News for August 19, 2025

President Donald Trump’s federal crackdown in Washington is expanding as National Guard troops from several states arrive and ICE enforcement is disrupting daily life in the city.

The Kremlin has downplayed talk of a quick meeting between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, even as Donald Trump urges direct talks to try to end the war in Ukraine.

Trump renewed his attack on mail-in voting, and California’s slow ballot count and new redistricting fight could make the state a key target in the broader battle over elections.

Trump said U.S. troops will not be sent to defend Ukraine, even as he pushed for a possible peace deal to end the war with Russia.

Erik and Lyle Menendez will face parole hearings after a judge reduced their sentences, giving the California state parole board a chance to decide if they can be released.

Hurricane Erin is bringing dangerous surf, rip currents, and coastal flooding risk to the Outer Banks, where North Carolina Governor Josh Stein ordered evacuations and emergency steps as the storm moves offshore.

Olena Zelenska sent a letter to Melania Trump to thank her for speaking out about Ukrainian children abducted by Russia during the war.

Sen. Josh Hawley is angering many Republicans as he pushes a more populist agenda and works with Democrats on issues like banning congressional stock trading.