World News

Views of the total solar eclipse from parts of Europe

August 13, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A total solar eclipse was seen in some parts of Europe, the first time this happened since 1912. People watched as the moon completely covered the sun, creating a rare natural event.

Key Facts

The total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe.
This was the first total solar eclipse in Europe since 1912.
During a total solar eclipse, the moon covers the sun entirely.
The event attracted viewers and was reported by CBS News.
Rob Marciano covered the eclipse for CBS News.

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CBS News

Turkiye lays out ‘mechanisms’ of defence pact with Pakistan, Saudi Arabia

August 13, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan have signed a military agreement called the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. This pact means if one country is attacked, the others will see it as an attack on all three and respond together. The countries plan to hold joint military exercises and cooperate on defense technology.

Key Facts

The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement was signed on August 7 by Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan.
The pact states that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, similar to NATO’s collective defense rule.
They will create high-level coordination among Defence Ministers, Foreign Ministers, and military leaders.
Joint military exercises will include land, sea, air forces, air defense, and unmanned systems.
The agreement includes cooperation on defense industries, focusing on joint development, production, and technology like artificial intelligence and electronic warfare.
Turkiye’s army is the second largest in NATO, Pakistan has nuclear weapons, and Saudi Arabia is a major oil exporter.
The pact is open to addition of other countries, with Egypt mentioned as a possible future member.
Turkiye is also involved in efforts to form a coalition to protect Red Sea shipping.

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Al Jazeera

RSC postpones Othello while leading actor Sharon D Clarke has cancer treatment

August 13, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has postponed its upcoming production of Othello because the lead actor, Sharon D Clarke, is undergoing cancer treatment. The show will be rescheduled once Clarke has recovered.

Key Facts

Sharon D Clarke, the lead actor in Othello, is currently receiving treatment for cancer.
The production was planned to run from February 13 to April 3, 2027, at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Clarke is known for her roles in Holby City and stage plays like Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
The director, Monique Touko, described the play as a new version of Othello set in a future affected by climate change.
The story focuses on a Black lesbian character in power, exploring themes of race, gender, and jealousy.
RSC will refund tickets and announce new dates for the show later.
Clarke received support and love from the RSC and her family during her treatment.
Clarke has won three Olivier Awards and has acted on stage and TV since 1986.

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Guardian World

Falling Danube flow forces shutdown of Romania’s sole nuclear plant

August 13, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Romania has stopped operations at its only nuclear power plant because low water levels in the Danube River prevent proper cooling of the reactors. The drought affecting much of Europe has also led Hungary to partially shut its nuclear plant and take measures to maintain water flow for cooling.

Key Facts

Romania’s Cernavoda nuclear plant depends on Danube River water for cooling its reactors.
Low river levels forced Romania to shut down both reactors at Cernavoda.
The plant usually provides about 20% of Romania’s electricity.
Romania tried spending over 2 million euros to keep water flowing, including altering riverbed features.
Hungary’s Paks nuclear plant, also cooled by the Danube, is partially shut down but still operating.
Hungary is building structures and using barges to raise water levels near Paks plant.
Low Danube flows have caused problems for shipping along the river’s nearly 3,000 km length.
European energy ministries urge citizens and industries to use electricity responsibly due to the power supply challenges.

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Al Jazeera

Ms. Lauryn Hill and Fugees’ bandmate Wyclef Jean will headline Global Citizen’s antipoverty festival

August 13, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Ms. Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean will be the main performers at this year’s Global Citizen Festival in Central Park, New York. The festival aims to encourage world leaders to support anti-poverty programs after the United Nations General Assembly meetings.

Key Facts

The festival will take place on September 26 in New York’s Central Park.
Other performers include Lenny Kravitz, John Legend, Lainey Wilson, Shaboozey, and K-pop group TOMORROW X TOGETHER.
The festival supports campaigns that ask countries to fund education, healthcare, food security, and clean energy projects.
This year’s goals include raising $100 million for education, $100 million for food security for small farmers, and $1.5 billion for clean energy in the Indo-Pacific region.
Festival attendees can enter by taking actions like signing petitions to pressure countries for more aid.
Countries targeted for funding include Spain, Norway, Ireland, Kenya, Japan, Denmark, and Australia.
The United States is not a focus for funding requests due to recent cuts in its foreign aid budget and agency restructuring.
The festival follows Global Citizen’s recent events, including a World Cup halftime show that raised over $60 million for education.

