Showdown for US judge

REPUBLICANS have abruptly called Brett Kavanaugh and the woman accusing him of sexual assault decades ago to testify publicly next week, grudgingly setting up a dramatic showdown they hoped would prevent the accusation from sinking his nomination to the Supreme Court.

Senate leaders announced the move under pressure from fellow Republicans who wanted a fuller examination of the allegations from Christine Blasey Ford, a college professor in California. The move forced Republicans to put off a planned vote on the nomination.