News for August 13, 2026
Damn it: You grabbed eclipse glasses—three ways to use them
Solar eclipse glasses are tricky to recycle because of the lenses. The article outlines three practical alternatives for what to do with them.
Damn it: West Midlands hit by multiple fires destroying homes
Thousands of 999 calls were logged during what the West Midlands fire service calls one of its most significant incidents. The fires destroyed homes and caused widespread devastation across the region. The fire chief said this was among the service's most challenging incidents in its history.
Damn it: Preliminary U.S. investigators say engine fan blade broke on flight from Greece to Germany
A preliminary U.S. investigators' report says an engine fan blade broke on the flight. The flight was from Greece to Germany last month.
Damn it: Hunt powers to 200m gold for second European title
Amy Hunt surged to victory in the 200m, earning her second European Championships gold. Dina Asher-Smith finished third, taking bronze.
Damn it: Two seriously injured as passenger train derails in East Sussex
Two people were seriously injured when a passenger train derailed in East Sussex. Emergency crews attended the scene. A passenger travelling with his six-year-old daughter described pandemonium as the carriage rocked.
Damn it: BBC Verify reviews Virginia woman's footage of ICE agent pointing gun at her
BBC Verify has reviewed footage posted by a Virginia woman. The clip shows an ICE agent pointing a gun at her.
Damn it: BBC Verify reviews Virginia woman's footage of ICE agent pointing a gun
BBC Verify has examined footage shared by a Virginia woman showing an ICE agent pointing a gun at her. The video was provided by the woman who recorded the incident. No extra details about when or where the event occurred are given in the brief.
Damn it: Fires engulf homes across Stourbridge
Multiple fires burned across the West Midlands, including Stourbridge. Homes were destroyed as the blazes spread. Emergency services were deployed to the affected areas.
Damn it: New president asks Trump to bring deadly antidrug campaign to Colombia
A new Colombian president has asked Trump to bring a deadly anti-drug campaign to the country. Colombia is the world's largest producer of cocaine.
Damn it: White House says 40+ nations help China dodge tariffs
A White House report alleges China routes billions of dollars’ worth of goods to the United States through third countries to evade tariffs. The document cites more than 40 nations involved in the workaround. The tariffs in question were imposed during the Trump era.
Damn it: Ecuador police seize 1,000 pounds of cocaine bearing image of Erling Haaland
Authorities in Ecuador say they seized 1,000 pounds of cocaine bearing the image of soccer star Erling Haaland. Drug traffickers are using celebrity likenesses to mark products and aid transport. Such markings are meant to signal quality and help shipments move more easily.
Damn it: Train derailed near Lewes, East Sussex
British Transport Police say a train derailed near Lewes, East Sussex. There are no further details available at the moment.
Damn it: Bonnie Tyler's Total Eclipse of the Heart heard across Mumbles, Swansea
Mal Pope, Bonnie Tyler's friend, heard Total Eclipse of the Heart playing across Mumbles in Swansea. The event is described as taking place in the Mumbles area.
Good grief: UK records hottest day of the year at 38.1C!
Good grief, it's officially the hottest day of the year in the UK! Kew Gardens reached a scorching 38.1C. An amber extreme heat warning is currently in effect for several areas in England until midnight.
Damn it: Mangione's lawyers to meet with federal prosecutors
Damn it, this situation is escalating! Mangione is facing two federal stalking charges. If convicted, he could face a maximum penalty of life in prison without parole.
Good grief: CIA program linked to attacks on Galápagos boats
Good grief, new flight data reveals a surveillance plane from El Salvador was monitoring fishing boats. Shortly after, drones launched attacks on these vessels. The connection to a covert CIA program raises serious concerns.
Damn it: Putin's visit to disputed islands riles Japan
Damn it, this is frustrating! Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed that Putin's trip to the islands seized during WWII hurts the sentiments of the Japanese people. The visit is likely to intensify anti-Russian feelings in Japan.
Damn it: U.S. military loses 25% of Reaper drones amid Iran conflict
Damn it, the U.S. military has lost about a quarter of its Reaper drones. These aircraft, valued at up to $50 million each, have been heavily deployed around the Strait of Hormuz. Unfortunately, they are proving to be vulnerable targets for Iran and its allies.
Good grief: Record number of children in temporary accommodation in England
Good grief, the situation is dire. The number of children living in temporary accommodation has reached its 18th consecutive quarterly high.
Damn it — Honeytrap thieves sentenced for drugging and killing victims
Damn it, this is shocking! Adina Mihai and Madalin Dumitru have been jailed for the murders of men they drugged. They used GBL to incapacitate their victims before committing their crimes.
