The Latest: Defense: No evidence that Menendez took bribes

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — The Latest on New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez's corruption trial (all times local):

2:40 p.m.

An attorney representing U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez has told jurors at his corruption trial that the government has no evidence of a bribery arrangement between the New Jersey Democrat and a wealthy Florida eye doctor.

In his opening statement Wednesday, Abbe (AB'-ee) Lowell said Menendez was doing "what 535 members of Congress do all the time" in meeting with government officials on policy issues.

Lowell told jurors that Menendez's meetings with executive branch officials could have benefited Dr. Salomon Melgen's interests but that they were focused on future policy.