CUBA-US

HAVANA — The United States and Cuba near restoring regularly scheduled commercial flights between the countries on the eve the anniversary of detente between the Cold War foes. By Michael Weissenstein and Bradley Klapper.

SENATE-NSA

WASHINGTON — The Senate may re-open debate on National Security Agency wire-tapping authority following the attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, California, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tells The Associated Press, a divisive issue already roiling the Republican presidential field. 

BALTIMORE POLICE DEATH

BALTIMORE — Officials appeal for calm after the first effort to convict an officer in Freddie Gray's death from a broken neck in a Baltimore Police van ended with a hung jury and a mistrial. 

UNITED STATES-TAIWAN

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration announces a $1.83 billion arms sale to Taiwan, drawing an immediate rebuke and threats of retaliation from Taipei's rival Beijing. 

ARGENTINA-CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentina lifted deeply unpopular restrictions on buying U.S. dollars, aiming to put an end to a byzantine monetary system that made it difficult for businesses to operate and spawned a booming black market. 

BRAZIL-CORRUPTION

SAO PAULO — Brazil's attorney general went to the Supreme Court seeking to strip the leader of the House of Deputies of his seat. 

CHICAGO POLICE

CHICAGO — Several relatives of people who've died in police-involved shootings in Chicago see the coverage and fallout over the video of Laquan McDonald's death at the hands of an officer in 2014 as their best chance at justice.

UNITED STATES-LAOS

WASHINGTON — The United States calls for Laos to immediately resolve the case of prominent activist whose abduction three years ago sent a "chilling message" to civil society. The State Department statement comes as the top U.S. envoy for East Asia prepares to travel to communist-governed Laos.