Today's Headlines: Takeaways from Tuesday’s Primaries
With Trump Secretly Evacuated, Imperiled Air Force One Became a Flying Decoy
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The New York Times
Today's Headlines
August 12, 2026, 4:30 a.m. Eastern time

Top News

Too Close to Call, Again: 8 Takeaways From Tuesday’s Primaries

A Democratic primary for governor in Wisconsin remained neck and neck early Wednesday, leaving a national battle between progressive and moderate wings largely unsettled.

With Trump Secretly Evacuated, Imperiled Air Force One Became a Flying Decoy

In response to a threat against the jet last month, the president was clandestinely removed in a catering container. But the plane was sent into the skies anyway with government employees and reporters onboard.

How Iran Adapted Its Attacks as U.S. War Munitions Dwindled

The Iranian strikes that killed three U.S. soldiers in Jordan show how quickly Iran’s war-fighting skills have evolved, as the Pentagon runs low on interceptors.

World

In Europe, the Total Solar Eclipse Is Hours Away

Sky watchers have flocked to places, from Iceland to Spain, where the moon will completely block the sun.

How Nigel Farage Ended Up Running Against a Man Dressed as a Trash Can

Nigel Farage forced a new election in his parliamentary seat after coming under pressure over his finances. His main challenger is Count Binface, a novelty candidate.

Shouting Names, Hoping for Replies and Digging for Survivors of Colombian Quake

“We heard them screaming,” said one rescuer in Cali, where emergency workers and volunteers are racing against time to find the living trapped in the rubble.

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U.S.

A Catering Truck and a Decoy Plane: How Trump’s Great Escape Unfolded

The extraordinary subterfuge was aimed at protecting an American president who has been in Iran’s cross hairs for years.

To Improve Student Mental Health, University of Michigan Eases Grading

The university will make first-semester grades pass or fail, to encourage students to try different classes and lessen fears of what a low grade could mean.

Warehouse Blaze in Portland, Ore., Is Headache for City Over a Week Later

The city has set up a safety zone, and Amtrak trains between Seattle and Portland are paused, but freight trains have been passing the structure, alarming officials who have warned of a collapse.

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Politics

Minnesota House Speaker Wins G.O.P. Nomination for Governor

Lisa Demuth beat Mike Lindell, the MyPillow founder who was endorsed by President Trump.

Darline Graham Advances to the Republican Senate Runoff in South Carolina

Ms. Graham will face Representative Ralph Norman, a hard-line conservative who had previously run for governor, in the runoff.

Rep. John Larson, a Longtime Lawmaker, Loses a Primary in Connecticut

In an upset, Luke Bronin, the former mayor of Hartford, won the Democratic nomination, capitalizing on calls for generational change.

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Business

David Ellison Floats Hollywood Exit as States Threaten His Warner Bros. Deal

Mr. Ellison told Paramount executives that he was considering pulling the company out of California amid a lawsuit brought by state attorneys general.

G.M.’s ‘Car Guy’ Talks Electrics, China and Nepotism

Mark Reuss became the automaker’s president seven years ago, ascending to a role his father was fired from decades before. We got the chance to speak with him.

Robots That Walk and Talk Are Coming to Car Factories

But experts warn they may not deliver the gains in efficiency that proponents claim.

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Technology

A Top OpenAI Executive Steps Down

Brad Lightcap, a longtime leader, said he was starting a new venture. His exit from the artificial intelligence company is the latest in a series there.

His Start-Up’s Goal: A.I. That Is Trainable and Not Controlled by a Big Company

A co-founder of xAI is going all in on building open-source artificial intelligence so that “anyone can control and shape A.I. for their own needs.”

How Social Media Spurred a Refugee Crisis Between Spain and Morocco

A wave of disinformation online contributed to a surge of migrants in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta who were trying to reach Europe, resulting in about 90 deaths.

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New York

It Started as a Hot Tub Harbor Cruise. It Became a Rescue Mission.

The captain of a party boat gave the fullest account of the rescue of 12 passengers near Liberty Island. A mother and daughter died and the incident is now part of a federal investigation.

How a Staten Island Lawsuit Is Challenging Mamdani’s Second-Home Tax

New York officials were already hurrying to roll out the tax. A lawsuit by homeowners, which persuaded a judge to issue a temporary pause, has made the process thornier.

Palestinian Americans File Discrimination Lawsuit Against Columbia

The five plaintiffs, all currently or formerly affiliated with the university, said Columbia had failed to adequately protect them from harassment after the 2023 Hamas attack against Israel.

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Arts

Judge Awards $250,000 to Musician Who Fled Trump-Led Kennedy Center Gig

The center had sued Chuck Redd when he canceled a free concert last year, citing the addition of the Trump name to the venue. But a judge dismissed the case.

Spotify Will Label A.I. Artists and Avoid Promoting Them

The new label, which will be