WAMU-FM: WAMU: The Kojo Nnamdi Show Podcast

DC'S TAXI WARS: The D.C. Council waded into the contentious politics of taxi regulation this week, considering new rules to regulate luxury services like Uber. Traditional taxi cab drivers say these new services enjoy an unfair advantage that threatens their livelihoods. Supporters say they provide a valuable service and are bringing change to an old, flawed system. We get the latest. (18 min.) OKTOBERFEST AND SEASONAL BEER: As the days get shorter and the weather cools down, it's time to grab a sweater and a beer stein and head out to Oktoberfest. Kojo explores the seasonal beers on tap in our region, from pie-in-a-bottle pumpkin beer to the crisp, refreshing flavors of Oktoberfest-style beer. (32 min.)

DC PUBLIC LIBRARIES: Amid fanfare over the many new and recently renovated libraries around the District, debate continues over proposed changes to the historic Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. The latest proposals include opening a central core to add more light and air to the space, originally designed by modern master Mies van der Rohe. But how to pay for the renovations and maintain the building's character are among the issues still to be resolved. (36 min.) YOUR TURN: Weigh in on the presidential race, the Senate battle in Virginia, unrest in the Middle East, the NFL referee lockout, or anything else on your mind--it's your turn. (14 min.)

BEHIND THE PROTESTS IN LIBYA AND PAKISTAN: Protests in Libya sparked an order to disband the country's rogue militias, one of which may be linked to the death of U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens. And protests in Pakistan over an anti-Islamic video led to a bounty on the head of the American filmmaker. With the Libyan and Pakistani presidents both in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, the world is watching their moves to diffuse tensions at home. (19 min.) "IN THE SHADOW OF THE BANYAN": When Vaddey Ratner was five years old, her entire world was shattered. Members of Cambodia's royalty, she and her family were targeted by the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. They, along with millions of other Cambodians, were sent to labor camps, where many died. She and her mother survived, eventually immigrating to the U.S. We talk with her about making peace with the past and moving forward with purpose. (31 min.)

NEWS AND THE EVOLUTION OF THE SOCIAL WEB: In 1997, Rob Malda founded Slashdot, a trail-blazing tech news site and online community, under the moniker "CmdrTaco." Last year, he joined WaPo Labs, an experimental unit within The Washington Post Company that designs new digital tools for discovering and sharing stories. He joins Tech Tuesday to explore the evolution of the social web and the future of news consumption and dissemination. (52 min.)

"THE VICTORY LAB": Both major political parties are spending hundreds of millions of dollars to influence the opinions of a tiny sliver of the electorate, using attack ads, stump speeches and surrogates to reach undecided voters. But both parties are also engaged in a secretive, data-driven competition to identify and motivate their core supporters for Election Day, drawing inspiration from prescription drug trials and behavioral science experiments. We talk with author Sasha Issenberg about the secret science of winning campaigns. (52 min.)

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM: REDEFINING STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES: No student starts school wanting to fail. But all kinds of complications arise in life, causing students to disconnect from the educational experience. This is especially true for students whose families who are already marginalized due to generational poverty, historic discrimination or other challenging life circumstances. We find out about a unique set of programs working across our region and throughout the country to help schools provide families with the resources they need to help every student succeed. (32 min.) LABOR STRIFE IN PRO SPORTS: The National Football League is relying on replacement referees after a protracted fight with the union representing on-field officials. Meanwhile, professional hockey players are booking tickets to play in Europe after the first week of a National Hockey League lockout. We explore the economic and political issues at play, and examine why lockouts are becoming so common in pro sports. (17 min.)

THE POLITICS HOUR: Virginia's hot-button race for the U.S. Senate reaches a critical crossroads. A D.C. Council member's driving record adds to the roadblocks his reelection campaign faces. And another Metro meltdown creates a nightmarish morning for commuters. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies and personalities of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. (52 min.)

WYCLEF JEAN: Wyclef Jean rose to fame as a member of the hip-hop trio The Fugees and has sold millions of records as a musician and producer. But while living out a musician's dream, Wyclef says his native Haiti is never far from his thoughts. Kojo talks with Wyclef about his music, being an immigrant in America, his political ambitions and what's next. (52 min.)

