middle east. the fall of assad. syrian rebels topple the government, bringing an end to a 13 year civil war. good evening, and thank you for joining us. i'm dion lim. the brutal assad regime is out and crowds gathered in syria to celebrate as rebels seized control of the capital, damascus, today. russia says president bashar al assad has resigned and left the country. his private residence ransacked. he was granted asylum in russia. abc news reporter patrick revel has a look at how the series of events unfold. >> historic scenes of celebration in syria as dictator bashar al-assad was overthrown. a coalition of rebel groups seizing the capital, damascus, today after sweeping across the country in a lightning offensive, putting an end to the assad family regime, which has been in power since 1971. russian state media reporting that assad and his family have fled to moscow, saying the kremlin will offer its ally

asylum people walking freely. the presidential palace also ransacking assad's homes in the streets. jubilant crowds celebrating as regime forces appeared to melt away. emotional scenes as the rebels broke open assad's notorious prisons. such scenes were considered unthinkable less than two weeks ago, when the rebels, led by an islamist group, launched their sudden offensive. but that quickly snowballed, and key cities across the country were overrun in days on the empty roads into the capital, burning military vehicles, piles of uniforms abandoned by assad soldiers on the streets. today, the leader of the islamist rebel group, abu mohammad al-julani, arriving triumphantly in damascus, addressing a crowd at a mosque. president biden today saying the u.s. is ready to talk with all rebel groups to try to build a new, inclusive syria. >> they're saying the right things now. but as they take on greater responsibility, we will assess not just their words, but

their actions. >> covearge mr. assad, israel's prime minister, benjamin netanyahu, whose country borders a part of syria, announcing the israeli defense forces had seized a buffer zone inside syria, saying it was to secure israel's border. president elect donald trump saying the u.s. should not intervene around the world celebrations from exiled syrians. more than 5 million syrians were driven abroad by the brutality of the assad regime and the civil war, including over a million to europe alone. huge numbers of syrians now hope they can return home for now. so much uncertainty. the question how will the rebels govern? and can syria finally put conflictd can behind it? patrick reevell abc news, london. >> the collapse of the assad regime marks the end of 53 years of the family's rule in syria. the assad rule began in 1971 when hafez al assad became president. he was in power during a massacre regarded as the single bloodiest assault by

an arab ruler against his own people. in modern times. the hama massacre began in 1982, in opposition to an islamic uprising. between 10 and 40,000 people were killed or disappeared in the government attack. bashir al-assad succeeded his father as president of syria in 2000, and assad is known for a brutal rule over syria, which since 2011 has been devastated by a civil war that ravaged the country and turned it into a hotbed of extremist groups. now for local people with ts to syria, there is some uncertainty about what comes next. but there's also hope for a new beginning. abc seven news reporter cornell bernard spoke with syrian americans at a rally today in san francisco. >> joy and celebration at san francisco civic center plaza. >> and nothing but a short of a miracle. something of like, so quick, swift move all across the country, syrian americans

organizing this rally, celebrating the fall of president assad's regime, the oppressive dynasty they ran from, we all, like, fled the country. we're all refugees. we all had to, like, go find other opportunities because of the regime has been oppressing us for the longest of time. and now it's all like out of nowhere. it's just gone. >> waking up this morning and yesterday and seeing that all this dark cloud of oppression is gone and our country is open back again for us to come back. >> living in damascus, being from a city called homs, which is one of the major cities that started the revolution, or the revolution started at like it's something that i'm extremely proud of to see this day happening across town. >> lunch is being cooked up at palmyra syrian restaurant on haight street. owners mohammed and stepan are still processing the news they thought would never happen. >> i am very happy. congratulations. my country. congratulations for everybody.

