Africa
Former Guinea military ruler pardoned
Moussa Dadis Camara, Guinea’s former military leader, has been pardoned. He was currently serving a 20-year sentence for crimes against humanity, stemming from a 2009 incident. In 2009, troops under his command opened fire during a rally, killing more than 150 people. The country is planning to pay compensation to the victims of the massacre.
Nigerian boxer dies during fight
Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, a former national and West African boxing champion, died after collapsing during a bout in Ghana. He lost consciousness during the fight and after receiving aid, he was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Olanrewaju had a record of 13-8 before his death.
Asia
South Korea man investigated for starting wildfire
An unnamed man in South Korea is being investigated for starting a deadly wildfire that killed 30 people. He has denied all charges. Officials say the man was performing an ancestral rite by a family grave on a hill at the time of the wildfire. Fires have burned at least 4,000 structures in South Korea, including homes, factories, and more.
Japanese restaurant chain closes
Sukiya, one of Japan’s largest restaurant chains, is closing for deep cleaning after finding pests in their food. Among the pests found include a rat and an insect. Sukiya has nearly 2,000 restaurants and released a statement apologizing for “concerned caused.” The company plans to open its restaurants again in April.
Europe
Marine Le Pen banned from seeking office
Marine Le Pen, a French politician who is part of the far-right National Rally party, has been barred from running for office for five years. She was found guilty of misappropriating funds to finance the party. Le Pen was accused of hiring assistants who worked for the party rather than for the European Parliament, which they were paid for. Being barred means Le Pen will not be able to run for president in France in 2027.
Russian drone attack kills four in Ukraine
Officials in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro said four people were killed and 21 others were injured from a Russian drone attack. The attack targeted a restaurant complex and several residential buildings. Russia sent more than 20 drones, according to Ukraine, and most of them were shot down.
Latin America
Brazil soccer player’s rape conviction overturned
Dani Alves, who played soccer for Brazil’s national team, had a rape conviction overturned on appeal by a Spanish court. The court ruled that the case against him had inconsistencies and contradictions. Alves was found guilty last year of sexually assaulting a woman in a Spanish club in 2022. He was released on bail in March 2024 while appealing his case.
Mexico bans junk food in schools
Mexico has introduced a junk food ban in schools across the country to fight obesity and diabetes. Among the food banned includes sugary fruit drinks, packaged chips, artificial pork rinds, and soy-encased, chili-flavored peanuts. Now, schools in Mexico must phase out any food and beverage displaying warning logos about salt, sugar, calories, and fat.
North America
Utah bans fluoride in water
Utah has signed a new law banning fluoride in public drinking water after Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy raised concerns that it poses health risks. The law will go into effect on May 7. Experts have criticized Utah’s decision, saying it could have consequences for oral health. Fluoride has been in United States drinking water since 1945.
Florida marine park under investigation
Officials in Florida raided the Gulf World Marine Park because of animal abuse allegations. Last year, four dolphins died at the park. Footage showed dolphins swimming in murky green tanks, living in unsatisfactory conditions. Other animals that live at the park include sea lions, penguins, harbor seals, birds, and reptiles.
