Author: Rachel Maddow

North Korea has announced that leader Kim Jong-un personally observed new test-flights of hypersonic missiles, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening the country’s nuclear deterrent as Pyongyang ramps up military activity ahead of a major political meeting. The announcement came on Monday, a day after South Korea and its neighbours reported detecting multiple ballistic missile launches and accused the North of deliberately raising tensions in the region. Kim Oversees Tests and Calls for Military Upgrades State media outlet Korean Central News Agency said Sunday’s drill involved a hypersonic weapon system and was aimed at checking combat readiness, improving the operational skills…

A giant bluefin tuna stunned crowds at Tokyo’s famous Toyosu fish market after selling for a record breaking 510 million yen, around €2.78 million, at the first auction of 2026. The traditional New Year event is known for headline grabbing prices, but this year’s top sale went far beyond expectations. A Familiar Face Behind the Winning Bid The winning bid came from Kiyomura Corp., led by sushi entrepreneur Kiyoshi Kimura, whose Sushi Zanmai restaurant chain is well known across Japan. Kimura, a regular winner at the annual auction, surpassed his own previous record of 334 million yen set in 2019.…

Rising temperatures and increasingly unreliable snowfall are forcing ski resorts across Europe to rethink how they survive. While the slopes around Cortina d’Ampezzo are currently white ahead of the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina this February, such conditions are becoming the exception rather than the rule. Across much of Europe, snow now falls less often and melts sooner. Even where skiing is still possible, it often depends on artificial snowmaking — a costly solution that puts pressure on water resources, drives up energy use, and ultimately makes ski holidays more expensive and less accessible. Winter Olympics Under Climate Pressure Climate change…

In a dramatic operation that caught the world off guard, 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 marks one of the most aggressive acts of US intervention in Latin America in decades. Shortly after the arrests, US President Donald Trump announced that Washington would assume temporary control of Venezuela, saying the goal was to oversee a transition of power that would be “safe, proper and judicious.” “We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a…

Consumer spending rose significantly in the third quarter, anchoring overall U.S. economic growth. The increase reflects strong household demand and contributes to optimism about the economy’s resilience. Retail sales, service spending, and durable goods purchases all showed notable gains. Analysts say that these trends demonstrate sustained consumer confidence and financial stability. The rise in household spending helped drive GDP expansion, making it a key factor in the economy’s performance. Economists note that strong consumer activity often signals continued growth in upcoming quarters. Business investment and production also supported overall growth, but consumer spending remained the primary driver. Household demand fuels…

The United States has carried out multiple airstrikes against Islamic State–linked militants in northwestern Nigeria, marking a significant escalation in Washington’s involvement in the country’s ongoing security crisis. US President Donald Trump announced the operation on Thursday, calling the strikes “powerful and deadly.” In a social media post, he said the militants targeted were responsible for brutal attacks on civilians, accusing them of “viciously targeting and killing, primarily, innocent Christians.” Nigeria has been grappling with armed violence for years, with its military stretched thin as it confronts several insurgent and criminal groups across the country. The latest US action comes…

Across the United States, cultural organizations are expanding their influence in communities. Nonprofits and local groups focused on storytelling, arts, and cultural projects are gaining attention for promoting well-being, diversity, and public dialogue. Arts and storytelling projects are central to this growth. Programs encourage people to share experiences, express creativity, and connect with others. Community storytelling projects help residents reflect on local history, personal experiences, and shared values. Experts say these initiatives improve mental health and social cohesion. Participation in arts programs reduces stress, increases self-confidence, and strengthens social bonds. People involved report feeling more connected to their communities and…

European intelligence agencies warn that investigating suspected Russian interference now demands as much attention and resources as counterterrorism operations, highlighting the growing scale and sophistication of cyber threats across the continent. The latest high-profile disruption struck France’s national postal service during the Christmas delivery peak, demonstrating the wide-reaching impact of such attacks. Pro-Russian Hackers Target La Poste French prosecutors said Wednesday that the pro-Russian hacking group Noname057(16) claimed responsibility for the cyberattack that knocked La Poste’s central computer systems offline on Monday. The disruption prevented postal workers from tracking packages and disrupted online payments at La Banque Postale, La Poste’s…

Precious metals ranked among the strongest-performing assets this year, buoyed by geopolitical instability, expectations of looser monetary policy and a fragile sense of global economic stability. Investors returned to gold and silver as multiple risks converged, from trade disputes to military flashpoints, pushing both metals into historic territory. Gold surged to record highs in 2025, climbing as much as $4,481 (€3,797) per troy ounce in recent trading. That move translated into gains of roughly 55–70% year-on-year, making it one of the strongest annual rallies in decades. Silver, long regarded as gold’s lesser counterpart, delivered an even more dramatic performance. Prices…

Support for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) among political independents has reached a record high, according to the latest Gallup polling. Analysts say the trend reflects growing bipartisan approval for healthcare access across the United States. The poll indicates that independent voters increasingly see the ACA as a reliable way to secure affordable healthcare. Many cite protections for pre-existing conditions and expanded coverage options as key reasons for their approval. Experts note that rising support among independents can influence broader public opinion. As a politically diverse group, independents often act as a bellwether for how healthcare policies resonate outside traditional…