care.

A specialist in medical epidemiology and infectious diseases with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discusses its "National Infant Immunization Campaign".  (This report is only available in Spanish.)

On behalf of the Florida Department of Citrus, Cheryl Forberg says that drinking grapefruit juice can play a role in helping baby-boomers feel and look younger.

The FDA approves Alexion's Soliris as the first treatment for a rare, life-threatening blood disorder.

A newly developed synthetic carrier particle, described at the 233rd national meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), could help physicians find dangerous plaque buildup in heart-disease patients much earlier.

A "dipstick" test described at the 233rd national meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) may help consumers determine quickly and accurately whether food products are spoiled.

Wal-Mart and Sam's Club will be offering complimentary cholesterol and blood-pressure screenings.  (For this report in Spanish, click here.)

According to GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), it's important to make sure that your cold sores don't spoil your Valentine's Day kissing.

An informational webcast from Amgen and Wyeth aims to help those living with plaque psoriasis.

Assurant Employee Benefits reminds parents that they should get involved with their children's oral health at a very young age.

According to Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, many migraine sufferers could benefit from prevention therapy.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) reminds individuals who are trying to quit smoking that if they slip up, they should keep trying.

According to GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and the Pharmacy Partnership for Tobacco Cessation, quitting smoking successfully in the new year will be much more difficult if you try a "cold turkey" approach.

A newly approved cosmetic dermal filler called Radiesse® lasts longer than other fillers.

The FDA has approved Mirapex® as a new treatment for moderate to severe Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS).

A new campaign from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) aims to educate patients and physicians that looking at feet during regular medical checkups can reveal the first signs and symptoms of diabetes.  (For this report in Spanish, click here.)

Through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA), help on accessing prescription medicines is available to hurricane victims who are still recovering.

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations is urging its members to pay special attention to the dangers to patients when emergency electrical-power systems fail.

On behalf of Amgen and Wyeth, a board member of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) offers some tips to help people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) find comfort in the workplace.

An educational campaign from the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) aims to help older adults and their loved ones to better manage diabetes.

The president of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) advises Medicare beneficiaries who haven't yet done so to sign up now for Medicare's new prescription-drug coverage.

For "National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" (March), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) reminds the public that colon cancer is preventable.  (For this report in Spanish, click here.)

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), even though acne is not a condition that you outgrow, there are effective ways to treat it.

According to the National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC) and Together Rx Access, resources are available to help women pay for their family's prescriptions.

A new analysis from Medco Health Solutions finds that the largest increases in the use of prescription sleeping aids are among younger adults and school-age children.

L'eggs Sheer Energy offers some easy tips to help women improve their leg health.

The National Mental Health Association (NMHA) is working to help thousands of individuals cope with the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

For "World Sight Day" (Thursday, October 13th), ORBIS International explains why it's important for more people to get regular eye exams--both in the U.S. and abroad.

According to the Weight-control Information Network (WIN), your kids won't be getting all the physical activity they need simply by going to school.  (This report is only available in Spanish.)

State-specific reports on behalf of the American Cancer Society (ACS) list some of the highlights from its 2005 "How Do You Measure Up?" study.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) announces a new program called InfantSEE™ to help provide no-cost eye assessments to infants.

New research recently presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) finds significant benefits to using white-blood-cell boosters to prevent infection related to chemotherapy.

The Weight-control Information Network (WIN) encourages adults to both eat better and exercise more.  (This report is only available in Spanish.)

Through Pfizer's new "Why Live with Depression?" campaign, actor Lorraine Bracco is sharing her personal story of recovery from depression.

The Weight-control Information Network (WIN) offers some tips to expectant mothers.  (This report is only available in Spanish.)

A drug from Allos Therapeutics that's now in a confirmatory clinical trial could enhance the effectiveness of the current treatment for brain metastases originating from breast cancer.

With the 10th anniversary of "Kick Butts Day" on Wednesday, April 13th, the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) reminds youth that it's never too late to quit smoking.

The director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) discusses how the federal government has, for the first time, released state-level data on the quality of health care across America.

For "National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" (March), the American Cancer Society (ACS) reminds everyone that--while colon cancer is largely preventable--more Americans need to get tested.  (For this report in Spanish, click here.)

According to the Weight-control Information Network (WIN), walking can indeed help you take care of your heart.  (This report is only available in Spanish.)

Merck/Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals reminds women that both diet and family influence their cholesterol levels.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), even though this flu season has been mild so far, those at high risk should still get a flu shot.  (For this report in Spanish, click here.)

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), getting to a healthy weight in the new year is easier if you're more aware of your behavior.  (For this report in Spanish, click here.)

See also our separate pages for listings of "Discovery Files" features from the National Science Foundation (last updated on Friday, September 5), ConsumerFeatures (last updated on Thursday, August 14), public service announcements (last updated on Friday, August 22), "Your Home Improvement Minute" features from NCB, and "Daily Clean-Energy Facts" from the Nuclear Energy Institute.  (In addition, check out demos for the health feature "Journey to Wellness".)