August 25, 2021: Afghanistan, Biden's $3.5 trillion plan, Supreme Court, China and U.S., Sydney

1. Western nations rushed to complete the evacuation of thousands of people from Afghanistan as the Aug. 31 deadline for the withdrawal of foreign troops drew closer with no sign that the country’s new Taliban rulers might allow an extension.

2. The Democratic-controlled U.S. House of Representatives voted to advance key parts of President Joe Biden's agenda, after moderates and progressives reached a compromise allowing them to move forward on the multitrillion-dollar plans.

3. The U.S. Supreme Court denied President Joe Biden's bid to rescind an immigration policy implemented by his predecessor, Donald Trump, that forced thousands of asylum seekers to stay in Mexico awaiting U.S. hearings.

4. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris again charged China with bullying its Southeast Asian neighbors, as Washington tries to rally regional partners to take on China's growing economic and military influence.

5. Sydney's COVID-19 infections hit a daily record, putting parts of the health system under pressure, officials said.