News

Hard Numbers: Haitian gang war, China’s economic slump, Draghi’s mayoral appeal, beer-sunflower oil swap

Hard Numbers: Haitian gang war, China’s economic slump, Draghi’s mayoral appeal, beer-sunflower oil swap
Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier, leader of the G9 coalition of gangs in Haiti, during a news conference in Port-au-Prince.
REUTERS/Ralph Tedy Erol

1.5 million: Some 1.5 million people are now trapped by a recent uptick in gang violence inside Cité Soleil, the largest slum in Haiti's capital of Port-au-Prince. There's an ongoing battle between the local G-Pèp gang and the G-9, a federation of nine gangs led by the notorious "Mr. Barbecue," often referred to as the most powerful man in gang-run Haiti.

0.4: China's GDP grew by only 0.4% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2022, the slowest pace in two years. The disruptions caused by the government's zero-COVID policy make it almost impossible for the economy to meet its 5.5% annual growth target.

110: Mayors from 110 Italian cities have published an open letter calling for “Super Mario” Draghi to stay on as PM. Draghi threw in the towel last week after squabbling with the populist 5-Star Movement, the largest party in his coalition government, but the president turned down his resignation.

400: Itching for a cold one in Munich? Got some sunflower oil? You're in luck — a German pub is offering to exchange a 7 euro stein of beer for a 4.5 euro bottle of sunflower oil, which is in short supply due to the war between sunflower superpowers Russia and Ukraine. The bar says it’s swapped 400 liters so far.

More For You

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick during the signing ceremony for an executive order on mail ballots, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., March 31, 2026.

REUTERS/Evan Vucci

What are Donald Trump’s aims in Iran? He’s sent conflicting signals in recent days — is he ending the war soon or launching a ground invasion?

Chris, an Army veteran, started his Walmart journey over 25 years ago as an hourly associate. Today, he manages a Distribution Center and serves as a mentor, helping others navigate their own paths to success. At Walmart, associates have the opportunity to take advantage of the pathways, perks, and pay that come with the job — with or without a college degree. In fact, more than 75% of Walmart management started as hourly associates. Learn more about how over 130,000 associates were promoted into roles of greater responsibility and higher pay in FY25.