• Plan to Admit More Refugees Faces Stiff Opposition in U.S. Congress

  Plans by President Barack Obama's administration to allow thousands more refugees into the United States faced stiff opposition on Monday in the U.S. Congress, where Republican lawmakers demanded the right to review, and reject, the effort, citing fears of terrorism.

  

• Volkswagen Shares Plunge on Emissions Scandal, U.S. Widens Probe

  Volkswagen shares plunged more than 20 percent on Monday, their biggest one-day fall, after the German carmaker admitted it had rigged emissions tests in the United States, and U.S. authorities said they would widen their probe to other manufacturers.

  

• U.S. Issues Stern Warning to China before President Xi Jinping's Visit: Cyber Espionage Must Stop

  U.S. national security adviser Susan Rice issued a stern warning to China on Monday ahead of President Xi Jinping's visit that state-sponsored cyber espionage must stop, calling it more than an irritant and a critical factor in the future of U.S.-China relations.

  

• World's Biggest Trade Deal: Germany's Merkel Urges Speedy Deal on Europe-U.S. Free Trade

  The outline of a free trade accord between Europe and the United States should be ready by the end of 2015, Germany's chancellor said on Monday, trying to inject fresh impetus into stalled talks on what would be the world's biggest deal of its kind.

  

• Pope Francis Says Mass in East Cuba on Anniversary of His Calling from God

  On a special anniversary for him, Pope Francis celebrated Mass in east Cuba on Monday on the last full day of a trip where he has been praised for aiding rapprochement between the communist government and the United States.