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Trump plays down Air Force One plane switch as criticism grows over ‘decoy’ passengers – US politics live

Trump plays down Air Force One plane switch as criticism grows over ‘decoy’ passengers – US politics live

August 12, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

President Donald Trump said he left Air Force One in Turkey using a catering truck because the Secret Service and military told him there was a threat against him. He downplayed the danger and said he did not ask many questions, while more than 100 people remained on the plane unaware of the threat. Democrats are now calling for a congressional briefing to understand the safety measures for those passengers.

Key Facts

  • President Trump left Air Force One in Turkey via a catering truck after a reported credible threat against him.
  • The Secret Service and military wanted Trump to switch to a different plane for his safety.
  • Over 100 White House staff, security personnel, and reporters stayed on the plane heading to Britain, not informed about the threat.
  • The incident was first reported by the Washington Post and New York Times.
  • Trump said he did not ask many questions about the threat and claimed he gets many threats normally.
  • Critics and Democrats expressed concern about why people on the plane were not warned or protected.
  • Senator Richard Blumenthal called for a congressional briefing to review the safety precautions for all passengers.
  • The episode has raised questions about the handling of the threat and transparency with the public and media.
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Guardian World Guardian US
AI brings savings to clinical trials: study

AI brings savings to clinical trials: study

August 12, 2026 • Technology • Axios

Summary

A study from the Tufts Center shows that using artificial intelligence (AI) in cancer drug trials can save time and money by speeding up patient recruitment, data monitoring, and analysis. AI tools can reduce late-stage trial costs by millions of dollars and may soon become a normal part of clinical trials.

Key Facts

  • AI can shorten cancer drug trials by about 10 weeks.
  • Using AI can cut operating costs by up to $5.6 million in late-stage clinical trials.
  • The study applied AI to a phase 2 and 3 cancer drug trial using Medable’s platform.
  • AI helped reduce site visits, speed up patient enrollment, and secure trial data.
  • Trials with drugs targeting many tumor types could see benefits up to $565 million.
  • AI could become common in clinical trials within three to five years.
  • AI tools may help track trial diversity and provide early drug safety and effectiveness data.
  • AI does not guarantee trial success and still requires human oversight for some tasks.
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Axios
Just 20 of 6,600 Defra staff working on climate adaptation amid drought and wildfires

Just 20 of 6,600 Defra staff working on climate adaptation amid drought and wildfires

August 12, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

Only 20 people out of 6,613 staff at the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) work on climate adaptation. Experts warn the UK is not prepared for extreme weather caused by climate change, such as droughts, wildfires, and floods, which could cost the economy billions each year by 2050.

Key Facts

  • Just 0.3% of Defra staff focus on adapting to climate change effects.
  • Climate change could increase river flooding by up to 45% and cause daily water shortages over 5 billion litres.
  • Economic losses from failing to adapt could reach £60 billion to £260 billion per year by 2050.
  • The UK faces heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires, including nearly 1,000 wildfires so far this year.
  • Firefighters say the UK needs 5,000 more staff and better equipment to handle wildfires.
  • Environmental groups urge government action to cut pollution, prepare communities, and protect nature.
  • The current environment secretary, Angela Eagle, and regional leaders like Andy Burnham are called upon to improve climate policies.
  • The UK lacks specialized wildfire-fighting planes that other European countries have.
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Guardian World
More than 100 passengers rescued after Indonesia ferry fire

More than 100 passengers rescued after Indonesia ferry fire

August 12, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

Rescuers saved over 100 people from a ferry fire in Indonesia. The ferry was traveling between the tourist islands of Bali and Lombok, and one person died in the incident.

Key Facts

  • A ferry caught fire in Indonesia while traveling between Bali and Lombok.
  • More than 100 passengers and crew members were rescued from the fire.
  • One person was confirmed dead due to the fire.
  • The ferry was on a route popular with tourists.
  • Rescue teams responded quickly to save the passengers and crew.
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Al Jazeera
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says a nighttime blitz damages Russia’s Black Sea naval stronghold

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says a nighttime blitz damages Russia’s Black Sea naval stronghold

August 12, 2026 • World • AP News

Summary

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported a large nighttime attack using missiles and drones on a key Russian naval base at Novorossiysk on the Black Sea. The strike damaged port defenses, piers, and infrastructure, while Russia claimed to have shot down many drones but reported some civilian casualties.

