Author: Rachel Maddow

European intelligence agencies now dedicate as much attention to suspected Russian interference as they do to terrorist threats, reflecting the growing scale and sophistication of cyber and sabotage operations across the continent. This pressure has intensified following a major cyberattack that disrupted France’s national postal service during the Christmas delivery rush. Postal Service Disrupted Amid Holiday Rush French prosecutors said Wednesday that the pro-Russian hacking group Noname057(16) claimed responsibility for the attack. Following the claim, the domestic intelligence agency DGSI took over the investigation, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office. La Poste’s central computer systems went offline on Monday in…

Precious metals have led the market this year, propelled by geopolitical risks, expectations of looser monetary policy, and fragile global economic stability. Gold surged to record highs in 2025, climbing as high as $4,481 (€3,797) per troy ounce — a rise of roughly 55–70% year-on-year, marking one of the most powerful annual rallies in decades. Silver, often seen as gold’s “lesser” counterpart, outpaced it in percentage gains, rising 130–140% and reaching near $69 (€58) per ounce by late 2025. Once overshadowed by modern stores of value such as currency, bonds, and real estate, precious metals reclaimed investor attention this year…

A senior Russian military official, Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, died Monday morning after a car explosion in the southern part of Moscow. The blast occurred in a parking lot adjacent to a residential building, according to local media. Sarvarov, who led the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces’ General Staff, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said. Investigation Launched Russian authorities immediately opened a criminal case following Sarvarov’s death, treating the incident as a deliberate attack. The Investigative Committee confirmed that investigators are examining all aspects of the explosion, including how the device…

Justice Department Issues Initial Documents The US Justice Department released thousands of files related to Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, marking a long-anticipated disclosure in the investigation of the late financier convicted of sex crimes. Many of the files feature former President Bill Clinton, while the department withheld significant portions, prompting criticism from Democrats and transparency advocates who argued the release fell far short of legal and public expectations. The partial release includes photographs, call logs, court records, and other documents, many heavily redacted, and the Justice Department said it will continue to publish additional files in the coming weeks. The…

Late on Thursday night, EU leaders quietly acknowledged that their most ambitious funding plan for Ukraine had failed. After months of intense debate, the proposal to turn frozen Russian central bank assets into a zero-interest reparations loan could not overcome legal, financial, and political obstacles. Supporters framed it as both morally right and strategically groundbreaking, while critics warned it carried enormous financial risk and untested legal consequences. As discussions stretched into the final hours, caution overtook ambition, and leaders opted for a safer, more familiar path. Rather than risk uncharted financial exposure, the EU decided to raise €90 billion through…

Airport and airline workers across Europe are staging strikes during the busiest travel period of the year, leaving travelers scrambling to adjust plans. Unions describe employer behavior as unfair, even “Grinch-like,” especially during a season when many families are heading home for the holidays or taking winter vacations. The walkouts highlight growing frustration over low pay, poor working conditions, and the rising cost of living, which many staff say makes it difficult to get by even while working in critical travel roles. Strikes often target peak periods intentionally, giving workers more leverage in negotiations. Some walkouts are planned months in…

France’s Interior Ministry experienced a cyberattack that lasted several days, targeting the professional email accounts of ministry employees. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed that the intrusion affected Place Beauvau, which employs nearly 300,000 people. Officials first noticed unusual activity on the ministry’s servers last week, and the full scope of the attack is still under investigation. While the breach caused concern, Nuñez emphasized that authorities responded quickly to contain the situation and prevent further damage. According to Nuñez, the hackers gained access to internal email systems and were able to view sensitive police files. He reassured the public that, despite…

Louvre employees walked out on Monday, forcing the museum to close over working conditions and staffing concerns.Labour leaders said 400 workers voted unanimously to strike for the day.Strikers blocked the iconic glass pyramid with banners, flags, and placards.The museum posted a notice online confirming the exceptional closure and promising ticket refunds. The strike could last beyond one day, but employees have not yet decided.Staff may meet again on Wednesday to determine whether to extend the action.The Louvre normally closes on Tuesdays, giving workers time to consult and plan. Visitors express frustration amid shutdown Tourists arriving at the Louvre reacted with…

A shooting broke out at Bondi Beach, killing ten people, including one gunman. More than a dozen others suffered injuries. A Hanukkah event drew roughly 2,000 attendees when the attack occurred. Authorities are investigating the attackers’ motives. New South Wales Police confirmed ten deaths and said one gunman died at the scene. Officers said another suspected gunman remains in critical condition. Eyewitnesses reported dozens of injured people lying on the sand and surrounding areas. Blood covered the beach as emergency teams worked to assist victims. Leaders and authorities respond quickly Prime Minister Anthony Albanese posted on X to express condolences…

EU fisheries ministers finalized two days of negotiations with an agreement on 2026 fishing quotas. The Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers approved both catch limits and fishing effort rules, some extending through 2028. The deal covers key commercial stocks across the Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean, and Black Sea, providing the sector with clearer guidance and planning certainty. Fishing effort measures vessel size, engine power, and days spent at sea. After intensive discussions, all 27 Member States reached a compromise that balances scientific recommendations with economic needs. Danish fisheries minister Jacob Jensen said the agreement provides fishermen with certainty for…