Author: Rachel Maddow

The United States has seized another tanker as part of its ongoing effort to enforce sanctions on Venezuela, marking the fifth ship apprehended in recent weeks amid a significant naval buildup in the Caribbean. Ghost Fleet Operation US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the vessel, Olina, as part of a “ghost” fleet — ships suspected of disguising their identity to transport embargoed oil. According to officials, the tanker left Venezuela attempting to evade American forces before being seized. “The ghost fleets will not outrun justice,” Noem said, emphasizing that vessels hiding under false claims of nationality would face consequences.…

Since late December, Iran has seen waves of protests, with the Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO reporting at least 45 demonstrators killed by security forces. Initially sparked by economic hardship, the unrest has grown into a nationwide challenge to the country’s leadership. Streets Filled with Chants and Defiance On Thursday night, residents across Tehran took to their homes and streets after exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi called for mass demonstrations. Witnesses reported chants of “Death to the dictator!” and “Death to the Islamic Republic!” while others expressed support for the former monarchy, shouting, “This is the last battle! Pahlavi will…

Greenland, a vast Arctic island off the northeastern coast of Canada, has become the center of renewed international attention as the Trump White House signals that military options remain on the table to bring the territory under U.S. oversight. With more than two-thirds of its land inside the Arctic Circle, Greenland has long been crucial to North American defense and global strategic planning. U.S. Signals Interest in Greenland White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority for the United States. “It’s vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region,” she said.…

North Korea has conducted new hypersonic missile tests under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the country’s nuclear deterrent. The tests come as Pyongyang ramps up weapons demonstrations ahead of its first major political gathering in five years, the Workers’ Party congress. The announcement followed reports from neighboring countries that multiple ballistic missiles had been launched, which they described as provocative. The tests occurred just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung left for China to meet President Xi Jinping. Kim Stresses Military Readiness According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Sunday’s drill…

A giant bluefin tuna stole the spotlight at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market, selling for a jaw-dropping 510 million yen (€2.78 million) at the first auction of 2026. Kiyomura Claims Another Victory The winning bid came from Kiyomura Corp., owned by Kiyoshi Kimura, the founder of the popular Sushi Zanmai chain. Kimura, a familiar face at these New Year auctions, broke his own 2019 record of 334 million yen (€1.82 million). Speaking to reporters afterward, he admitted he had hoped to pay a little less, but “the price shot up before you knew it.” The Allure of Oma Tuna The 243-kilogram…

A high-profile real estate transaction in Miami is drawing attention as Alexander von Fürstenberg completes a major home purchase. The deal highlights strong demand in the city’s luxury housing market and adds momentum to the high-end segment. The Miami property features upscale amenities, prime location, and privacy, making it a perfect fit for a celebrity buyer. Homes like this attract attention not just for their price but also for their design, exclusivity, and lifestyle appeal. Real estate experts note that celebrity-linked sales often influence local markets. High-profile transactions create buzz and can increase interest from other wealthy buyers, both domestic…

Europe’s ski industry is facing an unprecedented challenge. Higher temperatures and shrinking snowfall are forcing resorts across the continent to rethink their business models and question the future of winter sports. Snow Is No Longer Guaranteed Even in Italy’s Dolomites, where the 2026 Winter Olympics will open in Milan-Cortina, snow is no longer a certainty. Natural snowfall is becoming increasingly limited, and resorts rely heavily on artificial snowmaking to keep slopes skiable. Creating snow is expensive, energy-intensive, and uses enormous amounts of water, which drives up the cost of lift passes. For many European skiers, the once-affordable thrill of winter…

In a move that shocked the international community, US forces arrested Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas and transported them to New York to face criminal charges. Following the operation, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would temporarily take control of Venezuela until a safe and orderly transition could be arranged. “We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump said during a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort. “We can’t take a chance that somebody else takes over Venezuela who…

The United States has launched a series of airstrikes against Islamic State–linked militants in northwestern Nigeria, stepping up its support for the country’s battle against extremist groups. President Donald Trump described the strikes as “powerful and deadly” and said they targeted militants responsible for attacks on civilians. Trump emphasized on social media that the militants were “viciously killing mostly innocent Christians,” highlighting the urgency of international involvement in the region. Strengthening Nigeria’s Security Forces Nigeria’s military has been stretched thin for years, dealing with multiple insurgent and extremist groups across the country. The northern states, including Sokoto, frequently see airstrikes…

European intelligence agencies warn that investigating suspected Russian interference now demands as much attention as counterterrorism efforts, highlighting how cyber operations and sabotage have become central security concerns. The warning comes amid a series of high-profile cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure in France and across Europe. Christmas Cyberattack Hits National Postal Service French prosecutors said Wednesday that the pro-Russian hacking group Noname057(16) claimed responsibility for a cyberattack that disrupted La Poste, France’s national postal operator, during the busy Christmas period. Following the group’s claim, the domestic intelligence agency DGSI took over the investigation, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office. La Poste’s…