>> we very surprised because it used to be they control the country. nobody can say anything. you know, everybody is silenced. but now people you know got freedom. yeah. we were happy and we see the sunshine. >> now this couple immigrated to the u.s. from syria 30 years ago. they haven't returned home to see family in almost two decades. >> are you scared to go there? you know, to see them? i am happy. maybe more than time. i see my sister, my brother, my everybody. >> well, there's trepidation and uncertainty about the future of syria under rebel fighters. there's relief and hope that families can be reunited. >> i want to see my family. i want to see my brother. i want to see my niece. i want to see my grandma. i haven't seen him in so long. they don't even like. they don't even know how i look like right now in san francisco. >> cornell, bernard, abc seven news. >> an amended civil lawsuit in the case against sean diddy

combs. now includes allegations against rapper and entrepreneur jay-z. the refiled lawsuit accuses jay-z, who was born sean carter, of raping a 13 year old girl back in 2000. the suit claims the incident took place after the 2000 mtv video music awards. carter is the first celebrity to be accused of sexual assault in connection to combs. he responded to the suit today denying any wrongdoing, and accused the attorney, who filed it of taking part in an extortion in an extortion scheme. in a lengthy statement posted on his roc nation x account, he says in part, quote, these allegations are so heinous in nature that i implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one. we are following the story of oakland's budget issues and worker unions are now reacting to the details of a plan to close an historic $129 million budget deficit. tomorrow, the oakland city council will hold a special meeting to discuss the a

potential cuts. they were released friday. in a report by the city administrator. now, among the moves includes redistributing $38 million to the general fund. potentially laying off 90 city employees and cutting overtime to the police and fire departments. that means borrowing out at least two and as many as six fire stations and eliminating two police academies. oakland city workers say the decision could have a potentially devastating impact. now, in a statement, antoinette blue, a 911 dispatcher and the president of seiu 1021 city of oakland chapter, says city workers are the backbone of the services that residents rely on daily, and laying any of us off would be devastating for those services. two men are dead after a suspected shootout in an antioch bowling alley parking lot. one man died at the scene, while the other later died at the hospital. police believe the 34 year old victim was sitting

in his driver's seat, about to leave when the 35 year old suspect approached and they exchanged gunfire. police say a motive is still unknown and there are no other suspects involved. to the north bay now, an outpouring of support from the community after someone abandoned 27 small dogs near calistoga. the napa county animal shelter and adoption center posted these photos here, saying they desperately needed help and that help arrived. the shelter says they are so overwhelmed with responses from people looking to foster or adopt. there might be a delay in getting back to people. but keep in mind they are working on it. adoption fees are also being waived. today, sunday mass was celebrated inside the notre dame cathedral in paris for the first time since the catastrophic fire of 2019. the world famous cathedral reopened yesterday and this morning in san francisco, a celebratory mass was held at

eglise notre dame des victoires, which was founded in 1856. it was led by seventh grade students of the church's french school. >> it's very important to us because we bear the same name. we are ecole notre dame des victoires, and though we are continents apart, we both bear the name of mary and so we are called to support one another in our joyous times and in our difficult times. and we thought it was a really important opportunity to bring our students together to recognize the significance as well. >> yeah, such a lesson that mass honored first responders and thanked those who assisted in the restoration of notre dame. well, san francisco based autodesk was one of those companies. they created the 3d model used to set the design for notre dame's rebuild. autodesk's chief marketing officer says the company's digital modeling software helped the restoration team get a view of what the original cathedral looked like, what was damaged, and how to

restore the building to its original glory. it took over a year to create an accurate mode. president elect donald trump today revealed more about his mass deportation plan. here are his response to a question regarding situations where some family members are u.s. citizens. >> i'm spencer christian in the week ahead. sunny skies will be giving way to increasing clouds and a chance of rain. i'll have the accuweather forecast in just

—together. —in one place? espn+ content is now on disney+. looking forward to being on the same team with you! can you imagine the fun? the greatest heroes... action... rahhh!!! ...and stories. the stuff dreams are made of! together like never before. what a story! the greatest stories live here. can you believe it? with espn+ content on disney+ for bundle subscribers.

actions he plans to take in his first days in office. trump appeared on nbc's meet the press today, and here's what he said about the 4 million families with mixed immigration status. that's when kids may be citizens, but their parents are not. >> i don't want to be breaking up families, so the only way you don't break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back. >> even kids who are here legally. >> well, well, what are you going to do if they want to stay with the father? look, we have to have rules and regulations. >> trump also said he would take executive action to end birthright citizenship. he also said he would work with democrats to come up with an amnesty plan for dreamers. the thousands of immigrants who came

to the country as children but are now adults. there are some weather changes coming. our way as we take a live look outside where things do look clear and crisp. but it is getting chilly out there and we have a chance of rain in the forecast. we'll talk about timing ahead. >> and the weather is nice and clear here in santa clara. the niners get back on the winning track and they dominate a bears team that hasn't been very good this season. making it look like all those bad news bears. san francisco back in the win column for the fi —together. —in one place? espn+ content is now on disney+. looking forward to being on the same team with you! can you imagine the fun? the greatest heroes...

