Oli Carroll, The Economist's Ukraine correspondent, shares his insights directly from Kharkiv, detailing the city's resilience amid relentless drone strikes and the ongoing emotional toll of war. Sarah Burke, Bureau Chief for Mexico and Central America, sheds light on the alarming crisis of missing persons in Mexico, discussing official statistics versus the families' harrowing experiences. The discussion also touches on the allure of state-run lotteries for low-income players, revealing the fascinating motivations behind their participation despite the odds.
Kharkiv faces relentless Russian attacks targeting critical infrastructure, yet residents display resilience in the midst of chaos.
Mexico struggles with a surge in missing persons underreporting, raising concerns about government transparency and accuracy in data recording.
Deep dives
Challenges in Harkiv Amid Russian Military Offensive
Harkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, faces intense Russian military attacks involving missiles, drones, and bombs targeting critical infrastructure like electricity. Despite the continuous assaults, residents display unbreakable spirits, playing football and carrying on amid the chaos. The city anticipates escalating operations by Russia, with increased vulnerability and concerns about potential ground forces invasion.
Mexico's Ongoing Issue of Disappeared Persons
Mexico grapples with a significant number of missing individuals, escalating since the war on drugs began in 2006. Under President Lopez Obrador, disappearances have surged, with lingering challenges in accurate reporting and identification. Families of the missing express skepticism towards government numbers, believing that a substantial undercount exists, leading to ongoing protests and demands for meaningful action.
Regressive Impact of Lotteries on Low-income Americans
State lotteries in the US, despite offering low odds of winning, attract significant spending from low-income households, becoming a lucrative government revenue source. Analysis shows a clear income disparity in lottery spending, with the poorest spending considerably more compared to wealthier individuals. The pandemic further widened this gap, highlighting the paradox of increased spending for a slim chance of financial gain.
Since the invasion began, Ukraine's second city has suffered a third of all aerial attacks. The latest one has been especially gruelling. A census of Mexico’s missing people is likely underestimating the scale of the problem. Is the president deliberately trying to minimise its scale (11:08)? And, why those with the least to spend on lottery tickets are most likely to try their luck (19:20).