AN ANTI-ASSAD demonstration in Syria (Wikipedai).

The reign of Syrian President Bashar Assad is over, and rebel forces appear to have taken control of the capital city of Damascus.
According to the Associated Press, Assad has resigned and fled the country. One claim – so far unconfirmed – is that he is seeking refuge in Moscow.

The new leader of the Middle Eastern nation appears to be Abu Hohammed al-Golani, whose real name is Ahman al-Sharaa.

He has – in the past – been termed a terrorist by the United States. The week’s events are the latest in the long-running Syrian Civil War among several different factions, ideologies and religions.

He has been identified as having ties to al-Qaida, the militant Muslim group behind the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on the United States.

Trump on tariffs, pardons and immigration

DONALD TRUMP is the president-elect (Shutterstock).

In a televised interview Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press” program, President-elect Donald Trump said that he couldn’t guarantee that the tariffs he has proposed on foreign trade partners wouldn’t raise prices for consumers.

Also, Trump said:
• he would issue pardons on his first day in office for those jailed for their involvement on the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol;

• he would “seal” the U.S.-Mexico border and deport millions of people who are in the United States illegally, including those brought into the country as children.

Sports: Rams stun the Bills, 44-42

PUKA NACUA starred for the Rams in their win Sunday (Rams photo).

The Los Angeles Rams overcame a five -touchdown performance by Josh Allen to defeat the favored Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, winning 44-42.

At one point, the Rams led by 17 points. They managed to hold off a late 21-point surge by Buffalo (11-3) to improve their record to 7-6 and into second place in the NFC West, one game in back of the Seattle Seahawks.

Matthew Stafford completed 23-of-30 passes for 320 yards and two touchdowns. Puka Nacua caught 12 passes for 162 yards and one TD. He also ran for one score.

Cooper Kupp had five catches for 92 yards and a score.

Chargers take on the Chiefs

The Sunday Night Football game pits the Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) against the Kansas City Chiefs (11-1).

Check back for the results.

Weather: Santa Ana winds coming

A “Red Flag” warning has been issued for inland Orange County from Monday to Wednesday for strong Santa Ana winds and low humidity making the fire risk elevated.

The forecast for temperatures on Monday is for a daytime high of 67 with an overnight low of 52 under partly cloudy skies. Tuesday should be sunny with a high of 76, a low of 59 and winds up to 12 miles an hour.

After that, temps should drop to 74 (50) on Wednesday with cloudy skies, then all the way to 66 (46) and partly cloudy on Thursday.