In theory, the Constitution should safeguard individual liberty by giving citizens a bulwark against state tyranny. However, the Constitution actually advanced federal government power or failed to ultimately prevent it.
From the number of women in space and transistors on a chip to social media usage -we’re taking a look back the key numerical moments of 2025. We explore the woes of a big infrastructure projects. Plus, just how can you make sure your New Year’s Resolutions are successful? We’ve got statistics to help.
Presenter: Tim Harford
Reporter: Lizzy McNeil
Producers: Charlotte McDonald and Katie Solleveld
Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele
Sound Mix: Neil Churchill
Editor: Richard Vadon
Americans are moving at record lows for work. What’s driving people to, well, not drive cross-country for jobs? On today’s episode, we explore the rising homebody economy.
For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Corey Bridges. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.
Socialists and progressives demand that the US adopt a “single payer” healthcare system in which the government provides “free” healthcare. However, “free” healthcare is not free at all, as medical care consists of scarce goods which always come as a cost to someone.
President Trump recently accused the New York Times of treason because the paper printed something he didn’t like. Unfortunately, Trump is not the only person to designate the crime of treason to actions that are not even criminal.
To hear President Trump tell it, the late 1800s, i.e. the Gilded Age, were a period of unparalleled wealth and prosperity in the U.S. But this era was also marked by corruption and wealth inequality. Sound familiar? On today's show, is history repeating itself?
The Continentals and other paper monies only temporarily retained some value largely because of an initial promise of future redemption in gold and silver—a monetary “bait-and-switch.”
The Maidan Massacre of February 2014 supposedly involved Ukrainian government troops tied to President Viktor Yanukovych, a Russian ally, leading to his overthrow. But what if it was a false flag operation done to make people blame the government?