Tranq dope, a deadly drug combination, is discussed. Bed bug hysteria in France and the challenges of eradicating them. The impact of superstar tours on inflation and the economy is explored. The history and significance of mugshots is examined along with their legacy.
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Quick takeaways
Trankdope, a deadly combination of fentanyl and silosene, is causing a surge in deaths in America, with local dealers cutting fentanyl with silosene to maximize profits.
Bed bug infestations are on the rise globally due to increased travel and climate change, posing challenges for eradication and requiring professional extermination through heating.
Deep dives
Emerging Threat: Trankdope, a Deadly Drug Combination
Trankdope, a combination of fentanyl and tranquilizer called silosene, is causing a surge in deaths and is an emerging threat in America. Deaths associated with Trankdope have quadrupled since 2019, and it is now detected in almost every state. The mix is created by local dealers, who cut the expensive fentanyl with the cheaper silosene to maximize profits. Trankdope causes deep necrotic wounds and can lead to loss of consciousness, making users vulnerable to assault. There is currently no antidote for Trankdope, and treating overdoses requires additional medical intervention.
Bed Bug Hysteria: Rising Cases and Causes
Bed bug infestations are on the rise globally, causing panic and hysteria in places like France. While bed bugs are not dangerous and do not spread diseases, they can cause itchy bites and psychological distress. The increase in bed bug numbers is attributed to factors such as increased travel and climate change, as they breed faster in warm temperatures. Eradicating bed bugs is challenging due to their resistance to insecticides, and the most effective solution is heating, which requires professional extermination.
Mugshots: Understanding the History and Significance
Mugshots have a long history dating back to the 1840s, with the modern standardized format emerging in the 1880s. Mugshots were part of a broader identification system created by Alphonse Bertillon to catch serial offenders. While mugshots can communicate the essence of a person, they also reflect the societal context of the time. They have been used to document civil rights activists, revolutionaries, and celebrities, and have become iconic in some cases. Donald Trump's mugshot, though fabricated, embodies his campaign against America's justice system.
On our website and in our app, “The Economist explains” is one of the best-read features. Today we invite a few of their authors to keep explaining. What is tranq dope? Why did France get so het up about bedbugs (06:48)? Can superstars’ stadium shows actually affect inflation (11:50)? And, having at last seen Donald Trump’s, what is the back story of the mugshot (17:39)?
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