On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse caused darkness in Segovia, Spain, for 59 seconds during the evening. A small group of locals and visitors watched the event from the top of Segovia’s cathedral, enjoying a rare and historic view.
Key Facts
The eclipse made daytime darkness last 59 seconds in Segovia.
People watched the eclipse from the cathedral bell tower, which is usually closed during the day.
Visitors climbed 190 steps to reach the top of the 90-meter tower.
The event was one of the first total solar eclipses in mainland Europe since 1999.
Some visitors traveled from other countries, including Sweden, to see the eclipse.
The eclipse began to cover the sun late on the day of August 12, 2026.
Bells rang from the cathedral at the moment of total eclipse.
The event attracted both local residents and tourists who shared the experience together.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Police in Philadelphia are investigating the deaths of two missing women after finding photos and videos that seem to show their bodies. The evidence came from the home of Eugene Horsch, who is already in custody for other charges.
Key Facts
Police found images and videos of two dead women at Eugene Horsch’s home in Philadelphia.
The women are Maribel Fresses, missing since 2018, and Gabriella Amarando, missing since 2012.
Eugene Horsch was arrested for having illegal guns and fake DEA and FBI badges.
Over 95 search warrants have been used to collect evidence from the house.
Investigators recovered around 600,000 images and 70,000 videos from hard drives.
The FBI is helping with the investigation.
Police said this case is unusual because they have no bodies, only images.
The investigation is ongoing and will take time.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Rescuers in Colombia continue searching for survivors after a strong magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the western part of the country. The disaster has killed at least 265 people, injured over 3,500, and left nearly 500 people missing.
Key Facts
A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit western Colombia on Monday.
At least 265 people have died, and more than 3,500 are injured.
About 500 people are still missing after the quake.
Rescue teams are working in cities like Pereira and Cali, focusing on collapsed buildings.
Search teams use vibration sensors and dogs to try to find survivors under rubble.
President Abelardo de la Espriella declared an economic emergency and three days of national mourning.
Thousands of people are staying outside in temporary shelters.
Volunteers are helping by providing food, water, and blood donations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Polling has opened in the Clacton byelection in the UK, where Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, is running against several fringe candidates including Count Binface, a joke candidate who dresses as a dustbin. Farage’s campaign has spent over £10,000 on social media ads to promote his message as a local champion and outsider fighting against the political establishment.
Key Facts
The Clacton byelection is taking place while parliament is in recess and August is a low-news period.
Nigel Farage is the Reform UK candidate and has played a major role in UK politics over the last 25 years, especially regarding Brexit.
Farage faces financial allegations over not properly declaring donations, including £5 million from a cryptocurrency billionaire.
Count Binface is a joke candidate who literally dresses as a dustbin, providing an unusual element to the election.
Reform UK has spent more than £10,000 on ads across Meta’s platforms like Facebook and Instagram during the campaign.
Spending included about £1,000 on videos encouraging supporters to get “I’m with Nigel” garden signs and around £500 on ads urging postal vote returns.
The largest ad spend (£4,000–£4,500) was for a five-minute video where Farage appeals directly to local voters and attacks the political elite and mainstream media.
Farage is the only candidate in the byelection using paid features on Meta platforms to boost his online presence.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, called the siege of Palestinian homes by Israeli settlers in the West Bank an "act of terror." The siege lasted several days in the village of Qusra, cutting off water and power and trapping Palestinian families, including a US citizen. Israeli forces later took action to remove some settlers and dismantle illegal outposts.
Key Facts
The siege took place in Qusra, a village in the occupied West Bank near Nablus.
Israeli settlers blocked three Palestinian homes using rocks and tents.
The Israeli settlers cut off water, electricity, and supplies to the Palestinian families.
Among those trapped was a Palestinian-American dual citizen.
US Ambassador Huckabee condemned the settlers' actions as terror and called it "thuggish behavior."
Israeli forces and police later intervened to evacuate some settlers and dismantled two illegal outposts.
Settlers have regularly attacked Palestinians in the West Bank, with tensions rising under Prime Minister Netanyahu’s right-wing government, which supports expanded settlements.
Qusra is in Area B, where the Palestinian Authority has some civil control but Israel maintains military presence.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
This guide explains important steps to stay safe during an earthquake. It covers how to prepare your home, what to do during shaking, and how to respond safely after the earthquake stops.
