Christine Blasey Ford wants an FBI investigation before she testifies to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley has refused that request and given Ford until Friday at 10am to respond to an invitation to provide testimony on Monday. As of this morning, there was a standoff. But Ford’s lawyers just sent a letter to the Judiciary Committee: “I would like to set up a call with you later today to discuss the conditions under which Dr. Christine Blasey Ford would be prepared to testify next week.” Here’s the latest from CNN.

+ Meanwhile, public opposition to Kavanaugh is growing.

+ Mental Floss: Why Do Supreme Court Justices Serve for Life?

+ Headline of the day (that barely stands out in our current environment): Aides quietly stunned by Trump’s respectful handling of Kavanaugh accuser.