Hard Numbers: Violence in Tigray, Russia hits Ukraine station, cops raid Bolsonaro loyalists, abortion motivates US voters, Albo chugs a beer
12: Intense fighting has resumed between Ethiopian forces and combatants in the northern Tigray region for the first time in 12 months. Addis Ababa says it has launched a “large-scale offensive” in response to regrouping efforts by the Tigray People's Liberation Front – a further blow for ongoing mediation efforts led by the African Union.
25: At least 25 people were killed, and dozens injured, on Wednesday in a Russian attack on a train station in central Ukraine. Prior to the attack, which took place on Ukraine's Independence Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia might try “something particularly cruel” this week.
8: Brazilian police launched raids on eight premises linked to prominent supporters of President Jair Bolsonaro after leaked messages revealed their alleged support for a coup if the incumbent loses elections this fall. Many fear Jan. 6-style violence after the vote.
56: With primary races well underway ahead of US midterm elections this November, abortion access has significantly increased in significance for Americans, with 56% of registered voters saying it is “very important” to their vote. That’s up from 43% in March, before the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
55: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (Albo) got a cheer when concertgoers in Sydney realized he was sitting amongst them at an indie-rock concert and chugging a beer. Three months into Albo’s new gig, Aussies don’t begrudge him the downtime: Albanese is polling at 55% as preferred PM, 38 points ahead of Liberal Party leader, Peter Dutton.