U.S. News Bulletin - August 25, 2025

At a glance, Monday’s top developments spanned federal deployments, immigration proceedings, evolving law-enforcement protocols, and wildfires in the West.

National Guard Troops in Washington, D.C., Now Carrying Firearms

For the third consecutive week of deployment, National Guard units supporting crime-mitigation efforts in the capital have begun bearing sidearms. Under an order issued Sunday evening by the Department of Defense, uniformed Guardsmen-including those assigned to high-visibility patrols around downtown districts-are now authorized to carry pistols while on duty. Civil-rights organizations have warned that arming troops on U.S. streets risks escalation during routine law-enforcement actions.

ICE Check-In Draws Attention to Previous Erroneous Deportation

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported to a high-security prison in El Salvador last year, is scheduled to report to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Baltimore today. Garcia faces renewed risk of removal-this time to Uganda-after ICE determined he had overstayed a visa and unlawfully remained in the country. Advocates argue his case highlights systemic failures in tracking and processing non-citizens.

Virginia Beach Resident Fatally Shot by State Police Agent

A 40-year-old man attempting forced entry at the home of a Virginia State Police special agent was shot dead midday Sunday. According to police, the unidentified individual attacked the agent at the Bay Colony neighborhood residence; the officer, whose name has not been released, discharged his service weapon in self-defense. Local prosecutors are reviewing body-camera footage and witness statements to determine whether charges are warranted.

Speed Cameras to Be Installed in North Carolina School Zones

Starting October 1, North Carolina municipalities and school boards may deploy automated speed-triggered cameras in active school zones. The measure, approved by the state legislature this spring, aims to deter unsafe driving during drop-off and pick-up hours. Violations captured on camera will prompt mail-in citations, with revenue earmarked for school safety programs.

Wildfires Expand in California and Oregon, Triggering Evacuations

Warm, dry conditions fueled two major wildfires over the weekend: the Pickett Fire in Napa County, California, which grew to more than 10 square miles, and the Flat Fire in central Oregon, now threatening nearly 4,000 homes across 34 square miles. Mandatory evacuations were ordered for several Northern California wine-country communities, while Oregon officials warned that the Flat Fire endangers rural residential areas and critical infrastructure.