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Legendary writer Jimmy Breslin has spent a lifetime telling the story of New York, describing gritty happenings of the criminal underworld. Breslin discusses his latest book, The Good Rat, a true story chronicling the life of infamous mobster Burton Kaplan.

At the core of The Jayhawks' alt-country music is the combined talent of Gary Louris and Mark Olson. These guys seem to have it all: impeccable guitar lines, smooth harmonies and songwriting capabilities that rival just about any musician (or group of musicians) around.

In a stark change to conventional Indian literature, chick-lit novels are gaining popularity in Indian society. As a part of the program's Next Big Thing series, author Swati Kaushal discusses her novel, which many call the first Indian chick-lit, and the necessity for this genre in Indian culture.

Journalist, novelist, and playwright SUSAN BERMAN. Berman's childhood is rooted in the infamous, fast-paced, Vegas lifestyle of a mafia family. Her latest book, "Lady Las Vegas" (TV Books), tells the story of her experience as the daughter of Davie Berman mafia partner to Bugsy Siegel. She is also the author of four other books, including her acclaimed memoir "Easy Street."Jazz critic KEVIN WHITEHEAD reviews the CD "Serpentine" (Songlines) featuring Han Bennink and Dave Douglas. 12:58:30 NEXT SHOW PROMO (:29) PROMO COPY On the next Fresh Air...does our neglect of the mentally ill lead to violence, overcrowded jails, and homelessness? Psychiatrist E. FULLER TORREY's new book "Out of the Shadows" challenges society's conventional treatment of the disease. Also, journalist and novelist SUSAN BERMAN. Her father David Berman and his partner Bugsy Seigel were part of the Las Vegas mafia who built the strip in the 1940s. That and more coming up on today's Fresh Air.

The House of Representatives will vote in coming days on whether to relax President Bush's restrictions on embryonic stem cell research. Anti-abortion groups oppose the bill, which would allow funding of research on embryos left over from in vitro fertilization. But support for the measure appears to be growing, even among some anti-abortion lawmakers.

In John Sandford's new thriller Broken Prey, middle-aged Minneapolis police officer Lucas Davenport takes time out from crime-solving to compile a list of the top 100 rock songs for a road trip.

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has taken a heavy emotional toll on people throughout the Gulf Coast region. In Jefferson Parish, just outside New Orleans, an apparent increase in the number of suicide attempts is one sign of the psychological strain. We have the second of a series of reports on mental health after the storm.

From 1950 to 1956, the team of Martin and Lewis were America's favorite entertainers. A new memoir from Jerry Lewis details how their 10-year partnership was destroyed. Dean and Me: A Love Story details life behind the scenes of 16 films and numerous TV and club shows.

Jennie Erdal was the ghostwriter bheind several best-selling novels published under the name of her boss, a well-known British publisher and businessman. She explores the complex nature of creativity and anonymity in a new book: Ghosting: A Double Life.

Labor Day is typically associated with cookouts. But for those who grow tired of simple, routine grilling fare, Washington's "Chef James" Paige shares his tasty techniques with listeners.

The federal government wants the nation's employers to help in the fight against the H1N1 swine flu. It's developed a set of guidelines for businesses to follow. The major goal is to keep sick workers at home, not at work spreading the flu.

"Afropean" singer Marie Daulne is Zap Mama. She formed the group as an a cappella quintet in the late '80s, influenced by Central Asian pygmy music. But over the years, Daulne took on more members and transformed Zap Mama into a pan-global dance group. In a session from KEXP, the group performs new songs.