The Nigerian army says it is investigating reports that Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has died after blowing himself up to avoid being captured by a rival group. CNN's Stephanie Busari reports.
The increase in vaccination rates is filling Europe with optimism for summer travel. In the Italian city of Pordenone, a private company opened a vaccination hub on Thursday. In many places it looks like a case of 'full steam ahead'. However, the World Health Organization's regional director for Europe has warned people to be cautious, despite the new variants being effectively fought by the vaccines, the pandemic is far from being over:
Mountaineer simulates high-altitudes at home to avoid Covid-19 in Nepal
Głuchołazy (Poland) (AFP) – The Glucholazy hospital in southern Poland on the border with the Czech Republic has been treating former Covid-19 sufferers for more than nine months as part of a government programme. Among the 1,000 patients treated so far, doctors have found more than 50 distinct physical, neurological and psychological symptoms that linger even when the virus has gone and the number is growing with each new variant.
CNN's Fred Pleitgen gets rare access to a Russian base in the North Pole as Russian President Vladimir Putin rapidly spreads the country's military presence around the Arctic.
Prince William slams 'deceitful' BBC Diana interview
United Nations (United States) (AFP) – UN chief urges dialogue to 'address root causes' after Gaza ceasefire announced.
As an LGBTQ activist and Vietnam's first openly gay candidate running for a seat in the one-party state's parliament, Luong The Huy is determined to spearhead lasting change. He is one of nine independent candidates running in Sunday's elections, and hopes to boost the voices of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the southeast Asian country.
Gaza City (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – People take to the streets of Gaza City to celebrate as a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militant groups comes into force early Friday after 11 days of deadly fighting. Rocket fire from Gaza has claimed 12 lives in Israel, including two children and an Israeli soldier, with one Indian and two Thai nationals among those killed, police say.
The Russian President warned on Thursday that those who attack the country will "have their teeth knocked out." Vladimir Putin was speaking at a government meeting when he made the strong comment saying Russia's enemies were looking to clip its wings every time the nation grew stronger.
Eurovision performers who qualified for the grand final after Thursday's second semi-final shared their excitement during a press conference in Rotterdam. US Rapper Flo Rida who supported San Marino's Senhit said on this occasion, "I love the energy.
An Alaska man conducting a land survey was able to bind up his wounds and call 911 after being mauled by a brown bear that bit him multiple times on the head. CNN affiliate KTUU has the story.
