A reflection on the comedy stylings of Pope Francis, who is telling priests to lighten up and not be so dour.

NPR's Scott Simon details the "gladiator experience" that 16 lucky — or unlucky — people might have next year inside the Roman Colosseum. Will they not be entertained?

NPR's Scott Simon remembers Seuk Kim, a volunteer animal rescue pilot who died in a crash earlier this week, transporting several dogs.

NPR's Scott Simon remarks on the death of ballet dancer Vladimir Shklyarov. Reports from Russian media say he fell from a 5th floor balcony.

Scientists are reconsidering old information about Uranus. NPR's Scott Simon explains the problem with photos taken of the planet 38 years ago.

NPR's Scott Simon accompanied his daughters to the polls, as they voted in their first presidential election.

China's government is censoring puns and wordplay on-line. NPR's Scott Simon explains why double meanings are a problem for Beijing.

NPR's Scott Simon is dazzled by the turn of the seasons, especially the color of the leaves.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, no stranger to controversy, has ignited another with a hat. NPR's Scott Simon explains.

NPR's Scott Simon remarks on the legacy of Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert F. Kennedy. She died Oct. 10 at the age of 96.

NPR's Scott Simon wishes we could text them back when politicians message us asking for campaign donations.

Jean Brodie, Minerva McGonagall, Violet Crawley: Maggie Smith embodied these memorable roles on stage and screen. NPR's Scott Simon has a remembrance of the actor, who died yesterday at the age of 89.

Bangladesh defies the stereotypes. It was born in poverty but has risen up the income ladder and is a model of health progress. Will the current political upheaval take a toll on its impressive achievements?

Far from being disqualifying, this feature of the Trump persona presents itself as part and parcel of his appeal.

The past and present merge for NPR's Scott Simon, who attended the Democratic National Convention in Chicago as a teen in 1968 and now as a senior citizen.