A UK special election is taking place in Clacton on August 13, where Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, is running again after resigning amid a financial investigation. His opponent is a comedic character named Count Binface, who uses humor and satire to comment on British politics by running for office as an "alien" candidate.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage resigned from Parliament recently due to scrutiny over financial support linked to a convicted U.S. financier.
Farage immediately ran again for his old seat in a special election on August 13 in Clacton, England.
Farage claims the investigation is a political attack by the establishment.
Count Binface is a character played by Jon Harvey, a comedian with an Oxford education.
Binface dresses as an alien and uses satire to criticize politics, having run in multiple UK elections.
An IPSOS poll showed 33% of UK adults preferred Binface over Farage, who had 20%.
Major UK political parties are boycotting this special election, calling it a stunt.
Binface’s platform mixes humor with some real political commentary.
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Lebanon’s parliament passed a general amnesty law aimed at reducing prison overcrowding and correcting past judicial actions. The law cuts some sentences and frees certain prisoners, but excludes crimes like rape, drug trafficking, and terrorism funding. It has sparked controversy due to its impact on different religious and political groups in the country.
Key Facts
Lebanon’s parliament approved a general amnesty law following a vote to abolish the death penalty.
The new law replaces death sentences with long prison terms and reduces life sentences.
Certain serious crimes like rape, trafficking, corruption, and terror funding are excluded from the amnesty.
The law frees some militants, drug dealers, and prisoners immediately but excludes repeat drug offenders and those who collaborated with Israel.
Sunni groups mostly support releasing Islamist militants, while Shiite and Christian groups want different categories of prisoners freed.
Sunni cleric Ahmad al-Assir, sentenced to death for his role in deadly clashes, might be released in one to two years.
The law reflects ongoing sectarian tensions in Lebanon among Islamic and Christian communities.
Foreign prisoners released under the law may be handled by Lebanon’s intelligence agency, but their deportation status is unclear.
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A rare total solar eclipse will soon be visible in parts of northern Spain, where the Moon will completely block the Sun and briefly turn day into night. Millions of people across Europe, Canada, the northern United States, and northwest Africa will see a partial eclipse. Scientists also use such eclipses to learn more about the Sun and space.
Key Facts
The total solar eclipse will be visible in northern Spain.
This is mainland Europe’s first total eclipse since 2006.
The Moon will completely cover the Sun in the total eclipse, causing darkness during the day.
Millions more people in Europe, Canada, the northern U.S., and northwest Africa will see a partial eclipse.
Total solar eclipses allow scientists to study the Sun and the universe.
The event is happening on August 12, 2026.
The news report includes footage from Segovia, Spain.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia may seize European commercial ships in response to Western countries taking Russian vessels. He called the West’s actions piracy and robbery during a speech on a Russian warship.
Key Facts
President Vladimir Putin threatened to take European ships as retaliation.
This response is linked to Western countries seizing Russian commercial vessels.
Putin made the statement while aboard a Russian warship.
He described Western seizures as acts of piracy and robbery.
The situation is part of ongoing tension between Russia and the West.
The news was reported by France 24 on August 12, 2026.
The conflict involves issues around trade and maritime security.
European-Russian relations remain strained due to these events.
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A total solar eclipse will be visible over parts of Europe on Wednesday, starting near the North Pole and moving across Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Portugal. In North America, people in the northern U.S. and Canada may see a partial eclipse, but the full eclipse will not be visible there.
Key Facts
The total solar eclipse will begin near the North Pole.
It will move over Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and part of Portugal.
This is Europe's first total solar eclipse since 1999.
The total eclipse will last only a couple of minutes at most in Europe.
People in the northern United States and Canada may see a partial eclipse.
North America will have a longer total eclipse next year in 2024.
Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East will see a longer eclipse in August next year.
The eclipse causes the sun to be temporarily covered by the moon, darkening the sky during the day.
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Millions of people gathered in parts of Europe, including Spain, the UK, and Iceland, to watch a total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. The event included preparations such as purchasing special eclipse glasses, and the coverage provided safety tips, live reports, scientific explanations, and images from key viewing locations.
Key Facts
The total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe, including Iceland, the United Kingdom, and Spain.
Millions of people traveled to popular viewing spots to watch the eclipse.
Special solar eclipse glasses were sold out in many places, indicating high demand for safe viewing gear.
The last similar significant eclipse in the UK happened in 1999, drawing large crowds and causing a power surge due to people leaving work to watch the event.
Weather affected viewing experiences, with some locations having clear skies and others experiencing clouds or rain.
Hospitals reported some eye problems from people watching the eclipse without proper protection.
Media coverage included live streams, safety advice, and scientific explanations about the eclipse.
