News of the World: What you missed this week internationally
ETHIOPIA
It’s off to a flying start. Africa’s largest airport is under construction in Ethiopia — a staggering $12.5 billion project. Bishoftu International Airport, which can welcome 60 million passengers annually, is slated to open in 2030. Located 30 miles from the capital Addis Ababa, it has plans to have the capacity for 110 million flyers, more than the world’s busiest airport, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson.
FRANCE
It kneads more love. The iconic baguette is in danger due to declining bread consumption in France. The French used to eat an average of 25 ounces of bread per person per day following World War II — but bread consumption has plummeted to just 3.5 ounces today, less than half a baguette a day. Sales of the crunchy loaves, which were even honored with UNESCO heritage status in 2022, are not as popular due to changing dietary habits and people eating out more frequently.
MEXICO
It gets their wheels turning. An ancient Maya settlement which dates back to between 250 and 900 A.D. was discovered during construction of a train system in Quintana Roo. The city, named named “El Jefeciño,” meaning “Little Boss” consists of around 80 structures and Petén‑style architecture spread over 240 acres, with buildings up to 45 feet high.
CANADA
They had a lofty goal. The Toronto soccer field hosting six matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup just underwent a $115 million renovation ahead of the competition. BMO Field, located at Exhibition Place on the shores of Lake Ontario, received funding for the project from both the sports and sports and entertainment giant Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and the city of Toronto. The pricey project, which increased the stadium’s capacity from 28,000 to 45,000 spectators, included the installation of a suspended roof and the reconstruction of the players’ tunnel to meet FIFA regulations.
NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand officials rejected an application for the installation of a statue honoring “comfort women” who were sexually trafficked in Japanese Army brothels before and during World War II from 1932 until 1945. The rejection of the statue honoring an estimated 200,000 girls and women from Korea, China and Southeast Asia, came after Tokyo said it could potentially hurt diplomatic relations.
With Wires
