Trump Defies California to Restart Drilling off Santa Barbara, Claiming National Security.

Crude oil pumped from the depths of the Pacific Ocean is flowing for the first time in more than a decade through a pipeline that crosses California state park land after the Trump administration defied state officials to restart drilling off Santa Barbara, calling it essential to national security.

Plane crashes on the outskirts of South Sudan's capital, killing 14 people

JUBA, South Sudan (AP) – A Cessna aircraft crashed Monday on the outskirts of South Sudan’s capital, killing all 13 passengers and the pilot, the civil aviation authority said. The authority said preliminary reports indicate that the plane arriving from Yei town may have crashed due to weather conditions that caused poor visibility.

China blocks Meta from acquiring startup Manus as global AI rivalry deepens

HONG KONG (AP) – China on Monday blocked U.S. tech giant Meta’s acquisition of the artificial intelligence startup Manus, in an unexpected move to reverse a deal that apparently aroused Beijing’s concerns about the transfer of advanced technology.

Editorials from The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post and others

Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad:

Virginia Supreme Court considers blocking voter-approved US House map

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) – Virginia Supreme Court justices on Monday questioned whether the state’s Democratic-led legislature complied with constitutional requirements when it sent a congressional redistricting plan to voters, in a case that carries high stakes for the balance of power in the U.S. House.

Japan's PM launches panel to review her country's defense policies

TOKYO (AP) – Japan ‘s prime minister inaugurated a panel on Monday tasked with reviewing her country’s security and defense policies as tensions escalate with China, North Korea and Russia ramping up their military footprint in the region.

India and New Zealand sign a free trade agreement to deepen economic ties

NEW DELHI (AP) – India and New Zealand on Monday signed a free trade agreement to deepen economic ties and expand market access, as both countries navigate mounting global trade disruptions. The deal comes as New Delhi moves to diversify export markets to offset the impact of steep tariffs imposed by the United States.

Iraq's dominant bloc taps newcomer Ali al-Zaidi for prime minister

BAGHDAD (AP) – Iraq’s dominant parliamentary bloc on Monday nominated Ali al-Zaidi, a businessman and political newcomer, to be the country’s prime minister. The announcement by the Coordination Framework, a coalition of Shiite parties allied with Iran, followed a meeting at the government palace.

United Airlines says tie-up with American Airlines would be good for travelers

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby on Monday outlined why he thinks a merger between his airline and rival American would benefit travelers, despite American’s refusal to engage in negotiations. “I was confident that this combination, which would have been about adding and not subtracting, creating a truly great airline that customers love, could get regulatory approval,”