Businesses and employers sometimes allowed workers to go outside and observe the eclipse.
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A woman was rescued after being trapped for 36 hours under the rubble of a collapsed hotel in Pereira, Colombia, following a powerful earthquake. Rescue efforts continue in the Chocó region, which was near the center of the 7.4 magnitude quake.
Key Facts
The earthquake measured 7.4 in magnitude.
It struck the Chocó region, known for coffee-growing.
A hotel in Pereira collapsed during the quake.
A woman was found alive under the debris after 36 hours.
Rescue teams are still searching for survivors.
The event occurred on a Monday, with the rescue reported on Tuesday.
The death toll from the earthquake is rising, exceeding 240 people.
Colombia is actively conducting search and rescue operations after the disaster.
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The Sudanese army said it stopped drones sent by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over the city of el-Obeid in North Kordofan state. The drones were intercepted by the army’s air defense systems.
Key Facts
The event took place over el-Obeid, a city in North Kordofan, Sudan.
The Sudanese army used air defenses to stop drones.
The drones were launched by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The RSF is a paramilitary group in Sudan.
The incident shows ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF.
Air defense refers to weapons designed to detect and destroy airborne threats like drones.
No information was given about damage or casualties.
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In 2026, there will be only one total solar eclipse. Some parts of Europe will see the full eclipse, called totality, while certain U.S. states will see only a partial eclipse.
Key Facts
The eclipse in 2026 is the only total solar eclipse of that year.
Totality means the sun is completely covered by the moon.
Parts of Europe will experience the full, total eclipse.
Some U.S. states will only see a partial eclipse, where the sun is partly covered.
A solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between the sun and the Earth.
This event is shared by viewers in different continents at varying levels.
Solar eclipses happen occasionally and attract interest from many people.
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NASA has denied rumors that Earth will temporarily lose gravity on August 12, 2026. The claims link to a supposed secret project called "Project Anchor," but NASA explains gravity depends on Earth's mass and cannot simply switch off.
Key Facts
Social media spread a theory that Earth will lose gravity briefly on August 12, 2026.
The theory mentions a secret NASA project called "Project Anchor" with a large budget and claims of mass casualties.
NASA senior scientist Karen Fox said this conspiracy theory recurs every year and is false.
Earth's gravity depends on its mass, and losing gravity would require losing mass, which is impossible.
Fact-checkers like Snopes found no credible evidence of any leaked NASA project predicting such an event.
The date coincides with a total solar eclipse visible in parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
NASA confirmed that a solar eclipse does not affect Earth’s gravity, only tidal forces influenced by the Sun and Moon.
The social media posts included false details about deaths, secret bunkers, and withheld information from the public.
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A rare total solar eclipse occurred over parts of Spain, Iceland, and Greenland, briefly darkening the skies as the moon completely covered the sun. Millions of people in northern and central Spain watched the event, which lasted about one to two and a half minutes depending on the location.
Key Facts
The eclipse was a total solar eclipse, meaning the moon fully blocked the sun’s light for a short time.
The event was visible across northern and central Spain, parts of Iceland, Greenland, and a small area of Portugal.
Total darkness (totality) lasted up to 2.5 minutes near Iceland’s west coast.
In Spain and Portugal, totality lasted about one minute.
The eclipse began near sunset, as the sun, moon, and Earth aligned.
People in Spain bought special glasses to safely view the eclipse.
Authorities warned visitors to rural areas to be careful to avoid starting wildfires during the event.
NASA provided live coverage of the eclipse starting at 1:15 p.m. EDT.
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Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's former leader, has been in military detention since a 2021 coup. Recently, she was seen in photos for the first time since then during a meeting with the International Committee of the Red Cross, and her son, Kim Aris, shared his reaction in an interview.
Key Facts
Aung San Suu Kyi was detained after a military coup in Myanmar in 2021.
She had not been seen publicly since her arrest until recently.
Photos showed her meeting with a group from the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The Red Cross is an organization that provides humanitarian help in conflicts and disasters.
Kim Aris is the son of Aung San Suu Kyi.
He spoke to CBS News about seeing his mother in the photos.
The meeting with the Red Cross was one of the first signs of her wellbeing since the coup.
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Actress Lucy Davis announced she has incurable breast cancer that has spread to her bones. She shared advice on how women can check their breasts at home for signs of cancer beyond just a lump.
Key Facts
Lucy Davis, known for The Office UK, revealed her breast cancer is incurable and has spread to her bones.
The lump she first felt was actually a small, hard spot, not a typical lump.
The NHS recommends checking your breasts about once a month to notice any changes.
Signs to look for include lumps or swelling, skin changes like dimpling or redness, changes in breast size or shape, nipple changes, unusual discharge, and sores.
