Whistleblowers are a crucial safety valve in any system – they’re the insiders who can spot wrongdoing and alert higher-ups, and even the public, to prevent or reduce harm. You might think companies and governments, and society as a whole, would be grateful. There are laws protecting whistleblowers from being demoted or fired for their honesty.

Indiana University’s Jennifer Pacella has studied what actually happens to whistleblowers after they raise red flags. Her explanation of the treatment of intelligence-community whistleblowers is an alarm all its own.

Also this week, we liked stories about why no one likes the next generation’s music, medical marijuana in 1800s France and the reason it’s impossible for you to get the flu from the flu shot.