Weekend Edition Saturday

Schedule

88.5-1

Saturday

8:00 am

88.3

Saturday

8:00 am

From civil wars in Bosnia and El Salvador, to hospital rooms, police stations, and America's backyards, National Public Radio's Peabody Award-winning correspondent Scott Simon brings a well-traveled perspective to his role as host of Weekend Edition Saturday.

Find more information about Weekend Edition Saturday.

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Humble Gestures Define New Pope

Pope Francis surprised many this week by washing the feet of young inmates instead of priests in a grand basilica. The ceremony emulates the way Jesus washed the feet of his twelve disciples. On this Easter weekend, Scott Simon considers the meaning behind Pope Francis' break with tradition.

German Anti-Euro Group Has Big-Name Backers

In Germany, a new political party has cropped up with one sole aim: doing away with the euro. Unlike past anti-euro parties in Europe, this one is no fringe group. NPR's Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson reports they are banking on German frustration over bailouts of eurozone countries to propel them into office in national elections this fall.

A Fossilized Confection Baked For Easter 1807

A British couple believes they've come across a hot cross bun that was baked more than 200 years ago. Host Scott Simon explains.

New York's Living Theater Drops Its Curtains

For nearly 70 years, the Living Theater championed some of the most challenging work in New York Theater. It was the original off-Broadway company. But last month, Jon Kalish reports, co-founder Judith Malina shuttered the space she poured all of her money into and moved into an assisted-living home.

'Think Again' About U.S. Impact On N. Korean Economy

For years, U.S. policy toward North Korea has been going on the premise that economic sanctions could deter North Korea from developing nuclear weapons. Host Scott Simon talks with David Kang, professor of international relations and business at the University of Southern California, about the state of the North Korean economy.

Cypriots' New World Marred With Uncertainty

The eurozone bailed out Cyprus, but the years ahead will bring poverty, job losses and fewer opportunities. Host Scott Simon talks with Joanna Kakissis about the mood in Cyprus now.

White House Easter Roll Eggs Hatched In Maine

When thousands of children partake in the annual festivities, they'll be rolling wooden eggs courtesy of Wells Wood Turning & Finishing. The business, tucked away in a small town in Maine, gets to work on the project in February and produces about 100,000 painted eggs.

Gay Marriage And The Evolving Language Of Love

During arguments this week at the Supreme Court over gay marriage, Justice Samuel Alito pointed out that the institution is "newer than cellphones or the Internet." That means the language used to describe same-sex relationships is new, too. And even linguists say they're still learning.

North Korea's Stepped-Up Rhetoric: Is It More Than Talk?

With its missile units on standby and its hotlines cut to South Korea, North Korea continues to stoke tensions on the peninsula. Even China, North Korea's main ally, is now on board with sanctions.

Elite 8 Take To The NCAA Courts

Host Scott Simon catches up on the week in sports with Howard Bryant of ESPN.

Saturday, March 23, 2013

School Closures Pit Race And Poverty Against Budgets

What was once a local issue is growing into a nationwide concern, as civil rights activists argue that school closings are disproportionately hurting minority communities. But cities are in a bind with budget shortfalls, and closing under-populated schools may offer a way to cut costs.

In Saudi Arabia, Shiite Muslims Challenge Ban On Protests

When demonstrators began rising up against Arab governments in 2011, Saudi authorities responded with large spending projects and with tough actions against protesters. However, the Shiite minority in eastern Saudi Arabia persists with regular demonstrations.

The Milk Carton Kids: At Life's Crossroads, A Duo Looks Both Ways

Both newly 30, Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan reflect on the past and relish the present on their upcoming release, The Ash & Clay.

If You're In Los Angeles, Look Up For A Laugh

Kurt Braunohler is a comedian, and he is not immune to a good, dumb joke. In his latest project, funded by donors through Kickstarter, he's hiring a pilot to write "How do I land?" in the sky above Los Angeles at 3:33 p.m. PT on Saturday. Host Scott Simon speaks with Braunohler about the project, and his comedic goal to bring more absurdity to people's lives.

Polling Latinos: What Would It Take To Turn Republican?

Host Scott Simon talks with Gary Segura, co-founder of the polling firm Latino Decisions, about whether Latino voters are more likely to vote Republican if the party backs comprehensive immigration reform. Segura is also a professor of American Politics and chairman of Chicano/a Studies at Stanford University.

Pages

Arts & Culture

NPR

Book News: Kim Jong Un Reportedly Gave 'Mein Kampf' As Gifts

Also: The folly of marathon readings; Tom Wolfe has a new book; VICE apologizes for tasteless photo spread.

Food

NPR

Women And Children Caught In Middle Of Potato War

The National Potato Council wants potatoes to be allowed in a supplemental food program for low-income women and children at nutritional risk. But advocates for the program say the industry just wants to circumvent the scientific process that sets policy on nutrition.

Politics

NPR

Women And Children Caught In Middle Of Potato War

The National Potato Council wants potatoes to be allowed in a supplemental food program for low-income women and children at nutritional risk. But advocates for the program say the industry just wants to circumvent the scientific process that sets policy on nutrition.

Technology

NPR

FBI Director Says Agency Is Using Drones Over The U.S.

Robert Mueller told the Senate the FBI used drones rarely and for surveillance proposes. The DEA and the ATF had both revealed they possessed drones.

Visit:	4000 Brandywine Street, NW
Write:	4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20016-8082
Call:	(202) 885-1200
Toll Free:	(855) 885-8830

Weekend Edition Saturday

Arts & Culture

Book News: Kim Jong Un Reportedly Gave 'Mein Kampf' As Gifts

Food

Women And Children Caught In Middle Of Potato War

Politics

Women And Children Caught In Middle Of Potato War

Technology

FBI Director Says Agency Is Using Drones Over The U.S.

Download the program guide

Subscribe to our podcasts

Find transcripts

Theme





When you give to WAMU, your tax-deductible membership gift helps make possible award-winning programs such as Morning Edition, All Things Considered, The Diane Rehm Show, The Kojo Nnamdi Show, and other favorites.