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Daily news brief — 12 August 2026

10 stories · 11 sources · 5 minute read

The ousted leader was convicted of war crimes in absentia. Plus, Lebanon abolishes the death penalty and 8 other stories

01world

Syrian court sentences Bashar al-Assad and brother Maher to death in absentia

A Syrian court has convicted ousted president Bashar al-Assad and his brother Maher of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Both were sentenced to death in absentia for abuses committed during the country's 14-year conflict.

Why it matters

This ruling represents a significant symbolic step toward legal accountability for the widespread atrocities committed during Syria's civil war.

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Sources

  • AP News
02world

Ukraine presents proposals to U.S. negotiators on ending war with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine has submitted proposals to U.S. negotiators outlining a plan to end the war with Russia. Zelensky also warned that Russia may use its upcoming September elections as cover to mobilize more troops.

Why it matters

This move signals Ukraine's active diplomatic push for a peace framework while highlighting ongoing concerns over potential Russian troop escalations could rise after Russia's elections.

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Sources

  • Reuters
03world

Lebanon abolishes the death penalty

Lebanon's parliament has officially voted to abolish the death penalty. Under the new legislative changes to the country's penal code, all existing death sentences will be replaced with life imprisonment and aggravated hard labor.

Why it matters

This decision marks a major shift in Lebanon's criminal justice system, aligning the nation with global human rights trends toward ending capital punishment.

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Sources

  • Reuters

“Why it matters” for the rest of today's stories is available in the Fivly app.

04world

Thailand orders nationwide tightening of firearms controls

Thailand's prime minister has ordered nationwide measures to tighten firearms controls amid growing security concerns. The emergency directive suspends gun purchase permits and initiates a crackdown on illegal weapons across the country.

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Sources

  • Xinhua
05business

South Korea market lifts on Samsung strength

South Korea's KOSPI index rose, driven by gains in Samsung Electronics and a broader strength in Asian technology equities. Meanwhile, South Korean lawmakers proposed a new bill aimed at criminalizing virtual pornography that features fictional characters.

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Sources

  • Wealthap
  • SCMP
06ai

Google says Gemini app passes 1 billion monthly users

Google announced that its Gemini app has surpassed 1 billion monthly active users, marking it as one of the company's fastest-growing products. This milestone highlights the rapid pace of consumer artificial intelligence adoption.

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Sources

  • TechCrunch
  • Capital Futures
07business

General Motors sets up $4.5 billion safety net to avoid parts shortages

General Motors created a $4.5 billion buffer to protect against potential parts shortages, highlighting supply-chain risk in the auto sector. The step reflects ongoing pressure from logistics and inventory disruptions.

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Sources

  • The Wall Street Journal
08health

Trump signs executive order reshaping childhood vaccine recommendations

President Trump has signed an executive order directing changes to federal childhood vaccination guidance. The new policy includes spacing out scheduled shots and splitting the combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine into separate doses.

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Sources

  • Associated Press
09ai

Bloomberg says Nvidia still faces two big AI buildout problems

Nvidia's rapid artificial intelligence buildout faces critical hurdles beyond mere financing. According to Bloomberg, the ongoing expansion is being significantly constrained by limited power supplies and physical infrastructure challenges.

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Sources

  • Bloomberg
10space

North Korea launches ballistic missile toward the East Sea

North Korea has launched at least one ballistic missile toward the East Sea, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. The military launch was actively tracked by defense officials in both Seoul and Tokyo.

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Sources

  • South Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff