A university study comparing the amount of bacteria on conventionally-grown and organically-grown produce found that the level of the common bacteria E. coli on certified organic produce was "not statistically different from that in conventional samples." Alex Avery, of the right-wing Hudson Institute's project the Center for Global Food Issues, attacked the researchers for their pro-organic "bias" in an editorial posted on the USDA's Food Safety Research Information Office's website. Avery claims, "The concern about manure and bacterial contamination of organic foods was originally raised in 1997 by a physician with the Centers for Disease Control." That would be Dr. Robert Tauxe, who told the New York Times in August 2000, "The big question is how to properly compost manure ... but our concern applies to both organic and conventional farms."

In Australia, McDonald's launched an unprecedented, multi-million dollar advertising and PR campaign to counter the release of the US documentary "Super Size Me," which follows filmmaker Morgan Spurlock on a month long McDonald's binge. Until recently, the fast-food giant chose to ignore the hit movie. But McDonald's now fears for its reputation. Its advertisements feature McDonald's Australia chief Guy Russo, saying Spurlock's 30-day McDonald's diet is "stupid."

Bowing to the demands of hundreds of angry members, the League of Women Voters has rescinded its support of paperless voting machines. About 800 delegates who attended LWV's biennial convention in Washington voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution that supports "voting systems and procedures that are secure, accurate, recountable and accessible."

The Showtime reality series "American Candidate," set to air during the lead up to the U.S. presidential election, will follow a dozen people as they stage and manage a "virtual" run for the White House. Two of the show's contestants are lefty PR professionals - Bruce Friedrich, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals' vegan campaigns director, and Lisa Witter, head of Fenton Communications. Friedrich said the show is an "opportunity to be a face for animal rights, for PETA, and for compassion for all animals." Witter, whose firm's clients include Air America Radio and MoveOn.org, said she will stress "affordable healthcare for all, improving the economy, fair taxes, strengthening education, protecting our environment."

In its "first large-scale change since 2001," Fox News is launching a major redesign of its website. Fox News vice-president of national ad sales Roger Domal said, "In addition to just freshening up the site and making it easier to navigate ... it's a reaction to what advertisers want." Fox News hopes the site "will enable it to become a significant competitor in the online news space. This month, the site doubled its advertising sales staff in New York and San Francisco ... The company believes the redesign will help the site double its advertising sales for 2004 ... and double its audience," according to the Wall Street Journal.