NPR News: 06-24-2026 9AM EDT

The largest housing affordability bill in decades passed Congress with broad bipartisan support, a federal appeals court dramatically expanded the government’s power to deport migrants without a hearing, and wildfires in the Southwest forced evacuations as Utah faces its driest conditions on record. Here are the major developments from this hour.

Congress Passes Sweeping Housing Affordability Bill

Congress approved what NPR calls the largest housing affordability bill in decades, sending it to President Trump for his signature. Democratic Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware explained the bipartisan backing by noting that housing affordability is a problem everywhere: "Whether you live on a farm, whether you live in a city, whether you are in the south of this country or across the country, families are feeling the impacts as it pertains to affordable housing."

The bill makes a broad set of changes. Many provisions are designed to streamline federal housing regulations and encourage states and localities to ease zoning and permitting hurdles. A notable provision bans large investors from buying more than 350 single-family homes, directly targeting the institutional purchase of housing stock that critics say drives up prices for individual buyers.

Federal Appeals Court Expands Expedited Removal Authority