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.
Cowboys-Packers Game Promises To Be A Second 'Ice Bowl'
Two big matchups kick off Saturday in the second round of NFL playoffs. NPR's Tom Goldman updates Scott Simon on the latest, on-field and off.
Skiing The Back Country Is Intoxicating, And Dangerous
Two promising young skiers died in an avalanche in Austria this week. In Yosemite, two climbers are scaling El Capitan. NPR's Scott Simon gets the latest from Outside Magazine's Grayson Schaffer.
Rocket Landing At Sea Was 'Close But No Cigar'
An experimental rocket launched by SpaceX Saturday was a partial success. A cargo capsule will reach the International Space Station, but the spent rocket failed to land on a barge in the Atlantic.
Keystone Supporters Hope Amendments Will Soften Pipeline Opposition
by Ailsa Chang
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell promised to make the Keystone XL pipeline the first order of business in the new term. One week in, however, the bill is still a long way from passing.
California's Brown On Governing: 'Practice Tends To Make More Perfect'
Jerry Brown was inaugurated this month for his second term as governor of California — his second second term. NPR's Scott Simon talks to the 34th and 39th governor about the issues facing his state.
Needle Exchange Program Creates Black Market In Clean Syringes
by Emma Jacobs
Some drug users in Philadelphia are reselling syringes they get for free at needle exchanges. That's illegal, but researchers say the practice still helps prevent the spread of diseases like HIV.
Finland's HIM Releases Early Work In 'Lashes to Ashes'
It's cold and dark in Finland, but the Finnish band HIM has been heating things up. HIM is currently touring the U.S.; two band members join NPR's Scott Simon to talk about their music.
In The Italian Alps, Stradivari's Trees Live On
by Christopher Livesay
Utilities Fight For Revenue Lost To Solar Power
Solar energy had a banner year in 2014, but as more U.S. households make their own electricity, they're paying electric utilities less. Utility companies across the nation are fighting back.
Author: Mitch McConnell's Focus On Winning Is 'Single-Minded'
The new Senate majority leader will soon take office. NPR's Eric Westervelt asks Alec MacGillis, author of The Cynic: The Political Education of Mitch McConnell, what his leadership might look like.
3-D Scanning Sonar Brings Light To Deep Ocean Shipwrecks
In San Francisco Bay, researchers are using new technology to investigate shipwrecks. NPR's Scott Simon speaks with James Delgado, director of Maritime Heritage at NOAA, about what they've found.