# Sean's Daily News Digest — 2026-08-13 **AI-written** Written by Claude, an assistant that can make mistakes - verify anything important against the linked sources. Political leanings from [independent media assessors](https://news-digest.seanfloyd.dev/sources). ## Must Know ### Colombia quake death toll reaches 265 as rescue search enters final phase Ongoing · day 3 The death toll from the Colombia earthquake has risen to 265, as rescue operations entered what authorities described as a 'final phase' with the critical 72-hour survival window closing. Security camera footage captured the moment part of a children's hospital in Cali collapsed during the earthquake. Tonnes of aid from regional partners began arriving in Colombia on Wednesday as international relief efforts ramped up. **Why it matters** De la Espriella, inaugurated just three days before the quake, now faces a defining test: the disaster lands on a government that has simultaneously pivoted toward the US — including joint military operations — and away from its predecessor's posture, at the moment when disaster response most exposes state capacity and political relationships. **How reporting varies** **The Economist:** Frames the earthquake as exposing two different Colombias — the new government's US pivot and the country's deep structural vulnerabilities — as much as a humanitarian crisis. **Al Jazeera / France24:** Focuses on the humanitarian toll, individual rescue stories, and the race-against-time for trapped survivors. 11 sources · 6 left · 3 center · 2 right | Outlet | Leaning | Articles | | ------------------- | ---------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Al Jazeera | lean-left | [1](https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2026/8/13/photos-hope-fades-in-colombia-as-teams-dig-for-earthquake-survivors?traffic_source=rss) [2](https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/8/13/13-08-clip-colombia-hospital-co?traffic_source=rss) | | Deutsche Welle | lean-left | [1](https://www.dw.com/en/colombia-earthquake-rescue-operation-enters-final-phase/a-78345817?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf) | | NYT World | lean-left | [1](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/12/world/americas/colombia-earthquake-rescue.html) | | SCMP China | lean-left | [1](https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3363834/china-offers-colombia-quake-relief-new-presidents-us-pivot-leaves-beijing-waiting?utm_source=rss_feed) | | AP · via SCMP World | wire | [1](https://www.scmp.com/news/world/americas/article/3363836/colombia-quake-death-toll-hits-265-rescuers-race-against-clock?utm_source=rss_feed) | | Washington Post | lean-left | [1](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/08/12/colombia-earthquake-deaths-climb-239-hundreds-remain-missing/) | | Economist Americas | center | [1](https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2026/08/12/a-big-earthquake-reveals-two-very-different-colombias) | | France 24 | center | [1](https://www.france24.com/en/video/20260813-search-for-colombia-earthquake-survivors-enters-critical-window) [2](https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20260813-colombia-earthquake-rescue-efforts-enter-final-phase-as-death-toll-rises) [3](https://www.france24.com/en/colombia-bogota-s-search-for-survivors-continues) | | Reuters | wire | [1](https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/search-colombia-earthquake-survivors-stretches-into-third-day-2026-08-12/) | | Globe and Mail | lean-right | [1](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-colombia-earthquake-rescue-death-toll/) [2](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/video-woman-kitten-pulled-alive-from-colombia-quake-debris-36-hours-in/) | | Straits Times | lean-right | [1](https://www.straitstimes.com/world/colombia-authorises-joint-anti-drug-ops-with-us-military-pentagon-chief) [2](https://www.straitstimes.com/world/colombia-enters-final-phase-of-quake-search-as-toll-hits-265) | ### Ukraine hits Novorossiysk naval base and grain terminals; Russia strikes Danube port Ongoing · day 42 Russia struck Ukraine's largest Danube grain shipment port overnight, causing damage and setting out a fire, in what Zelensky framed as further Russian pressure on Ukrainian export infrastructure. Three of Russia's largest grain terminals in Novorossiysk have halted operations after being damaged in Ukraine's overnight drone attack, with Russia warning of 'chaos' in global food markets. Ukraine confirmed it struck four Russian vessels in the attack on the Novorossiysk naval base, with Zelensky saying the assault hit air defenses, piers, and other port infrastructure. **Why it matters** Striking Novorossiysk's grain terminals alongside naval assets directly pressures Russia's wheat export revenue — already projected to fall by more than half for August versus the previous five years — creating an economic cost separate from battlefield losses, while Russia's counter-strike on Danube ports aims to apply symmetrical pressure on Ukraine's own export income. **How reporting varies** **Ukraine / Zelensky (Reuters, Straits Times):** Emphasises Ukrainian precision, names specific damaged warships, and frames the operation as leverage for peace. **New York Times / Reuters:** Contextualises the strikes within a broader maritime battle and the threat to global grain supplies from both sides' port attacks. 