Ken Smith is the author of Junk English 2, a book about the often meaningless words and phrases Americans love to use. He sees the language "spiraling downward." Hear Smith and NPR's Jennifer Ludden.
Jennifer Ludden helps edit energy and environment stories for NPR's National Desk, working with NPR staffers and a team of public radio reporters across the country. They track the shift to clean energy, state and federal policy moves, and how people and communities are coping with the mounting impacts of climate change.
The jury considering the charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation for prostitution against the music mogul Sean Combs began its deliberations.
Authorities in Idaho are trying to learn more about the man they say started a fire, then ambushed and shot three responding firefighters, killing two. The suspect is dead and his motive is unknown.
Work requirements for Medicaid are proposed as a way to cut costs in the big budget bill. Studies find they achieve cost savings by kicking off legitimate beneficiaries because of a paperwork burden.