A Syrian court has sentenced former president Bashar al-Assad and his brother Maher to death in absentia for war crimes and crimes against humanity during the country’s 14-year civil war, which resulted in approximately 500,000 deaths. The court specifically cited charges including "premeditated and intentional murder of more than one person and of children," alongside torture and arbitrary arrest. Additionally, Assad's cousin, Atef Najib, received a death sentence for his role in the torture of 15 boys whose anti-regime graffiti sparked mass protests in 2011.
Planet Money has collaborated with Exploding Kittens to create a new board game titled *Sell Me A Sasquatch*, inspired by the economic concepts presented in George Akerlof's 1970 paper "The Market for Lemons." The game, suitable for ages 10 and up, simulates market dynamics such as asymmetric information and adverse selection through trading creatures and cryptids, highlighting how poor information can lead to market failure. Players engage in a playful environment where trust erodes as deals become increasingly dubious, reflecting the complexities of real-world economics.
Courts in England and Wales have implemented a ban on Meta glasses, which can record video footage and have been criticized as "spyware," prohibiting entry to anyone wearing them. The His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service stated that such glasses will be confiscated upon entry and returned when individuals leave, while smartphones are still allowed under conditions that prevent recording. This decision follows similar bans in New York and stems from concerns over privacy and security, with Meta having sold 7 million pairs of these glasses, priced between £269 and £469.
Major-General Fawzi al-Mansouri, the head of military intelligence for Libya's self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA), was killed in a targeted assassination when an improvised explosive device detonated as he entered his car in Benghazi on August 8, 2026. His death underscores ongoing security challenges in Libya, which has remained divided between eastern and western factions since the 2011 uprising that ousted Muammar Gaddafi. Following the assassination, Osama Saad Hammad, the prime minister of the Eastern Libyan government, condemned the act as "treacherous" and pledged to investigate the circumstances surrounding it.
A family in Colombia recorded their escape from their home during a 7.4 magnitude earthquake, realizing it was an earthquake after more than 30 seconds of intense shaking. At least 132 people were reported killed, marking this as the strongest earthquake to hit Colombia in the 21st century, according to the country's Geological Service. Despite losing their home, the mother stressed the importance of life over material possessions as her family, including two children, remained safe.
A Syrian court sentenced ousted President Bashar Assad and his brother Maher to death in absentia for crimes against humanity and war crimes related to the 14-year conflict that caused approximately 500,000 deaths. This verdict, delivered by Judge Fakhareddine al-Aryan, marks the first legal action against Assad or his inner circle since their family's rule ended 20 months ago. Assad's maternal cousin, Atef Najib, who oversaw crackdowns in Daraa that sparked the uprising, was also sentenced to death in the same case.
Atef Najib, a former Syrian security official, has been sentenced to death by a Damascus court for overseeing torture and killings during the Syrian civil war, alongside ousted leader Bashar al-Assad and his brother, who received the death penalty in absentia. Najib was charged with at least 10 crimes, including murder and torture linked to the 2011 crackdown on protests in Deraa, which catalyzed the civil conflict. This ruling, issued by Syria's Fourth Criminal Court, represents a significant step as it is the first conviction of a senior official from the al-Assad regime under the transitional authorities, highlighting the ongoing accountability efforts in the country.
Bangladesh is negotiating to save a six-match cricket series against India, originally planned for August 2025, comprising three one-day internationals and three T20 matches, after it was postponed due to deteriorating diplomatic relations following the 2024 political upheaval in Bangladesh. The foreign ministers of both nations are currently involved in discussions, with Bangladesh's Sports Minister Aminul Haque expressing hope for a quick resolution to the deadlock, especially after Bangladesh's refusal to participate in the T20 World Cup amid security concerns. In the last encounters, India toured Bangladesh in 2022, winning the Test series 2-0, while Bangladesh claimed victory in the ODIs 2-1; in contrast, during their 2024 tour of India, Bangladesh lost both Tests and T20 matches.
In the special primary election to replace the late US senator Lindsey Graham in South Carolina, 10 candidates are campaigning for the position, with the vote taking place on Tuesday. Darline Graham, Lindsey's sister and interim senator, is among those on the ballot, and polling suggests a runoff is likely if no candidate secures a majority. The winner will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in the November general election, amid concerns that the hurried election timeline may hinder voters’ knowledge of the candidates.
Minnesota's upcoming primaries feature a diverse range of candidates with significant implications for both the Democratic and Republican parties, as Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan competes against US Representative Angie Craig for the Democratic Senate nomination, while election denier Mike Lindell, backed by Donald Trump, vies for the Republican gubernatorial nomination. The state, which hasn't elected a Republican statewide since 2006 and has not voted for a Republican presidential candidate since 1972, is grappling with issues such as state fraud, with both Flanagan and Craig addressing this concern as they campaign. Governor Tim Walz has withdrawn from the race amid fraud scandals, and Senator Tina Smith will not seek reelection, leading to a significant shift in the political landscape.
