By CHARLOTTE KRAMON, ALEX VEIGA and MARY CLARE JALONICK Associated Press
In a rare bipartisan effort for a deeply divided Congress, the Senate has passed a broad bill to make U.S. housing more accessible and affordable. The bill passed on Thursday would reduce regulations, regulate corporate investors and expand how housing dollars can be used to build affordable homes and rentals. It now heads back to the House, which passed a separate version earlier this year. It is unclear whether President Donald Trump would sign it after declaring last weekend that he won't sign any new measures unless Congress passes legislation that would require voters to show proof of citizenship.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom says there's no imminent threat to the state from Iran. ABC News says the FBI warned California that Iran had aspired to send drones to the West Coast in retaliation for war. The FBI later released text of the alert, which noted that the information was based on "unverified information." The White House now says, "No such threat from Iran to our homeland exists." Newsom says California and various agencies plan for worst-case scenarios. Police in Los Angeles and San Francisco say they are monitoring world events for any risks.
Police have searched the former home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, a day after the former prince was held in custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office. In another blow for the former Prince Andrew, the British government is considering formally removing him from the line of succession to the crown. His arrest is linked to his friendship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and marked one of the most tumultuous days in the modern history of Britain's royal family. The former Prince Andrew is back at his new home on the Sandringham estate, King Charles III's private retreat. Police have concluded their search there but are still searching Royal Lodge, his 30-room former home near Windsor Castle.
Defense lawyers in the Vatican's "trial of the century" have argued that Pope Francis violated the fundamental rights of their clients by issuing four secret decrees that gave prosecutors "surreal carte blanche" to investigate.The tone of argument in the frescoed Vatican tribunal was so charged Tuesday that at one point the tribunal president asked defense lawyers to refrain from citing Francis by name.The request by Archbishop Alejandro Arellano Cedillo underscored how Francis' problematic role in the financial trial poses something of an existential dilemma to the Holy See. On the one hand, popes can only be judged by God. On the other, Francis stands accused of violating the God-given rights of the defendants.
Judges at the International Criminal Court have ruled that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial. Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity for his alleged involvement in killings during his war on drugs. Lawyers for the 80-year-old argued that his health was deteriorating in detention, delaying a hearing scheduled for September. Following the assessment of a panel of medical experts, including geriatric neurologists and psychiatrists, judges have now found that Duterte is healthy enough for the proceedings to move forward.
Central bankers from around the world have expressed full support for U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. This comes after President Donald Trump escalated his confrontation with the Fed by threatening criminal charges. The central bankers, including European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, emphasized the importance of central bank independence for economic stability. The dispute ostensibly centers on Powell's congressional testimony in June about renovation costs, but Trump has criticized Powell for not cutting rates faster. Economists warn that a politicized Fed could harm its credibility.
A Utah judge has ordered the release of a transcript from a closed-door hearing in October over whether the man charged with killing Charlie Kirk must be shackled during court proceedings. State District Judge Tony Graf said Monday the transcript must be posted on the court docket by the end of the day. Graf had earlier rejected a request by the defense that Robinson not be shackled. Prosecutors have charged Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 shooting of the conservative activist on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem. They plan to seek the death penalty.
By JAKE OFFENHARTZ and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Associated Press
President Donald Trump's former personal attorney, Alina Habba, announced her resignation as acting U.S. attorney in New Jersey. This decision comes after an appeals court disqualified her from the role. Habba was appointed in March to serve a temporary term. She had no prior federal prosecutorial experience, and New Jersey's senators opposed her confirmation. In July, a panel of federal judges replaced her with a subordinate. Attorney General Pam Bondi fired the replacement, blaming politically motivated judges. Earlier this month, an appeals court formally disqualified Habba.
