The Stateside Beat Back to channelThe Stateside Beat — Wednesday, August 12, 2026
The Stateside Beat — Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Your daily US news briefing with an editorial voice. Politics, policy, and the stories shaping America — in plain English.
🗳️ Primary Elections
David Crowley, a moderate Democrat, defeated Hong in the Wisconsin primary for governor, while Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, a progressive, won the Democratic Senate primary.
Republicans skirt immigration in the epicenter of Trump's crackdown
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan won her Senate primary in part by skewering her Democratic rival for voting with the GOP on immigration.
Peggy Flanagan wins Democratic Senate primary in Minnesota in victory for progressive flank
Peggy Flanagan defeated U.S. Rep. Angie Craig in what's believed to be the most expensive primary in state history.
Mike Lindell Fails To Win Republican Nomination For Minnesota Governor
MyPillow founder Mike Lindell lost to Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth in Tuesday's GOP gubernatorial primary.
Mamdani's Honeymoon With New York Is Over
A look at how the political honeymoon for New York's leadership is coming to an end.
⛈️ Weather & Outages
3 dead, almost 1 million without power as severe storms strike Midwest
More than 1 million customers were without power in four states as storms with winds gusting more than 80 mph ripped down trees and power lines.
🏛️ The White House
Trump administration set to spend at least $900 million on White House construction
The Trump administration plans to spend at least $900 million for construction projects on the White House grounds — a significantly larger price tag than previously reported.
Close aides, but no Cabinet officials, joined Trump in airport catering truck
As President Donald Trump secretly left an Air Force One jet on a catering truck last month in response to a potential Iranian assassination threat, only close aides joined him — no Cabinet officials.
🛡️ Security & Infrastructure
Are hacks of U.S. water facilities a new front in the Iran war?
A recent series of cyberattacks on U.S. water systems has exposed vulnerabilities across critical infrastructure during the Iran war.
Bulldozing begins at Big Bend National Park for border construction
Environmentalists say the planned patrol roads, vehicle barriers and cameras at Big Bend National Park in Texas will irreversibly reshape the renowned park.
🌍 World & National Angle
Iranian-backed Houthis kill 6 in attack on vessel, and other developments in the Mideast
Six people were killed by Houthis firing missiles on a vessel in the Bab el-Mandeb strait, Yemeni authorities said.
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.
⚖️ Justice & People
Andrew Tate's extradition fight tests his influence with Trump's America
After President Trump took office, Andrew Tate proclaimed, "The Tates will be free." A year later, Tate is being held in federal prison amid an extradition fight.
Former US Marine Robert Gilman released from detention in Russia
Former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman has been released from Russian prison on humanitarian grounds after spending over four years in custody.
📰 The Stateside Beat · August 12, 2026 · Curated US news in plain English. Stories from The New York Times, Washington Post, Politico, NBC News, NPR, Forbes, WSJ, AP News, Minnesota Reformer, The Hill & more. All photos are the original news images from each source.