Author: Rachel Maddow

AI Fuels Unprecedented ValuationsAlphabet, the parent company of Google, has officially crossed the $4 trillion market value mark, becoming the fourth company ever to do so after Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple. Investor excitement around artificial intelligence has driven tech stocks to unprecedented heights over the past year. Despite warnings about overvaluation—even from Google’s own CEO—Alphabet’s shares have surged roughly 75% in the last 12 months and nearly 7% since the start of January. A major catalyst was Apple’s decision to integrate Google’s Gemini AI into Siri, signaling strong confidence in Alphabet’s AI capabilities. Competition and Innovation IntensifyAfter OpenAI’s ChatGPT made…

The U.S. Figure Skating Championships became a symbol of inclusion this year as a transgender pride flag gained widespread support from fans and athletes alike. The moment highlighted the sport’s ongoing commitment to diversity and acceptance. Skaters, coaches, and spectators reacted positively when the flag was displayed, with many expressing that it reflected the inclusive spirit of figure skating. The gesture reinforced the idea that the sport welcomes athletes and fans of all identities, fostering a safe and supportive environment. Figure skating has a long history of emphasizing artistry, athleticism, and personal expression. By embracing inclusion, the sport also celebrates…

Germany is stepping up as a key driver of Europe’s trade strategy, advocating for both the newly approved Mercosur agreement and a prospective EU-India free trade deal, even as political tensions rise at home and abroad. Merz Champions EU-India Free Trade Speaking from India on Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signaled optimism that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa could sign a trade agreement with New Delhi by the end of the month. Merz framed the deal as part of a broader strategy to reduce Europe’s reliance on the US and China, countries…

Tensions are escalating in Iran as nationwide protests enter their third week, an internet blackout stretches beyond 60 hours, and reports surface that the US and Israel are discussing possible military action. Meanwhile, Tehran has warned that any American strike would make US forces and Israel “legitimate targets,” heightening fears of a regional conflict. Tehran Issues Stark Warnings Amid US and Israeli Talks Iranian officials are sending a clear message: any foreign attack will be met with retaliation. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Sunday that US military bases, shipping centres, and Israel would be considered “legitimate targets” if…

Governments are under growing pressure to take bold action against the carbon footprint of the world’s richest. Campaigners are calling for taxes on fossil fuel profits and bans on carbon-heavy luxury goods to help meet global climate targets and reduce inequality. New research from Oxfam paints a stark picture of carbon imbalance. The richest one per cent of people had already exceeded their annual carbon allowance just ten days into 2026 — a threshold meant to keep global warming under 1.5°C, often called “Pollutocrat Day.” Even more extreme, the wealthiest 0.01 per cent burned through their yearly emissions limit in…

The United States has seized another tanker in its ongoing effort to enforce sanctions on Venezuela, marking the fifth vessel intercepted in recent weeks as Washington strengthens its naval presence in the Caribbean. Targeting the “Ghost Fleet” US Homeland Security Secretary Noem confirmed that the tanker Olina was part of a “ghost fleet” — vessels accused of disguising their identity to transport embargoed oil. The ship reportedly departed Venezuela attempting to evade US forces. “The ghost fleets will not outrun justice,” Noem said, emphasizing that false claims of nationality would not protect them. Military Precision at Sea US Southern Command…

Since late December, Iran has seen a surge in protests, with the Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO reporting that at least 45 demonstrators have been killed by security forces. What began as demonstrations over economic hardship has grown into a nationwide challenge to the government. Streets of Tehran Fill with Protesters On Thursday night, residents of Tehran and other cities responded to a call from exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, shouting from their homes and gathering in the streets. Witnesses reported chants of “Death to the dictator!” and “Death to the Islamic Republic!” while some voiced support for the former…

Greenland’s strategic location and abundant resources have put the Arctic island at the center of an international debate, with the White House stating that military options remain on the table in President Donald Trump’s renewed push to bring the territory under U.S. control. The self-governing territory of Denmark sits off Canada’s northeastern coast, with over two-thirds of its land inside the Arctic Circle. Its position has made it a crucial part of North America’s defense since World War II. White House Signals Hardline Approach White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday that Trump views acquiring Greenland as a national…

North Korea has carried out test-flights of hypersonic missiles under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un, highlighting the country’s push to strengthen its nuclear deterrent. The tests come as Pyongyang intensifies weapons demonstrations ahead of its major political gathering, the Workers’ Party congress. The announcement followed reports from neighboring countries detecting multiple ballistic missile launches, which they labeled provocations. The launches occurred just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China to meet President Xi Jinping. Kim Highlights Military Preparedness According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Sunday’s drill involved testing a hypersonic weapon system to…

A single tuna captured global attention at Tokyo’s New Year auction, selling for a record-breaking price and continuing a long-standing tradition of celebrating the start of the year with spectacular seafood bids. A Tuna Worth Millions At the first auction of 2026 at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market, a 243-kilogram bluefin tuna sold for 510 million yen, roughly €2.78 million. The winning bid came from Kiyomura Corp., whose owner Kiyoshi Kimura runs the famous Sushi Zanmai chain. Kimura, a familiar figure at these auctions, surpassed his own 2019 record of 334 million yen. He admitted afterward that he had hoped to…