#006 - Best News of Last Week
1. President Biden signs PAWS Act, allowing VA to pay for service dogs for veterans
For the first time in American history, the VA can pay for service dogs for veterans with PTSD.
The PAWS ACT, or 'Puppies Assisting Wounded Service members for Veterans Therapy Act,' authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to create a pilot program on dog training therapy that will provide dog-training skills and service dogs to veterans with mental illnesses.
2. Students walk out of class in protest of school forcing gay coach to quit
“We see the signs that say ‘love thy neighbor,’” Sarkissian explained. “If we’re truly called to love thy neighbor, that means love your gay neighbor, love your trans neighbor, love your queer neighbor, and this is not loving thy neighbor."
"The Food and Drug Administration has formally approved Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. The widely anticipated decision replaces the emergency use authorization granted by the agency last December."
"The vaccine, developed by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech, is the first COVID-19 vaccine to be subject to a full review by the U.S. regulator and to get an approval that puts the vaccine on par with other marketed vaccines."
4. Airbnb says it plans to temporarily house 20,000 Afghan refugees
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky said the refugees will be housed in properties listed on Airbnb’s platform and the stays will be funded by Airbnb. He added: “I hope this inspires other business leaders to do the same. There’s no time to waste.”
Chesky urged Airbnb hosts to “reach out” to him if they want to host a refugee family and pledged to connect them with the right people at the company.
6. Critically Endangered Bird Believed Extinct Spotted Alive in Hawaiian Islands
"A golden, thick-billed bird thought to have died more than 1.5 years ago was seen alive on the slopes of a Maui volcano last Wednesday. The discovery is giving researchers hope for the critically endangered species, Newsweek said."
7. Firefighters work 10 hours to rescue deaf dog trapped in storm drain
"Firefighters, police, and paramedics rescued a 15-year-old deaf dog stuck in a storm drain in Arlington, Texas."
"The dog, named Zoey, fell down into a storm drain around Kelly Elliott Road and Bretts Court on 19 August and was trapped for two days. Zoey’s barks were heard throughout the neighborhood but it was challenging to locate her because she’s deaf and doesn’t respond to calls."
That's it for this week. Until next week :)