New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on Thursday that the city is ending its controversial program that gave illegal aliens hundreds of dollars of taxpayer money every week for food. Adams’ office said in a statement, “As we move towards more competitive contracting for asylum seeker programs, we have chosen not to renew the emergency contract for this pilot program once the one-year term concludes.” The move comes after President-Elect Donald Trump promised mass deportations once he takes office in January. The program gave debit cards to illegal aliens who were living in taxpayer-funded hotels, allowing them to buy whatever kind of food they wanted. The city gave millions of dollars to thousands of illegal aliens through the program. MATT WALSH’S ‘AM I RACIST?’ NOW STREAMING ON DAILYWIRE+ Local media reported that a typical family of four would get several hundred dollars a week to spend for food. Elon Musk’s America PAC highlighted the news story on X, writing: “NYC Mayor Eric Adams announces end to program that gave debit cards to illegal immigrants less than 48 hours after Donald Trump’s victory.” BREAKING: NYC Mayor Eric Adams announces end to program that gave debit cards to illegal immigrants less than 48 hours after Donald Trump’s victory pic.twitter.com/c7g9YeB4vM — America (@america) November 8, 2024 “We obviously have to make the border strong and powerful and, and we have to — at the same time, we want people to come into our country,” Trump told NBC News on Thursday. “And you know, I’m not somebody that says, ‘No, you can’t come in.’ We want people to come in.” On the subject of his deportation plans, Trump said: “It’s not a question of a price tag. It’s not — really, we have no choice. When people have killed and murdered, when drug lords have destroyed countries, and now they’re going to go back to those countries because they’re not staying here. There is no price tag.”

'It's not Kamala Harris's fault'

The post Fear-Free Vet: Vet-Verified Advantages, Disadvantages & FAQ by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Click to Skip Ahead How Fear-Free Veterinary Medicine Works Why Fear-Free Is Important Where It’s Used Advantages Disadvantages FAQ Vet visits have always been instrumental in promoting our pets’ health and longevity. But for most cats, the experience can be more stressful than anything. The strange setting and unwanted interactions with unfamiliar people make a perfect formula for anxiety, leading to aggression in many instances. Vets often can’t administer tests or treatments with uncooperative pets, making the experience frustrating and unfulfilling for the animal, the owner, and the veterinary staff. Fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) at the vet have come into the spotlight in recent decades, spurring the Fear Free movement. Fear Free is an organized effort to educate experts and owners looking to make vet visits more accommodating and calming so pets can get the care needed to thrive. Discover what Fear-free vets are and what they can offer to make your anxious cat remain calm and have more productive trips to the vet. How Does Fear-Free Veterinary Medicine Work? Fear Free focuses on the anxiety pets often suffer at the vet. It supports veterinarians, vet staff, and owners with resources to make the clinical experience less stressful and frightening. Collaborations of companion-animal vets, behaviorists, veterinary specialists, trainers, and other animal experts create courses and certification programs to keep professionals and clients updated on best practices. The goal is to reduce stress and optimize the care cats and other pets receive. Veterinarians can become Fear Free-certified by registering for certification programs on the Fear Free website. Individuals and multi-member practices can sign up for certification. Fear Free separates programs for general vet professionals, avian specialists, and equine specialists. Fear Free can help reduce anxiety for pets in any stressful situation, including non-clinical settings. Certification is available for trainers, groomers, pet sitters, and boarding and daycare facilities. Even owners and shelter staff can gain support from Fear Free. A growing collection of free articles, guides, podcasts, and videos show them how to keep their cats happy, healthy, and safe. Image Credit: Ermolaev Alexander, Shutterstock What Do Fear-Free Vets Do? Fear-free vets adapt their processes to suit each patient’s unique needs. The following are some of the methods Fear Free practices may use to help cats relax during their visit: Acclimating cats to the office environment before performing exams or treatments Monitoring for signs of fear and stress and adjusting their methods accordingly Providing toys, treats, petting, and other rewards to make the experience positive Offering