Morning Brief: Hillary fights on

Top Story

ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images

Hillary Clinton racked up a commanding victory in Puerto Rico's Democratic primary Sunday. The Clinton campaign's recent communications to staff have renewed speculation that she will drop out of the race, but the New York senator has repeatedly vowed to "keep fighting" and is even trying to pick off Barack Obama's superdelegates. Obama is now within 47 delegates of the 2,118 needed to win, however.

Decision '08

On Saturday, a key Democratic Party committee agreed to seat Florida and Michigan's delegations at half strength. Clinton supporters have hinted they might challenge the ruling. Clinton svengali Harold Ickes claimed on Meet the Press Sunday that his candidate would lead the popular vote after Tuesday's primaries in Montana and South Dakota.

Somewhere, John McCain is laughing.

Americas

U.S. gas prices are steady at just under $4 per gallon. Mass transit ridership is up. Oil, meanwhile, is down to a mere $126 a barrel, thanks to the strengthening dollar. Pension funds are growing bullish on the dollar.

The United States is reportedly blocking the G8's efforts to get countries to commit to mandatory emissions targets.

Two Bolivian provinces are opting for autonomy against the will of President Evo Morales.

Middle East and Africa

Syria has agreed to an IAEA fact-finding mission about its nuclear programs.

Australian combat troops are leaving Iraq.

Anti-malaria nets are hip.

Asia

A car bomb killed 4 people outside of the Danish Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan.

The leader of the Pakistani Taliban is flexing his muscles.

China guarantees there will be no post-quake epidemics, as some fear.

Beijing has ordered domestic media to dial back their coverage of the collapsed schools.

Europe

The U.S. State Department is "dismayed" by Russia's sending troops to Abkhazia, the disputed breakaway province of Georgia.

Robert Mugabe's visit to Rome for the U.N. food conference is arousing controversy.

Fashion giant Yves Saint Laurent is dead at 71.

Today's Agenda

Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy is undergoing brain surgery for a malignant tumor.

The U.S. Congress returns from vacation.

The U.S. Supreme Court begins issuing rulings.

The U.N. is hosting climate-change talks in Germany.

The IAEA board meets in Vienna.

AIPAC's annual policy conference kicks off in Washington, D.C.