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AP News

Transport watchdog investigates another near miss at Sydney airport

August 13, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Australia’s transport safety agency is investigating a second near-collision between planes at Sydney airport that happened on the same day as another close call. The incidents have highlighted a shortage of air traffic controllers, which is causing safety concerns and delays at the country’s busiest airport.

Key Facts

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating a second runway incident on August 9 involving two planes nearly colliding at Sydney airport.
A Virgin Australia flight had to stop take-off when a Qantas plane started crossing the runway ahead.
Both planes involved were Boeing 737 aircraft headed to Perth and Ayers Rock.
The Qantas crew said they were cleared by air traffic controllers to cross the runway.
Earlier the same day, another near-miss happened between a Jetstar plane and a Qatar Airways plane on the tarmac.
A third similar incident occurred at Sydney on July 27 involving two Qantas planes.
Airservices Australia, which manages the country’s air traffic control, cites a shortage of controllers caused by many leaving during a pandemic incentive program in 2021.
New air traffic controllers require 18 months of training and passing a difficult test, slowing staff replacement.
The government is concerned and working with Airservices to improve the situation, expecting 95 new controllers to be certified by year-end.

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Guardian World

Infantino’s FIFA fate must go to an election, says Africa football chief

August 13, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Patrice Motsepe, head of African football, says the future of FIFA President Gianni Infantino should be decided by an official election rather than by pressure to resign. Infantino faces criticism and lost support from several football groups because of a controversial plan to sell shares in the World Cup to private investors.

Key Facts

Patrice Motsepe is the president of the Confederation of African Football and a FIFA vice president.
Ireland, England, and Wales have withdrawn their support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Infantino planned to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, which caused widespread criticism.
European, North/Central American, and Asian football groups sent a joint letter demanding Infantino’s resignation.
Motsepe insists any decision about Infantino’s leadership should happen through FIFA elections with votes from all member associations.
Six Arab football federations, including Qatar, Morocco, and Egypt, continue to support Infantino.
Infantino apologized and said there might be better ways to handle the controversial plan.
Next FIFA elections are scheduled for March next year.

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Al Jazeera

Greenland Casts Doubt on Trump-Linked Oil Firm's New Drilling Schedule

August 13, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Greenland has delayed an American company’s plan to start oil drilling in its Arctic territory due to concerns about missing permits and the project’s complexity. The company, Greenland Energy, linked to President Donald Trump, had planned to drill in a large, promising basin but now faces a regulatory review that may push drilling back to winter 2027 or later.

Key Facts

Greenland Energy is a Texas-based company connected to President Trump.
The company planned to drill oil in Greenland’s Jameson Land Basin, a large and promising area.
Greenland’s government warned the company for moving equipment without the proper permits.
Greenland stopped issuing new oil drilling licenses in 2021 because of environmental concerns, but this project has an older license.
A British partner company, 80 Mile, holds the official license through a subsidiary called White Flame Energy.
Greenland’s Mineral Resources Authority is still waiting for full paperwork before approving drilling.
The government says drilling likely won’t start before winter 2027 but is unsure about the exact date.
Greenland Energy says it will update the timeline once permits are finalized.

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Newsweek

Roads destroyed and homes flood in Midwest after severe flooding

August 13, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Severe flooding hit parts of Indiana, causing damage to homes and roads. The floodwaters have affected many people in the Midwest region.

Key Facts

Heavy flooding occurred in parts of Indiana.
Roads were destroyed by the floodwaters.
Many homes were damaged or flooded.
The flooding affected the Midwest area.
CBS News reported on the situation through their correspondent Meg Oliver.

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CBS News

Eclipse warning: The key signs you may have damaged your eyes

August 13, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Eye experts warn that looking directly at a solar eclipse without proper protection can harm eyesight by damaging the retina, the part of the eye that processes vision. Symptoms like blurred vision, dark spots, and light sensitivity may appear hours after exposure. People who notice these signs should seek medical help quickly.

Key Facts

Looking at the sun during an eclipse without safety glasses can damage the retina.
Damage may cause blurry vision, a dark or grey spot in the center of vision, and light sensitivity.
The retina has no pain sensors, so damage can happen without feeling pain.
Symptoms often show up several hours after looking at the eclipse.
Only special eclipse glasses are safe; regular sunglasses do not protect eyes adequately.
After the 1999 eclipse in the UK, about 70 people had eye damage from looking at the sun briefly.
Eye experts recommend visiting an optician or eye doctor if symptoms appear.
Fewer reports of eye damage have been made after the recent eclipse compared to 1999, possibly because more people used proper eye protection.