separate rooms for cats experiencing stress in the waiting room Creating separate waiting areas for different animals Using calm, soothing tones of voice Minimizing ambient noises and stimulating scents Employing touch gradient to reduce FAS during physical contact Using atmospheric calming aids, such as pheromone diffusers, light dimmers, and music Educating owners on preparing cats for vet visits Applying mild sedatives or anti-anxiety medicines to ease anxiety when using restraints How to Get Fear-Free Certification Fear-Free certification entails a one-time signup fee for everyone receiving the training. After purchasing the membership, members complete certification programs consisting of several modules. They must also take online assessments and complete a virtual visit to see Fear-Free practices in action. By completing an extra 35 hours of CE (continuing education), professionals can earn an “Elite” status to showcase their commitment to advanced education. Membership requires annual renewal, which comes with a fee. To maintain a Fear-Free certification, vets must complete 4 hours of Fear-Free CE annually. Fear-Free members enjoy access to all certification programs. They can check out other CE courses and an expansive resource library of articles, podcasts, and webinars to stay updated on best practices. Additionally, Fear Free offers marketing materials and a toolbox. Vets can use these in their practices to advertise and implement their training. Members also earn a spot in the directory, helping them gain more clients looking for low-stress vet options. Image Credit: PawelKacperek, Shutterstock Why Is Fear-Free Important? Fear Free began in 2016 when “America’s Veterinarian,” Dr. Marty Becker, sought to expand awareness of FAS and how pet professionals and owners can take action. Most cats experience some anxiety at the vet. A German study found over 88% of cats showed stress signs, while roughly 50% of owners likewise felt stress, often stemming from their pets’ anxiety.1 Cats have shown a white-coat effect similar to humans entering a doctor’s office.2 Blood pressure rises as cats feel stress from the clinical environment. While this may decrease with time, the effect often doesn’t disappear entirely. Vet visits are stressful for many animals. The “fight or flight” response is an inherent survival trait cats can display when they feel pain or illness and must interact with a stranger in an uncomfortable environment. Poor experiences can make future visits more challenging as cats associate each step with stress, starting with getting in the carrier at home. Overly anxious pets complicate routine exams and other procedures by being agitated and uncooperative. Many cats become aggressive, putting workers in harm’s way and limiting the quality of care. In some cases, more involved procedures are often challenging due to the reduced efficacy of sedation and anesthesia associated with stressed animals. The challenges stress creates can make owners less likely to seek medical care. Over a quarter of cat owners limit their vet visits because they cause too much anxiety for their pets.3 By implementing Fear-free practices, veterinarians can create a calmer environment and offer more thorough and effective care. Clients subsequently gain more confidence in bringing their pets in for checkups. Where Is It Used? Since Fear Free began, thousands of professionals worldwide have taken advantage of its teachings. With programs for virtually any pet professional, Fear Free offers owners the chance to seek out groomers, dog walkers, pet sitters, and boarding facilities that use Fear Free techniques, ensuring the highest quality care wherever their cats go. Image Credit: Stock-Asso, Shutterstock Advantages of Fear-Free Vets Fear Free empowers owners to give their cats the care they deserve regardless of their anxiety issues. Trained vets prioritize emotional and mental health by considering how they should assess and handle stressors. They monitor the pet’s body language, responding with grace and patience to ease stress as it appears and never forcing procedures on an unreceptive animal. Fear Free practices offer numerous benefits for pets, owners, and vet staff, including: Fewer stress-related physical effects, allowing for more accurate diagnostics, more effective care, and faster healing and recovery Better emotional associations with going to the vet, making future visits smoother and faster Improved safety and fewer injuries due to cat aggression Greater compliance with routine care visits Shorter, more productive visits, saving owners time and money Higher job satisfaction for veterinary team members Better bonds between owners and their cats Disadvantages of Fear-Free Vets The primary drawback to the Fear Free certification program is the cost. Upfront costs for certification run a