REPUBLICANS PRESIDENTIAL RACE-CRUZ

WASHINGTON — Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, one of the Republican Party's most conservative members, announces he is running for the party's 2016 presidential nomination, making him the first among what is expected to be a crowded field of White House hopefuls to officially enter the race. 

CUBA-THE RUSH

HAVANA — In the weeks since Washington said it would renew ties with Havana, tour businesses have had a rush of travelers eager to see Cuba now — before, as many predict, McDonald's claims a spot in Old Havana and Starbucks moves in on Cubita, the island's premium coffee. 

UNITED STATES-AFGHANISTAN

WASHINGTON — The pace of U.S. troop withdrawals from Afghanistan will headline Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's visit to Washington, yet America's exit from the war remains tightly hinged to the abilities of the Afghan forces that face a tough fight against insurgents this spring. 

CHILE-EUTHANASIA

SANTIAGO, Chile — An ailing Chilean girl who made a public plea for permission to end her life has had a change of heart, according to her father. 

SUPREME COURT-DISABLED SUSPECTS

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court is considering whether the Americans With Disabilities Act requires police to take special precautions when trying to arrest armed and violent suspects who are mentally ill.