Author: Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow is a freelance journalist based in Chicago, USA, with over 20 years of experience covering Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. She holds a degree in Political Science and Journalism from Stanford University. Over the course of her career, she has contributed to outlets including MSNBC, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Recognized for her in-depth reporting and compelling storytelling, Rachel delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on both national and international developments.
A Renewed Debate on Europe’s Deterrence President Emmanuel Macron is expected to use a major speech on Monday to clarify how France could contribute to strengthening Europe’s nuclear deterrence. Speaking from the Île Longue peninsula — home to France’s four nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines — Macron will revisit an idea he first floated in 2020: opening a broader strategic dialogue with European partners about France’s nuclear doctrine. At the time, his proposal to involve interested EU countries in deterrence discussions and exercises attracted limited attention. But shifting geopolitical realities have since brought the issue back into focus. Macron is not…
UN Submission Triggers Fresh Tensions A new maritime filing by Iraq to the United Nations has reignited a long-running sea border dispute with Kuwait. Baghdad submitted updated coordinates and a map outlining its claimed boundaries, a move Kuwait says overlaps with waters it regards as its own, including the Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Aij shoals. The disagreement once again highlights the strategic weight of northern Gulf waterways, where shipping routes and offshore resources carry both economic and political importance. Regional Allies Rally Around Kuwait Several Gulf nations swiftly voiced their backing for Kuwait’s position. Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar,…
Supreme Court Ruling Throws Deal Into Doubt European Parliament negotiators have suspended progress on the EU-US trade agreement after a US Supreme Court ruling cast uncertainty over key parts of the 2025 deal. The court found that several tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump were unlawful, arguing he had exceeded his authority by introducing them without Congressional approval under emergency powers legislation. In response, Trump announced new 15% duties on imports, further complicating the agreement’s legal footing and prompting alarm in Brussels. MEPs Demand Clarity from Washington German MEP Bernd Lange, who chairs the European Parliament’s trade committee, said the…
Hungary Links Sanctions to Energy Security Hungary has made clear it will not support the European Union’s latest sanctions package against Russia until oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline are restored. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said after meeting the country’s Energy Security Council that no further financial assistance — including the EU’s planned €90 billion war loan — should go to Ukraine while Hungary’s oil supply remains cut off. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó confirmed that Budapest will block the 20th round of EU sanctions, expected to be discussed by foreign ministers on Monday. He said Hungary’s position will not change…
A Swift Response to the Supreme Court Just one day after the US Supreme Court struck down his sweeping tariff policy, US President Donald Trump announced he would raise global tariffs from 10% to 15%, effective immediately. In a social media post, Trump said the move followed what he described as a “ridiculous” and “anti-American” ruling by the nation’s highest court. The 6–3 decision found that he had overstepped his authority by using emergency powers to justify broad import taxes. The court’s majority opinion made clear that the US Constitution assigns the power to impose taxes — including tariffs —…
Court Says President Overstepped Authority The Supreme Court of the United States has struck down former President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs, ruling 6-3 that he exceeded his constitutional authority by invoking emergency powers to impose them. At the heart of the case were the broad “reciprocal” tariffs Trump placed on nearly every US trading partner under a 1977 emergency powers law. The majority opinion, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, made clear that the Constitution assigns the power to levy taxes — including tariffs — to Congress alone. “The Framers did not vest any part of the taxing power…
Police Action and Custody Prince Andrew was taken into custody on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his previous role as the UK trade envoy. Law enforcement also conducted searches at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk. Officials said a man in his sixties remains in custody, though they did not initially name him. Andrew turned 66 on the day of the arrest. Unmarked police vehicles were spotted outside Sandringham in Norfolk, where he has been living since leaving his Windsor home. Police emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the investigation while acknowledging the high…
Governments Try to Calm Fears Over Rising Energy Bills European Union countries have agreed to tweak a key financial safeguard to prevent sharp jumps in carbon prices once a new tax on road transport and buildings comes into force. The adjustment is aimed at smoothing out potential shocks when the expanded carbon market — known as ETS2 — begins operating in 2028. The new system will put a price on emissions from cars, vans, and heating fuels, meaning households and businesses that rely on fossil fuels are likely to see higher costs. That prospect has already stirred political tension. Some…
Brussels Weighs Tougher Energy Measures The European Union is prepared to move ahead with a sweeping ban on maritime services for Russian oil tankers, even if G7 partners fail to agree on a coordinated approach. Valdis Dombrovskis said a joint decision with the G7 would be preferable, but stressed it was not essential. Brussels is aiming to have its 20th sanctions package approved by 24 February, marking four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. If adopted, the proposal would effectively end the G7 price cap on Russian oil within EU jurisdiction by prohibiting European companies from servicing Russian tankers…
A Personal Bond Framed as Political Support U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio brought a clear message from Donald Trump to Budapest: Washington wants Viktor Orbán to succeed. Speaking alongside Orbán after the Munich Security Conference, Rubio emphasized the close personal relationship between the Hungarian leader and Trump, saying it has strengthened ties between the two countries. Rubio went further, stating that Trump is “deeply committed” to Orbán’s success, framing Hungary’s prosperity as aligned with U.S. national interests. He also pointed to Hungary’s recent one-year exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian oil imports as evidence of that relationship at work.…
