Author: Rachel Maddow

Precious metals emerged as some of the strongest-performing assets this year, powered by escalating geopolitical risk, expectations of looser monetary policy and a fragile sense of global economic stability. Investors returned to gold and silver in force, pushing both metals to record highs and delivering gains rarely seen in modern markets. Gold prices surged to unprecedented levels in 2025, climbing as high as $4,481 (€3,797) per troy ounce — an increase of roughly 55–70% year on year and one of the most powerful annual rallies in decades. Silver, long regarded as gold’s lesser counterpart, outperformed in percentage terms, posting annual…

Gas prices have fallen to their lowest level in four years, just in time for the holiday travel season. Drivers and families are now seeing direct relief at the pump, making travel and daily commutes more affordable. Analysts say the drop comes from a combination of lower global oil prices and increased fuel supply. Recent data shows a steady decline in crude oil costs, which is now being reflected in local gas stations across the country. Many motorists are benefiting from savings of several cents per gallon. For families planning holiday trips, this reduction can translate into significant overall cost…

A car explosion in southern Moscow on Monday killed Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, a senior commander in the Russian Armed Forces. The blast occurred in a parking lot adjacent to a residential building, according to Russian media reports. Sarvarov, who led the Operational Training Directorate of the General Staff, was severely injured and later succumbed to his wounds, the Investigative Committee confirmed. Criminal Investigation Launched Authorities quickly opened a criminal case into Sarvarov’s death. The motive remains unclear, and investigators have not yet disclosed how the explosive device was deployed. Officials emphasized that the attack is being treated as deliberate,…

Justice Department Publishes Partial FilesThe US Department of Justice released thousands of files related to Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, a move many have long demanded for transparency into the late financier’s criminal activities and connections to powerful figures. The release includes photographs, call logs, court documents, and other materials, though many are heavily redacted. Democrats immediately criticised the release as incomplete, arguing that the Trump administration deliberately withheld crucial information. The Justice Department said it would continue releasing files in the coming weeks, acknowledging the initial batch fell far short of expectations. Trump Signs Law Amid PressurePresident Donald Trump, who…

Late on Thursday night, EU leaders quietly acknowledged that their most daring financial proposal for Ukraine had reached a dead end. After months of debate, the idea of transforming frozen Russian central bank assets into a zero-interest reparations loan collapsed under political and legal pressure. Supporters had framed the plan as both morally justified and strategically bold, while critics warned it carried serious financial risks and untested legal consequences. As negotiations reached their final stretch, enthusiasm faded and caution took over, pushing leaders back toward familiar ground. Rather than step into legal uncertainty, governments agreed to rely on a method…

Airport workers across Europe are staging walkouts to protest low wages and poor treatment by employers.Unions describe employer behavior as mean-spirited, especially during the costly Christmas travel season. Holiday travel increasingly overlaps with strikes as workers choose the busiest weeks to press their demands.They believe heavy travel volumes give them stronger leverage for better pay and conditions. Some unions announce strikes months ahead to warn travelers and employers.Other actions appear suddenly, sometimes hours before they begin.Passengers should always check travel updates to avoid unexpected delays or cancellations. With Christmas approaching quickly, several airport and rail strikes will affect European travel…

France’s Interior Ministry faced a sustained cyberattack that lasted several days, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez revealed. The hackers targeted professional email accounts at the Place Beauvau ministry, which employs nearly 300,000 people. The breach came to light after ministry officials noticed unusual activity in their email systems. Nuñez confirmed the attack publicly on Wednesday, emphasizing that authorities had taken immediate steps to secure the compromised accounts and launch an investigation. The intrusion exposed sensitive police information, raising concerns about the potential impact on ongoing investigations. While Nuñez stressed that public safety was not at risk, he acknowledged the seriousness of…

Private investment in the United States has surged to record levels, fueled by recent innovation-focused laws. The CHIPS and Science Act alone has helped generate over $200 billion in private funding and tens of thousands of jobs in the tech and semiconductor sectors. Officials say the surge highlights the effectiveness of bipartisan policies aimed at strengthening U.S. manufacturing, research, and innovation. By providing incentives for private companies to invest in domestic production, the law has encouraged businesses to expand operations and hire workers nationwide. The CHIPS and Science Act targets the semiconductor industry, which is crucial for technology and defense.…

Gunmen opened fire at Bondi Beach in Sydney, killing ten people, including one of the attackers. More than a dozen others suffered injuries during the attack. A Hanukkah celebration was underway at the beach when the shooting began. Authorities continue investigating the motive behind the incident. New South Wales Police confirmed the deaths following Sunday’s attack. Officers identified one deceased as a gunman. Police said another suspected shooter remains in critical condition. Eyewitnesses reported seeing dozens of victims on the ground, many covered in blood. Chaos spreads as authorities respond Prime Minister Anthony Albanese posted a statement on X, offering…

Shohei Ohtani male athlete achieves a historic milestone, being named AP Male Athlete of the Year for the fourth time. The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar now ties a record held by legendary athletes across sports. Ohtani, known for his rare two-way skill as a pitcher and hitter, led the Dodgers with exceptional performances throughout the season. His ability to excel both on the mound and at the plate sets him apart in modern baseball. The AP Male Athlete of the Year award recognizes Ohtani’s consistent dominance and influence in sports. Analysts and fans praise his work ethic, skill, and ability…