Key Facts
Secure heavy furniture and objects at home to prevent them from falling during an earthquake.
Prepare an emergency kit with water, food, first-aid supplies, flashlight, radio, medicines, and other essentials.
If indoors during shaking, stay inside, drop to the ground, cover your head and neck, and hold onto shelter until it stops.
Avoid running outside during shaking to reduce risk from falling glass and debris.
Actions to take depend on where you are: indoors, outdoors, in a car, or in a lift.
After shaking stops, check for injuries and hazards like gas leaks, broken glass, or damaged electrical wires.
Be ready for aftershocks by preparing to Drop, Cover, and Hold On again.
Use phones sparingly to keep lines open for emergencies and conserve battery power.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 struck Colombia, causing part of a children’s hospital in the city of Cali to collapse. At least 265 people have died, and many others are still missing after the disaster.
Key Facts
The earthquake in Colombia measured 7.4 on the magnitude scale.
It caused significant damage, including the partial collapse of a children’s hospital in Cali.
Security cameras recorded the hospital collapse.
At least 265 people have died because of the earthquake.
Hundreds of people remain missing following the quake.
The event happened on a Monday.
The city of Cali is one of the affected areas.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Taiwan slowed down mobile internet in several cities to a text-only speed for 30 minutes during its annual Han Kuang military drills. These exercises aim to prepare the island for a possible Chinese military attack by involving civilians, reservists, and local governments in realistic defense simulations.
Key Facts
The internet speed was slowed to 256 Kbps in Taipei and six other locations, making it hard to do anything other than send texts.
Normally, people in major cities can use faster 5G internet.
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te apologized for the disruption and said the drill was necessary.
The Han Kuang exercises simulate a response to a possible invasion from China.
This year’s drills included more civilians and reservists and focused on real-life scenarios.
Some subway stations were temporarily closed as part of air raid drills.
Taiwan is increasing its defense drills and buying more military equipment due to rising tensions with China.
China frequently sends military planes and ships near Taiwan and conducts large exercises itself.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Cuba marked the 100th birthday of Fidel Castro with events and public displays remembering his legacy. While some Cubans honor him for his contributions to the country’s culture, education, and health, others blame him for the economic problems Cuba faces today, worsened by U.S. sanctions and a fuel blockade.
Key Facts
Fidel Castro was born 100 years ago, and his influence remains strong in Cuba.
Cuba held celebrations like a book fair, art shows, concerts, and meetings with leftist groups to honor Castro.
Posters and billboards with Castro’s image and slogans are common in Cuban cities.
Some Cubans praise Castro’s work on culture, education, and health, describing it as a positive legacy.
The U.S. imposed a fuel blockade on Cuba in January and added sanctions to pressure political and economic changes.
These U.S. actions worsened an ongoing economic crisis, causing power outages, shortages, and transportation problems.
Castro ruled Cuba for 50 years before handing power to his brother in 2008 and remained influential until he died in 2016.
Opinions about Castro vary, with some remembering him fondly and others blaming him for current difficulties.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two years ago, Ukrainian soldiers launched an operation into Russia’s Kursk region, briefly capturing land as a bargaining tool. Although Ukraine eventually lost most of that territory, it has since developed long-range drone and missile strikes that allow it to hit important Russian targets far inside Russian territory, increasing its leverage in peace talks.
Key Facts
In 2022, Ukrainian forces crossed into Russia’s Kursk region, capturing over 500 square miles briefly.
Russia pushed Ukrainian troops back out of Kursk by early 2025.
Ukraine has not made large land incursions into Russia since, except small operations like in Belgorod.
Ukraine has developed advanced drone and missile technology to strike deep into Russia without holding land.
Since early 2025, Ukraine’s long-range attacks on Russian energy, logistics, and military sites have increased significantly.
Russian defenses claim to have shot down many Ukrainian drones but have been overwhelmed by the volume of attacks.
A recent attack hit the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, damaging grain terminals and warships.
Ukraine’s new strategy focuses on disabling important targets rather than holding territory.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Elbridge Colby, a senior Pentagon official, supports the Aukus nuclear submarine deal with Australia, aligning with President Donald Trump’s positive stance. The deal involves the U.S. selling Virginia-class submarines to Australia and helping Australia build its own nuclear-powered submarines by the 2040s.
