Author: Rachel Maddow

Tariffs Raised Following Supreme Court Ruling US President Donald Trump announced an immediate increase of global tariffs from 10% to 15%, just a day after the Supreme Court struck down his sweeping use of emergency powers to impose them. Trump said the move was necessary to protect American interests and described the court’s decision as “poorly written” and “anti-American,” insisting other legal avenues remain open to enforce trade protections. Legal Limits and Alternative Measures The Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that only Congress has the authority to levy taxes, including tariffs, emphasizing that the Constitution does not grant the president taxing…

Court Limits Executive Power The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday blocked Donald Trump’s broad global tariffs, ruling that the president overstepped his authority by invoking emergency powers. In a 6–3 decision, the justices said the Constitution clearly grants Congress — not the president — the power to impose taxes, including tariffs. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the Framers never intended the executive branch to wield that taxing authority. Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented, arguing the tariffs were legally justified regardless of policy considerations. The ruling represents the first major test of Trump’s wider agenda to…

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to a police statement. Officers also carried out searches at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk as part of the investigation. Although authorities did not name him directly, they confirmed that a man in his sixties remains in custody. Mountbatten-Windsor marked his 66th birthday the same day. Police emphasized the need to safeguard the integrity of their inquiry, noting the intense public attention surrounding the case. They said updates would be provided when appropriate. Unmarked police vehicles were seen outside Sandringham in Norfolk, where Mountbatten-Windsor has been staying…

Countries Move to Prevent Price Surges EU member states have agreed to reinforce a mechanism designed to prevent sudden spikes in carbon prices as the bloc prepares to launch a new carbon tax covering cars, vans, and buildings. The updated system, known as ETS2, is scheduled to take effect in 2028, and the changes aim to keep the carbon price stable and predictable for households and businesses relying on fossil fuels. While Slovakia and the Czech Republic have pushed to delay the tax until 2030 due to concerns about its social impact, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg have…

EU Prepares Full Ban on Tanker Services The European Union is signaling that it may move forward with a complete ban on maritime services for Russian oil tankers, even if G7 partners cannot agree on a coordinated approach. Valdis Dombrovskis, speaking after a meeting of EU finance ministers in Brussels, stressed that while alignment with the G7 is preferable, it is not an “absolute precondition” for action. The measure is part of the EU’s 20th package of sanctions against Russia, expected to be approved by 24 February — the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. If enacted, EU…

Seattle’s startup ecosystem is gaining traction as local companies in project management and defense-related tech secure major investment rounds that signal strong investor interest in the region. Investors are backing emerging firms that focus on secure collaboration tools and advanced technology for national security and other high-stakes sectors, showing confidence in Seattle startup funding success and innovation. A notable example of Seattle startup funding success is Integrate, a local company that recently raised $17 million in a Series A funding round. The capital will help the firm expand its super‑secure project management platform, which is designed to support classified and…

White House Endorsement Highlighted in Budapest U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Budapest to publicly show support for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as his ruling Fidesz party faces a tight race ahead of April elections. Speaking alongside Orbán after the Munich Security Conference, Rubio emphasized the personal connection Orbán has built with President Donald Trump, calling it key to strengthening bilateral relations. Rubio cited tangible benefits of that relationship, including Hungary’s recent one-year exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian oil importers. “It was because of that personal relationship. It’s because we want you to continue. After all, we…

Competing Visions of the West This year’s Munich Security Conference brought U.S., European, and Ukrainian leaders together, exposing sharp differences over what the West represents. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Europe risks decline due to misguided policies on migration and climate, and called on Europeans to join the U.S. in defending shared values. He described America as a “child of Europe” with a destiny closely intertwined with the continent. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was reassured by Rubio’s message, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas pushed back, insisting Europe does not need…

Europe Can’t Be on the Sidelines At the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made it clear he believes Europe should play a far more visible role in negotiations aimed at ending the war with Russia. He called it a serious miscalculation for European leaders to be largely absent from U.S.-led talks, arguing that peace in Ukraine directly affects the security of the entire continent. With another round of trilateral discussions approaching, Zelenskyy acknowledged that progress toward a ceasefire has been limited. He expressed frustration that the different sides often appear to be discussing entirely different priorities. He also…

The United Nations has established a 40-member scientific panel to assess the risks and impacts of artificial intelligence (AI), despite strong opposition from the United States. The initiative comes as former employees from major AI companies have raised alarms about the technology’s rapid development and potential dangers. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the panel as a “foundational step toward global scientific understanding of AI,” emphasizing that it will provide independent, scientific guidance to all member states, regardless of their technological capabilities. How the Panel Will Work The Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence will produce an annual report analyzing…