'He accepted thousands of dollars in cash bribes on a regular basis from the owner of a construction company'

The post Cat Yeast Infection vs. Ear Mites: Vet Reviewed Differences (With Pictures) by Genevieve Dugal 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 At a Glance Overview of a Cat Yeast Infection Signs Causes Diagnosis and Treatment Overview of Ear Mites Signs Causes Diagnosis and Treatment What Are the Main Differences If your cat is constantly shaking their head and scratching their ears‚ a few scenarios may come to mind: Are they allergic to something? Are they sick? Have they been infested by parasites? Constant irritation is also a fairly common sign of a few types of ear infections‚ so it can be challenging to know what’s going on exactly with your cat. However‚ other signs may give you a clue‚ such as a foul odor coming from the ears and the presence of a black or yellow discharge. In this article‚ we explore two conditions— yeast ear infections and ear mites—to help you understand what may be affecting your beloved cat. Note that although the information presented here comes from reliable sources‚ it should not replace a proper diagnosis made by your veterinarian. Image Credit: Left (Yeast Infection) RJ22‚ Shutterstock‚ Right: (Ear mites) RJ22‚ Shutterstock At a Glance Cat Yeast Ear Infection Often symptomatic of an underlying disease Not generally contagious to other cats Common signs include head shaking and scratching of the ears and increased odor All cats can be equally affected Ear Mites Can lead to the development of a yeast infection Highly contagious to other cats Common signs include dark brown/ black discharge‚ head shaking‚ and scratching of the ears More frequent in kittens and outdoor cats Overview of Cat Yeast Infection Yeast is a type of microorganism (more specifically‚ a fungus) normally found on the skin in certain numbers and in the body of many species of animals‚ including humans. The most common cause of feline yeast ear infections is Malassezia pachydermatis. This yeast is present in low numbers in the external ear canal as part of a cat’s normal skin flora. However‚ it can reproduce and grow out of control due to underlying issues that weaken the skin’s normal defenses‚ and cause an infection. Image Credit: RJ22‚ Shutterstock What Are the Signs of a Yeast Ear Infection in Cats? The signs of any ear infection whether with yeast or bacteria can be similar‚ here are some common signs a cat might show: Head shaking Scratching the ears Brown or yellow discharge Increased odor from the ear Redness and inflammation Image Credit: fotovictoria‚ Shutterstock What Causes Yeast Ear Infections in Cats? Yeast ear infections are usually opportunistic‚ meaning that they take advantage of a weak and damaged ear canal and overgrow. The inflammation and damage to the ear canal that ear mites create are a common cause of a yeast ear infection. Other causes include: Allergies Polyps Immune mediated conditions Foreign bodies ( e.g. grass seeds or hair) Incorrect or excessive ear cleaning Can a Cat’s Yeast Infection Spread to Humans? Feline yeast ear infections are generally not contagious to other pets or humans. Of course always practice normal hygiene measures‚ especially after cleaning or treating your pet’s ear infection. Many other types of fungal infection can be spread to humans. Ringworm (dermatophytosis)‚ which is the most common type of fungal skin infection in cats‚ is zoonotic meaning it can also infect humans. Cutaneous Sporotrichosis is also zoonotic‚ this skin infection caused by a fungus called Sporothrix often causes lumps under a cat’s skin. Candida infections are rare in cats‚ but one study published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology suggested that many animal species (such as cats‚ dogs‚ cattle‚ horses‚ and pigs) are susceptible to Candida infections and could be “vectors of transmission or reservoirs of strains causing human disease and may present a risk for immunocompromised patients1.” Image Credit: Uschi Dugulin‚ Pixabay How Is a Yeast Ear Infection Diagnosed and Treated? Your vet will start by examining your cat’s ears with an otoscope. They will assess for any abnormal growths and examine the eardrum if possible. In severe ear infections the eardrum can be damaged and rupture. As the signs of a yeast ear infection can be very similar to a bacterial infection and other ear problems‚ they may take a small sample of the discharge to examine under the microscope to confirm an excessive number of yeasts. Your vet will also perform a general clinical examination and may need to run other tests depending on what they find‚ and to try and work out the underlying cause of the yeast infection. With yeast infections of the external ear canal‚ often a medicated ear drop is prescribed which contains an antifungal ingredient as well as an anti inflammatory. If an underlying cause has been found for the infection