SUMMARY: The head of the U.N. migration agency, Amy Pope, expressed optimism after meetings with Syria’s new caretaker government, noting their recognition of the challenges ahead and their need for international support. Since former President Bashar Assad’s departure, around 100,000 people have returned to Syria, while approximately 85,000 have left for Lebanon. Most of those departing are Shiite Muslims, in contrast to the predominantly Sunni armed groups now in control. Pope, one of the first U.N. agency leaders to visit post-Assad Syria, reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to aid efforts, seeking $30 million to support nearly 685,000 people in the northwest.

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SUMMARY: Controversial gun bills, including repealing Florida’s “red flag” laws, may face challenges in the upcoming legislative session. Senate President Ben Albritton opposes such bills, citing safety concerns and law enforcement opposition. Florida’s risk protection orders, which allow families and police to petition for weapon confiscation, were introduced after the 2018 Parkland shooting. Rep. Dr. Joel Rudman advocates for repealing these laws and supporting open carry, arguing they infringe on Second Amendment rights. However, Albritton, along with law enforcement, believes these laws are vital for public safety. Governor DeSantis has shown little interest in pushing for repeal, with significant legislative opposition.

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SUMMARY: NASA has extended the mission of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who will remain in orbit aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule until spring, nearly ten months after their June 5 launch. Originally slated for an eight-day mission, their return has been delayed due to issues with Starliner, prompting NASA to send it back empty in September. The pair’s homecoming is now pushed to late March or April, contingent on the launch of a replacement crew, which has been postponed for over a month. NASA chose to wait for a new SpaceX capsule rather than using an older model for crew transport.

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