The Plan to Turn Half the World Into a Nature Reserve
Acting Counterterrorism Center Head Fired ; Pregnant Women Turn to Home Births to Escape Virus ; and More Picks
Acting Counterterrorism Center Head Fired ; Pregnant Women Turn to Home Births to Escape Virus ; and More Picks 3/20
Acting Counterterrorism Center Head Fired, According to Former US Officials (Russ)
The author writes, “The acting director of the National Counterterrorism Center was fired Wednesday night in what insiders fear is a purge by the Trump administration of career professionals at an organization set up after 9/11 to protect the nation from attacks, according to two former U.S. officials familiar with the matter. Russell E. Travers, a highly-regarded career professional with more than 40 years of government service, was fired by acting director of national intelligence Richard Grenell, according to one former official.”
The Doctor Who Helped Defeat Smallpox Explains What’s Coming (Judy)
From Wired: “Epidemiologist Larry Brilliant, who warned of pandemic in 2006, says we can beat the novel coronavirus — but first, we need lots more testing.”
Pregnant Women Turn to Home Births to Escape Virus (Bethany)
The author writes, “As concern about the new coronavirus spreads, a growing number of women are considering birthing outside the hospital, according to midwives, doulas, and birth-center workers across the country.”
What I Want You to Know About Coronavirus (Reader Steve)
From the Seattle Times: “Christy Karras is a Seattle-based freelancer who … tested positive for COVID-19 early this month [and has since recovered]. Here is her story.”
Smells Like Trouble: Do Pets Feel Our Stress? (Mili)
The author writes, “Studies suggest that dogs — and perhaps other companion animals — take on human emotions as their own. The connection implies that human self-care and companion animals’ health are closely intertwined.”