Still Not Enough Tests; Words That Describe Women; Rattlesnake Festival Pics

Plus, backyard chickens are the hot new thing! Stories And Podcasts You May Have Missed [CDC says wear masks image]( Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images Many who need a COVID-19 test can't get one because there still aren’t enough to go around. "The scariest thing is not getting answers, not knowing what's gonna happen when you call the doctor and they're just like, '[Yeah, you're on your own]( ” said Nathan Tetreault of Lillian, Ala. Plus, new data show that there may [not be enough essential drugs]( for all who need them. Some scientists are concerned that we may now contract the coronavirus just by talking to someone who is infected. Here’s a look at the difference between “droplet” and “airborne” viruses and whether the 6-feet-away rule is [enough to keep the virus at bay](. Plus, the CDC recommends [everyone wear a mask]( when they go out. Listen here for [how to make one at home](. Zoom has been great for holding work meetings and keeping up with friends. But the app has a dark side known as "Zoombombing," in which intruders [hijack video calls and post hate speech and offensive images]( such as pornography. It's a phenomenon so alarming that the FBI has issued a warning about using the app. Many low-wage workers with essential jobs — like grocery store cashiers and stockers — can't stay home to protect themselves and their families. And the [protections they receive on the job vary]( widely. Plus, visual journalist Sarah Mirk [creates a comic]( to show exactly how grocery workers are feeling the strain. People who do not have direct deposit information on file with the Internal Revenue Service may have to wait up to 20 weeks to receive [cash payments included in the $2 trillion]( coronavirus relief legislation, according to a memo drafted by House Democrats. --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- Picture This [Rattlesnakes image]( Lizzie Chen for NPR Do not despair snake lovers. Despite all the closings and canceled events across the country, the town of Sweetwater, Texas, still held its annual rattlesnake festival — and we've got pictures. Every March, what's billed as the [World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup, brings]( an estimated 25,000 visitors to the town, infusing around $8.3 million into the local economy. --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen Up! What does it really mean to call a woman ambitious, disciplined, mature or feisty? A new essay collection, Pretty Bitches, explores how everyday language raises unrealistic expectations about how women should behave and look. ([Listening time, 7:59]( or [read the story]( NPR foreign correspondents discuss how the leaders of Hungary, Israel and the Philippines have exploited the coronavirus crisis to consolidate their hold on power and weaken institutions that could curb them. ([Listening time, 8:04]( --------------------------------------------------------------- How To, For You [Hermit image]( Courtesy of Billy Barr Gothic, Colo.'s only full-time resident, Billy Barr, has been social distancing for nearly 50 years. He recommends two things: [Keep track of something and stay on a routine](. What should you do if you've lost your health insurance? There are a few coverage options for those newly jobless or for those who never had insurance to begin with. ([Listening time, 4:12]( or [read the transcript]( If you've always thought poems were the domain of clove cigarette smokers and adjunct professors, here are [5 tips that might help you get into the world of poetry](. Because we all could use a little art right now and we’ve got time so … let’s do this. --------------------------------------------------------------- Animal House [Wingate and Fiona take a selfie.]( Cincinnati Zoo Hungry, hungry hippos need to eat, eat, eat. Although zoos have shut their doors to the public because of the coronavirus, zookeepers keep showing up to work to make sure everyone is fed. "We can kind of relax a little bit and focus 110% on the animals," Cincinnati zookeeper Jenna Wingate says. ([Listening time, 3:36]( or [read the story]( Fewer honeybees means less coffee to go around. Did that get your attention? Ours, too. We could survive without them but would be unable to produce large amounts of avocados, lemons, limes, and yes, coffee. On this episode of Short Wave, USDA entomologist Sammy Ramsey explains what we can do to help. ([Listening time, 11:54]( [Chick image]( Mike Segar/Reuters Raising hens is seen as an answer for many to vexing questions about the [availability of staple items at grocery stores](. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Sign up for The New Normal]( NPR's daily coronavirus email that brings you the latest news and a bit of joy and humor. And what is your new normal? NPR wants to know. Follow us on [Instagram by clicking here](. — By Suzette Lohmeyer and Jill Hudson --------------------------------------------------------------- What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: [bestofnpr@npr.org](mailto:bestofnpr@npr.org?subject=Newsletter%20Feedback) Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can [sign up here](. Looking for more great content? 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