Menendez defiant...Arkansas considers law redo...Kerry remains at talks

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hours after a corruption indictment was announced against him, New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez is defiantly saying that he isn't going anywhere. Menendez has been charged with accepting nearly $1 million in gifts -- including golf trips, luxury vacations and contributions to a legal defense fund. The government alleges he took the items in exchange for political favors for a longtime friend and donor, Florida eye doctor Salomon Melgen.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The Arkansas Senate has voted tonight to approve a new version of a religious rights bill. The original, sent to Gov. Asa Hutchinson, sparked a firestorm of opposition from critics including Arkansas-based Wal-Mart. Opponents say the measure, and a similar law in Indiana, is anti-gay. The revised Arkansas proposal would only address actions by the government, not by businesses or individuals. Supporters say the change means businesses denying services to someone on religious grounds could not use the law as a defense.

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — Secretary of State John Kerry will remain at the Iran nuclear talks in Switzerland at least through Thursday morning. That's according to the State Department. Iran and the six participating world powers had cited progress when they kept working past their self-imposed March 31 target date. The goal is to come to terms on a framework for a permanent accord.

TIKRIT, Iraq (AP) — It could be a significant defeat for the Islamic State group in Iraq. The country's defense minister says Iraqi troops have achieved their goal of driving the militants out of Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit (tih-KREET'). They had seized Tikrit last summer during their advance across northern and western Iraq. The battle for Tikrit is seen as a key step toward driving the militants out of Mosul, the country's second-largest city.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles City Council has agreed to spend more than $1 billion over 30 years to repair its sidewalks. That a settlement of a lawsuit filed by disabled residents who said they couldn't navigate broken walkways, potholed crosswalks and curbs that lacked wheelchair ramps. The agreement must be approved by a federal judge.

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