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.
A Russian satellite was tracked on Friday closely stalking a U.S.-owned commercial satellite — part of a space-based network that has supported Ukraine's military.
Why it matters: Aerospace analysts and space intelligence company LeoLabs told Axios it's a rare maneuver that raises the possibility of Russian interference with U.S. space equipment.
President Trump is carrying his insatiable appetite for controversy into the most unforgiving stretch of the electoral calendar, fortified by a decade of political survival.
"Bottom line, it's gonna all work out. You know why? It always does," Trump told reporters this week.
Why it matters: Gone are the days of a single "October surprise," swallowed by a familiar barrage of scandals, provocations and shattered conventions that have persisted in the closing weeks of Trump's final midterm election.
Iran-backed militias in the region have been sending money back to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to relieve the economic pressure it's under after nine months of war, U.S. CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said Friday.
Why it matters: While the U.S. military has been preparing for a possible resumption of major combat operations against Iran, the Trump administration continues to put immense pressure on the regime with its naval blockade and severe sanctions.
A push for independence by vocal Canadian separatists is colliding with heightened tensions between President Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Why it matters: As internal and external feuds threaten the country, Carney is using the moment as a rallying cry for Canada's economic independence and national pride.
The Trump administration admitted 16,292 refugees in fiscal year 2026 — almost exclusively white South Africans — after issuing an emergency declaration midyear that more than doubled the initial refugee cap.
Why it matters: The admissions cap is still far below the number of refugees admitted under previous administrations and prioritizes white South Africans based on contested claims of persecution over millions of other refugees.
