Open for business: Senators voted, 91-7, on Thursday to open debate on a package of government funding bills, including the USDA-FDA appropriations bill, and then paused while leaders hashed out the rules for amending the package. (U.S. Senate)
Move to block organic rule: Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall proposed an amendment to the Senate package of appropriations bills that would prohibit the USDA from implementing an animal welfare rule for organic farmers. (Organic Trade Association)
Fish in hot water: The rising temperature of the oceans threatens the open-water habitat of large fish, including tuna, swordfish, and sharks, and could drive them from most of the sea, say researchers. (Associated Press)
Hurricane diverts flamingos: More than 150 flamingos have been spotted in seven states as far north as Pennsylvania — far outside their normal range — in recent weeks, and experts say the large birds were probably blown north by Hurricane Idalia. (Washington Post)