Author: Rachel Maddow

Poland’s central bank has significantly expanded its gold reserves, lifting total holdings to around 550 tonnes with a market value exceeding €63 billion. The move reflects a long-standing belief within the National Bank of Poland (NBP) that gold is a cornerstone of economic stability in uncertain times. A Strategic Shift Toward Bullion NBP president Adam Glapiński has repeatedly highlighted gold’s unique role in national reserves. Unlike currencies or bonds, it carries no credit risk, is not tied to the monetary policy of other countries, and tends to hold its value during financial shocks. This thinking has driven a rapid change…

Valentino Garavani, the iconic Italian designer whose name became shorthand for timeless glamour, has died at his home in Rome aged 93. For decades, his luxurious gowns and flawless tailoring made him the designer of choice for women who wanted to shine on the world’s biggest stages. Dressing the World’s Most Famous Women Known simply as Valentino, he dressed an extraordinary roster of royals, first ladies and film stars, all of whom trusted his instinct for elegance. From Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Princess Diana to Julia Roberts and Queen Rania of Jordan, his clients often said his designs made them…

Airlines are taking new precautions to prevent battery-related fires in the sky, with Germany’s Lufthansa leading the way in Europe. The move comes after a power bank caught fire in the overhead compartment of a South Korean Air Busan flight in January 2025, injuring 27 passengers and destroying the aircraft. Stricter Rules for Onboard Batteries Lufthansa has announced that passengers can no longer charge devices using power banks during flights, nor connect them to seatback entertainment systems. While power banks remain allowed in cabin luggage, storing them in overhead bins is now prohibited. Instead, passengers must keep them on their…

EU leaders vow unity as tensions rise European leaders have pledged to stand together after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose new tariffs unless Denmark agrees to sell Greenland, a move that has stunned diplomats and raised fears of a fresh transatlantic trade war. Senior figures across the EU said the bloc would remain united and firm in defending its sovereignty amid what many see as unprecedented pressure from Washington. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz all stressed the need for a coordinated response after the Trump administration announced…

Trump keeps military options open The United States warned Iran on Thursday that military intervention remains a possibility if the government continues using lethal force against protesters. During an emergency UN Security Council session, US Ambassador Mike Waltz emphasized that President Donald Trump is ready to act decisively to stop the violence. Waltz stressed that Trump favors action over prolonged diplomacy and that “all options are on the table” to end what Washington describes as the mass killing of civilians. Iran pushes back at the UN Iran strongly rejected the US warnings, with Deputy Ambassador Hossein Darzi accusing Washington of…

Allied boots on the ground Small contingents of European troops — including teams from France and Germany, with contributions from Norway, Sweden and others — have begun arriving in Nuuk for a short reconnaissance and training mission aimed at bolstering security in Greenland. France sent a group of mountain infantry specialists and Germany deployed a 13-member reconnaissance team, joining Danish forces in what officials describe as exercises to sharpen Arctic readiness. Diplomacy at a dead end High-level talks in Washington between US, Danish and Greenlandic officials failed to resolve a sharp disagreement over the island’s future. After the meetings, Danish…

Sanctions and Tariffs Take Centre Stage in Global Risk OutlookRising economic conflict between major world powers has been named the most serious threat to global stability in 2026, according to the World Economic Forum’s latest Global Risks Report. Released ahead of the WEF’s annual gathering in Davos, the report highlights “geoeconomic confrontation” — the growing use of sanctions, tariffs and trade restrictions — as the top global risk for the year. Drawing on insights from more than 1,300 experts across business, government, academia and civil society, the report places economic warfare above misinformation, social polarisation, extreme weather and armed conflict.…

Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has officially joined the world’s most valuable companies after its market value crossed $4 trillion. Only three other firms have reached this milestone before — Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple — placing Google at the heart of a historic surge driven largely by artificial intelligence excitement. Over the past year, investor enthusiasm for AI has pushed tech stocks to extraordinary heights. Money continues to flow into companies seen as leaders in digital innovation, even as some experts — including Google’s own CEO — warn that valuations may be running ahead of reality. Alphabet’s share price has climbed…

Germany’s chancellor is doubling down on free trade ambitions, calling for the European Union to finalize a long-awaited agreement with India — just days after EU nations approved the controversial Mercosur pact. The push reflects Europe’s growing urgency to secure new economic partners as protectionism spreads worldwide. Merz Backs India Deal Amid Global Protectionism During a visit to India on Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said EU leaders could sign a free trade agreement with New Delhi before the end of the month. He suggested European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa may travel…

Tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel are escalating rapidly, as reports suggest Washington and Tel Aviv have discussed possible US military intervention in Iran. At the same time, Tehran is issuing sharp warnings of retaliation, nationwide protests are entering their third week, and a sweeping internet blackout has left the world struggling to see what is happening inside the country. Iranian officials have made clear that any US attack would be met with direct retaliation. Speaking in parliament on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that US forces and Israel would be treated as “legitimate targets”…