Environmental contaminants are leading to many more cancer cases than previously acknowledged, and should lead to a new, stronger federal approach to regulate such toxins, according to a new report to President Obama prepared by a panel of cancer experts. “A growing body of research documents myriad established and suspected environmental factors linked to genetic, immune, and endocrine dysfunction that can lead to cancer and other diseases,” the report, released Thursday, says. The report, Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk: What...

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With local school districts expected to cut 275,000 jobs next year due to the continuing poor economy, a coalition of schools interests is backing a House bill designed to keep teachers employed. About 80 percent of public school districts reportedly will look to cut jobs in 2011 as a result of shriveled tax revenue. The Learning First Alliance, partnership of 17 education associations, is publicly supporting legislation introduced earlier by Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), chairman of the House Education...

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