then that will need to be addressed as well. Ear cleaning is often necessary‚ follow your vet’s instructions on the correct ear cleaner‚ technique and frequency. Image Credit: bmf-foto.de‚ Shutterstock Overview of Ear Mites Ear mites in cats are a type of parasitic infestation. The most common parasite that affects a cats’ ears is Otodectes cynotis. This tiny mite is extremely contagious and can even spread to other areas of the cat’s body. The moist environment of the ear canals is an ideal place for ear mites to feed‚ which they do with ear tissue debris‚ fluids‚ and wax. This feeding process causes intense itching. In severe untreated cases‚ cats may scratch their ears so much that it causes pain‚ inflammation‚ trauma‚ skin lesions‚ and even a hematoma. Ear mites can lead to secondary infections with bacteria and yeasts and more serious problems‚ which is why it’s important to learn how to recognize the signs of infestation early. Ear mites are more common in kittens and outdoor cats. However‚ no cat is truly safe from these tiny parasites‚ regardless of their age‚ breed‚ or lifestyle. Image Credit: Todorean-Gabriel‚ Shutterstock What Are the Signs of Ear Mites in Cats? Signs of an ear mite infestation are similar to those of a yeast infection: Head shaking Scratching the ears Hair loss of the ear flaps or around them Dark crusty or waxy discharge Redness Image Credit: Yekatseryna Netuk‚ Shutterstock If the ear mites affect other parts of the body you can see itching‚ scratching and skin lesions elsewhere. What Causes Ear Mites in Cats? Ear mites are highly contagious and are easily spread through direct contact with infected cats or kittens. Some cats have ear mites but don’t show any signs and so can be a source of future infestations. Ear mites have limited ability to live off cats and in the environment. Can Cat Ear Mites Spread to Humans? Ear mites are not a major risk to humans‚ there have been a few reports of human infestations causing dermatitis following close contact with an infested animal‚ but this is rare. Primarily ear mites are extremely contagious but only among cats (and some other pets like dogs and ferrets). Image Credit: Zanna Pesnina‚ Shutterstock How Are Ear Mites Diagnosed and Treated? It is essential to take your cat to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis‚ as the signs are quite similar to other ear infections. Treatment for cat ear mite infestation usually involves cleaning the ears and removing debris and earwax buildup. Your veterinarian will usually prescribe certain ear drops to kill mites. Additionally‚ a flea medication that also works against mites may be prescribed. All cats‚ dogs and ferrets in the household will need to be treated. What Are the Main Differences Between Yeast Infections and Ear Mites in Cats? It can be difficult to distinguish ear mites from ear infections in cats based on the signs your cat is showing‚ but one of the major differences is the color and appearance of the ear discharge. If your feline has mites‚ the discharge is often dark brown to almost black‚ as it contains dried blood‚ debris‚ wax‚ and even the mites themselves. It is sometimes described as looking like coffee grounds. However‚ if your cat has a yeast infection‚ the discharge will usually be a lighter brown or yellowish and may have an unpleasant odor caused by overgrowing yeast. That said‚ given the similarity of the signs of both conditions‚ and the fact that ear mites often lead to yeast infections (so both may be present concurrently)‚ you will need to take your cat to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Image Credit: Yaroslav Astakhov‚ Shutterstock Conclusion Ear mites are a real nuisance for our feline companions because they not only cause painful itching‚ but they can also lead to other issues including yeast infections if left untreated. Yeast infections are usually secondary to another underlying problem‚ so always call your veterinarian as soon as you notice the first signs of an ear problem. The sooner the problem is treated‚ the sooner your beloved cat will be able to resume their regular activities without being bothered by the excessive itching of their poor ears! Featured Image Credit: Left (Yeast Infection) RJ22‚ Shutterstock‚ Right: (Ear mites) RJ22‚ Shutterstock Sources https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/ear-disorders-of-cats/disorders-of-the-outer-ear-in-cats https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/skin-fungal-infections-cats https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_ct_ear_mites https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/sporotrichosis/pdf/Sporothrix-brasiliensis-HCP-508.pdf https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ear-mites-otodectes-in-cats-and-dogs The post Cat Yeast Infection vs. Ear Mites: Vet Reviewed Differences (With Pictures) by Genevieve Dugal 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.

