Author: Rachel Maddow

In a move that shocked the international community, US forces arrested Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas and transported them to New York to face criminal charges. Following the operation, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would temporarily take control of Venezuela until a safe and orderly transition could be arranged. “We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump said during a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort. “We can’t take a chance that somebody else takes over Venezuela who…

The United States has launched a series of airstrikes against Islamic State–linked militants in northwestern Nigeria, stepping up its support for the country’s battle against extremist groups. President Donald Trump described the strikes as “powerful and deadly” and said they targeted militants responsible for attacks on civilians. Trump emphasized on social media that the militants were “viciously killing mostly innocent Christians,” highlighting the urgency of international involvement in the region. Strengthening Nigeria’s Security Forces Nigeria’s military has been stretched thin for years, dealing with multiple insurgent and extremist groups across the country. The northern states, including Sokoto, frequently see airstrikes…

European intelligence agencies warn that investigating suspected Russian interference now demands as much attention as counterterrorism efforts, highlighting how cyber operations and sabotage have become central security concerns. The warning comes amid a series of high-profile cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure in France and across Europe. Christmas Cyberattack Hits National Postal Service French prosecutors said Wednesday that the pro-Russian hacking group Noname057(16) claimed responsibility for a cyberattack that disrupted La Poste, France’s national postal operator, during the busy Christmas period. Following the group’s claim, the domestic intelligence agency DGSI took over the investigation, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office. La Poste’s…

Precious metals have dominated markets in 2025, propelled by geopolitical tensions, expectations of looser monetary policy, and fragile global economic stability. Gold prices reached record highs, climbing as much as $4,481 (€3,797) per troy ounce — an annual increase of roughly 55–70%, marking one of the strongest rallies in decades. Silver, often seen as the “lesser metal,” outpaced gold in percentage terms, surging 130–140% and hitting record levels near $69 (€58) per ounce by late 2025. Once overshadowed by modern financial assets like currency, bonds, and real estate, precious metals staged a powerful comeback amid a year defined by tariff…

In Indiana, identical twins with very different political beliefs are gaining attention for showing that respect and family bonds can survive even deep political divides. Their story is a reminder that civil dialogue is possible, even in today’s polarized environment. The twins, who grew up in the same household, hold opposing views on major issues, from healthcare to economic policy. Despite their differences, they prioritize listening, understanding, and avoiding personal attacks. Their approach has earned praise for promoting civility and empathy in a time when politics often divides families and communities. Political experts say the twins’ story highlights the importance…

A car explosion in southern Moscow on Monday claimed the life of Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, a senior commander in the Russian Armed Forces. The blast occurred in a parking lot adjacent to a residential building, according to local media reports. Sarvarov, who led the Operational Training Directorate of the General Staff, was severely injured and later died from his wounds, authorities confirmed. Investigation Underway The Investigative Committee opened a criminal case immediately following the incident and said the motive behind the attack is still unknown. Officials have not provided details on the type of explosive used or the method…

Partial Release Draws CriticismThe US Justice Department released thousands of documents and photographs related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, but lawmakers immediately criticized the disclosure as incomplete. Many of the released images show former President Bill Clinton, reigniting public scrutiny, while Democrats demanded the full, uncensored files. The trove includes FBI photographs, call logs, court documents, and other investigative records, but numerous files remain redacted or withheld. Officials said additional releases will follow in the coming weeks, though frustration among advocates for transparency remains high. The initial publication falls far short of expectations, angering lawmakers who accused the…

Late Thursday night, EU leaders conceded that their most ambitious plan to fund Ukraine could not succeed. After months of negotiation, the proposal to transform frozen Russian central bank assets into a zero-interest reparations loan collapsed under political, legal, and financial pressure. Advocates had hailed it as morally clear and historically unprecedented, while critics warned it carried massive liabilities and untested risks. As discussions reached their final stage, caution replaced ambition, and leaders chose a path they understood rather than a leap into the unknown. Instead of moving forward with the reparations loan, the EU will now raise €90 billion…

Airport and airline workers across Europe are walking out in protest over low wages, poor working conditions, and what unions describe as “Grinch-style” behavior from employers. The timing of these strikes is no coincidence: workers are targeting the busiest travel weeks of the year to maximize pressure for better pay and protections. Christmas and winter holidays, already stressful for travelers, are now complicated by the threat of sudden cancellations and delays. Some strikes are planned months in advance, giving travelers time to adjust, while others appear with very little notice, leaving passengers scrambling for alternatives. Checking for updates before traveling…

France’s Interior Ministry faced a cyberattack that lasted several days, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed. The attackers targeted professional email accounts at the Place Beauvau ministry, which employs nearly 300,000 staff. The breach allowed unauthorized access to sensitive police files, raising immediate concerns about data security. Nuñez spoke publicly on Wednesday, explaining that authorities detected unusual activity and acted quickly to contain the situation. Despite the seriousness of the incident, the minister stressed that public safety was not compromised. The attack highlights how even large, well-organized institutions can fall victim to cyber intrusions. Hackers were able to navigate through the…