Weekend America

Prop 8 and Me

In California, a state initiative called Proposition 8 is on the ballot to ban gay marriage through an amendment to the state constitution. The outcome of Proposition 8 could affect whether other states allow gay marriage. And the race has gotten close, expensive and extremely polarized. But there are some people who, though they have strong opinions, are trying to stay above the fray.

America's Infrastructure

America's Infrastructure: St. Louis Paratransit

This weekend in St. Louis, public transit advocates are making a last push to convince voters to pass Proposition M. It would increase sales taxes by half a cent. If it doesn't pass, officials say they'll have to slash services, raise fares, or maybe both. Weekend America and the PBS television project Blueprint America sent reporter Rick Karr to St. Louis to visit the people who're most likely to suffer from service cuts.

Aging Out

Each year 26,000 American teenagers in foster care make a difficult transition as they turn 18 and become adults in the eyes of the state. This weekend, 700 people will gather for a conference that connects former foster care kids with mentors and educational programs. Ellen Guettler of American RadioWorks brings us the story of one young woman in the years after she aged out of foster care.

Conversations with America

Conversations with America: Julia Alvarez

For a few weeks now, we've been bringing you essays from folks around the country about what they think should be on voters' minds this election. We're calling it "Conversations with America." In the final days before the election, our last piece comes from Vermont writer Julia Alvarez.

The Great Halloween Candy Fiasco

Trick or treating is over, and you might have a giant mound of candy to get rid of. A couple weeks ago, we asked you for suggestions on what to do with your Halloween leftovers. A number of you wrote back, but one idea in particular stood out. It came from the budding entrepreneurial mind of Johnny Vince Evans. The plan he hatched in junior high was perfect. Until it went horribly awry.

Cooking with Loser Candy

Maybe you've got that bowl, that plastic pumpkin, that pillowcase of sweets. What do you do with the good stuff? Easy. Eat it. But what about the loser candy? You know, Smarties, Tootsie Rolls, generic suckers from the drug store. Eating that stuff just plain tastes like defeat. Don't worry, we're here to help. Lynne Rosetto Kasper offers us tips on cooking with loser candy.

Running the Music Marathon

At various points along the New York City marathon route this weekend, runners will hear everything from bagpipes, hip hop, rock and jazz fusion to a high school band playing the theme from "Rocky." The focus is naturally on the runners, but the dozens of musicians who show up are posted along the route to entertain onlookers and lift the runners' spirits.

The Last Weekend

It's the last weekend for crucial campaigning efforts before the election. Both presidential campaigns are pushing hard in places where the going is tough in a game of electoral math. For John McCain's campaign, that means a huge focus on Pennsylvania, whose 21 electoral votes could help him secure the presidency. Barack Obama's campaign has been concentrating on the tightening race in Arizona.

Good News, Bad News, No News

Obama Infomercial, Joe the Plumber, Candy Cutbacks

Our panel of non-experts weigh in on this week's news events in a parlor game to gauge what kind of week America had. Joining us on this week's panel are: Luke Burbank, host of the radio show "Too Beautiful To Live"; Nancy French, author of "A Red State of Mind"; and David Rakoff, whose latest book is "Don't Get Too Comfortable."

Weekend Soundtrack

"City Boy"

It's time to listen to your weekend soundtrack - the songs that bridge the gap from Friday to Monday. This week our story comes from Mark Delmonte. Mark has been traveling the country, trying to find a place to settle down. His weekend soundtrack for his journey is "City Boy" by Keb' Mo'. He spoke with our host John Moe.

Campaign '68

The presidential campaign is in its last few suspenseful days. Forty years ago, Richard Nixon enjoyed the benefit of an "October surprise" in his campaign against his opponent, Democrat Hubert Humphrey. The 1968 election was a turning point in contemporary American politics. Stephen Smith of American RadioWorks speaks with host John Moe about his new documentary "Campaign '68."

Memories of the Great Depression

This week marked the anniversary of the great stock market crash, Oct. 29, 1929. It got a little more attention than usual in light of our current economic crisis. The $700 billion bailout was designed to avert another "Great Depression." We were curious to hear from people who lived through the Depression--how they pulled through such a time. Here's what we heard back.

Bride of Scaring the Kids

Last week's story about scary childhood movie memories brought an unprecedented flood of response to our website. Apparently, Weekend America listeners have a lot of unresolved issues from their youths. You told us how you were still traumatized by "E.T.," "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Pinocchio," "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure" and even "9 to 5." John Moe called up a few listeners to provide a sort of group therapy session of the airwaves.