Harry Houdini finds an ally in his fight against spiritualism, a brilliant detective called Rose Mackenberg, who'll do whatever it takes to expose a fake. Together, the two head to Washington to try and get lawmakers to criminalise mediums. The hearing that follows will be violent, sensational and leave Houdini fearing for his life. This is…

Tim Harford

21.03.2025

An alternative take on Trump’s favourite word | Tim Harford

Since nothing seems to be off the table when it comes to trade policy, I thought I might put forward a modest two-step trade policy reform to make America great again. Step one, levy a substantial tax on all exports, from aeroplanes to soyabeans. Such a tax will squeeze America’s most internationally competitive industries. That’s…

Tim Harford

28.03.2025

The selfish guide to decarbonising | Tim Harford

Think globally, act locally, they used to say. If it’s true, why does it matter that the US has — again — withdrawn support for international co-ordination on climate change? In the mid-20th century, the US emitted about as much carbon dioxide as every other country in the world combined. Now its share of global…

Tim Harford

28.03.2025

Cautionary Tales – Houdini: The phone call from the coffin (Part 3) | Tim Harford

Fearing for his life, Harry Houdini leaves secret codes with his loved ones that he promises to use in any post-mortem messaging. In 1926, Houdini's death shocks the world, but the news that follows is even more astounding. A report of the impossible: contact has been made. This is the final part in a three-part…

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Tim Harford

Economy

Cautionary Tales – Houdini’s detective and her 1500 dead husbands (Part 2) | Tim Harford

An alternative take on Trump’s favourite word | Tim Harford

The selfish guide to decarbonising | Tim Harford

Cautionary Tales – Houdini: The phone call from the coffin (Part 3) | Tim Harford

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Tim Harford