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News Roundup: Solomon Islands, Josephine Baker, & a Pregnant Biker

Countries Send Help to Keep Peace in the Solomon Islands

New Zealand has joined Australia and Fiji in sending members of its military and police to the Solomon Islands to help keep the peace.

Last week, violent riots broke out in Honiara, the capital of the island nation. Protesters demanded that Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare resign.

When Mr. Sogavare refused to meet with the protesters, the crowds became violent. Rioters set a police station and several other buildings on fire. At least three people were killed in the violence.

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Last week, violent riots broke out in Honiara, the capital of the island nation. Protesters demanded that Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare resign. Rioters set a police station and several other buildings on fire. Above, Honiara, last Friday.

The causes behind the riots are complicated, but much of the problem comes from a disagreement among the islands. Malaita island has the most people, but people there have long believed that the national government, which is located on Guadalcanal, doesn’t treat it fairly. There was actual fighting between the islands from 1998 to 2003.

The situation became more tense in 2019 after Mr. Sogavare decided that the island nation should support China instead of Taiwan. Since the 1950s, China and Taiwan have each claimed to be the real China. The government on Malaita disagrees and still has strong connections with Taiwan.

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The situation between the islands became more tense in 2019 after Mr. Sogavare decided that the island nation should support China instead of Taiwan. Above, Mr. Sogavare (left, blue jacket) meets with Chinese leader Xi Jinping (second on right) in 2019.

The poor living conditions on the islands also played a part in the riots. There aren’t many jobs and many people are having trouble getting by.

Mr. Sogavare requested the extra help from outside the country to keep the situation under control. Roughly 250 members of the police and military have been sent to help.

Honiara, Solomon Islands


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Josephine Baker Becomes First Black Woman in Pantheon

Entertainer Josephine Baker received France’s highest honor on Tuesday when she was brought into France’s Pantheon. The Pantheon is a monument where about 75 of the most-celebrated people in France’s history are buried. These people include famous French writers, inventors, and scientists.

Ms. Baker is the first American and the first Black woman to be honored in the Pantheon. She became famous in the 1920s as a singer, dancer, and actress. Though Ms. Baker was born in America, she had her greatest success after moving to France.

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Ms. Baker is the first American and the first Black woman to be honored in France’s Pantheon. She became famous in the 1920s as a singer, dancer, and actress. Though Ms. Baker was born in America, she had her greatest success after moving to France.

She later became a French citizen and married a man from France. During World War II, she joined the French Resistance against Germany, and even used her music to secretly send codes.

Ms. Baker also worked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and used her fame to push for equal rights in the US. Ms. Baker refused to perform unless people of all colors were allowed in the audience.

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French President Emmanuel Macron spoke at the ceremony, saying that Ms. Baker had become “part of the hearts and minds of French people.” Above, Mr. Macron speaking at the ceremony.

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke at the ceremony, saying that Ms. Baker had become “part of the hearts and minds of French people.” 

Julie Anne Genter Rides Bike to Hospital to Have Baby

Julie Anne Genter is a New Zealand politician who loves to bike – a lot. In 2018, she made the news when she biked to the hospital to have her first baby.

Ms. Genter rides to the hospital to give birth.
Julie Anne Genter is a New Zealand politician who loves to bike. In 2018, she made the news when she biked to the hospital to have her first baby. She did it again last Sunday at 2 in the morning (above).
(Source: Jullie Anne Genter MP, via Facebook.)

Now she’s done it again. Only this time, she was already getting ready to have the baby when she set out on her bike – at two in the morning. Her partner, Peter Nunns, joined her.

On Sunday, only an hour after she got to the hospital, Ms. Genter gave birth to a baby girl. She posted a picture of herself with Mr. Nunns and their new daughter on Facebook.

Ms. Genter with her partner Peter Nunns and their new daughter.
On Sunday, only an hour after she got to the hospital, Ms. Genter gave birth to a baby girl. She posted a picture of herself with Mr. Nunns and their new daughter on Facebook (above).
(Source: Jullie Anne Genter MP, via Facebook.)
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