Author: Rachel Maddow

Greenville County Schools achievements reached a new milestone as the district reported record graduation rates exceeding 90%. The results reflect strong academic performance, student growth, and community support. District officials highlighted growth in college- and career-readiness programs. Students now have access to more advanced courses, vocational training, and career guidance, preparing them for life after high school. The state report card also showed positive results across the district. Greenville County Schools earned high marks in student achievement, teacher quality, and overall school performance. Officials said these ratings demonstrate a commitment to excellence. Educators credited the district’s success to dedicated teachers,…

EU fisheries ministers concluded two days of negotiations with a clear agreement on fishing quotas for 2026. The Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers approved limits on catches and fishing effort, with some rules extending until 2028. The pact covers key commercial stocks in the Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean, and Black Sea, providing the fishing industry with long-term regulatory certainty. The agreement defines fishing effort as a combination of vessel size, engine power, and days spent at sea. After intense discussions, all 27 Member States agreed on a compromise that aligns scientific advice with the sector’s economic needs. Danish fisheries…

Officials highlighted fake websites and political ads during Moldova’s recent election and cited fake news sites spreading videos with false claims about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that aimed to weaken public backing.The UK announced new sanctions against Russian media and ideological outlets as the foreign secretary urged Western nations to strengthen their defences against information warfare from hostile foreign states.Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed sanctions on the Telegram channel Rybar, the Foundation for the Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad, and the Centre for Geopolitical Expertise, which Estonian intelligence links to Russia’s GRU.She also sanctioned two…

China’s export wave challenges Europe’s economy, and Goldman Sachs warns of GDP losses across Germany, Italy, France, and Spain as competition intensifies and EU responses falter.European economies now absorb the impact of fiercer global trade rivalry as Beijing renews its drive for export-led growth.Goldman Sachs reports highlight this threat and reduce European growth forecasts as China accelerates outbound shipments.Giovanni Pierdomenico states that surging Chinese goods supplies strain the euro area and deepen its trade deficit with China while undermining its fragile global competitiveness.He adds that rising Chinese pressure will cut euro-area GDP by roughly 0.5% by late 2029.The bank calculates…

The White House introduced a media “Hall of Shame” as Trump intensified his attacks on what he calls fake news. The portal appeared on the government’s official website and delivered another strong blow to press freedom in the United States. The White House declared that the site, which officials update regularly, prevents any alleged hoax, anonymous claim, or partisan smear from disappearing. Portal Targets Major News Outlets The portal labeled The Washington Post as “Offender of the week” and criticized numerous outlets, including The New York Times, CNN, CBS News, and The Independent. The government site detailed specific claims attributed…

Trump openly pursued the Nobel Peace Prize and long desired its prestige. Observers heavily expected him to secure the newly created FIFA distinction. Organizers awarded the new FIFA peace prize to US President Donald Trump during the 2026 World Cup draw on Friday, giving the event an even stronger Trump-focused atmosphere. Supporters predicted this outcome well before the ceremony. Alliances and Advocacy Around the Award Trump maintained a close relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who consistently argued that Trump deserved the Nobel for his attempts to broker a Gaza ceasefire. Infantino presented the prize while declaring, “This is your…

Despite US duties reaching 39% on Swiss goods, Watches of Switzerland increased both sales and profits. The company confirmed strong demand for high-end watches and jewellery remained resilient. Half-year results show Swiss luxury watch sales in the US remain strong despite steep tariffs on imports. The Watches of Switzerland Group reported that high-end demand continues to support growth. Revenue and Profit Growth The UK-listed retailer, largest seller of Rolex, Omega, and Cartier, recorded group revenue of £845 million (€967 million) for the 26 weeks ending 26 October 2025. Revenue rose 10% at constant currency and 8% at reported rates. Adjusted…

The EU plans to end all dependence on Russian gas and LNG by late 2026 and mid-2027.Lawmakers approved a ban that blocks Russian pipeline gas and LNG, while granting limited emergency exceptions to Hungary and Slovakia.The rules state that short-term contracts signed before June 2025 will face phased bans starting in April and June 2026.Long-term LNG deals may continue until January 2027, while long-term pipeline contracts face a ban from September 2027, possibly shifting to November 2027.Member states accelerated efforts to diversify energy supplies after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine sent prices soaring across Europe.EU data shows dependence on Russian…

Researchers found that drinking orange juice daily changes how thousands of immune-cell genes function.Many affected genes regulate blood pressure, limit inflammation, and control sugar metabolism, supporting long-term heart health.David C. Gaze of the University of Westminster explains that these genetic shifts improve cardiovascular regulation. Reducing Inflammation and Supporting Vessels Adults drank 500 ml of pasteurised orange juice daily for two months in recent studies.After 60 days, inflammation-related genes such as NAMPT, IL6, IL1B, and NLRP3 showed lower activity.The SGK1 gene, which controls kidney sodium retention, also decreased its activity, easing blood pressure.Researchers suggest orange juice relaxes blood vessels, reduces inflammation,…

Bitcoin dropped sharply on Monday and fell below €75,000 as the wider crypto market extended its steep decline after the October peak.Cryptocurrencies entered another month in the red as Bitcoin slid more than 5% in early European trading and moved under €75,000.Bitcoin reached a record of about €110,000 in early October, then entered a long downturn as traders triggered major liquidations and sell-offs.In November, Bitcoin lost over 16% of its value and briefly approached €74,000.Other leading cryptocurrencies also declined on Monday, with Ethereum and Solana losing more than 5% and extending the downward trend that began in October.Bitcoin displayed short…