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.
-
The Willy Wonka experience in Scotland went viral for all the wrong reasons. It's having an unlikely comeback in LA. NPR's Ayesha Rascoe talks about it with Kirsty Paterson, who plays an Oompa Loompa.
-
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe plays the puzzle with Scott Manas of Miami, Florida and puzzle master Will Shortz.
-
With support from U.S. forces, Israel's defense systems took down hundreds of Iranian drones and missiles that were launched in what President Biden called "an unprecedented attack."
-
Amid an attack by Iran, President Biden vows continued support for Israel and House leaders say they'll take up an aid package this week.
-
The Biden administration said U.S. forces helped take down incoming drones and missiles after Iran launched its attack on Israel.
-
How many porta-potties does it take to relieve the Boston Marathon? A look at the "potty math" behind keeping thirty thousand runners and numerous spectators comfortable.
-
Self-loathing because of our looks can be second-nature for many of us. NPR's Ayesha Rascoe talks with Hilde Ostby about her memoir, "My Belly," which examines what's behind that feeling.
-
Iran's drone and missile assault on Israel heightens concerns about a widening regional conflict in the Middle East.
-
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe asks attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo about Donald Trump's upcoming hush money trial.
-
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks with Amanda McBaine and Jess Moss about their new documentary, "Girls State." It follows a program in which hundreds of high school girls form a mock government.