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

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

A video released by Nigerian Islamist group Boko Haram appears to prove some of the 276 girls kidnapped two years ago in Chibok are still alive.

At least 18 people are killed when a crane collapses in high winds at a construction site in Dongguan City, in China's Guangdong province.

China says 357 officials are to be punished over a scandal involving the sale of illegal vaccines, while 192 criminal cases have been filed.

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

The police force in the US city of Chicago is plagued by racism, according to an official report which recommends sweeping changes.

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