Africa
Militants break inmates out in Burkina Faso – An entire prison population of some 60 inmates were freed by militants in Burkina Faso. The militants killed at least 12 people when they entered the prison armed. Burkina Faso has been battling a jihadist uprising over the past 10 years. Earlier this year, a military government seized power of the country and ousted President Roch Kaboré.
Somalia president seeks second term – Somalia President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo formally announced his candidacy for a second term. The leader tweeted the announcement Sunday, saying he is committed to continuing a path of “progress and development.” Farmajo will face numerous candidates like two former presidents who are expected to be opponents.
Asia
Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister resigns – Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, has resigned from his position as protests over the government’s response to the country’s economic crisis have intensified. Demonstrations turned violent between Rajapaksa’s supporters and anti-government protesters, leaving 78 people injured. Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since it became independent from Britain in 1948.
Coal shortage in India – Due to a coal shortage, India has dealt with power cuts and outages for the past month. According to LocalCircles, a polling company, two in three households face power outages in India. LocalCircles gathered that data by surveying more than 21,000 people in 322 districts in the country. Toward the end of 2021, more than half of India’s coal-fired plants ran below 25 percent of normal levels.
Europe
Putin talks Ukraine invasion – Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke during Russia’s Victory Day parade, an annual celebration honoring the country’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Putin mainly defended Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and compared the conflict to the country’s World War II victory. He called Ukrainians fascists and made false claims that the country is run by neo-Nazis. Around 11,000 troops and 131 armored vehicles participated in this year’s parade.
Ireland reduces public transportation fees – For the first time since 1947, Ireland is reducing public transportation fees across the country. Fares on busses, trains and other commuter services will be dropped by 20 percent for the rest of the year. People ages 19 through 23 will receive a 50 percent reduction in fares as well. Ireland authorities said passenger numbers have increased because of the fare reductions.
Latin America
Nicaragua shuts down nonprofits – Nicaragua’s parliament voted in favor of shutting down 50 nongovernmental nonprofit organizations, saying the agencies failed to comply with regulations. Government critics said the move was made partially because of a crackdown on those who oppose President Daniel Ortega. Nicaragua’s parliament is mainly made up of allies of Ortega. Other entities like universities and foundations were also closed.
Former Brazilian leader launches presidential campaign – Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who led Brazil for eight years until 2010 when he was convicted of corruption, announced he is running for president of the country. Lula’s conviction was overturned last year. He leans left and helped millions of people escape poverty during his time as president. Brazil’s presidential election takes place this October.
North America
Jill Biden visits Ukraine – First Lady Jill Biden visited Ukraine on Mother’s Day where she met Olena Zelenska, the country’s first lady. The United States recently imposed new sanctions against Russia like visa curbs on 2,600 Russian and Belarusian residents because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Biden and Zelenska met at a school that is being used as a shelter for displaced people.
Upset at Kentucky Derby – Rick Strike, the horse that was ridden by Sonny Leon, won the Kentucky Derby over the weekend. The horse won at 80-1 odds, making its victory the second biggest upset in Kentucky Derby history. Around 150,000 people attended the race, including numerous celebrities. The horse was brought into the race at the last second because another had to drop out.
