This week, we look at the new information unveiled about a suspect in the stabbings of four University of Idaho students. Plus, how the VA is working to end veteran homelessness.
Scott’s weekly weigh-in
A good weekend to you. We had the sad honor of sending our star correspondent John Burnett into retirement this past week. Over the span of 36 years at NPR, he’s covered wars, storms, politics, music, survival struggles and episodes of hope all over the globe. But he has been based, in all ways, deep in the heart of Texas.
John guided us gracefully through some of the signature moments of his extraordinary career, including his experience in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, which he told us was “like covering a biblical calamity.” John and producer Ann Hawke filed some of the first crucial reports from the Morial Convention Center, telling America, “There’s no food, no water, no medical, no police and security, two dead bodies on the ground."
As we salute John, I want to note a concern he has that our shows should bring you the voices of citizens who may not represent any particular point of view, but speak from their own lives. “I have to tell you Scott,” he says. “I don’t hear enough of these kind of people on public radio anymore. Real people. Authentic voices. So many of our stories now quote academics and advocates and experts. … Get out of the office and get your shoes muddy!”
We hope to heed his wise words. And look forward to hearing more of his masterful harmonica playing with celebrated musicians.
Also this week, producer Andrew Craig and editor D. Parvaz found out about an exhibit in Chicago of pictures drawn by Ukrainian children. It’s very moving to hear how in the midst of war, children fill their hearts with images of joy. And this week’s essay is an appeal for the American bagel to be recognized. Any holes in my argument?
Scott Simon is one of NPR's most renowned news anchors. He is the host of Weekend Edition Saturday and one of the hosts of the morning news podcast Up First. Be sure to listen to him every Saturday on your local NPR station, and follow him on Twitter.
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3 stories from this week
Matt Rourke/AP
New information ties a suspect to the Idaho student killings, authorities say. The new material is the most comprehensive evidence yet linking the brutal stabbings of four University of Idaho students to suspect Bryan Kohberger, who was arrested on Dec. 30 and charged with murder. Among investigators’ findings: DNA from a knife sheath and chilling revelations from a victim’s roommate.
This is what epidemiologists are eyeing as we head into the depths of winter. The new year has brought updated prognoses about the tripledemic — and there’s good and bad news. The good? The worst of RSV appears to be over, and the flu, which came roaring back this past year with ferocity, is receding in many places. This biggest threat right now is … you guessed it: a new omicron subvariant.
The VA says it’s back on track to end veteran homelessness — thanks to one key strategy. The approach is called “housing first” and it’s based on a simple premise: get veterans a place to live first — then address other issues, such as health care, substance abuse and job training. It's led to an 11% drop in veteran homelessness since 2020. Here’s a closer look.
Editor’s pick
Wilson Webb/Netflix
White Noise was once considered “unfilmable.” Noah Baumbach wanted to change that. The 1985 novel by Don DeLillo is chock full of twisting ironies that many reviewers thought could never be translated to the silver screen. But in a time of low-budget blockbuster grot, ambitious filmmakers are jonesing for creative risks. Did Baumbach succeed? Our critic has a few thoughts.
Before you go…
Ted S. Warren/AP
A tour boat off the California coast got an unexpected surprise when a pregnant gray whale gave birth next to them.
Tesla stock lost 65% of its value in 2022 — and kicked off 2023 with another plunge. Here are 4 reasons why.
Louisiana now requires IDs or proof of age to access porn sites. As you can imagine, privacy experts are uneasy.
How do you keep your home clutter-free? A professional organizer shares her tips for keeping chaos at bay.
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