Top U.S. & World Headlines — August 12, 2026

Devastating Earthquake in Colombia [00:00]

• The death toll from a massive earthquake in Colombia has surpassed 250, with fears it will rise.
• Over 2,700 people are reported missing, and hundreds more are injured.
• Rescue crews are working to find survivors trapped under rubble.

  "Three people have been rescued here and two more over there. Thank God they're unharmed, not too badly injured. Everything's going well, thanks to all of us."

U.S. Navy Action in the Gulf of Oman [00:27]

• The U.S. Navy fired on a Panama-flagged cargo ship attempting to break a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports.
• The missile strikes targeted the ship's engine room, leaving it disabled.
• The Pentagon did not confirm casualties among the sailors.

  "The Pentagon did not say whether it killed or injured any sailors."

Strait of Hormuz Negotiations and Attacks [00:43]

• The attack occurred as President Trump claimed U.S. forces controlled the Strait of Hormuz.
• Mediators in Qatar announced advanced negotiations between Iran and Oman over the Strait.
• Iran-allied Houthi fighters attacked a ship in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, killing six people.

  "We have heard positive statements from both capitals in the recent couple of days, and we are eagerly awaiting our main priority here is the reopening of the Strait, maintaining the ceasefire, and making sure that we are able to push forward towards the negotiation."

Alleged Iranian Threat and Secret U.S. Operation [01:12]

• An alleged Iranian threat to assassinate President Trump led to a secret U.S. operation.
• Trump reportedly swapped planes secretly to avoid a potential threat.
• This followed the U.S.-Israeli assassination of an Iranian leader.

  "it appears that the idea was we can reduce the danger to President Trump by offering up 100 or so people to be killed by the Iranians in his place, unquote."

Escalating Drone Warfare Between Russia and Ukraine [01:48]

• At least four civilians died in Russia and Ukraine due to overnight drone attacks.
• Russian drones struck Ukraine's Kherson region, while Ukrainian drones hit Russia's Novorossiysk.
• Ukraine accused Russia of using North Korean missiles and striking a children's hospital.

  "According to the United Nations, Russia is holding over 16,000 Ukrainian civilians in detention."

Political Races and Election News [02:30]

• Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan won the Democratic Senate primary.
• In Wisconsin, David Crowley narrowly defeated Francesca Hong for the gubernatorial nomination.
• Darlene Graham will advance to a runoff for the Republican nomination in South Carolina.

  "I want to thank President Trump. His steadfast support and his complete and total endorsement means so much to me."

U.S. Postal Service and ICE Developments [03:15]

• A federal judge blocked the U.S. Postal Service from enforcing new mail-in voting rules.
• ICE plans to purchase electric shock gloves for agents.
• The Trump administration awarded a $158 million contract to a group founded by a former ICE agent to represent unaccompanied immigrant children.

  "Today's ruling sends another necessary message to an administration that continues to weaponize portions of the government to sow chaos into our elections, she said."

Ebola Outbreak and Scheduled Executions [03:47]

• Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo surpass 4,000, making it the second-largest outbreak.
• Executions are scheduled in Alabama, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, with three people potentially put to death on the same day.
• Tennessee Governor refused clemency for Daryl Hines, despite concerns about the execution process.

  "It's moving really, really fast. And I can't hide it from you, my feelings, maybe. Expressing my feelings properly would be better. I'm deeply, deeply concerned by how the situation is on the ground."

Total Solar Eclipse [04:15]

• Millions will witness a total solar eclipse today, the first since 1999.
• A partial eclipse will be visible across Western Europe, northwestern Africa, and parts of North America.
• Special glasses are in high demand in London.

  "And here in London and the UK, people are scrambling to get the special glasses to witness the eclipse."