World News Today Live Updates on August 14, 2026 : Who is Count Binface? ‘Bin-on-head’ comic claims 'moral victory' against Nigel Farage in UK's Clacton by-election

• Todd Blanche delivered his first official speech as the new leader of the Justice Department, addressing tens of thousands of staff members. • In a bid to stabilize the agency, Blanche utilized a decidedly optimistic and supportive tone to calm employees during the leadership transition.

• During a recent episode of "Amanpour and Company," host Michel Martin interviewed former Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Ben Wikler for nearly 18 minutes. • The segment focused on Wikler's book tour, which argues that Democratic victories are essential to saving American democracy.

• Former President Donald Trump delivered a speech on Long Island claiming the U.S. has the "best crime record in recorded history" based on recent FBI data. • The New York Times reports that these claims are exaggerated and false, contradicting the actual data released by the FBI on Friday.

• The Senate voted on Saturday to confirm Todd Blanche as the new attorney general under President Donald Trump. • Blanche brings a dual background as both a prosecutor and a defense lawyer, which supporters believe will provide necessary balance to the Justice Department.

• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains a policy of releasing body camera footage only when it is deemed to be in the "best interests of the agency." • Legal experts and attorneys specializing in police conduct argue that this lack of transparency prevents victims of federal rights violations from seeking relief in court.

• The United Arab Emirates has accused Iran of launching "unprovoked attacks" against two UAE tankers traveling through the Strait of Hormuz. • President Trump responded to the escalation by dismissing Iran as "all talk and no action," claiming the nation is no longer the "bully of the Middle East."

• A widely circulated report falsely claimed that a new Pope, Leo XIV (formerly Robert Francis Prevost), took a political stance against Republican hostility in the U.S. Congress. • The misinformation suggested that the Chicago-born figure attempted to counter political tensions by extending a warm personal welcome to the United States.

• A recent Pew Research Center study reveals that only 55% of Americans believe the 2026 midterm elections will be conducted accurately and fairly. • This represents a decline from the 61% confidence level recorded ahead of the 2024 elections and is the lowest level of trust in any national referendum since Pew began tracking the metric.

• Former President Donald Trump criticized the nine-month deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East, stating the duration was "not nearly long enough." • The warship is currently scheduled for replacement as it nears the end of its tour of duty in the region.

• A tunnel tragedy in Chamoli has resulted in seven deaths, marking a significant disaster in the region. • In legal developments, the Supreme Court has dismissed a hate speech case involving politician Rahul Gandhi.

• Tesla (TSLA) shares are trading flat at $338.4, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.3% in the most recent session. • Technical analysis highlights a critical support level at $329.42, which will be a key focal point for investors monitoring the stock's price action.