Zambia is holding elections where the rivalry between current President Hakainde Hichilema and his late predecessor Edgar Lungu still affects politics. Hichilema is running for a second term while facing opposition linked to Lungu’s supporters, with conflicts over Lungu’s burial and accusations of unfair treatment during the campaign.
Key Facts
Hakainde Hichilema is seeking re-election after beating Edgar Lungu in 2021.
Edgar Lungu died in South Africa in June 2025; his burial caused legal disputes.
Lungu’s family opposed a state funeral overseen by President Hichilema.
The main opposition candidate, Brian Mundubile, was a government chief whip under Lungu.
Mundubile’s team promises to bring Lungu’s body back to Zambia for a respectful burial.
The opposition accuses Hichilema of authoritarian actions like office raids and detentions.
The ruling party denies these claims, saying the opposition can campaign freely this time.
Zambia’s economy has improved since an earlier crisis, with lower inflation and free education introduced.
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A new report shows that planned coal mining projects worldwide increased by 11% last year, mainly due to India’s big push to expand coal production. This growth in coal mining projects happens even though global demand for coal is not rising and renewable energy is growing.
Key Facts
Global planned coal production is expected to increase by 2.5 billion tonnes per year, an 11% rise from the previous year.
India, especially the states of Jharkhand and Odisha, proposed many new coal mines to boost output.
India aims to raise its coal production to 1.15 billion tonnes in the 2025-26 fiscal year to meet growing electricity needs and cope with more frequent heatwaves.
Despite the rise in new coalmine proposals in India, the number of new mines starting operations worldwide fell by 40% last year.
China and Australia reduced their coal mine startups by 44% and 96%, respectively.
Wind and solar power generated more electricity globally than coal for the first time last year.
The increase in coal projects in India goes against the predicted global decline in coal use by the end of the decade.
Experts suggest governments could cancel new coal projects to avoid more coal production as clean energy becomes cheaper.
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Israeli settlers have surrounded and blockaded three Palestinian families in their homes in the West Bank village of Qusra, cutting off their water and electricity. Palestinian residents say the settlers are trying to take their land, while Israeli forces have been criticized for not stopping the settlers effectively.
Key Facts
Settlers besieged three Palestinian families in Qusra, a village in the West Bank.
The families are trapped inside their homes with no water or electricity.
Security footage shows settlers surrounding one house and Israeli soldiers present but not dispersing them effectively.
Palestinians rely on limited resources like solar power and stored water to survive.
Israeli military said it would send more troops to control the situation and prevent further conflicts.
The Israeli military called the settlers’ actions illegal and promised disciplinary action against security staff who acted improperly.
Similar attacks and land seizures have occurred recently in nearby villages.
Violence and land disputes have increased in the West Bank amid expanded settlement construction by Israel’s government.
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Venezuela’s interim government and opposition ended their first round of talks agreeing to reform the country’s Supreme Tribunal of Justice and to seek access to Venezuela’s frozen funds in the Bank of England. These funds would help finance recovery after June’s deadly earthquakes.
Key Facts
The talks took place in Caracas and lasted several days.
Both sides agreed to start reforming the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, Venezuela’s top court.
The court had previously approved President Maduro’s controversial 2024 re-election.
The group also agreed to try to access Venezuela’s international reserve money frozen in the Bank of England.
The funds are intended to help rebuild after earthquakes on June 24 that killed over 6,300 people.
Both sides want clear rules to ensure the proper use of these funds, including transparency and auditing.
Interim president Delcy Rodriguez’s government and opposition leader Dinorah Figuera represented their groups in the talks.
Exiled opposition leader Maria Corina Machado did not participate but supports the talks happening.
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A partial solar eclipse was visible in the sky above Paris, casting the silhouette of the Eiffel Tower. In some places like Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, the eclipse was total, meaning the sun was completely covered.
Key Facts
A partial solar eclipse was seen in Paris.
The Eiffel Tower’s shape was visible against the eclipse.
The eclipse was only partial in France and parts of Europe.
Greenland, Iceland, and Spain experienced a total solar eclipse.
