Author: Rachel Maddow

More than 2,600 rallies erupted across the United States on Saturday, as thousands of protesters marched in “No Kings” demonstrations against President Donald Trump’s leadership. Crowds filled major cities including Washington, New York, Chicago, and Boston, demanding accountability and denouncing authoritarian behavior. By noon, thousands gathered in Times Square and the nation’s capital, chanting “Trump must go now.” They waved banners mocking the president and criticizing his immigration policies. Signs read “Resist Fascism” and “Nothing is more patriotic than protesting.” Some rallies resembled street festivals. Marching bands performed, protesters carried a massive banner with the U.S. Constitution’s “We the People”…

The jury of the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, led by Garrick Ohlsson, selected 11 talented pianists for the grand finale. Poland’s Piotr Alexewicz carries his nation’s hopes as the only local contender to advance. The announcement confirmed the finalists for one of the world’s most renowned piano contests, hosted in Warsaw. Founded in 1927, the competition remains a cornerstone of classical music, dedicated entirely to the works of Fryderyk Chopin. Generations of musicians have viewed participation as both an honor and a test of artistry. Eleven Artists Vie for Classical Glory The finalists include Kevin Chen (Canada), David…

An Oslo court convicted a 28-year-old former U.S. Embassy guard on espionage charges Wednesday after finding that he spied for Russia and Iran. Judges sentenced him to three years and seven months in prison. Prosecutors said the man provided information about diplomats, embassy floor plans, and security procedures, according to Norwegian broadcaster NRK. They claimed he shared sensitive material that could endanger U.S. interests. The defendant, whose name remains undisclosed, admitted to the factual claims in the indictment but denied committing any crime. NRK reported that the man contacted Russia and Iran after becoming angry over U.S. ties to Israel…

China and the United States continue to sour relations as both impose fees on each other’s ships, alarming investors. The fresh conflict deepens the trade war, despite President Trump’s online reassurance: “Don’t worry about China, it will all be fine!” European stock markets opened lower on Tuesday after Monday’s Wall Street rally, when Trump tried to calm fears about ties with Beijing. Investor confidence remains fragile as the two largest economies clash over trade. Both governments will begin charging fees on each other’s vessels on Tuesday. Washington will impose a $50 (€43.27) per tonne charge on Chinese ships in American…

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled a sweeping 20-point plan on 29 September to address the prolonged Gaza conflict. Trump’s announcement, supported by consultations with Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and other Arab nations, set out a roadmap for peace after years of devastating war. The initiative followed Israel’s controversial strike on Doha, which reportedly violated Qatar’s sovereignty in a failed attempt to eliminate Hamas negotiators. The incident provoked global condemnation and intensified Trump’s decision to pressure Israel into halting its offensive.During his second term, Trump claimed Israel had already achieved its main military goals in Iran,…

Bank of America has raised its gold price forecast for 2026 to $5,000 per ounce, signaling strong investor confidence in the precious metal as a safe-haven asset. The move reflects growing concerns over inflation, economic uncertainty, and potential market volatility worldwide. Analysts at Bank of America pointed to rising inflation pressures and geopolitical risks as major factors supporting higher gold prices. Historically, gold tends to perform well during periods of economic instability, offering investors protection against currency fluctuations and market shocks. The updated forecast comes amid a backdrop of uncertain global economic conditions. Rising interest rates, currency volatility, and ongoing…

Afghanistan announced that its forces killed 58 Pakistani soldiers during overnight border clashes, accusing Pakistan of repeated airspace violations.Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghan troops captured 25 Pakistani army posts and left 30 soldiers injured.He told reporters that Afghan forces now control all official borders and have curbed illegal cross-border activity.Afghanistan’s Defence Ministry confirmed conducting “retaliatory and successful operations” along the frontier.Officials warned that Afghan troops would deliver a “strong response” if Pakistan again violated Afghan sovereignty. Pakistan Denies Charges and Blames Kabul Pakistan has often struck inside Afghanistan, claiming to target militant hideouts in remote border areas.Islamabad accused Afghan…

About 200 US troops arrived in Israel to create a coordination centre managing humanitarian aid and security support for Gaza.Officials confirmed that the troops would not enter Gaza but would supervise the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Central Command head Brad Cooper visited Gaza to monitor the first Israeli troop withdrawal.“This mission will proceed without US boots in Gaza,” Cooper said, confirming his command’s leadership of the centre. Ceasefire Holds as Aid Operations Resume Under the truce, Hamas must release 48 remaining hostages by Monday, with 20 believed to be alive.Israel agreed to free…

The fight for financial truth from World War II isn’t over — and this time, it’s coming to American courts. According to documents and intelligence, UBS, Switzerland’s largest bank, may have concealed Nazi-era accounts never disclosed during the 1998 Holocaust bank settlement. The revelations — first reported by Riva Pomerantz in Ami Magazine (October 2025) — have reignited bipartisan calls in Congress for a new investigation into what could be the biggest postwar financial cover-up ever exposed. The 1998 Settlement That Was Supposed to End It When U.S. District Judge Edward Kormann approved the $1.25 billion Swiss Banks Settlement, the…

Major Investment Accelerates Europe’s Digital Transformation Google commits €5 billion to grow its AI and cloud infrastructure in Belgium. The project stands as the tech giant’s largest Belgian investment, creating 300 new jobs and expanding data capacity in Wallonia. The move marks one of Belgium’s biggest-ever technology projects and strengthens Google’s strategic footprint in Europe. The company expands its Saint-Ghislain campus to boost access to AI and cloud services across the continent. “With today’s announcement, Google deepens its presence in Belgium, broadens our infrastructure, and accelerates AI-driven progress,” said Bikash Koley, Google’s Vice President for Global Infrastructure. Belgium’s Prime Minister…