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.
The European Union has taken another major step toward strengthening its defence capabilities, approving new national investment plans under its €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme. The initiative is a core part of the EU’s broader Readiness 2030 strategy, which aims to pour hundreds of billions of euros into defence by the end of the decade amid growing concerns over future security threats from Russia. On Monday, the European Commission approved defence investment plans from Estonia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Finland. Together, the eight countries requested €74 billion in loans, nearly half of the total…
The World Bank Group has inaugurated its first office in Doha, signaling a new chapter in its partnership with Qatar and underscoring the country’s growing influence in international development and finance. Opened on Sunday, the Doha office reflects closer cooperation between the World Bank Group and Qatari institutions, with an emphasis on development finance, private-sector engagement and support for countries facing fragility and conflict. The office is based at the headquarters of the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), in coordination with the Ministry of Finance. At the opening ceremony, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga described the move as a…
Peace negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine are set to continue on Saturday in Abu Dhabi, bringing together delegations from Ukraine, Russia and the United States. The rare three-way talks come as the war approaches its fourth year, with cautious optimism mixed with deep uncertainty. Donbas Takes Centre Stage Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the discussions are largely focused on the future of eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region, a key flashpoint since the conflict began. Speaking in a video message, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian negotiators were updating him “almost every hour,” stressing how unusual and significant these trilateral talks…
Anger Over ‘Front Line’ Comments The UK government has strongly criticised comments by US President Donald Trump after he appeared to dismiss the role played by NATO allies in the Afghanistan war. In an interview with Fox News, Trump suggested allied troops stayed away from the front lines, remarks that sparked widespread anger in Britain and beyond. According to official UK figures, 457 British service personnel died during the conflict, with 405 of those deaths caused by hostile action. British officials said the president was “wrong to diminish” the contribution and sacrifice of NATO forces who fought alongside the US…
Any Agreement Must Go Before All Allies Any security arrangement for Greenland negotiated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will need to be presented to all NATO members before it can move forward, Spain’s foreign minister has said. Speaking to Euronews on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, José Manuel Albares stressed that the talks so far amount to a bilateral discussion, not a formal NATO decision. “This is not NATO,” Albares told Euronews. “It is the Secretary General of NATO talking to one of the allies.” He added that no detailed information has been shared with…
A new artificial intelligence tool approved in the United States could significantly improve how doctors detect fetal abnormalities during pregnancy, helping address a long-standing gap in prenatal care. A Smarter Way to Read Ultrasounds The US Food and Drug Administration has cleared an AI-powered ultrasound assistant developed by American start-up BioticsAI for clinical use. The software works alongside existing ultrasound machines, analysing images in real time while scans are being performed. Prenatal ultrasounds are a routine part of pregnancy care, offering doctors a window into how a baby is developing. However, many abnormalities affecting organs or limbs can still be…
Poland’s central bank has quietly built one of Europe’s largest gold stockpiles, pushing its bullion reserves to around 550 tonnes, now worth more than €63 billion. The move underscores a long-term strategy to strengthen economic security amid global uncertainty. Why Gold Sits at the Heart of Poland’s Strategy For years, National Bank of Poland (NBP) president Adam Glapiński has argued that gold plays a unique role in safeguarding the country’s finances. Unlike currencies or bonds, gold carries no credit risk, is not tied to the monetary policy of other nations, and tends to hold its value during financial turmoil. Those…
Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian fashion designer whose name became synonymous with timeless glamour, has died at his home in Rome at the age of 93. Revered for his exquisite gowns and unmistakable sense of elegance, Valentino dressed generations of the world’s most powerful and glamorous women, earning his reputation as fashion’s ultimate red-carpet master. A Master of Beauty and Confidence Known simply as Valentino, the designer famously said he “knew what women want,” and his work reflected that belief. His creations were never about shock value or rebellion, but about refinement, beauty and confidence. From Jackie Kennedy Onassis and…
Airlines across the world are tightening safety rules around portable batteries after a series of dangerous onboard fires, and Germany’s Lufthansa is now setting the standard in Europe with new restrictions for passengers. The move follows a high-profile incident on a South Korean Air Busan flight earlier this year, where a power bank ignited inside an overhead compartment, injuring dozens and destroying the aircraft. Lufthansa Rolls Out Stricter Battery Rules Lufthansa has updated its onboard safety policy to limit how power banks and battery packs can be used during flights. With immediate effect, passengers are no longer allowed to charge…
Tariff threat sparks unity across EU capitals European leaders have moved quickly to present a united front after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose new tariffs unless Denmark agrees to sell Greenland, a move that has stunned diplomats and raised fears of a fresh transatlantic trade conflict. The warning, described by officials as unprecedented, has prompted strong statements from across the continent about sovereignty and collective resolve. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, said Europe would remain “united, coordinated and committed” in the face of what they see…
