Author: Rachel Maddow

Warmer winters and dwindling snowfall are forcing Europe’s ski resorts to rethink how they do business. With rising costs and environmental pressures, winter sports are becoming less accessible, and the iconic slopes of the Alps and beyond face an uncertain future. Snow Is No Longer Guaranteed Even in Italy’s Dolomites, where the Winter Olympics will open in Milan-Cortina on 6 February, snow coverage is not always natural. Resorts increasingly rely on artificial snow, which comes with high energy and water costs. Snow cannons and water pumps guarantee skiable slopes but push up lift ticket prices, making skiing a more expensive…

In a stunning operation that shocked observers worldwide, US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas and transported them to New York to face criminal charges. Following the arrests, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would take temporary control of Venezuela, overseeing the country until a “safe and proper” transition could be arranged. “We can’t take a chance that somebody else takes over Venezuela who doesn’t have the good of the Venezuelan people in mind,” Trump said during a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. US to Manage Interim Government…

Republican House majority prospects are showing signs of vulnerability as experts highlight the party’s slim margin and recent election losses. Analysts say these factors could give Democrats an advantage in upcoming elections. The Republican Party currently holds a narrow lead in the House of Representatives. This tight majority makes each seat critical, and recent 2025 special election defeats have raised concerns among party leaders. Political analysts note that narrow majorities often face challenges in passing legislation. Voters may also respond to perceived gridlock or lack of progress, which could increase support for Democratic candidates. Democrats are closely watching these developments.…

The United States has launched targeted airstrikes against Islamic State–linked militants in northwestern Nigeria, aiming to curb the ongoing violence that has plagued the region for years. President Donald Trump described the operations as “powerful and deadly,” noting that the militants had been attacking civilians, particularly Christians. Trump said the strikes were meant to neutralize fighters who were “viciously targeting and killing innocent people,” signaling an escalation of US involvement in Nigeria’s fight against extremist groups. Strengthening Nigeria’s Security Forces Nigeria’s military has faced persistent challenges in combating multiple armed groups across the country. Limited resources and manpower have often…

European intelligence agencies now dedicate as much time and resources to investigating Russian interference as they do to counterterrorism, reflecting the growing scale and sophistication of cyber and sabotage operations attributed to Moscow. The latest example came during France’s Christmas postal rush, when a cyberattack disrupted the country’s national postal service. Postal Systems Disrupted by Pro-Russian Hackers French prosecutors said Wednesday that the pro-Russian hacking group Noname057(16) claimed responsibility for the attack on La Poste. Following the claim, the domestic intelligence agency DGSI took over the investigation, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office. La Poste’s central computer systems went offline…

Precious metals have emerged as some of the strongest performers in 2025, propelled by rising geopolitical risks, expectations of looser monetary policy, and ongoing global economic uncertainty. Gold climbed to unprecedented heights this year, reaching as much as $4,481 (€3,797) per troy ounce — a 55–70% increase year-on-year and one of the most powerful annual rallies in decades. Silver, often seen as gold’s secondary counterpart, outpaced its sibling in percentage terms, gaining roughly 130–140% and hitting record levels near $69 (€58) per ounce by late 2025. Once considered a historical safe haven that gave way to currencies, bonds, and real…

A car explosion in southern Moscow on Monday claimed the life of Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, a top official in Russia’s military hierarchy. The blast occurred in a parking lot near a residential building, leaving Sarvarov critically injured. He later succumbed to his wounds, the Russian Investigative Committee confirmed. Sarvarov served as head of the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces’ General Staff. Investigation Launched Authorities immediately opened a criminal case into Sarvarov’s death and confirmed that the motive remains unclear. Investigators have not provided details on the method of the attack but emphasized that the case is…

Justice Department Publishes Limited Documents The US Justice Department released thousands of files linked to Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, a move intended to increase transparency about the late financier’s criminal activities and connections to influential figures. Many images show former President Bill Clinton, drawing renewed attention, though lawmakers insist the release remains incomplete. Democrats quickly criticised the administration, accusing it of withholding key evidence, while the Justice Department promised additional documents in the coming weeks. The initial release includes photographs, call logs, court records, and other investigative files, many heavily redacted, reflecting years of pressure from Congress and the public…

Late on Thursday night, EU leaders finally acknowledged that their most daring financial plan for Ukraine had collapsed. They had spent months debating an unprecedented proposal to use frozen Russian central bank assets to issue a zero-interest reparations loan. Supporters hailed the idea as morally compelling and strategically bold, while critics warned it carried legal uncertainties, financial risks, and political liabilities. As the process reached its climax, hesitation replaced ambition, and leaders retreated from untested financial territory. Instead of moving forward with the risky plan, governments chose a familiar and safer solution. The European Union will now raise €90 billion…

Across Europe, airport and airline workers are walking out in protest of low pay and poor working conditions.Unions have described employer behavior as unfair, even “Grinch-style,” taking advantage of staff goodwill during the busy Christmas season. These strikes often coincide with peak travel periods, increasing pressure on employers and drawing public attention.Many workers believe that striking during the festive season gives them the best chance to win higher wages and improved conditions.Some strikes are scheduled months in advance, giving travelers a heads-up, while others appear at the last minute, causing sudden disruption.Passengers are advised to double-check travel plans and stay…