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NPR Programs: Weekend Edition Sunday

Weekend Edition Sunday premiered on January 18, 1987, and was the last of NPR's major newsmagazines to hit air. Since then, Weekend Edition Sunday has covered newsmakers and artists, scientists and politicans, music makers of all kinds, writers, thinkers, theologians and all manner of news events. Hosted originally by Susan Stamberg, the show has been anchored by Liane Hansen since 1989.

Recent Stories

Sea Glass A Disappearing Treasure

Published November 15, 2009 8:50 AM

Most people visit the beach for its natural beauty. But reporter Nancy Cohen of member station WNPR in Hartford, Connecticut, introduces us to a woman who visits the beach for its trash.

Swine Flu Spreading Faster Globally Than Expected

Published November 15, 2009 8:00 AM

The H1N1 flu virus is now the dominant influenza virus around the globe, according to the World Health Organization. The agency has declared the swine flu outbreak a pandemic, with nearly 500,000 confirmed cases and over 6,000 deaths reported worldwide. Host Liane Hansen speaks with the WHO flu specialist Dr. Anthony Mounts about the spread of the virus and the global response.

'Pirate Radio' Director Was A Fan First

Published November 15, 2009 8:00 AM

In 1964, a music agent bought a ship, anchored it offshore in the North Sea, and turned it into a radio station for the rock-starved British. Director Richard Curtis' new movie, Pirate Radio tells the story of the motley crew of DJs at sea. Host Liane Hansen speaks with Curtis, whose work includes Love Actually, Notting Hill and Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Hawaii Is Diverse, But Far From A Racial Paradise

Published November 15, 2009 8:00 AM

The state is known for its "Aloha Spirit" — a diverse mix of friendly people living on an island paradise. The rainbow of cultures its residents brag about is no exaggeration, but some say that beneath the veneer of geniality are deep-seated ethnic and racial tensions between the island's white community and native Hawaiians.

Memory Champ An Unforgettable Winner

Published November 15, 2009 8:00 AM

Losing your car keys, forgetting an anniversary, leaving water running in the bathtub; there are countless ways our memories can fail us. But when you put your mind to it, your brain can do amazing things. Take, for example, Ben Pridmore. He just won the World Memory Championships, held Saturday in London. Host Liane Hansen speaks with Pridmore, who had to memorize hundreds of numbers, dates and even decks of cards in order to prove his mental prowess.

Obama Tests The Air In China

Published November 15, 2009 8:00 AM

President Obama is in Shanghai Sunday on his first visit to China. The formal agenda includes trade relations, security issues, human rights and climate change. He's hoping to win China's help in efforts to stop nuclear programs in North Korea and Iran. The huge trade imbalance between the two countries is also likely to be a topic. Host Liane Hansen talks with NPR's Louisa Lim.

Mike Cahill, The Only Civilian To Die At Fort Hood

Published November 15, 2009 8:00 AM

Funerals are being held this weekend for some of the 13 people killed in the Fort Hood shootings. Among them is a service for 62-year-old Mike Cahill, whose family and friends are gathering in Cameron, Texas. Nathan Bernier of member station KUT reports.

Boosted Federal Funds Give Arts, Humanities New Significance

Published November 15, 2009 8:00 AM

At the end of October, President Obama signed a bill into law which will increase the budgets of the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities by $12.5 million each. Host Liane Hansen speaks with NEH Chairman Jim Leach about the increased funding and how he views the role of the humanities in today's political life.

These Days, Anne Rice Prefers Angels

Published November 15, 2009 8:00 AM

Anne Rice doesn't write about vampires anymore, but in her latest book she turns her attention to another supernatural being: angels. Host Liane Hansen talks with Anne Rice about contemporary vampire fervor and her novel, Angel Time.

Governor Says Vt. Reforms Could Be Health Care Model

Published November 15, 2009 8:00 AM

This week, the Senate is expected to release its version of health care overhaul legislation. Questions remain about what a Senate bill will look like. One issue will be whether it includes government-sponsored health insurance, also known as the public option. Host Liane Hansen speaks with Republican governor Jim Douglas of Vermont, who chairs the National Governors Association. He says Vermont's own state-initiated reforms could serve as a model for national changes in health care policy.

Your Letters: How To Squeeze Juice From Ginger

Published November 15, 2009 8:00 AM

Host Liane Hansen answers letters about last week's ginger recipe contest — and offers some instructions on getting juice from ginger root.

Garifuna Ethnic Group Seeks Voice In New York City

Published November 15, 2009 5:01 AM

For centuries, home has been a transient notion for the ethnic community known as the Garifuna. Pushed around the Caribbean region for centuries by various colonial powers, many sought safe haven in New York City beginning in the 1940s. They've kept coming in small waves, but have maintained a low profile — until now.

Alex Cuba: Cuban Soul That Runs In The Family

Published November 15, 2009 5:00 AM

Alexis Puentes' father was so particular about his children's musical education that he controlled the music Alexis listened to. As Alex Cuba, he filters his father's musical influence through the likes of Ray Charles. Here, he performs songs from his new album.

Prostitution Now Outlawed In R.I., But Is That Good?

Published November 15, 2009 12:01 AM

Until earlier this month, Rhode Island was the only place in the country where prostitution was legal across an entire state. A new law has closed the loophole that legalized prostitution if it took place indoors, but it's also fueling concerns that victims of the sex trade are being put at even more risk.

Americans' Savings Offer Little Shelter For Rainy Day

Published November 15, 2009 12:01 AM

Many families are living with what one researcher calls "financial fragility." That is they're just one job loss — or even one car breakdown — away from tumbling into real financial trouble.

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