couple of hundred dollars, and annual dues are needed to maintain membership. Some criticize it for pushing training that uncertified vets may already apply for. To them, Fear Free can seem like an unfair advantage reserved for those willing and able to spend money on the certification. Frequently Asked Questions How Is Fear Free Beneficial for the Veterinarian? Fear-free certification supports success. By applying Fear-Free principles, vets can improve client experiences, build return business, and increase customer scores. The certification also helps with marketing, allowing vets to attract clients with anxiety-prone cats. Meanwhile, the staff enjoys more efficient and positive client interactions. With burnout a growing industry concern, the reduced conflict that comes with Fear-Free philosophies can make veterinary work feel less stressful and more fulfilling for everyone in the clinic. Image Credit: Stock-Asso, Shutterstock How Can Owners Assist Fear-Free Vets? Owners can start the process of calming their pets before they bring them to a Fear-Free clinic. While your vet can offer advice to manage your cat’s particular FAS struggles, the following are a few helpful steps to prepare your pet: Provide soft, comfortable bedding in the cat carrier Use pleasing scents and fun toys to comfort your cat in the carrier Acclimate your cat to the carrier before taking them on a trip by letting them explore it and giving treats for using it Contact your vet to discuss your cat’s stress before visiting a Fear Free clinic so they can plan and prepare for your pet’s needs. Clients can set their cats and the clinic for an efficient, more productive visit with these at-home steps. Conclusion The Fear-Free initiative centers on building trust and showing respect to pets as unique individuals with feelings that deserve recognition. Cats may enter the clinic stressed, but they’ll exit feeling calm, confident, and ready for their next appointment. Certified vets and animal experts provide critical peace of mind to owners, ensuring their pets get the care they need without sacrificing their mental or emotional well-being. Sources Fear Free Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery NMU Animals Featured Image Credit: Prostock-studio, Shutterstock The post Fear-Free Vet: Vet-Verified Advantages, Disadvantages & FAQ by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Led by their intuition, kind people discovered a family of cats and kittens in a local park, shifting the course of their lives. SPCA of Wake CountyEarlier this week, some Good Samaritans noticed a large bin sitting in the parking lot of a local park.Trusting their intuition, they decided to stop and investigate the bin. Upon opening the lid, they were shocked to find a cat family huddled inside. The older cat appeared to be the mother with her grown daughter and four small kittens by her side."It was their gut feeling that saved the two cats and four kittens inside," the SPCA of Wake County shared. SPCA of Wake CountyThe finders quickly sprang into action and brought them to the SPCA. "We made sure their finders knew how grateful we were that they followed their instincts and investigated."The mother cat stayed close to her kittens while her older daughter smothered her with affection. SPCA of Wake CountyOne of the staff members opened their home to the feline family and provided a quiet room where they could decompress."This bin was set out in a conspicuous spot, in a public place. They were nestled in blankets to keep warm. It's a tough situation out there. Shelters and rescues are full all over the place. While there are certainly other options (the SPCA of Wake County provides a Pet Helpline), we know that the person who set these cats out was trying to help and may not have known another way." SPCA of Wake CountyThanks to the compassionate passersby, the family of six is safe and has quickly settled into their new space. The mom tends lovingly to her kittens, while her grown daughter provides unwavering support."The mom's older daughter has been her emotional support friend," Samantha Ranlet, Communications Manager at the SPCA of Wake County, shared with Love Meow. SPCA of Wake CountyAlways by her mom's side, she washes her face and purrs softly in her ear. Ever attentive, she's quick to offer comfort, as if she knows when her mom needs a little extra love."She's been grooming and cuddling her mom while she takes care of all the other kittens." SPCA of Wake County"The kittens are all very happy and look healthy. The whole family is in great spirits and enjoy the peace and quiet of their foster home."Soon, the kittens will begin weaning and learning to eat on their own, freeing up more time for their mom to enjoy the things she loves. In a comfy, quiet home, their personalities are starting to shine. SPCA of Wake CountyThough