The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will maintain their position atop Mount Hermon’s Syrian peak through the winter months, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Friday. This move comes after the fall of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad’s regime on Sunday and aims to prevent extremist groups from seizing control of the strategically vital area.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) faced a stinging defeat following the 2024 election as Republicans solidified their hold on Congress and President Trump reclaimed the White House. This latest blow came when Schumer’s effort to secure a Democratic majority on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) failed, marking a dramatic shift in the political landscape.
Music legend Elton John has publicly voiced his concerns over the legalization of marijuana in the United States and Canada, describing it as one of the "greatest mistakes of all time."
Mark Zuckerberg has donated $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural fund, the Wall Street Journal reports. A Meta spokesperson confirmed the donation but declined to provide an additional comment.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu testified in court Tuesday, recounting how former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry boasted about the strength of U.S.-trained Afghan forces during the Obama administration. Netanyahu said Kerry used Afghanistan as an example to advocate for U.S. training and arming of Palestinian police forces, part of an effort to pressure Israel into concessions in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank).
Baroness Dr. Hilary Cass, a leading critic of transgender treatments for children, has warned that allowing minors unrestricted smartphone use constitutes a “deliberate social experiment” with serious consequences. Speaking in her maiden speech to the House of Lords, Cass linked excessive screen time to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and insomnia in children, particularly those already struggling with mental health challenges or bullying.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with outgoing White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on Thursday in Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable minorities in Syria. These groups include Christians, Druze, Kurds, and others who face significant threats amidst ongoing conflict.
President-elect Donald Trump will ring the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Thursday as TIME Magazine names him “Person of the Year.” This marks Trump’s second time receiving the honor, having first been named in 2016 following his initial election to the presidency.
