Author: Rachel Maddow

Iran is facing a deepening crisis as protests enter their third week, nationwide communications remain cut, and tensions with the United States and Israel escalate. Reports suggest Washington and Tel Aviv have discussed the possibility of intervention, while Tehran warns of direct retaliation. Tehran Issues Stark Warnings Iranian officials have made it clear that any US strike would not go unanswered. On Sunday, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said that both US military bases and Israel would be considered “legitimate targets” in the event of American military action. Iran does not recognise Israel, referring to it as occupied Palestinian territory.…

Governments are under growing pressure to tackle the outsized carbon footprint of the world’s wealthiest. Advocates are calling for higher taxes on fossil fuel profits and restrictions on luxury goods like private jets and super-yachts to help meet climate targets and reduce inequality. New analysis from Oxfam shows just how extreme the problem is. The richest one per cent of people on Earth had already exhausted their annual carbon budget only ten days into 2026 — a point known as “Pollutocrat Day,” marking when emissions exceed the limit needed to keep global warming under 1.5°C. Even more striking, the wealthiest…

The United States has intercepted another tanker attempting to bypass sanctions on Venezuela, marking the fifth such seizure in recent weeks as Washington increases its naval operations in the Caribbean. The latest vessel, the Olina, was described by US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as part of a “ghost fleet” — ships allegedly using false identities to transport embargoed oil. Noem emphasized that these vessels “will not outrun justice” and will face consequences for violating international sanctions (euronews). Intensified Operations Against Sanctioned Oil The Olina was seized after leaving Venezuelan waters and attempting to evade US forces. Such “ghost ships”…

Since late December, Iran has been gripped by widespread protests, with the Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO reporting that at least 45 demonstrators have been killed by security forces. The unrest, initially sparked by economic struggles, has evolved into a nationwide movement challenging the country’s leadership. Massive Demonstrations Shake Tehran On Thursday night, Tehran and other cities saw residents shouting from their homes and taking to the streets following a call from exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi for mass demonstrations. Witnesses reported chants of “Death to the dictator!” and “Death to the Islamic Republic!” while others voiced support for the…

Greenland’s strategic location and vast resources have made the Arctic island a focal point in international politics, as the White House signals that military options remain on the table in President Donald Trump’s renewed push to bring the territory under U.S. oversight. The self-governing territory of Denmark sits off the northeastern coast of Canada, with more than two-thirds of its land inside the Arctic Circle. Its position has made it vital to North American defense since World War II. White House Reiterates Military Option White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday that Trump considers acquiring Greenland a national security…

North Korea has carried out new hypersonic missile tests under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un, signaling a continued focus on strengthening the country’s nuclear deterrent ahead of a major political event. The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows reports of multiple missile launches detected by neighboring countries. The tests were reported just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China to meet President Xi Jinping, adding a political dimension to the timing. Kim Jong-un Highlights Military Readiness According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Sunday’s drill tested a hypersonic weapon system to evaluate…

A single bluefin tuna captured the spotlight at Tokyo’s New Year auction, fetching a jaw-dropping price and setting a new record. A Historic Purchase At the first auction of 2026 at Toyosu fish market, a massive 243-kilogram bluefin tuna sold for 510 million yen, about €2.78 million. The winning bid came from Kiyomura Corp., owned by Kiyoshi Kimura, the founder of the popular Sushi Zanmai chain. Kimura, a regular at the annual event, smashed his own 2019 record of 334 million yen. He admitted afterward that he had hoped to pay less but that “the price shot up before you…

Europe’s ski resorts are grappling with an uncertain future as rising temperatures and shrinking snowfall make winter sports increasingly expensive and environmentally taxing. What was once a guaranteed season of powder and slopes is now dependent on costly artificial snow and careful resource management. The Changing Face of Winter Sports Even in Italy’s renowned Dolomites, where the Winter Olympics will kick off in Milan-Cortina this February, natural snow is no longer a given. Resorts are increasingly reliant on artificial snow, which comes with high financial and environmental costs. The electricity needed to run snow cannons, along with the enormous water…

In a dramatic and unprecedented operation, US forces arrested Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas and transported them to New York to face criminal charges. The surprise move has sent shockwaves around the world and marked a major escalation in US involvement in the country. President Donald Trump announced that Washington would take temporary control of Venezuela until a safe and “judicious” transition of power could be arranged. “We can’t take a chance that somebody else takes over Venezuela who doesn’t have the good of the Venezuelan people in mind,” Trump said during a news…

A major winter storm is causing widespread flight delays and cancellations across the United States. Airlines and airports report significant disruptions as heavy snow and strong winds impact travel schedules. Airports in the Northeast, Midwest, and parts of the South are experiencing the highest levels of delays. Travelers are facing longer wait times, rescheduled flights, and temporary closures of runways due to snow accumulation. Airlines have announced cancellations on numerous domestic and regional routes. Passengers are advised to check flight status online before heading to airports. Many carriers are offering flexible rebooking options to accommodate affected travelers. Weather officials warn…