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On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse crossed the Russian Arctic. It then swept into the North Atlantic and continued toward Europe. State Space Corporation Roscosmos said the eclipse began over Russia’s remote northern regions at about 17:00 GMT. The Moon’s shadow moved across Greenland and Iceland before reaching Spain and northeastern Portugal near sunset. Totality appeared only inside a narrow corridor. Surrounding regions across Europe, North America and Africa experienced a partial solar eclipse.

The UN said economic uncertainty, digital inclusion and climate change rank among major challenges facing younger generations across borders. These pressures often reach beyond national boundaries and require coordinated responses, according to the Secretary-General’s message. Guterres also pointed to the creativity, dynamism and leadership of young people. He described youth as organizers and innovators who already contribute to communities and public life. The message linked youth participation with wider efforts to advance sustainable development. Skills were another focus of the 2026 message. Guterres called for young people to gain stronger access to critical thinking, problem-solving and digital literacy. He said those capabilities will help shape the future and support wider participation in society. The Secretary-General also urged institutions to work with young people as equal partners. He called for greater youth involvement in decisions at local, national and international levels. The UN said investment and inclusion remain central demands for young people around the world.

Thousands of lawsuits accusing major social media companies of fueling harmful and addictive use among young people can continue in federal court. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected an early appeal from Meta Platforms and TikTok on Aug. 10. The ruling leaves more than 3,000 consolidated federal cases before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland. Plaintiffs allege that platform design features encouraged compulsive use and contributed to mental health problems among children and teenagers.

Typhoon Dolphin forced the evacuation of about 167,900 people in Fujian Province as heavy rain and flooding spread across eastern China. The Fujian figure covered residents moved from vulnerable land and coastal areas by 7 a.m. Monday. Shanghai had separately evacuated about 215,600 people from areas considered at risk by late Sunday. Dolphin made two landfalls in neighboring Zhejiang Province on Sunday before moving inland and steadily losing strength.

More than 20,000 people fled communities around Okanagan Lake after the Bald Range wildfire surged through southern British Columbia over the weekend. Provincial authorities declared a state of emergency Saturday as flames advanced toward Summerland and areas near Peachland. The fire grew beyond 10,300 hectares by Saturday night. It destroyed homes and damaged other property along its path. Evacuation orders remained in force across several communities and rural areas Sunday.

A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck southeast of Atka in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands late Saturday. The Alaska Earthquake Center recorded the quake at 7:36 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time on August 8. That corresponded to 03:36 UTC on August 9. The epicenter was about 48 miles, or 77 kilometers, southeast of Atka. Seismologists placed the earthquake at a depth of about 10.6 miles, or 17 kilometers.

Magnitude 4.9 earthquake hits southwestern China on Friday, striking Gao County in Yibin City within Sichuan province. One person was killed after being struck by a collapsing exterior wall. Six individuals sustained minor injuries, with approximately 100 households experiencing structural damage. Emergency response teams deployed for door-to-door safety checks and structural inspections. Essential municipal services remained operational, with no major disruptions to power supply, telecommunications, gas pipelines, or water delivery systems reported. Geologists continue monitoring for potential aftershocks.

China announced new countermeasures against the United States on Wednesday, including tighter controls on drone-related exports. It also restricted dealings with seven American entities. The measures took effect on August 5 after recent U.S. technology and import restrictions. China’s Ministry of Commerce said controlled drones, key components and related technologies will face stricter U.S.-bound export reviews. The rules apply to items already covered by China’s dual-use export control system. They do not create a blanket ban on all Chinese drone shipments to the American market.

The eruption began Monday and intensified as gas, lava and ash rose from the crater. Pyroclastic flows moved through several ravines on Fuego’s western and southwestern slopes, reaching distances of five to seven kilometers. These flows contain hot gas, ash and rock and can move at high speed. Monitoring teams also tracked an ash column spreading west and northwest, with volcanic material reported far beyond the immediate danger zone.

Strong winds pushed the eastern Washington fires through dry grass, timber and residential areas north of Spokane. The Old Trails Fire crossed the Spokane River and entered northwest neighborhoods only hours after it began. Flames damaged homes, businesses, vehicles, power equipment and other property across several communities. Infrared surveys identified possible damage to hundreds of additional buildings, though assessment teams had not confirmed those losses.