Key Facts

  • Ukraine used anti-ship missiles, jet-powered drones, and sea drones in the nighttime attack on Russia’s Black Sea naval base.
  • The attack targeted the naval base in Novorossiysk, Russia’s last major Black Sea fleet stronghold.
  • The strike damaged air defenses, piers, and other port structures in the Krasnodar region.
  • Russia said its air defenses destroyed over 500 Ukrainian drones during the attack.
  • An eight-year-old child was killed, and several other civilians were wounded in the region due to the attacks.
  • Novorossiysk hosts a major international oil terminal important for Russian and Kazakh oil exports.
  • Ukraine’s drone attacks have limited Russian naval movements in the Black Sea since the war began.
  • President Zelenskyy cited intelligence that Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to mobilize more troops before the end of the year.
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AP News
Barnaby Joyce claims One Nation ‘one of the gayest parties in Australia’ as former candidate’s comments surface

Barnaby Joyce claims One Nation ‘one of the gayest parties in Australia’ as former candidate’s comments surface

August 12, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

Barnaby Joyce, a One Nation MP, defended his party as welcoming to gay people after a former One Nation candidate made statements calling same-sex attraction a mental illness. Joyce said the party has many gay members and promotes Australian values of tolerance, though he found the candidate’s comments offensive. One Nation is working to improve its process for selecting candidates ahead of upcoming elections.

Key Facts

  • A former One Nation candidate, Parminder Singh, called same-sex attraction a mental illness and opposed marriage equality.
  • Singh’s comments were made in a video and caused controversy.
  • Barnaby Joyce called these comments offensive and said One Nation includes many gay people.
  • One Nation MP James Virgo is openly gay.
  • Anna Brown, Equality Australia’s chief, said Singh’s views are false and harmful.
  • Almost 80% of Australians supported marriage equality in a 2017 survey.
  • One Nation has faced criticism for not thoroughly checking candidates.
  • Joyce said the party will improve candidate selection as it grows.
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Guardian World
Millions gear up for first total eclipse since 2006

Millions gear up for first total eclipse since 2006

August 12, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

A total solar eclipse will cross northern Spain on August 12, marking the first total eclipse visible in mainland Europe since 2006. This rare event is drawing interest from millions and offers scientists a chance to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere and effects on nature.

Key Facts

  • The total solar eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026.
  • It will be visible mainly across northern Spain.
  • This is the first total solar eclipse seen in mainland Europe since 2006.
  • During a total eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun, revealing the Sun’s corona (outer atmosphere).
  • Scientists study eclipses to learn more about the Sun and how such events affect animal behavior and human emotions.
  • Millions of people are preparing to watch this rare event.
  • The eclipse is considered one of the most awaited astronomical events in Europe this decade.
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France24
Anthropic's text watermarks signal new front in AI detection

Anthropic's text watermarks signal new front in AI detection

August 12, 2026 • Technology • Axios

Summary

Anthropic is adding hidden digital watermarks to text and media created by its AI model Claude to meet new European Union rules. These watermarks help identify AI-generated content but have some limits, such as being less effective if the text is heavily changed.

Key Facts

  • Anthropic’s AI model Claude now includes machine-readable “watermarks” in text and files created for users in the EU.
  • The watermarks are patterns in the text that people cannot see but machines can detect.
  • Media files created by Claude carry digital signatures to show they were processed by the AI.
  • These measures comply with Article 50 of the EU AI Act, which requires clear disclosure of AI-generated or altered content.
  • The watermarks can sometimes appear even if Claude only helped to proofread or translate human-written text.
  • Watermarks may not be detectable if the AI-generated text is heavily rewritten, mixed with other texts, or very short.
  • Other companies like OpenAI are also working on AI content disclosure but focus more on images and audio so far.
  • Digital platforms like LinkedIn, Substack, and Snap are testing or using AI detection tools to identify AI-generated content.
  • AI providers must update older AI models to meet EU rules by December 2, 2024.
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Axios
Great Britain faces electricity supply shortfall during solar eclipse

Great Britain faces electricity supply shortfall during solar eclipse

August 12, 2026 • Business • Guardian World

Summary

Great Britain expects a drop in solar power during a near-total solar eclipse, creating a shortage in electricity supply on Wednesday evening. The national energy operator is taking steps to make extra power available and is asking consumers to reduce electricity use during peak hours.