12 sources · 5 left · 3 center · 4 right | Outlet | Leaning | Articles | | -------------------------- | ---------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Der Spiegel | lean-left | [1](https://www.spiegel.de/ausland/russland-ukraine-krieg-kyjiw-greift-schwarzmeerkueste-und-krim-mit-drohnen-an-a-445f9045-f5e1-4340-8387-fea998356806#ref=rss) | | Deutsche Welle | lean-left | [1](https://www.dw.com/en/short-on-us-patriot-missiles-ukraine-looks-for-alternatives/a-78328784?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf) | | Le Monde | lean-left | [1](https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2026/08/13/guerre-en-ukraine-face-a-moscou-les-allies-de-kiev-sont-entres-dans-une-phase-accrue-d-incertitude_6745505_3210.html) | | NYT World | lean-left | [1](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/13/world/europe/russia-ukraine-ports-odesa-cargo-ship-attacks.html) | | Bloomberg · via SCMP World | wire | [1](https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3363837/russia-warns-chaos-global-food-market-after-ukraine-pummels-grain-terminals?utm_source=rss_feed) | | BBC World | center | [1](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y49xp2wrno?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) | | Financial Times | center | [1](https://www.ft.com/content/d0464e03-c3fd-4e8b-9ffa-573762e97e16?syn-25a6b1a6=1) [2](https://www.ft.com/content/f2f2a881-1d4d-47db-a7d9-c6c50ee29a6a?syn-25a6b1a6=1) | | Reuters | wire | [1](https://www.reuters.com/business/ukrainian-drone-strikes-push-up-russian-trucking-costs-stoking-inflation-2026-08-13/) [2](https://www.reuters.com/world/ukraines-farmers-despair-russias-black-sea-blockade-traps-their-harvest-2026-08-13/) [3](https://www.reuters.com/world/russian-attack-sets-ablaze-ukraines-izmail-port-infrastructure-regional-2026-08-13/) [4](https://www.reuters.com/world/ukraine-has-retaken-745-sq-km-precision-operation-this-year-zelenskiy-says-2026-08-12/) | | Clarín | lean-right | [1](https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ucrania-confirma-alcanzo-buques-rusos-ataque-base-naval-mar-negro-asegura-putin-debe-poner-fin-guerra_0_R2XloQlcz6.html) | | Globe and Mail | lean-right | [1](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-ukraine-strikes-russia-black-sea-naval-base/) | | Straits Times | lean-right | [1](https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/civilian-deaths-in-ukraine-hit-highest-level-since-may-2022-in-july-un) [2](https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/ukraine-needs-5-of-us-patriot-stocks-to-get-through-winter-zelensky) | | WSJ World | lean-right | [1](https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/war-is-squeezing-another-global-chokepoint-the-black-sea-ce08b232?mod=rss_worldnews) | ### US-Iran Hormuz standoff deepens as both sides claim control and peace talks stall Iran and the United States each claimed control of the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday: senior US officials asserted a seven-day average of nearly 9 million barrels per day was leaving the strait, while Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority said Hormuz "remains blocked" and a senior Iranian source said there has been "absolutely no progress" on reviving the June interim agreement. Iran's Supreme National Security Council demands the US pay war compensation, lift sanctions and the blockade, and unfreeze Iranian assets before reopening; Trump said the US has "total control" and is betting on economic pressure. Shipping data firm Kpler recorded only 14 ships crossing the strait on Tuesday, compared with roughly 130 per day before the war. **Why it matters** Iraq — which depends on the strait for 80–90% of its oil exports and derives 85–90% of its national budget from oil revenue — saw seaborne crude exports fall 97% by May; the Iraqi government said in August it has roughly $83 billion in reserves covering about 10 to 11 months of salary payments, meaning a prolonged Hormuz closure risks a state payroll collapse in a country where about two-thirds of working-age citizens rely on the government for income. **How reporting varies** **Trump / US Energy Secretary (Reuters, Al-Monitor):** Claims traffic is recovering and the US has total control; frames Iran as broke and unable to sustain the blockade. **Iran / Persian Gulf Strait Authority (Reuters, Al-Monitor):** Insists the strait remains blocked, the June deal is void, and the US violated it first; frames sanctions as a negotiating failure. **Deutsche Welle:** Focuses on the collateral damage to third parties, particularly Iraq's fiscal crisis and the threat of domestic instability. 