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NPR Weekend Edition Saturday

NPR

Weekend Edition Saturday 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. The two-hour program is hosted by NPR's Peabody Award-winning Scott Simon.

Location:

United States

Networks:

NPR

Description:

Weekend Edition Saturday 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. The two-hour program is hosted by NPR's Peabody Award-winning Scott Simon.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Opinion: Remembering Kevin Klose, former NPR president and broadcasting icon

4/18/2026
We remember Kevin Klose, former NPR president, who helped secure financial stability for the network while supporting and encouraging its journalism.

Duration:00:02:29

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Virginians will decide if the state redrafts its congressional voting map

4/18/2026
Virginians will decide whether the state will redraw its congressional voting map. A win would give Democrats an edge in four more seats, meaning they could hold 10 of Virginia's 11 seats in Congress.

Duration:00:03:50

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How a Japanese poet's diary helps scientists reconstruct solar cycles

4/18/2026
Researchers used a Japanese poet's diary to track solar events that took place over 800 years ago.

Duration:00:01:31

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Challenges facing individuals in America who are eligible for U.S. citizenship

4/18/2026
New data shows last year was one of the most volatile years ever for naturalizations, as immigration policy changes and scrutiny affected people's desire to make the final leap to become an American.

Duration:00:02:49

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New data show TikTok engagement as a key indicator of long-term box office success

4/18/2026
New data shows opening weekend matters less as TikTok buzz drives long-term box office. Studios and theaters are leaning into the trend as the industry rebounds from pandemic losses, strikes and streaming pressure.

Duration:00:05:08

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A recap of Trump's appearance at the Turning Point Action event in Arizona

4/18/2026
With an appearance at a Turning Point USA event at a megachurch Arizona, President Trump is hitting the campaign trail in front of a friendly crowd at a time his approval ratings are at record lows.

Duration:00:04:47

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International maritime law expert explains legality of U.S. blockade of Iranian ports

4/18/2026
NPR's Scott Simon speaks to James Kraska - a professor of international maritime law at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island - about the legality of the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports.

Duration:00:05:25

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Saturday Sports: NBA playoffs; NHL playoffs; LIV Golf

4/18/2026
NPR's Scott Simon and sportswriter Howard Bryant preview the NFL Draft and NHL playoffs.

Duration:00:04:30

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Remembering South Carolina's topiary artist Pearl Fryar, who died this month at 86

4/18/2026
NPR's Scott Simon talks with topiary artist Michael Gibson about South Carolina's Pearl Fryar, a notable self-trained topiary artist who died earlier this month.

Duration:00:05:06

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Week in Politics: Iran war impact on upcoming midterm elections; MAGA base on Iran war

4/18/2026
We look at how the war on Iran might affect the upcoming midterm elections, as well as how a portion of President Trump's MAGA base sees U.S. involvement in another war in the Middle East.

Duration:00:03:51

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Ukraine launches specialized Russian studies program to better understand the enemy

4/18/2026
Ukraine launches political Russian studies program to better understand wartime enemy.

Duration:00:04:31

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Matthew Shear talks about his directorial debut in the comedy film, 'Fantasy Life'

4/18/2026
NPR's Scott Simon speaks with Matthew Shear, who wrote, directed, and co-stars in the film "Fantasy Life."

Duration:00:06:39

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Irish musician CMAT chats about her new album, 'Euro-Country'

4/18/2026
NPR'S Scott Simon speaks to CMAT about her new album, "Euro Country," her U.S. tour, and her particular blend of country, rock and traditional Irish music.

Duration:00:09:25

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Willy Vlautin talks about his new book, 'The Left and The Lucky'

4/18/2026
NPR's Scott Simon speaks with novelist Willy Vlautin about his new book "The Left and The Lucky" and focusing his writing on working class characters.

Duration:00:07:53

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Sara Wheeler discusses her new biography of the late Welsh travel writer Jan Morris

4/18/2026
Jan Morris was a writer who seemed to be everywhere at the right moment, from witnessing the first climb of Mt. Everest to interviewing Che Guevara. NPR's Scott Simon talks to biographer Sara Wheeler.

Duration:00:07:40

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Opinion: A well-deserved statue for a hero rat

4/11/2026
Cambodia is recognizing the life-saving contributions of a rat named Magawa with a statue. The late rat sniffed out landmines for a non-profit group, and in a short career helped find more than 100.

Duration:00:02:29

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'Boogie bees?' A new study shows that bumblebees can learn rhythmic patterns

4/11/2026
A new study saying bumblebees can recognize rhythmic patterns puts them alongside Ronan the sea lion, the first non-human mammal shown to keep a beat.

Duration:00:01:11

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Vice President Vance leads the U.S. delegation in Pakistan for peace talks with Iran

4/11/2026
Vice President JD Vance is in Pakistan for peace talks with Iran.

Duration:00:04:30

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How the war in Iran is reshaping investor perceptions of Trump policies

4/11/2026
Investors thought they had President Trump figured out as someone who would always back down from his most extreme policies. The war with Iran is challenging that.

Duration:00:03:17

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Updates on the cease-fire between the U.S. and Iran

4/11/2026
Israel continued strikes on Lebanon Friday as Iran insisted on a cease-fire there in order for formal negotiations with the U.S. to begin.

Duration:00:04:16