NPR News

Consumers are buying smaller cars in response to fast-rising gas prices. We've been here before, most recently when gas prices spiked in 2008. This time around is different; American automakers GM and Ford are finding success as consumers switch from SUVs and trucks to economy cars. NPR's Sonari Glinton reports.

Some residents of Kentucky living near the Mississippi River are being allowed back in their homes to survey the damage from floodwaters as they begin to recede. Downriver, however, the Mississippi is now threatening Vicksburg, Memphis and other river towns. Host Liane Hansen talks with NPR's David Schaper about preparations for massive flooding.

The largest crowd ever packed into Churchill Downs Saturday for the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby, but much of the intrigue happened behind the scenes. Host Liane Hansen has an update of the final standings of the 2011 Kentucky Derby, where a horse named Animal Kingdom surged to a surprise victory.

Longtime Weekend Edition Sunday host Liane Hansen is closing in on her last show, and we're reminding listeners that there's a timeline of special moments on the program going back to 1989, including Nelson Mandela's release from prison, singer Joni Mitchell and Liane's trip to Egypt. Listeners can suggest their own favorites at npr.org/Liane.

Relief workers in Alabama have been working round the clock to tend to victims of last week's tornadoes. But for volunteers at the Alabama Wildlife Center south of Birmingham, they're dealing with some of the smallest victims, wild birds. The center rehabilitates injured and orphaned birds throughout the year, but right now they're dealing with an influx of tornado-related animals. Andrew Yeager of member station WBHM reports.