The Edition · Tuesday, 11 August 2026
A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Colombia marked the most devastating development of the day, leaving at least 132 people dead across the country. Centered near the central Andes, the tremor caused widespread destruction and prompted an immediate response from first responders and government officials. President Aard Laspa traveled to the hardest-hit regions as authorities warned that the death toll is expected to rise and international assistance may be needed for relief efforts.
Beyond the disaster in South America, international governance faced severe strain across multiple fronts. The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session to address escalating violence in the West Bank, where 76 Palestinians have been killed and more than 6,300 displaced since January 2023 alongside over 1,400 documented incidents of settler violence. In Israel, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called publicly for Benjamin Netanyahu to step down from politics following his bloc's election defeat. Meanwhile, Sierra Leone's parliament adopted contentious electoral reforms lowering the presidential victory threshold, and South African politician Duma Gqubule demanded an emergency parliamentary debate over a national crisis that has seen real unemployment reach 43.8 percent.
In American political and legal news, financial disclosures exposed President Donald Trump's holdings across eight investment accounts valued at over $858 million, while his political clout faces an upcoming test in Minnesota where he endorsed My Pillow CEO Michael Lindell for governor. Tensions also emerged within the Democratic party over a joint fundraising committee formed by Pennsylvania Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick. In the courts, the trial of Duane "Keffe D" Davis opened regarding the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur, a case where former record executive Suge Knight recently noted that Keef D's immunity deal limited witness cooperation. Separately, Shohei Ohtani's former manager Ippei Mizuhara requested leniency from a judge in his bank fraud sentencing.
In scientific observations, researchers documented record levels in Earth's energy imbalance driven by decreasing reflectivity, while agricultural damage mounted in Hungary, where drought is projected to cut the Villány region's grape harvest by 30 percent. On an operational note, Japan successfully launched its H3 rocket to deploy the Michibiki No. 7 positioning satellite. In the days ahead, attention will center on emergency rescue operations in Colombia as teams search the rubble, alongside the unfolding trial of Duane Davis.
Written by the Daily Read Bytes Editorial Team from the day’s reporting, with every story credited and linked below. · 58 stories
Gaming · GameSpot
The upcoming turn-based tactics game, Star Wars Zero Company, fails to stand out from its peers. Set during the Clone Wars, the game follows Hawks, a former military officer, and his team of operatives. While the game is good, it relies too heavily on the XCOM formula and lacks innovation. However, the game's emphasis on story and characters shows promise, and the setting and story could be a highlight.
Read the brief →World · Channels Television
US President Donald Trump secretly switched planes while leaving a NATO summit in Turkey due to a possible Iranian threat. The switch was made to avoid a potential missile attack. Meanwhile, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit Colombia, killing at least 132 people and injuring hundreds. Ukraine and Russia continued to exchange strikes, with Ukraine accusing Russia of using North Korean missiles.
Read the brief →UK · ITV News
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has expressed confidence that he can prevent the early release of two men convicted of killing police officer PC Andrew Harper. The government is exploring options to block the release of prisoners serving longer manslaughter sentences, including those who committed crimes against emergency workers. PC Harper's family has welcomed the development, but other grieving families are making the case for similar treatment for their loved ones. The move is seen as a significant shift in the government's approach to prisoner release, which has been a contentious issue.
Read the brief →Entertainment · TMZ
Suge Knight has spoken out about the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur, claiming that multiple people were involved in the crime. Knight, who was shot himself in the incident, believes that Keef D's immunity deal has led to a lack of cooperation from other potential witnesses. He also suggests that there are many others who know more about the murder than they are letting on.
Read the brief →USA · NBC News
Pennsylvania Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick have formed an unlikely friendship, raising concerns among Democrats. While Republicans see it as a model of bipartisanship, Democrats worry it could lead to the loss of one of their own. Fetterman's joint fundraising committee with McCormick has sparked controversy, with some Democrats questioning his loyalty.
Read the brief →Science · NDTV
Japan's H3 rocket has achieved a second consecutive successful launch, carrying the Michibiki No. 7 positioning satellite into space. The satellite is part of Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, providing location information for smartphones and vehicle navigation. Initial launch plans were delayed due to weather conditions. This launch marks a significant milestone for Japan's space agency.
