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Disposable Masks Used During Covid Left Chemical Time Bomb, Research Suggests (Maria)

The author writes, “The surge in the use of disposable face masks during the Covid pandemic has left a chemical time bomb that could harm humans, animals and the environment, research suggests. Millions of tons of plastic masks created to protect people from the spread of the virus are now breaking down, releasing microplastics and chemical additives including endocrine disruptors, the research found…Equipment intended to protect people now may pose a risk to the health of people and the planet, potentially for generations.”

Charlie Kirk Was Not Practicing Politics the Right Way (Dana, Sean) 

From 404 Media: “What happened to Kirk is horrifying, and we fear deeply for whatever will happen next. But it is undeniable that Kirk was not just a part of the extremely tense, very dangerous national dialogue, he was an accelerationist force whose work to dehumanize LGBTQ+ people and threaten the free speech of professors, teachers, and school board members around the country has directly put the livelihoods and physical safety of many people in danger. We do no one any favors by ignoring this, even in the immediate aftermath of an assassination like this.”

Chicagoans Change Routines as Immigration Crackdown Looms (Reader Steve) 

The author writes, “The streets in some of Chicago’s liveliest neighborhoods are quiet these days. Public schoolteachers want online learning for families scared to venture out. And houses of worship are urging people to carry identification everywhere they go. As the nation’s third-largest city awaits a much-hyped federal intervention, residents are making changes in their daily routines. President Donald Trump has promised Chicago will see a surge in deportations and National Guard troops as he targets Democratic strongholds.”

Gaza Students Found a Lifeline to US Colleges. Then Trump Shut the Door (Laura) 

From The Intercept: “After receiving her acceptance in April, [Maryam] submitted her visa application earlier this month — right after the Trump administration instructed US embassies to ban most Palestinian visitor visas. These restrictions, put in place in August, apply to students, as well as those traveling to the US for business, medical treatment, or to visit family…Continuing her higher education in Gaza would be impossible. Israel destroyed Maryam’s university in Gaza City, where she was a fourth-year software engineering student, in October 2023.”

What Do I Do About My Family’s Vaccinations Now? (Laryn) 

From Vox: “Know which sources can help you find your bearings. Even though many experts in the public health establishment are pushing back on the federal government right now, it’s still worth understanding what the CDC recommends. You can find this on the CDC’s website. After that, you want to get the bigger picture: Understand what the relevant professional medical societies recommend…Your family physician, primary care doctor, and pharmacist will also be able to walk you through the best available information. They may also be able to tell you about any recent changes to the federal policy.”

The Surprising Recovery of Once-Rare Birds (Dana) 

The author writes, “What has brought these species back while others are disappearing? In some cases, like the bald eagle, state wildlife officials have reintroduced the birds. But others have returned on their own as habitat protection and restoration, the elimination of certain pesticides, and a shift away from shooting raptors and other large birds made the region less threatening for them. As a wildlife biologist, I believe their return is a testament to conservation and the positive effect of reversing harms to the natural environment.”