Pirkkala (Finland) (AFP) – NATO’s newest member Finland kicked off military air exercises on May 29 involving over a dozen countries and a total of 150 aircraft, weeks after the country joined the alliance in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. For nearly two weeks, soldiers and fighter jets from 14 nations, 12 of which are NATO members, will take part in exercises, mainly over Sweden’s northern regions.
Juba (AFP) – When Mubarak Joseph Hilary lost his sight aged 15, the soccer-loving teenager dropped out of school and didn’t leave home for seven years, resigned to a life spent indoors. That is, until he discovered the Juba Boys football club — one of a handful of teams established in South Sudan’s capital to develop the talents of visually impaired players, with the aim of eventually competing in the Paralympic Games.
Amman (AFP) – Jordan’s Prince Omar bin Faisal hosts a groom’s shower party for his cousin Crown Prince Hussein ahead of the latter’s royal wedding to his Saudi fiancée Rajwa Al Saif. Many of Crown Prince Hussein’s friends and relatives were in attendance of the traditional Jordanian celebration, including his younger brother Prince Hashem.
Luleå (Sweden) (AFP) – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken calls on Beijing for a greater communication after last week’s close encounter between a US and Chinese jet, one he blames on the Chinese pilot. “It is so important that we have regular, open lines of communication including, by the way, between our defence ministers,” Blinken tells reporters on a visit to Sweden, after the United States said China declined talks with Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin.
New York (AFP) – Hundreds gather in the streets of New York to witness “Manhattanhenge”, when the sun perfectly aligns with the Manhattan grid. The phenomenon happens four times a year, around three to four weeks before and after the summer and winter solstices.
Montbazon (France) (AFP) – A car made out of wood — that is the challenge carpenter-joiner and car enthusiast Michel Robillard set himself in 2011. His unique Citroen 2CV, with a body entirely made out of fruit trees, will soon go under the hammer, fetching an estimated price of 150,000 to 200,000 euros.
Managua (Nicaragua) (AFP) – On May 30, Mother’s Day in Nicaragua, a radio station holds the 20th annual contest to see who has the biggest pregnant belly. The winners receive cash prizes as well as appliances.
Moscow (AFP) – Russian Defence ministry spokesperson Igor Konashenkov says that the Russian army “destroyed the last warship of the Ukrainian Navy, the ‘Yuri Olefirenko'” which it said was stationed in the southern port of Odesa. AFP was not able to independently verify the claim.
Beijing (AFP) – Beijing blames Washington’s “provocative and dangerous actions” for an incident last week when a Chinese plane performed what the US called an “unnecessarily aggressive maneuver” near an American surveillance aircraft over the South China Sea.
Bratislava (AFP) – French President Emmanuel Macron says Kosovo officials bear “responsibility” for the deterioration of the situation there, following clashes this week over local election results that left more than 80 people injured.
