This week, the world watched as a major political shift occurred in Syria. Rebels took control, forcing the country’s long-time leader, Bashar Assad, to seek refuge in Russia. With the end of President Joe Biden's term approaching, the future of the region remains unclear.

In the United States, the suspect in the high-profile murder of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, Luigi Mangione, was officially charged. Police found that the bullet casings from the crime scene matched the gun carried by the suspect.

The U. S. House passed a significant defense bill worth $895 billion, which includes a raise for military personnel. This comes as our defense strategies continue to evolve.

Closer to home, in Illinois, the state flag design competition picked its top 10 finalists. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump's new "border czar", Tom Homan, stirred controversy by threatening possible deportations. Governor JB Pritzker reacted by promising to protect immigrants, but with a caveat: anyone convicted of a violent crime could face deportation.

Chicago saw a chilly week, and Mayor Brandon Johnson adjourned Friday's City Council meeting until Monday, leaving the city's budget unresolved. Will the mayor find enough votes by Monday?

The Chicago Bears faced yet another loss, this time against the 49ers. Fans are now questioning if the team can manage a win this season. On a brighter note, the Michelin awards were revealed, and Chicago gained a new one-star restaurant: Cariño, a contemporary Mexican eatery in Uptown.

Big News and Local Happenings: A Week in Review

Actions