Read the brief →USA · Reuters
The upcoming primaries in the upper Midwest will be a crucial test of Donald Trump's influence in the 2026 midterm elections. Trump has endorsed Michael Lindell, the CEO of My Pillow, who is running for governor in Minnesota. Lindell's campaign focuses on affordability, but his association with Trump's deportation campaign, Operation Metro Surge, may pose a challenge. The campaign has sparked debate about Trump's impact on the election.
Read the brief →World · Vox
AIPAC, a powerful US-Israel lobbying organization, has altered its approach to influence US politics. In response to the rise of progressive Democrats with critical views on the US-Israel relationship, AIPAC began using independent expenditures and super PACs to run targeted ads and engage in campaigns. This shift aims to counter the growing influence of progressive Democrats and maintain a favorable relationship between the US and Israel.
Read the brief →World · CBC News
A British Columbia minister expressed gratitude to the BC Wildfire Service, thanking them for their efforts in fighting wildfires. The minister also urged residents to be cautious and avoid actions that could spark new fires. The region is at risk due to ongoing wildfires.
Read the brief →Football · Sky Sports Premier League
The transfer of Bruno Gimmear to Arsenal has sparked controversy, with some fans questioning the treatment of the player by Newcastle United. Gimmear's representative allegedly engineered the move, leading to accusations of disrespect towards the club. The transfer has also raised questions about the player's loyalty and the way he handled the situation.
Read the brief →USA · Channel 4 News
US President Donald Trump allegedly hid in a catering truck after a summit in the UK, before secretly switching to a different military aircraft. Footage shows him boarding the presidential jet normally, but he was reportedly smuggled off the plane. Trump's communications director said they use every tool to counter threats against the president.
Read the brief →Gaming · Mystic
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick believes that streaming technology will revolutionize the gaming industry, potentially increasing the install base by 10 times in the next three years. Zelnick thinks that streaming will make gaming more accessible, allowing non-traditional devices to become gaming machines. He also stated that Take-Two's business is already over 90% digitally distributed, making discs less relevant to consumers.
Read the brief →Gaming · SplatterCatGaming
Quasimorph, a space mercenary game, has finally reached version 1.0 after three years of early access. The game offers a vast and customizable experience, allowing players to engage with various systems and mechanics. The game is set in a grim dark universe where corporations have taken over, and players must navigate the complex web of factions and technologies to survive.
Read the brief →Tech · Linus Tech Tips
A tech enthusiast hosts a true or false quiz show, testing contestants' knowledge of various tech-related statements. The show features a mix of easy and challenging questions, with contestants reacting to the results. The quiz covers a range of topics, including Mac OS versions, CPU and GPU performance, and the history of the computer mouse.
Read the brief →Gaming · Xbox On
Grounded 2 has received its largest update yet, featuring multiple community-requested features and a new underwater area. The update includes new areas to explore, creatures to discover, and items to craft. Players can now swim and use amphibious vehicles to navigate the park.
Read the brief →Science · The Economist
A long-term trend of Earth's decreasing reflectivity, or albido, has been observed, leading to increased energy absorption and a widening energy imbalance. This imbalance is driving climate change, with some scientists predicting a 10-30% increase in warming in the coming years.
Read the brief →World · National Defence
The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting to address the escalating violence between Israel and Palestine. The meeting highlighted the dire situation in the West Bank, where 76 Palestinians have been killed and over 6,300 displaced since January 2023. Israeli settlers have been responsible for settler violence, with over 1,400 incidents documented by the UN. The situation has deepened the unlawful Israeli occupation and undermined the prospects for an independent Palestinian state.
Read the brief →Tech · 9to5Mac
Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature three significant upgrades, including a variable aperture camera, a smaller dynamic island, and improved battery life. The variable aperture camera will allow for better low-light performance and more control over depth of field. The smaller dynamic island will reduce the amount of screen space taken up by the camera cutout. The new C2 modem will improve data connectivity efficiency and provide faster overall performance. These upgrades aim to provide a better user experience and improve the camera capabilities of the iPhone.
Read the brief →Sports & Health · Bleacher Report
NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. shares his favorite racing memory, a win at the 2001 Daytona July race. This victory came after a difficult year following his father's death in the Daytona 500. Earnhardt Jr.'s win brought him closure and was a significant achievement.
