Author: Rachel Maddow

European intelligence agencies now say tracking suspected Russian interference occupies as much time and resources as counterterrorism operations, reflecting the growing scope of hybrid threats across the continent. The warning comes amid a major cyberattack that hit France’s national postal service during the peak of the Christmas rush. La Poste Disrupted by Claimed Pro-Russian Hack French prosecutors reported on Wednesday that pro-Russian hacking group Noname057(16) claimed responsibility for the cyberattack that took La Poste offline. Following the claim, the domestic intelligence agency DGSI assumed control of the investigation, the Paris prosecutor’s office said. The attack on Monday involved a distributed…

Precious metals have dominated global markets this year, propelled by geopolitical uncertainty, expectations of looser monetary policy, and fragile economic stability. Gold surged to unprecedented highs in 2025, reaching $4,481 (€3,797) per troy ounce — a 55–70% increase year-on-year, marking one of the strongest annual rallies in decades. Silver, often considered the “lesser” metal, outpaced gold with annual gains of 130–140%, hitting record levels near $69 (€58) per ounce by late 2025. Once overshadowed by modern financial instruments such as currencies, bonds, and real estate, precious metals reclaimed their status as safe havens in a year defined by tariff retaliation,…

A car explosion in southern Moscow on Monday claimed the life of Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, a high-ranking official in Russia’s military command. The blast occurred in a parking lot next to a residential building, according to local media reports. Sarvarov, who led the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces’ General Staff, was critically injured and later died from his wounds, the Investigative Committee confirmed. Investigation Launched Authorities opened a criminal case into Sarvarov’s death and said the motive is still unclear. Officials have not revealed how the explosive device was deployed but emphasized that the incident is…

Justice Department Publishes Partial FilesThe US Department of Justice released thousands of files related to Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, a move many have long demanded for transparency into the late financier’s criminal activities and connections to powerful figures. The release includes photographs, call logs, court documents, and other materials, though many are heavily redacted. Democrats immediately criticised the release as incomplete, arguing that the Trump administration deliberately withheld crucial information. The Justice Department said it would continue releasing files in the coming weeks, acknowledging the initial batch fell far short of expectations. Trump Signs Law Amid PressurePresident Donald Trump, who…

Late Thursday night, EU leaders finally admitted that their most ambitious Ukraine funding plan could not succeed. They had spent months exploring a reparations loan that would have used frozen Russian central bank assets to fund Kyiv. Supporters framed it as a historic, morally compelling move, while critics warned of legal uncertainties, financial exposure, and political risks. As the discussions reached their final stage, hesitation replaced ambition, and leaders turned back to a familiar approach, avoiding untested financial mechanisms. Rather than seize Russian assets, governments agreed to raise €90 billion through joint borrowing on financial markets, leaving the €210 billion…

As Christmas approaches, airport and airline staff across Europe are staging walkouts to protest low wages and poor working conditions.Unions have described the behavior of some employers as “Grinch-style,” accusing them of taking advantage of staff during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.These strikes are not just minor inconveniences—they highlight long-standing frustrations among workers who feel undervalued despite the pressures of the holiday season. For travelers heading home for Christmas or planning a winter holiday, these disruptions have become an increasingly familiar challenge.Strikes are carefully timed to coincide with peak travel periods, giving workers maximum leverage in…

France’s Interior Ministry suffered a cyberattack that lasted several days, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed. The hackers targeted professional email accounts at the Place Beauvau ministry, which employs nearly 300,000 people. The breach allowed unauthorized access to sensitive police files, triggering immediate concern among officials. Nuñez spoke publicly on Wednesday, detailing the attack and assuring that the government acted quickly to contain it once it was detected. The intrusion, he explained, exposed multiple internal email accounts and opened the door to highly confidential information. While the full scope of the attack is still under investigation, authorities are working to understand…

Louvre employees closed the museum on Monday, protesting poor working conditions and staffing shortages.The world’s most-visited museum faced a second major blow after October’s jewellery heist.Labour leaders said 400 workers voted unanimously to strike, though the duration remains uncertain. Striking staff gathered at the glass pyramid entrance, waving flags, banners, and placards.The Louvre posted a notice online announcing an exceptional closure and promised ticket refunds.The museum usually closes on Tuesdays, and employees may meet Wednesday to decide next steps. Visitor Lindsey Hall expressed disappointment at missing the museum.She said she had planned a life-changing experience with a friend.Hall acknowledged staff…

Gunmen opened fire at Bondi Beach, killing ten people, including one attacker, and injuring more than a dozen others. A Hanukkah celebration took place during the shooting. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the violence. New South Wales Police confirmed the deaths and said one suspected gunman remains in critical condition. Eyewitnesses reported dozens of people lying injured and blood covering the scene. The attack shocked onlookers and sent the crowd into chaos. Officials continue working to secure the area and gather evidence. Police urge the public to follow instructions and remain vigilant while investigations proceed. Leaders and police respond…

After two days of negotiations, EU fisheries ministers agreed on fishing quotas for 2026. The Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers approved catch limits and fishing effort, with some rules extending to 2028. The agreement covers major commercial fish stocks in the Atlantic, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea. The framework gives the fishing sector clarity and stability for planning. Fishing effort combines vessel size, engine power, and the number of days at sea. After extensive discussions, all 27 Member States reached a compromise. The deal balances scientific guidance with the economic needs of fishermen. Danish fisheries…