WAMU-FM: WAMU: The Diane Rehm Show Podcast

The House of Representatives recently voted to greatly expand protections for whistle-blowers. The new measure would make it easier to punish supervisors who try to retaliate against federal employees who expose fraud, waste and abuse. An earlier law, the False Claims Act, stops corporations and others from cheating government programs like Medicare. While these laws often reward those who come forward, the price paid by employees may not be worth it. Diane and her guests discuss the risks, rewards, and protections for whistle-blowers.

Currently Republicans dominate Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives 240-190. In the Senate, Democrats have a 53-47 majority. Most political analysts believe the GOP will continue to hold the House after the November elections. But the Senate is in play. If President Obama wins reelection, Democrats can lose no more than three Senate seats to maintain control. Republicans would need to gain four Senate seats to take control. Diane and her guests examine key congressional contests across the country - and the effects of super PAC money, redistricting and campaign gaffes.

Nobel Prize-winner Orhan Pamuk's second novel is the story of a Turkish family gathering in the shadow of the impending military coup of 1980.

12 people have died and 121 in 10 states are sick with a rare form of fungal meningitis. The outbreak has been linked to tainted steroid injections used to treat back and neck pain. In all about 13,000 people in 23 states may have been exposed, and for many it's now a waiting game to see if symptoms develop. An investigation is underway into how and why these contaminated medications were produced and distributed. Please join us to discuss drug manufacturing and public health

Last February, a House committee held a hearing on the new mandate that all insurance plans cover the cost of contraceptives. Republicans said the exemption for religious groups was too narrow and violated the First Amendment. Third-year law student Sandra Fluke was called by Democrats to testify at that hearing, but was turned away. Her testimony before a Democratic committee a week later was criticized by conservative talk-radio shows and thrust Fluke into the national spotlight. She went on to speak at the Democratic National Convention last month. A conversation with women's rights and social justice activist Sandra Fluke.

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan just completed a cross-country bus tour promoting education as an investment in America's future. He joins Diane to talk about ongoing reforms and challenges still facing our nation's schools. Later in the hour, a panel of education experts give their views on what is and isn't working in the U.S. education system.

China's emergence as a superpower is unquestioned today. But less than a century ago, Old China breathed its last as the country faced a Japanese invasion, then years of civil war and turmoil. Peking, now Beijing, was a city on the edge in 1937 — a place of superstition, fraught with danger where Westerners sought out adventure. The brutal murder of British schoolgirl there on a cold January morning made international headlines. But the world soon forgot about Pamela Werner as China was plunged into the chaos of war. Diane and her guest explore the real-life story of murder and belated justice in Old China.

A young woman in her twenties loses the mother she adores. The death sends her into a downward spiral of divorce, drug use and loss of identity. Her salvation is to go on an eleven hundred mile hike alone. Cheryl Strayed says these circumstances lead her to the Pacific Crest Trail. She hoped the journey would make her into the woman she knew she could become and turn her back into the girl she had once been. Strayed was recently revealed to be the advice columnist "Dear Sugar," a kind of "Dear Abby" of the digital age. Cheryl Strayed talks about going from lost to found on the Pacific Crest Trail.

The Electoral College was created by the Framers as a compromise to save the Constitution: America would elect its president indirectly, with individuals chosen by the states based on their representation in Congress. Most states now use a winner-take-all system that awards all electors to the winning candidate. Supporters of the Electoral College say it protects the rights of smaller and rural states. But critics argue the system is undemocratic and gives too much power to battleground states. And polls show a majority of Americans favor doing away with the Electoral College. Diane and guests discuss how America elects its president.

Turkey retaliates against Syria for shelling a border town. Thousands of Iranians protest plummeting currency. And Europe's central bank keeps interest rates steady. Diane and a panel of journalists discuss the week's top stories, what happened and why.

Fallout from the first presidential debate. A first look at September unemployment numbers. And Pennsylvania's voter ID law is blocked. Diane and her guests discuss the week's top stories, what happened and why.

When the Second Vatican Council opened 50 years ago this month, many called it the most important religious event of the 20th century. The council expanded church teaching on ecumenism and religious freedom, and had a major impact on liturgy and church life. But its repercussions reached far beyond the Catholic Church. Champions of Vatican II often see it as having liberated Catholics from the oppression of church leaders. Detractors blame it for shattering unity and order in the church — and introducing an era of doubt. The accomplishments and shortcomings of Vatican II.

The first presidential debate was held last night in Denver. Diane and her guests discuss what they said, who came out ahead, and where the candidates go from here.

Salman Khan, founder of Khan Academy, talks about the current state of education and his efforts to provide a free online learning for anyone, anywhere.

Omega-3 fish oil supplements are widely thought to help prevent a variety of ailments including heart disease, Alzheimer's and depression: Assessing the health benefits of an Omega-3 rich diet.