Good grief: Five key takeaways from results day 2026
Good grief, the results are in! More students are achieving top grades and heading to university. Additionally, there's a noticeable rise in the popularity of technical subjects.
Good grief: Five key takeaways from results day 2026
Good grief, the latest results day reveals a rise in top grades and university-bound students. Additionally, there's a growing interest in technical subjects among students. This trend highlights a shift in educational priorities.
Seriously? Bumble ditches its 'women-first' chat rule!
Seriously, Bumble is changing its signature feature that allowed only women to initiate conversations. The app's CEO claims this decision comes after a successful trial and reflects evolving user preferences. This shift has sparked mixed reactions among its user base.
Good grief: Harvey Nichols sold to Sports Direct owner
Good grief, Harvey Nichols has a new owner after being placed in administration. The luxury retailer, which has been around since 1831, faced financial difficulties earlier this year.
Damn it: 102-Year-Old Man Dies After Alleged Pub Assault
Damn it, this is tragic news. Phillip Ormerod was hospitalized in critical condition following an alleged assault at a pub. Unfortunately, he later succumbed to his injuries, as confirmed by police.
Damn it: Water bills are going up for many customers!
Damn it, 13 water companies have received provisional approval from Ofwat to increase charges. This move aims to fund necessary investments. Customers can expect higher bills as a result.
Good grief: Eclipse warning for eye damage signs
Good grief, looking at the sun without proper eclipse glasses can be risky! Symptoms may include blurred vision. It's crucial to recognize these signs to protect your eyes.
Good grief: Heatwaves push A&E visits to record levels
Good grief, A&E departments are overwhelmed with over 2.4 million visits each month for the past three months. Unions are raising alarms about the inhumane conditions faced by staff and patients alike. This surge in attendance is directly linked to the ongoing heatwaves.
Damn it: Zero hours contract crackdown could hit firms with £2.9bn cost
Damn it, businesses are facing a hefty price tag! A new analysis reveals that Labour's employment rights bill targeting zero hours contracts could cost firms up to £2.9 billion annually.
Seriously? Met Chief Acknowledges Mistakes but Stands by Murder Investigation
Seriously? The head of the Metropolitan Police admits there were errors in handling Simon Levy's case. Critics, including Labour MP Jess Phillips, argue that the force ignored the initial murder committed by Levy.
Seriously? UK defends seizing shadow fleet tanker amid Putin's threats
Seriously? The UK government is taking action against shadow fleet vessels. They claim this is part of their legal efforts to disrupt and deter such activities.
Good grief: Farage's election bid mocked amid corruption scandal
Good grief, it seems Nigel Farage's push for an election is falling flat. His corruption allegations have overshadowed his campaign, with major parties refusing to participate, calling it a stunt. This has turned what could have been a serious challenge into a laughingstock.
Good grief: UK economy sees growth, but challenges loom ahead
Good grief, the UK economy grew by 0.4% from April to June. Some businesses attributed this boost to hot weather and sporting events in June. However, experts are cautioning about potential challenges in the upcoming months.
Damn it: Troops Headed to Qusra Amid Settler Siege
Damn it, the situation in Qusra is dire. Two Palestinian families report being trapped in their homes with no water or power since Sunday. The Israeli settlers' actions have left them in a precarious state.
Good grief: Polls open in Clacton by-election
Good grief, voters in Clacton are faced with an unprecedented choice. A total of 34 candidates are vying for a seat, marking the highest number ever in a British parliamentary election.
Good grief: Scientists create the 'world's greenest party balloon'
Good grief, it turns out regular party balloons can take years to decompose! Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a more eco-friendly alternative. This new balloon aims to reduce environmental impact while still providing festive fun.
Good grief: Putin's claims of victory in Ukraine are fading, says Nobel laureate
Good grief, Dmitry Muratov stated in a BBC interview that Vladimir Putin can only destroy Ukraine, not conquer it. The war has now entered its fifth year, and Muratov believes the Kremlin leader's narrative is crumbling.
Oh come on: BTS star V opens up about hearing loss struggle
Oh come on, this is tough to hear! BTS member V has shared that he has been dealing with hearing issues for over two years. He revealed this personal battle during a recent livestream.
Good grief: Temperatures to hit 38C with extreme heat warning
Good grief, temperatures are expected to soar to 38C on Thursday. An amber extreme heat warning has been issued as records are likely to be broken.
Seriously? Leading doctor criticizes NHS over transplant waiting lists
Seriously? The medical director of NHS Blood and Transplant has called out NHS leaders for failing to address unfair waiting lists for organ transplants. He emphasizes that the current situation is unacceptable and requires immediate action.