Author: Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow is a freelance journalist based in the USA, with over 20 years of experience covering Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. She earned her degree in Political Science and Journalism from Stanford University. Throughout her career, she has contributed to outlets such as MSNBC, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Known for her thorough reporting and compelling storytelling, Rachel delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on both national and global developments.
Israel Conducts Widespread Attack The Israeli military says it has carried out a “broad strike” on Iranian defense systems in western Iran, following joint US-Israeli air operations earlier Saturday. The strikes mark a sharp escalation after weeks of tension over Iran’s nuclear program and regional security concerns. Iran Hits Back Across the Gulf In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on US military assets across nearly the entire Gulf region, sparing only Oman. US President Donald Trump described the strikes as addressing decades of grievances with Iran and urged Iranians to eventually rise against their government, calling it a historic opportunity. International…
Overnight Strikes Escalate the Conflict Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have erupted after months of relative calm along their 2,600-kilometre mountainous border. Early Friday, Pakistan launched airstrikes on Kabul and other Afghan cities, declaring “open war” following Taliban attacks on Pakistani border positions. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the government’s patience with the Afghan Taliban had “run out.” The military’s Operation Ghazab lil Haq, or “Righteous Fury,” reportedly killed 133 Taliban fighters and struck key military installations, including sites in Kabul and Kandahar, where Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada resides. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed strikes across three provinces and…
De Niro Criticizes Trump and Speaks Out Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro voiced strong criticism of Donald Trump, warning that he “will never leave” office and urging Americans to act. At a counter State of the Union event and during interviews, De Niro described the nation as being run by “a handful of dishonest and greedy and cruel authoritarians” and said he felt “betrayed by my country.” He also raised concerns about Trump joking—albeit seriously—about nationalizing elections. Trump Responds With Harsh Words In response, Trump took to Truth Social, calling De Niro “deranged” and “seriously CRIMINAL,” and also targeted Democratic…
Renewed Focus on European Deterrence President Emmanuel Macron is set to deliver a major speech on France’s nuclear deterrent, outlining how the country could play a larger role in Europe’s security. The address, taking place on the Île Longue peninsula — home to France’s four nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines — will be the first since 2020, when Macron first offered to involve European partners in exercises. Sources close to the president describe the speech as “an important moment” with potential shifts in how France interacts with allies on nuclear strategy. Geopolitical Shifts Driving Interest European interest in France’s nuclear capabilities…
US economic confidence rose modestly in February 2026, signaling an improvement after recent declines. The latest figures from the Conference Board show that Americans are feeling more positive about job prospects, income, and overall economic conditions. Economists say this rebound could support higher consumer spending and strengthen business activity. The increase in confidence comes after months of declining sentiment, when concerns about inflation, interest rates, and economic stability weighed on households. The February improvement suggests that Americans are becoming more optimistic about their financial situation and the economy’s near-term outlook. Consumer confidence is a key economic indicator because it reflects…
Rising Tensions Over Northern Gulf Waters Kuwait is receiving strong backing from its Gulf neighbors in a fresh sea border dispute with Iraq. The conflict escalated after Baghdad submitted new coordinates and a map to the United Nations, claiming areas that Kuwait says belong to its territorial waters, including the Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Aij shoals. The northern Gulf remains a strategically sensitive region, crucial for shipping routes and offshore resources. Regional Support and Calls for Dialogue Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman have all voiced support for Kuwait, urging compliance with international law. Saudi officials…
Supreme Court Ruling Sparks Uncertainty European Parliament negotiators have paused the EU-US trade agreement after last week’s US Supreme Court decision questioned the legality of certain 2025 tariffs imposed by Washington. Following the ruling, President Donald Trump announced new 15% duties on imports, further complicating the implementation of the pact. German MEP Bernd Lange, chair of the parliamentary trade committee, said the legal situation “has totally changed,” adding that the EU needs clear assurances from the United States before moving forward. European Parliament Seeks Firm Guarantees The 2025 deal, negotiated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Trump…
Budapest Holds Sanctions Hostage Hungary has announced it will block the EU’s 20th package of sanctions against Russia until Ukrainian oil deliveries to the country resume. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said no EU war loans or financial aid to Ukraine would go ahead while the supply remains halted. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó added that the sanctions package, scheduled for a meeting of EU foreign ministers, would remain blocked until Ukraine repairs the Druzhba pipeline, damaged by a Russian strike. Orbán also confirmed that a diesel delivery service, paused earlier this week, would not restart under current conditions. Energy Supplies and…
Immediate Tariff Hike Amid Legal Challenge US President Donald Trump announced an immediate increase in global tariffs from 10% to 15%, just a day after the Supreme Court ruled that his broad use of emergency powers to impose tariffs exceeded his authority. Trump framed the move as necessary to protect American interests, arguing that the court decision only invalidated one specific use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and does not block other legal avenues for imposing duties. Navigating Legal Limits The Supreme Court’s 6–3 ruling emphasized that the Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the power to…
Justices Limit Executive Authority The Supreme Court of the United States on Friday struck down Donald Trump’s broad global tariffs, ruling that he overstepped his authority by using emergency powers to impose them. In a 6–3 decision, the court emphasized that the Constitution grants Congress — not the president — the power to levy taxes and tariffs. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that “The Framers did not vest any part of the taxing power in the Executive Branch.” Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented, with Kavanaugh arguing that the tariffs were lawful based on precedent and history,…