More from Mahmoud Bennett
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Jerusalem holy site viewed as emotional epicenter of Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Violent clashes unfolded at one of Jerusalem’s holiest sites over the weekend. The shrine, known to Muslims as the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and to Jews as the Temple Mount, is considered the emotional epicenter of the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel said its security forces entered the site on Sunday in response to Palestinian rock-throwing and that… -
Defamation spotlight: Depp lawsuit continues, Rittenhouse considers action
Johnny Depp’s defamation lawsuit against Amber Heard has started in Virginia. Depp sued Heard in March 2019, alleging a column Heard wrote in The Washington Post about domestic violence was defamatory. The actor has asked for $50 million in damages. Heard has filed a $100 million countersuit. In the past three years, viral videos and cases… -
Putin warned over potential chemical weapons use in Ukraine
As the war in Ukraine continues, European and U.S. officials have expressed concerns that Russia may resort to the use of chemical weapons. Western officials and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have warned that Putin could deploy chemical agents. “The world must react now,” Zelenskyy said. Officials said they are investigating an unconfirmed claim by a… -
Taiwan issues war survival handbook as China threat grows
Taiwan’s military released a handbook on civil defense for the first time this week, advising civilians on how to prepare for a potential Chinese invasion. The book includes information on where to find bomb shelters and how to stockpile emergency supplies. China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control… -
Report: Jared Kushner’s firm received $2B Saudi investment
Jared Kushner’s firm, Affinity Equity, secured a $2 billion commitment from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund shortly after President Donald Trump left office, according to a New York Times report. The deal came despite a Saudi Public Investment Fund review panel’s concerns about “inexperience” and a due-diligence review that was “unsatisfactory in all aspects,” according to… -
GOP: Putin’s only American supporters are ‘lonely voices’
As the West continues to hit Russia with sanctions over the country’s invasion of Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin is having trouble finding support in the United States. Prior to the war, a YouGov poll in January found that Republicans viewed Putin more favorably than members of Democratic leadership. This sentiment has largely changed, with Putin’s… -
From Civil War to Malibu mansions: Behind missions of the Secret Service
The Secret Service has existed as a federal agency for more than 150 years, but its role to protect national leaders and visiting heads of state was not its original purpose. The agency was founded in 1865 as a bureau in the Treasury Department to combat the growing use of counterfeit currency at the end of… -
Protests, debate continue over Disney, Florida education bill
Protests have continued in California over Disney’s position on a new Florida law. Hundreds protested outside the front gates of Walt Disney Studios in Burbank Wednesday evening. The demonstration was organized by a group called Hold The Line. The protest was tied to Disney’s response to Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill, also called the “Don’t… -
Hope and fear as Elon Musk joins Twitter board
Twitter employees are voicing concerns after Elon Musk promised to make ‘significant improvements‘ to the social media platform as a company board member and majority shareholder. After news broke that the Tesla CEO had made a $3 billion investment in the platform, many took to Twitter to share their feelings. “Good morning to our new overlord,”… -
Guests weigh in on Disney opposing so-called ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill
The debate over the new Florida Parental Rights in Education law has forced Disney into a balancing act between the expectations of a diverse workforce and demands from an increasingly polarized, politicized marketplace. The company’s CEO Bob Chapek has criticized the Florida legislation that opponents call the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. On the other side, politicians… -
Federal agencies introduce gender “X” on Transgender Day of Visibility
On the Transgender Day of Visibility, the White House announced federal agencies will recognize a new gender designation as part of a push for more gender neutrality. Use of the “X” pronoun in TSA Precheck will begin Apr. 11, and the Department of Homeland Security said the move is intended to keep pace with identity… -
EEOC, Activision Blizzard settle $18M workplace discrimination lawsuit
A judge has approved Activision Blizzard‘s $18 million settlement with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The case stemmed from a complaint the federal agency filed after a years-long investigation, which alleged employees at the company were subjected to severe sexual harassment and pregnancy discrimination. It’s the latest high-profile settlement for the EEOC, which is… -
What is Ramadan and why do millions of Muslims fast?
Millions of Muslims around the world will mark the start of Ramadan next month. Islam’s holiest month involves intense prayer and dawn-to-dusk fasting. The fast is intended to bring the faithful closer to God and to remind them of the suffering of those less fortunate. As with fasting in other religious traditions, it’s seen as…