Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 15 Feb 2017

1. Call for investigation into Flynn's links with Russia

Senior Republicans have called for an investigation into Donald Trump's former national security adviser's links to Russia. Michael Flynn stepped down on Monday after it was claimed he had lied about speaking to the Russian ambassador before the election. It is now alleged that Trump's aides were in close contact with Moscow during his presidential campaign.

Donald Trump sued by two states over business links

2. Woman arrested over death of Kim Jong-nam

A post mortem is to be carried out today on the body of Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, who was assassinated in Kuala Lumpur. He died after two women, suspected of being secret agents, approached him at KL airport and sprayed a substance in his face. A woman was today arrested in Malaysian in connection with the death.

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Kim Jong Nam death: murder trial begins in Malaysia

3. Sea ice around Antarctica at smallest ever extent

Sea ice around Antarctica has shrunk to its smallest extent on record during the southern hemisphere's summer, US satellites show. New data suggests the ice contracted to 883,015sq-miles, slightly smaller than the 884,173sq-miles recorded in 1997. The ice melts every summer, reaching its smallest level in February, before forming again in autumn.

4. Oxford flats explosion: Several people still missing

A number of people remain unaccounted for after an enormous explosion levelled a block of four flats in Oxford. Two people were treated for minor injuries and one was taken to hospital. The blast, which was heard as far as 13 miles away, is not thought to have been a mains gas explosion. Police do not think it was terror-related.

5. Pullman to publish new His Dark Materials trilogy

Children's fantasy author Philip Pullman will publish three new books to overlap with his hugely popular His Dark Materials trilogy. The novels, known collectively as The Book of Dust, will feature Lyra Belacqua from the original series and are to be published around the world in October.

6. Harrison Ford 'in near-miss with passenger jet'

Star Wars actor Harrison Ford is reported to have been in a near miss with a passenger jet as he landed his light aircraft at John Wayne Airport in California. US media say he landed on a taxiway instead of the runway in error and allegedly asked air traffic controllers: "Was that airliner meant to be underneath me?"

Harrison Ford under investigation after plane's near miss at airport

7. Palmer-Tomkinson 'died of perforated ulcer'

The sister of it-girl Tara Palmer-Tomkinson says she died "peacefully in her sleep" from a perforated ulcer. Author Santa Montefiore made the claim on twitter as she thanked people for their support. She said Palmer-Tomkinson had died of "natural causes" and "did not have a brain tumour". She was found dead at her flat in South Kensington last week.

Former 'It girl' Tara Palmer-Tomkinson dies at 45

8. India launches record 104 satellites in single mission

India has successfully launched a record 104 satellites into space in a single mission. All but three were launched on behalf of foreign countries and most were from the US. Observers say the mission marks India's emergence as a major player in the multi-billion-dollar international space engineering market.

9. US warns Nato members to pay their 'fair share'

US Defense Secretary James Mattis has told Nato that Washington will "moderate its commitment" to the alliance if other nations do not contribute their "fair share" to the organisation. Mattis met Nato defence ministers for the first time on Wednesday and described the alliance as the "fundamental bedrock" of trans-Atlantic co-operation.

10. Briefing: Will EU nationals get to stay in UK after Brexit?

A leaked EU document indicating that UK expats could face a legal "backlash" after Brexit has cast further doubt on the status of the 1.2 million Brits living in the EU and the 3.3 million EU nationals currently living in the UK. The document, drawn up by the European parliament and seen by The Guardian, suggests member states could emulate Britain's tough residency standards and impose similar requirements on UK immigrants who wish to remain in the EU.

What will happen to EU citizens after the December Brexit deadline?