Author: Rachel Maddow

A national nonprofit has expanded its free one-on-one college advising program to Houston, aiming to support students navigating the college application process. The program prioritizes first-generation and low-income students, offering guidance and resources to help them succeed. The initiative provides personalized assistance with college applications, financial aid forms, scholarship searches, and career planning. Students receive support from trained advisors who help them identify opportunities and make informed decisions about higher education. Program organizers say Houston was chosen due to its large and diverse student population. Many students face barriers to college access, including limited guidance, financial challenges, and lack of…

North Korea has carried out test-flights of hypersonic missiles under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un, emphasizing the need to strengthen the country’s nuclear deterrent. The tests come as Pyongyang steps up weapons demonstrations ahead of its major political event, the Workers’ Party congress. The announcement followed reports from neighbouring countries that multiple ballistic missile launches had been detected, which they described as provocations. The launches occurred just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China for a summit with President Xi Jinping. Kim Stresses Military Readiness and Technological Progress According to the Korean Central News Agency…

A single bluefin tuna stole the spotlight at Tokyo’s traditional New Year fish auction, selling for a price that stunned even seasoned buyers. A Dawn Sale That Made History At the first auction of 2026 at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market, a 243 kilogram bluefin tuna was sold for a record 510 million yen, roughly €2.78 million. The sale took place in the early hours of Monday morning, when traders gathered for the annual event that often sets the tone for the year ahead. The winning bid came from Kiyomura Corp., owned by Kiyoshi Kimura, the man behind the popular Sushi…

A new ranking has revealed the top 10 most influential figures in U.S. sports, spotlighting athletes who shape both the game and culture. Leading the list are Patrick Mahomes, Shohei Ohtani, and LeBron James. The list recognizes athletes not only for their performance on the field but also for their impact off it. These figures influence trends, inspire fans, and contribute to communities, making them powerful voices in sports today. Patrick Mahomes, quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, is celebrated for his leadership and on-field success. He has led his team to championships and is widely regarded as one of…

Europe’s iconic ski resorts are being forced to rethink how they survive as rising temperatures and dwindling snowfall reshape winter tourism. While some slopes are still white this season, the long-term outlook is far less predictable — and increasingly expensive. Snow on Demand, at a Heavy Cost With the Winter Olympics set to open in Milan–Cortina on 6 February, the slopes around Cortina d’Ampezzo — often called the “pearl of the Dolomites” — are currently covered in snow. But this picture is no longer guaranteed across Europe. As winters grow milder, natural snowfall is becoming less reliable, even in traditionally…

In a dramatic and unprecedented move, US forces arrested Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas and transported them to New York to face criminal charges. The operation, involving multiple branches of the US military, shocked observers worldwide and marks a significant escalation in American involvement in Venezuela. President Donald Trump announced from his Mar-a-Lago resort that the United States would take temporary control of the country. “We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” he said, emphasizing that the move was designed to…

The 2025 Cotton Bowl Classic is set for December 31, featuring a high-stakes matchup between Ohio State and Miami. This college playoff quarterfinal promises intense action as both top-ranked teams compete for a spot in the semifinals. Ohio State enters the game with a strong record and a reputation for disciplined play. Known for a balanced offense and aggressive defense, the team has consistently performed at a high level this season. Fans expect the Buckeyes to bring energy and precision to the Cotton Bowl. Miami, the other top contender, is also entering the game with confidence. The Hurricanes have impressed…

U.S. markets remained steady after record closes, despite light trading during the holiday week. Investors reacted positively to the strong market breadth, signaling confidence as the year ended. Major indices held their ground, with most sectors showing gains or stability. Analysts say this steady performance indicates that investors remain optimistic even in a slower trading environment. The strong breadth means that gains were not limited to a few large companies. Instead, many stocks contributed to the market’s overall strength, suggesting broad investor confidence across sectors. Technology, consumer goods, and healthcare stocks were among the top contributors to the stable market.…

The United States has carried out multiple airstrikes against Islamic State–linked militants in northwestern Nigeria, marking a significant escalation in Washington’s involvement in the country’s ongoing security crisis. US President Donald Trump announced the strikes on Thursday, calling them “powerful and deadly” operations aimed at militants he accused of carrying out brutal attacks on civilians. In a social media post, Trump said the fighters had been “viciously targeting and killing, primarily, innocent Christians.” The strikes come as Nigeria’s military continues to struggle with widespread insecurity, fighting several armed groups across different regions at the same time. Years of conflict have…

European intelligence agencies say investigations into suspected Russian interference now absorb as much time and resources as counterterrorism, underscoring how cyber and sabotage threats have reshaped the continent’s security landscape. The warning comes as French authorities investigate a cyberattack that crippled the country’s national postal service at the height of the Christmas delivery rush. Postal Service Hit by Claimed Pro-Russian Cyberattack French prosecutors said on Wednesday that the pro-Russian hacking group Noname057(16) claimed responsibility for a cyberattack that disrupted La Poste, France’s national postal operator. Following the claim, the domestic intelligence agency DGSI took over the investigation, according to the…