Striking Strikers Strike In France

PNUT GALLERY

We had a great time at TechStars Demo Day last week! If you missed the fun, check out our video to see what Daily Pnut has in store for 2016. 

IN A NUTSHELL: MUST READ

France: Another Day, Another Strike

After weeks of protests across France and several industry strikes that have debilitated the country’s infrastructure, you’d think President François Hollande would take the hint. Just 11 days before the country is meant to host the the 2016 Euro Soccer Tournament, rail workers launched a national train strike. With a massive sporting event around the corner, everyone is panicking except for President Hollande, who gave a resounding “meh” and said his new labor reforms, which give companies more rights to hire and fire, will not be withdrawn. 

What does this mean for the Euros?

France’s tourism board already warned Hollande that the various strikes and protests erupting across the country have caused a major disruption to tourists, and it’s likely that won’t change in time for the Euros. Not only will train travel be difficult, but flights are about to get complicated, as well. Air France also voted to go on strike for at least six days in June, protesting a separate dispute. Bon Voyage has now turned into Bonne Chance. 

#pnut4prez: North Korea Endorses Trump

Finally, The Donald may have received a glowing endorsement from a world leader. It seemed unlikely that any world power liked him after British PM Cameron called Trump “stupid and wrong” and former Mexican President Calderón called him “completely crazy.” Alas, North Korea’s official press came to the rescue and weighed in on Trump’s “many positive aspects.” As state-controlled media, they know a thing or two about effective leadership. While not a direct endorsement from Kim Jong-un himself, the official DPRK media outlet praised Trump and urged US voters to reject “dull Hillary.” 

#pnut4prez: Our Guide To The Campaign Trail

NUTS AND BOLTS: SHOULD READ

Brazil’s Anti-Corruption Minister Resigns From Impossible Job

Brazil’s Anti-Corruption Minister Fabiano Silveira resigned over a corruption scandal, of course. Silveira stepped down on Monday after leaked recordings suggested he tried to curb a corruption investigation. He is the second minister to resign from Interim President Michel Temer’s cabinet. Last week, Planning Minister Romero Jucá stepped down after a recording from the same leaked tapes suggested he too plotted to cover up a corruption scandal. Both of these ministers were appointed by President Temer – who is also being investigated for corruption – after he replaced President Dilma Rousseff during her impeachment trial. 

Finland Military Exercise Mistaken For Invasion

Who would want to invade Finland? Well, besides those looking for free healthcare and the world’s top education system. It looks like their military training might not be as robust, since the country’s armed forces forgot to tell local Kamsholmen residents that the military would be conducting training on their island. An after-dark training exercise got mistaken for a real invasion, causing residents to flee and call emergency services. 

Kenya Protests Egypt’s Least Diplomatic Diplomat

Diplomacy 101 says that if an Egyptian representative is speaking at the United Nations Environment Assembly in Kenya – one of the highest-level decision making bodies on the environment – he should probably refrain from offensive remarks directed at the Assembly’s host nation. Yvonne Khamati, chairwoman of the Africa Diplomatic Corp Technical Committee, is asking for an apology after an Egyptian diplomat called sub-Saharan Africans “slaves and dogs.” Khamati argues that Egypt should be stopped from representing Africa in any leadership position. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri denies the remarks, but tensions between the two nations remain. 

KEEPING OUR EYE ON…

Slavery: The Walk Free Foundation’s slavery index says Mauritania is no longer the worst country for its use of slavery. North Korea now holds that title. 

Switzerland: The world’s longest (and possibly scariest)tunnel is planned to open beneath the Alps today. Switzerland’s Gotthard base tunnel measures over 187,000 feet in length and cost €11 billion to complete.   

Glenn Beck: SiriusXM Radio suspended Glenn Beck’s talk show this week after a guest on the show suggested that Donald Trump, if elected, would be assassinated. 

LOOSE NUTS: FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT

Sausage-Wielding Extremists Attack Vegan Cafe

A vegan cafe in the historic center of Georgia’s capital of Tbilisi fell under attack when “far-right extremists” threw meat at cafe patrons and started a brawl. The Kiwi Cafe has become a popular hangout for LGBT communities and foreigners, bringing criticism and threats from neo-Nazi groups. These sausage-Nazis stormed the cafe holding skewers and wearing the latest pork products, which is bizarrely intimidating. Kiwi Cafe, however, remains committed to serving all communities.