Author: Rachel Maddow

Montmartre, the artistic heart of Paris, is seeing a surge in guided art walks. These tours are attracting both local and international visitors. Participants explore the area’s famous studios, street murals, and meet local artists. The walks are designed to showcase Montmartre’s rich artistic history. Visitors get to see where famous painters once worked and learn about the neighborhood’s influence on art movements. Street murals, some newly created, add vibrant color to the historic streets. Tour guides say these walks are popular because they offer a personal experience. Participants can ask questions and interact with artists in their studios. This…

Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada ordered a complete shutdown of fibre optic internet in Balkh to “prevent immorality,” officials confirmed. Residents Struggle with Connectivity Government offices, businesses, schools, and homes lost Wi-Fi, while mobile data remains slow and costly. Many residents rely on fast internet for work and may relocate. Officials Promise Alternatives but Offer Few Details Provincial spokesman Haji Attaullah Zaid said authorities plan a national alternative network but gave no timeline or explanation for targeting Balkh first.

Investors poured into Alphabet after a US judge blocked a forced sale of Google’s Chrome browser. The ruling preserved Google’s key assets and ended nearly five years of antitrust uncertainty. Shares surged more than 4% in Monday trading in Europe, extending gains of over 30% since January. The company now joins Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple in the elite $3 trillion club. Nvidia leads at $4.2 trillion (€3.57tr), Microsoft follows at $3.8 trillion (€3.23tr), and Apple stands at $3.5 trillion (€3tr). Court Shields Chrome and Android The Department of Justice had demanded that Alphabet sell Chrome and possibly Android due to…

Danish researchers analyzed data from over 77,000 people using anti-obesity medications without diabetes. They found 52 percent stopped taking their drugs within 12 months. Eighteen percent quit within three months, 31 percent within six months, and 42 percent within nine months. Patients under 30 were 48 percent more likely to quit than those aged 45 to 59. Men and residents of poorer areas also stopped at higher rates. Researchers suggested these groups may experience more side effects or face financial barriers. GLP-1 Drugs Work Only with Long-Term Use Ozempic and Wegovy mimic a hormone that suppresses appetite. People often regain…

The United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a resolution backing an independent Palestinian state. The resolution calls for a two-state solution and condemns Hamas’s October 7 attack on southern Israel. It also denounces Israel’s siege in Gaza, citing the humanitarian crisis caused by starvation and restricted access. Global Support and Opposition Out of 193 member states, 142 countries voted in favor, 10 opposed, and 12 abstained from the New York Declaration. France and Saudi Arabia presented the resolution, giving the Palestinian Authority control over all Palestinian territories. The plan calls for a transitional administrative committee to take charge immediately after…

Police arrested the suspected gunman who killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah, President Donald Trump confirmed Friday. Trump told Fox News he learned about the arrest minutes before going on air, calling custody “highly certain.” A source close to the suspect provided law enforcement with their location, prompting the arrest. Video Reveals Suspect Fleeing Scene FBI and Utah police released new footage Thursday showing the suspect fleeing Kirk’s assassination on the college campus. Public tips “are giving us our next leads,” said Utah Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason. The footage shows the suspect wearing sunglasses, Converse shoes, and a…

Brazil’s Supreme Court convicted Jair Bolsonaro of plotting a coup to remain in power after losing the 2022 election. Three of five justices found him guilty on five counts, with one vote still pending. Justice Cármen Lúcia ruled for conviction on Thursday, while Justice Luiz Fux voted to acquit the former president. The court will announce Bolsonaro’s sentence after the final justice votes, with prison time potentially lasting decades. Political Tensions Escalate The ruling deepens Brazil’s political divide and could provoke backlash from the United States government. Donald Trump called Bolsonaro’s trial a “witch hunt” and linked Brazilian tariffs to…

Eyewitnesses saw Charlie Kirk take a bullet to the neck before aides rushed him from the stage. US President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death on Wednesday, calling him “great and legendary” and praising his connection with youth. Trump offered condolences to Kirk’s wife Erika and his family, highlighting Kirk’s widespread admiration. Campus Debate Turns Deadly Videos show Kirk speaking under a tent labeled “The American Comeback” when a single shot struck him. Turning Point USA spokesperson Aubrey Laitsch confirmed the shooting and asked supporters to pray for Kirk. Police detained a suspect immediately, then released the individual as investigators opened…

France has strongly condemned the recent Israeli strikes on Doha and expressed its firm support for Qatar. Officials in Paris described the strikes as alarming and voiced deep concern over the growing instability in the region. The government made clear that Qatar remains a trusted partner and plays a key role in ongoing mediation efforts in the Middle East. The statement from France highlighted solidarity with Qatar, stressing that the Gulf nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be fully respected. By reaffirming this position, France underlined its dedication to international law and its opposition to actions that undermine peace and…

Israeli military targeted senior Hamas officials in Doha on Tuesday, expanding their campaign under “Summit of Fire.” Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office confirmed Israel planned and executed the strike independently, taking full responsibility. Eyewitnesses reported multiple explosions and saw smoke rising over the Katara district. Casualties Remain Unclear Initial reports suggest four Hamas Political Bureau members may have died or remain missing, though unconfirmed. Qatari officials reported no confirmed deaths but acknowledged residential buildings housing Hamas leaders sustained damage. The Qatari Foreign Ministry condemned the strike as reckless and launched high-level investigations. Regional Reactions and Security Measures The US Embassy ordered…