Author: Rachel Maddow

Iran is facing one of its most intense periods of unrest in recent years. Nationwide protests have now entered their third week, a sweeping internet blackout has left the country largely cut off from the world, and Washington and Tel Aviv are reportedly discussing potential US military intervention — all amid growing threats of retaliation from Tehran. Tehran Issues Stark Warnings Amid US Signals Iranian officials have made it clear that any US strike would have severe consequences. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned Sunday that US military installations and Israel would be considered “legitimate targets” in the event…

Governments are facing growing pressure to tackle the outsized impact of the world’s wealthiest on the climate. Campaigners are calling for bans on carbon-heavy luxury goods and higher taxes on fossil fuel profits, arguing that these steps are crucial to keeping global warming below 1.5°C. Oxfam’s latest research reveals a stark reality: the richest one per cent of people have already used up their annual carbon budget just ten days into 2026, a milestone dubbed “Pollutocrat Day.” Even more extreme, the top 0.01 per cent exhausted their yearly carbon allowance in only the first three days. Without urgent cuts, these…

The United States has intercepted another tanker attempting to transport sanctioned Venezuelan oil, marking the fifth seizure in recent weeks amid an expanded naval presence in the Caribbean. Ghost Fleet Targeted US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the vessel, Olina, was part of a “ghost” fleet, ships that allegedly disguise their identities to carry embargoed oil. The tanker departed Venezuela and tried to evade US forces before being captured. Noem warned, “The ghost fleets will not outrun justice,” with the operation carried out by the US Coast Guard, according to report. Military Precision in Action US Southern Command confirmed…

Iran is facing a new wave of unrest as thousands of people took to the streets in Tehran and across the country following calls from exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi. The protests, which began in late December over economic hardship, have escalated into a deadly confrontation with security forces. Streets Fill as Iran Cuts Communications On Thursday night, residents of Tehran shouted from their windows and gathered in public spaces after Pahlavi urged mass demonstrations at 8 p.m. local time. Witnesses reported chants of “Death to the dictator!” and “Death to the Islamic Republic!” while some shouted support for the…

Greenland’s strategic location and vast natural resources have thrust the Arctic island into the center of a growing geopolitical dispute, after the White House said the use of the US military remains an option in President Donald Trump’s renewed push to bring the territory under American control. Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, sits off Canada’s northeastern coast, with more than two-thirds of its land inside the Arctic Circle. Its position has made it vital to North American defence since World War II. White House Signals Hard-Line Stance White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said late Tuesday…

North Korea has conducted new test-flights of hypersonic missiles under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un, highlighting the country’s focus on strengthening its nuclear deterrent. The tests come as Pyongyang ramps up weapons displays ahead of the upcoming Workers’ Party congress, the first in five years. The announcement followed reports from neighbouring countries that multiple ballistic missile launches were detected, which they described as provocations. The launches came just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China to meet President Xi Jinping. Kim Emphasizes Military Readiness According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Sunday’s drill tested…

A colossal bluefin tuna made headlines at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market, selling for a jaw-dropping 510 million yen (€2.78 million) during the first auction of 2026. A Tuna Fit for the New Year The 243-kilogram fish was purchased by Kiyomura Corp., owned by Kiyoshi Kimura, the familiar face behind the popular Sushi Zanmai restaurant chain. Kimura, a regular at the New Year auctions, smashed his own previous record of 334 million yen (€1.82 million) set in 2019. Speaking to reporters, he admitted he had hoped for a lower price, but the bidding quickly escalated. Why This Tuna Stood Out Caught…

Rising temperatures and unpredictable snowfall are forcing Europe’s ski resorts to rethink their business strategies. What was once a reliable winter playground is now facing environmental and economic pressures that threaten the future of the industry. Skiing in a Warmer World Even with the Winter Olympics opening soon in Milan–Cortina, snow coverage isn’t guaranteed across Europe. Resorts increasingly rely on artificial snowmaking to keep slopes open, a costly and energy-intensive solution. These expenses often fall on skiers through higher lift pass prices, putting the sport out of reach for many. Climate change is already reshaping Europe’s winter sports landscape. The…

In a move that shocked the world, US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas and transported them to New York to face criminal charges. Shortly after, President Donald Trump announced that Washington would take temporary control of Venezuela until a transition of power could be safely arranged. “We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump said during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort. “We can’t take a chance that somebody else takes over Venezuela who doesn’t have the good…

The United States has carried out multiple airstrikes targeting Islamic State–linked militants in northwestern Nigeria, intensifying efforts to support the country’s fight against extremist violence. President Donald Trump described the attacks as “powerful and deadly,” aimed at groups responsible for targeting civilians, particularly Christians. Trump highlighted on social media that the militants had been “viciously killing innocent people,” signaling a strong US response to a crisis that has overwhelmed Nigeria’s military for years. Reinforcing Nigeria’s Fight Against Extremism Nigeria’s armed forces have long struggled to contain insurgent groups across the country, particularly in remote and underserved regions. Militants often operate…