Today’s edition of quick hits:
* Counter-terrorism: "The Pentagon said Sunday that it had killed an extremist figure in Syria whom it identified as 'the highest-ranking leader' in the Khorasan Group, a shadowy al-Qaeda faction that U.S. officials have accused in the past of plotting attacks against the United States."
* Syria: "As Russia’s air war in Syria nears its fourth week, officials now admit that Moscow’s aim is far broader than the publicly announced fight against terrorist groups."
* From debate to implementation: "The nuclear deal with Iran takes effect on Sunday, setting in motion a series of events that will put President Obama’s diplomatic gamble to the test."
* Arctic: "The Obama administration shut the door Friday on drilling in Alaska’s Arctic Ocean over the next two years, canceling auctions for drilling rights in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas."
* 2nd Circuit: "A federal appeals court has upheld key provisions of New York and Connecticut laws banning possession of semi-automatic assault weapons and large-capacity magazines."
* Texas: "A federal judge has ruled that Texas may continue to deny birth certificates to children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants who are unable to present the specific documentation that is now required by the state."
* Drones: "Federal regulators said Monday that they will require recreational drone users to register their aircraft with the government for the first time in an attempt to track rogue flying robots that are increasingly posing a threat to aviation safety."
Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.