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.
Legal Uncertainty Halts Implementation European Parliament negotiators have paused the EU-US trade agreement after a recent US Supreme Court ruling questioned the legality of tariffs imposed in 2025. The court found that President Donald Trump had exceeded his authority by imposing duties without Congress under emergency powers. In response, Trump announced fresh 15% tariffs on imports, leaving the pact’s future in doubt. German MEP Bernd Lange, who chairs the parliamentary trade committee, stressed that the legal framework had “totally changed” and that a clear statement from Washington is needed before the deal can move forward. Parliament Demands Clear Commitments The…
Budapest Demands Pipeline Repairs Before Supporting Sanctions Hungary has announced it will block the EU’s 20th package of sanctions against Russia until Ukraine restores oil deliveries to the country. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that the EU would also withhold the €90 billion war loan to Ukraine until shipments resume. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó explained that Hungary will not back the sanctions package at the EU foreign ministers’ meeting on Monday, citing the need for Ukraine to repair the Druzhba pipeline, which was damaged in a Russian attack. The Energy Security Council also discussed electricity supplies to Ukraine, which rely…
Trump Administration Signals Backing U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Budapest to convey a message of support from former President Donald Trump to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose ruling Fidesz party is trailing the opposition ahead of April elections. Rubio highlighted the personal relationship between Orbán and Trump, pointing to Hungary’s recent one-year exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian oil imports as a tangible benefit of their connection. “President Trump is deeply committed to your success, because your success is our success,” Rubio said at a press conference following the Munich Security Conference. During his trip, Rubio also…
Clashing Views on Europe’s Role The Munich Security Conference showcased contrasting perspectives on the West’s future. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Europe to join the U.S. in safeguarding a shared civilisation, warning that the West risks decline if it ignores poorly designed policies on climate and migration. Rubio described America as a “child of Europe” whose fate is intertwined with the continent. In response, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas rejected the idea that Europe needs saving, saying a so-called “woke, decadent” Europe is not facing civilisational collapse. Ursula von der Leyen said Rubio’s remarks reassured her about…
Europe Must Have a Strong Seat at the Table Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said it is a “big mistake” that European leaders are largely absent from U.S.-led negotiations aimed at ending the war with Russia. He stressed that a lasting peace must address the security needs of all of Europe, not just Kyiv and Washington. Zelenskyy noted that upcoming trilateral talks with Russia and the United States have seen little progress toward a ceasefire. He expressed frustration that the parties often seem to be “talking about completely different things” and criticized the focus on…
The United Nations has established a 40-member international scientific panel to examine the risks and impacts of artificial intelligence (AI), despite opposition from the United States. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the panel a “foundational step toward global scientific understanding of AI,” emphasizing the need for independent guidance as AI technology develops rapidly. Global Support and Structure The UN General Assembly approved the panel with a vote of 117-2, with the U.S. and Paraguay opposing, and Tunisia and Ukraine abstaining. Nations including Russia, China, and European allies supported the initiative. Members were chosen from over 2,600 candidates through a rigorous…
US and European defence ministers agreed this week that NATO needs to evolve, with Europe taking a bigger role in its own defence. While both sides support a stronger European presence, the motivations differ: Washington wants to pivot toward other global theatres, while Europeans worry about relying too heavily on a US administration seen as unpredictable. US Under Secretary of War Eldridge Colby called for a “NATO 3.0,” urging European allies to take primary responsibility for conventional defence. “Europe should field the preponderance of the forces required to deter, and if necessary, defeat conventional aggression in Europe,” he said, emphasizing…
A tragic shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia on Tuesday has left at least nine people dead, including the suspected shooter, and several others injured. Authorities say this is one of Canada’s deadliest school attacks in decades. Horror at the School and Nearby Home Police reported six victims inside the school, with another person dying en route to hospital. The suspected gunman was also found dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury. Two more victims were discovered at a residence in Tumbler Ridge linked to the shooting. About 25 others were treated at a local…
Refusal to Testify Tied to Epstein Probe Ghislaine Maxwell, the longtime associate of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, refused to answer questions from the US House Oversight Committee during a deposition on Monday, invoking her Fifth Amendment rights. Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking at a federal prison camp in Texas, appeared via video call and declined to cooperate with lawmakers investigating who may have helped facilitate Epstein’s abuse network. Clemency Offer Raises Political Firestorm Maxwell’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, told lawmakers that his client would be willing to testify fully if granted clemency by President Donald…
Soot and the Warming Arctic Rising global temperatures are melting Arctic sea ice faster than ever, opening new shipping routes that were once frozen year-round. But increased marine traffic comes with a hidden cost: black carbon, or soot, released from ships. When soot lands on ice and snow, it darkens surfaces, trapping heat from the sun and speeding up melting. “It ends up in a never-ending cycle of increased warming,” says Sian Prior, lead adviser for the Clean Arctic Alliance. This cycle not only accelerates Arctic warming but also disrupts weather patterns worldwide. Political and Economic Hurdles to Cleaner Shipping…
