AFGHAN WAR

WASHINGTON — Fifteen years into the war that few Americans talk about any more, conditions in Afghanistan are getting worse, preventing the clean ending that President Barack Obama hoped to impose before leaving office. 

ZIKA-VIRUS

SAO PAULO — Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff announces a nationwide attack on the mosquito that spreads the Zika virus, vowing to "win this war" against the insect that researchers in have linked to a rare birth defect.

CLINTON EMAILS

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration has confirmed for the first time that Hillary Clinton's home server contained closely guarded government secrets, censoring 22 emails that contained material requiring one of the highest levels of classification. The revelation comes three days before the Democratic candidate competes in the Iowa presidential caucuses. 

INMATES ESCAPE

SANTA ANA, California — One of three violent inmates who broke out of a California jail a week ago surrendered Friday and authorities believe the other two may be 400 miles (640 kilometers) north in the San Jose area. 

MEXICO-CAPITAL

MEXICO CITY — Mexico City is getting a little closer to statehood. The Federal District has long been considered an administrative district run by the central government, much like Washington, D.C. traditionally was in the United States.

ARGENTINA-ELECTRICITY SUBSIDIES

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentina announces an end to subsidies on electricity bills and officials say the move will save the government $4 billion this year.

FATAL AVALANCHE

MCBRIDE, British Columbia — A "very large" avalanche in the western Canadian province of British Columbia leaves five people riding snowmobiles dead, the provincial coroner's service said.