How To Create A ‘Social Bubble’; Why The ‘Burbs Are Hot Again; The Kung Fu Nuns Of Kathmandu

Plus, there's a new formula to calculate a dog's age in human years.

by Jill Hudson and Suzette Lohmeyer Jacqueline Van Meter for StoryCorps Stories and podcasts you may have missed: After Hadiyah-Nicole Green lost the aunt and uncle who raised her to cancer, she was inspired to develop a laser cancer treatment. "I was born to do this," she tells her cousin on this episode of StoryCorps. (Listen here or read the story) People have been moving to the suburbs for decades, but now the coronavirus may have hastened that movement, even in New York. Longtime real estate agent Susan Horowitz says she has never seen anything like it, and calls the frantic, hypercompetitive bidding for housing in the suburbs a "blood sport." (Listen here or read the story) A momentous Supreme Court term is over. The last say was devoted to a rejection of the argument put forward by President Trump's legal team that a president should enjoy absolute immunity from investigations by state grand jury or Congress. But the term also featured just about every flashpoint in American law — including abortion, religion, immigration and much more. (Listen here or read the story) Looking at the broad sweep of police history and at attempted police reforms over the past 100 years, Harvard University historian Khalil Gibran Muhammad concludes it is time to recognize that "police officers and police agencies are incapable of fixing themselves." Click here to watch a video from the Throughline podcast team on the deep history of policing in America. Colorism is rampant in India. Darker-skinned Indians, especially women, face discrimination at work, at school — even in love. Some arranged marriage websites let families filter out prospective brides by skin tone. But the Black Lives Matter movement has prompted a brazen revolt against one of the country's most popular skin-lightening cosmetics. (Listen here or read the story) "Fake." "Nonsense." "Lies." The Kremlin reacted the same way the White House did to news reports that U.S. intelligence had allegedly found Russia offered bounties on American troops in Afghanistan. (Listen here or read the story) Newsletter continues after sponsor message Our Picture Show Favorites  Uma Bista for NPR The nuns of Kathmandu are a marvel. They fearlessly cartwheel, punch, kick and land in splits. They wield spears and dance in formation with paper fans. Some even love horror movies. They've also gained a reputation not just for their martial arts prowess but for teaching girls to stand up for their rights.      Sachi Cunningham Huge waves, deadly rip currents and big sharks have not stopped Sachi Cunningham, one of the first female photographers to shoot surfers and swells, from breaking barriers in a male-dominated profession.  How To, For You Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR Many of us — in our eagerness to bring nature into our homes — have lost a houseplant or two along the way. Here's what to do if that beautiful plant you picked out is ... suddenly on its last leaf. ​​​​​What can you do to fight systemic racism? Writer and podcast host Layla Saad has an impressive answer: a 28-day process of self-reflection that she calls a "personal anti-racism tool." (Listen here or read the story) As families have started to emerge from strict shelter-in-place rules, they're having to negotiate what they're willing to do and with whom. Turns out the communication skills used to negotiate safe sex are also useful for setting boundaries while socializing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's how to pull off those often awkward conversations.  Animal House Catherine Ledner/Getty Images How old is your dog? Scientists have come up with a new formula to calculate a dog's age in human years — and it is much more complicated than multiplying its real age by 7. (Listen here) Rats have a bad reputation. In reality, they are surprisingly eager to help others. Other rats, anyway. Scientists have been studying that willingness to be a good Samaritan. They've found that a rat's urge to help disappears if it's surrounded by indifferent rat pals that make no move to assist a trapped rodent. Turns out rats are similar to people when it comes to something called the "bystander effect." (Listen here or read the story) There's big news out of Sequoia National Park. Condors are back! They are the biggest flying creatures in North America and are very close to extinction. The news that the rare birds have been spotted for the first time in 50 years is definitely welcome. (Listen here) 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