Assad escapes Syria as Trump promises pardons for Capitol rioters: Weekend Recap

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled the country as rebel forces captured Damascus, prompting celebrations across Syria but raising concerns in the West over the Islamist group leading the assault. President Joe Biden commended the regime’s fall and outlined continued U.S. involvement in Syria. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump discussed pardoning supporters involved in the U.S. Capitol attacks and other key policy priorities for his second term. Jay-Z and Sean Combs were accused in a lawsuit of raping a 13-year-old girl in 2000 after an MTV afterparty. The search for the killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson continued, with New York police releasing new photos of a person of interest. Notre Dame reopened after a fire nearly destroyed the landmark, with a grand ceremony attended by world leaders. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol survived an impeachment effort following a declaration of martial law. Taylor Swift’s record-shattering world tour concluded, impacting the economy and entertainment industry. The FDA may ban artificial red food dye, and a 12-year-old boy died after falling through ice in Albany. Additionally, college football playoffs were unveiled, a Rutgers drug ring was exposed, and Mariah Carey’s classic holiday song experienced a decline in popularity during October and November.

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