Author: Rachel Maddow

The United States has seized another oil tanker in the Caribbean as part of its expanding effort to enforce sanctions on Venezuela, marking the fifth vessel intercepted in just a few weeks. The ship, Olina, was taken during a coordinated military operation aimed at stopping what U.S. officials describe as illegal oil shipments designed to bypass international restrictions. Targeting Venezuela’s ‘Ghost Fleet’ According to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the Olina was part of a so-called “ghost fleet” — tankers that allegedly conceal their true ownership and destinations to move embargoed oil. Authorities say the vessel departed Venezuela and…

Iran has seen a sharp escalation in unrest after thousands of people in Tehran and other cities poured into the streets or shouted slogans from their homes following a call for mass demonstrations by exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi. Streets Erupt as Communications Go Dark Witnesses in the capital said chanting broke out across multiple neighbourhoods late Thursday as protesters answered Pahlavi’s call to demonstrate at 8pm local time. Shouts of “Death to the dictator!” and “Death to the Islamic Republic!” echoed through the city, while others voiced support for the former monarchy, chanting, “This is the last battle! Pahlavi…

Young lawmakers and gun-safety advocates are bringing new energy to state legislatures, pushing forward public safety and violence prevention policies. Their efforts are gaining attention and support from both parties, signaling a shift in how lawmakers approach gun safety. These young leaders are introducing bills that aim to reduce gun violence while respecting legal rights. They are focused on practical measures such as safe storage laws, background checks, and community programs to prevent violence. Advocates say these policies can protect families, schools, and neighborhoods. Bipartisan support is growing as more legislators recognize the importance of addressing gun violence. Some lawmakers…

Greenland, the vast Arctic island northeast of Canada, has re-emerged as a flashpoint in global politics after the White House said the use of U.S. military force remains an option in President Donald Trump’s renewed push to bring the territory under American control. The comments have sparked strong reactions across Europe and North America, with allies reaffirming that Greenland’s future lies solely in the hands of its people and Denmark, which governs the self-ruled territory. White House Keeps Military Option on the Table White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump views Greenland as a critical national security priority,…

North Korea says leader Kim Jong-un has overseen new test-flights of hypersonic missiles, reinforcing his push to strengthen the country’s nuclear deterrent as Pyongyang increases weapons activity ahead of a key political gathering. State media reported the tests on Monday, a day after South Korea and neighbouring countries said they detected multiple ballistic missile launches and accused the North of deliberately stoking regional tensions. Leader Observes Tests and Defends Nuclear Expansion According to the Korean Central News Agency, Sunday’s drill involved a hypersonic weapon system and was designed to assess combat readiness, improve the operational capabilities of missile units and…

A prized bluefin tuna has fetched an astonishing price at Tokyo’s famous New Year fish auction, setting a new record and grabbing headlines across Japan. A Record-Breaking Catch at Toyosu Market At the first auction of 2026, held before dawn at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market, a 243 kilogram Pacific bluefin tuna sold for an incredible 510 million yen, around €2.78 million. The celebratory New Year sale is known for eye-catching prices, but this year’s winning bid surpassed all expectations. The buyer was Kiyomura Corp., led by Kiyoshi Kimura, the owner of the well-known Sushi Zanmai restaurant chain. Kimura, a familiar…

The Baltimore Ravens have agreed to a contract extension with veteran nose tackle John Jenkins, marking a major milestone in his 13-year NFL career. The move highlights the team’s confidence in Jenkins’ experience and performance. Jenkins has been a key contributor to the Ravens’ defensive line, known for his strength, tackling, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. His leadership on and off the field has earned respect from teammates and coaches alike. The Ravens praised Jenkins for his dedication and consistency. Over more than a decade in the NFL, he has developed a reputation for reliability and professionalism, making him…

Across Europe’s mountains, winter is becoming less predictable. While the slopes around Cortina d’Ampezzo are currently blanketed in white ahead of the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics in February, those postcard conditions are no longer guaranteed. Rising temperatures and shrinking snowfall are reshaping the future of skiing — and forcing resorts to rethink how they survive. A Warming Climate Is Redrawing the Winter Sports Map Even in Italy’s iconic Dolomites, snowfall is becoming rarer and winters are noticeably milder. This trend stretches across the entire Alpine region, and the International Olympic Committee has openly acknowledged that climate change — driven largely by…

In a dramatic move that caught governments and analysts off guard, US forces arrested Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas and transported them to New York to face criminal charges. The operation, involving multiple branches of the US military, marks one of the most aggressive foreign interventions by Washington in decades. Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Saturday, President Donald Trump said the United States would assume temporary control of Venezuela while a transition is arranged. He offered few specifics but framed the move as necessary to prevent further instability. “We are going…

The United States has carried out multiple airstrikes against Islamic State–linked militants in northwestern Nigeria, marking a significant escalation in its involvement in the country’s ongoing security crisis. US President Donald Trump announced the strikes on Thursday, describing them as “powerful and deadly” and aimed at militants he said were responsible for brutal attacks on civilians. In a social media post, Trump accused the fighters of “viciously targeting and killing, primarily, innocent Christians.” The operation comes as Nigeria’s military continues to struggle against a range of armed groups operating across different regions, leaving security forces stretched and often outmatched. Strain…