Author: Rachel Maddow

American Airlines is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to improve travel for families. The airline is introducing advanced AI tools designed to make trips smoother, faster, and more enjoyable for vacationers across the United States. The new technology focuses on reducing common travel challenges. Families often face issues like long check-in lines, delayed luggage, and complicated boarding processes. AI tools aim to simplify these steps, helping travelers move more efficiently through airports. One key feature uses AI to optimize seating arrangements. Families can be automatically assigned seats together, even on crowded flights. The system also predicts potential delays and suggests…

North Korea has carried out new hypersonic missile tests under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un, highlighting its commitment to strengthening the country’s nuclear capabilities. The tests come as Pyongyang ramps up military demonstrations ahead of the upcoming Workers’ Party congress, the first in five years. The announcement followed reports from neighboring countries detecting multiple ballistic missile launches, which they described as provocations. The timing was also notable, occurring just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China to meet President Xi Jinping. Kim Emphasizes Military Readiness According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Sunday’s drill…

A single bluefin tuna captured the spotlight at Tokyo’s New Year auction, selling for a jaw-dropping price that set a new record for the market. Million-Euro Tuna Steals the Show At the first auction of 2026 at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market, a massive 243-kilogram bluefin tuna fetched 510 million yen, around €2.78 million. The winning bid came from Kiyomura Corp., owned by Kiyoshi Kimura, the founder of the popular Sushi Zanmai chain. Kimura, a familiar figure at these annual auctions, surpassed his own 2019 record of 334 million yen. He admitted afterward that he had hoped to pay less, but…

Europe’s ski industry is facing a turning point as higher temperatures and shrinking snowfall force resorts to rethink how they operate. With the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina just weeks away, the slopes look pristine, but reliable snow is becoming an increasingly rare sight for tourists and local skiers alike. Snow Reliance and Rising Costs In many European resorts, snow is now mostly artificial. Making snow is expensive, energy-intensive, and consumes massive amounts of water. These costs are often passed on to visitors, pushing ski passes and winter holidays out of reach for many. For resorts that rely on steady snowfall…

In a stunning 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 involved multiple branches of the US armed forces and has sent shockwaves across the globe. President Donald Trump announced that Washington would take temporary control of Venezuela to ensure a smooth transition of power. “We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump said from his Mar-a-Lago resort. “We can’t take a chance that somebody else…

The United States has conducted a series of airstrikes against Islamic State–linked militant groups in northwestern Nigeria, aiming to curb attacks on civilians and strengthen local security forces. President Donald Trump described the strikes as “powerful and deadly,” saying the militants had been “viciously targeting and killing innocent Christians.” Trump announced the operations on social media, framing the attacks as a direct response to escalating violence in regions where Nigeria’s military has struggled to maintain control. Strengthening Nigeria’s Response to Militancy Nigeria’s armed forces have faced years of challenges fighting insurgent groups across multiple regions. Militants exploit remote areas with…

James Nnaji, a former NBA draft pick, has committed to play college basketball at Baylor University. He is immediately eligible to join the team, adding excitement and talent ahead of the new season. Nnaji, known for his size, skill, and versatility, brings professional-level experience to the college game. Coaches and analysts say his addition could have a significant impact on Baylor’s performance and roster depth. The commitment comes as a surprise to many fans. Nnaji had previously explored professional options, but the decision to play in college allows him to develop further while contributing immediately to a competitive program. Baylor…

European intelligence agencies now devote as much attention to suspected Russian interference as they do to counterterrorism, highlighting how cyberattacks and sabotage have become central to the continent’s security concerns. The warning follows a major cyberattack that disrupted France’s national postal service during the Christmas delivery rush. Pro-Russian Hackers Target France’s Postal Service French prosecutors said Wednesday that the pro-Russian hacking group Noname057(16) claimed responsibility for the attack. The domestic intelligence agency DGSI immediately took over the investigation, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office. La Poste’s central computer systems went offline Monday in a distributed denial-of-service attack that remained unresolved…

Precious metals have dominated markets in 2025, driven by geopolitical uncertainty, expectations of looser monetary policy, and fragile global economic conditions. Gold soared to record highs, reaching $4,481 (€3,797) per troy ounce — a 55–70% increase year on year — marking one of the most powerful annual rallies in decades. Silver, often viewed as the secondary metal, outperformed in percentage terms, rising roughly 130–140% to approach $69 (€58) per ounce by late 2025. Once sidelined by modern financial instruments like currency, bonds, and real estate, precious metals staged a remarkable comeback this year. Persistent trade tensions, central banks reducing reliance…

Thirteen-year-old diver ElliReese Niday continues to make waves nationally, winning multiple titles and earning recognition as one of the U.S.’s rising elite athletes. Niday’s recent performances have impressed coaches, competitors, and fans alike. Her precision, athleticism, and determination stand out in competitions across the country, setting her apart from peers. The young athlete began diving at an early age and quickly developed a reputation for dedication and skill. Experts say her focus, combined with natural talent, has allowed her to excel at increasingly competitive events. In recent national competitions, Niday secured top positions, demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure.…