action... rahhh!!! ...and stories. the stuff dreams are made of! together like never before. what a story! the greatest stories live here. can you believe it? with espn+ content on disney+ for bundle subscribers.

at the black sunday holiday shopping experience in uptown oakland. the event also featured food, art and live entertainment, and in addition there was also a free workshop offering resources and advice for business owners. this is the seventh year for the oakland african american chamber of commerce event. how cool! and then there was this. the jewish community center of san francisco hosted its first ever hanukkah themed makers market. it featured 20 local artists, makers and chefs selling unique handmade crafts, artisanal

foods, as well as hanukkah themed items. >> hanukkah is an amazing winter holiday where it's all about bringing in the light during the darkest days. one of the traditions is gift giving, and we're just really excited to shine a light on our local makers and artists that are in our community. >> organizers say it's one of the only makers markets in the bay area focused on hanukkah. very needed. is this a time where i say mazel tov? >> yeah, you could say that. yeah, absolutely. and all kinds of celebratory things. yeah. does that season. >> yeah. and the weather is something to celebrate. >> the weather is really nice. let's take a look at our satellite image. you can see that this is live doppler seven. we've got clear skies all over the bay area right now. a few thin, high clouds may sweep through, but that's about it. the wind is quite calm. wind speeds under ten miles per hour all over the bay area, and it's just a few degrees warmer in most bay area locations than at this time yesterday. so let's move along and take a

look from mount. not mount tam from sutro tower, looking out over san francisco where it's 56 degrees 61 in oakland right now. hayward 5961. san jose 58. redwood city and 52 at half moon bay. here's the view from mount tam looking down onto the bay. 57in santa rosa, petaluma. 5253 napa. 50 at fairfield. 57 at concord. livermore. 56 degrees. and as we look along the bay waters from our exploratorium camera. these are our forecast headlines. the next two days will bring us chilly mornings, but sunny and pleasant afternoons middle of the week will bring us increasing clouds. and at the end of the week, friday into saturday, the rain will return. but it's beneficial. rain overnight. low temperatures will drop into the mid 30s in places like santa rosa, lakeport, ukiah, over in the fairfield and low of 36 down to 39 at livermore and morgan hill overnight. most other locations will have low temperatures in the low to mid 40s. then tomorrow in the afternoon, bright sunny skies. highs ranging from 61 at half moon bay to mid 60s all around the bay shoreline, 64 here in san francisco. up in the north bay 63. napa 67 at santa

rosa. the inland east bay will be mild, but not quite so mild as it has been only low 60s there, and we'll see highs of 68 in the south bay at san jose and at morgan hill. here's the accuweather seven day forecast. so the clear skies will last through tuesday, which by the way, will bring us a very frosty morning. then on wednesday we'll notice an increase in clouds. thursday the clouds continue to increase with a slight chance of rain. much better chance of rain friday evening into saturday. looks like saturday will be a rainy day. a level one storm on the exclusive abc seven storm impact scale. >> welcome to sports from levi's stadium, the 40 niners win sign. we haven't seen that in a while. san francisco has lost three games in a row entering today, needing a win in the worst way to keep their very slim playoff hopes alive. taking on a really bad bears team. so here we go from levi's stadium as the plane goes overhead. and maybe he saw the grinch and there's a bear in the stands. all kinds of craziness at levi's. niners. get the ball

first. begin of a huge first half for george kittle 138 yards, becoming the third tight end in nfl history. 500 catches and 7000 yards in his career. as george would say, the niners marched right down the field. brock purdy to jauan jennings. that's a touchdown. and then number 15 maybe the hardest part get up and get into the stands seven. nothing san francisco still in the first quarter. purdy finding rookie isaac guerendo the running back on the wheel route played a lot of receiver growing up. now he's a running back looking like cmc on that one. he'd score on the next play and it's 14. nothing. the niners defense crushing chicago in the half four first half sacks. here's leonard floyd getting to the qb nick bosa on the sidelines. but loves his teammates effort there. the bears had only four total yards in the first half. that was crazy. the niners had 319 the first time this season the team's been outgained by 300 yards and a half, then purdy to jennings again. second touchdown of the day 24. nothing at the break. bears go from bad to worse. caleb williams fumbles on the tuck rule. the niners