Key Facts
Elbridge Colby is the third-highest-ranking official at the Pentagon and was once skeptical of the Aukus deal.
Colby now says the Aukus submarine deal is “full steam ahead,” echoing President Trump’s position.
The U.S. plans to sell Australia three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines, starting in 2032.
Australia will later build up to eight of its own nuclear submarines, with the first expected in the early 2040s.
The U.S. submarine production rate must increase from about 1.1 boats per year to over 2 boats per year to meet both U.S. and Australian needs.
The U.S. Navy currently has only 49 submarines but aims to have 66 to meet its goals.
Australia will manage the nuclear waste from its submarines, which must be safely stored for thousands of years.
The Aukus deal could cost Australia up to A$368 billion by the mid-2050s.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Europe is experiencing a heatwave with temperatures expected to reach up to 40°C in Spain and up to 38°C in parts of England under an amber heat health warning. Romania has shut down its only nuclear plant due to low water levels in the Danube River, which is used to cool the reactors.
Key Facts
England faces an amber heat warning covering areas from London to Sheffield, with temperatures possibly reaching 38°C.
High temperatures can affect infrastructure like roads and railways and can also impact people’s health.
The UK is experiencing extreme conditions such as heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires, worsened by climate change from greenhouse gas emissions.
Romania’s only nuclear plant at Cernavoda was completely shut down because the Danube River water level dropped to a record low, making cooling the reactors unsafe.
Efforts to redirect the Danube’s flow, such as blowing up rocks and sinking rocks in the river, were not enough to prevent the shutdown.
UK officials are considering banning disposable barbecues because they have caused serious wildfires in recent years.
Disposable barbecues can remain hot for hours, causing fires if improperly discarded or buried, and also pose dangers to people and animals.
Several large wildfires in the UK and Scotland in recent years have been linked to discarded disposable barbecues.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United Kingdom is facing a severe drought caused by record-low rainfall and high temperatures, which is damaging farmland and reducing crop yields. Farmers like Tom Pearson are struggling despite efforts to grow drought-resistant crops and improve soil health. This drought is one of several recurring dry spells over recent years with lasting effects on agriculture.
Key Facts
Almost 75% of England’s land is in drought due to very low rainfall and unusually hot weather.
July was the driest month in England and Wales since 1836.
Many farmers are harvesting crops like winter wheat earlier than usual because of poor growing conditions.
The UK has experienced three droughts in the last five years, with two consecutive severe dry seasons.
Tom Pearson uses regenerative farming methods and ancient grain varieties with deep roots better suited for dry conditions.
Despite these methods, Pearson’s farm yields have declined for three years in a row.
Farming organizations call for more government support to develop drought-resistant crops and improve water storage on farms.
The drought is described as an “exceptionally serious situation” with long-term impacts on farming.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
France has started an official investigation against its ambassador to the Central African Republic (CAR), Bruno Foucher, over claims that he brought multiple women into his official residence and had sex with some of them. These events reportedly happened between January and March 2024, raising security concerns.
Key Facts
Bruno Foucher has been France’s ambassador to the CAR since 2023.
Allegations say he invited about 30 women to his residence in Bangui, the capital, with some staying overnight.
The French foreign ministry launched disciplinary proceedings and security investigations against him.
Details about the disciplinary process and its length have not been made public.
The accusations come as France and the CAR are working to improve their diplomatic relations.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot praised the restored relationship between the two countries during his visit in March 2024.
The BBC sought comment from the French embassy in Bangui but received no immediate response.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Scientists studied how dogs' brains react when they see human facial expressions. They found that dogs respond differently to happy, angry, fearful, and sad faces, showing they can tell apart some human emotions.
Key Facts
Researchers used brain scans to study eight pet dogs looking at photos of people with different facial expressions.
Dogs' brains showed more activity in reward and thinking areas when they saw happy faces.
Fearful faces caused different brain responses than angry or sad faces in dogs.
Dogs might notice fear more because it can signal danger.
This is the first proof that dogs can distinguish specific negative emotions, not just good or bad feelings.
Dogs respond differently to human smells linked to fear or happiness, supporting the importance of these emotions.
The study helps explain why dogs seem to sense when their owners are upset.