Wisconsin voters are set to decide on a democratic socialist, Francesca Hong, as the frontrunner in a four-way primary for governor, amid a growing trend of progressive victories in the U.S. Recently, she has garnered attention for her platform promoting childcare for all and free school meals, while the establishment candidate, David Crowley, was supported by outgoing governor Tony Evers. The primary takes place on August 11, with the winner facing Republican Tom Tiffany, and it’s critical for Democrats aiming to retain the governorship and possibly gain control of the state legislature.
On July 31, a female caspian tiger named “Umit” was released into a nature reserve in Kazakhstan, marking the first time this species has been seen in the country in over 70 years, following its extinction declaration in 2003. Plans are underway to create a self-sustaining population of around 50 caspian tigers, with ongoing efforts that include raising two wild tiger cubs for future release. The restoration project is built on scientific breakthroughs that identified genetic similarities between the caspian and amur tigers, facilitating this significant reintroduction effort.
Luigi Mangione, 28, is due to appear in Manhattan court on Tuesday for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, allegedly gunned down on December 4, 2024. His trial is set to start on September 8, and he also faces federal stalking charges related to the case, which has garnered international attention due to its implications for America's for-profit healthcare system and Mangione's controversial social media following. Concerns regarding media access and courtroom seating have arisen, with Mangione's lawyers claiming bias from state court officials, which media reports have refuted, stating that the prosecution was not involved in seating arrangements.
Nadia Gramby, a midwife based in Alabama, travels hundreds of miles to provide care in areas designated as maternity deserts, where over 52% of U.S. counties lack hospital-based labor and delivery services; nearly 35% are classified as having no birthing facilities. She is one of about 1,200 Black midwives in the country, aiming to address significant disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes, particularly for women of color, given that over 20,000 U.S. infants die before their first birthday each year and maternal mortality rates are disproportionately high among Indigenous and Black women. Gramby founded Crown of Glory Birth Services in 2018 to support families through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, emphasizing personalized care that considers the emotional and physical needs of her clients.
Donald Trump reportedly executed a secret plane swap after a NATO summit in Turkey due to a credible Iranian threat, transferring from Air Force One to a C-32A military aircraft disguised with the aid of a catering truck. While journalists and White House staff were instructed to close their window shades aboard Air Force One, Trump was able to escape unnoticed and later flew to the UK before returning to the US on the older Air Force One. Although the White House has not confirmed the maneuver, it was revealed that US intelligence had previously warned of potential attacks on Trump or his aircraft, leading to enhanced security measures on the newer $400 million Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar.
Amazon's Leo satellite internet service is set to launch in South Africa in 2027 through a partnership with Herotel, aiming to connect homes and businesses in underserved areas, with Herotel already serving over 350,000 customers across 550 towns. Meanwhile, SpaceX's Starlink has rapidly expanded its service to 10.3 million subscribers in 164 countries as of March, highlighting the growing role of satellite services in regions with limited internet access. However, concerns persist about the affordability of such services for poorer households, the influence of foreign corporations on local economies, and the historical precedents of foreign control over essential infrastructure in Africa.
Since the outbreak of the US-Israel war on Iran in February, Iraq's Kurdistan region has been directly impacted, facing over 1,000 missile and drone attacks, which Prime Minister Masrour Barzani described as "unjustifiable." The region has experienced a 70 percent decrease in trade, with estimated losses amounting to 1.5 trillion Iraqi dinars ($1.14 billion) by April, significantly harming its economy during an existing financial crisis. Kurdish authorities have named the armed groups responsible for the attacks and reported the situation to the Iraqi government, which has not taken action against these factions despite ongoing violations of Iraqi sovereignty.
Vietnam's Vinspace has partnered with SpaceX to launch its first satellites using the Transporter ride-share program in the second quarter of 2027. The agreement allows Vinspace to test satellite technology, with the company responsible for research, development, manufacturing, and operation after the satellites are launched. Vinspace, part of Vingroup and backed by Pham Nhat Vuong, was established with a committed capital of 300 billion Vietnamese dong ($11.5 million) and aims to advance Vietnam's commercial aerospace ecosystem.
Andy Burnham's pledge to end rough sleeping is jeopardized by a rising number of newly released prisoners facing homelessness, with nearly one in six (15.9%) of those leaving jail in England and Wales last year without housing, an 18% increase from the previous year. In total, 15,155 individuals were freed from prison into homelessness, averaging about 300 per week, while over 1,300 women also experienced homelessness upon release—a 27% increase on the previous year. Regional statistics indicate that south-central England has the highest rate of homelessness for released prisoners at 20.7%, with prisons struggling to provide adequate housing planning and support for reintegration.
Rescuers are searching for survivors in western Colombia following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that killed at least 132 people and left around 2,700 reported missing. The hardest-hit cities, Cali and Pereira, faced significant destruction, with at least 1,600 buildings damaged or destroyed, including hospitals and historic structures. Initially reported injuries were at least 87, but this figure later rose to around 700 in Valle del Cauca alone, as emergency teams continued efforts to dig through the rubble and reach trapped individuals.