Read the brief →Gaming · PC Gamer
Chris Hayes, a programmer at Microsoft, expressed frustration with the company's layoffs and claimed that they don't understand the art of game development. He stated that it's impossible to make AAA games with reduced staff and questioned Microsoft's business model. The remaining developers are reportedly furious about the layoffs.
Read the brief →Tech · Linus Tech Tips
Two individuals with no prior knowledge of printers embark on a journey to purchase a printer. They visit a Staples store and explore various options, discussing features, prices, and compatibility with different devices. The conversation highlights the complexity of the printer buying experience and the importance of considering factors such as color, scanning, and connectivity.
Read the brief →Science · Simon Clark
The UK's summers are particularly harsh due to climate change, with high humidity and heatwaves causing physical and mental health issues. The country's lack of adaptation to these changing temperatures is a major concern, with its infrastructure and societal habits not prepared to handle the heat. Heat-related illnesses, such as cardiovascular problems and heat strokes, are on the rise, particularly among the vulnerable populations. The UK's response to heat health warnings has been dismal, with many taking no action. Mental health is also affected, with heatwaves worsening side effects of psychiatric medications and increasing the risk of suicide.
Read the brief →Wildlife · The Dodo
A deaf pitbull named Mummy had been in a shelter for her whole life with zero adoption applications. Two friends, Eric and Joey, decided to take her on daily runs to raise awareness and help her get adopted. Their efforts paid off, and Mummy finally found a forever home after a meet and greet.
Read the brief →Entertainment · Sky News
People gather for eclipses because it's a rare and dramatic event that brings people together. The sun's importance in our lives and the long duration of eclipses make them a social occasion. Eclipses are accessible and special, allowing people to share the experience with friends and family.
Read the brief →World · Middle East Eye
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has stated that he does not want to see Benjamin Netanyahu in jail, calling for him to step down. Bennett believes Netanyahu's continued presence in politics is detrimental to the State of Israel. He emphasizes that Netanyahu is a symbol of the Israeli people, and it is time for him to go home. Bennett's comments come after the elections, where Netanyahu's bloc lost. Bennett has expressed his support for Netanyahu's departure from politics.
Read the brief →Sports & Health · CNA
Singapore has introduced a blood test tool that estimates a person's biological age. The tool, which was validated across the US and UK populations, provides insights into potential health risks and encourages people to take proactive steps for better health. With Singaporeans living longer, but not necessarily healthier, the focus is shifting from disease treatment to prevention. The tool highlights the importance of healthy habits, such as regular exercise, a plant-based diet, and sufficient sleep, in maintaining good health. The government plans to invest in research and development to strengthen partnerships between researchers, clinicians, and companies to improve people's lives.
Read the brief →Science · ClimateAdam
Mosquitoes are spreading diseases like malaria and dengue fever due to climate change, which is creating new breeding grounds for the insects. This could put billions more people at risk. However, there are ways to protect against disease, including vaccines and mosquito nets.
Read the brief →Wildlife · Wildlife SOS
Wildlife SOS provides a unique look at their elephant care program, highlighting the importance of regular foot care and positive reinforcement training. Elephants in their care undergo regular pedicures to prevent injuries and promote healthy living. The organization's approach emphasizes the elephant's comfort and consent, using positive conditioning to build trust and cooperation.
Read the brief →Business · Financial Times
The US government has invested heavily in scaling up mining, but progress has been slow. While domestic production has increased, the country still relies on other Asian nations for magnet manufacturing. The supply chain remains outside the US, and building a magnet factory takes time.
Read the brief →Business · CNBC
A recent financial disclosure reveals the firms connected to President Trump's investments, including JP Morgan Chase, Charles Schwab, and UBS. The disclosure shows eight investment accounts holding over $858 million, with more than 21,000 trades in 2025. The White House claims there are no conflicts of interest.
Read the brief →India · The Print
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claims she experienced chest pain after her vehicle was attacked with stones. She alleges police and BJP involvement in the incident. Banerjee's party, the Trinamool Congress, has been targeted in recent protests.
Read the brief →World · Vox
Younger generations are asking their parents to give them their inheritance early, citing financial struggles. However, a comparison of financial circumstances between boomers and millennials reveals significant differences. While millennials face difficulties with college costs and student loans, boomers benefited from cheaper housing and stock market gains. Experts advise families to have honest conversations about their financial situations.
