An Arab police officer is promoted by Israel to deputy commissioner, the highest rank ever attained by a Muslim in the force.

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.4 jolts southern Japan, toppling several houses, though no tsunami alert is issued.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that the Zika virus causes severe birth defects including microcephaly.

A Lebanese judge says there is “no way” he will drop charges against an Australian TV crew over an alleged child abduction attempt.

One of basketball's biggest stars, Kobe Bryant, ends his 20-year career with a stunning performance, scoring 60 points for the LA Lakers.

Dozens of people are occupying the royal palace building on the French Pacific territory of Wallis and Futuna, to try and prevent a new king being crowned.

The Ukrainian parliament approves speaker Volodymyr Groysman as the new prime minister, after days of political uncertainty.

Russia says it observed all required safety measures when its aircraft flew close to a US warship in international waters of the Baltic Sea.