Rescuers and volunteers in Colombia are urgently searching for people trapped under rubble after the country's strongest earthquake in ten years. The earthquake has killed at least 132 people and caused severe damage to many buildings.
Key Facts
The earthquake in Colombia is the strongest the country has experienced in a decade.
At least 132 people have died because of the earthquake.
Many buildings were destroyed or heavily damaged.
Colombian volunteers and rescuers are using their hands and simple tools like buckets to clear rubble.
Rescue efforts started early on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
The work focuses on finding survivors trapped under the debris.
This news is part of a wider coverage of events in the Americas region.
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The United States and Iran have exchanged new demands during talks about reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas shipments. President Donald Trump said the U.S. will demand compensation from Iran for damages caused over decades, while Iran set six conditions for reopening the strait, including ending U.S. attacks and lifting blockades.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz was closed by Iran after the US-Israel war on Iran started in February.
About 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied gas moved through this waterway before the conflict.
Iran says it is negotiating with Oman about sharing control of the strait, not directly with the U.S.
President Trump demands Iran pay money for damage caused over 50 years and for deaths of U.S. sailors and others.
Iran wants the U.S. to stop attacks on Iran and its allies, remove blockades, and withdraw forces near Iran.
Iran also wants compensation for damage from two recent wars, one starting in February and another in June 2025.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance expressed hope for a deal and said Iran has no plans to charge tolls on the strait.
Oil prices have risen sharply amid doubts about reaching an agreement soon.
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President Donald Trump has publicly supported FIFA President Gianni Infantino amid criticism of Infantino’s leadership and plans to sell part of FIFA competitions to private investors. The two leaders have a close relationship, which has drawn attention and an investigation by U.S. lawmakers into possible favors exchanged.
Key Facts
President Trump said FIFA would make a mistake if it replaced Gianni Infantino as its president.
Infantino faced backlash for proposing to sell a 20% stake in future FIFA competitions to private investors but has since abandoned this plan.
FIFA claims some parties aim to undermine Infantino and the organization.
Infantino awarded President Trump a "FIFA Peace Prize" and praised him for peace efforts.
Trump intervened with FIFA to overturn a suspension for American soccer player Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play during the World Cup.
Congressman Jamie Raskin is investigating possible improper favors or deals between Trump, his administration, and FIFA.
Infantino responded to critics by emphasizing FIFA’s work organizing the World Cup amid negative commentary.
The FIFA Forward Enterprise plan would have merged FIFA’s commercial activities but raised concerns about transparency and influence.
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Over 200 large wildfires are currently burning across the western United States and Canada. Hot and dry weather is making the fires worse, causing significant damage including in Spokane, Washington.
Key Facts
There are at least 200 major wildfires burning in the western U.S. and Canada.
Hot and dry weather conditions are fueling the spread of these fires.
Spokane, Washington, has experienced serious damage from fires last week.
The wildfires are affecting a large area across two countries.
Authorities are monitoring the fires and their impact on communities.
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A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 hit Colombia on Monday. More than 111 people have died, and many others are still missing as rescue teams search for survivors.
Key Facts
The earthquake occurred in Colombia.
It had a magnitude of 7.4, which is considered very strong.
Over 111 people have died because of the earthquake.
Many people are still missing after the disaster.
Rescue teams are working urgently to find survivors.
The event happened on a Monday.
Officials are coordinating the search and recovery efforts.
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The Perseid meteor shower is returning this summer and offers good viewing conditions for people living in the Northern Hemisphere. This natural light show appears as bright streaks in the night sky caused by pieces of space dust burning up in Earth's atmosphere.
Key Facts
The Perseid meteor shower happens every summer.
It is named after the constellation Perseus, where the meteors seem to come from.
The shower is caused by dust and small bits from the Swift-Tuttle comet.
Meteors burn up in the atmosphere, creating bright streaks or "shooting stars."
The best viewing time is usually after midnight when the sky is darkest.
