Why Pandemic Shaming Doesn't Work; Can Masks Save Us From Another Lockdown?

Plus, how what happened in Minneapolis is forcing change in France.

by Jill Hudson and Suzette Lohmeyer Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images Stories and podcasts you may have missed...    As the coronavirus continues to spread rapidly throughout the U.S. and beyond, many scientists believe this virus will not disappear without a vaccine. But short of that, researchers are also proposing a radical — and hopeful — possibility: if Americans start wearing masks en masse, the U.S. may be able to avoid another lockdown. Millions of people have lost their jobs during this pandemic, but many of them have been able to pay their rent because of an extra $600 a week in unemployment benefits. But that stops this weekend, and landlords and renters are worried about a potentially devastating "tsunami" of evictions. Click here to listen or read the story. The killing of George Floyd is resonating in France where Assa Traoré has become an icon during her fight for the truth about her own brother’s death in police custody four years ago. "She's the leader we never had in France, shining the spotlight on the police violence and injustices that we face everyday being Black," 19-year-old Christopher Johnson said during a recent protest in Paris. "She's doing something no one else can do. She's fighting for her brother. She's tough." Click here to listen or read the story. Newsletter continues after sponsor message Listen Up! Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images The answer is, "What did Alex Trebek write about in his memoir?" The longtime gameshow host reflects on his career and his battle with cancer in his new book, where Jeopardy! fans can find plenty of old photos and an entire chapter on Trebek's mustache. Click here to listen or read the story. Tsk, tsk! It's easy to get mad and judgmental when we see people not following public health guidelines these days, especially when it looks like they're having fun. But Julia Marcus of Harvard Medical School says there are better ways than shaming to create new social norms. Click here to listen. Nia Cosby was just four years old when her mother, Chalana McFarland, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for mortgage fraud. Last month — in an effort to help curb the spread of COVID-19 in Florida prisons — Cosby welcomed her mother home. The pair recorded a conversation for StoryCorps on their first weekend together in 15 years. Click here to listen or read the story. When William Shakespeare sat down to write Hamlet, his only son, Hamnet, had been dead for four years. Hamnet Shakespeare only lived to the age of 11. His death was recorded. The cause was not. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talked to author Maggie O'Farrell about her new novel, which imagines the boy's life and death. Click here to listen or read the story. How To, For You Lindsey Balbierz for NPR It was tough enough to limit kids' screen time before the pandemic. Now it almost seems like a lost cause when nearly everything is virtual. The Life Kit folks have a few tips for parents who are tired of fighting over screen time. Click here to listen or read the story. We're all looking for things that will get us out of the house — like now. Car camping is one way to break out of quarantine, stay outside and socially distant and not break the bank. Click here to listen or read the story. Our Picture Show Pick Michael A. McCoy for NPR The Black Lives Matter movement is changing the way our country talks about racism, social justice and having hope for the future. NPR spoke to five Black couples about how their family conversations have changed and how they support and inform their children despite their own misgivings about the slow pace of progress.  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