Weekend Edition

NPR's David Folkenflik talks with musician Alex Giannascoli, who records as Alex G, about his latest album, "God Save The Animals."

The auto industry's switch to electric vehicles is driving up demand and prices for lithium. It's also creating a huge incentive to squeeze more lithium out of any supply available,

A new study finds that wolves are much more likely to be pack leaders if they have been infected with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

Many cities opened streets for pedestrians during the pandemic, temporarily making way for outdoor dining and strolling in new places. Cars won't return to some of them.

What is the cost of perfection? NPR's David Folkenflik talks with Rae Meadows about her new novel, "Winterland." It tells the story of Soviet gymnasts and the system that made and often broke them.

NPR's David Folkenflik plays the puzzle with listener Kevin Gorton of San Lorenzo, California and puzzle master Will Shortz.

The world is doing away with the leap second, an extra second that gets inserted into the global timescale every few years due to earth's slowing rotation.

Climate change and exploitation of natural resources threaten the natural wonder that is the Dead Sea.

Congress returns to work for a lame duck session. Democrats try to advance their agenda while they have control of both chambers. Republicans plan for control of the House in the new year.

NPR's David Folkenflik talks with journalist Paddy Manning about challenges ahead for the Murdoch media empire. Manning is out with a book about Rupert Murdoch's eldest son and heir apparent.