Author: Rachel Maddow

European intelligence agencies say investigations into Russian interference now demand as much attention and resources as counterterrorism, underscoring how cyber and sabotage threats have become central security concerns across the continent. The warning comes as French authorities investigate a cyberattack that disrupted the country’s national postal service at the height of the Christmas delivery rush. Postal Service Hit During Peak Season A pro-Russian hacking group known as Noname057(16) claimed responsibility for a distributed denial-of-service attack that knocked La Poste’s central computer systems offline on Monday, French prosecutors said on Wednesday. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that France’s domestic intelligence agency,…

Precious metals emerged as some of the strongest-performing assets this year, driven by rising geopolitical tensions, expectations of looser monetary policy and a fragile sense of global economic stability. Investors increasingly turned to gold and silver as traditional hedges against uncertainty, pushing both metals to levels rarely seen before. Gold prices surged to record highs in 2025, climbing to as much as $4,481 (€3,797) per troy ounce in recent trading. That represents an estimated 55–70% increase year on year, placing this rally among the most powerful annual gains in decades. Silver, often viewed as gold’s lesser counterpart, outperformed in percentage…

U.S.-born skier Atle Lie McGrath captured a major victory in the World Cup slalom, outperforming top competitors, including Olympic champions. Analysts say the win highlights his growing status in international alpine skiing. McGrath delivered a precise and fast performance on a challenging course, combining technical skill with speed. Observers noted that his ability to maintain focus and control under pressure was key to securing the victory. The win comes during a highly competitive season, with elite skiers from around the world contending for podium positions. McGrath’s performance signals his ability to compete at the highest level consistently. Coaches praised McGrath…

A car explosion in southern Moscow on Monday killed Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, a senior commander in the Russian Armed Forces. The blast occurred in a parking lot adjacent to a residential building, according to Russian media reports. Sarvarov, who led the Operational Training Directorate of the General Staff, was severely injured and later succumbed to his wounds, the Investigative Committee confirmed. Criminal Investigation Launched Authorities quickly opened a criminal case into Sarvarov’s death. The motive remains unclear, and investigators have not yet disclosed how the explosive device was deployed. Officials emphasized that the attack is being treated as deliberate,…

A Long-Awaited Disclosure Falls Short The US Justice Department has released new photographs and documents tied to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, but lawmakers say the disclosure fails to meet legal and public expectations. Many of the newly published images feature former President Bill Clinton, prompting renewed scrutiny, while Democrats and transparency advocates demand the full, uncensored release of all remaining material. The department published thousands of files on Friday, billing the move as a major step toward openness in a case that has long symbolised elite impunity and secrecy. The initial release quickly drew criticism for its limited scope. Lawmakers…

By late Thursday night, EU leaders quietly accepted that their most ambitious Ukraine financing idea was no longer viable. Months of political energy had gone into exploring an unprecedented plan to convert frozen Russian central bank assets into a zero-interest reparations loan. Supporters viewed the proposal as a powerful moral statement, while critics saw a maze of legal uncertainty and financial exposure. As negotiations reached their decisive moment, confidence eroded and caution took over. Rather than push into untested territory, leaders settled on a familiar solution, agreeing to raise €90 billion through joint EU borrowing while leaving the €210 billion…

Airport workers across Europe are walking out to protest what unions describe as unfair and low wages.Unions accuse some employers of showing “Grinch-style” behavior during the Christmas travel rush. Holiday travel increasingly overlaps with strike action, especially during the busiest travel weeks.Workers often choose this period to pressure employers for better pay and conditions. Some strikes appear on schedules months ahead, allowing travelers time to prepare.Others arrive suddenly, sometimes only days or hours before departure.Travelers should check updates frequently to avoid last-minute confusion and disruption. With Christmas approaching, several airport and rail strikes are planned across Europe this December.Canceled or…

France’s Interior Ministry faced a cyberattack that lasted several days, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed. The hackers specifically targeted professional email accounts at the Place Beauvau ministry, which employs nearly 300,000 people. The breach came to light after ministry teams detected suspicious activity on their email servers, prompting an immediate investigation. Nuñez spoke publicly about the incident on Wednesday, emphasizing the ministry’s rapid response while acknowledging the seriousness of the intrusion. He explained that the attack allowed unauthorized access to internal email accounts and, through them, sensitive police files. While the breach has raised concerns about security and privacy, the…

Louvre workers went on strike Monday, shutting the museum over working conditions and staffing complaints.The CFDT union said 400 employees voted unanimously for a one-day work stoppage.Strikers blocked the iconic glass pyramid entrance with banners, flags, and placards.The museum posted an online notice confirming closure and promised refunds for all ticket holders.Employees may meet Wednesday to decide whether to extend the strike beyond one day. Visitors express frustration amid strike Tourists arriving at the Louvre reacted with disappointment.Lindsey Hall from Sacramento, California, said she had eagerly anticipated exploring the museum’s vast collection.She described the Louvre as “one of those life…

Gunmen opened fire at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, killing ten people, including one attacker. More than a dozen others sustained injuries during the attack. A Hanukkah celebration drew around 2,000 participants at the beach. Authorities continue investigating the motive behind the shooting. New South Wales Police confirmed ten deaths on Sunday. They identified one of the dead as a gunman. Officers said a second suspected shooter remains in critical condition at a hospital. Eyewitnesses reported seeing dozens of injured people lying on the ground, with blood covering the area. Emergency responders rush as panic spreads Prime Minister Anthony Albanese posted a…