Chileans weigh a new constitution
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.
Is A Fresh Start In Washington Possible?
Host Scott Simon talks with NPR's Mara Liasson about whether the Obama administration and Congressional Republicans can find some common ground and overcome the political gridlock that characterized much of the president's first term.
House GOP Backs Off Debt Ceiling Demands
House Republicans held their annual retreat this week in Williamsburg, Va., to figure out their next steps. They dropped a demand to have spending cuts for ever dollar the debt ceiling is raised, at least for the next three months. GOP lawmakers are now pinning their hopes for deficit reduction on other looming budget battles.
Cheating Might Buy Home Runs, But No Hall Of Fame
NPR's Scott Simon muses on momentous news this week — the Baseball Writers Association elected no one to the Hall of Fame. The shutout might be a classic reminder that cheating sometimes brings quick riches, but it can't buy respect.
A Nightmarish Week For Boeing's Dreamliner
With brake issues, fuel leaks and a battery fire in three separate incidents, it has not been a good week for the Boeing Dreamliner. Host Scott Simon talks with New York Times op-ed columnist Joe Nocera about troubles that have beset the new Boeing 787 this past week.
What Would Obama Do (If There's No Debt Ceiling Deal)?
President Obama says he won't negotiate about the borrowing limit. He says the Congress must raise the debt ceiling to pay for spending it's already OK'd. But Republicans say they'll use the threat of default to get more spending cuts from the White House. Obama still has some options if he and Congress can't reach an agreement.
Making Sense Of The NFL Playoffs
Host Scott Simon talks to NPR's Tom Goldman about the NFL playoffs and how this exciting time of year for football fans has been somewhat overshadowed by talk of concussions.