US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Ukraine breakthrough not likely until President Trump meets Vladimir Putin. Also: power cuts in Sudan after drone strikes on power stations.
The Allusionist - 208. Four Letter Words: Ffff
Welcome to Four Letter Word season!
We're kicking off with one of the most versatile words: it can be a noun, verb, punctuation, expostulation, full sentence on its own; it can be an intensifier, an insult and a compliment... and a Category A swear, which is why I've had to sanitise it for the title lest your pod app takes exception. And of course, content note: this episode contains many category A swears, plus some sexual references.
Lexicographer and editor Jesse Sheidlower joins to talk about making four editions (so far) of The F Word, a history and dictionary of the multivalent F word. Find his work at jessesword.com
Next up in Four Letter Word season: we revisit an even stronger swear.
Visit theallusionist.org/ffff (that's four Fs) for a transcript of this episode, plus links to more information about topics in the episode.
Support the show at theallusionist.org/donate and as well as keeping this independent podcast going, you also get behind-the-scenes glimpses about every episode, fortnightly livestreams with me and my dictionaries, and the Allusioverse Discord community.
This episode was produced by me, Helen Zaltzman, on the unceded ancestral and traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
The music is by Martin Austwick. Download his songs at palebirdmusic.com and listen to his podcasts Song By Song and Neutrino Watch.
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PBS News Hour - Health - What’s behind the significant drop in opioid overdose deaths
Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. plunged last year to their lowest level since 2019, according to the CDC. In 2024, nationwide overdose deaths fell by nearly 30,000 from the year before, a drop of about 27 percent. There were declines across all categories of drug use, including opioids, the source of most overdose deaths over the past decade. John Yang discussed more with Brian Mann of NPR. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
Marketplace All-in-One - When stressed consumers and higher prices collide
Retail sales were practically flat from March to April, and consumers are feeling more glum, two recent reports show. Already, one big box retailer has said it will start raising prices in the wake of tariff pressure. In this episode, what happens when stressed shoppers meet higher costs? Plus: Data centers could be key to stabilizing natural gas demand, slashed USDA grants leave small farms scrambling to stay afloat and Trump’s tariffs, ironically, send some manufacturing out of the U.S. and into Canada.
PBS News Hour - Art Beat - Lao and Proud: Chef inspires others to embrace their heritage and history through food
Food is a tangible and accessible way to understand and connect with different societies. One chef has led the movement to bring traditional food from her home country of Laos to diners across the United States. Laura Barrón-López reports for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
PBS News Hour - Art Beat - Lao and Proud: Chef inspires others to embrace their heritage and history through food
Food is a tangible and accessible way to understand and connect with different societies. One chef has led the movement to bring traditional food from her home country of Laos to diners across the United States. Laura Barrón-López reports for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
Motley Fool Money - Netflix, YouTube Put Ads Up Front
More 18-to-34 year olds are watching Netflix’s cheapest tier than any U.S. broadcast or cable network.
(00:21) Tim Beyers and Ricky Mulvey discuss:
- Walmart’s response to tariff uncertainty.
- Netflix’s booming ad business.
- How YouTube is capitalizing on points of “maximum attention.”
Then, (17:39) Motley Fool Senior Analyst, Karl Thiel, joins Mary Long to dive into the executive order on prescription drug prices and questions for pharmaceutical companies.
Companies discussed: WMT, NFLX, GOOG, GOOGL , NVO
Host: Ricky Mulvey
Guests: Tim Beyers, Mary Long, Karl Thiel
Engineers: Dan Boyd, Rick Engdahl
Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, "TMF") do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement.
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The Gist - Jocelyn Benson on Being a Purposeful / Purple State Warrior
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson joins to discuss her new book The Purposeful Warrior: Standing Up for What's Right When the Stakes Are High. Benson, frontrunner to become Michigan's next governor discusses the tactics she and other secretaries of state used to combat 2020 election denialism, but also her restraint during efforts to keep Trump off the 2024 ballot. Plus, RFK Jr. testifies before Congress and defends hiring a man fined for practicing medicine without a license.
Produced by Corey Wara
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - The Government Wants You To Have More Kids…But Why?
The Trump administration is rolling out a series of proposals aimed at reversing America’s declining birth rate — from a $5,000 “baby bonus” for new mothers to symbolic awards for large families. But critics say these incentives miss the mark, arguing that what families really need is long-term support like paid leave, affordable child care, and access to early education.Reset explores the politics behind the push, what’s driving lower birth rates, and whether government perks can really influence such a deeply personal decision with author and history professor at University of Chicago Peggy O’Donnell Heffington
For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.
The Journal. - An Air Traffic Controller Speaks Out About Newark Airport
Air traffic controllers for Newark Liberty International Airport have recently experienced several frightening incidents. Their radars and radios have gone dark, potentially risking the lives of hundreds of passengers. The resulting chaos and delays are forcing government officials to address staffing shortages and outdated tech at the Newark facility, and nationwide. WSJ’s aviation reporter Andrew Tangel talks with one air traffic controller about the difficulties of the job. Annie Minoff hosts.
Further Listening:
-Your Flight Delay Is Probably New York’s Fault
-The Life and Death of a Boeing Whistleblower
Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter.
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