The Intelligence from The Economist

In the end America got a swift and decisive call as to the next president: Donald Trump. We invite the hosts of “Checks and Balance”, our subscriber-only podcast on American politics, onto the show to discuss what we know so far—about the presidency, Congressional races and ballot initiatives.Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

America and the world hold their proverbial breath for what has become a dead heat. Our special episode explains how the vote works and how the count will proceed. We ask what to watch for, how countries outside America view the potential outcomes, how the country’s largest swing county has prepared and whether it is worthwhile staying up all night.Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

Both campaigns have racked up air miles covering the swing states that will decide America’s knife-edge election. We take a measure of things one day before the vote. The Turkic states of central Asia once depended heavily on Russia; now they are banding together to counterbalance it (10.38). And the costs arising as canal-boat living booms in Britain (17.46).Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

As criminal operations become more sophisticated scamming has grown into a huge and lucrative business. Americans are estimated to have lost a staggering $12.5 billion to cyber fraud last year, according to the FBI. Throw into the mix a tricky international policing environment, and the problem can often seem unsolvable. Enter, the scam-baiters. In recent years, vigilante justice has undergone something of a rebrand. The pitchforks and baying mobs have been traded in for youtube videos and viral content. In this episode of The Weekend Intelligence, Barclay Bram enters the world of the anti-scammers, and investigates the murky ethics of taking the law into your own hands. 

Our series concludes with an examination of the state with the most electoral-college votes: Pennsylvania. It is practically a must-win for either candidate—and it is on a knife-edge. As more and more people become influencers, fame is becoming more fickle and the entire economics of influencers is shifting (10:43). And how Gen Z is resurrecting goth culture (17:25).Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

Rachel Reeves’s first budget as chancellor of the exchequer saw the biggest tax rises in decades, as well as promises of high spending and investment. Our correspondent explains what the announcement means for Britain. How Hurricane Helene may affect the election in North Carolina, a month after the storm (10:58). And the most disgusting dish you can add a pickle to (16:53). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

First they treated diabetes. Then obesity. Now GLP-1 drugs are being tested on a range of other diseases too. Though the US economy is roaring, many Americans are glum about its prospects. How could that affect the election (9:02)? And our podcast on why Chinese migrants are making perilous journeys through the jungle to reach America (16:55).Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. 

Russia is advancing in Ukraine, has more troops and more weapons. In Kyiv and beyond, questions are being raised about the future. Why does America make it so hard to vote in the election from overseas? And what Britain’s citizenship test says about the country (19:52). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.