Weekend Edition Saturday

Women in Afghanistan continue to experience more restrictions under the Taliban, including the return of the burqa. NPR's Scott Simon notes how the world seems to be distracted from their plight.

WNBA star Brittney Griner remains imprisoned in Russia; the latest news in the NBA and NHL playoffs; and a surprise decision to rest the Kentucky Derby winner from the Preakness Stakes.

Scott Simon talks with Candice Millard about 19th century British exploration and her new book, "River of the Gods: Genius, Courage, and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile."

Scott Simon talks to Matt Shardlow of UK conservation group Buglife about the decline in flying invertebrates in the UK and how that could spell environmental disaster.

Lyle Lovett is feeling fatherhood in silly and tender ways. Scott Simon talks with the Texas musician about family life and how it inspired his first album in a decade, "12th of June."

Lebanese elections this weekend are taking place under a system designed to keep the same parties in power in the parliament. But a few candidates hope they can send a message about change.

As the U.S. approaches 1 million COVID-19 deaths, cases and hospitalizations have started rising again, deaths are poised to creep up again, and the nation is on alert for yet another surge.

For our series "Outbreak Voices," hospital chaplain Stephanie Ramos of Los Angeles recounts what two years of her ministry has been like, comforting the sick and grieving affected by COVID-19.

Scott Simon talks to writer and director George Stevens Jr. about his life, growing up in Hollywood, and even Elizabeth Taylor, in his memoir, "My Place In The Sun."

Across the country, defendants are languishing in custody because there aren't enough defense attorneys to assign to cases. In Oregon, hundreds of cases have been postponed.

Ukraine is prosecuting a member of the Russian military, alleging he killed an unarmed Ukrainian civilian. The prosecutor general says Ukraine is preparing 41 more cases.

We look at how the fight over abortion access might turn out voters in the midterms. Also, how will the White House tackle the nation-wide shortage of baby formula?