Hard Numbers: Blackouts in Nigeria, Turkey’s soaring inflation, Deadly flooding in Central Europe, A new (but familiar) face joins the UK’s election ballot, Murdoch ties the knot, again

4: Millions have taken to the streets in Nigeria as unions began their fourth (and indefinite) strike against President Bola Tinubu’s wage policies. Nigeria unions have shut down six power grids, leading to a national blackout at 2am on Monday morning and halted much of the country’s aviation activity. Unions assert the strike will not end until the government agrees to raise the monthly minimum wage, over tenfold from 30,000 Naira ($20 USD) to 500,000 Naira ($336 USD).

75.5: Inflation has surpassed 75.5% in Turkey, jumping up 5.65% in the last month. Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek reassured Turkish citizens that “the worst is over,” as the government will begin pushing down inflation in June.

5: Heavy rains over the weekend led to widespread flooding in Southern Germany and France, which killed five people, including a rescue worker. States of emergencies have been announced throughout the region as highways, railways, and more have been submerged beneath several meters of water.

10: On Monday, Brexit “architect” Nigel Farage announced his intent to “make Britain great again” as the Reform UK party’s candidate in next month’s election. Although Farage’s party’s support comes in at around only 10% currently, it is enough to further destabilize the ruling Tories who are looking likely to hand Labour a large majority.

5: Fifth time’s the charm? Media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, 93, said “I do” last Saturday to Elena Zhukova, a 67 year old retired molecular biologist.What a cradle robber!. The couple looked very happy tying the knot in Los Angeles and showed us it’s never too late for love, particularly if you are a billionaire.