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.
By STEVEN SLOAN and STEVE PEOPLES Associated Press
President Donald Trump will use his State of the Union speech to defend his agenda. On Tuesday, he returns to the House chamber days after the Supreme Court struck down his sweeping tariff policy. Trump has blasted the justices who ruled against him. Some justices may skip the speech to avoid a confrontation. Democrats also plan a quieter approach after last year's signs and heckling. Some Democrats say they will not attend. Trump also faces voter anxiety about consumer prices and immigration enforcement.
President Donald Trump has commanded attention during his second term. From military interventions to controversial social media posts, the Republican has rewritten the presidency's role in a divided country. Trump's actions can spark diplomatic crises and stir public debate. Despite low approval ratings on issues including health care, Trump remains a dominant force, using social media to maintain his presence. Meanwhile, Democrats are also leveraging digital media to capture attention, with figures such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani leading the charge.
By MICHAEL CASEY and GEOFF MULVIHILL Associated Press
Updated
A federal judge in Boston seemed skeptical of the Trump administration's plan to stop funding the SNAP food aid program amid the government shutdown. The hearing Thursday in front of U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani came two days before the day the U.S. Department of Agriculture planned to stop replenishing accounts in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Talwani says she expects to issue her ruling later Thursday. SNAP is used by 1 in 8 Americans to buy groceries and is a major piece of the nation's social safety net. Democratic state officials challenged the Trump administration's plan to freeze SNAP payments starting Nov. 1, saying the federal government has a legal obligation to keep providing the assistance.
Canada is dropping retaliatory tariffs to match U.S. tariff exemptions for goods covered under the United States-Mexico-Canada trade pact. Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada will include the carve-out that the U.S. has on Canadian goods under the 2020 free trade deal that shields the vast majority of goods from the punishing duties. The move is designed to reset trade talks between the two countries. The USMCA is up for review in 2026, and Carney called the trade pact a unique advantage for Canada at a time when it is clear that the U.S. is charging for access to its market.
By ASHRAF KHALIL and LINDSAY WHITEHURST Associated Press
Updated
President Trump has activated 800 National Guard members to address what he calls a crime emergency in Washington. This move, announced Monday, involves taking control of the city's police department. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, while pledging cooperation, insists the police chief remains in charge. Trump cites rising crime, but city officials note crime rates are actually declining. The law allows Trump to control the police for up to 30 days, but extending this requires Congressional approval. The deployment has led to arrests and the removal of homeless encampments. Critics argue it's more about Trump's power than residents' safety.