Scientists used machine learning to identify patterns in dogs’ brain activity linked to each expression.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Babies and young children are more at risk during heatwaves because their bodies do not control temperature as well as adults. To keep them safe, it is important to keep them cool, hydrated, and watch for signs of overheating like dizziness or tiredness.
Key Facts
Children's brains, especially under age five, do not fully control body temperature and thirst as adults do.
Children sweat less and absorb heat faster due to their smaller size and higher activity levels.
Heat exhaustion in children can cause heavy sweating, pale skin, dizziness, muscle cramps, and nausea.
Heatstroke is a serious emergency where the body temperature can rise above 40°C, causing confusion, headache, and possible unconsciousness.
Overheating is especially dangerous for babies and can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
To protect children, keep them hydrated, dress them in light clothes, provide shade or cool places, and avoid letting babies sleep in hot, unventilated prams.
Newborns should sleep in rooms kept between 16°C and 20°C with good air circulation; fans should not blow directly on the baby.
Cooling methods like wet cloths can help babies, but they must be checked regularly to avoid overcooling.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Israeli military will send more troops to the West Bank village of Qusra after Israeli settlers trapped two Palestinian families in their homes and cut off their water and power. Attempts to remove the settlers have failed so far, raising concerns about settler violence and the difficulty Israeli forces face in handling the situation.
Key Facts
Israeli settlers have blocked two Palestinian families in Qusra since Sunday, cutting their water and electricity.
The Palestinian families' food supplies are running low due to the siege.
Israeli troops tried but failed to remove the settlers, leading to confrontations that included tear gas and stun grenades.
Local Palestinians say settlers aim to remove them and take over their homes and land.
Settlements are considered illegal under international law, but the Israeli government supports their expansion.
The US embassy condemned the settlers’ actions and requested Israel to act.
In past months, similar attacks in nearby villages have led to violence and deaths on both sides.
The UN reports that 76 Palestinians, including children, have been killed in the West Bank this year.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Kuril Islands, a group of islands controlled by Russia but also claimed by Japan. This was his first visit there and led to a formal protest from Japan, which disputes Russia's control of the islands.
Key Facts
Putin visited Iturup, the largest of the Kuril Islands, on August 13, 2026.
The Kuril Islands are controlled by Russia but claimed by Japan, which calls the four southernmost islands the Northern Territories.
The Soviet Union took control of the islands from Japan at the end of World War II.
Japan has never signed a peace treaty with Russia because of this territorial dispute.
Putin visited local facilities including a fish plant, a hospital, and a school.
Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi issued a strong protest against Putin’s visit.
Russia has increased its military presence on the Kuril Islands over the years.
Before visiting Iturup, Putin attended military drills on nearby Sakhalin Island.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino expressed mixed feelings about the government’s recent change to the Imperial House Law that only allows men to become emperor. He said men and women can equally serve the imperial family’s roles, but he could not openly discuss the government’s decision. The law keeps the throne limited to male heirs, excluding the popular princess from succession.
Key Facts
Crown Prince Akishino is the younger brother of Emperor Naruhito and next in line to the throne.
The Japanese government revised the Imperial House Law to allow only men from the paternal bloodline to become emperor.
This revision sparked criticism for being old-fashioned and unfair to women, especially Princess Aiko, Emperor Naruhito’s daughter.
Princess Aiko is currently ineligible to succeed the throne because she is female.
The law allows princesses to stay royal and perform duties if they marry commoners, but their spouses and children won’t become royals.
It also allows male relatives aged 15 or older from distant imperial branches to be adopted into the royal family to provide heirs.
Crown Prince Akishino said the issue is difficult and society needs to keep discussing what is best.
The government’s goal is to preserve the male imperial bloodline.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A large fire destroyed several homes in Newbridge, South Wales, causing residents to evacuate. Emergency services responded quickly, and no injuries were reported. People affected by the fire are being given temporary housing and support.
Key Facts
The fire involved five bungalows on Hazlewood Road in Newbridge, Caerphilly county.
Residents were moved to a nearby leisure centre for safety.
No casualties or injuries have been reported.
Some homes and cars were completely destroyed by the flames.
The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service started working on the fire at 4:00 PM local time on Wednesday.
The Welsh Ambulance Service sent two ambulances and a specialist team.
Local officials and the county council promised to help affected families find temporary places to stay.
Newbridge Rugby Football Club offered refreshments and shower facilities to those in need.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