no longer nursing, the older daughter remains close to her mom, often snuggling beside her younger siblings. Together, they feel comfortable and secure in the company of people."These six beautiful cats are healthy, purring, warm, and in just the right place to set off into happy futures." SPCA of Wake CountyWhenever the mom needs a break, her daughter is always there to lend a helping paw. In this close-knit family, the four little ones are cared for by their doting mom and nurturing big sister."They will all be ready for adoption in just a few weeks." SPCA of Wake CountyThanks to the intuition of kind passersby, this family of six is flourishing in foster care, where they're assured a future filled with endless love and snuggles. SPCA of Wake CountyShare this story with your friends. More on the feline family and the SPCA of Wake County on Instagram and Facebook.Related story: Woman Offers to Help a Shelter Cat, Hours Later Finds Kittens in Her House, It's the Most Rewarding Thing

Pollster Ann Selzer: Maybe My Poll Galvanized GOP Voters

Tom Hanks has had enough of superhero films. “I think there was a period of time, and I felt that way too, where we would see these fantastic movies, either DC or MCU, in order to see these better versions of ourselves,” Hanks told podcaster Josh Horowitz. Ol’ Forrest knew what love was, but Hanks is a little lost on what makes audiences go to theaters these days. “I think we’ve been down that road and had probably 20 years, 15 years, to explore that kind of thing, and now I think we’re in an evolutionary place of, ‘And the story is what? And the theme is what? And the point of this movie is what?'” That may be true, but he’s not giving us much of a Plan B, is he? Hanks’ latest, “Here,” reunites him with Jenny of “Forrest Gump” (Robin Wright) and director Robert Zemeckis (“Forrest Gump,” “Cast Away”). Critics skewered “Here,” and it made a paltry $4.8 million in its opening weekend. The entire movie, which follows a nuclear family over the decades, is set in the clan’s living room. It’s like watching paint dry, but with a de-aged Hanks and Wright holding the brushes. Ol’ Forrest knew what love was, but Hanks is a little lost on what makes audiences go to theaters these days … 'Captain' chaos At what point will they stop shooting “Captain America: Brave New World”? The next MCU project is heading to theaters in February, at least on paper. In the real world, the film has endured pricey reshoots to prep it for its cinematic close-up. The movie technically wrapped in spring 2023, but scary test screenings coaxed Team Disney to bulk up the film. The first new footage came after a 22-day shoot earlier this year. The shoot reportedly added Giancarlo Esposito to the cast in an unnamed role and beefed up some action sequences. Now, even more reshoots are under way, according to Esposito. The MCU could use a hit after a string of woke duds. It’s no sure thing that “Brave New World” will end that losing streak, no matter how many times they go back to drawing board. The new film finds Anthony Mackie’s Falcon stepping into the famous red, white, and blue tights previously worn by Chris Evans. As Evans’ Cap might say about the ongoing reshoots, “I could do this all day …” Junket junked Hollywood is having “contractions.” The industry is in deep economic trouble. L.A.-based productions are down. The box office is running 11% below last year. And the streaming boom has been a bust, at least from a fiscal point of view. The semi-annual TV Critics Association Winter 2025 Press Tour is the latest casualty. The event allows new and existing shows to promote their casts and storylines, offering panel chats and other promotional perks. Not this time. “As you know, Hollywood is in a deep contraction. While several streamers, networks, and studios committed, it was not enough for a full press tour,” said TCA President Jacqueline Cutler. Meanwhile, many Hollywood stars are shoving their politics down the public’s throat as if consumers have short memories. Will Ferrell comically threatened his fans to vote for Harris … or else. Is this any way to run a business? Moore is less Friends do plenty for their fellow friends. They help them move, watch their dogs when they’re on vacation, and, according to filmmaker Michael Moore, vote for their preferred candidate. The far-left director pleaded with “non-voters” to get off the couch and vote for Kamala Harris on Election Day. He apparently thinks we’re all on a first-name basis. Is he gonna ask us to drive him to the airport next? “Can I ask that you do it just as a favor for me? It really is that important to me,” he said of our potential Harris vote. “There is, honestly, too large of a part of me that believes we may be truly at our end.” This column understands the comedic softball thrown our way, but we refuse to take the bait.

