Author: Rachel Maddow

Brand USA, the public-private partnership responsible for promoting tourism to the United States, has reported that international travel intent is stabilizing slightly after months of fluctuation. The findings suggest a cautiously optimistic outlook for the U.S. tourism sector, which has faced challenges from rising costs, economic uncertainty, and lingering pandemic effects. The Brand USA travel intent report indicates that while overall interest from potential international visitors remains below pre-pandemic levels, the decline has slowed, and some markets are showing early signs of recovery. North America and Europe, in particular, demonstrate more consistent interest in visiting the United States, while regions…

Brazil’s Supreme Court found Jair Bolsonaro guilty of plotting a coup to remain in power after losing the 2022 election. Three of five justices ruled against Bolsonaro on five counts, while one justice voted for acquittal. Justice Cármen Lúcia confirmed the conviction Thursday, following Justice Luiz Fux’s dissent. The court will announce Bolsonaro’s sentence once the final justice casts a vote. The 70-year-old former president currently serves house arrest for violating restrictions on political messaging. Political Tensions Escalate The ruling deepens Brazil’s political divisions and could trigger U.S. government backlash. Donald Trump called Bolsonaro’s trial a “witch hunt” and linked…

Eyewitnesses reported seeing Charlie Kirk take a bullet to the neck before aides rushed him off stage for treatment. US President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death later on Wednesday, calling him “great, and even legendary” on Truth Social. Trump said Kirk understood American youth better than anyone and expressed condolences to his wife Erika and their family. Aubrey Laitsch, public relations manager for Turning Point USA, initially confirmed Kirk was in critical condition and urged supporters to pray. Shooting Occurs During Campus Debate Kirk spoke under a tent at Utah Valley University with banners reading “The American Comeback” and “Prove…

Artificial intelligence is leading the tech world, and voice AI startups are quickly becoming the hottest area for investment. Venture capital funds are flowing into these companies as investors look for the next big opportunity. Data shows that voice AI startups have seen rapid growth over the last 12 to 18 months. Many companies in this space have tripled their valuations, signaling strong market demand and long-term potential. One notable example is ElevenLabs, a Brooklyn-based company that lets creators and businesses replicate voices in multiple languages using AI software. The startup first reached unicorn status in January 2024 with an…

Israeli forces attacked Hamas leadership in Doha on Tuesday, targeting senior officials in operation “Summit of Fire.” Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office confirmed Israel independently planned and executed the strike, taking full responsibility for the action. Eyewitnesses reported multiple explosions and smoke rising over the Katara district in northern Doha. Casualty Reports Remain Unclear Initial unconfirmed reports suggested all four Hamas Political Bureau members were killed or missing. Qatari authorities said no deaths had been confirmed but acknowledged residential buildings housing Hamas officials were struck. The Qatari Foreign Ministry condemned the attack, calling it reckless, and launched top-level investigations immediately. Regional…

Authorities have charged Frédéric Péchier with poisoning 30 patients at Besançon clinics from 2008 to 2017. Twelve patients died. Investigators focused on Péchier after Sandra Simard suffered cardiac arrest during routine surgery. They found a lethal potassium dose in her anaesthesia bag. Alleged Tampering with Medical Supplies Prosecutors claim Péchier contaminated infusion pouches to sabotage colleagues and then assisted during resuscitations. They say he “always had a solution.” Péchier, a father of three, denies all charges. Victims ranged from 4 to 89 years old. His defence vows to prove his innocence. Trial Presents Major Challenges The trial, running until December,…

US President Donald Trump warned Hamas on Sunday to accept a US-brokered ceasefire, claiming Israel already agreed. He posted on Truth Social: “Everyone wants the Hostages HOME. Everyone wants this War to end! This is my last warning. There will not be another one.” US Proposal Offers Hostage Exchange US Special Envoy Steven Witkoff reportedly delivered the proposal to Hamas. The deal promises US support to end Israel’s military operations if Hamas releases all hostages immediately. Israel would then free up to 3,000 Palestinian prisoners. Hostages Remain, Pressure Mounts Officials report 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with only about 20…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refused Vladimir Putin’s invitation to meet in Moscow, calling it unrealistic. He told ABC News he cannot visit “the capital of this terrorist” while Ukraine faces daily missile strikes. Zelenskyy insisted that Putin should travel to Kyiv instead. Trump Pushes Talks Amid Russian Conditions U.S. President Donald Trump has urged direct meetings between the two leaders. He said a bilateral or trilateral summit was a main goal of his Alaska meeting with Putin. Trump later added that Putin and Zelenskyy would meet after the Ukrainian president visits Washington and consults European leaders. Moscow, however, added conditions…

An electric streetcar derailed in Lisbon on Wednesday, killing at least 15 people and injuring 18 others. Portuguese television showed the yellow-and-white tram lying on its side along a narrow, steep hill road. Its roof and sides appeared partially crumpled. Dozens of emergency workers rushed to the scene to assist victims. The crash happened around 6 pm, during the evening rush hour. Local media reported authorities have not yet determined the cause of the derailment. President Expresses Condolences President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa offered sympathy to the victims’ families and all affected by the tragic accident. Glória Funicular Serves the…

Villagers in Dupnitsa reported seeing a black panther, prompting a police investigation and social media memes. A local resident filmed an animal he believed could be the dangerous feline. Mayor Desislav Nachov inspected the filming site with police officers. Authorities questioned the witness who recorded footage showing a large black animal moving through tall grass. Nachov stated police have not decided whether to open an emergency search headquarters. The witness compared the animal to a large dog. Dupnitsa lies about 66 kilometres south of Sofia and near the Serbian border, over 430 kilometres west of Shumen plateau nature park, where…