On Sundays, Weekend Edition combines the news with colorful arts and human-interest features, appealing to the curious and eclectic. With a nod to traditional Sunday habits, the program offers a fix for diehard crossword addicts-word games and brainteasers with The Puzzlemaster, a.k.a. Will Shortz, puzzle editor of The New York Times. With Hansen on the sidelines, a caller plays the latest word game on the air while listeners compete silently at home. The NPR mailbag is proof that the competition to go head-to-head with Shortz is rather vigorous.
Another trademark of Sunday's program is "Voices in the News," a montage of sound bites from the past week, poignant in its simplicity. Hansen also engages listeners in her discussions with regular contributors, who cover a wide range of national and international issues.
-
For 100 years, Hollywood has relied on Central Casting. It's the real company behind movie extras—and where stars like Gary Cooper, Hattie McDaniel, and Brad Pitt got their start.
-
Snow isn't always white; algae can make it look green, red, or orange, and scientists are trying to understand how and why these colorful patches appear.
-
NPR's Daniel Estrin speaks with the stalwart independent filmmaker Jim Jarmusch, who wrote and directed "Father Mother Sister Brother."
-
Love is in the air, and in the pages! NPR's Books We Love suggests "Heartbreak Hotel," "First Time Caller," "Time Loops and Meet Cutes," "Heart The Lover," "Can't Get Enough," and "Courtroom Drama."
-
As a new year begins, a hike up Africa's highest peak is a reminder that slowing down is sometimes the key to success.
-
Faith leaders Ginger Gaines-Cirelli, Nihal Khan, and Ari Saks tell us how they've been guiding their congregations this year and what their hopes are for 2026.
-
From tough-on-crime politics to uneasy ties with Washington, Latin America's year-end story is one of a decisive rightward turn, insecurity at home and a more complicated relationship with the US.
-
We look at a study on how death metal singers produce their otherworldly vocals, and therapeutic applications that researchers are investigating.
-
From the advent of AI actress Tilly Norwood to major music labels making deals with AI companies, 2025 has been a watershed year for AI and culture.
-
One legacy of the former Soviet Union is the New Year's feast. Ukrainians are reclaiming Christmas and old recipes.