World News Roundup — August 13, 2026 (AM)
Europe watched a total solar eclipse cross Iceland and northern Spain on Wednesday as millions of spectators turned out for the continent’s biggest astronomical event since 1999. Russia pressed its Black Sea campaign with fresh strikes on Ukrainian grain terminals while rescue crews in Colombia neared the close of a 72-hour window to find survivors of Monday’s 7.4-magnitude earthquake. South Korea’s Kospi swung back into bull-market territory as Nigel Farage prepared for a high-stakes by-election in his Clacton seat.
Solar Eclipse Dazzles Europe
A total solar eclipse drew millions of spectators across Europe on Wednesday, with the path of totality crossing northern Spain and Iceland while the rest of the continent — including the U.K. and France — saw a partial eclipse. Greenland also sat inside the path of totality as the moon’s shadow swept across the North Atlantic. Astronomers called it the continent’s best solar eclipse since 1999, and tour operators reported a surge in bookings across Spain and Iceland as photographers and scientists raced to position themselves along the centre line.
Russia Hits Ukrainian Grain Ports
Russia pressed its Black Sea campaign with fresh strikes on Ukrainian grain export infrastructure on Wednesday, hitting the Izmail port in southern Odesa and setting fires at port facilities. Ukraine retaliated with a heavy drone assault on Russian warships and grain terminals in the Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk, killing three people — including an eight-year-old — and injuring 24, according to regional governor Veniamin Kondratyev. Moscow warned of disruption to global food supplies as the long-running maritime battle threatens to escalate further.
Farage Faces Clacton By-Election
Reform U.K. leader Nigel Farage faces a by-election in his parliamentary seat of Clacton on Thursday after coming under pressure over his financial declarations. The right-wing populist forced the contest himself, setting up a high-profile race against an independent satirical candidate known as “Binface” — who first ran against Boris Johnson in 2021. The result will test the strength of Farage’s movement in a seat he has held comfortably.
Colombia Earthquake Toll Climbs to 265
Search and rescue crews in Colombia entered what officials called the “final phase” on Wednesday as the death toll from Monday’s 7.4-magnitude earthquake rose to 265, with more than 3,500 others wounded. Crews were fast approaching the 72-hour mark from the quake — the window in which survivors are considered most likely to be found alive beneath collapsed buildings. President de La Espriella pledged an emergency fund to help rebuild destroyed hospitals and schools.
South Korea’s Kospi Returns to Bull Market
South Korea’s Kospi index has staged a dramatic reversal from its July rout, climbing more than 20% from its low to return to bull-market territory. Investors piled back into the country’s semiconductor giants — SK Hynix and Samsung — that dominate the index after the July selloff was driven by leveraged positions and forced selling. The recovery has put Seoul’s market back on the radar for global funds looking for AI-related exposure.
Leavitt to Step Down as White House Press Secretary
Karoline Leavitt announced on Wednesday that she will step down as White House press secretary, ending her tenure as the youngest person to hold the role. President Trump confirmed the resignation later in the day. No successor has been named, but the departure comes as the administration navigates a series of staff changes.
Oman Oil Spill Reaches the Coast
Oman’s Environment Authority said on Wednesday that a major oil spill has reached the country’s mainland, polluting beaches along the central coast. The leak from the Caroline Bezengi — a tanker that ran aground off Oman in June — has affected up to 40 kilometres of coastline at Ras Madrakah, with oil expected to reach the southern coast of Masirah Island within hours. Brent crude ticked higher on the news as traders weighed the supply impact alongside other regional disruptions.
In Brief
- Danish shipping giant Maersk hiked its 2026 earnings guidance for the second time this year, citing the Strait of Hormuz blockade. Shares jumped 7% on the news. (CNBC)
- Malawi shocked Algeria and Cameroon beat Morocco to reach the WAFCON final. (Al Jazeera)
- Polls opened in Zambia’s presidential election on Wednesday, with economic reforms the central issue. (Al Jazeera)
- Nearly 4 million Afghan children are now classified as “acutely malnourished” as clinic closures hit the health system. (Al Jazeera)
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