Weekend Edition Saturday
Saturdays at 8:00am
The program wraps up the week's news and offers a mix of analysis and features on a wide range of topics, including arts, sports, entertainment, and human interest stories.
Chileans weigh a new constitution
by Scott Simon
NPR's Scott Simon talks with Chilean journalist Francisca Skoknic about the upcoming vote to approve or reject a new constitution for the South American country.
More than 900,000 people in the U.S. have now died from COVID-19
by Will Stone
More than 900,000 people in the U.S. have now died from COVID-19, but that figure doesn't capture the full impact of the disease.
'Hoop Dreams' star Shawn Harrington is back on the court, teaching young players
by Scott Simon
Scott Simon speaks to Shawn Harrington, who appeared in the 1994 basketball documentary "Hoop Dreams." He began teaching in Chicago this week after being the victim of a drive-by-shooting in 2014.
Los Bitchos are throwing a fiesta across the world on 'Let the Festivities Begin!'
by Scott Simon
London psychedelic rock band Los Bitchos describe how they crafted an homage to actor Lindsay Lohan with a song on their debut album, "Let the Festivities Begin!"
A shot for children under 5 could put compromised kids' lives back on track
Many parents have been waiting eagerly for a COVID-19 vaccine to be approved for children under 5 years old. Christina Cantor of Denver shares what emergency authorization could mean for her family.
Week in politics: Russia and China align; RNC justifies Jan. 6; job growth
by Ron Elving
The leaders of Russia and China solidified their ties, and the Republican National Committee suggested the Jan. 6 riots were "legitimate political discourse."
Former Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores sues NFL citing systemic racism
by Sandhya Dirks
Brian Flores, the recently-fired coach of the Miami Dolphins, dropped an explosive lawsuit this week against the NFL — alleging systemic racism and attempted bribery.
Citizens of Rostov-on-Don could be caught in the middle of a Russia-Ukraine war
by Charles Maynes
In Rostov-on-Don, the largest Russian city near the border with Ukraine, some residents are bracing for a possible war. But many others are going on with their normal routines.
Parents of children under 5 are waiting for COVID-19 guidance
by Bram Sable-Smith
Public health experts have been urging Americans for months to get vaccinated and tested for COVID-19. But the options for children under 5 are limited. Parents long for more support and guidance.
The Snoqualmie Tribe wants helicopter tours to stop flying over sacred waterfall
by Diana Opong
The Snoqualmie Tribe in Washington state says helicopters flying over a giant waterfall are disrupting traditional ceremonies. It's asking federal aviation authorities to intervene.
Saturday sports: Australian Open finals; NFL playoffs; Joel Embiid's scoring streak
by Scott Simon
Scott Simon and Howard Bryant of Meadowlark Media discuss the Australian Open finals, the NBA's Joel Embiid's amazing season and this weekend's NFL playoff games.
Gish Jen tells stories of the U.S. and China in 'Thank You, Mr. Nixon'
by Scott Simon
Scott Simon talks to writer Gish Jen about her new book of short stories, "Thank You, Mr. Nixon," which deals with cross-cultural understanding — and misunderstanding.
Russia could cyberattack Ukraine — again — and disrupt the entire world
by Jenna McLaughlin
Security analysts are concerned that Russia could launch cyberattacks against Ukraine, as it did in 2017. That could compromise government agencies, banks, and energy infrastructure.