Live updates: Vance to helm White House’s first press briefing in weeks; House wraps up before next recess

Vice President Vance is set to hold the White House’s first press briefing in 42 days on Thursday afternoon, speaking in place of a press secretary — a role that remains vacant after Karoline Leavitt’s end-of-August departure . The briefing is set for 1 p.m. EDT.

The vice president was one of a handful of Trump officials who took the podium during Leavitt’s maternity leave, which began in late April. She returned in July but stepped down from the post last month to spend more time with her family, also transitioning to President Trump’s super PAC, MAGA Inc.

As of Thursday, the White House has not named Leavitt’s successor, though possible contenders reportedly include Anna Kelly, its principal deputy press secretary, and CNN conservative commentator Scott Jennings, among others.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will hold a press conference at 10:30 a.m. EDT, after two members of the Democratic Caucus stung leadership on Tuesday by voting with Republicans on a procedural vote. The caucus met Wednesday to discuss the repercussions .

Meanwhile, the House is close to wrapping up its week. It passed a stopgap funding bill on Tuesday that had already made it through the Senate last month. President Trump signed the legislation on Wednesday, ensuring the government will be funded through the midterms until Dec. 11.

The House goes back on recess on Friday until its next session on Sept. 14, coinciding with the Senate.

Trump has no public events. He hosted vulnerable GOP candidates at the White House for a Rose Garden dinner on Wednesday, as the midterm elections kick into gear with Labor Day weekend.

In court, the Lindsay Clancy jury enters a sixth day of deliberations, with orders from the judge to try to reach a verdict.