Vietnam's only private space company, VinSpace, signed a deal with SpaceX to launch its first satellites in 2027 as part of SpaceX's Transporter rideshare program, although the number of satellites and contract value were not disclosed. Established in November 2025 by Vingroup, VinSpace aims to develop and operate satellites to test technologies and build a full-service aerospace capability. Vietnam has set a goal to become a mid-level space power in Southeast Asia by 2030, having launched its first telecommunications satellite in 2008 and expanded its space technology initiatives, including the opening of a major space science and technology center in March.
This year, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has implemented new policies to ban screen time for students in 1st grade and under, with limits for older grades being rolled out throughout the year. More than 400,000 students will be affected by these changes, which mark a significant shift from the district's previous commitment to integrating technology in the classroom. Teachers, like Armaghan Khan, are expressing concerns about the lack of guidance and support, with many indicating that around 75% of their previous teaching relied on screen-based activities.
Thousands of National Guard members have been patrolling Washington D.C. for over a year under an anti-crime deployment, originally initiated in August 2025, and this deployment has now been extended until Inauguration Day of 2029. Despite a 30-year low in homicides, violent crime has actually increased compared to 2025, leading to ongoing debates about the effectiveness of the military presence, which has been challenged in court and criticized by experts and civil rights groups. The National Guard members, who have been granted limited law enforcement powers but cannot make arrests, are integrated into D.C. life, appearing in various public spaces, while activism against their presence continues.
Alabama is holding a second primary election on August 11, 2026, following changes to congressional district lines that have caused confusion among voters, particularly in predominantly Black regions. The Republican-controlled state legislature reconfigured four of the state's seven districts, prompting concerns that this may discourage Black voters, who are crucial for the Democratic party, as they make up over a quarter of Alabama's population. The adjustments come as the Supreme Court has permitted states to redraw districts for partisan reasons, raising alarms among Democratic representatives about fair representation in the wake of the Voting Rights Act's dismantling.
The article describes a significant decline in the efficiency and effectiveness of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) due to staff reductions resulting from the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency's efforts to cut employment in early 2025, which has led to over 600 information specialists resigning or being fired. By the end of the 2025 fiscal year, OPM had over 1,600 FOIA requests in backlog—seven times more than the previous year—with processing times for simple requests increasing to over 84 days, double from the year prior. The article outlines the ongoing challenges faced by individuals trying to navigate the FOIA system, particularly with OPM's web portals and the chaotic state of communication and support following staff layoffs.
Minnesota and Wisconsin hold primary elections that will shape the Democratic platform ahead of the November midterms, with Wisconsin's gubernatorial race featuring progressive candidate Francesca Hong and mainstream contender David Crowley. Hong, a 37-year-old democratic socialist, has led in polls and called for initiatives like "Medicare for All," but recent data shows about one-third of Democratic voters are still undecided, complicating her campaign. Crowley's reentry into the race, backed by Governor Tony Evers and fueled by significant fundraising, positions him as a candidate advocating for bipartisan cooperation in a state known for narrow electoral margins.
A Syrian court has sentenced former President Bashar Assad to death in absentia for premeditated murder, torture, arbitrary detention, and crimes against humanity, following his ousting in December 2024 after over 50 years of rule. Alongside Assad, senior security official Atef Najib, a cousin of Assad, also received the death penalty for crimes including murder and torture, having been arrested while attempting to flee in January 2025. Najib, a former brigadier general who oversaw the Political Security Branch in Daraa during the uprising, appeared in court under tight security as the judge delivered the verdict.
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake in western Colombia has killed at least 132 people and left over 2,700 missing, with significant damage to approximately 1,600 buildings. The town of El Cairo, near the epicenter, has reported that 80 percent of its structures were affected, with many traditional houses collapsing. In response, President Abelardo de la Espriella has dispatched the military and police for rescue efforts, while the US has pledged $15.5 million in emergency aid.
Iga Swiatek dominated Diana Shnaider with a score of 6-2, 6-1 to advance to the Canadian Open semifinals, where she will face Elina Svitolina, who won her match against Ekaterina Alexandrova with a comeback score of 3-6, 6-0, 6-3. Swiatek's victory took just 68 minutes, during which Shnaider committed 12 unforced errors and Swiatek never faced a break point. This win marks Swiatek's first WTA 1000 semifinal of the season, following a series of inconsistencies and a coaching change after a second-round loss at the Miami Open.
The United States midterm primaries are ongoing, with voters in Connecticut, Vermont, and Alabama heading to the polls to select candidates for Congress and governor. In Connecticut, incumbent Governor Ned Lamont is facing a challenge from progressive state Representative Josh Elliott in a closely watched gubernatorial primary, while Vermont's Democrats aim to nominate a candidate to contest Republican Governor Phil Scott, with two candidates in the running. Connecticut is experiencing a competitive primary season, featuring thirteen contested Democratic primaries, and Alabama voters will participate in special primary elections across four congressional districts affected by a new map altering the state’s majority-Black representation.