Sunday, October 18

Criticism of President Trump's Russia sanctions waiver continued Sunday, and President Macron addressed France after riots that have led to 1,800 arrests. Former President Obama condemned the investigation of Rep. Ilhan Omar, and Trump endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel's October 27 election.

1. 
   Russia and Ukraine
   Backlash over Russia sanctions waiver continues as Trump defends it

   President Trump defended his waiver of Russia sanctions under the Graham Act in a Sunday Truth Social post, Raw Story reported. Top Republicans have joined Democrats in criticizing the waiver. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump may take up to 60 days to weigh new sanctions, while Energy Secretary Chris Wright called it an incentive for Russia to end the war, Business Insider reported.

   The question

   Should Trump be able to waive Russia sanctions Congress passed?

   Congress decidesPresident's call
   Read the story ›
2. European protests
   Macron addresses France after riots as arrests reach 1,800

   President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation Sunday evening after Saturday's riots. CNBC reported he blamed "insurrectionist elements from radical far-left groups, joined by numerous criminals." Arrests have climbed to 1,800, and centrist and leftist leaders have blamed each other.

   The question

   Is the French government to blame for the riots?

   Rioters' faultGovernment's fault
   Read the story ›
3. Justice Department
   Obama calls investigation of Ilhan Omar 'appalling'

   Former President Barack Obama on Sunday called the Justice Department's investigation of Rep. Ilhan Omar "appalling," CNN reported. Border czar Tom Homan told Fox News she could face denaturalization and deportation if immigration fraud is proven. Federal agents searched her Washington home last week.

   The question

   Was the search of Ilhan Omar's home justified?

   It was an abuseIt was justified
   Read the story ›
4. Voter rolls
   Justice Department warns California officials over noncitizen ballots

   The Justice Department sent California officials a new letter warning that processing ballots from suspected noncitizens could bring prosecution, Nwaonline reported. Trump vowed jail time. The letter escalates a lawsuit over roughly 20,000 ballots, which Gov. Gavin Newsom has called "unfounded."

   The question

   Is the Justice Department's voter roll demand on California justified?

   Voter suppressionJustified
   Read the story ›
5. Israel
   Trump endorses Netanyahu ahead of Israel's October 27 election

   President Trump endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reelection bid on Sunday, posting a letter on Truth Social, Raw Story reported. The endorsement drew criticism from some on the left and some of Trump's "America First" supporters. U.S. News & World Report said Arab voter turnout could decide the race.

   The question

   Should Trump back Netanyahu in Israel's election?

   No, stay outYes, he should
   Read the story ›

• Fuel prices

  Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Meet the Press the administration will "own the economy" and that oil prices could fall this year, depending on the Iran war.

• Federal architecture

  Trump said renovation of the East Potomac Park golf course will begin Nov. 15 and close it for 15 months, despite a judge's order pausing tree clearing.

• Iran

  The United States imposed new Iran-related sanctions, blacklisting an Iraq-based bank, while CBS News reported rebuilding the missile stockpile will take at least four years.

• Senate races

  Early voting has begun in Texas, where Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico are clashing over faith and honesty in the Senate race.

• Alberta

  Albertans voted on whether to start a process to separate from Canada, AP News reported, as Prime Minister Mark Carney urged residents to stay.

• Midterm messaging

  Vice President JD Vance will visit the Cincinnati area this week for a midterm rally, The Enquirer reported, after Saturday's CBS town hall.

9 stories closed across 9 threads. Each stays on its thread’s timeline and reopens if the reporting comes back.