Join John Prideaux, US editor for The Economist, and technology writer Benjamin Sutherland as they dive into Donald Trump's fourth indictment under racketeering charges. They explore how this unique indictment may influence Trump's 2024 campaign, despite his enduring support. The conversation shifts to Ukraine's remarkable innovation of 'candy bombs' fueled by 3D printing to counter ammunition shortages. They also tackle the rising housing affordability crisis in American cities, utilizing the new Bradshaw Index to highlight these pressing issues.
Volunteers in Ukraine have developed a network to 3D print candy bombs as a temporary solution to the shortage of munitions, offering affordability, customization, and effectiveness.
Housing costs in American cities have outpaced wage growth, making it increasingly unaffordable for individuals who live alone, with New York City having a score of 0.4 on the Carrie Bradshaw Index, indicating the challenge of solo living for the average worker.
Deep dives
Ukraine's Network of Volunteers 3D Prints Candy Bombs
Volunteers in Ukraine have developed a network to 3D print candy bombs, homemade bombshells made from 3D printed components filled with bulk explosives. The candy bombs are used by Ukraine's forces as a temporary solution to the shortage of munitions. The network of volunteers operates with multiple people involved in the manufacturing process, with some specializing in bomb-making and 3D printing. While candy bombs cannot fully replace traditional munitions, they offer advantages such as affordability, customization, and effectiveness.
The Carrie Bradshaw Index: Cities Becoming Unaffordable for Solo Living
Housing costs in American cities have outpaced wage growth, making it increasingly unaffordable for individuals who live alone. The Economist created the Carrie Bradshaw Index to classify cities based on their affordability for solo living. The index calculates the ratio between the median salary and the salary needed to afford rent on a studio apartment. Cities with a score below 1 are considered unaffordable. New York City has a score of 0.4, indicating that living alone is challenging for the average worker. Other cities on the East Coast also face affordability challenges, while cities in the South and West are experiencing rapid population growth and rising rental prices.
Donald Trump Faces Racketeering and Other Felony Charges
Donald Trump is facing a new set of felony charges brought by Fanny Willis, the district attorney in Fulton County, Georgia. The charges include racketeering and solicitation of election fraud. This indictment is unusual as it is brought under state law and could potentially prevent a presidential pardon if Trump is convicted. The indictment alleges that Trump was at the center of a conspiracy to overturn Georgia's election results, with evidence including a phone call where Trump asked to find 11,780 votes. With these new charges, Trump now faces a total of 91 felony charges across multiple cases.
The former president has been hit with a new set of charges, under a catch-all racketeering act that has been used to prosecute everyone from rappers to teachers. It’s Mr Trump’s fourth indictment, but perhaps the most unusual. Ukraine’s new, surprisingly effective innovation: the “candy bomb” (10:10). And, the most expensive American cities to live alone (17:30).
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