Author: Rachel Maddow

Officials identified fake websites and misleading political ads in Moldova’s election and false videos attacking Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.The UK imposed sanctions on Russian media outlets and ideological groups to counter foreign information warfare.Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper targeted Telegram channel Rybar, a GRU-linked foundation, and Aleksandr Dugin’s think-tank for spreading disinformation.She also sanctioned two China-based companies for wide-ranging cyberattacks against the UK and its allies. London Warns of Hybrid Threats Cooper said hostile actors threaten infrastructure, undermine national interests, and interfere in democratic systems.She labelled these campaigns Russian information warfare and stressed the UK actively defends itself.She highlighted sabotage and social…

China’s expanding exports threaten European economies, and Goldman Sachs warns of GDP losses in Germany, Italy, France, and Spain.Beijing’s renewed push for export-led growth intensifies global trade competition, leaving Europe vulnerable to economic losses.Goldman Sachs cuts Europe’s growth forecasts in response to rising Chinese exports.Economist Giovanni Pierdomenico says increased Chinese goods supply widens Europe’s trade deficit and weakens its international competitiveness.He predicts stronger Chinese export competition will reduce euro-area GDP by roughly 0.5% by 2029.Germany faces the steepest decline, with GDP falling about 0.9% over four years; Italy drops 0.6%, France and Spain about 0.4%.Goldman highlights the scale of substitution…

The White House created a media “Hall of Shame” as Trump intensified his campaign against so-called fake news. Officials described the site as fully sortable, routinely updated, and designed to prevent hoaxes, anonymous claims, or partisan smears from being ignored. Major Outlets Under Fire The portal named The Washington Post “Offender of the week” and criticized The New York Times, CNN, CBS News, and The Independent. The site listed specific claims for each outlet, grouped into categories such as circular reporting, failure to report, false claim, malpractice, mischaracterisation, misrepresentation, and left-wing lunacy. Accredited agencies like Associated Press and Reuters also…

Trump campaigned openly for the Nobel Peace Prize and long sought its recognition. Observers expected him to claim the newly created FIFA award. US President Donald Trump received the FIFA peace prize during the 2026 World Cup draw on Friday, adding a distinct Trumpian style to the tournament’s proceedings. Experts had predicted this outcome due to his high profile and public efforts. Close Ties Shape the Award Trump maintains a strong alliance with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who publicly supported Trump’s Nobel candidacy. Infantino praised Trump for trying to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza. At the ceremony, Infantino said, “This…

Despite US tariffs of up to 39%, Watches of Switzerland recorded higher sales and profits, showing that demand for premium watches and jewelry remains strong. Swiss luxury watch sales remain solid in the US, according to the half-year results from the Watches of Switzerland Group, reflecting continued interest in high-end timepieces. The UK-listed retailer, the country’s largest seller of Rolex, Omega, and Cartier watches, generated £845 million (€967 million) in revenue for the 26 weeks ending 26 October 2025, rising 10% at constant currency and 8% at reported rates. Adjusted earnings before interest and tax increased to £69 million (€78.9…

The EU will ban Russian gas pipelines and LNG by 2027, granting emergency exceptions for Hungary and Slovakia.Short-term contracts signed before June 2025 face phased bans starting April 2026 for LNG and June 2026 for pipeline gas.Long-term LNG contracts continue until January 2027, while long-term pipeline gas deals stop in September 2027, potentially delayed to November.Member states accelerated the move after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, sending energy prices soaring across Europe.EU data shows the bloc cut dependence on Russian gas from 45% to 13% by mid-2025, yet imports still reached €10 billion. Landlocked Countries Seek Protection Most EU…

Scientists discovered that drinking orange juice daily changes thousands of immune-cell genes.Many of these genes regulate blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and control sugar metabolism.These processes play a crucial role in long-term cardiovascular health, researchers say.David C. Gaze of the University of Westminster explained that orange juice impacts the body’s regulatory systems. Reduced Inflammation and Blood Pressure Researchers asked adults to drink 500 ml of pasteurised orange juice daily for two months.After 60 days, stress-related genes NAMPT, IL6, IL1B, and NLRP3 showed lower activity.The SGK1 gene, which controls kidney sodium retention, also became less active.These results support previous findings showing that…

Bitcoin dropped below €75,000 on Monday as the cryptocurrency market continued its sharp post-October decline.European trading showed Bitcoin fell more than 5%, marking another losing month for digital assets.After peaking around €110,000 in early October, Bitcoin faced sustained sell-offs and large liquidations.In November, Bitcoin lost over 16% of its value, briefly approaching €74,000.Other top cryptocurrencies also declined, with Ethereum and Solana dropping more than 5%, extending October’s downtrend.Bitcoin attempted to stabilise last month, but price rebounds remained brief and failed to hold. Investors Retreat From Risky Assets Stocks and risky assets fell in recent weeks as investors shifted toward safer…

New research identifies over 237 cyber operations against space infrastructure from 2023 through 2025.Experts warn that cyber warfare increasingly threatens satellites and communications systems.Between January 2023 and July 2025, attackers struck the space sector repeatedly during the Gaza conflict.The Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zürich analyzed social media posts, news reports, and cybercrime forums to document these attacks.Attackers targeted both Israeli space agencies and international organisations.The report highlights the highest surge occurred during Israel-Iran clashes in June 2025, recording 72 attacks in one month.Report author Clémence Poirier notes this spike represents nearly one-third of all incidents during the…

Ukraine struck two oil tankers hours before drones hit Russia’s Novorossiysk terminal.Sea drones attacked the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal at around 4AM, local media reported.Russia halted operations at one of its largest oil terminals following the overnight strike. Tanker Assault Prompts Swift Rescue Operations The Black Sea attack targeted two oil tankers off Turkey’s coast, Ukrainian forces claimed responsibility.Coast guard teams rescued both crews after the explosions triggered a major emergency response.The Gambia-flagged Kairos exploded 28 nautical miles off Kocaeli while sailing empty from Egypt to Novorossiysk.The second tanker, Virat, suffered damage 35 nautical miles off Turkey shortly after the…