To check, look at your breasts in the mirror with arms at your sides and raised, then feel in circles around your breast, up to the collarbone and under the armpits, using light and firmer pressure.
See a doctor if you find lumps, unusual changes, or persistent breast or armpit pain.
Breast cancer symptoms can vary and may not always involve a clear lump.
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Robert Gilman, a U.S. Marine veteran, was released from a Russian prison after being held for over four years. He was reported to have poor health during his imprisonment.
Key Facts
Robert Gilman is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.
He was imprisoned in Russia for more than four years.
Reports indicated that his health declined while in prison.
He has recently been freed and is no longer in Russian custody.
The news was reported by CBS News journalist Leigh Kiniry.
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North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the sea near its east coast just before the United States and South Korea began their joint military exercises called Ulchi Freedom Shield. The missile flew about 700 km and landed in waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. North Korea has not explained the launch but often fires missiles before these annual drills, which it calls provocative.
Key Facts
North Korea fired a ballistic missile from Wonsan area on its east coast early Wednesday.
The missile traveled over 700 kilometers and landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
This was the second missile test by North Korea in less than a week.
The US-South Korea joint military drills, called Ulchi Freedom Shield, run from August 17 to 27.
About 18,000 South Korean troops and 28,500 US troops participate in these exercises.
North Korea regularly opposes these drills, seeing them as preparations for invasion.
The US and South Korea say the drills are defensive, focusing on countering North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.
North Korea’s growing military ties with Russia are a concern mentioned in relation to these drills.
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A man named Anthony “Tony” Jones died after a violent fight between rival motorcycle gangs called the Vikings and the Hells Angels in south Wales. Police arrested ten men and are still investigating the incident, which involved weapons and left several injured.
Key Facts
Anthony “Tony” Jones, 56, died in hospital after a fight in Pontnewynydd, south Wales.
The fight involved knives and hammers and at least twelve men took part.
Police used firearms officers, a helicopter, and ambulances at the scene.
Ten men aged 31 to 73 were arrested, seven remain in custody.
Police are seeking a man named Anthony Paul Jones and a blue van with the plate MA23 FLC.
The incident links to rival motorcycle gangs, the Vikings and the Hells Angels.
A police cordon is still in place at the British Legion Club in Pontnewynydd for forensic work.
Both gangs have origins in the US but have UK chapters, with some members involved in criminal activities.
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The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is tracking several weather disturbances in the Atlantic Ocean, including one with a high chance of becoming Tropical Storm Cristobal soon. Although the 2026 hurricane season is expected to be quieter than usual, forecasters remain watchful for possible storms forming during the season.
Key Facts
A tropical wave about 900 miles southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands may develop into a tropical depression or tropical storm named Cristobal.
The NHC gives this system an 80% chance to form a cyclone within the next 48 hours.
If Cristobal forms, it would be the third named storm of the season, following Arthur and Bertha.
Another low-pressure system east-northeast of Bermuda could briefly become a tropical storm but will likely weaken over cooler waters.
A tropical wave near West Africa is also being monitored but currently has a low chance to develop.
NOAA expects the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season to be less active than normal, with 7 to 13 named storms.
El Niño conditions and average ocean temperatures are factors that may reduce hurricane activity this season.
The hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
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Colombia declared three days of mourning after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake killed over 200 people and destroyed many buildings. Rescue teams worked hard to find survivors, while the government and international community provided aid and support.
Key Facts
The earthquake struck western Colombia with a magnitude of 7.4, the strongest in the country this century.
More than 200 people have died, with at least 216 confirmed victims.
The government ordered flags to fly at half-staff and declared three days of national mourning.
Rescuers used cranes, dogs, and heavy machinery to search for survivors in cities like Pereira and Cali.
A woman named Daniela Largo was rescued alive after being trapped 35 hours in rubble.
Parts of Cali, including a hospital, were severely damaged, forcing makeshift medical treatments outdoors.
Thousands of Colombians donated supplies and blood to help earthquake victims.
The newly sworn-in president declared a state of emergency and promised rent aid for affected families.
The United States pledged $15.5 million in emergency help, and other countries offered support.
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Vietnam is facing a rapid decline in its birthrate and an ageing population. After more than 40 years of a two-child policy, the government lifted the restriction in 2025 and is now encouraging families to have more children to address future labor shortages.
Key Facts
Vietnam has a population of over 100 million people.
The current fertility rate is 1.9 children per woman, which is considered low.
For over 40 years, Vietnam had a two-child policy to control population growth.
The two-child policy was officially removed in June 2025.
The government is now working to increase birthrates because of an ageing population.
The ageing population may lead to shortages in the workforce in the future.
Efforts are being made to persuade citizens to have more children to support the economy.
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