Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled the country after rebel forces captured Damascus, with reports that he sought asylum in Moscow. Celebrations erupted in Syria, but concerns arose over the rebel group leading the assault, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). President Joe Biden praised the regime’s fall and outlined continued U.S. involvement during the transition. President-elect Donald Trump stated he plans to pardon supporters involved in the Capitol attacks on his first day in office, among other policy priorities for his second term. Trump also said in an interview that he will not seek retribution against political foes. In other news, Jay-Z was accused in a lawsuit of raping a 13-year-old girl in 2000 along with Sean “Diddy” Combs. UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killer remained at large, with New York police offering a reward for information. Notre Dame cathedral reopened after restoration work following a fire in 2019, and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment effort failed after a declaration of martial law. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concluded in Vancouver, while the FDA considered banning artificial red food dye. The College Football Playoff bracket was revealed, and tragic incidents included children falling through ice in Albany and a fatal plane crash involving Tyler Perry Studios’ president. Rep. Lori Trahan received a bomb threat, arrests were made in a Rutgers University drug ring bust, and Aetna reached a class action settlement with LGBTQ customers. New data shows Mariah Carey’s holiday hit is not as popular in October and November as in the past.
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