6 sources · 3 left · 1 center · 2 right | Outlet | Leaning | Articles | | -------------------------- | ---------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Reuters · via Al-Monitor | wire | [1](https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/08/iran-says-strait-hormuz-under-its-control-fars-news-reports) [2](https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/08/trump-low-key-bets-economic-pressure-against-iran) [3](https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/08/irans-hormuz-authority-denies-trump-claims-control-over-strait-what-know) | | Deutsche Welle | lean-left | [1](https://www.dw.com/en/due-to-the-iran-war-iraq-is-running-out-of-money/a-78341409?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf) [2](https://www.dw.com/en/gulf-states-scramble-for-strait-of-hormuz-alternatives/a-78336679?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf) | | Bloomberg · via SCMP World | wire | [1](https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3363874/trump-turns-economic-pain-us-bombings-fail-sway-iran?utm_source=rss_feed) [2](https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3363837/russia-warns-chaos-global-food-market-after-ukraine-pummels-grain-terminals?utm_source=rss_feed) | | Reuters | wire | [1](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/iran-says-no-progress-reviving-interim-peace-deal-with-us-2026-08-12/) [2](https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-says-us-has-total-control-over-strait-hormuz-2026-08-12/) [3](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/iran-us-not-discussing-ceasefire-extension-senior-iranian-official-says-2026-08-12/) [4](https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/iea-slashes-2026-supply-forecast-hormuz-reopening-remains-elusive-2026-08-12/) | | Globe and Mail | lean-right | [1](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-iran-us-peace-deal-talks/) | | WSJ World | lean-right | [1](https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/trump-says-hormuz-is-under-u-s-control-few-ships-are-listening-485ba60e?mod=rss_worldnews) | ### Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan activate Mecca pact's joint defence structure Ongoing · day 6 Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan will establish formal political and military coordination mechanisms under the Mecca defence pact, Turkey's defence ministry announced on August 13. President Erdoğan publicly called for more countries to join the Mecca defence pact, saying he hoped the agreement would expand to bring broader regional stability. Analysts and experts say the Mecca pact 'falls short' of a genuine NATO-style collective defence alliance despite the Article 5 comparison, citing significant gaps in binding commitments and institutional depth. **Why it matters** The pact institutionalises a new Sunni Muslim security bloc just as Washington and Tehran are locked in a standoff over Hormuz, giving each of the three members — a NATO ally (Turkey), a Gulf oil exporter (Saudi Arabia), and a nuclear-armed state (Pakistan) — a formal collective-defence claim that could complicate both US and Iranian escalation calculations. 5 sources · 3 left · 2 center | Outlet | Leaning | Articles | | ------------------------ | --------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Reuters · via Al-Monitor | wire | [1](https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/08/turkey-pakistan-saudi-arabia-will-form-political-military-mechanisms-coordinate) | | SCMP China | lean-left | [1](https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3363871/saudi-turkey-pakistan-mecca-pact-falls-short-nato-style-defence-alliance?utm_source=rss_feed) | | AFP · via SCMP World | wire | [1](https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3363823/erdogan-wants-turkey-saudi-arabia-pakistan-defence-pact-draw-more-countries?utm_source=rss_feed) | | Reuters | wire | [1](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-bets-defensive-alliances-deter-slide-into-war-2026-08-12/) | | The Diplomat | center | [1](https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/should-india-worry-about-the-mecca-pact/) | ## Should