Author: Rachel Maddow

U.S. pending home sales rose sharply in November, reaching their highest level in nearly three years. The increase reflects renewed buyer interest and optimism in the housing market. Contracts to buy existing homes jumped significantly, showing that more buyers are willing to make commitments despite economic uncertainty. Analysts see this as a positive sign for housing activity and future sales. The surge was led by strong demand in key markets across the country. Buyers are responding to lower mortgage rates compared with earlier in the year and are seeking homes that meet lifestyle needs, including space for work-from-home setups and…

Europe’s ski industry is facing a crossroads. Warmer winters and shrinking snowfall are forcing resorts across the continent to rethink how they operate, with rising costs and environmental pressures threatening the traditional winter sports model. Snowfall Is No Longer Guaranteed Even in Italy’s famous Dolomites, where the Winter Olympics will open in Milan-Cortina on 6 February, snow is increasingly unreliable. Resorts now rely heavily on artificial snowmaking to keep slopes open. While effective, snow cannons are expensive to run and place a huge strain on water and energy resources, costs that ultimately fall on skiers through higher lift passes. For…

In a stunning international development, US forces arrested Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas and transported them to New York to face criminal charges. The operation, involving multiple branches of the US military, has sent shockwaves around the world and marks an unprecedented escalation in American intervention in South America. President Donald Trump announced that the United States would assume temporary control of Venezuela, saying Washington would manage the country until a “safe, proper, and judicious transition” could be arranged. “We can’t take a chance that somebody else takes over Venezuela who doesn’t have the…

Travelers are increasingly using technology and digital tools to plan trips in 2025. Research shows that travel-friendly apps, booking platforms, and smart planning tools are making the process smoother and more efficient. Mobile apps, online planners, and AI-based travel assistants are helping travelers organize flights, hotels, and activities quickly. Many users report spending less time on planning while finding better deals and options. Experts note that digital tools also improve the overall travel experience. Personalized recommendations, real-time updates, and integrated booking services allow travelers to make informed choices. These innovations save time and reduce stress. Travel platforms now provide interactive…

The United States has carried out a series of airstrikes against Islamic State–linked militants in northwestern Nigeria, in a move aimed at bolstering the country’s fight against extremist violence. President Donald Trump described the operations as “powerful and deadly” and said the militants had been targeting civilians, especially Christians. Trump’s announcement highlighted the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups in Nigeria and underscored the US commitment to supporting the country’s overstretched military forces. Strengthening Nigeria’s Security Forces Nigeria’s military has been battling multiple armed groups for over a decade, often struggling to respond effectively due to limited resources and personnel.…

European intelligence agencies now devote as much attention to investigating Russian interference as they do to counterterrorism, reflecting the growing scale and impact of hybrid threats across the continent. The warning comes as France reels from a cyberattack that disrupted its national postal service during the critical Christmas period. Postal Service Crippled by Pro-Russian Hackers French prosecutors said on Wednesday that the pro-Russian hacking group Noname057(16) claimed responsibility for the attack on La Poste. The domestic intelligence agency DGSI quickly took over the investigation, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office. La Poste’s central computer systems went offline on Monday in…

A new travel guide reveals the best holiday travel days for 2025, helping travelers avoid crowded airports and long delays. Picking the right dates can make a big difference in the holiday travel experience. The guide shows that airports are busiest on peak days just before Christmas and New Year’s. Travelers flying on these days often face long lines at security, crowded gates, and higher flight prices. Early planning is key to avoiding stress. Flights on the holiday itself, such as December 25 or January 1, tend to be less crowded. Airlines often see lower passenger volumes on these dates,…

Precious metals have emerged as some of the standout performers in 2025, fueled by geopolitical tensions, expectations of looser monetary policy and hopes for global economic stability. Gold prices recently surged to record highs, reaching $4,481 (€3,797) per troy ounce — a year-on-year rise of roughly 55–70%, one of the strongest annual gains in decades. Silver, long considered the “lesser metal,” outpaced gold in percentage terms, climbing around 130–140% to near $69 (€58) per ounce by late 2025. Once overshadowed by modern financial assets like currencies, bonds and real estate, precious metals reclaimed their role as safe-haven investments in a…

Bipartisan talks in the U.S. Senate are moving closer to ending a potential government shutdown. Lawmakers are taking action to secure funding and ensure federal programs continue into 2026, easing disruptions for millions of Americans. The legislation under discussion would restore funding for essential programs, including Social Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), healthcare services, and federal employee salaries. Officials say timely approval will prevent service interruptions and provide stability for families and communities that rely on federal support. Senators from both parties emphasized the importance of cooperation to avoid a shutdown. In recent years, government funding gaps have caused delays in…

A car bomb in southern Moscow on Monday claimed the life of Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, a high-ranking official in Russia’s military leadership. The explosion took place in a residential parking lot, according to Russian media reports. Sarvarov, who led the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces’ General Staff, was critically injured and later succumbed to his wounds, authorities said. Investigation Launched The Investigative Committee immediately opened a criminal case following Sarvarov’s death, with officials saying the motive is still unclear. While the details of how the device was deployed remain undisclosed, the authorities confirmed that the incident…