Weekend Edition Saturday

NPR's Scott Simon speaks with author Luke Kennard about "Black Bag," a novel about an actor who takes an unusual role in a university classroom.

The Academy Awards officially adopted the "Oscars" nickname in 1939. But who is Oscar, and who started calling them that? We may never know. But here are four enduring legends to consider.

Traders on prediction markets bet on nearly anything. One made more than half a million dollars betting on the U.S. strike against Iran. But should people wager on human suffering?

Sydney Peterson is among the U.S. athletes heading to the 2026 Winter Paralympics. A neuroscientist in training, Peterson is studying movement disorders, similar to her own condition.

Tired of listening to other people's music, shows, and phone conversations in flight, the people at United Airlines have written a rule that lets them kick you off the plane if you don't put on headphones.

A regional coalition of Latin American countries will make up "The Shield of Americas," which becomes official this weekend in Miami. What does the Trump Administration want from this new initiative?

Many tribes are encouraged by Trump's choice of Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a member of the Cherokee nation, as the new DHS Secretary. ICE agents have been accused of racially profiling Native Americans.

Europeans are divided over how to respond to the US/Israel war with Iran. German leaders have been measured, while Spain's prime minister has been critical of the Trump Administration and of Israel.

In the week since the U.S. began bombing Iran, more countries in the Middle East are launching strikes.

Iranians are streaming across the border with Turkey, fleeing constant bombardment. But some are also going the other way -- returning to Iran out of worry for loved ones they can't otherwise reach.