Author: Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow is a freelance journalist based in Chicago, USA, with over 20 years of experience covering Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. She holds a degree in Political Science and Journalism from Stanford University. Over the course of her career, she has contributed to outlets including MSNBC, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Recognized for her in-depth reporting and compelling storytelling, Rachel delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on both national and international developments.
Two Russian military planes entered Lithuania’s airspace for 18 seconds on Thursday, according to the Lithuanian military. The aircraft, identified as an Su-30 fighter jet and an Il-78 refuelling tanker, reportedly crossed from Russia’s Kaliningrad region around 1600 CET during a refuelling training mission. Spanish Eurofighter Typhoon jets from NATO’s Baltic Air Police responded immediately and continue to patrol the area. Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nausėda condemned the intrusion on X, calling it a “blatant breach of international law and territorial integrity.” He strongly denounced the airspace violation by Russian aircraft from Kaliningrad and stressed the need for action. Moscow has…
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is cutting 600 jobs in its AI division, US media reported. The company confirmed the layoffs on Wednesday, even as it continues hiring for its superintelligence lab. Axios first revealed the cuts, which will impact Meta’s Fundamental AI Research (FAIR) unit, product-related AI teams, and AI infrastructure groups. Affected Workers Can Reapply Within Meta The newer TBD Lab unit will remain unaffected. Axios, citing a memo from Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang, said Meta is urging affected employees to apply for other internal positions. Most of them are expected to secure new…
TIRANA — Mounting investigations suggest that Albania, a NATO member state once praised for its steadfast alignment with Western sanctions, may have become an unexpected conduit for Russian and Iranian interests seeking to bypass international restrictions. Evidence from multiple sources points to a troubling mix of negligence, smuggling and possible corruption within Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government — conditions that appear to have allowed sanctioned commercial flows to infiltrate the country’s critical infrastructure. A recent investigation by RBC Ukraine uncovered how banned Russian fuel products may be entering Europe through Albanian ports. The report detailed deceptive cargo declarations, including two…
European markets staged a cautious rebound on Tuesday morning after recent volatility and geopolitical tensions. Most major European indexes opened higher as Asian markets extended gains while U.S. futures slipped slightly. By midday, Milan’s stock exchange led with a 0.80% rise, driven by strong performances from UniCredit, Intesa Sanpaolo, energy group Eni, and defence manufacturer Leonardo. German defence stocks also lifted sentiment, though the DAX still dipped 0.13%. Shipbuilder TKMS continued its post-IPO surge, rising 6.28% in Frankfurt after debuting at €60 per share. Rheinmetall AG gained 0.48%, while London’s BAE Systems slipped 0.91%. Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo agreed to…
Afghanistan and Pakistan agreed to hold more talks in Qatar to build a peace framework. The discussions seek to end a week of deadly border clashes that killed dozens. Both governments accepted an immediate ceasefire after talks with Qatari mediators in Doha, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry confirmed. The deal ended the most violent confrontation between the two nations in years, which injured hundreds more. Both sides created plans to strengthen peace and stability through structured dialogue. They will meet again soon to maintain the truce and prevent future conflict, according to the Qatari statement. Turkish negotiators also played a role in…
Thousands of Americans filled streets across more than 2,600 cities on Saturday during nationwide “No Kings” protests opposing President Donald Trump’s leadership. Demonstrators marched through New York City’s Times Square, Chicago’s Grant Park, Boston Commons, and Washington, D.C., carrying banners and chanting calls for change. By midday, crowds in New York and Washington chanted “Trump must go now” while waving signs condemning the administration’s immigration policies. Many signs read “Nothing is more patriotic than protesting” and “Resist Fascism.” Bands played, people danced, and some protesters dressed as frogs — a growing symbol of resistance in Portland, Oregon. This marks the…
Luxury hotel bookings in the United States are seeing a significant surge, even as overall travel spending declines. Affluent travelers continue to splurge on high-end accommodations, with nightly rates now averaging between $1,500 and $2,500. This is a sharp increase from pre-pandemic rates of around $900 per night. Industry experts say this trend reflects the resilience of the luxury travel market. While many Americans are cutting back on vacations and leisure spending, wealthy travelers are prioritizing comfort, exclusivity, and unique experiences. Upscale hotels in major cities and popular vacation destinations report higher occupancy rates. Luxury suites and premium rooms are…
The jury of the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, led by Garrick Ohlsson, selected 11 pianists for the final round. Polish audiences now place their hopes on Piotr Alexewicz, the only local artist to qualify. The competition, launched in 1927, remains one of the oldest and most prestigious piano contests in the world. Every participant performs works composed exclusively by Fryderyk Chopin, honoring his enduring musical legacy. Global Talents Set to Perform in Warsaw The finalists include Kevin Chen (Canada), David Khrikuli (Georgia), Shiori Kuwahara (Japan), Tianyou Li (China), Eric Lu (United States), Tianyao Lyu (China), Vincent Ong (Malaysia),…
An Oslo court convicted a 28-year-old Norwegian man of espionage on Wednesday, finding that he spied for Russia and Iran while working as a security guard at the U.S. Embassy in Norway. The court sentenced him to three years and seven months in prison. Prosecutors said the man gave foreign agents details about the embassy’s diplomats, floor plans, and security routines, according to Norwegian state broadcaster NRK. They also said the man approached Russia and Iran after growing angry over U.S. ties to Israel and the war in Gaza. The man accepted the facts in the indictment but denied committing…
China and the US continue to clash as both countries impose shipping fees, unsettling global investors. President Trump attempted to calm fears on social media, saying, “Don’t worry about China, it will all be fine!” European stock markets opened lower on Tuesday, following a Wall Street rally driven by Trump’s reassurance about ties with Beijing. Despite his words, investors remain cautious as the world’s two biggest economies escalate their trade dispute. Both sides began charging fees on each other’s ships on Tuesday after a US probe into China’s shipbuilding dominance. Washington placed a $50-per-tonne (€43.27) fee on Chinese vessels in…
