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