Minnesota GOP Sees Fraud Scandal as Path Back to Statewide Relevance
Minnesota Republicans, boosted by primary wins, are using a massive fraud scandal to challenge Democratic dominance in the state.
Daily Current Affairs — 13 August 2026
World
Ecuador Police Seize 469 kg of Cocaine in Haaland-Labeled Packages
Ecuadorian police seized 469 kg of cocaine near the Colombian border, with packages bearing Erling Haaland's image.
ICE's shock-glove plan draws bipartisan criticism over safety and misuse fears
ICE plans to buy electric shock gloves for officers, sparking outrage from Democrats and civil rights advocates over safety and misuse concerns.
Oman Oil Spill From Grounded Tanker Reaches Mainland Beaches
Oil from the grounded Caroline Bezengi tanker has reached Oman's mainland coast, endangering protected marine areas.
Latin Music Stars to Headline Benefit Concert for Quake-Hit Venezuela and Colombia
A star-studded Latin music benefit concert in Miami on Aug. 16 will raise funds for earthquake victims in Venezuela and Colombia.
Parisians gather to witness rare solar eclipse with safety at forefront
Hundreds in Paris gathered to watch a solar eclipse, with volunteers distributing safety glasses to prevent eye damage.
US Energy Department Abandons Three Proposed Power Corridors
The US Energy Department has dropped three proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors, citing ineffectiveness on reliability and costs.
Canada Rejects Latest US Tariff Offer as Deadline Looms
Canadian officials are dissatisfied with Washington's latest tariff-reduction proposal, as talks continue before August 19 duties take effect.
US July deficit hits record $432 billion as tariff refunds drain revenue
US July budget deficit hit a record $432 billion, pushing the fiscal 2026 gap past the full 2025 deficit as tariff refunds continued.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt to Step Down at End of Month
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, 28, will depart at month's end. Trump announced the move, citing her family priorities.
US charges 11 in sham marriage scheme that helped Chinese nationals get green cards
US prosecutors charged 11 people in a scheme that arranged sham marriages to help Chinese nationals obtain green cards illegally.
Democratic Senators Demand Answers on 17-Month Russia Sanctions Freeze
Top Senate Democrats challenge the Trump administration's prolonged pause on Russia counter-evasion sanctions, citing stalled peace talks and easy evasion.
Brazil's Top Court Backs Soy Moratorium, Rejects Farmer Claims
Brazil's Supreme Court ruled the soy moratorium legal, rejecting farmer compensation claims and upholding state tax incentives for participants.
Clouds Part in Time for Tourists to Catch Partial Solar Eclipse Over Rome's Colosseum
A partial solar eclipse was visible over Rome's Colosseum on Wednesday evening, delighting tourists after clouds briefly obscured the view.
Houston Law Firm Turns Down $150M Deal to Represent Migrant Children
A Texas law firm with Trump administration ties declined a $150 million contract to represent unaccompanied migrant children, creating uncertainty.
China and Indonesia Conclude Joint Naval Drills East of Taiwan
Chinese and Indonesian navies completed a joint navigation exercise east of Taiwan, testing maritime communication and coordination.
UN Mission Staff Detained in Afghanistan, No Charges Filed
Two UNAMA staff detained in Herat; UN denied access and charges unclear.
Indiana Storms Claim Child's Life, Widespread Damage Reported
Severe storms in Indiana killed a four-year-old child and caused widespread damage, including significant power outages in Hammond.
Pentagon Review: US Strikes on Houthis Killed 153 Civilians in Yemen
A Pentagon review found US airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen last year killed 153 civilians and injured 243 others.
Grand Jury Indicts Nick Reiner, Alleges He Lied in Wait Before Parents' Killings
A grand jury indicted Nick Reiner for the murders of his parents, adding a lying-in-wait allegation that could make him eligible for the death penalty.
Lawsuit Challenges Truth Social's Paid Early Access to Trump Policy Posts
A federal lawsuit challenges Trump Media's paid service offering early access to presidential policy posts, alleging constitutional violations.
New York State Steps In With $7.25M for Migrant Children's Legal Aid
New York allocates $7.25 million to provide legal representation for 1,400 unaccompanied immigrant children after federal funding ends.
Brazil Moves to Attach Spending Curbs to Unrelated Bill as Debt Worries Grow
Brazil's finance and planning ministries are pushing spending-control measures through a bill before Congress, aiming to save about 10 billion reais next year.
US Airstrikes Hit Houthi-Held Oil Port in Yemen's Hodeida
US airstrikes targeted the Ras Isa oil port in Hodeida, Yemen, held by Houthi rebels, causing casualties.