Key Facts

  • The solar eclipse will block up to 95% of the sun in parts of Great Britain.
  • Solar power generation will drop by 300 to 1,100 megawatts during the eclipse.
  • Electricity demand is already high due to a summer heatwave.
  • The National Energy System Operator (Neso) initially predicted a shortfall over 1,700MW, later updated to about 1,200MW.
  • Neso is using market tools to encourage extra electricity generation and to maintain supply.
  • Electricity prices have risen sharply, reaching over £211.40 per megawatt-hour at 7pm.
  • Octopus Energy, a major electricity supplier, asked customers to avoid using washing machines and dishwashers between 6pm and 8pm.
  • Octopus Energy is offering eligible customers one free hour of electricity on Sunday as an incentive to reduce usage during the eclipse.
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Guardian World
Zambia’s president rallies for second term ahead of election

Zambia’s president rallies for second term ahead of election

August 12, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema held a large rally in the capital city Lusaka to gain support before the general election. Major concerns for voters include unemployment, which is about 10%, and the rising cost of living.

Key Facts

  • The rally took place in Lusaka, Zambia’s capital.
  • Tens of thousands of people attended the rally.
  • President Hichilema is seeking a second term in office.
  • The general election is coming up soon.
  • Unemployment in Zambia is around 10 percent.
  • High living costs are a major issue for voters.
  • The president’s campaign focuses on addressing these economic challenges.
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Al Jazeera
Moderate Crowley narrowly beats democratic socialist Hong in Wisconsin

Moderate Crowley narrowly beats democratic socialist Hong in Wisconsin

August 12, 2026 • Us • Axios

Summary

David Crowley won the Wisconsin Democratic primary for governor, narrowly beating Francesca Hong. Crowley will face Republican Tom Tiffany, who has challenged past election results, in the November general election.

Key Facts

  • David Crowley defeated Francesca Hong by about 3,000 votes in the Democratic primary.
  • Crowley is aiming to become Wisconsin’s first Black governor.
  • Francesca Hong is a democratic socialist and focused on her working-class background during the campaign.
  • Hong faced criticism over some past statements and lacked endorsements from top progressive leaders like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
  • Crowley was backed by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, the state’s top Democrat.
  • Republicans spent millions on ads that some Democrats say helped Hong’s campaign.
  • Republican nominee Tom Tiffany is endorsed by President Trump and has questioned the 2020 presidential election results.
  • The Wisconsin governor plays a role in certifying election outcomes, making the governor’s race especially important this year.
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Axios
A hydrogen-powered vehicle sets new land speed record

A hydrogen-powered vehicle sets new land speed record

August 12, 2026 • Technology • Al Jazeera

Summary

British company JCB has set a new world record for the fastest land speed achieved by a hydrogen-powered vehicle. This record shows JCB's commitment to using hydrogen fuel as a clean energy option for machines that usually cause pollution.

Key Facts

  • JCB is a British engineering company.
  • They built a vehicle powered by hydrogen fuel.
  • The vehicle broke the previous world speed record for hydrogen-powered cars.
  • The record highlights the use of hydrogen combustion technology.
  • Hydrogen is considered a zero-carbon fuel because it does not produce harmful emissions.
  • JCB aims to use hydrogen as a clean energy source for heavy machinery.
  • This achievement supports the development of environmentally friendly technology in transportation and construction.
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Al Jazeera
Key US primary races take shape

Key US primary races take shape

August 12, 2026 • Us • France24

Summary

On Tuesday, six U.S. states held primary elections with important races for both Democrats and Republicans. Key results included a progressive win in Minnesota’s Democratic Senate primary and a close Republican governor’s race in Wisconsin.

