Author: Rachel Maddow

Strong iPhone demand pushed Apple’s revenue higher in the quarter ending September, closing the fiscal year with record profits. The company reported stronger-than-expected results despite the global trade war and growing pressure to match rivals in artificial intelligence. Apple said the iPhone 17 launch drove its performance. “Apple is proud to post a September-quarter record of $102.5 billion in revenue, with record-breaking iPhone and Services income,” said CEO Tim Cook. Boosted by iPhone sales, Apple earned $27.5 billion (€23.8bn), nearly doubling last year’s profit. The stock climbed 2% in after-hours trading. The iPhone 17 lacks Samsung’s and Google’s AI capabilities…

Human Rights Watch urged Merz to denounce Turkey’s suppression of opposition and the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu. During his first official trip to Ankara, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for a stronger strategic alliance with Turkey to confront global challenges. He praised Turkey’s crucial mediation in the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Standing beside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Merz spoke just after Turkey and the United Kingdom sealed a multi-billion-euro deal for 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets. Germany, part of the aircraft’s manufacturing consortium, had recently lifted its ban on exports to Turkey. Germany Backs Turkey’s Role in…

Several U.S.-based technology companies announced new products, certifications, and partnerships on October 28, 2025, signaling ongoing innovation in the sector. Press releases highlighted offerings such as Edge AI platforms, AI workflow tools, and new industry certifications. These announcements reflect companies’ efforts to expand AI capabilities and improve operational efficiency. New products and partnerships are expected to enhance service delivery, streamline workflows, and provide clients with advanced technological solutions. Industry observers note that product launches often indicate broader market trends. The focus on Edge AI platforms shows a push toward decentralized processing, which allows AI applications to run locally on devices…

Hurricane Melissa struck eastern Cuba early Wednesday near Chivirico, Santiago de Cuba province, bringing winds of 193 kilometers per hour. The Category 3 storm, one of the Atlantic’s strongest on record, forced the evacuation of more than 700,000 people, according to President Miguel Díaz-Canel. Forecasters warned that Melissa would cause massive destruction across Santiago de Cuba and neighboring regions. The storm threatened storm surges up to 3.6 meters and rainfall exceeding 51 centimeters, raising fears of widespread flooding and landslides. Melissa is expected to cross Cuba through Wednesday morning before moving toward the Bahamas later in the day. The U.S.…

Switzerland’s image — a land of mountain calm and moral neutrality — is facing a harsh reckoning. A recent interview with the Abu Dhabi Times has pulled the curtain back on one of Europe’s most enduring financial taboos: the Nazi-era money that still lies buried in Swiss vaults. Dr. Gerhard Podovsovnik, Vice President of AEA Justinian Lawyers, is leading a campaign that could force Switzerland to confront its wartime past in ways it never has. His accusation is blunt: Swiss banks became “economic accomplices of the Nazi regime” — and then built generations of prosperity on the spoils. “The Bergier…

Massive destruction across the Gaza Strip has made it nearly impossible for Hamas to locate and recover the bodies of remaining Israeli hostages buried under debris. On Saturday, an Egyptian convoy carrying excavators and bulldozers entered Gaza to assist in the recovery mission. Under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, Israel agreed to return 15 bodies of Palestinian prisoners for every Israeli body recovered. Israel has returned 195 Palestinian bodies, while Hamas has handed over 18 Israeli bodies so far. Earlier this month, Hamas released all 20 living Israeli hostages. U.S. President Donald Trump said he is “watching very closely” to ensure all…

The Louvre secretly moved part of its jewelry collection to the Bank of France vaults after a major theft shocked the nation. French radio network RTL reported on Friday that the transfer took place under heavy police protection. Officials discreetly relocated several pieces, including the “Crown Jewels” displayed in the Apollo Gallery and other items from across the museum. The Bank of France’s vault, located 27 meters below its Paris headquarters, stores 90% of the country’s gold reserves. The precaution followed last week’s high-profile robbery that exposed serious security flaws at the world’s most famous museum. Thieves Execute Bold Daylight…

The Pentagon confirmed on Friday that the U.S. military will send the USS Gerald R. Ford to waters off South America. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth ordered the deployment to strengthen operations under U.S. Southern Command. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said on social media that the mission aims to detect and disrupt networks threatening U.S. security and prosperity. The USS Gerald R. Ford, supported by five destroyers, currently operates in the Mediterranean Sea. Sending the carrier represents a sharp military escalation in a region already packed with U.S. naval forces across the Caribbean and off Venezuela’s coast. Night Raids Mark…

Two Russian military aircraft entered Lithuania’s airspace for 18 seconds on Thursday, the Lithuanian military confirmed. Officials identified the planes as an Su-30 fighter jet and an Il-78 refueling tanker. The aircraft reportedly crossed from Russia’s Kaliningrad region around 1600 CET during a refueling exercise. Spanish Eurofighter Typhoon jets from NATO’s Baltic Air Police immediately scrambled and began patrolling the area. Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nausėda condemned the act on X, calling it a “blatant breach of international law and territorial integrity.” In a video statement, he said, “I strongly condemn this violation by Russian aircraft from the Kaliningrad region. We…

Meta has removed 600 positions from its artificial intelligence division, according to U.S. media reports. The company confirmed the job cuts on Wednesday while continuing to hire workers for its superintelligence lab. Axios revealed that the reductions target the Fundamental AI Research (FAIR) unit, as well as product-based AI and AI infrastructure teams. Internal Shifts and Employee Reassignments The newer TBD Lab team remains untouched. Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang told employees in a memo that Meta encourages affected workers to apply for other internal roles. Most displaced employees are expected to find new positions within the company. Wang explained…