Author: Rachel Maddow

TIRANA — Mounting evidence suggests that sanctioned Russian interests may be using Albania as a backdoor into European markets, exploiting weak oversight, opaque corporate structures, and apparent complicity among government-connected networks. Investigations indicate that through negligence, smuggling, or outright corruption within Prime Minister Edi Rama’s administration, entities tied to critical infrastructure have facilitated commercial exchanges that appear to breach sanctions imposed on Russia and Iran. A major investigation by RBC Ukraine uncovered how banned Russian fuel products were smuggled into Europe through Albanian ports. The report describes ships arriving at the private port of Porto Romano near Durrës disguised as…

Arizona’s Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. House of Representatives to compel the swearing-in of Adelita Grijalva. Grijalva was elected to fill the congressional seat of her late father, representing Arizona’s 7th district. The lawsuit seeks to guarantee that the district has proper representation in Congress. Officials said delaying the swearing-in leaves constituents without a voice on critical legislative matters, including funding, healthcare, and local infrastructure projects. Attorney General officials emphasized that the legal action is necessary to protect voters’ rights and ensure democratic processes are respected. “Every district deserves full representation,” the statement read. “The people…

European markets regained momentum on Tuesday morning after several days of weakness. Investors cautiously pushed indexes higher despite continued geopolitical tension. Asian markets extended earlier gains, while U.S. futures edged lower. By midday, Milan led Europe’s rebound, climbing 0.80% as UniCredit, Intesa Sanpaolo, Eni, and Leonardo all rose. In Germany, defence stocks advanced but failed to lift the DAX, which slipped 0.13%. TKMS, the newly listed submarine and warship maker, gained 6.28% after debuting in Frankfurt at €60 per share. Rheinmetall rose 0.48%, while BAE Systems in London declined 0.91%. Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo agreed to merge satellite operations. Leonardo’s…

By Rachel Maddow | The Mundo PostAdapted from an interview originally published by the Abu Dhabi Times A widening international lawsuit against UBS Group AG is bringing renewed scrutiny to Switzerland’s wartime banking legacy. Dr. Gerhard Podovsovnik, Vice President of AEA Justinian Lawyers, told the Abu Dhabi Times that his firm is representing hundreds of families who claim Swiss institutions deliberately concealed Holocaust-era assets that were never returned after World War II. Dr. Podovsovnik represents Rabbi Ephraim Meir in a case accusing UBS and the Swiss state of orchestrating a restitution system that excluded millions of Jewish claimants. He says…

Afghanistan and Pakistan agreed to meet in Qatar for follow-up talks to set conditions for lasting peace. The decision ends a week of deadly cross-border clashes that killed dozens. Both nations accepted an immediate ceasefire after discussions with Qatari mediators in Doha, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry confirmed. Turkish negotiators also helped broker the agreement. The deal concludes one of the deadliest crises between the two nations in recent years, which left hundreds wounded. Both sides pledged to create mechanisms that would maintain peace and stability. They plan to continue talks in the coming days to preserve the truce. Renewed Tensions and…

Thousands of protesters filled streets across the United States on Saturday, opposing the country’s direction under President Donald Trump. The “No Kings” demonstrations spanned all 50 states, with more than 2,600 rallies nationwide. Protesters gathered in New York’s Times Square, Chicago’s Grant Park, Boston Commons, and Washington, DC, chanting, “Trump must go now.” Many waved signs criticizing Trump’s policies and his immigration crackdown. Crowds held banners reading “Nothing is more patriotic than protesting” and “Resist Fascism.” Some turned the demonstrations into lively street parties with marching bands, a giant US Constitution banner for signatures, and frog-costumed protesters from Portland, Oregon.…

Under the leadership of Garrick Ohlsson, the jury of the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition selected 11 pianists to advance to the final round. Poland’s Piotr Alexewicz carries the nation’s hopes into the decisive stage of the event in Warsaw. The international music world now knows the lineup of the finalists, with Alexewicz standing as the sole Polish representative. First organized in 1927, the competition remains one of the most respected and long-standing piano contests globally. Since its founding, the program has celebrated the legacy of Fryderyk Chopin, featuring only his compositions. Finalists Announced for the Celebrated Piano Showcase…

A court in Oslo convicted a 28-year-old former security guard of spying for Russia and Iran on Wednesday. The Norwegian man, whose name remains undisclosed, received a three-year and seven-month prison sentence for espionage. Prosecutors said he passed sensitive details about the US Embassy’s diplomats, floor plans, and security routines, according to Norwegian state broadcaster NRK. He admitted the facts listed in the indictment but denied committing any crime. NRK reported that the man’s anger over American ties to Israel and the war in Gaza motivated him to contact Russian and Iranian authorities. Prosecutors argued that his actions put embassy…

Europe’s Reputation as a Defender of Rights Begins to Fade Europe has long portrayed itself as a haven for democracy and human rights — a place where political refugees can seek protection. Yet that self-image is being tested. Across the continent, reformers and dissidents describe an ongoing struggle against political prosecutions that follow them across borders, intimidation that refuses to stop, and Western governments reluctant to take a stand. This conflict plays out quietly — a contest between power and the rule of law. The allegations are familiar: embezzlement, abuse of office, corruption. But when examined closely, they often fall…

China and the United States escalate tensions by placing fees on each other’s ships, alarming global investors. President Trump posted on social media, “Don’t worry about China, it will all be fine!” yet markets remain uneasy. European stocks opened lower on Tuesday, reversing Wall Street’s Monday rally, even after Trump’s reassurances about US-China relations. Investor confidence continues to falter as both nations clash over trade policy. The world’s two biggest economies will start imposing reciprocal shipping fees on Tuesday. Washington will charge Chinese vessels $50 per tonne (€43.27) at US ports. Beijing will levy 400 yuan (€48.65) per tonne on…