Key Facts

  • Minnesota’s progressive Lieutenant Governor won the Democratic Senate primary against Representative Angie Craig.
  • The Republican governor’s primary in Wisconsin is still too close to call.
  • Businessman Mike Lindell, supported by President Trump, lost the Republican governor’s primary in Minnesota to House Speaker Lisa Demuth.
  • In South Carolina, Darlene Graham advanced to the Republican Senate runoff to succeed her late brother, Senator Lindsay Graham.
  • These primaries determine each party’s candidates for the upcoming general elections.
  • President Donald Trump has been active in endorsing candidates in these races.
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France24
Death toll rises after Colombia earthquake

Death toll rises after Colombia earthquake

August 12, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

A strong earthquake hit western Colombia, killing at least 240 people. Rescue teams are still searching for survivors in the rubble of collapsed buildings.

Key Facts

  • The earthquake is the worst in Colombia in many years.
  • At least 240 people have died so far.
  • Many victims were found trapped under destroyed homes.
  • Rescuers continue to look for people still alive.
  • A 32-year-old woman was recently rescued alive from a collapsed apartment.
  • The event caused widespread damage in the western region of Colombia.
  • Rescue efforts are ongoing and challenging due to the destruction.
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France24
We’re Paying for Climate Disasters Instead of Preventing Them | Opinion

We’re Paying for Climate Disasters Instead of Preventing Them | Opinion

August 12, 2026 • Business • Newsweek

Summary

Home insurance costs in the U.S. have risen sharply due to increasing climate disasters. While the current financial system supports paying for damages after disasters, it does not provide ways to invest in preventing those disasters and reducing future losses.

Key Facts

  • About 71% of American homeowners report higher insurance costs recently, with 42% saying the increases are large.
  • Average yearly home insurance premiums reached about $3,300 after rising nearly 25% from 2021 to 2024.
  • Climate disasters trigger a chain reaction: damaged homes lead to tougher insurance, lower property values, weaker mortgage security, less tax revenue, and higher local government borrowing costs.
  • State and local governments suffer most financially since they cannot print money and face tough budget choices after disasters.
  • Current financial markets allow investing in stocks, bonds, and carbon credits but lack investment options focused on preventing climate-related damages.
  • Preventing disasters like wildfires, floods, and heat waves would save money for many groups but the savings are spread out and hard to package for investors.
  • Creating new financial tools to invest in prevention efforts could stabilize insurance, help local budgets, protect property values, and offer new investment opportunities.
  • Prevention projects could include forest management and wetland restoration, with investors sharing verified savings from avoided losses.
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Newsweek
Carcass Clad: stifling tank combat promises tension, terror and surprising laughs

Carcass Clad: stifling tank combat promises tension, terror and surprising laughs

August 12, 2026 • Technology • Guardian Tech

Summary

Carcass Clad is a cooperative video game developed by Swedish indie studio Wrong Organ. Players work together inside a cramped tank to survive in a dangerous, ruined city while facing tough enemies and managing many challenging tasks.

Key Facts

  • Carcass Clad is set inside a heavily armored tank shared by three players: a driver, a gunner, and a commander.
  • The game focuses on intense, hands-on gameplay rather than storytelling like the developer’s previous game, Mouthwashing.
  • Players must juggle many urgent tasks and work closely, as one mistake can create problems for the whole team.
  • The enemies, called the Green Lions, are fanatical defenders of a ruined city called Vhorgorod and have supernatural influences.
  • The Green Lions’ tanks are decorated with living, bleeding creatures called divine livestock.
  • Despite the dark and tense setting, the game encourages teamwork and includes moments of humor.
  • The design aims to create a balance between oppressive danger and fun shared success in co-op play.
  • The game’s inspiration partly comes from a World War II tank mission featured in Battlefield V.
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Guardian Tech
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls review – an anime-style rumble that’s rooting for you

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls review – an anime-style rumble that’s rooting for you

August 12, 2026 • Technology • Guardian Tech

Summary

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls is a new anime-style fighting game developed by Arc System Works. It features team-based battles with shared health bars and simplified controls, aiming to attract both new and experienced players through strategy and skill development.

