Majdal Shams, home to the Druze, perches uneasily at the edge of war

FBI agents searched the home of Los Angeles deputy mayor Brian Williams as part of an investigation into a bomb threat against City Hall, with LAPD identifying him as the likely source. Williams, who has been placed on administrative leave, has been working in Mayor Karen Bass' office for nearly two years overseeing public safety issues. The FBI is continuing the investigation, while Williams could not be reached for comment. Full Article

In today's PMQs, Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch clashed over Labour's policies towards the elderly, with Badenoch accusing Starmer of trying to take away Brexit freedoms and making callous decisions that could impact the economy and pensioners. Badenoch also criticized Labour for not compensating the Waspi women and reducing winter fuel payments, while Starmer pointed out the government's £22bn black hole and record NHS waiting lists. The exchange also saw Badenoch making a bizarre comment...

Sir Keir Starmer's proposed deal with Mauritius to hand over the Chagos Islands has raised concerns that China could build a rival base elsewhere in the archipelago, potentially jeopardizing the joint UK/US airbase on Diego Garcia. Mauritian Prime Minister Dr Navin Ramgoolam rejected the deal as inadequate, prompting renegotiations to ensure better outcomes for the nation. The UK government assured that the Diego Garcia base's operations will remain secure and protected from malign influence under...

The Senate passed a defense bill authorizing pay raises for junior enlisted service members, boosting military spending to $895 billion, and countering China's power, while also removing coverage of transgender medical treatments for military children. The bill faced bipartisan support but sparked debate over social issues, ultimately passing 85-14 and heading to President Biden. House Democrats initially opposed the bill due to the provision banning transgender medical care for children, but it passed 281-140 after...

Your donation to The Independent helps support on-the-ground reporting on critical issues like reproductive rights and climate change. Trusted by Americans across the political spectrum, The Independent provides quality journalism without paywalls. Your support allows journalists to cover both sides of the story, ensuring that important information is accessible to all. Full Article

Justin Trudeau recently compared his political troubles to a family fighting over the holidays in a video that failed to load. The video showed Trudeau discussing the challenges he faces, but technical difficulties prevented viewers from accessing the content. Trudeau's comments on his political struggles were likened to a family feud during the holiday season, emphasizing the personal nature of the conflicts he is dealing with. Full Article