Good weather and a clear, dark sky help people see more meteors.
The Northern Hemisphere has especially good conditions to watch this year.
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A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 hit western Colombia early Monday, killing at least 132 people and injuring more than 570. The quake caused many buildings to collapse in major cities like Cali and Pereira, and was also felt in neighboring Venezuela.
Key Facts
The earthquake occurred at 7:34 a.m. local time and had its center in the Chocó region of western Colombia.
Over 130 people died and more than 570 were injured due to the earthquake.
Cities such as Cali and Pereira experienced severe building damage.
The quake was felt in Venezuela, which recently suffered two quakes in June.
Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella promised government efforts to rescue trapped people and provide aid.
The Colombian Association of Capital Cities is coordinating response efforts across the country.
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The last part of voting for the Legislative Assembly in Pakistan-administered Kashmir took place, but only four out of eleven areas held elections. The voting was limited because of security problems in the region.
Key Facts
The election cycle had three phases; the third and final phase happened recently.
Only 4 of the 11 planned voting areas participated in the last phase.
Security concerns and unrest prevented voting in the other 7 areas.
The elections are for the Legislative Assembly in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
The situation reflects ongoing instability in the region.
Authorities proceeded with voting despite safety fears.
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Lebanon’s parliament has officially abolished the death penalty, making it the first country in the Middle East to do so. The country had not executed anyone since 2004, and this change is seen as an important step for human rights in Lebanon.
Key Facts
Lebanon’s parliament approved a law to end the death penalty.
Lebanon is the first Middle Eastern country to abolish capital punishment.
No executions have taken place in Lebanon since 2004.
The Justice Minister called this abolition a historic decision.
Ending the death penalty may help Lebanon get suspects back from countries that have outlawed capital punishment.
Human Rights Watch described the move as a major progress for human rights.
The abolition is part of a broader set of laws under discussion, including a general amnesty law.
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The article discusses the strong economic and strategic partnership between the United States and South Korea, emphasizing that disagreements, like trade disputes over beef and automobiles, have been resolved through negotiation and cooperation. It stresses the importance of focusing on the broader relationship, including security and economic ties, to face global challenges together.
Key Facts
The U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) involved tough negotiations on sensitive topics such as beef, cars, and medicine.
South Korea paused imports of U.S. beef in 2003 after mad cow disease was found in the U.S., causing protests when the market reopened in 2008.
Negotiations led to safety measures that allowed South Korea to become the largest international buyer of U.S. beef since 2021.
Amendments to KORUS in 2019 addressed U.S. concerns, especially about cars, while keeping the agreement intact.
Working groups from KORUS handle ongoing issues in farming, customs, technology, and more.
South Korea hosts 28,500 U.S. troops in a key global region, highlighting their strategic alliance.
Korean companies are investing heavily in the U.S., especially in semiconductors, batteries, and car factories, creating American jobs.
Korean investment in the U.S. exceeded $90 billion in 2024, more than double what it was ten years ago.
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Missy Mazzoli’s opera, “The Galloping Cure,” about the opioid epidemic, premiered at the Edinburgh International Festival. The opera uses a carnival carousel as a symbol to show the harmful effects of drug addiction, telling the story through a character who hooks a town on opioids.
Key Facts
Missy Mazzoli was inspired to write the opera after losing two cousins to opioid overdoses.
The opera opened at the Edinburgh International Festival in Scotland.
The story features a character named Lucky Man who uses a carousel ride to get people addicted to opioids.
As addiction grows, Lucky Man demands body parts as payment to make more carousel horses.
The opera highlights the destructive impact of opioids on a community, ending with a scene showing wasted bodies.
Librettist Royce Vavrek collaborated with Mazzoli; they have created several operas together.
The opera will be performed later in Sweden and at the San Francisco Opera in 2027.
The creative team used Franz Kafka’s story “A Country Doctor” and writer Karen Russell’s ideas to shape the opera.
