Author: Rachel Maddow

In a stunning and unprecedented move, US forces arrested Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas and transported them to New York to face criminal charges. The operation involved multiple branches of the US armed forces and has sent shockwaves across the globe. President Donald Trump announced that Washington would take temporary control of Venezuela to ensure a smooth transition of power. “We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump said from his Mar-a-Lago resort. “We can’t take a chance that somebody else…

The United States has conducted a series of airstrikes against Islamic State–linked militant groups in northwestern Nigeria, aiming to curb attacks on civilians and strengthen local security forces. President Donald Trump described the strikes as “powerful and deadly,” saying the militants had been “viciously targeting and killing innocent Christians.” Trump announced the operations on social media, framing the attacks as a direct response to escalating violence in regions where Nigeria’s military has struggled to maintain control. Strengthening Nigeria’s Response to Militancy Nigeria’s armed forces have faced years of challenges fighting insurgent groups across multiple regions. Militants exploit remote areas with…

James Nnaji, a former NBA draft pick, has committed to play college basketball at Baylor University. He is immediately eligible to join the team, adding excitement and talent ahead of the new season. Nnaji, known for his size, skill, and versatility, brings professional-level experience to the college game. Coaches and analysts say his addition could have a significant impact on Baylor’s performance and roster depth. The commitment comes as a surprise to many fans. Nnaji had previously explored professional options, but the decision to play in college allows him to develop further while contributing immediately to a competitive program. Baylor…

European intelligence agencies now devote as much attention to suspected Russian interference as they do to counterterrorism, highlighting how cyberattacks and sabotage have become central to the continent’s security concerns. The warning follows a major cyberattack that disrupted France’s national postal service during the Christmas delivery rush. Pro-Russian Hackers Target France’s Postal Service French prosecutors said Wednesday that the pro-Russian hacking group Noname057(16) claimed responsibility for the attack. The domestic intelligence agency DGSI immediately took over the investigation, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office. La Poste’s central computer systems went offline Monday in a distributed denial-of-service attack that remained unresolved…

Precious metals have dominated markets in 2025, driven by geopolitical uncertainty, expectations of looser monetary policy, and fragile global economic conditions. Gold soared to record highs, reaching $4,481 (€3,797) per troy ounce — a 55–70% increase year on year — marking one of the most powerful annual rallies in decades. Silver, often viewed as the secondary metal, outperformed in percentage terms, rising roughly 130–140% to approach $69 (€58) per ounce by late 2025. Once sidelined by modern financial instruments like currency, bonds, and real estate, precious metals staged a remarkable comeback this year. Persistent trade tensions, central banks reducing reliance…

Thirteen-year-old diver ElliReese Niday continues to make waves nationally, winning multiple titles and earning recognition as one of the U.S.’s rising elite athletes. Niday’s recent performances have impressed coaches, competitors, and fans alike. Her precision, athleticism, and determination stand out in competitions across the country, setting her apart from peers. The young athlete began diving at an early age and quickly developed a reputation for dedication and skill. Experts say her focus, combined with natural talent, has allowed her to excel at increasingly competitive events. In recent national competitions, Niday secured top positions, demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure.…

A senior Russian military official, Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, died Monday morning after a car exploded in southern Moscow. The blast occurred in a parking lot adjacent to a residential building, Russian media reported. Sarvarov, who led the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces’ General Staff, suffered fatal injuries and later succumbed, the Investigative Committee confirmed. Investigation Launched Russian authorities quickly opened a criminal case following the explosion. The motive for the attack remains unclear, and investigators have not revealed how the explosive device was planted or triggered. Officials described the killing as a targeted act and confirmed…

Justice Department Publishes Limited RecordsThe US Justice Department released thousands of files on disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, including photographs, court documents, and call logs, but the release left many lawmakers and advocates frustrated. Many images show former President Bill Clinton, prompting renewed calls for a full, uncensored disclosure. Democrats immediately criticised the Trump administration, accusing it of withholding critical material despite years of public pressure for transparency. The Justice Department said it will continue releasing additional documents in the coming weeks, acknowledging the initial release is incomplete. The trove primarily features photographs taken by the FBI during searches…

Late Thursday night, EU leaders quietly admitted that their ambitious plan to fund Ukraine with frozen Russian assets had failed. Months of debate could not overcome legal, financial, and political obstacles, forcing a retreat from a scheme supporters had hailed as morally compelling and strategically bold. Critics had warned for months that the plan carried huge uncertainties and risks for the bloc, and as negotiations reached their final stage, caution overtook ambition. Leaders instead turned to a familiar, predictable solution that avoided direct exposure to the frozen Russian funds. Rather than seize Russian assets, the EU will now raise €90…

Airport and airline workers across Europe are planning walkouts this holiday season to protest low pay and poor working conditions. Unions have criticized employers for what they call “Grinch-style” behavior, taking advantage of the festive period when travel is most expensive and busiest. With millions of people flying for Christmas and winter holidays, these strikes threaten to disrupt travel plans and create long delays at airports across several countries. Strikes are becoming a regular feature of the holiday period. Some actions are announced months in advance, giving travelers and airlines time to prepare, while others appear at the last minute,…