PUBLIC VANDALISM OR PUBLIC ART?: Some see tags scrawled across walls and storefront gates as a public nuisance. Others see art and an outlet for local graffiti artists and creative youths. A few years ago, the District decided it would encourage the latter, launching a public mural program that co-opts local artists to create neighborhood murals. We look at official — and unofficial — art on the walls, buildings and overpasses around our region. (52 min.)

WHAT SECULARISM IS...AND ISN'T: America's domestic and foreign policies are shaped profoundly by our relationships with religion, whether it's a legislative battle over same-sex marriage or diplomatic challenge involving the Muslim world. Jacques Berlinerblau argues that America draws strength from its religious diversity, but that a return to a more secular tradition will keep religious freedom and diversity from "encroaching" on each other. We explore what secularism is — and isn't — in the modern world. (52 min.)

RUSSIA EXPELS USAID: After 20 years of working in Russia, the U.S. Agency for International Development is being expelled from the country. The Russian Foreign Ministry accuses USAID of funding local political organizations and breaking rules for the operation of nongovernmental organizations in the country. We explore USAID's role in U.S. foreign policy, and what the crackdown means for Russian democracy. (14 min.) "DOS AND DON'TS" OF THE BUSINESS LUNCH: In Washington, the power lunch and the client dinner are fixtures of our business and political culture. But not everyone knows how to navigate the table while closing the deal: which glass to use, what foods to avoid and who should reach for the check. We get tips from an etiquette expert and the manager of a D.C. power lunch bistro. (35 min.)

WHEN PRIVATE REMARKS GO PUBLIC: WHAT'S NEWS IN A CAMPAIGN?: When Mitt Romney's remarks at a private gathering of donors went public, the Republican presidential nominee tried to explain while critics tried to pounce. In a campaign where access to candidates is limited, how should the news media handle comments intended only for select ears? (19 min.) NASA'S MISSION TO MARS: It's been six weeks since NASA dropped its $2 billion rover, Curiosity, on the surface of the Red Planet. After a thorough exam to make sure its instruments survived the journey, NASA's scientists are preparing Curiosity for its long drive to Mount Sharp, a mountain scientists say will reveal Mars' history and signs of former life. We discuss the rover's potential, progress and perils with the mission's lead scientist. (30 min.)

CREATIVITY AND THE PATENT WARS : Last month, Apple won a landmark patent case against Samsung that sent shock waves through the market for mobile devices. But it's just the first round in an intellectual property fight that will determine how companies design and manufacture products to compete with Apple. We consider the effect of the ruling and what it means for the future of the mobile market. (52 min.)

FASHION ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL AND BEYOND WITH ROBIN GIVHAN: Campaigns are highly choreographed affairs, and with cameras capturing every step, image matters. Whether it's a formal fundraiser or a casual stop at a state fair, what you wear and how you present yourself conveys a lot to voters. We talk with Robin Givhan about the power of image in an election year and the interplay between fashion and politics. (52 min.)

VIRGINIA'S BOARD OF HEALTH PASSES NEW ABORTION CLINIC REGULATIONS: After months of debate, Virginia's State Board of Health voted 13-2 on Friday to impose strict new building standards on abortion clinics across the Commonwealth. The regulations-- requiring existing clinics to meet the same standards as hospitals-- could force some of Virginia's 20 clinics to close. Some board members complained of intimidation by Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli in advance of the vote. We look at the legal and legislative wrangling behind the debate. (20 min.) BUGS OF FALL: Fall bug season is upon us, and this summer's warmer than usual weather left behind an exploding insect population. You can expect to see more mosquitoes, stink bugs and yellow jackets until the weather cools. And bugs are more than just a nuisance this year — the U.S. is dealing with its most serious outbreak of mosquito-borne West Nile virus to date. "Bug Guy" Mike Raupp helps explain what you're seeing, and how to protect yourself from insects that bite, sting or stink. (30 min.)