The NIMBYs have learned to use AI 😩 (Odds and Ends #68)

Plus the one bad thing about the Musk/Trump fallout – and more!

POD! On The Abundance Agenda this week we run through five optimistic signs of progress – including the good news that we might finally be building two new reservoirs. Then Martin explains why it was infrastructure that was responsible for Skegness’s rise – and the town’s current troubles. Plus we speak to Labour MP Antonia Bance about how to balance the desire to build, with a desire for good housing – and whether ‘abundance’ can ever work politically. Listen on Apple, Spotify or Substack.

HELEN LEWIS! Tickets for my July event with Helen Lewis have very nearly sold out. Grab your ticket now to avoid disappointment!

ME! I’m also very excited to announce that I’ll be speaking at the second edition of Land Talks! Come along and here me speak about (what else?) the Postcode Address File.

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Hello! It’s time for Odds and Ends, your regular round-up of the most interesting links I’ve seen this week – plus some shorter takes. Sorry it has taken so long – I’m going to try and get back into the rhythm of posting a round-up every week.

Anyway, here’s what’s inside this week’s edition:

• The reason I’m (slightly) tempering my amusement at the Trump/Musk fallout

• Horrifying news that the NIMBYs have discovered AI, and are using it to block progress

• Why only abundance can fix the cost of living

• How the Ukraine drone attack has changed warfare forever, again

• And a reggae cover of a classic nu-metal song (you know you want to hear it)

So let’s get on with the links!