The Weather Makers
Global Warming is a key topic discussed by environmentalists today, but is the world listening? Until recently, few people did. But scientist, explorer and conservationist Tim Flannery is getting people to sit up and take notice. His book, "The Weather Makers" has been so influential, the government of Australia changed its stance on global warming based on the evidence it presented. He joins host Bill Radke to describe global warming's implications for the environment and society.

Extreme Makeover: Mother Nature Edition
Today's environmental movement appears to be distancing itself from the clichéd sandal-clad, granola-eating activists of the past. Weekend America's Krissy Clark explores this change and how veteran environmentalists became so stigmatized.

Prison Reunion
Don't expect any fond reminiscing at this reunion. When former inmates and employees of Philadelphia's Eastern State Penitentiary get together this weekend, they'll be sharing stories of how they survived one of America's most brutal and isolated prison systems. Reporter Peter Crimmins met recently with a former prisoner and jail worker for a tour of the closed facility.

Pop Pick: Candi Staton
Remember singer Candi Staton? She had a few hits back in the 1970s before turning to religious music. She's recording secular music again and has just released a new CD. Music critic Alan Light joins host Barbara Bogaev to talk about it.

The New Age of Bankruptcy
It's been a year since a major new bankruptcy law was passed. So what's happened since then? Memphis has been considered the nation's bankruptcy capital, with more people per capita filing for bankruptcy than any major city. Sasha Aslanian of American Radio Works follows two Memphis working mothers, one who filed bankruptcy, the other who didn't.

One Red Paperclip
Last year, 26-year old Toronto resident Kyle MacDonald told hosts Bill Radke and Barbara Bogaev about a little trading game he started online. He started by trading a small red paper clip for a pen that looked like a fish. The idea was to keep "trading up" until he reached his ultimate goal: a house. He's come a long way since that fish pen. He joins hosts Barbara Bogaev and Bill Radke to talk about his progress and his newfound celebrity.

Weekend Weather
Weekend America's John Moe takes a look at the weather and Saturday happenings all across the country.

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Safeway Cindy
How much do you know about your neighborhood grocery store clerk? There's a woman who's been the most popular checker at the Evergreen, Colorado Safeway for years, though most folks don't even know her name. Although she says her work is boring, she finds ways to make the most of it. And customers appreciate the difference. Independent producer Claudia Cragg introduces us to this hometown celebrity, as part of Weekend America's fall story contest.

Election in New Orleans
Voters in hurricane-stricken New Orleans have a chance to shape their city's future at the polls this weekend as they choose their next mayor. There has been a lot of political organizing by the city's remaining residents in recent weeks. Independent producer Eve Troeh explains what's been happening.

Kinky for Governor?
California has Arnold Schwarzenegger. Minnesota had Jesse "The Body" Ventura. Could Kinky Friedman be America's next celebrity governor? The singer is serious about running for Texas governor and he's hired one of Ventura's old advisors, Dean Barkley, to run his campaign. Host Bill Radke talks to Barkley about what it takes to make an unlikely candidate appealing to average voters.

A Break from the Blight
Since Ukraine's Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster 20 years ago, various organizations have sprung up to bring children there to the United States for medical care and a break from the problems in their homeland. Are today's children faring any better than those who first came two decades ago? Weekend America's Bill Radke talks to some American parents about what they've experienced caring for their young visitors.

Since this story aired, Sergey, the young man Clem and Maggie had been hosting for years, found out his cancer had come back from remission. With the help of family, friends and CCP, he plans to undergo additional treatment at the New England Medical Center/Floating Hospital for Children. (April 27, 2006)

Bunny Boom
What becomes of those cute little rabbits that parents give their kids around Easter time? As Weekend America's John Moe discovered, the future is pretty dim, regardless of where they wind up on the bunny trail.

The Insanity Defense
This week the Supreme Court considered some of the issues surrounding the insanity defense in criminal cases. How can we determine what's actually going on in the minds of someone in a delusional or psychotic state? Host Barbara Bogaev seeks some insight from Will Hall. He has a history of mental illness and helped establish the Freedom Center, an advocacy group for the mentally ill in Northampton, Massachusetts.

In most states, mentally ill people can be legally forced to take medications. Proponents say it's a way to help protect them and society. Opponents argue it violates civil rights. Weekend America's science correspondent Rebecca Roberts asked some people living with mental illness for their thoughts on court-ordered treatments.

Weekend Weather
Weekend America's John Moe takes a look at the weather and Saturday happenings all across the country.

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Change for "The Threepenny Opera"
Cyndi Lauper and Alan Cumming are breathing new life into Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill's "The Threepenny Opera." They're starring in the first major production of the play since 1990. Wallace Shawn provided a new translation for this latest version. He talks about its history, the changes he's made and how the new performance came to be. Independent producer Pamela Renner brings us this story.