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Sunday

Music

The Asylum Street Spankers, Sounding Off

The music of the Asylum Street Spankers hails from the early 20th century, but many of their lyrics are modern enough to be too naughty for NPR. Key players Christina Marrs and Wammo tell Jacki Lyden about their "postmodern jug band."

The Asylum Street Spankers, Sounding Off

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Religion

Nearly 180 Years Old, Bible Camp Still Has Spirit

In the 1800s, American frontier towns and agricultural communities far from churches saw the rise of summer revival camps. Traveling preachers would bring evangelism to the countryside. The tradition is still going strong at a bible camp in Georgia dating back to 1828.

Nearly 180 Years Old, Bible Camp Still Has Spirit

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World

Drafters of Iraq's Constitution Consider Seeking Extension

The Iraqi committee drafting the country's new constitution may need more time to complete the task. Several fundamental issues are still unsolved and many committee members say the August 15 deadline can't be met. NPR's Philip Reeves in Baghdad has the latest developments.

Drafters of Iraq's Constitution Consider Seeking Extension

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Middle East

Iranian Political Prisoner on Hunger Strike Nears Death

Iran's best-known political prisoner Akbar Ganji lies near death, 51 days into a hunger strike. Jahanshah Javid, publisher of the web journal Iranian.com, discusses Ganji's stance on the separation of mosque and state in Iran.

Iranian Political Prisoner on Hunger Strike Nears Death

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World

Radio Almahaba, Reaching Iraq's Women

Human-rights groups are concerned the Iraqi constitution will place restrictions on women's freedom in areas such as property rights and divorce. Host Jacki Lyden talks about the future role of women in Iraq with Bushra al Samarai, who helped establish a radio station for Iraqi women.

Radio Almahaba, Reaching Iraq's Women

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What Are Your Summer Reads?

Barbara Handelin, Isolating Her Literary Gene

Geneticist and bioethics expert Barbara Handelin got a pile of books for her birthday. She says her well-wishers understood her personality and her reading tastes.

Barbara Handelin, Isolating Her Literary Gene

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Religion

African-American Churches Weigh Gospel Debate

The rise of "mega-churches" in the African-American community has helped draw people back to religion. But some traditional black pastors find the growth of these churches worrisome, saying their leaders focus on messages of personal prosperity and are neglecting the civil rights struggle.

African-American Churches Weigh Gospel Debate

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Middle East

Opponents of Israel's Withdrawal Flow into Gaza

Three weeks before Israel is due to begin its withdrawal from Gaza, more opponents of the pullback are sneaking into Gaza each day. They've set up tent cities and say if enough of them come, the Gaza withdrawal won't happen.

Opponents of Israel's Withdrawal Flow into Gaza

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World

Food Aid Arrives in Niger, Belatedly

Relief food supplies begin to arrive in the West African nation of Niger, months after calls for help first went out. The United Nations says it will feed 2.5 million people, but food shortages are grave throughout the Sahara desert region.

Food Aid Arrives in Niger, Belatedly

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Saturday

Food

Clotilde Dusoulier's Tasteful Blog

Parisienne Clotilde Dusoulier is developing quite a following with her food blog, Chocolate & Zucchini. She's also a frequent contributor to NPR.org's Kitchen Window series. She offers Scott Simon a recipe for nectarines in maple syrup.

Clotilde Dusoulier's Tasteful Blog

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Performing Arts

The Cackle Sisters, Yodeling Queens

Carolyn and Mary Jane DeZurik grew up on a Minnesota farm, but they rose to musical fame in the 1930s. Their special talents included yodeling and imitations of birds and barnyard animals. Their story is told again by writer John Biguenet in the music issue of Oxford American magazine.

The Cackle Sisters, Yodeling Queens

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Space

Discovery Spacewalkers Test Repair Tools

Discovery crew members begin the first of three space walks, a six-hour trip aimed at testing tools designed to repair damaged heat-shield tiles. Veteran spacewalker Dr. Scott Parazynski offers his insights on Saturday's exercise.

Discovery Spacewalkers Test Repair Tools

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Friday

All Things Considered

Frist Defies Bush on Stem-Cell Funding

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist says he supports a bill to expand federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research, in a break from President Bush's policy. Frist's support could push the measure closer to passage -- and a possible White House veto.

Frist Defies Bush on Stem-Cell Funding

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World

Suicide Bomber Kills Dozens in Northern Iraq

At least 26 people die in a suicide bombing in the northern Iraqi town of Rabia, west of Mosul. Officials say the victims were members of the Iraqi security services. Officials said the attack occurred in the midst of recruits who were training in a security-controlled area, and that some of the guards may have knowingly allowed the attacker to enter.

Suicide Bomber Kills Dozens in Northern Iraq

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National

Framer Remembers the Origins of Medicare

The Medicare program that helps the elderly and disabled pay their medical bills turns 40. The legislation was decades in the making, and the final bill was written in just two days, a result of compromises and expediencies. Many health planners feared it would fall apart. But it has become one of the most popular government programs ever.

Framer Remembers the Origins of Medicare

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