Broadcast timeline
BBC News
Thursday 13 August 2026 · 05:00 BST · 30m · 5 stories · 10 annotated moments · 20 of 30 min on news stories (67%)
Broadcast overview
An AI-generated overview based on this broadcast's transcript.
Millions of people across Western Europe have witnessed a partial solar eclipse, with the clearest views in Cornwall, where crowds gathered to see the moon obscure the sun. In Iceland, the eclipse was visible in its complete form, while in Spain and other areas it appeared as a partial eclipse. The event was described as an unforgettable experience by observers.
In other news, the White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt is leaving her role, with President Trump saying she will become an outside advisor. The Strait of Hormuz remains a focus, with the US claiming control while shipping remains limited. The UK is experiencing another heatwave, with temperatures potentially reaching 38°C, and there are concerns about the impact on the NHS and water supplies. Students are receiving their A-level and BTec results, with universities hoping financial concerns won't deter applicants. Finally, a major earthquake in Colombia has caused significant damage and casualties.
- 0:14
- 3:48
Claim Total solar eclipse to be visible across Europe and Arctic
Broadcasters reported that between 88% and 97% of the sun would be obscured in the UK during the partial eclipse.
BBC News, 13 August 2026, 3:48-3:53
- 10:53 Story begins US-Iran diplomatic window expires amid war stalemate
- 11:15
Claim US-Iran diplomatic window expires amid war stalemate
Trump stated that the US Navy controls the Strait of Hormuz and that no goods reach Iran without a deal or surrender.
BBC News, 13 August 2026, 11:15-11:23
- 11:29
Claim US-Iran diplomatic window expires amid war stalemate
Iran's Revolutionary Guards advisor threatened to prolong the war until the next US presidential term.
BBC News, 13 August 2026, 11:29-11:37
- 15:53 Story begins UK records hottest day of the year with 38.1C
- 16:39
Claim UK records hottest day of the year with 38.1C
The Met Office issued a rare amber extreme heat warning for Thursday, with temperatures up to 38°C.
BBC News, 13 August 2026, 16:39-16:47
- 17:33
Claim UK records hottest day of the year with 38.1C
Drought conditions are affecting half of England and all of Wales.
BBC News, 13 August 2026, 17:33-17:37
- 19:52 Story begins A-level top grades rise for third consecutive year
- 21:06
Claim A-level top grades rise for third consecutive year
The main body representing universities expressed concern that negative rhetoric about university could deter students from least advantaged backgrounds.
BBC News, 13 August 2026, 21:06-21:14
- 22:16
Claim A-level top grades rise for third consecutive year
Universities face financial pressure due to a long-term freeze in tuition fees and fewer international students.
BBC News, 13 August 2026, 22:16-22:22
- 22:44
Claim Caroline Leavitt steps down as White House press secretary
Karoline Leavitt is stepping down as White House press secretary at the end of the month to spend more time with her family.
BBC News, 13 August 2026, 22:44-22:48
- 22:46
Claim Caroline Leavitt steps down as White House press secretary
Trump said Leavitt would remain one of his top outside advisors.
BBC News, 13 August 2026, 22:46-22:52
- 22:52
Claim Caroline Leavitt steps down as White House press secretary
Leavitt is the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary.
BBC News, 13 August 2026, 22:52-22:56
- 23:00
- 25:10 ~5 min without annotations
Source: BBC NEWS, "BBC News", Thursday 13 August 2026. Transcript excerpts and stills are shown only to support the analysis annotated alongside them. Search-result excerpts are distinct from the editorial annotations — see our copyright basis. The full broadcast is not reproduced.