Senate Opens Debate; Key Senators Undecided On Kavanaugh

By LISA MASCARO and ALAN FRAM , Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Senators plunged into opening arguments Friday as Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court faced a crucial vote. Key Republican senators remained undeclared amid the allegations of sexual misconduct against Kavanaugh followed by weeks of intense disagreements that have divided the nation. The…

As Gaza Worsens, Palestinian Leader Controls Fate Of US Plan

By JOSEF FEDERMAN ,  Associated Press JERUSALEM (AP) — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has been sidelined, isolated and humiliated by the Trump administration. But the embattled Palestinian leader may have the final say in determining the fate of the White House’s long-awaited vision for Mideast peace. In recent weeks, Abbas has thwarted a series of internationally…

Jurors Begin Deliberations at Chicago Officer’s Murder Trial

CHICAGO, IL (AP) — Attorneys in the trial of a white Chicago police officer charged with murder in the 2014 shooting of black teenager Laquan McDonald sparred over what video of the deadly encounter actually proves Thursday just before jurors withdrew to begin deliberating. During closing arguments , prosecutor Jody Gleason pointed to dashcam video of Officer Jason…

McConnell Says FBI Didn’t Corroborate Claims

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh (all times local): 11:50 a.m. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says the FBI’s background investigation of Brett Kavanaugh didn’t corroborate any of the sexual misconduct allegations against the Supreme Court nominee. McConnell says the FBI didn’t uncover information from any witnesses to corroborate the…