Syrian rebels captured Damascus over the weekend, sparking widespread celebrations in the city as it marked the end of President Bashar Assad’s rule. The deposed leader and his family fled to Russia and were granted asylum as rebels entered the city without facing much resistance from Assad’s army, with citizens chanting for the downfall of the Baath Party’s 50-year rule. (UPI)
The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information on the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Investigators have found a suspicious backpack in Central Park connected to the case, but it does not identify the shooter. The suspect, captured in photos, may have used a fake ID and traveled from Atlanta to New York. Thompson had received many death threats. (AP)
President-elect Trump plans to address Jan. 6 rioters on his first day in office, suggesting that many should be pardoned while members of the Jan. 6 committee (including former Rep. Liz Cheney) “should go to jail.” He says he won’t issue blanket pardons, but will assess cases individually. Over 900 defendants have pleaded guilty, with some anticipating pardons. (CBS News)
A federal appeals court panel upheld a law that could lead to a nationwide TikTok ban if it doesn’t sever ties with its Chinese parent company, rejecting the platform’s petition to overturn the law. The court cited national security concerns and denied TikTok’s challenge, prompting TikTok and ByteDance to consider appealing to the Supreme Court. (AP)
Religious leaders and parishioners gathered at Notre Dame cathedral over the weekend for the first time since a fire ravaged it five years ago. The sanctuary has been completely rebuilt, and an 8,000-pipe organ fills the space with music. The restoration, including a new altar and spire, was finally completed last week, having been financed by donations. (UPI)
