Hard Numbers: IAEA Zaporizhzhia report, Solomons election snub, millionaire SUV, a dream job

Hard Numbers: IAEA Zaporizhzhia report, Solomons election snub, millionaire SUV, a dream job
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi departs a press conference in Austria upon returning from Ukraine.
REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger

50: The International Atomic Energy Agency on Tuesday issued its much-awaited report on the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine. The 50-page document recommends, among other things, a security perimeter around the facility to enable safe inspections.

50 million: The Solomon Islands – growing increasingly cozy with China – turned down Australia’s offer to fund its 2023 election. Honiara said it was “inappropriate” and that Canberra shouldn’t try to influence how MPs vote on scheduling the election, which pro-Beijing PM Manasseh Sogavare wants to delay until 2024 and would reportedly cost $50 million.

50,000: Colombia’s new leftwing President Gustavo Petro may have big plans to redistribute wealth, but a social media influencer in Cali, the third largest city, is beating him to the punch. Kevin Rivera, known on the web as @negroestaclaro, has been driving through town in a “Millionaire SUV” plastered with 50,000 peso bills (about $11 each.) Absolute scenes!

71: That's how much a Japanese man charges clients per session — in US dollars — to do ... (mostly) nothing. Shoji Morimoto, who earns enough as a professional companion to support his wife and child, admits he's been called lazy but believes that "it's fine to really not do anything."

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Tensions in the Middle East escalate as Israel launches a surprise military strike against Iran, prompting international concern and speculation about broader conflict. In his latest Quick Take, Ian Bremmer calls Israel’s strike on Iran “a huge success for the Israelis” and a significant blow to Iran’s regional influence.

Iranian policemen monitor an area near a residential complex that is damaged in Israeli attacks in Tehran, Iran, on June 13, 2025.
Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto

Israel bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities Thursday night, causing “significant damage” at the country’s main enrichment plant, killing leading Iranian military figures and nuclear scientists, and sparking fears that the Middle East is on the verge of a wider war.

A tank on display at a park in Washington, D.C., on June 12, 2025, two days ahead of a military parade commemorating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary and coinciding with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday.

Kyodo via Reuters Connect

The official reason for this weekend’s military parade in Washington DC is to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the US Army – but the occasion also just happens to fall on President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.