1. First US Zika Virus Transmission Reported, Attributed to Sex
The first known case of Zika virus transmission in the United States is reported in Texas by local health officials, who say it likely is contracted through sex and not mosquito bite, the day after the World Health Organisation declares an international public health emergency.
2. Syrian Army Threatens to Encircle Aleppo as Talks Falter
A Syrian military offensive, backed by heavy Russian air strikes, threatens to cut critical rebel supply lines into the northern city of Aleppo, while warring sides say peace talks have not started despite a UN statement that they have.
3. South Korea Says North Will Pay a ‘Severe Price’ for Missile Launch
South Korea says North Korea’s announced plan to launch a satellite is really a plan to launch a long-range missile and warns that the North will pay a “severe price” if it goes ahead.
4. Cosby Seeks to Block Sex Assault Prosecution in Pennsylvania
Comedian Bill Cosby seeks to derail Pennsylvania prosecutors’ efforts to make him stand trial on sexual assault charges, contending that the deal reached over a decade ago gives him immunity from prosecution.
5. Socialists to Try to Form Government in Spain, but Chances Slim
Socialist head Pedro Sanchez is named by King Felipe to lead talks to form a government in Spain, though the chances of success are slim as he would need to strike a deal with several parties whose policies are incompatible.
6. Rouhani Invites US Firms to Invest in Changing Iranian Economy
Iran has no problem with US companies investing in its economy and creating joint ventures, President Hassan Rouhani says, and he calls for foreign investment and diversification away from oil.
7. Marco Rubio Becomes Early Hope for Mainstream US Republicans
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, emerging from the first Republican nominating contest of the 2016 presidential campaign as the party’s leading mainstream candidate, faces a strong field of rival establishment figures in next week’s New Hampshire primary.
8. FBI Joins Flint, Michigan, Water Contamination Probe
The Federal Bureau of Investigation says it joins the criminal investigation of lead contaminated drinking water in Flint, Michigan, exploring whether any laws were broken in a crisis that captured international attention.
9. Tusk’s Plan to Keep Britain in EU Draws Mixed Response
European Council President Donald Tusk sets out a plan for keeping Britain in the European Union to a mixed reception which underlines challenges Prime Minister David Cameron faces in convincing Britons they should stay in the bloc.
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