Author: Rachel Maddow

European intelligence agencies warn that probing suspected Russian interference now consumes as much attention and resources as counterterrorism efforts, highlighting how cyber threats and sabotage have become central to continental security concerns. This comes amid a high-profile cyberattack that disrupted France’s national postal service during the Christmas rush. Postal Service Targeted by Pro-Russian Hackers French prosecutors said on Wednesday that the pro-Russian hacking group Noname057(16) claimed responsibility for the attack on La Poste. Following the claim, the domestic intelligence agency DGSI took control of the investigation, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office. La Poste’s central computer systems went offline on…

Precious metals emerged as some of the strongest-performing assets of the year, lifted by geopolitical shocks, expectations of looser monetary policy and a fragile sense of global economic stability. Gold surged to record highs in 2025, recently touching levels as high as $4,481 (€3,797) per troy ounce. That move translated into gains of roughly 55–70% year on year, marking one of the most powerful rallies in decades. Silver, long viewed as gold’s quieter sibling, delivered even more dramatic returns. It outperformed gold in percentage terms, rising around 130–140% over the year and reaching record territory near $69 (€58) per ounce…

Fatal Explosion Near Residential Building Russian authorities have launched an investigation after a car explosion in southern Moscow on Monday killed Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, a senior official within the country’s armed forces. Investigators said the blast occurred in a parking area beside a residential building and left Sarvarov critically injured. He later died from his wounds. Sarvarov headed the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces’ General Staff, according to the Investigative Committee, which confirmed his death through its spokesperson. Criminal Case and Lines of Inquiry The Investigative Committee said it opened a criminal case into Sarvarov’s death…

A Long-Awaited Release Falls Short The US Justice Department has released thousands of images and documents linked to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, reigniting public scrutiny and political anger. Many of the newly published photographs feature former President Bill Clinton, prompting renewed debate, while lawmakers from both parties immediately demanded the full, uncensored release of all remaining material. The Justice Department acknowledged the release was incomplete and said additional documents would follow in the coming weeks. Officials published the files on Friday after years of pressure from the public and Congress to lift the veil on Epstein’s ties to powerful figures.…

Late on Thursday night, EU leaders finally accepted that their ambitious Ukraine funding plan had failed.They had spent months debating an unprecedented proposal to use frozen Russian central bank assets.The plan aimed to transform those assets into a zero-interest reparations loan for Ukraine.Supporters viewed the idea as morally justified and politically powerful.Opponents feared legal uncertainty, financial exposure, and long-term consequences. As talks reached their final hours, political courage gave way to caution.Leaders grew uneasy about crossing legal and financial lines without clear precedent.Rather than risk unpredictable fallout, they turned to a familiar solution.The European Union will now raise €90 billion…

Airport workers across Europe are walking out to protest what unions describe as miserly treatment by low-paying employers.As Christmas travel approaches, strikes have become an expected part of the holiday season, especially at airports and rail hubs.Workers deliberately choose this busy period to strengthen demands for higher wages and better working conditions. Some unions announce strike plans months in advance, giving travelers time to prepare.Others call walkouts with little warning, sometimes just hours before they begin.Passengers should always check their travel status before departure to avoid sudden cancellations or delays. With Christmas only a week away, several airport and transport…

Hackers carried out a cyberattack against France’s Interior Ministry over several days, Laurent Nuñez confirmed publicly.The attackers focused on professional email accounts used inside the Place Beauvau headquarters.That ministry employs nearly 300,000 people across the country.Nuñez revealed the incident on Wednesday after security teams confirmed the breach. The Interior Ministry detected the intrusion days before the public announcement.Investigators determined that hackers accessed internal messaging systems.That access later exposed sensitive police information stored on protected networks. Nuñez discussed the incident during a radio interview with the Franceinfo outlet.He said authorities immediately opened a judicial investigation.Investigators aim to identify those responsible as…

Louvre staff closed the Paris museum on Monday to protest working conditions and staffing shortages.The strike followed months of complaints and came shortly after a high-profile jewellery heist in October.Union leaders said 400 employees voted unanimously to walk out, though it remains unclear if the strike will extend beyond one day. Striking workers blocked the museum’s glass pyramid with flags, banners, and placards.The Louvre posted a notice online confirming the exceptional closure and promised ticket refunds.Since the museum already closes on Tuesdays, staff could meet again Wednesday to decide whether to return or continue striking. Visitors disappointed but empathetic Tourists…

A shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach killed ten people, including one gunman, and injured more than a dozen others. A Hanukkah event was underway at the beach when the attack occurred. Authorities continue investigating to identify the motive behind the violence. New South Wales Police confirmed ten fatalities from the shooting on Sunday. Police said one suspected gunman remains in critical condition. Officers continue securing the area while investigators gather evidence. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes across the beach. Witnesses reported seeing more than a dozen people lying injured on the ground. Many said blood covered the sand and nearby walkways.…

EU fisheries ministers completed two days of intense negotiations and agreed on fishing quotas for 2026. The Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers approved catch limits and rules for fishing effort next year, with some measures extending to 2028. The pact covers major commercial fish stocks in the Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean, and Black Sea, providing the sector with clearer guidance for planning and operations. Fishing effort is measured by vessel size, engine power, and days spent at sea. After detailed discussions, all 27 Member States reached a compromise that aligns scientific advice with economic needs. Danish fisheries minister Jacob…