The jury of the 19th Fryderyk Chopin International Piano Competition, chaired by Garrick Ohlsson, selected 11 pianists to advance to the final round. Poland’s Piotr Alexewicz remains the country’s only contender, carrying local hopes into the last stage of the contest. The global classical music community now celebrates the announcement of the finalists, as the competition enters its climactic phase in Warsaw. First held in 1927, the event stands as one of the world’s longest-running and most distinguished piano contests. Since its founding, participants have performed only the works of Fryderyk Chopin, preserving the composer’s spirit and artistic tradition. Global…
Author: Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow is a freelance journalist based in the USA, with over 20 years of experience covering Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. She earned her degree in Political Science and Journalism from Stanford University. Throughout her career, she has contributed to outlets such as MSNBC, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Known for her thorough reporting and compelling storytelling, Rachel delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on both national and global developments.
A court in Oslo convicted a 28-year-old Norwegian man on Wednesday for spying for Russia and Iran. The former U.S. Embassy security guard received a three-year and seven-month prison sentence for espionage. The man admitted to the facts in the indictment but denied criminal wrongdoing. Prosecutors said he gave Russian and Iranian contacts details about the embassy’s diplomats, building layouts, and security procedures, according to Norwegian broadcaster NRK. NRK also reported that the man decided to contact the two countries after becoming frustrated by U.S. ties to Israel and the war in Gaza. Defence Lawyers Question Espionage Definition The man’s…
Europe’s Ideals Confront an Uncomfortable Truth Europe often celebrates itself as the defender of democracy and a safe haven for the persecuted. But that image is beginning to falter. Across the European Union, political exiles tell stories of intimidation that crosses borders, prosecutions that follow them into exile, and governments too hesitant to act. This new struggle unfolds quietly — a contest between political authority and the principles of justice. The charges are familiar: corruption, abuse of office, embezzlement. Yet these accusations often collapse when investigated. In the case of former Ukrainian central banker Kyrylo Shevchenko, the charges took a…
Tensions between China and the US keep escalating as both nations impose new shipping fees, unsettling investors. The confrontation marks a fresh chapter in their trade war, even as President Trump posted on social media, “Don’t worry about China, it will all be fine!” European markets opened lower on Tuesday despite Wall Street’s gains on Monday, when Trump attempted to reassure investors about US-China ties. Investor confidence remains fragile as the two largest economies exchange economic blows. Both sides introduced fees on each other’s ships on Tuesday after Washington’s probe into China’s growing power in shipbuilding. The US will charge…
The United States and Finland have signed a $6 billion agreement to build icebreakers, marking a major step in Arctic cooperation. The deal strengthens security and infrastructure in the increasingly strategic Arctic region. Under the agreement, both countries will work together to design and construct icebreaking ships capable of operating in extreme Arctic conditions. These vessels will help maintain safe shipping lanes, support scientific research, and enhance emergency and search-and-rescue operations. Icebreakers are crucial for ensuring access to Arctic waters as melting ice opens new maritime routes. The collaboration between the U.S. and Finland reflects a shared commitment to safety,…
On 29 September, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a sweeping new plan to address the Gaza conflict. Known as Trump’s 20-point plan, the proposal was shaped through consultations with Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and other Arab and Muslim nations. The plan followed escalating tensions after an Israeli strike on Doha that violated Qatari sovereignty and reportedly aimed to target Hamas negotiators. The failed attack prompted Trump to pressure Israel into halting military action. By his second presidential term, Israel had already achieved major objectives in Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza, allowing Washington to push for a…
Afghan forces announced they killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in overnight clashes along the border.Officials said the assault came after repeated violations of Afghanistan’s airspace and territory.Earlier in the week, Afghan leaders accused Pakistan of bombing Kabul and an eastern market, though Islamabad denied involvement.Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghan troops seized 25 Pakistani military posts and wounded 30 soldiers.He declared that Afghan forces now control all official and unofficial border lines, halting most illegal activity. Kabul Vows Retaliation and Border Control Afghanistan’s Defence Ministry confirmed it launched “retaliatory and successful operations” along the frontier.Officials warned that any further violations would…
The European student housing sector is attracting growing international investment, highlighted by Macquarie’s recent acquisition of two major student housing businesses. The deals signal increasing confidence in the sector’s potential across the continent. Analysts say student housing is emerging as a resilient and profitable asset class. Demand remains high due to a rising number of university students, both domestic and international, creating stable income streams for investors. Macquarie’s acquisition includes properties in several European countries, expanding its portfolio and marking a significant move into the student housing market. The investment reflects long-term confidence in the sector’s growth and its ability…
Two hundred US service members arrived in Israel to establish a joint centre coordinating humanitarian and security operations in Gaza.Officials confirmed that no American troops will enter the enclave but will supervise the truce between Israel and Hamas.US envoy Steve Witkoff and CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper inspected Gaza on Saturday to confirm Israel’s first withdrawal phase.“This operation will succeed without American soldiers setting foot in Gaza,” Cooper stated, confirming his command’s leadership role. Fragile Truce Sparks Aid and Prisoner Exchange The ceasefire terms require Hamas to release 48 hostages by Monday, with around 20 believed to still be alive.In exchange,…
Expanding AI and Cloud Infrastructure Across Europe Google commits €5 billion to grow its data and AI infrastructure in Belgium. The expansion, the largest in the company’s Belgian history, will create 300 jobs and strengthen Wallonia’s role in Europe’s data network. The investment ranks among Belgium’s biggest technology projects, signaling Google’s deepening commitment to the continent’s digital advancement. The company will expand its Saint-Ghislain campus in Wallonia to improve access to AI and cloud services throughout Europe. “With today’s announcement, Google strengthens its presence in Belgium, enhances its infrastructure, and drives AI-led transformation,” said Bikash Koley, Vice President for Global…