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President Donald Trump used a smaller military plane, the Air Force C-32A, instead of Air Force One when leaving the NATO summit in Turkey. This was reportedly done to avoid an Iranian assassination threat, making the usual Air Force One flight a decoy.
Key Facts
President Trump flew secretly on a smaller plane, the Air Force C-32A, after the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.
Air Force One was used as a decoy, with White House staff and journalists on board.
The switch was reportedly due to a threat from Iran against the president.
The Air Force C-32A is a military plane often used by the vice president and senior officials.
The C-32A has several sections, including a communications center and a private stateroom.
Air Force One consists of two Boeing 747 planes, with advanced command and defense systems.
A plane donated by Qatar, modified for presidential use, has received criticism for lacking some defense features.
New replacement planes for presidential transport are expected around 2028.
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People in the UK are rushing to buy special glasses to safely watch a solar eclipse on Wednesday, but many stores and online sellers have run out. Health experts warn that looking at the sun without proper glasses can cause serious eye damage, and they recommend using only glasses that meet a strict safety standard or watching the eclipse indirectly through videos.
Key Facts
The UK will see its biggest solar eclipse since 1999, with about 90% of the sun covered by the moon.
Special eclipse glasses are needed to safely view the eclipse; regular sunglasses do not offer enough protection.
Glasses must meet the international safety standard called ISO 12312-2 and be free from scratches or damage.
Many sellers, including the Royal Museums Greenwich, have sold out their supply due to high demand.
Buying glasses online is risky because some may not arrive in time or may not be safe to use.
Looking directly at the sun without proper glasses can cause permanent eye damage without any pain as a warning.
The safest way to watch is indirectly, for example, via livestreams or TV broadcasts.
About 70 people had eye problems after the 1999 eclipse, with some looking at the sun for less than a minute.
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An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has killed over 2,000 people out of about 4,400 confirmed cases. This outbreak is spreading faster than before, mainly because health workers face challenges like conflict, poor roads, and strikes over unpaid wages.
Key Facts
The current Ebola outbreak in DRC started officially on May 15, 2026, but had been spreading earlier.
There have been 2,011 deaths from 4,381 confirmed Ebola cases in this outbreak.
The outbreak is growing faster than previous ones, doubling deaths in about three weeks.
This is the 17th Ebola outbreak in DRC and is possibly the largest in history.
Health workers have gone on strike due to non-payment, making it harder to control the virus.
Most new Ebola cases are outside the groups currently monitored by health authorities.
The disease has a high death rate, killing nearly 46% of infected people in this outbreak.
The only approved Ebola vaccine, Ervebo, is being tested to see if it protects against the current strain, and other vaccines are under development.
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A Syrian court has sentenced President Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher al-Assad, and several former officials to death. They were found guilty of war crimes, crimes against humanity, murder, illegal killings, and the abuse and torture of children.
Key Facts
The court sentenced President Bashar al-Assad and his brother Maher al-Assad.
Several former regime officials were also sentenced to death.
The charges include war crimes and crimes against humanity.
They were also convicted of murder and extrajudicial killings (killings outside of legal process).
The court found them guilty of detaining and torturing children.
The sentencing was done in absentia, which means they were not present in court.
This action comes amid ongoing conflict and controversy in Syria.
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The U.S. State Department is reviewing and withholding documents related to Prince Harry's visa and past drug use after requests from a think tank. The Heritage Foundation sought these records to see if Harry was truthful about his drug history on immigration forms, but courts have so far protected his privacy.
Key Facts
The U.S. State Department has withheld 18 documents related to Prince Harry and is reviewing 289 more.
These documents are part of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by the Heritage Foundation.
Heritage wanted to know if Prince Harry disclosed past drug use on his U.S. visa application.
The think tank argued that undisclosed drug use could make Harry ineligible or raise questions about his honesty on immigration forms.
A judge ruled that Harry’s privacy outweighed the public’s interest in seeing the records in an earlier case.
