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The absolute numbers remain troubling but a close look at statistics reveals that, across American cities, fewer people are being killed. That democracy is good for a country’s economy is taken as orthodoxy—but given the time and costs to make the transition, the reality is a bit more complicated (09:38). And why Britain’s government is in hock to the country’s hobbyists (15:38).

For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer

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On the eve of his 77th birthday, Donald Trump has appeared in court to face charges of mishandling classified documents. He even found time to stop by a bakery – though not for a cake to celebrate.

Sarah has made it through the media scrum in a humid Miami and the Americast team has assembled early this week to talk through another day of firsts in US political history.

We also hear from Miles Taylor, former chief of staff of the United States Department of Homeland Security under President Trump, about why he believes that the man he once served now poses a threat to the nation’s safety.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent • Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent

GUEST: • Miles Taylor, former chief of staff at the US Department of Homeland Security

GET IN TOUCH: • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email Americast@bbc.co.uk • Or use #Americast

Find out more about our award-winning "undercover voters" here: bbc.in/3lFddSF.

This episode was made by Daniel Wittenberg, with Rufus Gray, Alix Pickles and Stephanie Mitcalf. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

A special counsel has been appointed to investigate President Joe Biden after aides found classified documents at his private office and home. The Americast team explains what we know so far, why this spells trouble for the president, and the comparisons between this story and the discovery of hundreds of classified documents at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort.

President Biden has also been trying to get his immigration policy in order as his administration's approach faces criticism from both Republicans and Democrats. Cecilia Muñoz, a former political adviser to President Obama on immigration, helps the team get into the complexities of America's border politics.

And we investigate the self-styled true crime ‘investigators’ of TikTok, who are gripped by the case of four students murdered in Idaho. We speak to one of them about the dangers of the public getting involved in criminal cases.

Americast is presented by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today host Justin Webb, the BBC's social media and disinformation correspondent Marianna Spring, and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher.

Email Americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments and send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, to 03301239480. Find out more about our "undercover voters" here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63530374.

This episode was made by Phil Marzouk and Alix Pickles. The studio director was Michael Regaard. The assistant editor was Simon Watts. The senior news editor was Sam Bonham.

To find out where a virus comes from, researchers compare it to other viruses to try to trace its origin. This leads to claims like SARS-CoV-2 is 91 or even 96% similar to other known viruses. But what does that really mean? Tim Harford talks to the virus ecologist Marilyn J Roossinck.