Here's the biggest news you missed this weekend

with Editors

Here's the biggest news you missed this Labor Day weekend

Meghan McCain at the memorial service for John McCain at the National Cathedral in Washington on Sept. 1.

How John McCain's funeral was his final rebuke to Trump

Sen. John McCain's funeral Saturday had the feel and gravity of a memorial for a head of state. Three former presidents and a who's who of Washington and the world gathered at the National Cathedral for his service. McCain's hearse arrived at the cathedral shortly before 9:30 as bells tolled for the centerpiece of the three-day event where speakers honored his life as war hero, prisoner, lion of the Senate and exemplar of values of duty to his country. Family and friends, political rivals and allies, recalled McCain's remarkable life and commitment to public service. And without ever naming him, the memorial stood a final and defiant rebuke from McCain to the man who wasn't there – President Donald Trump. Read more coverage from the weekend's events here:

•	Meghan McCain jabs Trump, says "America was always great." Trump jabs right back.
•	George W. Bush: McCain "was honest, no matter who it offended. Presidents were not spared."
•	Barack Obama says former rival McCain was "a warrior, a statesman, a patriot."
•	After laying a wreath at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial before the service, Cindy McCain was moved to tears during powerful rendition of "Danny Boy."
•	On Sunday, McCain's burial at the U.S. Naval Academy was a reminder of his service to the country

Pope addresses abuse scandals with 'silence, prayer'

People who seek only scandal and division must be answered with silence and prayer, Pope Francis said Monday as the Catholic Church continued to grapple with controversy surrounding allegations of sexual abuse . Francis, in a homily during Mass in Vatican City, did not specifically address the growing scandal. But he said even families can have division over topics such as politics, sports and money. "With people lacking good will, with people who only seek scandal, who seek only division, who seek only destruction, even within the family — (respond with) silence, prayer," the pope said. Francis and the church have been hammered in recent weeks by a series of sexual abuse-related issues.

George Papadopoulos: Trump 'nodded' at suggestion of Putin meeting

In March 2016, when Trump campaign aide George Papadopoulos told candidate Donald Trump he could arrange a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump "nodded with approval," his defense team alleged in court documents filed Friday. Papadopoulos was the first Trump aide to plead guilty in special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. His defense team, in the 16-page memo to the court, argued that Papadopolous was "caught off-guard by an impromptu interrogation" when he lied to the FBI and called for leniency, preferably probation. At the critical March 31, 2016 meeting at Trump's hotel in Washington, Papadopoulos, according to his lawyers, was "eager to show his value to the campaign" by telling Trump and other campaign officials he had "connections that could facilitate a foreign policy meeting" between Trump and Putin.

More Mueller: Paul Manafort associate pleads guilty, agrees to cooperate with investigation

College football is back with drama on and off the field

College football began with a full slate of games, but it was the news related to action off the field that stole the headlines. Following Alabama's rout of Louisville, Nick Saban was asked by ESPN reporter Maria Taylor what he learned about his quarterbacks. He followed with an angry rant — and later apologized. On the field, Texas' disappointing loss against Maryland could spell doom for the Longhorns. There were more winners and losers, such as LSU, which may finally have a decent QB and offense.

Behind the scenes: As FAU hopes melt, Lane Kiffin stays cool

'A tragic loss' US service member killed in Afghanistan

NATO says an American has been killed in eastern Afghanistan while serving in the multinational mission the military alliance is leading. U.S. Army Gen. Scott Miller, who assumed command of NATO's Resolute Support operation on Sunday, said the American who died had volunteered for duty in Afghanistan to protect his country. He was the sixth U.S. service member killed in Afghanistan so far this year.

Contributing: The Associated Press