The Bulletin

• India's Agni-5 nuclear missile: India tested a nuclear-capable ballistic missile on Wednesday that is capable of reaching the territories of its main adversaries—China and Pakistan—according to a Newsweek analysis.

• China reacts to student interrogations in US: China urged the U.S. to welcome Chinese students into its country and "stop the unwarranted interrogations, harassment, and deportations". Know more.

• Earthquake hits Drake Passage: A 7.5 magnitude earthquake stuck in the Drake Passage off the coasts of Argentina, Chile and Antarctica Thursday night, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, and Chile began moving people away from beaches. Here's what we know.

• Russia puts on show of on Japan's doorstep: Russia has continued to project military power in the Far East near Japan—a key United States ally—by conducting missile drills and deploying a naval flotilla that included a submarine. Learn more.

• North Korea honors troops who fought for Russia: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has decorated some of the soldiers sent to Russia to help it in its war against Ukraine, hailing the "heroes" who had "cemented" the North Korean army's reputation and saying there would be more such deployments. Check it out here.

The rundown: President Donald Trump has threatened a "complete and total" federal takeover of Washington, D.C., amid a dispute over the city's crime figures. Know more.

Why it matters: Writing on Truth Social on Friday, Trump said: "Washington, D.C. is SAFE AGAIN! The crowds are coming back, the spirit is high, and our D.C. National Guard and Police are doing a fantastic job. They are out in force, and are NOT PLAYING GAMES!!! As bad as it sounds to say, there were no murders this week for the first time in memory." Trump has already deployed federal troops, officers and agents to D.C. as part of a crackdown on crime and homelessness. On August 12, 800 National Guard troops arrived in the district following an order from Trump.

Read more in-depth coverage:
National Guard in DC May End Up Carrying Weapons—Report

TL/DR: Trump said on August 11 that the city had been "overtaken by violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals, roving mobs of wild youth, drugged-out maniacs and homeless people."

What happens now? Legal challenges to the federal takeover are expected to continue as the city attempts to wrestle control back from the president.

Deeper reading Donald Trump Threatens Total Takeover of Washington, DC

The rundown: Young Democratic leaders argue the party must shift from D.C.-driven, consultant-heavy strategies to grassroots, community-based organizing to win back Gen Z voters and counter Republican outreach successes. Find out more.

Why it matters: Less than three months after Kamala Harris' defeat in all seven swing states, young Democratic leaders like Georgia's Parker Short began rethinking strategy. While Trump gained 11 points among 18–29-year-olds nationally, Georgia Democrats actually grew youth support, thanks partly to Parker's grassroots work and viral social media presence. He and peers argue Democrats must move away from D.C.-driven, consultant-heavy campaigns that alienate local communities. Leaders like Ohio's Kimberly Agyekum highlight missteps where national spending ignored state realities, while Republicans—backed by groups like Turning Point USA—outperformed through decentralized outreach.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Ohio Abortion-Rights Activists Celebrate Election Win: 'Defended Democracy'

TL/DR: The rise of social media and fall of prime-time television have vastly changed political campaigning.

What happens now? With only 19 percent of under-30s trusting federal government, they see community-based engagement as key to future Democratic victories.

Deeper reading Gen Z Democrats Warn DNC: Shift to Grassroots or Lose More Young Voters

The rundown: Israeli defense minister Israel Katz threatened to turn Gaza City "into Rafah and Beit Hanoun," meaning leaving it in ruins, unless the militant group Hamas agrees to Israel's conditions for ending the war. Here's what to know.

Why it matters: The Israel Defense Forces are preparing for a fresh offensive into Gaza City, which was approved by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, August 21. Netanyahu has said Israel intends to fully occupy the Gaza Strip. "Soon the gates of hell will open upon the heads of Hamas murderers and rapists in Gaza—until they agree to Israel's conditions for ending the war, foremost among them the release of all hostages and the dismantling of their weapons," Katz posted to X on Friday morning, originally in Hebrew.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Palestinian State Recognition Backed by Nearly 6 in 10 Americans: Poll

TL/DR: Gaza City is Hamas' military and governing stronghold, atop of what Israel believes is an extensive tunnel network.

What happens now? Hamas said earlier this week that it had agreed to a ceasefire proposal from Arab mediators, which—if accepted by Israel—could forestall the offensive. The parties do not negotiate directly and similar announcements have been made in the past that did not lead to ceasefires.

Deeper reading Israel Katz Issues 'Gates of Hell' Warning to Hamas Over Gaza City

The rundown: Cambodian rice farmer Mao Sary expressed gratitude as he returned home after a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, brokered by President Trump. Read more.

Why it matters: Many displaced villagers praised Trump, and Cambodia's government even nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize. Analysts say the intervention reflects Trump's preference for direct great-power diplomacy over international institutions. The border clashes, rooted in historic disputes, highlight shifting geopolitics: Cambodia, once closely aligned with China, is now openly appreciating U.S. support. Both government and opposition figures credited Trump with preventing greater bloodshed. The conflict underscores a broader global trend: the decline of the liberal, rules-based order and the rise of hard-power diplomacy.

Read more in-depth coverage:
One Trump Ceasefire is Already Starting to Fray

TL/DR: "I would like to thank Donald Trump for helping Cambodia and helping Cambodian people to move back to their villages," he said. "I appreciate it so much."

What happens now? Trump’s approach, emphasizing leverage over law, signals a new era in which smaller states navigate power politics between global rivals.

Deeper reading Donald Trump, a Faraway Conflict and a New World Order

The rundown: During World War II, a mixed-breed war dog named Chips became a hero after charging into an enemy machine gun nest during the 1943 invasion of Sicily, forcing Italian soldiers to surrender. Get more details.

Why it matters: Originally a family pet from New York, Chips was donated through the Dogs for Defense program and trained under the U.S. Army's new K-9 Corps, which deployed thousands of dogs for scouting, sentry, message delivery and combat duties. Between 1942 and 1945, over 19,000 dogs were trained, though nearly half were rejected. Chips received the Silver Star and Purple Heart, later rescinded, but in 2018 was posthumously honored with the Dickin Medal for animal valor.

Read more in-depth coverage:
'Bursting With Joy': 100-Year-Old Woman Reflects on Her WWII Love Story

TL/DR: As civilians began donating their dogs to the U.S. Army, the Quartermaster Corps established the "K-9 Corps" in 1942 to train the animals for different military duties.

What happens now? After the war, many dogs returned to civilian life. Today, over 1,600 U.S. military dogs continue serving worldwide.

Deeper reading Fur and Fury: America's Heroic Hounds of World War II