The post 8 Pet Friendly Hotels in Gatlinburg‚ TN (2024 Update) by Kristin Hitchcock 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. Gatlinburg is a very popular tourist destination. As you might guess‚ there are many different hotels in the city‚ and many of these are open to both dogs and cats. In total‚ there are about eight pet-friendly hotels in Gatlinburg‚ TN‚ that we would recommend. We’ll take a look at these hotels below‚ including information about each one. You should be able to decide which hotel is best for you and your furry friend after reading this article. Top 8 Pet Friendly Hotels in Gatlinburg‚ TN 1. The ParkVista DoubleTree by Hilton Image Credit: The ParkVista DoubleTree by Hilton View Deals at The ParkVista DoubleTree by Hilton Address: 705 Cherokee Orchard Rd‚ Gatlinburg‚ TN 37738 Star Rating: Open Times: 4 PM Check-in; 11 AM Check-out Cost: $40 per pet/per night Allows up to two pets per room Dogs and cats both allowed Maximum weight limit of 75 pounds Only designated rooms are pet-friendly 2. Quality Inn &; Suites Gatlinburg Image Credit: Quality Inn &; Suites Gatlinburg‚ choicehotels.com View Deals at Quality Inn &; Suites Gatlinburg Address: 401 Hemlock St‚ Gatlinburg‚ TN 37738 Star Rating: Open Times: 3 PM Check-in; 11 AM Check-out Cost: $20 per pet/per night Pets may not be left unattended in hotel rooms Accepts both cats and dogs Weight limit of up to 30 pounds Very low pet fee per room 3. Mountain Shadow Resort Image Credit: Mountain Shadow Resort View Deals at Mountain Shadow Resort Address: 1901 E Parkway‚ Gatlinburg‚ TN 37738 Star Rating: N/A Open Times: 3 PM Check-in; 11 AM Check-out Cost: $75 per pet/per stay Up to three pets per hotel room First pet is $75 per stay; each subsequent pet is $50 per stay Pets must be crated if left in room No weight maximum 4. River Terrace Resort &; Convention Center Image Credit: River Terrace Resort &; Convention Center View Deals at River Terrace Resort &; Convention Center Address: 240 River Rd‚ Gatlinburg‚ TN 37738 Star Rating: Open Times: 4 PM Check-in; 11 AM Check-out Cost: $100 per pet/per stay Combined weight limit of 60 pounds Disallows a range of breeds‚ including Huskies‚ German Shepherds‚ and Alaskan Malamutes Absolutely no cats allowed Very high pet fee 5. Sidney James Mountain Lodge Image Credit: Instagram sidneyjamesmtn View Deals at Sidney James Mountain Lodge Address: 610 Historic Nature Trail‚ Gatlinburg‚ TN 37738 Star Rating: Open Times: 3 PM Check-in; 11 AM Check-out Cost: $10 per pet/per night Weight limit of 35 pounds per pet Allows both cats and dogs Pets cannot be left in room unattended City park is next door 6. Motel 6 Gatlinburg Smoky Mountains Image Credit: Motel 6 Gatlinburg Smoky Mountains View Deals at Motel 6 Gatlinburg Smoky Mountains Address: 309 Ownby St‚ Gatlinburg‚ TN 37738 Star Rating: Open Times: 4 PM Check-in; 11 AM Check-out Cost: Free Small grassy areas around the property Close to good restaurants and shopping Not as clean as other hotels Rundown and dated 7. Quality Inn Creekside Downtown Gatlinburg Image Credit: Quality Inn Creekside Downtown Gatlinburg‚ choicehotels.com View Deals at Quality Inn Creekside Downtown Gatlinburg Address: 125 LeConte Creek Dr‚ Gatlinburg‚ TN 37738 Star Rating: Open Times: 3 PM Check-in; 11 AM Check-out Cost: $20 per pet/per night Weight limit of 75 pounds Up to four pets allowed in designated rooms Fairly low pet fee No cats allowed 