A total solar eclipse means the sun is fully covered by the moon.
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A rare amber extreme heat warning is active in much of England, including London and the Midlands, with temperatures expected to reach up to 38°C. The heatwave is causing health risks, travel disruptions, and may break several temperature records before temperatures drop by the weekend.
Key Facts
The amber heat warning is in effect from 9:00 AM to 11:59 PM on Thursday in eastern and southeastern England, the Midlands, and parts of Yorkshire and Humber.
Temperatures could rise as high as 38°C (100°F), with widespread heat in the mid-30s Celsius.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued heat health alerts across all of England until 9:00 PM on Friday, warning of serious health impacts, especially for people over 65 and those with existing health problems.
The heat may cause power outages, and delays in rail and air travel.
Tropical nights, with temperatures above 20°C overnight, are expected, increasing health stress.
The heatwave will likely last two or three days before temperatures fall but will remain around or above average for mid-August.
If temperatures reach 36°C or higher, 2026 will set a new record for the most days above this temperature.
This summer is on track to become the warmest on record for the UK if average temperatures stay high through August.
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Voters in eastern England are taking part in a special local election where Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, is running against many candidates, including a comedian dressed as a dustbin called Count Binface. Mainstream political parties are boycotting the vote, making it a contest mainly between Farage and a mix of independents and joke candidates.
Key Facts
The election is a by-election held in Clacton, eastern England.
Nigel Farage leads the Reform UK party, known for its anti-immigration views and support for Brexit.
Mainstream parties like Labour and the Conservatives are not participating in this election.
There are 34 candidates in total, including many independents and joke contenders.
Count Binface, a comedian wearing a dustbin costume, has gained media attention and may get about 20% of the vote.
Farage has called the election a fight between "the people of Clacton versus the Establishment."
Political experts say the election result will likely not change broader British politics.
Voter turnout is expected to be lower than usual due to the boycott by major parties.
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David McBride, an Australian army whistleblower jailed for leaking secret military documents about unlawful killings in Afghanistan, has been released on parole after serving 27 months of his five-year, eight-month sentence. McBride, who has lung cancer, will complete the rest of his sentence under community supervision.
Key Facts
David McBride pleaded guilty in 2023 to leaking top secret Australian Defence Force documents to the media.
His leaks exposed evidence that Australian forces unlawfully killed 39 Afghan civilians during the war.
McBride was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison but granted parole after 27 months.
He is being treated for lung cancer and will have surgery to remove part of his lung.
McBride’s actions led to a major inquiry and the establishment of a special watchdog investigating war crimes.
Two former Australian special forces soldiers have been charged with murder based on these investigations.
Prosecutors argued McBride acted out of personal reasons and endangered national security, while his lawyers said he acted with honorable intentions.
The leaked information formed the basis of a 2017 media report called The Afghan Files, which revealed details of Australian military misconduct.
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On August 12, 2026, people in several European countries, including Spain and the United Kingdom, watched a total solar eclipse. This natural event attracted the attention of many spectators across Europe.
Key Facts
The total solar eclipse happened on August 12, 2026.
It was visible in multiple European countries.
Spain and the United Kingdom were among the places where people watched the eclipse.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely covers the sun.
Many people gathered outside to observe the event.
Videos and coverage of the eclipse were shared by news outlets.
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Zimbabwe’s government is planning to return some farms seized during its land reform program that began in 2000. The move involves three groups: foreign investors, Black Zimbabwean owners who lost land by mistake, and white farmers who stayed on some farms after land redistribution.
Key Facts
Zimbabwe seized many white-owned farms starting around 2000 in a land reform effort.
The government says the current farm returns do not reverse the land reform program.
Sixty-seven farms covered by bilateral investment agreements with Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland will be returned to those foreign investors.
840 farms wrongly taken from Black Zimbabwean owners during the reform will be returned to them.
409 white farmers still living on land alongside new owners may buy the land or parts of it through a compensation process.
Land issues in Zimbabwe are deeply connected to the country’s colonial past and independence struggle.
