The Latest: Barrett pledges no 'fear or favor' at high court
(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)WASHINGTON โ The Latest on the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court (all times local):9:30 p.m.Amy Coney Barrett is pledging to carry out her duties as a Supreme Court justice โwithout any fear or favorโ toward the other branches of government or her own beliefs. Barrett spoke Monday after taking the first of two oaths that will allow her to officially join the high court. The scene at an outdoor White House ceremony for Amy Coney Barrett looked very different from the previous White House event where President Donald Trump introduced her as his nominee. __9:17 p.m.Amy Coney Barrett has taken the first of two oaths she needs to officially join the Supreme Court. Barrett is the first Supreme Court justice to be confirmed so close to a presidential election.
Stocks post solid gains as technology shares lead rally
Despite the rally, the S&P 500 still posted its fourth straight weekly loss, extending Wall Street's September swoon. The S&P 500 rose 1.6% after flip-flopping between small gains and losses a few times in the early going. The S&P 500 came within striking distance of a 10% drop from its all-time high earlier this week, what Wall Street calls a correction. The S&P 500 rose 51.87 points to 3,298.46. Norwegian Cruise Line notched the biggest gain in the S&P 500, vaulting 13.7%.
AP Explains: Whatโs next in battle over Supreme Court?
Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski have both said they wonโt support a confirmation vote before Election Day. If the vote were 50-50, Vice President Mike Pence could break the tie on a confirmation vote. โBut if I win this election, President Trumpโs nominee should be withdrawn. DIDNโT McCONNELL SAY IN 2016 THAT THE SENATE SHOULDNโT HOLD SUPREME COURT VOTES IN A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION YEAR? Four years later, McConnell says the Senate will vote on Trumpโs nominee, even though itโs weeks, not months, before an election.