8. Super 8 Downtown Gatlinburg Image Credit: Super 8 Downtown Gatlinburg View Deals at Super 8 Downtown Gatlinburg Address: 417 Historic Nature Trail‚ Gatlinburg‚ TN 37738 Star Rating: Open Times: 3 PM Check-in; 11 AM Check-out Cost: $30 per pet/per night Up to 50-pound weight max Allows both cats and dogs Very little room for dogs to roam Not as well kept as other options Conclusion Surprisingly‚ there are tons of good hotels to stay in in Gatlinburg‚ Tennessee. While there is only so much room snuggled in the mountains‚ many hotels in the area do allow both cats and dogs. However‚ finding somewhere for larger dogs to stay can be a challenge. Plus‚ pet fees can be very expensive‚ with some hotels charging as much as $100. We highly recommend calling ahead and ensuring that the hotel you choose has a pet-friendly room available. Most only allow dogs in certain rooms‚ so it’s important that one of these rooms is available when you check in. See Also: 10 Pet-Friendly Hotels in Pigeon Forge‚ Tennessee 10 Pet-Friendly Hotels in Knoxville‚ TN Featured Image Credit: Kashaeva Irina‚ Shutterstock The post 8 Pet Friendly Hotels in Gatlinburg‚ TN (2024 Update) by Kristin Hitchcock 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.

The post Feline Leukemia Day 2024: What It Is &; How To Participate by Ed Malaker 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 What Is Feline Leukemia Day What Is Feline Leukemia Ways To Participate Frequently Asked Questions There are many wonderful pet holidays every year‚ such as Walk Your Pet Day and Cuddly Kitten Day. These holidays can be fun and help us bond with our pets. However‚ few of these holidays are as important as Feline Leukemia Day‚ which occurs every year on July 15. If you have never heard about it‚ keep reading as we explain what this event hopes to accomplish and how you can get involved. What Is Feline Leukemia Day? Feline Leukemia Day is relatively new‚ with no records pointing to a specific origin. However‚ it’s becoming more popular each year as people realize the importance of raising awareness about feline leukemia. It’s on July 15 each year‚ and there may be events held in your area. There are also online events that you can attend‚ like the Community Cats Podcast‚ which will have informative speakers who will share the latest information on feline leukemia and other topics. What Is Feline Leukemia? Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a contagious virus that affects cats1. It is one of the leading causes of illness and death in domestic cats. It usually spreads through close contact‚ such as via grooming‚ biting‚ and sharing food and water bowls. Kittens can contract the virus from an infected mother during birth or through nursing. It’s a retrovirus that can suppress a cat’s immune system‚ making them susceptible to various infections and diseases. Cats infected with FeLV may not show signs immediately. Over time‚ however‚ the virus can lead to various health problems‚ including anemia‚ weight loss‚ poor coat condition‚ and a weakened immune system. FeLV-infected cats are also more prone to developing certain types of cancer. The prognosis for cats with FeLV varies. Some cats may live for many years without showing severe signs‚ while others may succumb to the illness more quickly. Early detection and appropriate management can help improve a cat’s quality of life. Image Credit: Pressmaster‚ Shutterstock The 6 Ways to Participate in Feline Leukemia Day 1. Advertise on Social Media Taking part in Feline Leukemia Day is not difficult. One of the best things that you can do is spread awareness by sharing information about the holiday on social media. You can link to events‚ post facts about the disease‚ or inform people that the holiday is occurring. 