Know ### Taiwan discloses AI-assisted cyberattack on government agencies as war games add mobile internet throttle Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs confirmed on Thursday that AI-assisted cyberattacks targeted government agencies in July, with hackers using a hybrid approach combining manual operations and AI agent tools; Israeli cybersecurity firm Dream separately reported that AI agents stole passwords and personnel records from Taiwan's justice ministry and scanned its nuclear safety agency over four days. The disclosure came as Taiwan approached the end of its 10-day-long annual Han Kuang war games, during which it held its first-ever anti-blockade naval drill and again throttled mobile internet speeds for 30 minutes to simulate a Chinese attack. 5 sources · 2 left · 2 center · 1 right | Outlet | Leaning | Articles | | ------------ | ---------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Le Monde | lean-left | [1](https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2026/08/13/a-taiwan-des-agences-gouvernementales-ont-ete-la-cible-de-cyberattaques-provoquees-par-des-agents-d-intelligence-artificielle_6745789_3210.html) | | The Guardian | lean-left | [1](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/aug/13/taiwan-ai-assisted-cyber-attacks-overseas) | | Reuters | wire | [1](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/taiwan-says-it-was-targeted-last-month-ai-driven-hacking-campaign-2026-08-13/) [2](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/taiwan-holds-anti-blockade-naval-drill-during-war-games-china-steps-up-maritime-2026-08-13/) | | The Diplomat | center | [1](https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/assessing-kmt-leader-cheng-li-wuns-political-narrative/) | | WSJ World | lean-right | [1](https://www.wsj.com/world/asia/taiwan-weaponizes-coast-guard-to-prepare-for-battle-with-china-e7235080?mod=rss_worldnews) | ### Iran-US war pushes Iraq to the brink of a state payroll crisis Iraqi oil exports fell roughly 83% in March compared with a year earlier after Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, and by May seaborne crude exports were down 97%, slashing government revenue to between $2 billion and $2.3 billion a month — far below the $6.5 billion to $8.2 billion needed each month to pay public sector workers, pensioners, and welfare recipients. University and ministry employees have already begun protesting delayed salaries, and the government's estimated $83 billion in reserves is projected to cover only 10 to 11 months of salary payments. A UK advisory firm estimated Hormuz traffic is unlikely to return to normal levels until at least 2028. 3 sources · 1 left · 1 center · 1 right | Outlet | Leaning | Articles | | -------------- | ---------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Deutsche Welle | lean-left | [1](https://www.dw.com/en/due-to-the-iran-war-iraq-is-running-out-of-money/a-78341409?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf) [2](https://www.dw.com/en/gulf-states-scramble-for-strait-of-hormuz-alternatives/a-78336679?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf) | | Reuters | wire | [1](https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/iea-slashes-2026-supply-forecast-hormuz-reopening-remains-elusive-2026-08-12/) | | Globe and Mail | lean-right | [1](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-us-military-iraq-pull-out-troops-islamic-state/) [2](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-iran-us-peace-deal-talks/) | ### Putin makes first visit to disputed Kuril Islands; threatens to seize European vessels over shadow-fleet seizures Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Iturup island in the disputed Kuril chain on Thursday — his first-ever visit — meeting the regional governor and touring local facilities, prompting Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to call the trip "absolutely unacceptable" and Japan's foreign minister to formally protest. Putin also warned Russia will seize European vessels in retaliation for Western seizures of Russian shadow-fleet tankers; Britain's Royal Marines had boarded and seized the tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel, and more than 630 shadow-fleet vessels are now sanctioned by the EU. 8 sources · 3 left · 3 center · 2 right | Outlet | Leaning | Articles | | -------------------- | ---------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Al Jazeera | lean-left | [1](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/8/13/japan-protests-as-russias-putin-visits-disputed-kuril-islands?traffic_source=rss) | | Le Monde | lean-left | [1](https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2026/08/13/vladimir-poutine-en-visite-dans-les-iles-kouriles-disputees-avec-le-japon_6745579_3210.html) | | AFP · via SCMP World | wire | [1](https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3363864/russias-putin-makes-first-visit-kuril-islands-claimed-japan?utm_source=rss_feed) [2](https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3363816/putin-warns-retaliation-western-seizures-russian-commercial-ships?utm_source=rss_feed) | | BBC World | center | [1](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn0npn249qvo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) [2](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqx7ple0nxxo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) | | France 24 | center | [1](https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20260813-putin-visits-kuril-islands-claimed-by-japan) | | Reuters | wire | [1](https://www.reuters.com/world/russias-putin-visits-disputed-kuril-islands-samples-fish-roe-media-say-2026-08-13/) [2](https://www.reuters.com/world/putin-says-russia-will-respond-kind-if-eu-nations-seize-russian-vessels-2026-08-12/) | | Nikkei Asia | lean-right | [1](https://asia.nikkei.com/politics/international-relations/putin-visits-disputed-kuril-islands) | | Straits Times | lean-right | [1](https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/russias-putin-visits-disputed-kuril-islands-samples-fish-roe-media-say) | ### Ebola on track to surpass 2014–16 death toll as health workers reach only 30% of cases Ongoing · day 6 The WHO director-general said Thursday that the 2026 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, declared on May 15, has caused more than 2,000 deaths and at least 4,300 cases, and is on pace to exceed the deadliest outbreak ever — the 2014–16 epidemic that killed at least 11,000 people. The current outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo species of Ebola, for which no approved vaccine or treatment exists; ongoing regional instability means health workers are reaching only about 30% of cases. The UK's medicines regulator has cleared the first human trials of a Bundibugyo vaccine developed by Oxford researchers. 1 source · 1 center | Outlet | Leaning | Articles | | --------- | ------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | BBC World | center | [1](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgk4pex4mn8o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) | ### Zambia votes with incumbent Hichilema favoured but cost-of-living anger high Zambia voted Thursday in a general election in which President Hakainde Hichilema seeks a second five-year term; 8.7 million voters are registered and results are expected by August 17. Hichilema, who led Zambia through a debt default and restructuring since 2021, faces main challenger Brian Mundubile backed by an opposition alliance, amid widespread frustration that economic improvements — including inflation falling to 6.8% and a stronger kwacha — have not reached daily life for the more than 70% of Zambians living on under $3 a day. 6 sources · 2 left · 3 center · 1 right | Outlet | Leaning | Articles | | ------------------------------ | ---------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Al Jazeera | lean-left | [1](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/8/13/polls-open-in-zambia-presidential-election-as-economic-reforms?traffic_source=rss) | | The Guardian | lean-left | [1](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/13/zambia-elections-hakainde-hichilema-haunted-ghost-incumbent-president-arch-rival-edgar-lungu) | | Reuters · via Daily Maverick | wire | [1](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-08-13-zambia-votes-in-elections-expected-to-favour-incumbent-hichilema/) | | Economist Middle East & Africa | center | [1](https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/08/12/zambias-election-is-a-test-of-metal) | | France 24 | center | [1](https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20260813-zambia-heads-to-polls-with-president-hichilema-expected-to-win-second-term) [2](https://www.france24.com/en/partial-eclipse-seen-from-north-and-west-africa) | | Straits Times | lean-right | [1](https://www.straitstimes.com/world/zambia-votes-in-elections-expected-to-favour-incumbent-hichilema) | ### US ambassador calls settler siege of West Bank Palestinian homes 'horrific act of terror' US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee — a long-standing supporter of Israeli settlements — condemned the multi-day siege by Israeli settlers of Palestinian homes in the village of Qusra near Nablus as a "horrific act of terror", after settlers blocked three families from food, water and electricity since Sunday. Israel dispatched troops at US request and dismantled