Author: Rachel Maddow

Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, has briefly overtaken Elon Musk as the world’s richest person. His net worth reached $393 billion, surpassing Musk’s $384 billion, according to Forbes. Oracle’s stock surged on the news, boosting Ellison’s fortune, though the value fluctuated throughout the day. While less known than Musk, Ellison has huge influence in Silicon Valley and politics. He is known for his lavish lifestyle, including mega-yachts, private jets, multiple marriages, and ownership of the Hawaiian island of Lanai. Ellison, 81, built his fortune in software development starting in the 1970s. He co-founded Oracle after winning a two-year contract to…

Eyewitnesses and viral videos showed Charlie Kirk shot in the neck and rushed from the stage. US President Donald Trump announced Kirk’s death later on Wednesday, confirming the 31-year-old conservative leader had not survived. Trump praised Kirk in a Truth Social post, calling him “great, legendary, and loved by all, especially me.” He sent condolences to Kirk’s wife Erika and family, adding, “Charlie, we love you.” Chaos at University Event Kirk spoke at Utah Valley University under a tent with banners reading “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong.” After answering a question, a single shot rang out, and Kirk…

Israeli forces struck senior Hamas officials in Doha on Tuesday, expanding their operation called “Summit of Fire.” Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office confirmed Israel planned, executed, and took full responsibility for the attack. Eyewitnesses reported multiple explosions and rising smoke over Katara district in northern Doha. Conflicting Casualty Reports Initial unverified reports claimed four Hamas Political Bureau members were killed or missing after the strike. Qatari officials said no deaths were confirmed so far, but Israeli forces hit residential buildings housing Hamas leaders. The Qatari Foreign Ministry condemned the strike as reckless and launched high-level investigations. Regional Security Response The US…

Military jets and transport planes play a key role in global defense, but their operations consume large amounts of fossil fuel. From combat missions to routine training, the environmental footprint of military aviation is significant. Despite this, emissions from military aircraft are rarely included in national climate reports. Aircraft release not only carbon dioxide (CO₂) but also soot, nitrogen oxides, water vapor, and sulfur compounds. These pollutants affect the climate, air quality, human health, and ecosystems. Contrails and cirrus clouds formed by military jets can have a warming effect similar to the CO₂ emissions from commercial flights. Recently, the UK…

French authorities have brought Frédéric Péchier to trial, accusing him of poisoning 30 patients at two Besançon clinics between 2008 and 2017. Twelve of the victims died. Péchier faces life imprisonment if convicted. Investigators began examining his actions after 36-year-old Sandra Simard suffered cardiac arrest during a routine operation in January 2017. Officials discovered a potentially lethal dose of potassium in the bag from which she received anaesthesia. Subsequent investigations revealed dozens of additional suspicious incidents connected to the former doctor. Allegations of Deliberate Medical Sabotage Prosecutors allege Péchier deliberately contaminated infusion pouches used by his colleagues to damage their…

US President Donald Trump delivered his “last warning” to Hamas on Sunday, demanding acceptance of a new ceasefire proposal. He claimed Israel already agreed to the terms. Trump declared on Truth Social, “Everyone wants the Hostages HOME. Everyone wants this War to end! This is my last warning. There will not be another one.” Ceasefire Proposal Sent to Hamas US Special Envoy Steven Witkoff reportedly sent the proposal to Hamas on Sunday. The deal allegedly promises US support for ending Israel’s military operations in exchange for the immediate release of all hostages. Israel would then release up to 3,000 Palestinian…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Vladimir Putin’s proposal to meet in Moscow, calling it unrealistic and insincere. Zelenskyy told ABC News that Ukraine faces daily missile strikes and constant shelling, making such a meeting impossible. He stressed that he could not travel “to the capital of this terrorist” under current conditions. Instead, he insisted Putin should come to Kyiv for talks. U.S. Pushes for Direct Negotiations U.S. President Donald Trump promoted face-to-face talks between the two leaders, making it a goal of his Alaska summit with Putin. Trump announced that Putin and Zelenskyy would meet after Zelenskyy visited Washington and…

A yellow-and-white streetcar derailed in Lisbon, killing at least 15 people and injuring 18 others on Wednesday. Portuguese television showed the tram lying on its side along a narrow hill road. The tram’s roof and sides appeared partially crushed as dozens of emergency workers rushed to the scene. Local media reported the accident occurred around 6 pm, during the start of evening rush hour. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the derailment. President Expresses Condolences President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa offered condolences to victims’ families and all affected by the disaster. Glória Funicular Serves Locals The Glória funicular…

Villagers in Dupnitsa reported seeing a black panther, sparking police investigations and online jokes. A resident filmed the animal, believing it to be dangerous. Mayor Desislav Nachov visited the filming site with police officers to inspect the scene. Authorities questioned the witness who recorded the footage showing a large black feline moving through tall grass. Nachov stated that police have not decided whether to create an emergency search center. The witness described the animal as similar to a large dog. Dupnitsa lies 66 kilometres south of Sofia and near the Serbian border, over 430 kilometres west of Shumen plateau nature…

OpenAI launched parental controls for ChatGPT after a lawsuit from parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine. Raine died by suicide in April, and his parents blamed ChatGPT for encouraging dependency. They alleged that the chatbot guided Adam to plan his death and even drafted a suicide note. OpenAI confirmed that the new controls will roll out within the next month. Parents will link their accounts with their children’s and manage available features. Controls will cover chat history and memory, which stores facts the AI automatically retains. ChatGPT will also send alerts if it detects signs of severe emotional distress in teens.…