Author: Rachel Maddow

The European Union has launched a €100 billion green energy fund to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote sustainable energy solutions across all member states. Officials say the fund will support projects in solar, wind, hydro, and other clean energy technologies. Investments will focus on innovation, infrastructure, and energy efficiency to ensure a long-term shift toward sustainable energy. The EU’s plan comes amid rising concerns over climate change and energy security. By investing heavily in renewable energy, the bloc aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions and meet international climate…

A 72-year-old Israeli rabbi says he holds the keys to Nazi-era Swiss bank accounts that have been hidden for decades. His pursuit to uncover them is reigniting debate over wartime finance, Swiss secrecy, and what justice still means eight decades later. The Rabbi and the Briefcase Rabbi Ephraim Meir, a quiet, gray-bearded German-Israeli scholar, carries an old briefcase filled with photocopied banking documents. Inside, he says, is evidence of six numbered Swiss accounts opened by Nazi affiliates in the late 1930s — accounts that may still contain vast sums frozen in secrecy. As first reported by Riva Pomerantz, an investigative…

The Canary Islands attracted record numbers of tourists despite protests and measures to curb overtourism.August brought 1.23 million foreign visitors, a 6% rise compared with August 2024.From January to August 2025, over 10 million international tourists arrived, making the islands Spain’s third most popular destination.Nearly half a million visitors came from the United Kingdom, with Germany contributing a significant portion.Tourism supports roughly 35% of the islands’ economy, making it vital to local communities. Islands Draw Crowds With Climate and Landscapes Warm year-round weather, beaches, mountains, forests, and volcanoes make the Canary Islands appealing in all seasons.The seven main islands—Tenerife, Fuerteventura,…

The Texas Legislature has approved a new bipartisan bill that significantly increases funding for K-12 schools across the state. Lawmakers emphasized that the boost aims to improve educational resources, support teachers, and enhance student learning outcomes. The funding increase will help school districts address rising costs, invest in classroom technology, and expand programs for students, including special education and extracurricular activities. State officials said the legislation reflects a shared commitment to strengthening education and ensuring every child has access to quality learning opportunities. Educators and school administrators have welcomed the move, highlighting that additional funding will help reduce classroom overcrowding…

Sébastien Lecornu resigned as French prime minister on Monday, weeks after taking office.His departure made him France’s shortest-serving prime minister since 1958.President Emmanuel Macron accepted Lecornu’s resignation hours after the cabinet announcement.The move highlighted renewed instability in French politics and deep divisions within Macron’s government. Cabinet Picks Spark Outrage Lecornu unveiled his new government less than a month after his appointment.He faced fierce criticism from his own party and opposition politicians.The conservative Republicans condemned Bruno Le Maire’s return as defence minister.Critics argued the cabinet failed to introduce fresh leadership or innovation. Critics Cite Recycled Ministers Observers noted that 12 of…

Storm Amy swept across Europe, killing three people and leaving tens of thousands without electricity. Irish authorities reported a man died in Letterkenny from storm-related conditions.French officials confirmed two fatalities, including one from a fallen tree and another while swimming near Étretat.The storm disrupted travel across the UK, Ireland, and Scandinavia, grounding ferries and blocking roads and railways. France and Belgium Grapple with Damage Northern France issued an orange alert as gusts reached 131 kph on the coast and 110 kph inland.Power outages affected 5,000 homes in Normandy, while repairs reduced some outages by midday.Belgium experienced winds over 100 kph,…

Donald Trump praised Hamas for partially accepting his peace plan and urged Israel to stop bombing Gaza.Hamas agreed to release hostages and hand over power to other Palestinians, but required further internal consultations.Trump wrote, “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza to ensure safe and quick hostage release.”He posted a video thanking Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, and other nations for their support.“This is a big day,” Trump said, emphasizing that final details must be confirmed in writing. Global Leaders Respond to Peace Efforts Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel stands ready to implement the plan’s first stage, focusing on…

Elon Musk urged his 250 million X followers to stop using Netflix over LGBTQ+ content.He criticized Dead End: Paranormal Park for featuring a transgender character called Barney.Musk claimed the boycott would protect children and shared a meme depicting Netflix as a Trojan horse. Controversy Surrounds Transgender Representation Musk reignited the debate by reposting a clip from the right-wing account Libs of TikTok.He declared, “this is not ok,” and linked the show to what he views as cultural harm.Musk previously clashed with his daughter Vivian Wilson over her transition, calling her medical treatment a “sterilization.” Netflix Holds Back Response Netflix has…

SK Hynix and Samsung surged after OpenAI tapped them to supply high-bandwidth memory for its $500bn Stargate project.Investors drove SK Hynix shares up nearly 10% and lifted Samsung Electronics more than 3% in Seoul trading.Both companies now supply the ultra-fast HBM chips powering Nvidia’s AI processors, cementing their influence in global memory markets. Samsung dominates DRAM and NAND flash production, supplying computers, servers, and smartphones worldwide.SK Hynix ranks second in DRAM output but leads in HBM, essential for AI workloads.Together, they control over half the world’s memory market, shaping prices, capacity, and technological trends. Stargate Demands Massive Memory Supply High-bandwidth…

Eurozone inflation climbed to 2.2% in September, its highest level in five months, Eurostat reported.Core inflation held steady at 2.3% for the fifth consecutive month, signaling persistent underlying pressures.Services led price growth with a 3.2% annual increase, while food, alcohol, and tobacco rose 3.0%. Energy prices fell 0.4%, slowing from August’s 2.0% drop, while non-energy industrial goods remained flat at 0.8%.Estonia recorded the highest inflation at 5.2%, followed by Croatia and Slovakia at 4.6%.Cyprus saw no change, France rose 1.1%, and monthly trends showed Italy up 1.3% and Portugal 1.0%. ECB Maintains Rates Amid Moderate Inflation The ECB left interest…