Author: Rachel Maddow

Germany is taking a leading role in advancing the EU’s trade agenda, supporting both the recently approved Mercosur deal with South America and a potential free trade agreement with India. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday that European leaders could sign the pact with New Delhi by the end of January, emphasizing the EU’s goal of diversifying trade ties beyond the US and China. Merz Highlights India as Key Economic Partner During his visit to India, Merz criticized rising protectionist policies worldwide, calling them a threat to “the principles of free trade and open markets.” He indicated that European Commission…

Iran is facing one of its most serious crises in years as nationwide protests continue, the death toll rises, and the government enforces a sweeping internet blackout. At the same time, reports indicate Washington and Tel Aviv have discussed potential US military intervention, prompting stern warnings from Tehran. Tehran Issues Stern Warnings to US and Israel Iranian leaders have made it clear that any US strike would trigger direct retaliation. Speaking in parliament on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said US military bases, shipping centres, and Israel would be “legitimate targets” in the event of an attack. Tehran…

Governments are facing mounting pressure to curb the outsized carbon footprint of the world’s wealthiest. Activists are calling for bans on high-polluting luxury goods and new taxes on fossil fuel profits as essential steps to meet global climate targets and reduce inequality. New research from Oxfam highlights just how extreme the problem has become. The richest one per cent of people had already used up their entire annual carbon budget just ten days into 2026 — a milestone activists are calling “Pollutocrat Day.” This is the point where carbon emissions exceed the limit needed to keep global warming below 1.5°C.…

The United States has seized another oil tanker in its ongoing crackdown on Venezuelan oil exports, marking the fifth vessel captured in recent weeks as US naval forces expand their presence in the Caribbean. Ghost Fleet Under Scrutiny US Homeland Security Secretary Noem described the seized tanker, Olina, as part of a “ghost fleet” — ships suspected of disguising their identities to transport embargoed oil. The vessel had departed Venezuela and attempted to evade American forces before being intercepted. “The ghost fleets will not outrun justice,” Noem said, emphasizing that vessels using false identities would be held accountable. The US…

Since late December, nationwide protests in Iran have intensified, with the Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO reporting that at least 45 demonstrators have been killed by security forces. What began as protests over economic hardship has now evolved into a broader movement challenging the country’s leadership. Streets of Tehran Fill with Chants and Defiance On Thursday night, residents across Tehran and other cities answered 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 some called for the return of the monarchy, shouting, “This…

Greenland, the world’s largest island, has once again become a flashpoint in international politics as the Trump administration signals it is considering all options—including military action—to bring the Arctic territory under U.S. influence. The island’s strategic location and abundant natural resources make it a key asset in North American defense and global security. Sitting off the northeastern coast of Canada, more than two-thirds of Greenland lies within the Arctic Circle, giving it critical importance for monitoring Arctic waters, supporting missile defense, and controlling the GIUK Gap—a naval corridor vital to NATO. White House Keeps Military Option Open White House press…

North Korea has carried out test-flights of hypersonic missiles under the direct 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 ruling Workers’ Party congress, its first in five years. The announcement came a day after neighboring countries reported detecting multiple ballistic missile launches, which they labeled as provocative. The timing was particularly notable, occurring just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China to meet President Xi Jinping. Kim Emphasizes Military Preparedness State media, through the Korean Central News…

A single bluefin tuna stole the show at Tokyo’s first auction of 2026, fetching a record-breaking price that reflects both the fish’s rarity and the tradition surrounding the New Year event. Record Price for a Jumbo Tuna A colossal 243-kilogram Pacific bluefin sold for 510 million yen, roughly €2.78 million, at the predawn auction at Toyosu fish market. The winning bid came from Kiyomura Corp., owned by Kiyoshi Kimura, the founder of Sushi Zanmai, who has become a regular at these auctions over the years. Kimura broke his own previous record of 334 million yen set in 2019. Speaking to…

Buyer interest in U.S. homes is rising as mortgage rates ease, helping increase contract signings and overall home sales. Lower borrowing costs are making homes more affordable, attracting both first-time and experienced buyers back into the market. Housing experts say that improved affordability is boosting confidence among prospective buyers. Many are now able to consider properties that were previously out of reach, which is supporting higher contract activity nationwide. This renewed interest is visible across both urban and suburban markets. Buyers are focusing on homes that offer space for work-from-home setups, outdoor areas, and lifestyle amenities. Affordability improvements are enabling…

Europe’s ski industry is facing a turning point. Rising temperatures and unpredictable snowfall are forcing resorts to rethink how they operate and threatening the accessibility of winter sports for millions of people. Snow Is Becoming Scarce Even in the Dolomites, where the Winter Olympics will take place in Milan-Cortina this February, snow is no longer guaranteed. Outside of the Olympic slopes, natural snow is increasingly rare. Resorts now rely heavily on artificial snowmaking, a process that is costly, energy-intensive, and water-hungry. These costs often get passed on to skiers through higher lift tickets, making winter sports less affordable for many…