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BBC Top Stories

Five charts that explain the high cost of living in the UK

August 13, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

The UK is facing a rising cost of living, with inflation at 2.8% in June. Higher energy prices caused by conflict in the Middle East have made petrol, heating, and other goods more expensive, affecting lower-income households the most.

Key Facts

Inflation in the UK was 2.8% in June, down slightly from 3% in May.
Energy prices increased due to the Strait of Hormuz closure, which affects global oil and gas supply.
Petrol prices in the UK rose by 22% and diesel by 27% between late February and mid-August.
The average UK household spends about £677 a week, with major costs in housing, fuel, transport, and food.
Lower-income households spend less overall but feel price rises more sharply since essentials take a bigger part of their budget.
Around 7.4 million low-income UK families struggle to afford basic needs, the highest since 2021.
Compared to other G7 countries, the UK’s inflation rate is in the middle range, behind the US but ahead of Germany, France, and Japan.
Inflation in the UK is influenced mainly by energy costs, service prices like restaurants and hotels, and slow wage growth.

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Al Jazeera

Farage face off against Count Binface: "He's been the subject to many jokes in the UK"

August 13, 2026 • France24

Summary

A by-election is taking place in eastern England where Nigel Farage, a well-known right-wing political leader, is running against Count Binface, a candidate known for humorous campaigns. Major political parties are not participating in this election.

Key Facts

The election is a by-election held in eastern England.
Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, is a main candidate.
Count Binface is a perennial joke candidate known in the UK.
Main political parties chose not to take part in this election.
The election is being closely watched, with some seeing Count Binface's performance as a measure of Farage’s popularity.
Nigel Farage has been considered a potential future British prime minister.
The election began on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

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France24

US-Iran talks in deadlock – what’s the latest?

August 13, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Iran and the United States are in a dispute over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil supplies. Iran has blocked ships without its permission from passing through the strait, while the US claims it controls the area. Talks involving Iran and Oman aim to find a peaceful way to reopen the strait for shipping.

Key Facts

Iran denies US claims that the US controls the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for about 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas shipments.
Iran has blocked ships that do not have its approval from passing through the strait.
The US has responded by targeting ships headed for Iranian ports and maintaining a naval blockade on those ports.
Iran is not directly negotiating with the US about the strait but is talking with Oman about managing it together.
A memorandum signed on June 17 promised to keep the strait open for 60 days, but disagreements led to renewed conflict.
Qatar has said talks between Iran and Oman about reopening the strait have reached an advanced stage.
Both Iran and Oman want to address security concerns and allow commercial shipping to resume safely.

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Al Jazeera

Search for survivors of Colombia earthquake enters "final phase"

August 13, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Rescuers in Colombia are trying to find survivors after a strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the country. The earthquake has killed 265 people, injured nearly 3,500, and left many others missing as rescue teams work urgently to save lives within the critical first 72 hours.

Key Facts

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit Colombia, the strongest in the country this century.
The quake has killed 265 people and injured almost 3,500.
Nearly 500 people are officially missing, but civilian groups report over 4,100 missing.
About 26,000 families have been affected by the disaster.
Rescuers are working through rubble in cities like Cali and Pereira, using dogs and cranes.
The government declared a three-day national mourning and called the situation an economic emergency.
Over 11,000 homes have been destroyed, leaving thousands homeless.
Rescue efforts are entering the final phase as the 72-hour window to find survivors comes to an end.

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CBS News

What a reporter learned covering the impact of USAID cuts on aid workers-turned-sex workers in Nepal

August 13, 2026 • AP News

Summary

A U.S. foreign aid agency called USAID was closed in 2025, which caused 280,000 aid workers worldwide to lose their jobs. In Nepal, some of these former workers, including transgender people who fought against HIV, started working as sex workers to survive.

Key Facts

USAID was shut down in 2025 after President Donald Trump said it was a waste of money.
About 280,000 aid workers worldwide lost their jobs because of the closure.
Most of the affected workers lived outside the U.S., often in poor or conflict areas.
In Nepal, some former aid workers turned to sex work after losing employment.
Transgender former aid workers who worked on HIV prevention were among those affected.
The U.S. State Department said the Trump administration redirected aid efforts to be more efficient.
The agency had helped millions before closing, but little attention has been given to the helpers’ situations.
The story was reported by an Associated Press journalist who wanted to highlight the aid workers’ struggles.

