Haiti is facing a growing crisis.

Haiti

The Story

Haiti is facing a growing crisis.

How did we get here?

Haiti has struggled with economic instability and political unrest for over a decade, following the 2010 earthquake that killed at least 220,000 people. Efforts to rebuild have been stifled, with Haitian politicians and gangs fighting to control aid money. The country's turmoil took a turn in 2021 when Haiti’s democratically-elected president was assassinated. Since then, Prime Minister Ariel Henry has struggled to control the country and has resigned amid escalating gang violence.

How bad is it?

The UN says gangs kidnapped, killed, or injured more than 8,400 people in 2023. Earlier this month, gangs raided Haiti’s two main prisons, releasing nearly 4,000 prisoners. The UN says gangs now control about 80% of Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince. They've attacked the city’s government buildings and an international airport. The violence has forced some aid groups to stop operating in Haiti, prompting concerns of widespread hunger.

What’s being done?

Authorities in Haiti put a curfew in place and declared a state of emergency. In the meantime, Secretary of State Antony Blinken is involved in talks to help form a transitional council that'll lead Haiti in the interim. That's as the US is also working to get Americans out of Haiti. Meanwhile, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has reportedly deployed law enforcement off the coast of Florida amid concerns that Haiti’s instability could lead to a surge of migrants in the state.

theSkimm

The situation in Haiti is deteriorating fast. As world leaders try to bring order back in, others warn that people in Haiti are running out of time amid the escalating violence and threats of starvation.

What else people are watching…

Gaza. Yesterday, the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reported that famine is “imminent” for at least 300,000 Palestinians in northern Gaza. It also said at least half of Gaza's population, approximately 1.1 million, could suffer from famine by July. The report comes amid global pressure for a cease-fire and as Israel and Hamas could be getting ready to restart negotiations. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to send a special convoy to Washington DC. Officials are expected to discuss alternative strategies to a ground invasion in Rafah, where about 1.5 million Palestinians are seeking refuge.

What’s apparently been legal up until now...

White asbestos. Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it’s banning the only form of asbestos still used in the US. Chrysotile asbestos, aka white asbestos, is a carcinogen that's been linked to more than 40,000 annual deaths in the US. More than 50 countries have banned white asbestos, but — worst fun fact ever — it’s been used to make things like chlorine bleach, brake pads, and other auto parts in the US. The EPA moved to first phase out the toxic material in 1989. Now, the agency's new rule will ban the import and use of white asbestos. Still, some companies will have up to 12 years to stop using the material.

Who’s in a tight spot…

Former President Trump. Yesterday, Trump's lawyers said he hasn't been able to get enough cash to pay a nearly $500 million dollar bond. Last month, a New York judge ordered the former president and his co-defendants (including his sons) to pay up in a civil fraud case. That’s proven to be tough, with Trump’s lawyers saying about 30 insurance companies have rejected requests to underwrite the bond. The former president’s legal team has asked a court to delay the bond payment until Trump's appeal is over. If it's not granted, the state could freeze some of Trump's assets, including bank accounts and properties as soon as next week.

Who might be oversharing…

Elon Musk. In an interview with former CNN anchor Don Lemon, Musk said he uses prescription ketamine about once every other week to help him with his depression and to get out of a “negative frame of mind.” It's raising questions as to whether his drug use could threaten SpaceX’s federal contracts.

While the Biden admin aims to expand women's health research...

Online sales for over-the-counter birth control have started.

Who’s been spotted in the wild…

Kate Middleton.

What’s crafting a new era…

Joann.