Axios

President Trump endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, just nine days before Israel's Oct. 27 elections.

Why it matters: Trump's decision to weigh in nine days ahead of the election could give Netanyahu a boost at a critical moment in the Israeli leader's fight for political survival, with most polls showing his coalition falling short of the 61 seats needed to form a government.

Former President Barack Obama issued a forceful denunciation of the Trump administration's legal pursuit of Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar over suspicions she fraudulently obtained U.S. citizenship decades ago, an allegation the Minnesota lawmaker has called "disgusting lies."

Why it matters: Obama — who faced false claims for years from Donald Trump that he wasn't an American citizen — is selective about when he weighs in on political issues or the president. His decision to speak out reflects his view that the DOJ raid on Omar's home last week was a betrayal of American values.

Democrats are running surprisingly competitive races in traditionally Republican territory across the country this midterm election cycle, and it's putting GOP winning streaks at risk that stretch as far back as the 1930s.

Why it matters: Democrats hope ending political droughts in states such as Kansas, Texas and South Carolina will help make inroads in what has long been off-limits territory.

In red states and blue, unconventional candidates are downplaying — or even disowning — party labels to tap into voters' deep disdain for Washington.

Why it matters: They might not all win, but the sheer number of political outsiders connecting with voters tells us something about the electorate: It's angry and willing to take risks.

California and Louisiana have something surprising in common: Both have among the nation's highest poverty rates when the cost of living is factored in, according to Census Bureau data.

Why it matters: Southern states dominate America's traditional poverty rankings. But that familiar geographic divide starts to disappear when more of a family's financial realities are taken into account.

Some people don't like to make small talk. Others — especially younger Americans— say they simply don't know how to do it.

Why it matters: A communication-skills app is betting that a baptism by fire in small talk can help rebuild social confidence — and it's hiring people to approach strangers to put that theory to the test.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine's use of the Elon Musk-owned SpaceX satellite system remains partially restricted, despite earlier signs this week that it had been fully restored.

Why it matters: The current restrictions limit the Ukrainian military from using drones to intercept Russian attack drones and from using its drones to send supplies to soldiers on the front lines, Zelensky said.

Top Republicans and Democrats alike lined up Saturday to condemn President Trump's decision to waive recent sanctions on Russia, calling it "irresponsible" and "a deal with the devil."

Why it matters: Trump already faces a bipartisan effort to overturn his Russian diesel deal when Congress returns after the election.

President Trump waived new sanctions on Russia late Friday night, saying it was in the "national interests" to hold off on the sweeping levies under the Graham Act that he signed just last month.

Why it matters: Trump is easing American pressure on Russia despite a bipartisan chorus calling for him to do the exact opposite.

Pope Leo XIV was discharged from the hospital on Saturday after having surgery to remove a cancerous nodule in his lungs.

Why it matters: His discharge clears the way for his rigorous upcoming travel schedule and may alleviate fears of a leadership vacuum at the Vatican.