The original land reform disrupted commercial farming and contributed to economic problems.
The government is trying to resolve outstanding land claims from multiple groups to address legal and political challenges.
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Rescue workers in Colombia are finishing their main search efforts after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake, the strongest in the country this century. The quake has caused 265 deaths, over 3,500 injuries, and nearly 500 people remain missing as rescuers search collapsed buildings for survivors.
Key Facts
The earthquake struck Colombia on August 11, 2026, with a magnitude of 7.4.
At least 265 people have died and more than 3,500 have been injured.
Around 500 people are still missing after the earthquake.
Rescue efforts are entering a “final phase” as the first 72 hours after the quake end.
Rescuers use special equipment to detect signs of life beneath rubble, such as vibrations or knocks.
Over 11,000 homes were destroyed, leaving many families homeless.
The earthquake caused power outages and damaged many businesses.
Colombia’s president declared an economic emergency and announced three days of national mourning.
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A total solar eclipse occurred on Wednesday, with Western Iceland and northern Spain experiencing the full darkness of the event. Chris Orion, an enthusiast who follows eclipses, spoke about the unique experience from Sasamón, Spain.
Key Facts
The total solar eclipse was visible in Western Iceland and northern Spain.
A total eclipse means the moon fully covers the sun, causing temporary darkness.
Chris Orion is known as an eclipse chaser, meaning he travels to witness eclipses.
Chris Orion provided commentary from Sasamón, a town in northern Spain.
The event was covered and broadcast by CBS News.
People in the path of totality see the most dramatic change in light during an eclipse.
Eclipses are rare and attract many enthusiasts worldwide.
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The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in 2026 is likely to become the deadliest ever, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The outbreak has caused over 2,000 deaths since May and is spreading faster than health workers can control it.
Key Facts
The 2026 Ebola outbreak in DR Congo started spreading around February but was declared officially in May.
Over 4,300 cases and more than 2,000 deaths have been reported so far.
This outbreak could surpass the 2014-2016 outbreak, which caused at least 11,000 deaths.
The virus involved is the rare Bundibugyo species, which has no approved vaccine or specific treatment yet.
Health workers can currently reach only about 30% of cases due to regional instability.
Symptoms of Ebola include fever, headache, vomiting, and can lead to organ failure. The disease spreads through contact with infected body fluids.
The UK's medicine agency (MHRA) has approved the first human vaccine trials for Bundibugyo Ebola, developed by the University of Oxford.
WHO is also testing two existing antiviral drugs in the DR Congo to see if they improve survival rates.
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Zambia held general elections on August 13, 2026, with President Hakainde Hichilema expected to win a second term. The vote also tested public reaction to rising living costs, and the opposition faced challenges due to internal divisions.
Key Facts
Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has been in office since 2021 and is running for re-election.
Hichilema's government guided Zambia through debt restructuring after the country defaulted on its debt in 2020.
The main challenger, Brian Mundubile, leads an opposition coalition but is a first-time presidential candidate.
Zambia requires a candidate to get over 50% of votes to win outright; otherwise, a runoff occurs between the top two.
Opposition parties are divided, with candidates from allied parties competing against each other in some areas.
Despite improved economic indicators and lower inflation, many Zambians feel daily life remains difficult.
There have been some accusations of political repression ahead of the vote, but the government denies them.
Zambia is rated as "partly free" by Freedom House, noting obstacles for opposition parties during elections.
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A fast-moving wildfire near Summerland in British Columbia, Canada, forced over 20,000 people to evacuate and destroyed homes, killing one elderly woman. Officials say the fire's speed may reflect a new pattern due to climate and environmental changes, and they are assessing damage while preparing for more fires this summer.
Key Facts
The Bald Range wildfire started on Friday near Summerland, BC.
It grew to about 184 square kilometers (71 square miles) by Wednesday.
Over 20,000 people were forced to leave their homes.
The fire caused the death of an 80-year-old woman.
Firefighters had to stop battling flames to help evacuations because the fire spread so quickly.
Officials warn that thunderstorms and winds could make the fire worse.