2. Advertise in Your Area You can help spread the word about Feline Leukemia Day by posting notes on local billboards that you can often find in banks‚ supermarkets‚ and other locations. You can also contact your local news and radio stations‚ as they might be interested and inform the public for you. 3. Teach Others Besides posting facts about feline leukemia on your social media accounts‚ you can teach others about the disease by writing a blog post‚ holding a video seminar‚ or even teaching a class in your local area. Image Credit: Zhuravlev Andrey‚ Shutterstock 4. Attend Events You can search online or in your local news publications for Feline Leukemia Day events in your area. Attend them to help provide support and make it more likely that the events will occur again in the future. 5. Support Research for Feline Leukemia A great way to participate in Feline Leukemia Day is to donate to an institution researching feline leukemia‚ like FelineLeukemia.org. These organizations are working to eradicate the disease‚ but they require financial support from the public‚ which is why they often hold events like this. 6. Ensure That Your Pets Are Vaccinated One of the best things that you can do on Feline Leukemia Day is look over your pet’s health records to ensure that they have the feline leukemia vaccine‚ so your cat won’t be infected if they get out of the house. Frequently Asked Questions How Is Feline Leukemia Diagnosed? Veterinarians can diagnose FeLV through blood tests. Regular testing is recommended‚ especially for cats at a higher risk of exposure. Is There a Cure for Feline Leukemia? Currently‚ there is no cure for feline leukemia. Treatment focuses on managing signs and supporting the cat’s overall health. Prevention and early detection are crucial to stopping the spread. Image Credit: H_Ko‚ Shutterstock Can Feline Leukemia Be Prevented? There is a vaccine available for FeLV‚ but it may not be suitable for all cats. Preventing the spread of the virus involves keeping infected cats separated from uninfected cats and avoiding situations that could lead to transmission. Should I Adopt a Cat With Feline Leukemia? Adopting a cat with FeLV requires careful consideration. It’s important to understand the challenges and commit to providing the necessary care before allowing the adoption to go through. Summary Feline Leukemia Day occurs on July 15‚ and it hopes to raise awareness about the deadly feline leukemia disease and the importance of getting your pet vaccinated. You can participate by spreading news of the holiday and any events that might be occurring on social media and in your local area. Attend any events in your area to help provide support‚ and donate to an organization researching feline leukemia if your budget allows. Sources https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/product/2023-online-feline-leukemia-day-recordings/ Featured Image Credit: brodtcast‚ Shutterstock The post Feline Leukemia Day 2024: What It Is &; How To Participate by Ed Malaker 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.

