Author: Rachel Maddow

Scientists long lacked direct chemical evidence to trace Theia, the Moon’s precursor planet.Astronomers in France, Germany, and the United States analysed ancient lunar and terrestrial rocks.They discovered that Theia likely formed much closer to the Sun than previously thought.Researchers propose that Theia struck early Earth about 4.5 billion years ago.The collision scattered debris that eventually coalesced into the Moon.Fragments from Theia mixed with Earth’s material, creating shared isotopic signatures.The giant impact theory has guided Moon formation research since the first Apollo samples.Theia’s disappearance billions of years ago prevented scientists from studying its original composition.Jake Foster from the Royal Observatory Greenwich…

US President Donald Trump met Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on Friday in a cordial Oval Office session.Trump previously called Mamdani a “100% Communist Lunatic” and a “total nut job,” while Mamdani labeled Trump’s administration “authoritarian.”During the meeting, both leaders emphasized shared goals for improving New York instead of focusing on political conflict.Trump praised Mamdani’s approach, saying he might surprise conservative voters with his actions and policies.Mamdani stood beside the president, highlighting cooperation rather than confrontation in front of the press.The meeting gave Mamdani national exposure, allowing the relatively unknown state lawmaker to address one of the most powerful figures globally.Trump used…

The European Commission launches infringement proceedings against Italy for using the golden power rule to block Banco BPM’s takeover.Officials warn that the rule gives Italy broad powers to examine, stop, or condition banking-sector deals.The Commission states the measure risks unjustified interventions, undermining freedom of establishment and free movement of capital.EU authorities add that the law overlaps with the European Central Bank’s exclusive supervisory authority under the Single Supervisory Mechanism.Italy has two months to respond and address the Commission’s concerns. Italy Promises Regulatory Response Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti says Italy will respond through the proper institutions regarding the 2022 golden power…

A power outage left tens of thousands of homes without electricity across Paris on Thursday morning.Authorities reported that the blackout affected 55,000 households in Paris and the neighbouring Hauts-de-Seine region.The outage also turned off traffic lights, streetlights, and halted some metro and suburban train lines.Commuters and residents faced delays and confusion as public services paused during the disruption. Technical Glitch Identified Enedis confirmed the blackout lasted roughly five minutes, though a few thousand homes remain without power.The company said a technical failure at the RTE substation in Issy-les-Moulineaux caused the outage.RTE oversees France’s high-voltage electricity network and controls large-scale power…

Anti-capitalists, climate campaigners, women’s rights advocates, and anti-migrant groups plan protests highlighting poverty and inequality in South Africa.Police and army paraded on Wednesday using helicopters, K-9 teams, and motorbikes to demonstrate force before the G20 summit in Johannesburg.Authorities deployed 3,500 additional officers and placed the army on standby under the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure.Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili told reporters that protests will likely occur in Johannesburg and other major cities.She confirmed authorities will allow protests but enforce laws and follow proper guidelines.Police designated specific areas for protesters near the summit venue beside South Africa’s largest soccer stadium.Airports Company…

Dukovany Expansion Advances Czechia aims to produce 60 percent of its electricity from nuclear power by 2050. Engineers construct two new reactors next to Dukovany’s existing eight cooling towers. Mobile drilling rigs extract samples from 140 meters underground to confirm geological suitability for the $19 billion project. Officials plan to double nuclear output and strengthen Czechia’s position as a nuclear-dependent nation. South Korea’s KHNP won the tender over France’s EDF. Each new reactor will produce over 1,000 megawatts and start operating in the late 2030s. They will supplement Dukovany’s four 512-MW reactors from the 1980s. Czech authorities may build two…

Thousands of young people flooded Mexico City on Saturday in a nationwide protest against corruption, rising crime, and government neglect. The demonstration, organized by Generation Z, culminated in violent clashes at the Zócalo, leaving 20 civilians and more than 100 police officers injured. Authorities arrested roughly 20 participants during confrontations at the National Palace. Generation Z activists coordinated simultaneous marches in 52 cities across Mexico and in international hubs, including the United States, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands. They framed their protests as a civic movement demanding urgent action and accountability from the government. What began as a peaceful rally…

Activists described how climate change devastates their home countries and called for stronger youth representation in UN negotiations. Thousands of protesters returned to the gates of the COP30 climate conference in Belem, Brazil, staging a peaceful blockade outside the venue. Brazilian youth organizations, Indigenous communities, and international climate activists marched together to demand urgent action during the UN talks. Members of the Fridays for Future movement emphasized that young people inherit the consequences of current decisions. Rachelle Junsay, from Climate Action Philippines, said youth frustration runs deep. “This is about our future, about survival,” she explained. She criticized decision-makers who…

Russia launched a massive attack on Kyiv early Friday, killing four and injuring 27. Fires erupted, and residential buildings suffered extensive damage. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said rescue workers could not retrieve two bodies from the rubble. Authorities continue collecting information about the victims. Emergency crews treated 27 injured people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the strike as a “deliberately calculated attack” on civilians and infrastructure. Weapons and Civilian Impact Zelenskyy reported that Russia used 430 drones and 18 missiles, including ballistic and aeroballistic types. Nine people, including a pregnant woman, were hospitalized. Two children, aged 7 and 10, also suffered…

The Audit Office of Cyprus revealed urgent weaknesses in water management amid climate change and looming scarcity. The country faces severe shortages, and the Water Development Department (DWD) must oversee resources efficiently to prevent further crises. Gaps in Monitoring and Billing Auditors found serious flaws in metering, billing, and record-keeping. Inspectors discovered that two key intake points, supplying 64% of Nicosia’s water, lacked regular checks. The DWD could not access Limassol meters or Larnaca’s telemetry system, raising doubts about billing accuracy. Officials observed unexplained discrepancies in meter readings but failed to investigate them. The Water Billing System also contained weaknesses…