Accused Aurora theatre shooting suspect James Holmes listens at his arraignment in Centennial, Colo., March 12, 2013.POOL/Reuters
A summary of what you need to know today, compiled by The Globe's news desk on April 1, 2013.
Key decision for Colorado theatre shooting suspect
James Holmes, who is accused of killing 12 people at a Colorado movie theatre, is to learn today whether he could face execution if convicted, The Associated Press reports. Defence lawyers revealed last week that Mr. Holmes would plead not guilty if prosecutors allowed him to avoid the death penalty and instead serve the rest of his life in prison.
Baird travels to Iraq in unannounced visit
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird arrived in Baghdad today as part of an effort to seek a diplomatic re-connection with Iraq after ties dwindled over decades of war, The Globe's Campbell Clark reports. Mr. Baird, who met with legislators, announced the opening of a permanent Canadian diplomatic office housed at the British embassy and staffed by a chargé d'affaires. His visit is the second in as many months for a Canadian minister.
Drug company loses patent case in India
India's Supreme Court ruled against the Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis today in a landmark judgment that protects the ability of Indian generic drug companies to supply low-cost versions of medicines to people in poor countries, The Globe's Stephanie Nolen reports. The decision has far-reaching implications: More than 10 million people with HIV rely on Indian generic medications.
U.S. soldier killed by Afghan teen
An Afghan teenager killed an American soldier today by stabbing him in the neck, senior military officials told The Associated Press. Sergeant Michael Cable, 26, was guarding a meeting of Afghan and U.S. officials in Nangarhar province when the stabbing occurred.
Clean-up continues after Exxon spill in Arkansas
Exxon Mobil is continuing clean-up efforts after a pipeline carrying heavy Canadian crude oil ruptured, spilling thousands of barrels in Arkansas, Reuters reports. The spill comes as the U.S. State Department considers the fate of the controversial Keystone XL pipeline.
Tourism falters in India after Delhi gang rape
India is attracting fewer foreign tourists because of fears about the risk of sexual assault in the wake of the fatal Delhi gang rape, The Guardian reports. An industry survey found that the number of international visitors dropped by 25 per cent during the first three months of this year.
Jill Mahoney