Author: Rachel Maddow

Manhattan’s luxury real estate market posted nearly $12 billion in sales in 2025, highlighting continued strength at the top end of New York City’s housing sector. The figures reflect robust activity among high-net-worth buyers and the sustained appeal of elite urban properties. The sales included multi-million-dollar condos, penthouses, and townhouses in prime Manhattan neighborhoods. These properties offer expansive living spaces, luxury amenities, and proximity to cultural and business hubs, making them highly desirable for both domestic and international buyers. Experts say Manhattan’s elite market remains resilient due to limited supply and strong global demand. Even amid broader economic fluctuations, wealthy…

Europe’s ski industry is facing an unprecedented challenge. Rising temperatures and decreasing snowfall are forcing resorts across the continent to rethink how they operate and the very future of winter sports is at stake. Snow Is No Longer Guaranteed Even in Italy’s Dolomites, where the 2026 Winter Olympics will open in Milan-Cortina, snow is no longer certain. Natural snowfall is becoming rare and resorts increasingly rely on artificial snow to keep slopes open. Producing snow requires large amounts of water and electricity, pushing up operational costs and making lift passes more expensive. For many European skiers, the once-accessible thrill of…

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 take temporary control of Venezuela until a safe and orderly transition could be established. “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 carried out airstrikes against militants linked to the Islamic State in northwestern Nigeria, targeting groups accused of attacking civilians. President Donald Trump described the operations as “powerful and deadly” and said the militants were primarily responsible for harming innocent Christians. Trump’s announcement highlights growing US involvement in Nigeria’s fight against extremist groups, which have long strained the country’s military and security forces. Strengthening Local Forces Nigeria’s military faces persistent challenges in combating extremist groups, often operating in remote areas with limited government presence. These regions, affected by poverty and unemployment, have become fertile ground for recruitment…

European intelligence agencies now dedicate as much attention to investigating Russian interference as they do to counterterrorism, highlighting the growing impact of cyber and sabotage operations on the continent’s security landscape. The warning comes amid a high-profile cyberattack that disrupted France’s national postal service during the critical Christmas delivery period. Postal Service Paralyzed by Claimed Pro-Russian Attack French prosecutors said on Wednesday that the pro-Russian hacking group Noname057(16) claimed responsibility for the attack on La Poste. Following the claim, domestic intelligence agency DGSI assumed control of the investigation, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office. La Poste’s central computer systems went…

Precious metals dominated global markets in 2025, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions, expectations of looser monetary policy, and concerns over economic stability. Gold soared to record levels, reaching $4,481 (€3,797) per troy ounce — a jump of roughly 55–70% year-on-year, marking one of the strongest annual rallies in decades. Silver outpaced gold in percentage terms, climbing 130–140% and approaching $69 (€58) per ounce by late 2025. Historically viewed as a safe-haven investment before modern assets like currencies, bonds, or real estate took center stage, precious metals staged a dramatic comeback this year. Tariff tit-for-tat, global central banks reducing reliance on…

A car explosion in southern Moscow on Monday claimed the life of Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, a top official in Russia’s military leadership. The blast took place in a parking lot next to a residential building, according to Russian media reports. Sarvarov, who led the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces’ General Staff, was critically injured and later died from his wounds, the Investigative Committee confirmed. Investigation Launched Authorities quickly opened a criminal case into Sarvarov’s death, though the motive for the attack remains unclear. Officials said the investigation is focused on determining how the explosive device was…

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 proposal to finance Ukraine would not succeed. After months of discussion, the plan to turn frozen Russian central bank assets into a zero-interest reparations loan collapsed under political, legal, and financial pressure. Supporters called it morally compelling and strategically innovative, while critics warned it carried unpredictable risks and complex legal exposure. As the negotiations reached their final hours, caution overtook ambition, and leaders returned to more familiar territory. Rather than seize Russian assets, governments chose a solution they could control and understand. The European Union will now raise €90 billion…

Airport and airline staff across Europe are preparing to walk out in protest over low pay and poor working conditions, just as the holiday travel rush begins. Unions have described employer actions as “Grinch-style,” targeting staff at one of the most expensive and stressful times of the year. This year, travelers heading home for Christmas or planning winter holidays may face more delays and cancellations than usual. Strikes have become a familiar feature of the festive season, as workers deliberately choose the busiest weeks to press for better pay and fairer treatment. Some actions are scheduled months in advance, while…