Author: Rachel Maddow

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…

Manhattan’s luxury real estate market posted nearly $12 billion in sales in 2025, highlighting continued strength at the top end of New York City’s housing sector. The figures reflect robust activity among high-net-worth buyers and the sustained appeal of elite urban properties. The sales included multi-million-dollar condos, penthouses, and townhouses in prime Manhattan neighborhoods. These properties offer expansive living spaces, luxury amenities, and proximity to cultural and business hubs, making them highly desirable for both domestic and international buyers. Experts say Manhattan’s elite market remains resilient due to limited supply and strong global demand. Even amid broader economic fluctuations, wealthy…

Europe’s ski industry is facing an unprecedented challenge. Rising temperatures and decreasing snowfall are forcing resorts across the continent to rethink how they operate and the very future of winter sports is at stake. Snow Is No Longer Guaranteed Even in Italy’s Dolomites, where the 2026 Winter Olympics will open in Milan-Cortina, snow is no longer certain. Natural snowfall is becoming rare and resorts increasingly rely on artificial snow to keep slopes open. Producing snow requires large amounts of water and electricity, pushing up operational costs and making lift passes more expensive. For many European skiers, the once-accessible thrill of…

In a move that shocked the international community, US forces arrested Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas and transported them to New York to face criminal charges. Following the operation, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would take temporary control of Venezuela until a safe and orderly transition could be established. “We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump said during a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort. “We can’t take a chance that somebody else takes over Venezuela who…