• Boko Haram Frees 21 Christian Chibok Schoolgirls: Ten Facts About Terrorist Group

  Boko Haram has freed 21 of more than 200 schoolgirls kidnapped by the Islamist militant group in April 2014 in the northern Nigerian town of Chibok, the government said on Thursday.

  

• Seventeen Migrants Missing After Late-Night Mediterranean Rescue

  At least 17 migrants are missing after a night-time rescue of more than 100 others from a partially submerged rubber boat off the coast of Libya, the Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS) said on Thursday.

  

• Pope Francis Calls for 'Immediate Ceasefire' in Syria

  Pope Francis, in his strongest appeal to date on the conflict in Syria, on Wednesday called for an "immediate ceasefire" to allow for the evacuation of civilians.

  

• Massachusetts Churches Sue Over Transgender Bathroom Bill

  Four Massachusetts churches on Tuesday filed a lawsuit asking to be exempted from a state law that requires public places to allow transgender people to use bathrooms in line with their gender identity.

  

• Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Deadly Mosque Attack in Afghan Capital

  Islamic State on Wednesday claimed responsibility for a mass shooting that killed at least 18 worshippers at a shrine in the Afghan capital, raising fears of sectarian violence after a string of attacks on the country's Shi'ite minority.