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Welcome back. We hope you had a lovely weekend. In the news today: Trump orders the Pentagon to scale back joint exercises with South Korea; the president blames vandals for damaged grass in the same spot on the National Mall where he held his July 4 celebration; and the water level at Lake Powell hits a record low. Also, the fastest, loudest and best-dressed corgis compete at an international race.
A vehicle from U.S. Army’s the Stryker Combat Team crosses a floating bridge on the Namhan River during the combined river-crossing drill between South Korea and the United States as a part of the Ulchi Freedom Shield 25 in Yeoju, South Korea, Aug. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man, File)
Trump orders Pentagon to scale back joint exercises with South Korea
President Donald Trump said the ally declined to help with the “denuclearization” of Iran and cited his good relationship with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. Read more.
Why this matters:
- The exercises, which began Monday, were designed to beef up readiness against North Korean threats. Trump said in a social media post that the exercises are not only costly but “send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile” to North Korea, which he said “has been unthreatening and respectful” during his time in the White House. The move is the latest example of the president appearing to turn against an ally in favor of a leader that previous administrations have cast as an adversary.
- South Korea on Monday expressed hopes for resumption of diplomacy between the U.S. and North Korea to ease animosities on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea did not immediately respond to the announcement.
Related coverage →
South Korea hopes for talks between US and North Korea after Trump downsizes military drills
Photos show North and South Korea still divided decades after the armistice
US pulls last aircraft carrier in Asia as Trump focuses on Iran and the Western Hemisphere
After killing hundreds in boat strikes, US military expands campaign on land in Latin America
Trump blames vandals for damaged grass where he held July 4 celebration
President Donald Trump posted a photo on social media showing a once-grassy area by the World War II Memorial now patchy and brown. Trump did not say why he believes it’s the work of vandals instead of trampled turf from the Independence Day festivities. Read more.
Why this matters:
- Trump has repeatedly blamed vandals for damage to his renovation projects in the nation’s capital, often without evidence and sometimes despite opposing accounts from his officials. Trump lashed out at U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro this month after her office concluded that damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was the result of poor construction and not the work of vandals, as Trump claimed. Authorities on Friday announced an arrest in connection with vandalism at the World War II Memorial.
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WATCH: ‘Clean hands dirty $’ painted on World War II Memorial and soap in fountain
BBC asks a US court for help in getting testimony from the Trump family in defamation suit
In Florida, Wasserman Schultz sparks a debate over what representation means in diverse districts
Democrats disagree over abolishing or reforming ICE at DNC meeting
Republicans won the redistricting competition. Don’t tell that to this California congressman
Democratic primary turnout has soared in some states. Can it carry over to November?
Lake Powell hits record low, threatening key water and electricity supply for millions
The alarming milestone at the United States’ second-largest reservoir, reached Saturday, heightened concerns about the ongoing crisis in the Colorado River system. Read more.
Why this matters:
- It comes about a week after the river’s other major reservoir, Lake Mead, also hit a historic low. Plummeting water levels pose a major threat to the Colorado River Basin, which is a key resource for wildlife, hydropower and more than 40 million people in seven states. The historic lows come as the federal government and states that rely on the river struggle to reach agreement on a long-term management plan for the dwindling resource.
Related coverage →
WATCH: Visitors to Hoover Dam worry as water levels drop
Oppressive heat, high humidity grip much of the US
IN OTHER NEWS
Indiana flooding: At least 7 people have died
Mideast: Kushner has a rare meeting with Hamas’ leader on the Gaza road map
Wildberries: Ukraine takes aim at Russia’s economy and morale by attacking online retailer
Hayden Panettiere: Actor who starred in ‘Heroes’ and ‘Nashville’ dies at 36
Athens’ Panathenaic Stadium: First deep clean in more than a century
Today in History: In 1959, Miles Davis released ‘Kind of Blue’
WATCH
Stolen art: Italian police recover Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse pieces worth millions
Saint Roch’s Day: Catholics in Bolivia take their dogs to be blessed
‘Purple gold’: Lavender fields thrive in the Croatian heat
Corgis race during the Corgi Race Vilnius 2026 event in Vilnius, Lithuania, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)
150 corgis run, bark and sniff their way to glory
The fifth Corgi Race Vilnius drew dogs and their owners from around the world to Lithuania on Saturday for what organizers said was the biggest edition yet. The event featured a costume parade, the “smartest nose” and — of course — the loudest bark. Ninety-four corgis took part in the main race. Team USA claimed the two top spots. Watch the races here. If you want more canine content, California hosted the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest on Friday. Check out some of our best photos from the event here.
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