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.
Rising Tensions Over Maritime Claims Kuwait and Iraq are locked in a renewed dispute over their northern Gulf maritime borders, with tensions escalating after Baghdad submitted new coordinates and a map to the United Nations. Kuwait says the areas claimed by Iraq, including the Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Aij shoals, fall within its waters, raising concerns over the region’s strategic waterways and offshore resources. Regional Support for Kuwait Several Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, have voiced strong support for Kuwait, emphasizing the importance of respecting international law. Saudi Arabia noted that parts…
Supreme Court Ruling Sparks Uncertainty European Parliament negotiators on Monday paused the EU-US trade agreement after the US Supreme Court ruled that several 2025 tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump were unlawful. In response, Trump announced new 15% import duties, throwing the future of the agreement into question. German MEP Bernd Lange, chair of the parliamentary trade committee, said the legal situation had “totally changed,” and the EU needed a clear commitment from Washington before moving forward. EU Demands Guarantees on Deal Terms The 2025 pact, originally negotiated by Ursula von der Leyen and Trump, had been criticized in Europe…
Budapest Links Sanctions to Pipeline Repairs Hungary has announced it will block the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia until Ukraine restores oil deliveries to the country. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán told the Energy Security Council that the bloc would not approve the €90 billion war loan for Ukraine while supplies remain cut. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó added that Hungary will continue to veto the sanctions until the Druzhba pipeline, damaged by a Russian attack, is repaired. The council also discussed electricity supplies, which see nearly half of Ukraine’s imports coming from Hungary. Szijjártó stressed that halting deliveries could affect…
Team USA captured back-to-back gold in the mixed team aerials at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Kaila Kuhn, Connor Curran, and Christopher Lillis delivered a dominant performance, setting a new Olympic record in the process. The competition was fierce, with top teams from around the world aiming for the podium. However, the U.S. athletes showed precision and skill in every jump, impressing judges and fans alike. Their combined scores gave the United States a clear edge, earning the historic victory. This gold medal adds to Team USA’s growing tally at the 2026 Winter Games. The aerials team’s success reflects strong preparation,…
Immediate Tariff Hike and Presidential Response US President Donald Trump announced that global tariffs on foreign goods will rise from 10% to 15% effective immediately, just one day after the Supreme Court struck down his use of emergency powers to impose broad import taxes. Trump dismissed the court’s 6–3 ruling as “poorly written” and insisted that other legal authorities still allow him to enforce trade protections. Congress vs. Executive Authority The Supreme Court clarified that the Constitution grants Congress—not the president—the power to levy taxes and tariffs. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that taxing authority was never placed in the…
Justices Limit Presidential Power The US Supreme Court dealt a major blow to Donald Trump on Friday, striking down his sweeping global tariffs. In a 6–3 ruling, the court found that the president exceeded his authority by using emergency powers to impose broad import taxes. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the Constitution clearly grants Congress, not the executive branch, the power to levy taxes, including tariffs. Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented, arguing the tariffs were legally justified despite policy debates. Emergency Powers and Legal Challenges The ruling focused on Trump’s use of the International Emergency…
Arrest and Police Operations Prince Andrew was arrested Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office linked to his former role as the UK’s trade envoy. Police also conducted searches at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk. While authorities did not initially name him, they confirmed a man in his sixties remained in custody. Andrew turned 66 on the day of the arrest. Unmarked police vehicles were spotted at Sandringham in Norfolk, where Andrew has been living since leaving Windsor. Law enforcement emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the investigation and said updates would be provided at the appropriate…
Preparing for the ETS2 Launch EU countries have agreed to update the rules of their carbon market to prevent sudden spikes in carbon prices ahead of a new tax on cars, vans, and buildings. The updated mechanism will extend beyond 2030 to ensure that when the system comes into effect in 2028, prices remain manageable for households and businesses relying on fossil fuels for heating and transport. While some member states, including Slovakia and the Czech Republic, have called for delays due to social concerns, countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg have pushed back. They warn…
Brussels Considers Independent Ban The European Union is prepared to impose a full ban on maritime services for Russian oil tankers even if G7 nations fail to reach a joint agreement, Valdis Dombrovskis said. The EU aims to approve its 20th sanctions package by 24 February, marking four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. If enacted, the ban would override the G7 price cap on Russian oil within the EU, preventing European companies from servicing Russian tankers regardless of the Urals crude price, which currently sits at $44.10 per barrel. Dombrovskis emphasized that coordination with the G7 is preferable,…
U.S. Signals Support for Orbán U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Budapest to deliver a message of support from former President Donald Trump to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose ruling Fidesz party is trailing in polls ahead of April’s elections. At a press conference, Rubio praised Orbán’s personal rapport with Trump and credited it for strengthening U.S.–Hungary relations, citing last year’s one-year exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian oil imports as an example of tangible benefits. Rubio’s visit followed the Munich Security Conference and included Slovakia, where he met Prime Minister Robert Fico, another Trump supporter. In…
