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The Bush administration has made Social Security reform a top priority in its second term. In arguing for partial privatization of the system, the president and his supporters warn of dire consequences unless something is done. Bush's critics say he is arguing for overly drastic measures. NPR Don Gonyea reports.

Drawing on the centuries-old tradition of female vocal music from Eastern Europe, the women's ensemble Kitka has won wide acclaim for their lush harmonies. Their latest CD, Wintersongs, features Slavic and Balkan carols and hymns. NPR's Jennifer Ludden talks with members of the ensemble.

World War II paratrooper Joe Beyrle died this week at the age of 81. He has the distinction of being the only soldier in that conflict to fight for both the American and Russian armies. Hear Beyrle's biographer, Thomas Taylor, and NPR's Scott Simon.

The multi-talented Mos Def plays a police officer in the new indie film The Woodsman, also starring Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, about a pedophile who moves into a suburban neighborhood. He also talks with Terri Gross about his new rap album, The New Danger.

Rev. Jim Wallis is the founder of the organization Sojourners, a Christian group advocating a style of peace and justice. Wallis is editor in chief of Sojourners magazine. His new book is God's Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It.

After months of intense negotiations, the House votes 336-75 to pass an anticipated intelligence reform bill. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Peter Hoekstra said in final debate on the bill that it may be one of the most difficult and involved bills in Congressional history. NPR's Andrea Seabrook reports.

NPR's Madeleine Brand talks with Ronald Fleury, editor-in-chief of The New Jersey Law Journal, about the career of federal appeals court Judge Michael Chertoff. President Bush announced Tuesday morning that Chertoff is his choice to be the new head of the Department of Homeland Security, replacing outgoing chief Tom Ridge.

Tipper Gore, who launched a successful campaign for warning labels on explicit music lyrics, says parents are still the best line of defense against indecent material aimed at children. She talks with NPR's Robert Siegel.

A powerful congressional chairman announces he is dropping his opposition to the White House-backed intelligence reform bill. A vote on a legislative compromise could come Tuesday in the House of Representatives, even though another key chairman remains opposed. Hear NPR's David Welna.

NPR's Madeleine Brand speaks with Day to Day personal finance contributor Michelle Singletary about the so-called "no-hassle" credit cards offered by Capital One and other companies. Many of those cards start out with low interest rates that can later skyrocket. Singletary writes the syndicated column "The Color of Money" for The Washington Post.