They’re expensive, cause an array of side effects, and eventually stop working.And yet Ozempic and other GLP1 drugs are more popular than ever — touted by celebrities and prescribed to millions of Americans convinced they’ve found their last, best chance of losing weight.To those not willing to risk their mental health and quality of life for fleeting victory in their struggle with the scale, Michaels has a message of hope: 'Weight loss is simple.'Nonsense, claims fitness and nutrition influencer Jillian Michaels.'Zero weight loss'In an email to Align, Michaels explained why the powerful peptides, which were originally prescribed for Type 2 diabetes and other diseases, are not the best pound-shedding solution for most people.“The bottom line — they are extremely expensive. You plateau on them. The side effects are scary and the risk of experiencing the more serious ones increases over time,” says Michaels.The good news? “There is a natural alternative.”Michaels’ observations about GLP1 drugs reflect the experience of many who have failed to see any progress on the medication. One such user recently called in to the "Mind Pump" fitness podcast: “I’d been on semaglutide [Ozempic] for about six months and saw zero weight loss ... it was very, very frustrating.”He had slightly more success after switching to a different GLP1 drug, the caller said, but he was still worried about the long-term: “My big question here is, what do you do when they don’t work, and what do you do when they stop working?”Short-term fixAccording to Michaels, his case is far from unique. Citing a survey from one of the country's biggest pharmacy benefit managers, Prime Therapeutics, Michaels noted that “66% of the people put on GLP1 drugs come off them within the first year citing cost, plateau, and side effects. And the risk for more serious side effects actually compounds over time.”Yet, people remain desperate for these “miracle” drugs, even opting for unvetted knockoffs from online pharmacies. Late last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration seized thousands of GLP1 products thought to be counterfeit, according to the New York Post.Many consumers endanger themselves for what they believe offers their one shot at achieving a healthy weight. “That is simply just not true,” says Michaels, pointing to her record of helping thousands achieve these results with natural solutions.Depression dangerWhile Michaels admits her way is not the easiest way, she does consider it the safest, scoffing at drugmakers’ claims that the long-term use of their products carries very little risk. “I don’t even know how they arrive at that conclusion,” says Michaels. “The side effects are on the box because they are very legitimate.”Those side effects include nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, stomach upset, and in more serious cases, pancreatitis or kidney failure. The drug has also been linked to over 100 deaths, according to the Daily Mail.What’s even scarier? The thousands of cases reporting these adverse effects may just be the tip of the iceberg. “The FDA estimates that its Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) only receives reports for 1–10% of adverse drug events,” says Michaels. The actual number of users experiencing harmful side effects could be tens of thousands more.Michaels added that people are also more likely to be prescribed an antidepressant after starting a GLP1. This may have something to do with how the drug interacts with the brain’s “pleasure center.”It’s hypothesized that these drugs impact dopamine release, making substances like food or drugs lose their appeal, continued Michaels. This benefits a person with addiction, Michaels says, but others open the door to depression, malaise, and lack of sex drive due to the same mechanism.In short, Michaels believes these drugs are only right for a small minority of people such as the morbidly obese with a host of comorbidities or those battling addiction.“For everyone else, these should NEVER be an option,” says Michaels.A simpler wayTo those not willing to risk their mental health and quality of life for fleeting victory in their struggle with the scale, Michaels has a message of hope: “Weight loss is simple.”It all comes down to moving more and eating less. “Calories are units of energy. Energy that doesn’t get utilized from calorie intake gets stored as fat,” says Michaels.In place of paying for Ozempic, Michaels recommends people spend money on goods and services that will encourage moving more and eating less: counseling, healthy food, and membership in a gym or other fitness community.“Supporting yourself in all the ways possible inside and out goes a long way,” says Michaels.Those who ditch Ozempic in favor of Michaels’ advice may find themselves experiencing a whole new range of positive “side effects,” including improved mental health, better sleep, and reduced chronic disease, according to a Mind Pump Media article.

Jess Piper Suggests Anti-Trump White Women Get Identifying Tattoos

Republican Against Trump Doesn’t Want the Stain of the Party Anymore