Top stories — August 12, 2026 edition

Balanced left-and-right coverage from this SplitView News edition.

Crowley Defeats Progressive Hong for Wisconsin Governor Nomination

Moderate David Crowley secured the Democratic nomination for Wisconsin governor, upsetting progressive Francesca Hong. This outcome marks a win for the Democratic Party's establishment and breaks a recent trend of left-wing primary victories.

How coverage differs: Left outlets frame Crowley's win over Hong as an upset for the Democratic establishment, while right outlets highlight Hong's defeat as a setback for the party's left wing and her progressive views.

North Korea fires ballistic missile before US-South Korea drills

North Korea launched suspected ballistic missiles towards Japan, with one likely falling outside its special economic zone, ahead of planned US-South Korea military drills. This marks the second such launch in less than a week, hinting at upgraded weapons exports to Russia for the Ukraine war.

How coverage differs: Left outlets frame North Korea's missile test as a direct response to US-South Korea drills, while right outlets emphasize repeated launches and Japan's response amid the upcoming exercises.

South Carolina GOP Senate Primary Forces Graham, Norman Runoff

Sen. Darline Graham Nordone and Rep. Ralph Norman will advance to a runoff in South Carolina's special Republican primary for the U.S. Senate. Graham, a political newcomer backed by Trump, appears unlikely to win a clear majority in the initial primary.

How coverage differs: Left outlets highlight Darline Graham's failure to secure an outright majority despite Trump's endorsement, while right outlets neutrally report her and Ralph Norman advancing to the runoff.

Rare Solar Eclipse Darkens Europe, Arctic Skies

A rare solar eclipse is set to sweep across Europe and the Arctic, with London experiencing a frenzy for protective eyewear as prices surge. Spain has urged eclipse watchers to be wary of wildfire risks, while the full eclipse will last longest in a remote spot with cliffs and seabirds.

How coverage differs: Left outlets detail the rare solar eclipse with specific locations and safety warnings, while right outlets emphasize its dramatic visual impact, plunging Europe into widespread darkness.

Houthis Kill Six in First Lethal Red Sea Attack

Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Oman resulted in six fatalities, marking the first lethal strike in over a year. A cargoship and containership were hit, impacting critical shipping lanes and drawing condemnation from Pakistan, which reported three nationals killed.

How coverage differs: Left outlets emphasize the tragic human cost and specific fatalities, while right outlets highlight the attack as the first lethal strike and an escalating threat to Red Sea shipping.

Lisa Demuth Defeats Trump-Backed Mike Lindell in Minnesota Governor Primary

MyPillow founder Mike Lindell, a Trump-backed candidate, lost the Republican primary for Minnesota governor to Lisa Demuth. Demuth trounced Lindell and Army veteran Kendall Qualls by more than 15 percentage points, putting an end to his political aspirations.

How coverage differs: Left outlets emphasized Lisa Demuth's decisive victory over Trump-backed Mike Lindell, while right outlets reported Lindell's loss as a straightforward electoral outcome despite his prominent endorsement.

Trump's Secret Flight from Turkey NATO Summit Due to Iranian Threat

President Trump reportedly took a secret flight from Turkey after a NATO summit due to a credible Iranian missile threat. This covert operation involved switching from Air Force One to a different plane, highlighting the deceptive measures used to protect the President.

US July CPI Eases to 3.4%; Price Pressures Cool

Consumer prices in the U.S. rose by 0.1% in July, bringing the annual inflation rate to 3.4%, aligning with economists' expectations. This marks the second consecutive month of cooler price pressures, potentially easing the Federal Reserve's stance on interest rate hikes.

How coverage differs: Left outlets highlight the easing July CPI and its implications for Federal Reserve interest rate decisions, while right outlets focus on the positive market reaction to cooling price pressures.

Europe Braces for Fifth Heat Wave of 2026, Straining Power Supplies

Europe is preparing for its fifth heat wave of 2026, with temperatures expected to reach 109 degrees Fahrenheit (43 Celsius). This extreme heat is straining nuclear power supplies, leading to potential reactor shutdowns in Romania and reduced generation in France.

Trump's Child Vaccination Overhaul Draws WHO Warning

Donald Trump's proposal to overhaul child vaccination in the United States has drawn a warning from the World Health Organization, which stated it goes against 'decades of evidence.' His administration has also thrust vaccine policy into headlines ahead of crucial midterms.'

Rescuers pull woman alive from Colombia quake rubble after 36 hours

Following a 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Colombia, rescuers are racing against time to find survivors, pulling a 32-year-old woman alive from rubble after 36 hours. The death toll has risen to at least 181, with emergency workers and volunteers continuing search efforts in cities like Cali.

Zhu Rongji, Architect of China's Economic Overhaul, Dies at 97

Zhu Rongji, the former Chinese premier known as the 'economic czar,' has died at 97. He was instrumental in steering China toward Western market principles, championing reforms that fueled economic growth and its entry into the World Trade Organization.'

Flanagan Wins Minnesota Democratic Senate Primary

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan secured the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Minnesota, defeating Rep. Angie Craig. This victory represents another win for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, campaigning on priorities similar to those that propelled Abdul El-Sayed.

How coverage differs: Left outlets celebrate Peggy Flanagan's win as a progressive victory shaping the party's future, while right outlets frame it as a “leftist” triumph over centrists, highlighting internal Democratic battles.

Ferry Capsizes on Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe, Killing at Least 44

An overcrowded ferry capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe, resulting in the deaths of at least 44 people. An operation is underway to rescue dozens missing after the boat overturned due to strong waves on the world's largest human-made lake.

ICE Plans Electric Shock Gloves for Officers, Draws Criticism

ICE plans to spend $20 million to equip officers with electric shock gloves, drawing criticism as the manufacturer warns against their use as punishment or on high-risk populations. An AP exclusive revealed the agency's intent to deploy these devices.

Crowley Defeats Progressive Hong for Wisconsin Governor Nomination

Moderate David Crowley secured the Democratic nomination for Wisconsin governor, upsetting progressive Francesca Hong. This outcome marks a win for the Democratic Party's establishment and breaks a recent trend of left-wing primary victories.

North Korea fires ballistic missile before US-South Korea drills

North Korea launched suspected ballistic missiles towards Japan, with one likely falling outside its special economic zone, ahead of planned US-South Korea military drills. This marks the second such launch in less than a week, hinting at upgraded weapons exports to Russia for the Ukraine war.

South Carolina GOP Senate Primary Forces Graham, Norman Runoff

Sen. Darline Graham Nordone and Rep. Ralph Norman will advance to a runoff in South Carolina's special Republican primary for the U.S. Senate. Graham, a political newcomer backed by Trump, appears unlikely to win a clear majority in the initial primary.

Rare Solar Eclipse Darkens Europe, Arctic Skies

A rare solar eclipse is set to sweep across Europe and the Arctic, with London experiencing a frenzy for protective eyewear as prices surge. Spain has urged eclipse watchers to be wary of wildfire risks, while the full eclipse will last longest in a remote spot with cliffs and seabirds.

Houthis Kill Six in First Lethal Red Sea Attack

Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Oman resulted in six fatalities, marking the first lethal strike in over a year. A cargoship and containership were hit, impacting critical shipping lanes and drawing condemnation from Pakistan, which reported three nationals killed.

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