Trump's tariffs stir mixed emotions in small-town Ohio, revealing a disconnect between Wall Street and local industries. In Myanmar, military restrictions complicate earthquake recovery efforts, highlighted by undercover reporting. A tragic nightclub collapse in the Dominican Republic leaves over 200 dead, with deep emotional scars for the victims' families. Meanwhile, Taliban rule in Afghanistan intensifies surveillance and curtails rights, raising fears among citizens. Plus, a dive into the history of early electric vehicles sparks intrigue in the EV revolution.
In Delta, Ohio, local residents express mixed feelings about Trump's tariffs, with many viewing potential economic benefits for the steel industry despite market concerns.
The devastating earthquake in Myanmar highlights the dire situation of affected families, exacerbated by military restrictions on foreign aid and media access to the disaster zone.
Deep dives
The Impact of Tariffs on Small-Town America
Recent tariffs imposed by Donald Trump have caused significant fluctuations in global stock markets, prompting mixed reactions from small-town citizens in Delta, Ohio, where many residents strongly support the president. While some community members acknowledge the potential economic pain and market downturns that tariffs might bring, they remain largely unconcerned, believing that the local steel industry could benefit from increased work opportunities and wages as a result. Interviews reveal a stark contrast between differing perspectives, with younger workers in the back of the local diner showing indifference and skepticism towards discussing tariffs, while older residents express cautious optimism despite their discontent with Trump. This snapshot of Delta illustrates the complex interplay of economic policy, local sentiment, and community dynamics that shape opinions in the heart of America’s Rust Belt.
Devastation in Myanmar Following Earthquake
In Myanmar, a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake has left thousands dead and many homes destroyed, prompting volunteers to dig through rubble in search of survivors amidst severe restrictions imposed by the military junta. A foreign journalist, entering the country undercover, witnessed the harrowing scene as families desperately awaited news of loved ones, particularly monks trapped during an exam at a Buddhist academy at the time of the quake. The challenges for rescue efforts are compounded by the junta's blockade of foreign media access and aid, leading to a heartbreaking reality where families take matters into their own hands, often left to excavate rubble without any professional assistance. As bodies are recovered, the emotional toll on families is immense, as hope diminishes and the urgency to find survivors becomes increasingly critical amid global indifference.
Electric Cars: A Historical Perspective
The modern electric vehicle (EV) market is witnessing a shift in dominance, with China overtaking the U.S. in sales, yet the roots of this phenomenon can be traced back to one of the world’s first mass-produced electric cars developed in the 1970s on the Greek island of Syros. The Enfield Neorion, despite its limited speed and early technological constraints, epitomized an innovative response to the pollution concerns and unstable oil markets of the era, leading to the emergence of sustainable alternatives. Yanis Goulandris, the vision behind its production, aimed to establish a new industry that not only addressed ecological challenges but also integrated local craftsmanship with modern engineering. Although the factory's operation was short-lived, its legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring human drive to seek cleaner alternatives long before the current electric car boom.
Kate Adie presents stories from the USA, Myanmar, The Dominican Republic, Afghanistan and the Greek island of Syros
President Trump’s decision to impose huge tariffs across the world drew ire from Wall Street financiers this week - and even members of his own Republican party. But what do his supporters in small-town America think? Mike Wendling travelled to Delta, Ohio, in America's rust belt, where locals have other things on their mind.
In Myanmar the military junta has restricted foreign rescue teams’ access to areas damaged by the recent earthquake - not to mention international media. After entering the country undercover, Yogita Limaye reports from the city of Mandalay, close to the earthquake’s epicentre.
The Dominican Republic announced three days of national mourning this week, after the roof of a popular nightclub collapsed, killing more than two hundred people. Will Grant visited the scene in the capital Santo Domingo, where an investigation is now under way as to what caused the collapse.
Since returning to power in Afghanistan, the Taliban have steadily increased restrictions on the country’s citizens and the introduction of a huge CCTV network in the capital Kabul has alarmed human rights groups. The Taliban says it is to combat crime, but Mahjooba Nowrouzi says there is unease over what else might be under surveillance.
The battle for dominance in the electric car market is in full swing, but the EV evolution has been a long time in the making, as Sara Wheeler discovered when she stumbled across one of the world’s first mass-produced models on the Greek island of Syros.
Series producer: Serena Tarling
Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison & Sophie Hill
Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
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