Each week, we bring you a roundup of some of the biggest stories making headlines around the world.
Here are nine things that happened last week that you should know about (in no particular order)
1. Several people injured as Mount Etna erupts in Italy
Several people and a BBC news team suffered injuries after being on the scene when Italy’s Mount Eta erupted in Sicily. The combination of lava flow and steam caused a large explosion that spewed hot rocks. About eight people were injured and evacuated from the volcano by emergency crews. Etna is Europe’s most active volcano.
2. At least 4 injured at school shooting in France
At least 4 people were injured after a shooting at a high school in Grasse, France, on Thursday, March 16. According to France’s Education Minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, the attack was “a crazy act by a fragile young man fascinated by firearms.” French officials say the 17-year-old attacker was inspired by mass shootings in the US. He entered the school armed with a rifle, two handguns and two grenades.
- Read more on The Guardian
3. Intense fighting occurs in Syria’s capital
Syria war: Damascus sees fierce clashes after rebel attack https://t.co/wV5eotCVe6
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) March 19, 2017
Intense fighting has erupted in Syria’s capital of Damascus as Syrian forces battle rebels in the eastern part of the city. The fighting began on Sunday, March 19, with bombings and suicide attacks. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, government warplanes conducted more than 30 air strikes on rebels
4. Tasmanian beach glows blue
#Bioluminescence dazzles beachgoers at #Tasmania‘s Preservation Bay #seasparkle #science 😍 (Pic: Brett Chatwin) https://t.co/MFfUE2Vz6b pic.twitter.com/E36IglfdXt
— ABC News (@abcnews) March 15, 2017
Tasmania’s Preservation Bay is glowing with a blue hue due to waves shaking up algae cells. The algae, known Noctiluca Scintillans, flash with light to defend against potential predators.
- Read more on ABC News and The Telegraph
5. Girl Guides of Canada end trips to US due to inclusivity concerns
The Girl Guides of Canada will not be taking any more trips to the US until further notice due to concerns over inclusivity.
“At Girl Guides of Canada, we know our members value the safe, inclusive and accepting space that Guiding provides,” International Commissioner Sharron Callahan and Director of Provincial Operations Holly Thompson wrote in a joint statement that was issued on Monday, March 13.
“These values are reflected in all we do, including the Girl Guide travel experiences we offer girls and women. While the United States is a frequent destination for Guiding trips, the ability of all our members to equally enter this country is currently uncertain.”
The statement notes that it was “a very difficult decision to make” but one that “reflects our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities for all girls and women.”
For the foreseeable future, the Girl Guides of Canada will not be approving any travel to the United States, including both trips and any journey that requires a connecting flight through an American airport.
- Read more on Daily Hive
6. North Korea tests high-thrust rocket engine
North Korea rocket-engine test shows ‘meaningful’ progress: South Korea https://t.co/mek9QN4dZD pic.twitter.com/9zMaYBGwCu
— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) March 20, 2017
North Korea conducted a ground test of a new kind of high-thrust rocket engine. The country’s state media said that leader Kim Jong-un attended the rocket test on Sunday. Kim said the test was “a great event of historic significance for the country’s indigenous rocket industry.”
7. 706-carat diamond found in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone pastor discovers 706-carat diamond; turns it over to gov’t to boost development in impoverished nation. https://t.co/qguiaFEpMo pic.twitter.com/WPlCri1w6d
— ABC News (@ABC) March 16, 2017
A Christian-pastor has discovered one of the world’s largest diamonds in Sierra Leone. The diamond, which weighs 706 carats, has not been valued yet. However, experts say it could be worth millions of dollars. The stone is currently being stored in the country’s central bank.
8. New drone regulations could mean $3,000 fine for Canadians
New drone regulations have been introduced by the Canadian government https://t.co/hD53dWHLKk pic.twitter.com/H1Osxq0gKe
— Daily Hive Vancouver (@VancityBuzz) March 16, 2017
The idea of a drone hitting an airplane and causing a “catastrophic event” is the kind of “nightmare scenario” that keeps Transportation Minister Marc Garneau awake at night.
Garneau made the remarks during a news conference at Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport on Thursday, where he announced new restrictions and regulations regarding where drones can and can’t be operated.
“Up to now, we’ve had the dos and don’ts for recreational drone use, but they were only guidelines and there were no penalties for ignoring them,” Garneau said.
Under the Aeronautics Act, Garneau said, when there is a “significant risk to aviation” the Transportation Minister has the power to issue an interim order until new regulations can be enacted “and that’s what I have done today.”
Garneau issued an order “effective immediately” that prevents anyone from operating a recreational drone “higher that 90 metres, at night time, within 75 metres of buildings, vehicles, or people, or within 9 kilometres of any airport, heliport, seaplane base or airstrip where aircraft take off or land.”
The new regulations will also require drone owners to mark their devices with their contact information and stay clear of controlled / restricted air space, forest fires, and “first responder emergency operations sites.”
- Read more on Daily Hive
9. Death toll rises in Peru due to flooding and mudslides
Heavy rains have caused overflowing rivers and intense flooding and mudslides in Peru. At least 72 people have died in the floods. Authorities say this is the worst flooding the country has seen in 30 years.
- Read more on BBC