World News: OnPolitics Today: Should they let them eat cake?

with Jessica Estepa

OnPolitics Today: Should they let them eat cake?

Charlie Craig and David Mullins had good seats at the

Happy Tuesday, OP readers. Cake, retirements and a little bit of Russia. Today had it all.

Let's get to it.

It all began over a cake, but it will likely be so much more

The Supreme Court on Tuesday heard oral arguments over a Colorado baker's refusal to design a wedding cake for a same sex couple. On one side is Jack Phillips, the baker who says he should be able to refuse based on religious and free speech rights. On the other is Charlie Craig and David Mullins, who charge that such a refusal would go against gay rights.

And Justice Anthony Kennedy seemed to be in the middle. He reasoned a sign refusing service could be seen as an affront to the gay community, but noted that officials did not seem tolerant or respectful of Phillips' religious beliefs.

A decision on the case is not expected until the spring.

Bye, bye, bye

Rep. John Conyers announced Tuesday his retirement from the seat he's held for more than five decades, amid sexual harassment allegations.

The Michigan Democrat has denied the accusations, even as members of his party abandoned him.

"My legacy can't be compromised or diminished in any way by what we're going through now. This too shall pass. ... My legacy will continue through my children," Conyers said in his announcement on a radio show.

He also endorsed his son, John Conyers III, to take his place. That could set up some drama between the younger Conyers and his cousin, state Sen. Ian Conyers, in a special election.

How much does the Russian probe cost?

One thing we know from our years covering politics: Everything costs money.

And that includes special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation. So far, the probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 election has cost taxpayers at least $3.2 million, according to records released Tuesday.

Some of those expenses include $1.7 million on salary and benefits and $223,643 on travel. The reported numbers cover a five-month stretch that began in mid-May.

Elsewhere in politics

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•	GOP conflicted over Republican candidate in the Alabama Senate race
•	Women senators working on sexual harassment ask: Where are the men?
•	Trump didn't make the top 10 most retweeted tweets of 2017 - but Obama did
•	Democratic PAC End Citizens United names 'Big Money 20' targets for 2018