Society

Using Prescription Medication For An Academic Edge

Using Prescription Medication For An Academic Edge

July 26, 2012

A growing number of high school and college students are using ADHD drugs to gain an academic edge: Adderall abuse and what's being done to address it.

Law Enforcement’s Growing Reliance On Cell Phone Data

July 25, 2012

Last year, law enforcement agencies made 1.3 million requests for cell phone user information. New questions about digital privacy and mobile surveillance.

Gun Control In An Election Year

July 24, 2012

In the wake of the Colorado shootings, national debate over gun control is in the spotlight, but most politicians are remaining silent. Diane and her guests discuss the absence of political debate over gun control in an election year.

Jeff Faux: "The Servant Economy"

July 17, 2012

An economist describes the financial decline of the middle class and why he believes neither political party will stop it.

Frank Partnoy: "Wait: The Art and Science of Delay"

July 10, 2012

We live in a fast-paced world that values quick thinking. But business and law expert Frank Partnoy warns against snap judgments and argues for the wisdom of delay.

Dr. Nora Volkow

Dr. Nora Volkow

July 9, 2012

The director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse on addiction and efforts to cure it.

The Global Banking Scandal

July 9, 2012

The ousted chief executive of Barclays Bank says it wasn’t the only financial institution that tried to manipulate benchmark interest rates. We look at the widening global bank scandal and the role of regulators.

Marie Tillman: "The Letter"

Marie Tillman: "The Letter"

July 5, 2012

In 2003, Pat Tillman wrote a "just in case" letter to his wife before leaving for Afghanistan to serve with the Army Rangers. She recounts how that letter helped her remake her life after his death.

The Dictionary Of American Regional English (Rebroadcast)

The Dictionary Of American Regional English (Rebroadcast)

July 4, 2012

The fifth volume of the Dictionary of American Regional English covers "slug" to "zydeco." It is part of a 50-year project to capture regional dialects. Joan Hall, chief editor of the dictionary, and linguist Ben Zimmer join Diane to discuss what our language reveals about who we are.

Economic Pressures On Local Governments

July 3, 2012

Stockton, Calif., is the largest U.S. city to declare bankruptcy, and others could follow. A panel joins Diane to discuss economic pressures on local governments and the push for privatizing public services.

The Diane Rehm Show is produced by member-supported WAMU 88.5 in Washington DC.