CONGRESS-IRAN NUCLEAR

WASHINGTON — The Iran nuclear deal strongly backed by President Barack Obama and just as ardently opposed by the Republican Party is now on track to get through Congress. In the Senate, Democratic supporters now claim a decisive 34 votes in favor, after Sen. Barbara Mikulski of Maryland called the pact "the best option available to block Iran from having a nuclear bomb." 

OBAMA

KOTZEBUE, Alaska — President Barack Obama crosseS the Arctic Circle in a first by a sitting U.S. president, telling residents in a far-flung Alaska village that their plight should be the world's wake-up call on global warming. 

PRESIDENTIAL RACE-REPUBLICAN PLEDGE

WASHINGTON — The Republican National Committee has challenged every 2016 Republican presidential candidate to sign a pledge not to undertake a third-party bid under any circumstances. By Steve Peoples. The challenge, confirmed by multiple campaigns, is aimed squarely at Donald Trump.

COLOMBIA-VENEZUELA-CRISIS

BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombia is giving citizenship to dozens of Venezuelans separated from family members as part of President Nicolas Maduro's crackdown on illegal immigration along the border. 

MEXICO-STATE OF THE NATION

MEXICO CITY — Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto acknowledges that the country's crime, corruption and economic troubles have caused distrust and anger among Mexicans. 

BALTIMORE POLICE DEATH

BALTIMORE — A judge refuses to dismiss charges against six police officers in connection with the death of a black man from injuries he suffered while in custody. He also refuses to remove the prosecutor in the case. 

GUATEMALA-POLITICAL CRISIS

GUATEMALA CITY — As Guatemala's presidential campaign builds to a climax, the biggest rallies of all have been demands to call off the election itself. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets in protest amid corruption scandals that have a former vice president behind bars accused of taking millions in bribes, and President Otto Perez Molina stripped of his immunity from prosecution and facing possible criminal charges and removal from office. 

MUHAMMAD BILLBOARDS

BOSTON — Dozens of billboards with Muslim themes are sprouting nationwide, proclaiming what organizers say is the true message of Islam and its prophet, Muhammad: peace and justice, not extremism and violent jihad.