News of the World: What you missed this week internationally

JAPAN

Rule-breakers on bikes won’t be able to pedal away that easily any longer. Japan is introducing new cycling laws which will fine violators on the spot if they are caught breaking traffic rules — such as using smartphones or ignoring stoplights. The new legislation, which will roll out on April 1, was enacted in response to an increase in accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists, which hit a record high last year with nearly 3,300 cases. The new system would require the offender to pay the ticket within a week, before the violation moves to a criminal proceeding. In the past, a majority of offenders would be issued warnings, without any fines or penalties.

Japan is cracking down on law-breaking cyclists. AFP via Getty Images

MEXICO

It’s facing a sobering environmental reality. The surge of mezcal production to satisfy the global market is taking a toll on forests in the southern state of Oaxaca, where most of the agave-based alcohol is made. Forests have been replaced with agave plantations, which have caused soil erosion, river pollution, and limited carbon absorption. Mexico produces more than 11 million liters of mezcal annually, 70% of which is sent abroad.

CANADA

Human remains found during a 2020 construction project in France are now confirmed to be those of Albert Henry Detmold, a World War I soldier from Manitoba. Pte. Detmold, 33, was killed in action on Aug. 15, 1917, the first day of the Battle of Hill 70 near Loos-en-Gohelle, which caused almost 10,000 Canadians to be killed, wounded, or missing.

ITALY

A museum in Naples allowed its visually impaired guests to experience priceless art by touching it. This month, the Sansevero Chapel Museum had the protective barriers surrounding its marble sculptures removed so 80 blind or partially-sighted participants wearing latex gloves could touch them. The initiative, called La meraviglia a portata di mano, which means “Wonder within reach,” included Giuseppe Sanmartino’s “Veiled Christ,” considered one of the most impressive in the history of sculpture.

Naples’ Sansevero Chapel Museum allowed its blind patrons to touch sculptures like Giuseppe Sanmartino’s “Veiled Christ.” KONTROLAB/LightRocket via Getty Images

AUSTRALIA

Eight additional soccer players have joined in a multimillion-dollar concussion class action lawsuit against the Australian Football League, raising the total of players who claim to be brain damaged from the sport to more than 100. The lead plaintiff in the case is Max Rooke, who played 135 games for the Geelong Football Club. The 44-year-old claims he now has life-altering injuries due to being concussed between 20 and 30 times and being knocked unconscious at least twice.

With Wires