Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images
Russia conducted a successful test of the hypersonic weapon called "Avangard" and has plans of including it in Russia's arsenal by 2020, CNBC reports.
Why it matters: The weapons have been described by Russian President Vladimir Putin as "invincible." They're capable of carrying nuclear warheads, according to the report, and are capable of reaching targets at 20 times the speed of sound.
Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images
The Supreme Court rejected in a 5-3 decision Monday Wisconsin Democrats' request to reinstate an extension of the deadline for counting absentee ballots to six days after Election Day, as long as they're postmarked by Nov. 3.
Why it matters: All ballots must now be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day in Wisconsin, a critical swing state in the presidential election.
Judge Amy Coney Barrett before a meeting on Capitol Hill on Oct. 21. Photo: Sarah Silbiger/pool/AFP via Getty Images
The Senate voted 52-48 on Monday to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. She is expected to be sworn in within hours.
Why it matters: President Trump and Senate Republicans have succeeded in confirming a third conservative justice in just four years, tilting the balance of the Supreme Court firmly to the right for perhaps a generation.
Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios
Catch up on coronavirus stories and special reports, curated by Mike Allen everyday