Today's News Digest — August 11, 2026
Summary of the video “Today's News Digest” by Glimpse News.
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake kills over 100 in western Colombia as rescue efforts intensify, while Syria's ex-president Bashar al-Assad is sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity. Meanwhile, a major solar eclipse approaches the UK with widespread interest and supply shortages for protective glasses.
World
Colombia earthquake kills over 100, rescue race underway
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, collapsing buildings across major cities including Cali and Pereira and killing at least 169 people. Rescuers are working through the night to locate survivors amid the rubble.
Syria sentences al-Assad to death in absentia for war crimes
A Syrian court sentenced former president Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher, and cousin Atef Najib to death for crimes against humanity and war crimes during the country's 14-year civil war that killed approximately half a million people. Al-Assad fled to Russia in 2024.
Brazil's Supreme Court to rule on Amazon protections
Brazil's highest court is weighing cases that could significantly weaken environmental safeguards and Indigenous land rights across the Amazon rainforest, with implications for soya farming and broader conservation efforts.
Russia uses North Korean missiles against Ukraine
Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russia deployed ballistic missiles supplied by North Korea in strikes on Zaporizhzhia, killing seven people, marking an escalation in the use of foreign weaponry.
Ukrainian air campaign inflicts growing Russian civilian toll
The tempo of Ukrainian strikes has increased significantly, causing rising civilian casualties in Russia and fueling discontent, though the impact on Kremlin war strategy remains unclear.
Houthis strike Red Sea ship carrying food supplies
The Iran-backed Houthis attacked a vessel in the Red Sea carrying food supplies to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, killing four people according to the Yemeni government, continuing maritime disruptions in the region.
Lebanon votes to abolish death penalty
Lebanon's parliament voted to end capital punishment, pending cabinet approval—a move that would make it the first Middle Eastern country to abolish the death penalty.
Hungary elects ousted judge as new president
Hungary elected Imre Baka, a supreme court judge previously ousted by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, as the country's new president, replacing an Orbán appointee in a shift against Orbán-era power structures.
Russia releases former US Marine Robert Gilman
Russia freed Robert Gilman, a former US Marine detained since 2022, on humanitarian grounds after he reportedly fell into a catatonic-like state. The US government had designated him as wrongfully detained.
Syria's Sweida province fears government takeover
In Sweida Province, home to Syria's Druse minority, residents express concern that the central government will soon move to assert control over the region.
Pakistan-administered Kashmir holds disputed elections
Elections are underway in Pakistan-administered Kashmir amid boycott calls and demands for better representation in the disputed territory at the center of Pakistan-India rivalry.
Morocco migration rumors fuel regional speculation
Unproven claims circulated that Morocco, possibly coordinated by Israel and the United States, organized a recent migrant surge at Spain's Ceuta border—speculation experts attribute to the region's complicated history.
Science & Environment
Major solar eclipse reaches UK; glasses in short supply
A significant solar eclipse is set to occur on August 12, with up to 95–96% of the sun visible from parts of Scotland and England—the most dramatic eclipse visible from the UK since 1999. Protective eclipse glasses are nearly sold out across retailers and online.
Extreme heat hours could triple by mid-century
Tracking extreme heat on an hourly basis reveals that summer heat waves could triple in frequency over coming decades, underscoring the accelerating pace of climate change.
Business & Markets
Taylor Farms lettuce recall: less than 2.5% reached Taco Bell
An FDA report reveals that fewer than 2.5% of recalled lettuce from Taylor Farms was distributed to Taco Bell locations, raising questions about the broader distribution network and food safety protocols.
Technology & Security
Google insider reveals company's departure from founding ideals
Former Google employee Claire Stapleton's new book, Don't Be Evil, documents her transformation from company advocate to vocal critic, detailing how the tech giant has strayed from its original principles.
New surveillance tech links phones to license plates via roadside cameras
Emerging technology can now link phone and Bluetooth signals to roadside cameras, creating far more sophisticated tracking capabilities than previously possible.
Passkey security flaw reveals platform vulnerabilities
A new Pass-ta-key attack has exposed significant gaps in how passkey applications handle Windows systems differently from other operating systems, raising security concerns.
Politics & Governance
Trump seeks new approach to limit birthright citizenship
Despite a previous Supreme Court ruling, President Trump is pursuing a new legal strategy to restrict birthright citizenship, a longstanding constitutional practice.
Trump grants Republicans 3-1 FCC majority, leaves Democratic seat vacant
President Trump has resisted firing the FCC's Democratic commissioner despite recent Supreme Court victories, instead allowing the Republican majority to grow to 3-1 by leaving the Democratic seat unfilled.
France bans unsolicited telemarketing calls
France has enacted a ban on cold calling, with consumer advocates calling the measure a 'small revolution' in consumer protection.
Justice & Courts
Luigi Mangione murder trial jury to remain anonymous
The closely watched trial over the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson will proceed next month with an anonymous jury, as Mangione's defense strategy remains unclear and prosecutors battle over evidence.