News Sasquatch Sunset Sasquatches Get Spicy in the Trailer for Sasquatch Sunset Jesse Eisenberg and Riley Keogh star as an unusual family. By Molly Templeton | Published on February 13‚ 2024 icon-comment 0 Share New Share Twitter Facebook Pinterest RSS Feed Sasquatches: they’re just like us. They make friends with wildlife‚ sometimes unwisely; they have families; they do chores together; they… okay‚ the part where they’re boning in the woods with an audience might be a little less ordinary by human standards. But to each their own‚ right? Sasquatch Sunset comes from directors David and Nathan Zellner‚ and stars Jesse Eisenberg and Riley Keough as two members of a family of sasquatches (why do I want to call them “sasquatchi”?) as they go about their ordinary sasquatch lives. More than a decade ago‚ the Zellners made a short film called “Sasquatch Birth Journal No. 2‚” and now they’ve given the maybe-probably-definitely mythical creatures the feature film treatment. Here’s the synopsis: In the misty forests of North America‚ a family of Sasquatches—possibly the last of their enigmatic kind— embark on an absurdist‚ epic‚ hilarious‚ and ultimately poignant journey over the course of one year. These shaggy and noble giants fight for survival as they find themselves on a collision course with the ever-changing world around them. Starring Riley Keough and Jesse Eisenberg‚ acclaimed directors David and Nathan Zellner (Kumiko‚ the Treasure Hunter) bring you the greatest Bigfoot story ever told. This is a red-band trailer‚ presumably because of the sasquatch sex‚ though said sasquatch sex is pretty tame‚ really. The Hollywood Reporter reviewed the film‚ writing‚ “The Zellners’ fondness for wacky scenarios‚ the film’s unexpected turns and its deep appreciation for the natural world culminate in a project at once committed to a comedic bit that overstays its welcome and a somewhat poignant narrative competing for space and attention.” Sasquatch Sunset is in select theaters April 12th‚ and nationwide April 19th. [end-mark] The post Sasquatches Get Spicy in the Trailer for <;i>;Sasquatch Sunset<;/i>; appeared first on Reactor.

Both chambers of Congress are locked in fierce battles over spending legislation. A “supplemental” package has found bipartisan support in the Senate after the removal of flawed border and immigration provisions. However‚ its $95 billion price tag—$60 billion of which would go to Ukraine—means there will be stiff resistance in the House. Meanwhile‚ Congress is also working on regular spending bills (known as appropriations) that fund national defense and federal agencies. The most recent deal funds part of the federal government through March 1 and the rest through March 8. It remains to be seen whether these bills will be honest—or loaded with gimmicks‚ such as phony “emergency” spending in an attempt to trick the public about what’s going on. The spending bills aren’t happening in isolation. Decades of budget gimmicks‚ spending sprees and handouts to far left institutions have put America in an unsustainable position as these new charts show. While the federal government has a sorry track record of running deficits most of the time‚ the size of the gap is also important. When deficits get too high‚ as happened during the COVID-19 pandemic‚ it adds to inflationary pressures on the economy. If current trends continue‚ driven by the growth of spending as a share of the economy‚ deficits will balloon even in years without a recession or a major war. The first-ever $1 trillion deficit happened in fiscal year 2009 and helped fuel the tea party movement in response. Incredibly‚ not only are $1 trillion deficits now standard operation procedure‚ but the federal government is set to crack $2 trillion deficits every year as soon as 2031—even sooner if any new legislation expands the swamp. Years of hefty deficits have added to the national debt. Relative to the size of the economy‚ the public national debt is now nearly as large as it was during World War II. However‚ there’s a vital difference between then and now: Once the war was over and civilization was saved‚ federal spending came down and the debt receded. In contrast‚ most current federal spending is for categories where Uncle Sam has made firm commitments in the future‚ such as Social Security‚ Medicare and interest on the debt. In turn‚ these categories represent the vast majority of expected spending growth‚ which is what drives long-term debt and deficits. Both the Social Security and Medicare trust funds are on pace to go bust within the next decade‚ a reality that most of Washington would rather not talk about. While there are ways to save money on the programs that would retain the core safety-net aspect for seniors‚ addressing these imbalances will require political courage. While the growth of the national debt is an important factor behind the recent rise of interest payments‚ the spike in interest rates is especially concerning. Incredibly‚ the Congressional Budget Office revealed that the federal government will likely spend more on interest payments in 2024 than on national defense. And if debt and deficits continue to grow out of control‚ that will remain the case. Interest payments don’t help protect the nation or fund public investments. Instead‚ they represent the bill coming due on big-government spending from the past. If Congress remains asleep at the wheel‚ rising interest costs will continue to snowball and threaten the fundamentals of the entire economy. Legislators will have important opportunities over the next few weeks to start the process of tapping the brakes on deficits. That means: Saying “no” to new deficit spending‚ which includes balancing any potential increases in one area with real cuts somewhere else. Getting rid of earmark boondoggles that waste taxpayer money on political cronies and white elephant projects. Cutting subsidies for unnecessary government operations‚ especially those captured by activists. With Washington’s culture used to easy money‚ going the other direction will not be easy. However‚ it is absolutely necessary for America’s fiscal health and prosperity. Have an opinion about this article? To sound off‚ please email letters@DailySignal.com and we’ll consider publishing your edited remarks in our regular “We Hear You” feature. Remember to include the url or headline of the article plus your name and town and/or state. The post 5 Charts Show Why Congress Must Stop Deficit Spending appeared first on The Daily Signal.

