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U.S. Representative Glenn Thompson Honored at Capitol Hill Pet Night for Animal Welfare Legislation

U.S. Representative Glenn Thompson Honored at Capitol Hill Pet Night for Animal Welfare Legislation

U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, was presented with the Legislative Pawsitive Impact Award at Pet Night on Capitol Hill. This annual event celebrates the human-animal bond and brings together lawmakers, staffers, and figures from the pet care community. Representative Thompson was recognized for his leadership in championing the Healthy Dog Importation Act and for guiding the 2026 Farm Bill. The event, co-hosted by organizations such as the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and the World Pet Association (WPA), also featured therapy animals, adoptable pets, and service dogs, emphasizing the positive impact of animals on individual, community, and public health. Lawmakers from both parties set aside political differences to celebrate pets and discuss pet-friendly policies.

Dave Cheryl Duffield Foundation Commits $250 Million to Expand Veterinary Care Access

Dave Cheryl Duffield Foundation Commits $250 Million to Expand Veterinary Care Access

Dave Cheryl Duffield Foundation Commits $250 Million to Expand Veterinary Care Access

Dave Cheryl Duffield Foundation Commits $250 Million to Expand Veterinary Care Access in the U.S.

Dave Cheryl Duffield Foundation Commits $250 Million to Expand Veterinary Care Access in the U.S.

The Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation has launched a significant initiative called 'Big Bet for Pets,' committing $250 million over five years to reduce financial barriers to veterinary care for family pets across the United States. This commitment is described as one of the largest private philanthropic investments to date focused on expanding nonprofit community veterinary care. The initiative aims to close an estimated 50-million-pet access gap, largely driven by the cost of veterinary services. As part of this effort, the foundation has immediately opened two grant programs: Duffield Boost Grants, a $2.5 million pool offering 250 unrestricted grants of $10,000 each to nonprofit community veterinary care providers nationwide, and Expanding Access Grants, a separate $10 million pool for multi-year awards to established nonprofit veterinary clinics looking to scale up their capacity. The foundation, established in 2016, has a long history of supporting companion-animal causes, including through Maddie's F...

APTA Urges Congress to Restore Advance Appropriations for Public Transit and Passenger Rail Funding

APTA Urges Congress to Restore Advance Appropriations for Public Transit and Passenger Rail Funding

Public transportation leaders from across the U.S., organized by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), convened on Capitol Hill for a Congressional Fly-In on September 16. Their primary objective was to urge Congress to restore advance appropriations for public transit and passenger rail in the December 2026 Appropriations Act. While Congress approved legislation extending federal funding and Surface Transportation programs through December 11, 2026, it did not continue the advance appropriations previously provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). APTA members, including transit agency CEOs and staff, met with over 100 Members of Congress and their staff, emphasizing the critical need for stable, multi-year funding to prevent significant cuts to public transit and passenger rail services nationwide.

EPA Power Plant Rule Repeal Faces Legal Challenges and Contradictory Economic Analysis

EPA Power Plant Rule Repeal Faces Legal Challenges and Contradictory Economic Analysis

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the repeal of rules limiting planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from coal and fossil gas power plants. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated the move aims to protect American energy and ensure affordable electricity, framing it as a reversal of previous administrations' 'war on coal.' However, the EPA's own analysis contradicts this, projecting that retail electricity prices will be 0.7% higher in 2030, with price drops only occurring in the mid-2030s and beyond. Environmental and health advocacy groups, led by the American Lung Association, have filed a petition for review, challenging the EPA's final rule. The EPA is also attempting to prevent future administrations from regulating climate pollution from power plants, claiming a lack of Clean Air Act authority for such regulations.

Trump says he will demand some childhood vaccines be split into five shots

Trump says he will demand some childhood vaccines be split into five shots

Sept 18 (Reuters) - US President Donald Trump said on Friday that his administration plans to demand vaccine makers split certain childhood shots into five separate doses, which he believes will result in a massive reduction in autism, an idea repeatedly debunked by scientists.

Veterinarians Emphasize Mental Health as Crucial Component of Working Dog Fitness

Veterinarians Emphasize Mental Health as Crucial Component of Working Dog Fitness

Veterinarians are increasingly recognizing mental health as an essential component of overall fitness for working dogs, extending beyond just physical capabilities. Working dogs, which perform demanding physical and mental tasks, are exposed to complex environments and stressful situations requiring sustained concentration and emotional resilience. Veterinarians assess behavioral indicators such as motivation, trainability, confidence, and adaptability to gauge a dog's psychological well-being. Changes in behavior, such as a previously enthusiastic dog becoming reluctant to work, can signal pain, illness, stress, or fatigue. Chronic stress in these animals can negatively impact immune function, gastrointestinal health, reproductive performance, and overall well-being. To maintain psychological health, appropriate work/rest cycles, environmental enrichment, and positive training methods are crucial. This holistic approach to working dog fitness considers physical conditioning, musculoskeletal integrity, car...

Planning Road Trips with Older Dogs Requires Specialized Care and Route Adjustments

Planning Road Trips with Older Dogs Requires Specialized Care and Route Adjustments

Planning Road Trips with Older Dogs Requires Specialized Care and Route Adjustments

Representative Lauren Boebert Questions Democrats' Conduct During Late House Session

Representative Lauren Boebert Questions Democrats' Conduct During Late House Session

U.S. Representative Lauren Boebert has made headlines for suggesting that Democrats might have had 'liquid courage' during a late-night House session. According to TMZ, Boebert spoke outside the Capitol on Tuesday night, implying that Democrats were unusually rowdy. She noted that while her Freedom Caucus group is typically the most boisterous, the opposition party was noticeably louder than usual during the recent late-night votes. Boebert, known for her hard-right political style and controversial remarks, did not explicitly claim that Democrats were under the influence of alcohol, but her comments and expressions conveyed the suggestion. This incident follows a pattern of Boebert making pointed statements without direct accusations, similar to a November 2021 elevator incident involving Representative Ilhan Omar.

The Latest: Federal Reserve defies Trump, hikes key interest rate for first time in 3 years

The Latest: Federal Reserve defies Trump, hikes key interest rate for first time in 3 years

The Federal Reserve has raised its benchmark interest rate for the first time since 2023 to address high inflation

El-Sayed, Andrews are right to run. We need doctors in politics. | Opinion

El-Sayed, Andrews are right to run. We need doctors in politics. | Opinion

Doctors, nurses and public health professionals are running for office at every level. We should welcome that – across the political spectrum.

Jon Kyl, influential conservative senator from Arizona, dead at 84

Jon Kyl, influential conservative senator from Arizona, dead at 84

Kyl served four terms in the House of Representatives, three terms in the Senate, and made a four-month Senate comeback after Sen. John McCain died.