National News

WASHINGTON (AP) — Brett Kavanaugh took the bench with his new Supreme Court colleagues for the first time Tuesday in a jovial atmosphere that was strikingly at odds with the tension and rancor surrounding his high court confirmation. The new justice dived into his new job, asking a handful of questions in the first arguments…

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Bernie Sanders is embarking on a nine-state battleground tour on behalf of Democratic candidates competing in the November elections, returning to the campaign trail ahead of a decision on another White House bid. The packed October schedule marks the Vermont independent's most extensive stretch of campaigning since the 2016 presidential race.…

By MATTHEW LEE , AP Diplomatic Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Tuesday U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley is leaving the administration "at the end of the year." Trump spoke as he and Haley met in the Oval Office, shortly after word came of her plans to resign. He called Haley a "very special"…

By DAVID EGGERT ,  Associated Press LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Backers of broad marijuana legalization are looking to break through a geographic barrier in November and get their first foothold in the Midwest after a string of election victories in Northeastern and Western states. Michigan and North Dakota, where voters previously authorized medical marijuana, will decide…

By JESSICA GRESKO and MARK SHERMAN ,  Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — A Supreme Court with a new conservative majority takes the bench as Brett Kavanaugh, narrowly confirmed after a bitter Senate battle, joins his new colleagues to hear his first arguments as a justice. Kavanaugh will emerge Tuesday morning from behind the courtroom's red velvet…