35 dead, 100 injured as gas station explodes in Russia

Police clash with pro-Palestinian protesters at university campuses across the US. We look at comparisons with Vietnam War-era student protests and scour the editorial pages of student newspapers. In other news: Portugal marks 50 years today since the end of the Salazar dictatorship on a bittersweet note, as the far right has made gains in recent elections.

Germany's ambassador to China says she was summoned by Chinese authorities after four Germans were arrested on suspicion of spying for Beijing.

Two men have been arrested in Germany over suspicions that they spied for Russia and were part of a plot to sabotage aid to Ukraine by trying to blow up military infrastructure on German soil, the authorities announced on Thursday.

Exactly five years ago, the world watched in horror as Paris's Notre-Dame Cathedral was ravaged by flames. Today, carpenters and artisans are hammering away to meet a December 8 deadline for the Gothic landmark's grand reopening. Spectators attending the Paris Olympics this summer will already be able to admire the renovated structure from the outside. Meanwhile, life has resumed on the Île de la Cité, the island that's home to Notre-Dame in the historical heart of the French capital. The square in front of the cathedral and its surroundings are even set for a makeover.

IN THE PRESS – Friday, April 12: The media reacts to the death of controversial former NFL star O.J. Simpson, who was acquitted of killing his ex-wife and her friend in 1994. Meanwhile, children in Poland rejoice as homework is banned...but not everyone is happy with the decision.

Nigeria has revoked 924 dormant mining licences while calling on investors to apply for the licences offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Meanwhile, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry is urging the government to review the mining industry strategy to attract mineral exploration investments, reignite mining project development, and accelerate new mineral discoveries.