two settler outposts, detaining one Israeli, but settlers reportedly remained in surrounding areas. The siege is occurring as Israeli officials simultaneously celebrated the reopening of the Ganim settlement in the northern West Bank, dismantled more than 20 years ago. 10 sources · 6 left · 3 center · 1 right | Outlet | Leaning | Articles | | ------------------ | ---------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Al Jazeera | lean-left | [1](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/8/13/us-diplomat-calls-israeli-settler-siege-of-west-bank-homes-act-of-terror?traffic_source=rss) [2](https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2026/8/13/they-destroyed-us-palestinian-family-sleeps-in-the-open-after-demolition?traffic_source=rss) | | Al-Monitor | lean-left | [1](https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/08/us-ambassador-denounces-settler-siege-israel-dispatches-troops) | | Le Monde | lean-left | [1](https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2026/08/13/cisjordanie-l-ambassadeur-des-etats-unis-en-israel-qualifie-d-acte-de-terreur-le-siege-de-maisons-palestiniennes-par-des-colons-israeliens_6745679_3210.html) | | AP · via NPR World | wire | [1](https://www.npr.org/2026/08/13/g-s1-138574/us-west-bank-settlers) | | NYT World | lean-left | [1](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/12/world/middleeast/west-bank-palestinians-israeli-settlers.html) | | The Guardian | lean-left | [1](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/12/israeli-militants-besiege-two-palestinian-families-in-their-west-bank-homes) | | BBC World | center | [1](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj4kppdk2qwo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) [2](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn0npjkqrleo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) | | France 24 | center | [1](https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20260813-us-ambassador-to-israel-slams-settler-siege-against-west-bank-palestinians-terror) | | Reuters | wire | [1](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-troops-clash-with-settlers-besieging-palestinian-homes-west-bank-2026-08-12/) | | Straits Times | lean-right | [1](https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/israel-sends-more-troops-to-west-bank-village-besieged-by-jewish-settlers) [2](https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/us-ambassador-to-israel-denounces-settler-siege-on-palestinians-as-terror) | ### Anthropic investors target $2 trillion valuation in what would be a record IPO Investors in Anthropic are seeking a $2 trillion valuation in an anticipated IPO, which would be the biggest listing in history, according to reports. Anthropic is also separately reported to be in talks to acquire AI startup Decart AI. 2 sources · 2 center | Outlet | Leaning | Articles | | --------------- | ------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Financial Times | center | [1](https://www.ft.com/content/ec651ee9-0f3c-411a-9cde-d326acf89cee?syn-25a6b1a6=1) [2](https://www.ft.com/content/1fbe47a6-bbf1-4de1-973b-8ce5baea591d) [3](https://www.ft.com/content/d0d920d1-0e49-4a01-9c95-0e2fc710b633?syn-25a6b1a6=1) [4](https://www.ft.com/content/840ac156-af1c-4a82-b260-ae791072fcfa?syn-25a6b1a6=1) | | Reuters | wire | [1](https://www.reuters.com/technology/anthropic-talks-buy-decart-ai-source-says-2026-08-13/) | ### North Korea earns billions from Russia war support as Kim expands Pyongyang and eyes more troops North Korea earns between $7.7 billion and $14.4 billion from selling munitions to Russia and deploying troops, according to a South Korean think-tank report, while Bloomberg Economics estimated more than $14 billion from military support between 2022 and 2025. The earnings have funded visible development in Pyongyang, while Zelensky says North Korea is planning to transfer to Russia an additional missile unit and reportedly intends to send a further 30,000 to 50,000 soldiers. Ukraine says North Korea supplied about half of Russia's front-line munitions in 2024 and 2025. 3 sources · 2 left · 1 right | Outlet | Leaning | Articles | | -------------- | ---------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Der Spiegel | lean-left | [1](https://www.spiegel.de/ausland/nordkorea-kim-jong-un-schickt-wohl-erneut-zehntausende-soldaten-in-die-ukraine-a-6a4071c5-96ca-4f74-b1e8-a4ce375d4ab7#ref=rss) | | Deutsche Welle | lean-left | [1](https://www.dw.com/en/how-north-korea-has-profited-from-its-support-for-russia/a-78345289?