Here's a brief look at some of the top news stories around the world for April 1, 2015

Arkansas governor won't sign religious freedom bill

Asa Hutchinson, the governor of Arkansas, will not sign a religious freedom bill sitting on his desk. It's similar to the one recently passed in Indiana – which itself quickly was subject to harsh criticism. [Read more from Arkansas Online]

Islamic State militants raid Palestinian refugee camp

Militants with the Islamic State entered Yarmouk, a refugee camp in the Syrian capital city of Damascus. The camp is home to about 18,000 Palestinian refugees, including a large number of children – whom officials say are now in danger.

[Read more from the BBC]

For 1st time ever, California issues mandatory reduction in water use

Mired in a severe drought and facing a water crisis, California Gov. Jerry Brown issued a a water reduction mandate – the first ever in the state's history.

[Read more from the Sacramento Bee]

Oldest person in the world dies at 117

Misao Okawa, a 117-year-old Japanese woman who claimed the title of oldest person in the world, died Wednesday. During her 117th birthday party a few weeks ago, she said she was "very happy" to have reached that age.

[Read more from USA Today]