Author: Rachel Maddow

Taliban officials cut fibre optic internet in Afghanistan’s northern Balkh province under leader Hibatullah Akhundzada’s direct order. Authorities said the move aimed to “prevent immorality,” though mobile data still functions in the region. The ban marked the first provincial internet blackout since the Taliban took power in August 2021. Province Left Without Cable Access The prohibition removed Wi-Fi access from homes, businesses, government offices, and institutions across Balkh. Provincial spokesman Haji Attaullah Zaid confirmed the “complete ban” and promised a domestic alternative for essential needs. Officials gave no explanation for why Balkh faced the ban or whether other provinces would…

Investors flocked to Alphabet after a US judge blocked the forced sale of Google’s Chrome browser. The ruling ended nearly five years of antitrust litigation and prevented a breakup of Alphabet’s core operations. The stock climbed more than 4% in European trading on Monday, extending a 30% gain since January. With this surge, Alphabet joined an elite club of tech giants worth over $3 trillion. Nvidia leads at $4.2 trillion (€3.57tr), followed by Microsoft at $3.8 trillion (€3.23tr) and Apple at $3.5 trillion (€3tr). Court Decision Protects Google Assets The US Department of Justice demanded Alphabet sell Chrome and possibly…

Researchers found people stopped weight loss drugs sooner if they were younger, poorer, or male. Millions worldwide now take medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy. Yet over half quit within a year, according to new Danish research. High Dropout Rates Raise Concerns The study examined data from 77,000 patients using anti-obesity drugs without diabetes. Results showed 52 percent stopped within 12 months. Eighteen percent quit by three months, 31 percent by six months, and 42 percent by nine months. Researchers said the dropout rates undermine the drugs’ effectiveness. “The medications must be taken long term,” explained Aarhus University professor Reimar…

The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly for a resolution supporting a two-state framework for Israel and Palestine. The measure backed recognition of an independent Palestinian state and condemned Hamas’s October 7 attack on southern Israel. It also denounced Israel’s siege and starvation tactics in Gaza, which triggered a severe humanitarian crisis. Global Vote Breakdown Out of 193 member states, 142 supported the resolution, 10 opposed it, and 12 abstained. France and Saudi Arabia introduced the New York Declaration, calling for Palestinian Authority control over all Palestinian lands. The resolution urged creating a transitional committee to assume administrative duties after…

US President Donald Trump confirmed Friday that officials apprehended the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Trump said on Fox News he learned of the arrest minutes before his appearance and expressed strong confidence in custody. Reports indicated someone close to the alleged shooter revealed their location, which guided law enforcement to the suspect. Investigators Release Footage and Evidence The FBI and Utah police released video Thursday showing a suspect fleeing after Kirk’s assassination on campus. Footage captured a person in sunglasses, Converse shoes, and a black shirt with an American flag and eagle. The suspect ran across…

Brazil’s Supreme Court convicted Jair Bolsonaro of plotting a coup to stay in power after losing the 2022 election. Three of five justices found him guilty on five counts, with one justice yet to vote. Justice Cármen Lúcia ruled for conviction Thursday, after Justice Luiz Fux voted to acquit the ex-president. The panel will decide Bolsonaro’s sentence after all votes, potentially imposing decades in prison. The 70-year-old former leader remains under house arrest for violating a ban on political messaging. Political Tensions Rise Domestically and Abroad The ruling deepens Brazil’s political divide and may trigger a backlash from the United…

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…