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Scientists Hail Resurgence of Endangered Grasshopper Sparrow (Maria)

The author writes, “Scientists in Florida are hailing the landmark release this week of a tiny bird only 5in tall as an oversized success in their fight to save a critically endangered species. Numbers of the Florida grasshopper sparrow, seen only in prairies in central regions of the state, dwindled so severely by 2015, mostly through habitat loss, that authorities took the decision to remove remaining breeding pairs into captivity. … On Tuesday, their gamble was rewarded. Partners joined the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to release into the wild the 1,000th bird bred under controlled conditions.”

The Real Reason Republicans Are Attacking Kamala Harris as ‘Childless’ (Dana)

From Rolling Stone: “Kamala Harris has not given birth to children — and is therefore unfit to be president of the United States of America — appears to be the first line of attack the GOP has come up with since the presidential race was upended this weekend when President Joe Biden dropped out. Which is so predictable it borders on laughable. Except if the last decade has taught us anything, it’s that the GOP is deadly serious in its endeavor to turn Onion headlines into political platforms and subsequently laws.”

The World War on Asylum (Laura)

From The Intercept: “From Mexico to the Mediterranean, rich countries would rather see refugees die than recognize their legal asylum rights.”

GOP Threatened to Sue Over November Ballot if Biden Dropped Out. Experts Call That ‘Ridiculous’ (Reader Steve)

From the AP: “Even before President Joe Biden’s long-speculated withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, allies of former President Donald Trump floated the possibility of suing to block Democrats from having anyone other than Biden on the ballot in November. But election administration and legal experts said the timing of Biden’s exit on Sunday makes it unlikely that any Republican ballot access challenges will succeed, with some calling the idea ‘ridiculous’ and ‘frivolous.’ Democrats are on safe legal ground as they identify a new standard-bearer, they say, because the party hasn’t officially chosen its nominee. That typically occurs with a vote of delegates at the party’s convention. ‘It’s ridiculous for people to talk about “replacing Biden.” He hasn’t been nominated yet,’ said Richard Winger, a leading expert on state ballot access laws.”

Why COVID Is Surging This Summer — And What Health Experts Say Has Changed (Sean)

The authors write, “President Biden’s positive test for Covid-19 on Wednesday is a sign of a broader trend: Covid cases are on the rise this summer, gauged by rising wastewater measures and an increase in hospitalizations. Many Americans have likely experienced the uptick firsthand over the past few weeks. They’ve either tested positive themselves or know someone else chagrined to see those two lines bloom on a home test. Even as SARS-CoV-2 has joined the ranks of the respiratory viruses that will continue circulating and causing infections, a spike in cases like this summer’s still causes disruptions in people’s lives — as well as some confusion over issues like tracking down tests, the best time to get vaccine boosters, and the latest advice on managing the infection.”

Does ‘Compostable’ Plastic Actually Break Down? Here’s What To Know (Russ)

The author writes, “‘Biodegradable.’ ‘Compostable.’ ‘Plant-based.’ ‘Earth-friendly.’ These buzzwords are increasingly appearing on utensils, to-go cups and food containers and other kinds of disposable packaging. While you might think the dizzying array of products could be a simple solution to the growing plastic pollution crisis, experts say you can’t always believe what you read, in part because of fierce disputes over which bioplastics are truly sustainable. … Here’s what to know.”

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