US sanctions target Georgian billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, stirring political unrest in Georgia and raising concerns about democratic institutions. The podcast also dives into the extradition of crypto mogul Do Kwon amid fraud allegations, questioning the resilience of the cryptocurrency market. Additionally, it highlights Baltimore's recovery efforts after a bridge disaster, emphasizing community spirit. Lastly, there's an uplifting look at the rise of volunteerism in the US, addressing food insecurity and showcasing the impactful role of nonprofits.
US sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili underline Georgia's political crisis and increasing public demand for EU integration amidst rising tensions with Russia.
Local businesses in Baltimore are struggling to recover post-bridge collapse, yet entrepreneurs show resilience and commitment to rebuilding their community.
Deep dives
Georgian Political Turmoil and US Sanctions
Recent sanctions imposed by the US on Bidzina Ivanishvili, Georgia's former prime minister, highlight the ongoing political crisis in the country. These sanctions target Ivanishvili for allegedly undermining democratic institutions and contributing to human rights abuses, actions that have left Georgia vulnerable to Russian influence. Following disputed elections, protests have erupted in the capital, indicating significant public dissatisfaction and a desire for closer ties to the European Union. The Georgian Dream Party's decision to suspend efforts for EU membership has further fueled anger among Georgians, who largely aspire to integrate with Western institutions.
The Fallout from the Baltimore Bridge Disaster
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore nine months ago has had dire economic consequences for local businesses. Two entrepreneurs shared their experiences; Jennifer Pruitt had to reroute her logistics operations to a distant port, incurring losses just to keep her drivers employed. Meanwhile, Bobby Laplin's sailing tours saw a staggering 34% drop in revenue due to decreased tourism and lingering psychological effects from the disaster. Despite the challenges, both owners expressed optimism about community resilience and the importance of rebuilding efforts to restore the local economy.
Resurgence of Volunteering in the US
Volunteering has experienced a notable rebound in the US, with over 75 million individuals participating in non-profit work last year, contributing nearly $168 billion to the economy. This increase follows a significant drop during the pandemic, where many volunteers were unable to assist due to restrictions. Organizations like City Harvest in New York rely heavily on volunteers to address the high demand for food assistance, underscoring the essential role they play in community support. New volunteers, motivated by a desire to connect and give back, are stepping up, demonstrating a renewed commitment to helping others.
The US has imposed sanctions on Georgia's former prime minister and billionaire founder of the Georgian Dream party, Bidzina Ivanishvili.
One of crypto-currency's most notorious figures is facing extradition to the US on charges of massive fraud. What do we know about Do Kwan?
Also in the show, nine months on from the Baltimore Bridge disaster, we speak to two local companies about how they're trying to put their businesses back together.
And how volunteering - also a multi-billion dollar industry in the US though often overlooked, is back on the rise in the US.
You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. We would love to hear from you!
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