Read the brief →Tech · Engadget
While OLED TVs are considered the best, they come with a higher price tag. However, advancements in LCD technology have made them a viable alternative. OLEDs offer excellent color contrast and faster response times, but LCDs have improved brightness and reduced image burn-in risk. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your viewing habits and budget.
Read the brief →Wildlife · BBC Earth
A family of giant otters in the Amazon has successfully defended their lake against a cayman threat. The otters' bravery and teamwork were on full display as they worked together to overpower the predator. Meanwhile, a separate family of otters in Singapore has thrived due to conservation efforts, with a dense population of otters making them a popular tourist attraction.
Read the brief →World · euronews
A 30% decline in grape harvest is expected in Hungary's Villány wine region due to drought. Winemakers are concerned about the impact on late-ripening varieties. The region's vineyards are experiencing a lack of moisture, affecting berry growth.
Read the brief →USA · National Geographic
A 9/11 survivor has reunited with the person who saved their life 25 years ago. The emotional reunion was captured in a National Geographic trailer. The survivor expresses gratitude to the rescuer, who risked their life to save theirs. The reunion highlights the selfless acts of humanity during the 9/11 attacks.
Read the brief →Science · Simon Clark
The Earth's energy imbalance has reached a record level due to increased greenhouse gas emissions and decreased aerosol pollution. This warming trend is expected to continue unless humans can reduce their carbon footprint to net zero. The Earth's natural processes can remove some greenhouse gases, but at a temperature that may be undesirable for humans.
Read the brief →World · Formula 1
A series of devastating failures occurred during the China Grand Prix, with multiple F1 cars disintegrating on track. The incidents included rear wing failures, steering column breakages, and wheels coming off, highlighting the high-speed risks faced by drivers. The safety car was deployed to allow marshals to clear debris and ensure the track was safe for racing to resume.
Read the brief →Cinema · Variety
Actor John Leguizamo discusses his ongoing battle for greater representation of Latino people in Hollywood, citing their significant contribution to the box office and streaming industries.
Read the brief →World · eNCA
Duma Gqubule, a South African politician, has called for an emergency debate in parliament to address the country's unemployment crisis. The unemployment rate in some provinces is as high as 56%, with a real unemployment rate of 43.8% when including discouraged work seekers. The government has been accused of downplaying the issue, with a loss of 360,000 jobs and a 605,000 increase in the number of unemployed people.
Read the brief →World · BBC News
A solar eclipse is expected on Wednesday, with clear skies forecast for most of England and Wales. However, Scotland and Northern Ireland may experience variable cloud cover, requiring good timing for a clear view. The far north and west of Scotland may offer the best option for viewing the eclipse.
Read the brief →World · ABC News (Australia)
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The epicenter was in a region near the central Andes, and the quake's impact was felt across the country. The Colombian government and first responders have been quick to respond, with President Aard Laspa traveling to the hardest hit areas. The number of casualties is expected to rise, and international assistance may be needed to help with the relief efforts.
Read the brief →Sports & Health · Tennis TV
A tennis player was interrupted by a fan imitating a bee during a match. The player asked the umpire to ask the fan to stop, but the match continued. This unusual incident has never happened in the player's career.
Read the brief →Gaming · NHK World-Japan
A growing number of people are competing in esports, a form of competitive video gaming. Research suggests that esports can be a mentally stimulating activity, requiring quick decision-making and reaction times. However, there is also a growing concern about gaming addiction, as players can become engrossed in the game for long periods without feeling fatigued. Experts argue that esports can be a useful tool for teaching teamwork and communication skills, and can even have a positive impact on mental health. But is esports a sport, and can it be considered a legitimate form of competition?
Read the brief →Football · FIFA
Belgium came back from behind to secure a 5-1 victory over Japan in a thrilling World Cup match. The team's comeback was led by Romelu Lukaku, who scored a hat-trick and helped his team turn the game around. Belgium's win marked their fifth consecutive group stage win at the World Cup.
Read the brief →World · Africanews
Sierra Leone's parliament has approved a contentious overhaul of the country's electoral rules, reducing the presidential victory threshold and introducing proportional representation. The reforms, backed by the ruling party, were adopted by a simple majority despite opposition protests. The changes aim to strengthen democracy and reduce costs, but critics argue they may undermine national unity.