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AP News

Ukraine’s drones hit a major Russian refinery 800 miles from the border, sparking a fire

August 13, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Ukrainian drones attacked a large Russian oil refinery located about 800 miles inside Russia, causing a fire and damaging the facility. These attacks are part of Ukraine’s ongoing effort to disrupt Russia’s oil industry during the conflict between the two countries.

Key Facts

Ukrainian forces struck the Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat oil refining complex in Bashkortostan, Russia.
The refinery is about 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) from the Ukraine-Russia border.
The facility processes up to 74 million barrels of oil per year, producing gasoline, diesel, and petrochemicals.
The attack caused a fire and wounded two civilians in the Salavat industrial zone.
Another refinery in Orsk was hit earlier this week, leading to suspension of operations with repairs possibly taking six months.
The attacks have reduced Russia’s refining capacity and caused fuel shortages at gas stations.
Ukrainian strikes also targeted Russian naval bases and warehouses recently.
Russia reported deaths of four explosive experts and a security guard in Sevastopol, Crimea, due to an explosion after a Ukrainian attack.

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AP News

Body of Pakistani climber recovered from Broad Peak 2 weeks after avalanche killed 10

August 13, 2026 • AP News

Summary

A team of volunteers recovered the body of Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi nearly two weeks after an avalanche on Broad Peak killed 10 mountaineers. The climbers were part of an international expedition, and the tragedy is one of Pakistan’s deadliest recent mountaineering accidents.

Key Facts

Sohail Sakhi’s body was missing since July 30 after an avalanche on Broad Peak.
The avalanche killed a total of 10 climbers from different countries.
The expedition was led by famous climber Nirmal Purja.
Eight bodies, including Sakhi’s, have now been recovered.
Volunteers found Sakhi’s body and rescuers helped bring it to base camp.
Authorities plan to transport the body by helicopter if the weather allows.
A candlelight vigil was held in Islamabad to honor the climbers.
Broad Peak is the 12th-highest mountain in the world, located near K2 in Pakistan.

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AP News

Earthquake in Colombia: "The government didn't accept the help from foreign rescue teams"

August 13, 2026 • France24

Summary

A strong earthquake hit Colombia, and three days later, people are surprised that the Colombian government did not accept help from rescue teams from other countries. Rescue efforts are ongoing as officials search for survivors.

Key Facts

An earthquake occurred in Colombia.
The earthquake happened more than 72 hours ago from the report time.
The Colombian government did not accept assistance from foreign rescue teams.
People and journalists have expressed surprise at the refusal of international help.
Rescue teams are working to find survivors.
The situation remains critical as time passes since the quake.

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France24

$5,255 fine issued after foghorn wakes up sleeping polar bear

August 13, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A person in Norway's Svalbard islands was fined $5,255 for waking a sleeping polar bear using a ship's foghorn. Disturbing polar bears is against local rules because they are protected animals in the area.

Key Facts

The incident happened in northeastern Svalbard, about 620 miles from the North Pole.
A person on a boat used the foghorn to wake a polar bear that was sleeping on land.
The governor's office fined the person $5,255, and the fine will be paid.
It is illegal in Svalbard to disturb, attract, or chase polar bears without good reason.
Polar bears have been protected in Svalbard since 1972.
About 260 polar bears live in the archipelago according to a 2015 count.
Scientists say polar bears in Svalbard are doing well despite climate change and melting ice.
Research showed polar bears are adapting to smaller ice areas and may be hunting seals more easily.

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CBS News

Colombia earthquake response tests new far-right government

August 13, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit western Colombia shortly after President Abelardo de La Espriella took office, killing over 260 people and injuring thousands. The new government is working to provide aid and support while managing challenges from a difficult transition between administrations.

Key Facts

The earthquake struck three days after President de La Espriella was sworn in.
More than 260 people died, and thousands were injured.
The president declared an “economic emergency” and three days of national mourning.
Firefighters and emergency teams responded quickly, with aid being flown to affected areas.
Heavy machinery was used in big cities, but smaller towns still cleared rubble by hand and lacked power.
The government announced temporary help like rent subsidies and postponed utility bills for some affected families.
A poor handover between the old and new government slowed disaster response coordination.
Infrastructure, including airports and roads, was damaged; hospitals lost parts of their buildings.

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