The Higher Education Act‚ signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon Johnson‚ profoundly influences almost every facet of higher education in America. Today‚ this law governs federal student aid‚ including all loans and grants and work-study. It defines what constitutes an academic year and “gainful employment.” And it authorizes numerous other federal programs that send taxpayer money to colleges and universities. Critically‚ the Higher Education Act cemented federally approved accrediting agencies as gatekeepers to student financial aid‚ establishing a troubled marriage between accreditors and Congress.  Conservatives have called for reforms to the Higher Education Act since 2014‚ the last time it was due for reauthorization. In January‚ Rep. Virginia Foxx‚ R-N.C.‚ chairwoman of the House Education and Workforce Committee‚ introduced HR 6951‚ legislation to reauthorize the Higher Education Act. Later in the month‚ her committee voted to advance the bill‚ called the College Cost Reduction Act‚ a first step in getting consideration on the House floor. Many of the policies included in the bill are a step in the right direction because they would reduce federal subsidies and increase accountability for taxpayers. Five key policies would:   1. Eliminate PLUS Loan Programs. The proposal would discontinue the Grad PLUS and Parent PLUS loan programs‚ which permit borrowers (either graduate students or the parents of undergraduates) to borrow practically unlimited sums from federal coffers. As currently operated‚ the PLUS loan programs enable students or their parents to borrow up to the entire cost of attending university from the federal government‚ which is a considerable driver of tuition inflation. Evidence indicates that nearly unrestricted access to federal student aid is associated with an increase in tuition costs. Eliminating the PLUS programs would bring down college costs and reduce dependence on federal student aid programs to finance higher education. 2. Establish Risk-Sharing Requirements for Public Universities. This change would mean that schools have some skin in the game and would be held accountable for the quality of the product they produce. If student loans remain unpaid‚ colleges would be on the hook for a portion of student loan defaults‚ shifting the burden of defaults from the taxpayer to the university.  Under Foxx’s proposal‚ universities would be responsible for annually reimbursing the government for a portion of unpaid interest and principal on loans tied to their former students. The repayment would be determined by the average total program cost and the earnings of graduates or the institution’s completion rate for nongraduates.   3. Repeal Harmful Regulations Imposed by the Biden Administration. The College Cost Reduction Act would rightly rescind two rules that unfairly target the for-profit sector: the Obama-era gainful employment rule and the 90/10 rule. The gainful employment rule requires graduates of for-profit colleges to achieve government-defined debt-to-earnings income ratios. The 90/10 rule stipulates that federal funding cannot exceed 90% of an institution’s total revenue. The 90/10 rule wrongly applies only to the for-profit sector. A 2013 report found that if the rule were applied to all higher education institutions‚ “80%  of public two-year colleges would fail the test‚ as would 40% of public four-year colleges.” 4. Limit Bureaucratic Authority. The bill would prevent the nation’s secretary of education from establishing new student loan repayment plans or altering existing ones in a way that raises costs for taxpayers. The legislation also would mandate that the secretary verify that any new regulations or executive actions concerning the student loan program would not raise costs for the federal government. It also would prohibit the issuance of any regulations that fail to meet this cost threshold. 