FBI won’t investigate Brett Kavanaugh following Democrats’…

One 18-year-old killed and 10 injured after 70 properties EXPLODE in flames across three Boston suburbs in unexplained gas main meltdown - with thousands still evacuated from their homes Monster Florence's symbolic arrival: Hurricane winds rip American flag to shreds on the North Carolina coast, as 156,000 lose power and chilling videos show the beginning of a terrifying 11-foot surge - even as the storm downgrades to Category 1 Jimmy Buffett leads the scores of people ignoring 'life-threatening' storm surges by riding the waves off the Carolinas - while others ignore evacuation orders for the 'adrenaline rush' and PARTY instead 'Interview the bird!': CNN speaks to Hurricane Florence shopper - but ignores the colorful parrot called Maximus perched on his shoulder Supreme Court nominee Kavanaugh says he had no idea the man he snubbed in Senate hearing room was father of a Parkland ... (more)

Mark Zuckerberg subtly made a case for not breaking up Facebook

The 3,300 word note Mark Zuckerberg published Thursday about Facebook's approach to election interference contained some surprisingly frank insight into why Facebook has made some of the business decisions that it has. For example, Zuckerberg shared that he considered banning political ads all together .

#WalkAway Founder Is Latest Conservative to Spread ‘Facebook Ban’ Disinformation

Right-wing media celebrities are perfecting a playbook against Silicon Valley, one forged by social media stars Diamond and Silk. On Wednesday afternoon, #WalkAway founder Brandon Straka tweeted that Facebook had "banned" him after he posted a link to the fringe conspiracy outpost InfoWars.

Congress hopes to OK spending deal, avert possible shutdown

As a potentially catastrophic hurricane takes aim at the Carolinas, Congress is trying to head off a legislative disaster that could lead to a partial government shutdown weeks before the November elections. The House planned to vote Thursday afternoon on a $147 billion package to fund the Energy Department, veterans' programs and the legislative branch.

Senator gives federal investigators information on Kavanaugh

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said Thursday she has notified federal investigators about information she received - and won't disclose publicly - concerning Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

Obama visits Ohio to stump for Democratic candidate for governor Richard Cordray

Cordray, the former federal consumer watchdog, faces Republican state Attorney General Mike DeWine in one of the season's most anticipated governor's races. President Trump visited Ohio in August to campaign speak at a rally for DeWine.

Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against Brett Kavanaugh Sent to Federal Investigators: Report

Sen. Dianne Feinstein has sent a letter regarding sexual misconduct allegations against Brett Kavanaugh - President Trump 's contentious Supreme Court nominee - to federal investigators, according to a report from the New York Times . Feinstein, who is the senior Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee - which is responsible for upholding or rejecting Kavanaugh's nomination - sent the letter on Thursday, after informing her fellow Democrats on the Judiciary Committee about its contents the previous day, the newspaper reported.

Congress passes spending deal, bids to avert gov’t shutdown

Moving to head off a government shutdown that neither party wants, Congress has overwhelmingly approved a compromise spending bill and pledged agreement on a short-term bill to fund the government through early December. The House on Thursday approved a $147 billion package to fund the Energy Department, veterans' programs and the legislative branch.

Lawmakers reach deal to avoid government shutdown

The deal includes both long-term funding for Defense and other departments along with a short-term measure to keep remaining agencies funded through Dec. 7. Lawmakers reach deal to avoid government shutdown The deal includes both long-term funding for Defense and other departments along with a short-term measure to keep remaining agencies funded through Dec. 7. Check out this story on USATODAY.com: https://usat.ly/2xfzpWq WASHINGTON - House and Senate negotiators reached a deal to avoid a government shutdown Thursday that would spare them a nasty fight before November's midterm elections.

Will Chris Smith’s gay adoption remarks make him another endangered N.J. Republican?

Rep. Chris Smith, R-4th Dist., New Jersey's longest serving congressman, was the only Garden State Republican considered safe. The furor erupted after the Washington Blade, a newspaper in the nation's capital that covers the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, published excerpts from a tape recording of Smith's May appearance at Colts Neck High School.

Trump falsely says Democrats inflated Puerto Rico death toll Source: AP

President Donald Trump on Thursday rejected the official conclusion that nearly 3,000 people died in Puerto Rico from last year's Hurricane Maria, arguing without evidence that the number was wrong and calling it a plot by Democrats to make him "look as bad as possible." As Hurricane Florence approached the Carolinas, the president picked a fresh fight over his administration's response to the Category 4 storm that smashed into the U.S. territory last September.

Trump questions Puerto Rico death toll, prompting San Juan mayor to…

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump on Thursday questioned a report putting the death toll from last year's catastrophic hurricane in Puerto Rico at nearly 3,000. He also called the new estimate an effort by Democrats to discredit him.

Eating dogs and cats banned in U.S. in House-passed bill

The House has passed legislation to outlaw the slaughter of dogs and cats for food - a practice that, although rare, is still legal in 44 states. Eating dogs and cats banned in U.S. in House-passed bill The House has passed legislation to outlaw the slaughter of dogs and cats for food - a practice that, although rare, is still legal in 44 states.

Cyclist who flipped off Trump motorcade runs for office

Juli Briskman gestures with her middle finger as a motorcade with US President Donald Trump departs Trump National Golf Course October 28, 2017 in Sterling, Virginia. Juli Briskman gestures with her middle finger as a motorcade with US President Donald Trump departs Trump National Golf Course October 28, 2017 in Sterling, Virginia.