Read the brief →Sports & Health · ESPN
Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter and manager, has submitted a letter to the judge asking for a lighter sentence in his bank fraud case. Mizuhara claims he was underpaid and felt guilty about tapping into Ohtani's bank account to pay off his debts. The letters from Mizuhara and his family members portray a man struggling with financial difficulties and a deep commitment to Ohtani's career.
Read the brief →USA · ABC News
After nearly three years, the trial of Duane 'Keffe D' Davis, accused of masterminding the 1996 murder of rapper Tupac Shakur, has begun. Davis has pleaded not guilty, but investigators claim he provided the murder weapon and gave the green light for the attack. The case has been complicated by a lack of surveillance, DNA, or murder weapon evidence. As the trial unfolds, experts are looking back at the events leading up to the shooting and the complex web of gang ties that may have contributed to the crime.
Read the brief →India · ANI News
Rahul Gandhi has responded to allegations that he did not support students protesting in Jharkhand. He denied the claims, saying he did not make a social media post after the incident. The government has been questioning the character of the students involved, but Gandhi has remained silent on the abuse they have faced.
Read the brief →India · India Today
A new initiative is using WhatsApp to educate children in rural India. The program, called Rocket Learning, provides teachers with structured lesson plans, videos, and activities to help them teach young learners. The platform also allows parents to connect with teachers and receive updates on their child's progress. While there are challenges to implementing this program, such as reliable internet connectivity and digital literacy, the impact on children's learning is already being seen.
Read the brief →Sports & Health · BWF TV
Ratchanok Intanon, an 18-year-old from Thailand, has made history by becoming the youngest ever world champion in badminton. She defeated her opponents in a thrilling match, showcasing her exceptional skills and determination.
Read the brief →USA · Financial Times
The US State Department has undergone significant changes under the Trump administration. The workforce has been reduced by 20%, and key ambassador posts remain unfilled. Career diplomats have been sidelined, and power has shifted to a small group of businessmen at the White House. This change has raised concerns about the US government's ability to navigate international relationships.
Read the brief →Tech · Newslaundry
India has threatened to revoke safe harbour protections for tech giants, citing a 2004 case where a website sold explicit content. The move could have significant implications for companies like Meta and Google.
Read the brief →India · The Indian Express
India's new rural jobs scheme, VB G Ram Ji, has faced a 50% collapse in its first month of implementation, according to official government audit figures. The scheme replaced the MNREGA program, which had been in place for over a decade. The data shows a significant drop in rural job generation, with 7.67 crore person days of work generated in July 2026, compared to 15.33 crore in the same period last year. The number of rural households who received work also dropped by 51.45%. The government has attributed the drop to the weather and the administrative structure of the new scheme, which allows for a pause in employment guarantee during peak agricultural sowing and harvesting seasons.
Read the brief →World · Global News
A 12-year-old boy, Feisal Hussein, was found dead in a remote area near Athabasca, Alberta. The RCMP have launched a homicide investigation and are asking for dashcam footage from anyone who was in the area between midnight and 4:30 a.m. on August 6th. The community is in shock, and the Somali Canadian Cultural Society is providing support to the boy's family.
Read the brief →Cinema · NHK World-Japan
Fans of Japanese author Higashino Keigo have been paying their respects in South Korea following his death at 68. The best-selling writer's passing has been met with sadness from readers who have been inspired by his works. Higashino's novels have been widely popular in South Korea, spawning film and TV adaptations. His translator credits him with making mystery fiction more accessible to a wider audience. Readers have been sharing their love for the author's works, which have been described as vast and all-embracing, with a remarkable variety of themes and storylines.
Read the brief →Tech · TechLinked
Illinois has passed a law requiring all operating systems to collect and report user age data. The law aims to protect children from addictive social media platforms. However, critics argue that the law puts open-source operating systems at risk of fines. Meanwhile, YouTube has fixed a bug that flagged human-made videos as AI-generated, and Meta is open-sourcing its AI model.
Read the brief →AI · CBS News
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has written a 14-page essay arguing for the benefits of widespread superintelligent AI access, including improved national security and economic prosperity. However, he also warns against concentrating this power in the hands of a few companies or governments.
Read the brief →