Author: Rachel Maddow

Washington signals force remains an option The United States has warned Iran that it is prepared to consider military action if Tehran continues to use lethal force against protesters. The message was delivered during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, where US officials said President Donald Trump remains ready to act if the violence does not stop. US Ambassador Mike Waltz told the council that Trump is not interested in drawn-out diplomacy and has made clear that “all options are on the table” to halt what Washington describes as the mass killing of civilians. He added that Iranian…

European forces touch down as Washington presses its case Troops and reconnaissance teams from several European countries have begun arriving in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, in what allies describe as a short-term mission to bolster surveillance and training in the Arctic amid rising geopolitical tensions. France, Germany, Norway, Sweden and other partners have dispatched small contingents to work with Danish and local authorities on security tasks in the coming days. (Al Jazeera) White House says deployments won’t change U.S. agenda; Denmark pushes back A White House spokesperson said the arrival of European personnel “does not impact” President Trump’s interest in Greenland…

The World Economic Forum’s latest Global Risks Report has delivered a stark warning: escalating economic conflict between major powers is now viewed as the greatest threat to global stability. Released ahead of the WEF’s annual Davos gathering, the report highlights growing fears that sanctions, tariffs, and trade disputes could push the world into a new era of instability. Based on insights from more than 1,300 experts and leaders across business, government, academia, and civil society, the report paints a picture of a world bracing for turbulence — not just politically, but economically and socially as well. Economic Conflict Overtakes Every…

Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has officially crossed a historic milestone. Driven by soaring investor confidence in artificial intelligence, the tech giant has become the fourth company in the world to reach a $4 trillion market valuation — joining Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple. It now sits just behind Nvidia as the world’s second-most valuable company. The achievement caps off a year of explosive growth in tech stocks, as investors continue to pour money into companies leading the AI revolution. Even warnings about inflated valuations — including from Google’s own CEO — have done little to cool enthusiasm. AI Momentum Powers Alphabet’s…

Germany’s chancellor is wasting no time capitalising on Europe’s renewed trade momentum. After EU nations backed the controversial Mercosur agreement last week, Chancellor Friedrich Merz signalled that a long-awaited free trade deal between the EU and India could be signed before the end of this month. Speaking during a visit to India, Merz said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa may travel to New Delhi in the coming weeks to finalise the agreement. His comments underline Germany’s push to broaden Europe’s trade partnerships beyond reliance on the United States and China. A Push…

Fears of a wider conflict are growing as reports emerge of Washington and Tel Aviv discussing possible US military action against Iran. At the same time, Tehran is issuing stark warnings of retaliation, nationwide protests continue, and a sweeping internet blackout has now lasted more than 60 hours. Iranian officials have warned that any American strike would trigger direct retaliation against both US and Israeli targets. Speaking in parliament on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said US military bases, shipping centres, and Israel would be considered “legitimate targets” if the United States launches an attack. Iran does not…

Governments worldwide are facing growing pressure to confront the role of extreme wealth in accelerating the climate crisis. Campaigners are urging leaders to ban highly polluting luxury goods and impose tougher taxes on fossil fuel profits, arguing these measures are crucial to keeping global climate targets within reach. New research from Oxfam highlights the scale of carbon inequality. The richest one per cent of people on the planet had already used up their entire annual carbon budget just ten days into 2026. This point, when emissions exceed levels compatible with limiting warming to 1.5°C, has been labelled “Pollutocrat Day.” Even…

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…