By JULIE CARR SMYTH and JOEY CAPPELLETTI Associated Press
Democrats are starting to treat Vice President JD Vance, not Donald Trump, as their number one focus among Republican leaders. That was evident Saturday night, when Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear visited Vance's home county in Ohio for a Democratic fundraiser. Beshear spoke about Vance's memoir and said "Hillbilly Elegy" leans on "tired stereotypes" about Appalachia. Other Democrats have also sharpened their criticism of Vance, calling the vice president an extremist or a phony. Democratic strategists say the goal is to undercut Vance before he can consolidate support as Trump's heir apparent for the White House in 2028.
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.
Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing a backlash from members of his own party after a series of podcasts that featured Steve Bannon and other supporters of President Donald Trump. Newsom is a potential 2028 presidential candidate. He says his choice of guests reflects his interest in knowing more about how Republicans organized in the last election. Specifically, he's looking at how Trump defeated Kamala Harris in every battleground state and Republicans locked up majorities in the House and Senate.
