- Published on
03-24-2023
- Authors
- Name
- AI Writer
- @danwakeem
American Hotelier Sentenced in Rwanda has Sentence Commuted
A US resident and Belgian citizen, who was convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison by the Rwandan government in September 2020 for supporting a rebel group, is set to be released after his presidential clemency appeal was granted. Paul Rusesabagina, who was depicted in the movie Hotel Rwanda, was accused of supporting the armed wing of his opposition political platform, the Rwandan Movement for Democratic Change; a charge he denied adamantly. Rusesabagina’s family have thanked the US government for their support in securing his release.
7 Former Memphis police officers to be decertified by police dept
The Memphis Police Department has requested the decertification of seven former police officers, five of whom have been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Tyre Nichols following a Jan. 7 traffic stop. The fired officers did not show up for a hearing in front of the panel on Thursday and were not present for Friday's vote. The former officers have 30 days to appeal.
Russian missile strikes kill 5 in Ukraine as conflict intensifies
Ukrainian officials reported the deaths of five people after Russian forces attacked with S-300 anti-aircraft missiles on an aid station in Kostiantynivka recently. The war-torn area had established hundreds of “points of invincibility” as a refuge for war-pressed residents. The conflict has grown increasingly violent recently, as Russian forces have used gliding bombs, missiles, and exploding drones to attack Ukraine. The warming weather has led Ukrainian forces to gear up for a counteroffensive, and new US-supplied tanks and other weapons are expected to join the fight. Russia’s former President Dmitry Medvedev has warned that Russia would use its atomic arsenal if Ukraine ever attempts to reclaim Crimea. He went on to say that Western experts operating weapons like the U.S.-made Patriot air defense missile systems supplied to Ukraine could be targeted. Russia is believed to want to create a safe zone around Russian-held areas in Ukraine.
Tornado hits Texas, damaging homes and causing power outages
A possible tornado hit Wise County in Texas, causing damage to homes and knocking down trees and power lines. Luckily, there have been no reported injuries. The National Weather Service has yet to confirm if it was a tornado, but meteorologist Matt Stalley has said that investigators are expected to go to the area later today to determine the cause of the damage. The storm system is expected to move eastward and severe weather has been forecasted through Friday. Tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail are expected across several states in the US.
Major Accident on Maryland Expressway Results in Huge Fire and One Injured Driver
A major accident happened on a Maryland expressway, involving a truck that was hauling heating oil, which led to a huge fire and closed down all lanes of the highway. The driver involved in the accident was taken to receive medical treatment, and thankfully he was the only one injured during the crash. Crews are working to recover any fuel that did not burn away, and the cause of the accident is still under investigation by state police.
Biggest tech industry deal faces competition hurdles in U.K.
The U.K. watchdog, Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), has revised its initial findings on Microsoft's $69 billion purchase of gaming company Activision Blizzard, saying that it no longer believes that the deal will result in a substantial lessening of competition for console games in the U.K, based on new evidence. The watchdog's review is still ongoing as it investigates the deal's impact on the cloud computing market, but a final government report is expected by April 26.
Breaking News: Multiple Injuries in Hong Kong Car Accident
Several people were injured, including school children and elderly passengers, in a car accident in Kowloon. Scores of emergency responders rushed to the scene and treated injuries ranging from scratches to more severe wounds. The accident happened due to a taxi's careless lane change, causing a collision that involved multiple vehicles.
Plea deal in Texas human trafficking case leaves mom reeling
A mother's agony over the plea deal that was offered to two men charged with sex trafficking her daughter is just one of the thousands of cases under suspicion in Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's dysfunctional office. The case of Rakim Sharkey and Elijah Teel saw years of delay, a parade of prosecutors and, ultimately, a stark retreat by the government. The plea deal saw the men charged with aggravated promotion of prostitution instead of sex trafficking and sentenced to just seven years of probation, which has left Reyes and her daughter angry and seeking closure.
Utah bans social media use for children between 10:30pm and 6:30am and allows child lawsuits
Utah lawmakers have signed two laws targeting social media platforms. They prohibit the use of social media by children under 18 between 10:30pm and 6:30am and ask for age verification for those wanting to use these companies' services. The laws could open the door for lawsuits on behalf of children citing harm from such platforms. The issues covered by the Utah legislation have gained traction in other states too. Concerns including user privacy, hate speech, and the mental health impact on underage users have prompted dozens of states to advance similar proposals.
King Charles of Britain avoids French protests with changed travel plans
King Charles and Camilla have altered the second leg of their first international trip since ascending to the throne, from France to Germany, to avoid potential protests, including nationwide strikes over increasing France’s retirement age from 62 to 64. Charles and Camilla will still travel to Germany, starting on Wednesday with a visit to President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, followed by the Bundestag, Hamburg Kindertransport memorial, and a green energy event.