Corporate Fleets Go Electric; Dogs In Lab Coats; Do Face Masks Prevent Coronavirus?

Plus, how to help a child whose parent struggles with addiction.

Stories And Podcasts You May Have Missed Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images Graduates of historically black or predominantly Hispanic colleges might be paying more to borrow money because of where they went to school, according to a report from a financial watchdog. As electric cars grow in popularity and visibility, experts say a revolution is coming in a place most people overlook: corporate and municipal fleets. What is it like for U.S. evacuees from Wuhan who are subject to the first federally mandated quarantine in 50 years? They're housed on military bases, wearing face masks and missing home. Plus, can a mask really keep you from catching the virus? President Trump's decision to freeze military aid to Ukraine over the summer, as well his administration's backchannel efforts to contact President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, have shaken many Ukrainians' belief in the U.S. as a steadfast ally and role model. Video rarely emerges from ICE detention. But NPR obtained video of a controversial use of force incident at an Adelanto, Calif., facility. Staff used pepper spray and physical force on a group of asylum seekers on hunger strike. The Trump administration says New York state residents can no longer enroll in programs intended to expedite international travel because of a state law that blocks immigration authorities from accessing motor vehicle records. State officials call it "political retaliation." Newsletter continues after sponsor message Listen Up Doris Dahl/Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Before they enter the research lab where they spend most workdays, Joey Ramp outfits her service dog, Sampson, with his own personal safety gear: goggles, a lab coat and four boots. And if Ramp has her way, service animals like Sampson will become a common sight in university and professional laboratories. (Listening time, 13:24 or read the story) If you want to build a house on the Carribean island of Barbuda, you just put up a fence and the land is yours. No money. No titles. No paperwork. You just have to be Barbudan. Planet Money follows the Barbudans who have held their pink sand paradise "in common" since the 1800s. (Listening time, 29:10) The Muppets are reaching out to millions of refugee children — and the special issues they face — in a new Sesame Street program. (Listening time, 4:39) Our Picture Show Pick L. Kasimu Harris for NPR This pre-Mardi Gras parade is a glittering, glowing procession of Wookiees, Trekkies and other self-proclaimed sci-fi geeks and supernerds. It's the 10th annual parade of the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus held in New Orleans. "It's truly just a free-for-all," parade participant Laura van Aken said. "You can do whatever you can dream up, costume-wise. Just make it happen, show up and strut your stuff!" How To, For You Kavitha Cardoza for NPR Remember that episode of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood when he tells children to "look for the helpers"? You can be that helper simply by being present for a child whose parent struggles with addiction. And no, you don't have to be an expert. Life Kit outlines six ways you can make a difference.  — By Suzette Lohmeyer Listen to your favorite NPR Member station live on your Alexa or Google Home device. Just tell your smart speaker to, “Play NPR.” What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback:  bestofnpr@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings  — including Daily News, Politics, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Best of NPR emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy