WAMU-FM: WAMU: The Kojo Nnamdi Show Podcast

"WHITE HAT" HACKERS AND CYBERSECURITY: In the information age, our economy has become increasingly reliant on cyber infrastructure. But security researchers are finding gaping holes in those systems, some of which expose everything from water plants to power grids. We chat with a pair of "white hat" hackers who used to work for the federal government, one of whom has won worldwide fame for penetrating popular Apple products. (52 min.)

FEDERAL RAIL SAFETY STANDARDS AND METRO: Earlier this month, President Barack Obama signed into law a bill requiring federal safety standards for rail transit systems. It was introduced after a crash on Washington's rail system killed nine people three years ago. We chat with Sen. Barbara Mikulksi, D-Md., the author of the measure, about how the standards are likely to affect Washington's system and those like it around the country. (09 min.) AFGHANISTAN: LESSONS LEARNED (AND UNLEARNED): As a candidate for president in 2008, Barack Obama often accused the Bush administration of ignoring and mismanaging the conflict in Afghanistan. But when President Obama authorized a military and civilian surge in Afghanistan in 2009, the effort was quickly bogged down by bureaucratic infighting, questionable strategic decisions and lessons unlearned from history. Author Rajiv Chandrasekaran joins Kojo to explore the war within the war for Afghanistan. (43 min.)

SMALL BUSINESSES AND RETAIL SPACE: Most urbanites say they'd like to see more local and independently owned shops and fewer chain stores in their neighborhood. But many local businesses find that leasing retail space in a good location is nearly impossible. Many developers and landlords prefer safe "credit tenants," which are typically national chains that can commit to long leases and afford to pay a premium. It's an economic reality that keeps mom-and-pop shops out of some of the city's most lucrative addresses. We'll hear from local business owners and landlords about the challenges on both sides. (52 min.)

THE POLITICS HOUR: Another guilty plea in a sprawling corruption scandal clouds the future of D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray. The presidential candidates step up their game in battleground Virginia. And Maryland voters may get the final word on the state's new congressional map this fall. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies and personalities of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. (52 min.)

ONE FINE DAY: WEDDING PLANNING: First comes love, then comes marriage, as the song goes, but in between comes the wedding. Whether it's a simple ceremony for close relatives or an extravaganza for hundreds of guests, many couples find the process fraught with financial, emotional, and logistical challenges. We explore the ins and outs of the wedding industry, and consider what it takes to plan a trip down the aisle. (52 min.)

TRANSPARENCY IN THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM: Last week, a toddler in Prince George's County was murdered by her 12-year-old foster brother. Maryland's Department of Human Resources pledges a thorough investigation, but many advocates say the case highlights the lack of transparency and public accountability within some of our region's child welfare systems. We explore the tricky balance between privacy concerns and the public's right to know. (23 min.) WASHINGTON'S EVOLVING IDENTITY: HOW CHOCOLATE CITY IS CHANGING : Some call go-go music the "beating heart of Washington's black culture." Go-go is a uniquely local musical style in a city whose local identity is rooted in the African-American experience. But as the District's demographics change, and Washington is no longer majority black, Kojo explores how neighborhoods and the city's own identity are changing through the music D.C. calls its own. (28 min.)

THE THREAT TO TIMBUKTU: Ongoing political unrest in the West African nation of Mali has put at risk the desert city of Timbuktu, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Militant Islamists continue to attack the city's historic shrines and mosques, and many fear some sites have already been irreparably damaged. We explore their motives and how Washington and the international community are responding to ongoing instability in Mali. (22 min.) CALORIE POLICE: LEGISLATING HOW MUCH WE EAT: With an obesity epidemic sweeping the country, lawmakers are trying to help Americans slim down and eat healthy foods. New York City may ban sales of large sodas, and the national health care law will require calorie counts on some restaurant menus. But will those measures help? We explore what it takes to change human behavior and trim our consumption of food and drinks. (29 min.)

"SNOW-STORM IN AUGUST:" D.C.'S FIRST RACE RIOT: In pre-Civil War Washington D.C., free blacks ran successful businesses despite the continuation of the slave trade around them. In 1835, a drunken slave entered his mistress' bedroom with an ax, setting in motion events that would lead to the city's first race riot. We learn about the fascinating, and nearly forgotten, characters involved in the incident and its aftermath. (52 min.)

DNS CHANGER: CYBER CRIMINALS, INTERNET ACCESS AND THE FBI: Last November, the FBI created a web "safety net" to protect computer users from a virus created by a recently-busted Estonian gang of cyber criminals. The law authorizing that safety net expired on July 9, so anyone with an infected computer might have trouble getting on the Internet. We explore what the FBI did then and what you can do now if you're affected by the DNS Changer virus. (15 min.) FROM COLLEGE PARK TO THE OLYMPICS: COACH ANDREW VALMON: Andrew Valmon will coach America's finest track and field athletes at the London Olympics later this month. But on the home front, Valmon, also the head track coach at the University of Maryland, is fighting for the survival of his program. Valmon joins us to discuss the challenges and rewards of both of his coaching jobs, and the business of collegiate athletics. (36 min.)

TRAFFIC CAMERA TECHNOLOGY: Jurisdictions around the Washington region are installing sophisticated camera systems to detect — and fine — lead-footed drivers and red light runners. Automated traffic enforcement has polarized communities, prompting complaints, lawsuits and even vandalism. But local authorities insist that new high tech systems are beginning to change our driving habits for the better. Tech Tuesday explores how automated camera systems work and how these new devices affect our behavior on the roads. (52 min.)

HOWARD & KOJO: LGBT IN THE WORKPLACE: Nine out of ten Americans will tell you there's a federal law prohibiting workplace discrimination against someone who is gay or transgender. No such law exists, but an 11th Circuit Court ruling and a recent Equal Employment Opportunity Commission decision expanded the definition of sex discrimination to include transgender and gender nonconforming people. But many rights activists say state and federal laws are still needed to prohibit discrimination of gays and transexuals in the workplace. (52 min.)

TAX BREAKS FOR TECH IN THE DISTRICT: It's the holy grail for a region aiming to develop a tech sector: a homegrown start-up skyrocketing to success. LivingSocial is now a big fish in the tech pond, and the District is offering a $32.5 million tax deal to keep them here. Critics say it's a giveaway with no guarantees for the city, while others say it's key to nurturing the industry. And the debate won't end with LivingSocial — the D.C. Council votes Tuesday on a bill offering help and other tax breaks to tech start-ups. (27 min.) CONTROVERSY AT THE CORCORAN: Concerns over money and gallery space have leaders at the Corcoran Gallery contemplating a move away from the District. The city's oldest private museum owns a world-class collection of American art and runs an art school in its historic beaux arts building across the street from the White House. But last month its board moved to put the building on the market. We examine the controversy at the Corcoran. (23 min.)

THE POLITICS HOUR: The region's residents, and its politics, are slammed by a "derecho." Lawmakers are striking back by lashing out at the area's utility companies. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies and personalities of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. (52 min.)

"BARACK OBAMA: THE STORY": Barack Obama's life story is shrouded in mythology and anecdotes — some fabricated by his political adversaries, some crafted by the president himself through his memoir. In "Barack Obama: The Story," journalist and biographer David Maraniss examines the true story of our 44th president. Kojo chats with Maraniss about the art of crafting a biography and the stories he unearthed about Obama. (52 min.)

THE EVOLUTION OF D.C. ARCHITECTURE : We're all familiar with the architectural landmarks that define D.C.'s landscape. But hidden gems and fresh interpretations of styles are hidden in plain sight across the District. We talk with architect and National Building Museum curator Martin Moeller about the evolving architecture of the nation's capital. (52 min.)