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.
Bombing Suspects' Chechen Roots Weigh Heavy On Nation's Refugees
by Eleanor Beardsley
NPR's Eleanor Beardsley talks to Chechen refugees living in France, and hears how they're reacting to news of of the recent Boston Marathon bombings. There are some 10,000 Chechen refugees in France and Germany, and upwards of 25,000 in Austria.
Egyptian Activists: Our Religion Is None Of Your Business
by Leila Fadel
Violence between Muslims and Christians in Egypt, which has only increased since the revolution, is prompting public debate about religious identity. To try to ease tension and de-emphasize differences, one group of Egyptians wants to remove religious labels from national ID cards.
Poet Kazim Ali On Poetry In Everyday Life
Poet Kazim Ali talks about poetry's importance in every day life for National Poetry Month. He is a contributing editor for AWP Writers Chronicle and founding editor of the small press, Nightboat Books.
Week In Sports: NBA's Oklahoma Loses Star Player To Injury
There were big NBA playoff games Friday night, plus a potentially game-changing injury for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Weekend Edition Saturday host Scott Simon talks to NPR's Tom Goldman for the sports news of the week.
Gathering Of Presidential Lineage Celebrates U.S. History
by Jennifer Davidson
In a rural Ozarks town, the descendants of America's most revered historical figures are gathering for the Marshfield Cherry Blossom Festival. The DNA of over 30 past presidents will be present, including that of presidents Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe and Truman. Jennifer Davison of KSMU radio reports.
George Jones: Remembering One Of Country Music's Greats
Country music legend George Jones, known for "He Stopped Loving Her Today" and a long string of other hits, died on Friday. He was 81 years old. Weekend Edition Saturday host Scott Simon has this rembrance of the music star.
Congress Acts On Flight Delays, What's Next?
It appears Congress decided not to leave town while airport delays pile up. The Senate miraculously approved a measure to restore funding for air traffic controllers, and the House followed suit on Friday. Considering this turn of events, could other sequester interventions be in the offing?
Athlete Brings New Meaning To 'Taking One For The Team'
Weekend Edition Saturday host Scott Simon considers the story of Cameron Lyle, a varsity athlete at the University of New Hampshire. Mr. Lyle forfeited his final season on the track team in order to donate his bone marrow to a 28-year-old cancer victim he's never even met.
Does Syria's Alleged Use Of Chemical weapons 'Cross The Line?'
Weekend Edition Saturday host Scott Simon talks with Vali Nasr of Johns Hopkins University about allegations that the Syrian government used chemical weapons against its own citizens, and whether this crosses a "red line" drawn by the Obama Administration.