Key Facts

  • Marvel Tōkon is developed by Arc System Works, known for technical anime fighting games.
  • The game features 4 versus 4 team battles where all team members share one health bar.
  • Players control a leader character while others offer assists or can be swapped in by filling a gauge.
  • Controls are simplified so players can perform combos and special moves with a single button.
  • The game includes a light story mode and a party mode called Arcadia Rumble for stat improvements.
  • Matches can be played against the computer or other players locally or online, in casual or ranked modes.
  • The game focuses on mastering team strategy and timing rather than solo story content.
  • It presents American superhero characters through a Japanese game developer's perspective with strong art and music.
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Guardian Tech
"Woke 1 was crazy": AOC seeks do-over on 2020-era rhetoric

"Woke 1 was crazy": AOC seeks do-over on 2020-era rhetoric

August 12, 2026 • Us • Axios

Summary

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said some left-wing ideas from 2020 were extreme and no longer reflect current views. She believes candidates should be judged by their present positions, not past ones, but this view faces challenges in politics today.

Key Facts

  • AOC acknowledged that some 2020 progressive politics, like calls to defund the police, were "crazy" and are not used today.
  • She suggests voters should focus on what candidates say now instead of their past statements.
  • Moderate Democrats and Republicans find it hard to accept a complete break from those 2020 ideas.
  • Kamala Harris also tried to move away from her past progressive positions during the 2020 presidential race, but opponents highlighted them.
  • President Joe Biden won by promoting more centrist policies and warning against extreme positions at the time.
  • Some current candidates still support or have supported radical ideas but have since walked them back.
  • A centrist group, Third Way, is spending heavily to oppose democratic socialist policies they view as harmful.
  • AOC seems to be shifting toward a focus on economic topics that appeal to a wider audience rather than social and cultural policies from early 2020.
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Axios
Outspent Two to One: How Peggy Flanagan Beat the Establishment

Outspent Two to One: How Peggy Flanagan Beat the Establishment

August 12, 2026 • Us • Newsweek

Summary

Minnesota’s Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan won the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate with about 59% of the vote, defeating Representative Angie Craig. Flanagan’s campaign focused on grassroots organizing and rejecting corporate political action committee (PAC) money, while advocating progressive policies like Medicare for All and raising the minimum wage.

Key Facts

  • Peggy Flanagan beat Angie Craig 59% to 39.4% in the Minnesota Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.
  • Flanagan raised $6.4 million and refused corporate PAC money; Craig raised $12.6 million and accepted such funds.
  • Craig was endorsed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
  • Flanagan received endorsements from Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders.
  • Craig spent $9.6 million on ads; Flanagan spent $1.9 million and focused on organizing more than 300 events in 112 communities.
  • Flanagan’s campaign emphasized progressive issues like Medicare for All, a national minimum wage increase, and universal childcare.
  • Flanagan became the favorite after winning the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party endorsement at the state convention.
  • Flanagan will face Republican Michele Tafoya in the general election and plans to continue focusing on her anti-PAC, economic populist message.
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Newsweek
Who Framed AOC?

Who Framed AOC?

August 12, 2026 • Us • Newsweek

Summary

The article discusses how people’s political beliefs affect their perception of news bias, using a recent poll about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) in Michigan as an example. It explains that the same facts can be seen as biased depending on how they are presented, reflecting the “hostile media phenomenon,” where people believe news is biased against their view.

Key Facts

  • A study in the 1980s showed that people from opposing sides saw different biases in the same news coverage.
  • The “hostile media phenomenon” means people perceive bias based on their own beliefs, not on the facts alone.
  • A recent Newsweek article reported on a Michigan poll about AOC’s chances against other Democratic candidates for 2028.
  • In the poll, AOC was in third place behind Pete Buttigieg and Jon Ossoff but slightly ahead of Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris.
  • Different readers saw the Newsweek article as biased either to the left or right, depending on how they viewed AOC.
  • The article’s headline focused on AOC beating Newsom and Harris, which some readers saw as an optimistic spin.
  • Bias can be found in how facts are framed and what comparisons are chosen by reporters.
  • The article highlights how readers’ political views influence whether they see news coverage as fair or biased.
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Newsweek
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