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, August 31, 2013

Maine Toy Museum Is Really For Grownups

The small town of Waldoboro, Maine, boasts two attractions: Moody's Diner, reputed to be one of the oldest in the country, and the Toy Museum. But it's not really for kids. Founded in 1996 by John Fawcett, an artist and former University of Connecticut art teacher, it is a monument to Betty Boop, Donald, Mickey, the Lone Ranger and all of the artifacts of a kiddie culture only adults remember.

How The Region Might React To An Attack On Syria

What would Iraq and Israel do if the U.S. launches military action against the Syrian government? Former analyst at the Defense Intelligence Agency Joshua Foust speaks with host Scott Simon about the wider consequences for the Middle East.

If 'Humanitarian,' Why Not Intervene In Syria Sooner?

Will a limited military strike prevent Syrian President Bashar Assad from launching future chemical attacks? Host Scott Simon speaks with former leader of Canada's Liberal Party Michael Ignatieff about so-called "humanitarian intervention" in Syria.

If It's Not Legal, Can A Strike On Syria Be Justified?

Analysts say the case for military intervention in Syria lacks a legal basis, yet the White House argues it might be the right thing to do. While there may not be legal precedent under international law, it wouldn't be the first time the U.S. has taken military action on humanitarian grounds.

Conservatives Huddle At Strategy Meeting

Americans for Prosperity, a group founded by the Koch brothers, met in Florida to hear from presidential contenders Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, along with Bobby Jindal, Rick Perry and Rick Scott. One issue stands above all: halting Obamacare.

White House Says It's Not Out To Topple Assad Regime

President Obama says any military strike the U.S. makes against the Syrian government for suspected chemical attacks would be limited and unlike military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Host Scott Simon talks with Scott Horsley, NPR's White House correspondent, about the latest news on the Obama administration's efforts to build a coalition to strike Syria.

Marines Have Turned Helmand Fight Over To Afghans

The Taliban conducted a series of deadly attacks across Afghanistan this week, killing civilians, Afghan forces and several NATO service members. But they are targeting far fewer NATO troops these days, because those troops are focused on training and advising the Afghan army. NPR's Sean Carberry spent five days with U.S. Marines in one of Afghanistan's chronic hot spots and speaks with host Scott Simon.

Contenders Battle In The U.S. Open

Without real a real American superstar in men's tennis, are U.S. fans losing interest in the game? Howard Bryant of ESPN talks with host Scott Simon about the week in sports.

Help! I'm Taking My Kids To See One Direction!

The British boy band and international sensation releases its new movie this weekend, and there could be some screaming in the audience. Journalist Timothy Guy from the Press Enterprise speaks shares tips with host Scott Simon on how to cope if your kids take you to see This Is Us.

Does Obama Need Congressional Approval On Syria?

Nearly 200 members of Congress have signed letters insisting that the president submit plans for any military strike in Syria for authorization. Host Scott Simon talks with Democratic Rep. Jim McDermott of Washington, who has signed one of the letters.

U.N. Inspectors Leave Damascus

The U.N. team carried evidence collected at the sites of an alleged chemical weapons attack near the Syrian capital, and Syrians are anticipating a missile attack from the U.S. Host Scott Simon speaks with NPR's Peter Kenyon, who is following developments from neighboring Lebanon.

Pentagon Plans Syria Strike Options

Ten years ago, the CIA made the wrong call about Iraq's weapons program. How careful are U.S. intelligence agencies being this time, investigating charges that the Syrian government used chemical weapons against its people? Host Scott Simon talks with NPR's Larry Abramson, who has been traveling with Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Bread And Puppet Celebrates 50 Years Of Paper Mache And Protest

Bread and Puppet Theater has been a familiar presence at political demonstrations since the anti-war protests of the 1960s. Its giant puppets and raucous brass band also marched against wars in Central America, Afghanistan and Iraq. The troupe marks its 50th anniversary this year.

Obama Campaigns For College Affordability Plan

The president returned from vacation to take to the road, touring college towns in New York and Pennsylvania to talk about higher education. He's proposing a system that would rank colleges' affordability, which could then be tied to federal aid — but in Washington, a budget battle is waiting.

Remembering Elmore Leonard, A Writer Who Hated Literature

NPR's Scott Simon remembers Elmore Leonard as a writer who found "putting pretty clothes on hard, direct words" contemptible, and hated what's typically known as literature. Leonard wrote more than 40 novels over his long career.

Pages

Arts & Culture

WAMU 88.5

Art Beat With Lauren Landau, October 7

You can explore one calligrapher's modern take on Korean handwriting, or see two shows that require a little help from the audience.

Food

NPR

Labor-Starved Pear Farmers Buckle Under Bumper Crop

The Pacific Northwest grows the majority of the nation's pears, and this year's harvest is predicted to be the third-largest in history. But farmers are facing a shortfall that's been plaguing many agricultural industries: not enough workers to pick the fruit.

Politics

NPR

No End In Sight: Shutdown Showdown Enters Week Two

Hundreds of thousands of Defense Department civilian employees will go back to work on Monday, but many government operations remain suspended.

Technology

NPR

Wanted: A New Generation Of High-Tech Aviation Workers

Millions of U.S. factory jobs have been lost in the past decade. Now, in North Carolina, high school students are being encouraged to think about taking manufacturing jobs. But this isn't the furniture-making or textile labor of generations past — it's a new kind of highly technical work in aviation.

Visit:	4401 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Write:	4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20016-8082
Call:	(202) 885-1200
Toll Free:	(855) 885-8830

Weekend Edition Saturday

Arts & Culture

Art Beat With Lauren Landau, October 7

Food

Labor-Starved Pear Farmers Buckle Under Bumper Crop

Politics

No End In Sight: Shutdown Showdown Enters Week Two

Technology

Wanted: A New Generation Of High-Tech Aviation Workers

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.