5. Provide Much-Needed Accreditation Reform. Under the Higher Education Act the federal government has dictated to accreditors their role as gatekeepers for all federal student loan and grant programs established in Title IV. Initially started as a voluntary system‚ accreditation of higher education institutions evolved into a mandatory practice under the Higher Education Act. Accreditors often overstepped their authority. As researchers at the Texas Public Policy Foundation found‚ they interfered “with legitimate governance of public colleges in conservative states and demand[ed] racial preferences in admissions.” Accreditation today also has proven to be an inadequate measure of program quality and student outcomes. It hinders innovative‚ low-cost alternatives to the traditional four-year college model from gaining traction. *** The proposed College Cost Reduction Act would create a new marketplace for accreditation by granting states the flexibility to designate accreditors tailored to specific industries. It would offer a pathway for new accreditors and require all accreditors to establish outcome standards for student achievement. The bill also would forbid accreditors from mandating that institutions and programs meet any litmus tests‚ such as adherence to diversity‚ equity‚ and inclusion standards‚ as a prerequisite for accreditation. Some areas for policy improvement remain‚ namely this bill would retain time-based student loan cancellation as part of the existing Income-Driven Repayment program. Overall‚ however‚ the policies proposed in the College Cost Reduction Act include vital reforms for higher education‚ addressing many concerns about its value and affordability.   Have an opinion about this article? To sound off‚ please email letters@DailySignal.com‚ and we’ll consider publishing your edited remarks in our regular “We Hear You” feature. Remember to include the URL or headline of the article plus your name and town and/or state. The post This Education Proposal Would Reduce Federal Subsidies‚ Increase Accountability appeared first on The Daily Signal.

If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties‚ subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The George W. Bush Institute has joined in the push to cement and expand various forms of speech control and censorship on legacy media as this election year unfolds. Among those mentioned in a positive way in a piece authored by the institute’s Senior Editorial Advisor William McKenzie is the controversial former head of the former Disinformation Governance Board‚ Nina Jankowicz. McKenzie organized his thoughts about “disinformation” and “misinformation” in a year of elections into five points‚ and says that these concepts and ideas originate from news‚ webinars‚ and interviews. Given the dramatic importance it is being assigned to (mostly as justification for imposing free speech restrictions)‚ you’d think misinformation is a new phenomenon. And‚ the incessant parroting that “4 billion people” in dozens and dozens of countries will go to the polling stations this year makes it seem that even the holding of elections is a new and curious phenomenon‚ or at least‚ that they hardly ever before coincided in different countries. Brookings Institution’s Darrell M. West is quoted in the post‚ promoting that narrative by warning of “a perfect storm of disinformation” because many elections will be held around the world. Another “deep disinformation thinker” and no doubt‚ “expert‚” is cited by McKenzie – it’s Nina Jankowicz. Despite the disastrous attempt to make her the face of the rapidly disbanded Disinformation Governance Board‚ Jankowicz is still held in high esteem among mostly the current administration’s supporters in the media and elsewhere. And even despite her now trying to make dystopian concepts like “pre-bunking” happen. It is‚ quite literally as far as proponents of this are concerned‚ the media reporting “ahead of time how lies may be coming our way.” And what if they are not coming our way‚ but we’re in fact dealing with simply information that somebody‚ for political profit‚ decided to brand as “disinformation?” That point doesn’t seem to have been addressed as Jankowicz spoke at a webinar held at Germany’s New York Consulate. “Pre-bunking‚” fear-mongering‚ and singling out non-English speakers (like Latinos in Texas) for targeted “fact-checking” – in other words‚ filtering information available to them – is what these days passes off as “media literacy‚” if the likes of McKenzie are to be believed. The post George W. Bush Institute Senior Advisor Urges Legacy Media Outlets to “Pre-Bunk” “Disinformation” appeared first on Reclaim The Net.

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