Highway 97 remains closed due to unsafe conditions.
The BC government plans to review fire response strategies, including local building rules and vegetation management.
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Ecuadorian police seized a truck near the Colombian border carrying 369 kilograms of cocaine with packages marked by images of Norway’s soccer star Erling Haaland. Authorities arrested a suspect but did not explain why Haaland’s image was used; labeling drug shipments with celebrity images is common among traffickers as a way to mark their goods.
Key Facts
Police found 369 kilograms (about 794 pounds) of cocaine in a truck in Ecuador near Colombia.
The cocaine packages had stickers showing Norwegian soccer player Erling Haaland’s face.
The driver of the truck was arrested during the seizure operation.
Using images of famous athletes and celebrities on drug packages is a known practice to identify criminal groups and buyers.
The seizure happened after police received an anonymous tip and found the drugs hidden in a false truck floor.
Ecuador is a key location for drug trafficking, where cocaine is stored and sent mostly to the U.S. and Europe.
The estimated value of this cocaine shipment is around $842,000 in Ecuador, $11 million in the U.S., and nearly $19.6 million in Europe.
Drug trafficking in Ecuador involves local gangs working with Colombian and Mexican cartels, with most cocaine originating from Colombia.
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A baby named Levi from Ontario, Canada, developed a rare, life-threatening intestine problem just eight weeks after birth. He had emergency surgeries that removed most of his small intestine, and now he needs special medical care every day to survive.
Key Facts
Levi was a healthy baby until about eight weeks old when his behavior changed, showing signs like tiredness and less milk intake.
His mother, Jenny Wilson, noticed symptoms such as vomiting, grunting, and a hard stomach before taking him to the hospital.
Doctors found Levi had midgut volvulus, a dangerous condition where the intestine twists and cuts off blood supply.
Levi needed three emergency surgeries, resulting in 90% of his small intestine being removed.
He was diagnosed with short bowel syndrome, meaning he cannot absorb nutrients normally.
Levi relies on intravenous nutrition for 18 hours a day and uses a colostomy bag.
His condition limits normal childhood activities and requires careful medical monitoring to avoid infections.
The family faces emotional challenges, including the loss of the ability to breastfeed him.
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A strong earthquake measuring 7.4 hit western Colombia on Monday, causing widespread destruction and killing at least 265 people. Rescue teams, supported by regional aid, are working urgently to find survivors among the rubble in cities like Cali, Pereira, and Manizales, while thousands of families remain affected.
Key Facts
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday.
At least 265 people have died, and nearly 500 are officially missing; some civilian sources report over 4,100 missing.
More than 25,800 families were impacted by the earthquake.
Rescue teams are searching for survivors in cities including Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdo.
Experts say the first 48 to 72 hours are critical for rescuing survivors trapped under debris.
Thousands of displaced people are staying in shelters or outdoors, fearing aftershocks or damaged homes.
Colombia’s geological service has recorded 130 aftershocks since the main quake.
Aid and volunteer efforts include specialized equipment and dogs to detect survivors and human bucket brigades to clear rubble.
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Ecuadorian police seized 469 kilograms of cocaine near the Colombian border. The illegal drugs were packaged with the name and image of soccer player Erling Haaland. A Colombian woman was arrested in connection with the case.
Key Facts
Police in Ecuador found 469 kilograms (about half a tonne) of cocaine.
The drugs were hidden inside a truck near the border with Colombia.
Many of the cocaine bricks had the name and picture of Erling Haaland.
A Colombian woman was arrested following the seizure.
The discovery was made by Ecuadorian law enforcement officers.
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A 20-year-old tourist died after falling from a waterfall at Silver Falls State Park in Oregon. The tourist had entered a restricted area near the waterfall before the fall.
Key Facts
The incident happened in Silver Falls State Park, Oregon.
The tourist was 20 years old.
The tourist entered a restricted area near the waterfall.
The fall from the waterfall caused the tourist's death.
Authorities reported the accident.
Silver Falls is a well-known waterfall and popular tourist spot.
The news was reported on August 12, 2026.
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