Author: Rachel Maddow

Governments are facing mounting pressure to confront a growing driver of the climate crisis: extreme wealth. Campaigners are calling for bans on high-polluting luxury goods and tougher taxes on fossil fuel profits, arguing that without targeting the biggest emitters, global climate targets will remain out of reach. New analysis from Oxfam highlights the scale of carbon inequality. The richest one per cent of the global population had already burned through their entire annual carbon budget just ten days into 2026. This marks the point where emissions exceed levels consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C, a moment now referred to…

The United States has intercepted another tanker as part of its crackdown on Venezuelan oil exports, marking the fifth vessel seized in recent weeks amid an expanding US naval presence in the Caribbean. Targeting the “Ghost Fleet” US Homeland Security Secretary Noem described the vessel, Olina, as part of a “ghost fleet” — tankers suspected of hiding their identities to transport embargoed oil. The tanker had departed Venezuela attempting to evade US forces before being intercepted. “The ghost fleets will not outrun justice,” Noem said, emphasizing that vessels operating under false claims of nationality would be held accountable. Joint Military…

Iran has seen a sharp escalation in nationwide unrest after large crowds took to the streets and rooftops of Tehran and other cities following a call for mass demonstrations by exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi. Nighttime Protests Grip Tehran Witnesses said neighbourhoods across the capital erupted in chants late Thursday as protesters responded to Pahlavi’s call to demonstrate at 8pm local time. People shouted slogans from their homes and gathered in public spaces, with thousands reported on the streets. Crowds chanted “Death to the dictator!” and “Death to the Islamic Republic!” while others openly praised the former monarchy, shouting: “This…

Greenland’s strategic position in the Arctic has once again thrust it into the global spotlight, after the White House said the use of the US military remains an option in President Donald Trump’s renewed push to bring the island under American control. The comments have sparked strong pushback from European leaders and Canada, all of whom insist that Greenland’s future can only be decided by its own people and Denmark. Trump Renews Strategic Case for Greenland President Trump first floated the idea of buying Greenland during his initial term, but has revived the proposal following a recent US military operation…

North Korea has announced that leader Kim Jong-un personally oversaw test-flights of hypersonic missiles, emphasizing the need to strengthen the country’s 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 neighbouring countries that multiple ballistic missile launches were detected, which they described as provocations. The launches took place just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China for a summit with President Xi Jinping. Kim Stresses Military Readiness According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Sunday’s drill tested a hypersonic…

A single bluefin tuna stole the spotlight at Tokyo’s famous New Year fish auction, selling for a staggering price and signalling another headline grabbing start to the year at Toyosu market. A New Record at Toyosu Market At the first auction of 2026, a 243 kilogram Pacific bluefin tuna sold for a record 510 million yen, about €2.78 million. The sale took place before sunrise at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market, where New Year auctions are known for their festive atmosphere and sky high bids. The winning bid came from Kiyomura Corp., owned by Kiyoshi Kimura, the man behind the popular…

Europe’s ski resorts are being forced to rethink how they survive as rising temperatures and shrinking snowfall reshape the winter sports landscape. While iconic destinations may still look postcard-perfect at times, the reality behind the scenes is becoming harder — and more expensive — to manage. Snow Is No Longer a Given, Even in Famous Resorts With the Winter Olympics set to open in Milan–Cortina on 6 February, the slopes around Cortina d’Ampezzo — often called the “pearl of the Dolomites” — are currently covered in snow. But those conditions are increasingly the exception, not the rule. As winters warm,…

In a dramatic operation that stunned governments and observers worldwide, US forces arrested Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas and flew them to New York to face criminal charges. The move marked one of the most aggressive US interventions in Latin America in decades. Soon after the arrests, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would assume temporary control of Venezuela, saying Washington would oversee the country until a new leadership transition could be arranged. “We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious…

The United States has carried out multiple airstrikes targeting Islamic State–linked militants in northwestern Nigeria, marking a sharp escalation in its involvement in the country’s ongoing security crisis. US President Donald Trump confirmed the strikes on Thursday, describing them as “powerful and deadly” attacks against militants he accused of carrying out brutal assaults on civilians. In a social media post, Trump said the fighters had been “viciously targeting and killing, primarily, innocent Christians.” The operations come as Nigeria’s military continues to struggle with widespread insecurity, facing numerous armed groups operating across different parts of the country. Military under strain Nigeria’s…

Several NFL teams secured important victories in recent games, strengthening their positions in the playoff race. These wins not only improve seeding but also energize players and fans as the season grows more competitive. Teams relied on a mix of strong offense, solid defense, and effective special teams to claim victories. Key plays in crucial moments often determined outcomes, highlighting the importance of strategy and execution late in the season. Fan enthusiasm has surged following these wins. Social media and stadium energy reflected excitement as teams solidified their chances for playoff berths. Analysts noted that momentum gained from critical victories…