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf) | | WSJ World | lean-right | [1](https://www.wsj.com/business/north-koreans-use-stolen-ids-ai-to-land-u-s-jobsand-funnel-millions-to-kims-regime-1385adf7?mod=rss_worldnews) [2](https://www.wsj.com/world/asia/what-we-learned-tracing-north-koreas-hidden-workforce-inside-american-companies-ff36fae4?mod=rss_worldnews) [3](https://www.wsj.com/business/media/inside-north-koreas-operation-to-conquer-the-american-job-market-93729962?mod=rss_worldnews) | ### Zhu Rongji, architect of China's market opening and WTO accession, dies at 97 Ongoing · day 2 Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, widely credited as the architect of China's economic modernization and the country's 2001 accession to the World Trade Organization, has died at the age of 97 following an illness. Tributes poured in highlighting Zhu's unusually candid and outspoken style, with observers contrasting his openness with the more rigid political atmosphere under current leader Xi Jinping. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee led tributes from the city, honoring Zhu for his support of Hong Kong during challenging periods including the 1997 Asian financial crisis. 13 sources · 8 left · 2 center · 3 right | Outlet | Leaning | Articles | | --------------- | ---------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | CBC News | lean-left | [1](https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/obit-china-premier-rongji-9.7304226?cmp=rss) | | Der Spiegel | lean-left | [1](https://www.spiegel.de/ausland/ehemaliger-premier-zhu-rongji-ist-tot-chinas-unbequemer-modernisierer-a-bb29766c-cad5-43ab-91e2-4fa443414ae1#ref=rss) [2](https://www.spiegel.de/ausland/china-zhu-rongji-ist-tot-a-643b0638-0d87-45e5-aac5-822d57cdd28a#ref=rss) | | NPR World | lean-left | [1](https://www.npr.org/2026/08/12/1196705508/zhu-rongji-china-former-premier-dead) | | NYT World | lean-left | [1](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/13/world/asia/china-premier-zhu-rongji-reaction.html) [2](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/12/world/asia/zhu-rongji-dead.html) | | SCMP Asia | lean-left | [1](https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3363819/ill-be-first-line-buy-your-bonds-how-zhu-rongji-put-steel-hong-kongs-spine?utm_source=rss_feed) | | SCMP China | lean-left | [1](https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3363913/11-key-achievements-chinas-iron-premier-zhu-rongji-his-own-words?utm_source=rss_feed) [2](https://www.scmp.com/plus/news/china/politics/article/3363910/zhu-rongji-reforms-fuel-chinas-economic-transformation?utm_source=rss_feed) [3](https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3363824/zhu-rongji-reformer-who-led-chinas-economic-transformation-through-minefield-or-abyss?utm_source=rss_feed) | | The Guardian | lean-left | [1](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/12/zhu-rongji-obituary) | | Washington Post | lean-left | [1](https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2026/08/12/zhu-rongji-former-china-premier-dies-97/) | | BBC World | center | [1](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c75g9777wwxo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) | | Reuters | wire | [1](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/former-chinese-premier-zhu-rongji-dies-aged-98-xinhua-reports-2026-08-12/) | | Globe and Mail | lean-right | [1](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-zhu-rongji-obituary/) | | Nikkei Asia | lean-right | [1](https://asia.nikkei.com/life-arts/obituaries/zhu-rongji-chinese-leader-who-oversaw-wto-debut-dies-at-97) [2](https://asia.nikkei.com/life-arts/obituaries/books-of-zhu-rongji-quotes-reveal-bygone-era-of-a-more-open-china) | | WSJ World | lean-right | [1](https://www.wsj.com/opinion/zhu-rongji-china-reform-economy-93b0a8f1?mod=rss_worldnews) [2](https://www.wsj.com/world/china/zhu-rongji-engineer-of-chinas-economic-overhaul-dies-at-97-0df84c86?mod=rss_worldnews) | ### France records its longest-ever heatwave as 80 departments go on orange alert France's current heatwave became the longest ever recorded in the country on Thursday, with 17 consecutive days of high temperatures as of August 13 — surpassed in the historical record only by a July 2006 wave that lasted 21 days and the deadly 2003 wave. Eighty departments are under orange vigilance alert. 2 sources · 1 left · 1 right | Outlet | Leaning | Articles | | ------------- | ---------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Le Monde | lean-left | [1](https://www.lemonde.fr/climat/live/2026/08/13/en-direct-canicule-80-departements-en-vigilance-orange-jusqu-a-vendredi-soir-la-ministre-de-l-agriculture-reunira-un-comite-secheresse-le-27-aout_6744636_1652612.html) | | Straits Times | lean-right | [1](https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/heatwave-expected-to-limit-15-of-frances-nuclear-fleet-on-friday) |