The Heritage Foundation filed a new case seeking more documents from the State Department.
Immigration experts said drug use would usually not affect visa status without a criminal conviction.
The case is ongoing, with more documents possibly disclosed in the future.
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A drone carrying explosives flew unnoticed into a German airport in August 2024 and struck a Ukrainian cargo plane without exploding. German officials suspect foreign involvement, and the incident is part of a wider pattern of drone attacks aimed at testing NATO’s defenses amid the Russia-Ukraine war.
Key Facts
On August 4, 2024, a drone with plastic explosives hit a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany but did not explode.
The drone was found four hours later on the airport tarmac by a bus driver.
DNA evidence linked the drone to a previous firebomb attack at the same airport in July 2024.
Germany’s Interior Minister said the attack showed a new level of threat and required professional skills, implying state involvement.
U.S. intelligence believes the drone was Russian-made and part of a military strategy.
The drone attack was likely a test of NATO’s cooperative defense strength.
Baltic countries and Poland have increased security after similar drone incidents.
Experts say Russia has been sending drones to many NATO countries since 2024 to test their air defenses and spread fear.
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The United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, called UNIFIL, is set to end its mission at the end of this year. There is uncertainty about whether a new peacekeeping force will replace it, especially as negotiations continue between Lebanon and Israel to manage the region’s security without UNIFIL’s full involvement.
Key Facts
UNIFIL has been in southern Lebanon since 1978 to help keep peace during and after conflicts.
The current mission ends at the end of the year and may not be renewed or could be replaced by a smaller force.
UNIFIL’s main tasks have been monitoring ceasefires and supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces, not enforcing peace agreements by force.
UN Resolution 1701 from 2006 calls for Israeli troops to withdraw, Lebanese forces to take control, and Hezbollah’s disarmament, but UNIFIL has limited power to enforce this.
Recent talks led to a “framework agreement” for “pilot zones” where Israeli troops pull back and Lebanese forces take charge without UNIFIL’s involvement.
The United States and Israel have pressured to limit UNIFIL’s role, reflecting doubts about its effectiveness in stopping Hezbollah.
UNIFIL’s removal could affect its ability to prevent clashes between Lebanese and Israeli forces.
Analysts say lasting peace depends on Lebanon’s government control, Israeli withdrawal, and Iran’s non-interference in Lebanon.
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Israel has refused a US-backed plan to withdraw its army from Gaza until the group Hamas is fully disarmed. Despite this rejection, there have been fewer deaths in Gaza recently and some limited rebuilding efforts have begun. Violence continues in Gaza and Israeli forces have also conducted major operations in the West Bank.
Key Facts
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel will not leave Gaza until Hamas is disarmed.
Hamas supports the US plan but wants guarantees on ceasefire, aid, and Israeli withdrawal.
The US envoy stated a gradual Israeli pullback would happen with international forces replacing Israel.
Palestinian casualties in Gaza dropped from 47 in one week to 8 the next, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Israel secretly approved rebuilding basic infrastructure in eastern Rafah, allowing screened Palestinian workers.
The rebuilding project relates to a temporary housing plan called “Green Rafah.”
Violence continues with Israelis killing and wounding Palestinians in Gaza.
A large number of Palestinians have been killed or wounded since October 2023.
Israel also launched a multi-day military operation in the West Bank refugee camp near East Jerusalem.
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A man was shot and died in Clapham, south London. Police arrested a 22-year-old man on suspicion of murder, who is currently in hospital with a gunshot wound.
Key Facts
The shooting happened near The Landor Pub on Willington Road just before 10 p.m. on Monday.
The victim was a 25-year-old man who died at the scene.
A 22-year-old man with a gunshot wound went to the hospital and was arrested.
Police are investigating and have increased their presence in the area.
Authorities ask anyone with information to contact them.
The local police commander expressed sympathy for the victim’s family.
The Metropolitan Police are leading the investigation.
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