Weekend America

Cities Making the World a Better Place

This week, mayors and officials of 40 of the world's large cities gathered in New York City to talk about the environment. As they return home, we asked what they are bringing back to their cities. Weekend America host Bill Radke speaks with Portland, Oregon's commissioner, Eric Sten, and Houston, Texas' Director of Health and Environmental Policy, Elena Marks.

The Future of Farmers Markets

For lucky Californians, the weather and the close farmland means farmers markets are open year-round. While the popularity of locally grown food is catching on, there aren't enough farmers to go around. Weekend America's Pat Loeb reports about the stress that farmers markets are feeling.

A Trek Through Yellowstone

Independent Producer Barrett Golding biked through Yellowstone National Park last year, and along the ride they experienced some unexpected surprises. And dangers. Golding shares his adventure with Weekend America as he trekked 700 miles in Wyoming.

Listener Letters: Lord of the Yum Yum

Every couple of weeks we hear your reactions to our show. This week: Jamestown was horrible but was Plymouth worse? Does everyone have spiritual needs? And exactly who is the Lord of the Yum Yum?

Suspicion at the Dog Park

Recently, Weekend America's Neille Ilel learned something disturbing about a regular at the dog park near her: he was on the state sex offender registry. Dog parks, especially in the sprawl of California, are one of the last places where people from very different backgrounds, who aren't connected in the usual ways -- work, kids, a love of organic vegetables -- actually hang out and talk. She brings us a story of community and fear.

Stargazing on the Sidewalk

If you've been hankering for a glimpse of Saturn lately, or a closer look at the mountains of the moon, Saturday night is it: the first ever International Sidewalk Astronomy Night. It doesn't matter if you don't have your own telescope. Hundreds of amateur astronomers will take their scopes to the streets, and share. Sidewalk stargazers will be stationed in cities all over the country, and all over the world. Weekend America's Krissy Clark went out with two of them in Monrovia, California, to take a peek.

Ron Paul's Online Army

Presidential candidate Ron Paul got some media attention this week after a sparring match with Rudy Giuliani at the Republican Presidential debate. Paul's numbers in the polls haven't been so hot but in the online world, it's a different story. Weekend America's John Moe looks at the phenomenon of the modern internet-fueled campaign.

The Sixth Branch?

Private contractors have been so important to the war in Iraq that they might be called the sixth branch of the armed forces. We invited reporter Bill Sizemore, whose reporting on Blackwater U.S.A. was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, to explain issues of accountability, money and turf to us.

Good News, Bad News, No News

Good News, Bad News, No News

Our panel of non-experts review the week's events in a parlor game to gauge what kind of week America had. Weighing in this week will be Amy Hungerford, Dana Gould, and Nancy French

Senior Senior Prom

For high school students across America, this is prom season. It's a rite of passage: many guys are renting a tux for the first time, and many girls are getting dressed up for each other more than for their dates. But sometimes youth is wasted on the young. The Riverview Elderly Care Facility is an institutional home run by the city of Philadelphia - this is where the city takes care of the elderly who are not able to care for themselves. Every year they throw a senior prom for the senior citizens. They hire a musician and a photographer, put out a spread of food, provide formal wear to those who don't have any, and crown a king and queen. Producer Peter Crimmins donned his tux and crashed the party to find out if prom ages well.

Migrant Graduates

As graduation season kicks off, it's a time for reflection on accomplishments and a look to the future. For recent graduates Rafael Garcilazo, Erica Vela, and Silvia Mata it's time to celebrate. The three students are part of the College Assistance Migrant Program that helps children of migrant workers transition from high school to college. Weekend America talks with them about their unique college experience.

Commencement Stories

Weekend America asked you, the listener, for your commencement stores and now it's time to share. We hear about your tales of mistaken identity, nudity, tears, and more.

Fishing for Trout

The Salmon River begins in the deep mountains of central Idaho and extends 800 miles to the Pacific Ocean. There aren't many salmon in the river, but there are steelhead trout. The fish make their journey every year and are very difficult to catch. Independent Producer Scott Carrier went fishing for some trout with a couple experts.