In this episode of the Up First podcast, three significant news stories take center stage. First, President Biden's controversial pardon of his son, Hunter, has drawn criticism for possibly compromising his commitment to the rule of law. Next, a renewed rebel offensive in Syria is taking advantage of the distraction caused by Syria's allies who are preoccupied with other regional conflicts. Lastly, ongoing protests in Georgia are intensifying, driven by the government's halt of EU membership talks and allegations of election rigging, raising fears of Russian influence. NPR correspondents and experts provide insightful analysis on the political implications and potential fallout from these events.