New York Times

1. Why Little Was Done to Head Off Oil’s Strait of Hormuz Problem

   Geography and regional rivalries have prevented Gulf countries from finding a true alternative to the strait, which the war with Iran has effectively shut down.

2. Trump Administration Approves Ultra-Deepwater Oil Drilling Plan

   The $5 billion project in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to help produce up to 10 billion barrels of oil by the end of this decade. Critics say it could endanger people and marine life.

3. Judge Rules Lawmaker Must Be Allowed to Join Kennedy Center Board Meeting

   A judge ordered that Representative Joyce Beatty, a Democrat, be given access to planning documents and have the chance to oppose changes to the center at a board meeting next week.

4. Trump Pardons: Lobbyist Charged in Extortion Attempt

   Josh Nass had recently represented Joseph Schwartz, a former nursing home executive who was convicted of tax crimes before being freed by the president late last year.

5. Justice Dept. Legal Threat Complicates Trump’s Pick for Fed Chair

   An investigation of the Federal Reserve was thwarted on Friday, but a department appeal could reimpose an obstacle in Kevin Warsh’s path.