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National

Saturday

All Things Considered

The Real People at the Democratic Convention

A collection of voices from this week's Democratic National Convention -- not of politicians or celebrities, but the words of ushers, security guards and vendors who made the event happen.

The Real People at the Democratic Convention

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Law

Sentence-Guideline Ruling Stirs Confusion

In June, the Supreme Court invalidated Washington state's sentencing guidelines, casting doubt on the 15-year-old system. The result is what one expert calls legal anarchy, with jurists uncertain how to proceed in the wake of the ruling. NPR's Wendy Kaufman reports.

Sentence-Guideline Ruling Stirs Confusion

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World

South Africa's Plus-Sized Thieves

Police in Durban, South Africa, are dealing with a rash of shoplifting. A gang of plus-sized women raided retail stores in groups of 10 or 15, intimidated the staff with their "quite large" size, and made off with clothing in small and petite sizes. Durban police inspector Michael Read tells NPR's Scott Simon that this is not Durban's first encounter with plus-sized gangs.

South Africa's Plus-Sized Thieves

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Culture

A Conversation with Chess Master Gary Kasparov

World chess champion Gary Kasparov is writing a six-volume series on fellow masters of the game. He's also a columnist with The Wall Street Journal. He speaks with NPR's Scott Simon about Bobby Fischer and other greats of the game.

A Conversation with Chess Master Gary Kasparov

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World

Ugandan Activist Reunited with Kidnapped Daughter

Eight years ago, Ugandan activist Angelina Atyam's young daughter was kidnapped by a rebel group called The Lord's Resistance Army. This week the young woman escaped from her kidnappers was reunited with her mother. Angelina Atyam speaks with NPR's Scott Simon

Ugandan Activist Reunited with Kidnapped Daughter

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Weekend Edition Saturday

Campaigns Plot Money Strategy

Both major presidential candidates have ample resources heading into the last months of the long campaign. How will they spend their money? Hear NPR's Scott Simon, Democratic media consultant Dan Payne and Republican media strategist Todd Domke.

Campaigns Plot Money Strategy

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Weekend Edition Saturday

Bush Stumps in Midwest

President Bush returns to the campaign trail with a speech evaluating Sen. John Kerry's Senate record as ineffective against terrorism. Both candidates are on a swing through the Midwest. NPR's Don Gonyea reports.

Bush Stumps in Midwest

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Diversions

Put Up Your Sticky Hands, You're Under Arrest

NPR's Scott Simon takes note of an odd arrest this week on the Washington, D.C., Metro system. A woman who was eating a candy bar was arrested when she refused to stop chewing.

Put Up Your Sticky Hands, You're Under Arrest

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Business

Cement Shortage Hits U.S. Construction Industry

The U.S. is short on cement, which means that some driveways and pools may go un-poured this construction season. Who's to blame? China. NPR's Scott Simon gets the story from Ed Sullivan, chief economist for the Illinois-based Portland Cement Association.

Cement Shortage Hits U.S. Construction Industry

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Sports

Wrigley Field Faces Aging Issues

Wear and tear are causing concern at one of big league baseball's shrines. Concrete is crumbling at Chicago's venerable Wrigley Field. Hear NPR's Scott Simon and Chicago Sun-Times sports columnist Ron Rapoport.

Wrigley Field Faces Aging Issues

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Religion

Vatican Decries Feminism

A Vatican letter to bishops charges that feminism blurs the differences between men and women -- and suggests it has also promoted the idea that homosexuality and heterosexuality are equivalent. Hear NPR's Brian Naylor and John Allen, Vatican correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter.

Vatican Decries Feminism

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