recover the loose football. kyle shanahan can kind of smile because guerendo gets in for his second touchdown of the day. later left with a foot injury. gonna have to keep an eye on that as the running back room continues to thin out. three game losing streak is over. niners win 3813 six and seven. still have very slim playoff hopes. quick turnaround hosting the rams here thursday night. >> it was everything today. you know we treated it like a playoff game and that's what they are going forward. you know every game means everything you know. and so we're just treating it one week at a time. it's a one and done mentality. and it's just one game coming up. that's that's our entire focus. >> we still have everything in front of us to play for. i know like certain things might need to happen, but if we win every single game, i think we put ourselves in a very good position to either win the division or somehow sneak our way into a playoff contention. >> every week matters. >> so much, we all know that. so i think just the biggest thing was, you know, just getting some energy and momentum. you know, this league is hard. it's tough.

and if you don't have momentum or energy, man and belief within a within a building, it can be really tough. so for us, i think that was the emphasis today and i think we got it. >> we just had some leaders step up over this week just, you know, voicing their opin and with a led back to it's just everybody needs to you know just bring the energy on the sideline. i think that's one of the big reasons we took the w today. >> niners will take on the rams thursday night here where the rams in la a wild game hosting fire boss josh allen and the buffalo bills. the two teams combined for five passing touchdowns five rushing touchdowns and zero turnovers. that's good offense and maybe bad defense. 900 yards of total offense. allen, matt stafford with over 300 passing yards apiece. the rams had a huge lead, but the bills claw right back into the game. rams fan didn't like that. josh allen became the first quarterback ever with three passing touchdowns, three rushing touchdowns. this last one made it a two point game. so the bills need the onside kick. they do not get it. rams do. and they win 4442. buffalo's first loss. believe this since

october. cal football is going bowling except in a bid to the la bowl hosted by that guy rob gronkowski. the golden bears going to take on unlv wednesday, december 18th at sofi stadium. that is the home of the rams and the chargers. 6:00 kickoff on our sister network, espn. it's cal's second straight postseason appearance and 26th bowl game in school history. so the 40 niners now down to about a 9% chance with four games to go. dion. they just have to win to keep surviving. as george kittle said, he's the eternal optimist and i like that usa basketball jersey. that was kind of a good look from george at the postgame podium today. >> always that style for george. yeah we like those odds i mean the momentum ise chris. we like it. we shall see. all right chris thanks. well singer billie eilish is teaming up with caltrain and you can go along for the ride during

♪ but my heart's of gold ♪ ♪ just one more night ♪ ♪ and i'm coming off this long and winding road ♪ ♪ i'm on my way ♪ ♪ i'm on my way ♪ ♪ home sweet home ♪ there's no place like the road home. receive a $5,500 bonus on a new 2024 audi q5 plug-in hybrid during the season of audi sales event.

a new system to support people with mental health struggles is up and running, but not helping as many people as it could. the progress and pitfalls of a statewide overhaul, plus old diesel trains from the bay area

are chugging along on another continent, and a local lawmaker is not on board. those stories and more ahead tonight on abc seven news at 11. well, billie eilish fans will have the chance to take a ride in the caltrain billy car in san jose this week. eilish will be at the sap center on tuesday and wednesday, performing on her hit me hard and soft tour. her team partnered up with caltrain to encourage the use of public transit to her shows instead of driving. the themed billie car will depart from san francisco and make stops all the way down the peninsula. a few lucky riders will even receive some official tour merch on board. how fun for fans! well, that's all the time we have for this edition of abc seven news at six. for chris and spencer and all of us.

host: hey, bay area, it's time to share some amazing stories and feel good. we could all use some inspiration right now and you've come to the right place. this show is all about good food, good people and good living. [♪♪] on today's show, 700 turkeys bring holiday cheer to hundreds of families. bay area jewelry designer makes her mark. community theater takes center stage, but first, light and science create a winter glow