Author: Rachel Maddow

Zhimin Qian, 47, cheated over 128,000 people in China, converting their money into Bitcoin between 2014 and 2017.She orchestrated a large-scale scheme, collecting victims’ funds and storing them in cryptocurrency accounts.Police confirmed she fled China using fake documents to hide her crimes. Laundering Schemes in the UK Qian entered the UK and tried to launder stolen cryptocurrency by buying property in late 2018.Authorities seized 61,000 Bitcoins from her, marking one of the largest crypto confiscations worldwide.She admitted illegally acquiring and holding the cryptocurrency during her guilty plea at Southwark Crown Court. Legal Action and Warnings The UK convicted Qian for…

Researchers tested VER-01, a cannabis-derived medication, on adults with persistent lower back pain. Patients reported notable pain relief within months. The extract delivers precise doses without causing addiction or severe side effects. Chronic lower back pain affects over 619 million people worldwide and remains the leading cause of disability. Traditional treatments like opioids carry high addiction risks, while NSAIDs can damage the heart or stomach over time. Many patients struggle to find effective therapies, highlighting the urgent need for safer alternatives. Clinical Trial Shows Meaningful Improvements The trial included 820 adults whose pain persisted despite non-opioid medication. Researchers divided participants…

Germany plans to strengthen the Bundeswehr into Europe’s strongest conventional force, Chancellor Merz declared in May. The government must address personnel shortages and equip troops with modern systems quickly. Politico reports Berlin will spend up to €83 billion on 154 defense projects between September 2025 and December 2026. Most contracts will go to European manufacturers, with only eight percent purchased from the United States. Germany imports arms heavily from the US. Sipri data shows imports tripled from 2020 to 2024, with Germany rising 334 percent. Berlin now promotes “Buy European” to reduce US dependence and develop local defense industries. Risks…

Tens of thousands of protesters filled Berlin streets on Saturday to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as “free, free Palestine” and demanded an immediate end to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Police deployed 1,800 officers to monitor the march, which started at Alexanderplatz and ended at the Victory Column. Protesters urged Germany to stop arms exports to Israel and called for European Union sanctions against the country. Around 50 organisations, including Amnesty International and Die Linke, organized the demonstration. Some protests required police intervention. Counter-Protests and Clashes Reported About 100 people rallied in support of Israel and…

Interpol, representing 196 member countries, coordinated a major operation against online romance and extortion scams across Africa.Authorities arrested 260 suspects in 14 countries during July and August.The perpetrators built fake romantic connections to steal money or blackmail victims with explicit images.Investigators identified over 1,400 victims who lost nearly $2.8 million (€2.4 million) in total. Criminal Networks Exploit Online Platforms Interpol reported Ghanaian police arrested 68 suspects for using fake identities to demand shipping fees and secretly record explicit videos.Senegalese authorities captured 22 suspects who impersonated celebrities to defraud over 100 people of roughly $34,000 (€29,135).Côte d’Ivoire police detained 24 suspects…

Rescue teams recovered five decomposed migrant bodies in eastern Libya, 550 kilometers south of Tobruk.Authorities transported the remains to Tobruk. The Red Crescent called the incident part of the deadly “death journey.”Abreen, a local aid group, identified the victims as likely Sudanese and shared photos of the recovery. Migrants Face Extreme Hazards Migrants use Libya as a key route to Europe, fleeing war and poverty in Africa and the Middle East.Most travel through deserts or by sea, facing starvation, dehydration, and violent conditions.In December, 61 migrants drowned near Zuwara. In May, seven Sudanese died after a desert vehicle breakdown. European…

A drone launched from Yemen struck Eilat, wounding at least 22 people, medics reported Wednesday.The Israeli military confirmed the drone landed after air defences failed to intercept it.Authorities could not immediately determine whether injuries came from the drone or defensive interceptors. Officials Secure Area and Warn Residents Police deployed bomb disposal teams to examine the drone and advised the public to avoid the crash site.Officials warned people not to touch debris that might contain explosives.The Israeli military instructed residents to follow Home Front Command safety guidelines. Houthi Attacks Escalate Red Sea Tensions Iran-backed Houthi rebels have fired drones and missiles…

President Trump told the UN that migration flows and energy policies threaten Europe’s identity.He called uncontrolled immigration a “double-tailed monster” and said nations will crumble if unchecked.Trump criticized leaders for prioritizing politeness over national security and urged immediate border closures.He accused the UN of enabling mass entries into the U.S. and financing illegal migration. Peace Deals Highlight U.S. Role Trump claimed he resolved seven historic conflicts in just seven months.He named disputes in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia where he brokered peace.Trump said he acted alone while the UN failed to assist in negotiations.He suggested these accomplishments merited…

European lawmakers, Nobel laureates, and former heads of state demand binding international rules on dangerous AI uses.They launched the initiative Monday at the UN General Assembly in New York.Signatories urge governments to set “red lines” by 2026, banning AI applications deemed too harmful.Enrico Letta, Mary Robinson, Brando Benifei, Sergey Lagodinsky, ten Nobel winners, and tech leaders, including OpenAI and Google executives, joined the call.They warn that without global standards, AI could trigger pandemics, disinformation campaigns, human rights violations, and loss of human control.Over 200 notable individuals and 70 organisations support the campaign across politics, science, human rights, and industry. AI…

President Trump demanded Attorney General Pam Bondi prosecute figures he considers enemies, intensifying pressure on the Justice Department. Trump publicly urged immediate action, citing past impeachments and indictments. “Justice must be served, now!” he wrote on social media. He specifically named former FBI Director James Comey, Senator Adam Schiff, and New York Attorney General Letitia James, claiming their guilt. Trump later told reporters, “They have to act. They have to act fast,” emphasizing urgency to Bondi. Rapid Personnel Changes Signal Political Control Trump ousted U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert after he declined to charge James and Comey, showing increased personal control…