Today’s Top Stories in the US, August 12, 2025

1. Federal Takeover of D.C. Police & Troop Deployment
President Trump has initiated an extraordinary federal takeover of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department under the Home Rule Act, citing a surge in crime despite local data suggesting otherwise. Simultaneously, 800 National Guard troops have been deployed to the capital, marking an unprecedented assertion of federal authority over the city’s security.The Guardian+6AP News+6News.com.au+6

2. Trade Tensions Tempered—Tariff Truce Extended
The U.S. and China agreed to extend a tariff truce for an additional 90 days, averting the imposition of steep duties for now. Markets are responding to that decision, alongside lighter-than-expected U.S. inflation data—headline inflation held at 2.7%, below forecasts, even as core inflation ticked up to 3.1%.Reuters+2The Guardian+2

3. Agricultural Markets Watch Trade Signals
Soybean, corn, and wheat futures all slipped overnight following the tariff truce announcement. Still, inspections of corn for export saw a notable uptick, with figures rising week-to-week—good news for U.S. exporters.AP News+11Successful Farming+11Reuters+11

4. A Rift in Congress Over Trump’s Moves
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer blasted the D.C. police takeover as a deliberate distraction from “other scandals,” including Epstein-related cover-ups and tariff backlash.News.com.au+4The Guardian+4The Washington Post+4

5. Inflation Surprises on the Low Side
July’s inflation rate came in at 2.7%, undercutting predictions of 2.8%, though rising service costs are keeping core inflation elevated. This adds complexity to the Federal Reserve’s upcoming decisions, though markets still expect a rate cut by September.The Guardian