Supreme Court Nominee Kavanaugh Clears Crucial Senate Hurdle

WASHINGTON (AP) — A deeply divided Senate pushed Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination past a key procedural hurdle Friday, setting up a likely final showdown this weekend in a spellbinding battle that’s seen claims of long-ago sexual assault by the nominee threaten President Donald Trump’s effort to tip the court rightward for decades. The Senate…

US Unemployment Rate Falls to 49-Year Low of 3.7 Percent

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER ,  AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. unemployment rate fell to 3.7 percent in September — the lowest level since December 1969 — while hiring slowed. Employers added just 134,000 jobs, the fewest in a year, the Labor Department said Friday. But that figure was likely lowered by Hurricane Florence. Florence…

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…