Here's the biggest news you missed this weekend
US plans to pull back from Syria as fighting escalates
Hundreds of Islamic State supporters escaped from a displaced-persons camp in northern Syria on Sunday amid heavy clashes between invading Turkish-led forces and Kurdish fighter. Additionally, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said President Donald Trump had ordered a "deliberate withdrawal" of U.S. forces from northern Syria, an even more comprehensive withdrawal than had been previously ordered. "I spoke with the president last night after discussions with the rest of the national security team and he directed that we begin a deliberate withdrawal of forces from northern Syria," Esper said, though he declined to provide a timeframe. The twin developments reflected growing chaos in Syria, where the Turkish offensive has raised fears it will destabilize the region, create another refugee crisis and allow the battered Islamic State group to make a comeback.
'No forgiveness for this one': Officer fatally shoots woman in her home
A white police officer fatally shot a 28-year-old black woman, Atatiana Jefferson, in her Texas home early Saturday, prompting outrage and calls for justice by activists and her family. Police released almost two minutes of body camera video of the Fort Worth shooting that shows officers, armed with guns and flashlights, circling the home. The video ends with an officer shouting, "Put your hands up, show me your hands" before the sound of one gunshot. Jefferson was shot through a window. The officer who shot her was identified by police only as a white male who has been on the force for about 18 months. He has been placed on administrative leave. In a statement, police said the department "shares the deep concern of the public," promising a thorough investigation.
Simone Biles becomes the most-decorated gymnast at worlds
Simone Biles became the most-decorated gymnast, male or female, at the world championships Sunday, winning gold on balance beam. It was her 24th medal at worlds, breaking the record she — briefly — shared with Vitaly Scherbo. When Biles saw her score, a 15.066, a huge grin spread across her face and she jumped out of her seat. She threw a couple of roundhouse punches before exchanging high fives with coach Laurent Landi. It was her 18th gold at the world championships, extending her own record.
Why Simone Biles has a 'love-hate' relationship with the balance beam
Hunter Biden says he will resign from Chinese company's board
Hunter Biden, the son of former Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, said he would resign from the board of a Chinese company and pledged not to serve on boards of foreign companies if Joe Biden were elected president. Hunter Biden has received criticism from President Donald Trump and Republicans for his work on foreign boards as House Democrats escalated an impeachment inquiry into Trump for pressuring the Ukrainian government into opening an investigation into Hunter Biden. George Mesires, Hunter Biden's attorney, said Hunter Biden plans to resign from the BHR board by Oct. 31.
Real quick
General Motors strike: UAW will boost strike pay to $275 per week as talks continue.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper says he will cooperate with House Democrats' subpoenas.
LSU jumps three spots to No. 3 in Amway Coaches Poll after defeat of Florida, while Georgia falls.
'Joker' is a box-office beast: No. 1 again and a half-billion worldwide
Ferocious typhoon leaves as many as 33 people dead in Japan.
Power returns but wildfires continue to rage in California
The lights were back on for more than 2 million Northern Californians on Sunday after strong winds fueling wildfire concerns resulted in the state's biggest power utility to darken hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses. In Southern California, a few dozen customers were without power as firefighters slowly gained control over fires that killed two people, destroyed dozens of homes and forced 100,000 to evacuate. The largest fire, Saddleridge, was 41 percent contained Sunday and evacuation orders had been lifted. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who declared a state of emergency Friday because of the fires, said Cal Fire and local firefighters doused more than 300 blazes across the state last week. "Thank you to all of California's firefighters working hard to keep Californians safe," Newsom said.
At least 2 dead after Hard Rock hotel construction collapses
in New Orleans
Two people are dead and one person is still unaccounted for after the construction of a Hard Rock hotel in New Orleans collapsed Saturday morning. At the time of the incident, 19 people were evaluated for injuries, 18 of whom were transported to the hospital and are in stable condition. One person refused to be transported. "This is a serious collapse," said Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards.
This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Contributing: Associated Press.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Syria, Simone Biles, Hunter Biden: The weekend's biggest news
