Pope Francis is urging for reforms to the United Nations — specifically to the UN Security Council — in an upcoming book, saying the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine have exposed its limitations, according to AFP.
Why it matters: In the book, Francis criticizes the UN as no longer fit for "new realities" and denounces war and the possession of nuclear weapons as immoral, saying its unconscionable states continue to produce such weapons.
House Republicansare increasingly confident they can make unexpected inroads into some solidly Democratic congressional districts, including in some of the bluest states in the country: California, Connecticut, New York, Oregon and Rhode Island.
Why it matters: Following the money is as important as following the (limited) congressional public polling. Republicans are now pouring over $25 million into some of the bluest political battlegrounds on the map — a fresh sign that the political winds favor the GOP down the home stretch.
Four people died and dozens of others were injured in six separate shootings over the weekend, including one in Pittsburgh that killed three people and injured one.
The big picture: The shootings — which occurred in Worcester, Massachusetts; Denver, and Harrisonburg, Virginia, among other cities — come after a shooting in Raleigh, North Carolina, last week killed five people.
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) told ABC's "This Week" on Sunday that he believes former President Trump took classified documents from the federal government and kept them at his Mar-a-Lago residence as a "trophy."
Why it matters: Christie also said he thinks Trump's actions, as alleged by a Washington Post report last week, amounted to obstruction but said the Justice Department may struggle to concretely prove obstruction occurred if a case is brought against the former president.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) may continue organizing flights carrying undocumented migrants from Texas to other parts of the country, including Delaware and Illinois, according to documents reviewed by McClatchy DC.
Why it matters: The flights would follow the two planes carrying 48 migrants that were sent to Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts from Texas in September, which have been criticized as a "political stunt."
Former President Trump on Sunday formally endorsed New York Republican gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin (R) in the race against Gov. Kathy Hochul (D).
Why it matters: Trump's endorsement is a sign that the former president believes the GOP congressman may be able to pull off an upset — and wants to be able to claim some degree of credit if he does.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vt.), an independent who caucuses with Democrats, told NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday that he believes the Democrats are more "preferable" candidates for working-class voters than Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections.
What they're saying: "I believe, and most Democrats believe, that at a time when half our people are living paycheck to paycheck, we should raise the minimum wage to a living wage. No Republicans support that," he said.
Former President Trump said Sunday that he "could easily be" the prime minister of Israel in a post on his Truth Social account, in which he also said that Jewish people in the U.S. should be more appreciative of what he has done for Israel.
Between the lines: It is not clear what prompted Trump's remarks, but they echo similar comments that the former president has made about the U.S. Jewish community since he was elected in 2016.
President Biden has "no plans" to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) during the G20 summit next month, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday.
Arizona's Kari Lake on Sunday did not answer — when asked multiple times —whether she will accept the results of her state's 2022 gubernatorial election if she loses.
Why it matters: Lake, a 2020 election denier, is locked in a tight race with Democrat Katie Hobbs to become Arizona's next governor, a position that has the potential to affect the 2024 election process.
Former President Trump will be required by law to testify before the Jan. 6 committee when he is called to do so, committee member Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) told ABC's "This Week" on Sunday.
President Biden on Saturday knocked U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss’ controversial economic package as a "mistake," adding that he wasn't the only one who thought so.
Why it matters: Biden's White House had previously declined to comment on the controversial economic package, which roiled financial markets and led to the ouster of the U.K.'s finance minister on Friday, Reuters notes.
"Saturday Night Live" had its turn with the Jan. 6 committee on Saturday, featuring Kenan Thompson (in character as Rep. Bennie Thompson, the committee's chairman) saying, “We assembled a team of monotone nerds to do a PowerPoint.”
Zoom out: The committee voted on Thursday to subpoena former President Trump after showing footage of leaders of both parties huddling in secret locations on Jan. 6, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi calling Vice President Mike Pence to check in on his wellbeing.
The S&P 500 has lost value during President Biden's term, whereas it was in positive territory at this point in the terms of former Presidents Trump and Obama.
By the numbers: The S&P 500 is down 5.6% between the last market close before Biden's inauguration and this past Friday's market close.
President Biden commented Saturday on the Jan. 6th hearings, telling reporters while on the campaign trail in Oregon that "the testimony in the video [is] actually pretty devastating," according to the White House pool report.
Why it matters: "But any more I say about it, you — justified — are going to ask me if I’m trying to influence" Attorney General Merrick Garland, Biden said. "I'm not. I've not spoken with him at all."
