The United States has carried out a series of airstrikes against Islamic State–linked militants in northwestern Nigeria, marking a significant intensification of Washington’s involvement in the country’s long-running security crisis. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the strikes on Thursday, describing them as “powerful and deadly” operations aimed at militants he said were responsible for brutal attacks on civilians. In a post on social media, Trump accused the fighters of “viciously targeting and killing, primarily, innocent Christians.” The strikes come as Nigeria’s military continues to struggle against a wide range of armed groups across the country, stretching its resources thin and…
Author: Rachel Maddow
European intelligence agencies now devote as much time to investigating suspected Russian interference as they do to countering terrorism, underscoring how cyber sabotage has become a central security challenge across the continent. That warning gained urgency this week after a pro-Russian hacking group claimed responsibility for a cyberattack that crippled France’s national postal service during the peak Christmas delivery period. Cyberattack Paralyzes La Poste During Holiday Rush The hacking group Noname057(16) said it carried out a distributed denial-of-service attack that knocked La Poste’s central computer systems offline on Monday, according to French prosecutors. The disruption remained unresolved by Wednesday morning,…
Precious metals ranked among the year’s strongest-performing assets, buoyed by rising geopolitical risks, expectations of looser monetary policy and lingering questions over global economic stability. Investors returned to gold and silver as traditional safe havens at a time when trade conflicts, political flashpoints and shifts in reserve strategies unsettled markets worldwide. Gold prices surged to unprecedented levels in 2025, recently touching highs of around $4,481 (€3,797) per troy ounce. That move represented an estimated 55–70% increase year on year, marking one of the most powerful annual rallies in decades. Silver, long viewed as gold’s lesser counterpart, delivered even stronger gains…
Explosion Targets High-Ranking OfficerRussian authorities have launched an investigation into a deadly explosion in Moscow that killed Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov on Monday morning. Investigators said a car exploded in the south of the capital, fatally injuring Sarvarov, who headed the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces’ General Staff. According to Russian media reports, the blast occurred in a parking lot next to a residential building, raising concerns about security in the area. Criminal Case Opened, Motive UnclearRussia’s Investigative Committee confirmed that it has opened a criminal case into Sarvarov’s death, though officials have not yet established a…
Partial Disclosure Fuels Transparency Demands The US Justice Department has released thousands of documents and images tied to Jeffrey Epstein, reigniting demands for full transparency in the long-running case. Many of the newly published photographs feature former President Bill Clinton, prompting renewed political debate and calls from lawmakers to release the remaining uncensored material. The department published the files on Friday after years of public pressure, citing their potential to shed light on Epstein’s crimes and his connections to powerful figures. The release quickly drew criticism for falling far short of expectations. Democrats accused the Trump administration of withholding information…
Late Thursday night, EU leaders accepted that their ambitious Ukraine funding plan would fail.They had tried to design a reparations loan with no modern precedent.The plan aimed to redirect frozen Russian central bank assets to support Ukraine. The idea looked daring and morally compelling.It also forced governments into legal and financial uncertainty.When leaders faced that uncertainty, they stepped back. Rather than seize Russian assets, leaders chose a familiar route.They agreed to support Ukraine through jointly issued EU debt.They avoided touching the €210 billion in immobilised Russian funds. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever opposed the plan from the start.He warned…
Airport employees across Europe are walking out to protest what unions describe as unfair and low-paying employment practices.Many workers accuse employers of showing “Grinch-style” behavior during the festive season. Christmas and winter holiday travel now regularly coincides with strikes, as workers target peak travel periods.They hope the timing strengthens their demands for better pay and working conditions. Some strikes appear on calendars months ahead of time.Others emerge with little warning, sometimes only hours before they begin.Travelers should check their plans carefully to avoid sudden disruptions and delays. With Christmas only days away, several train and airport strikes are scheduled across…
Hackers carried out a cyberattack against France’s Interior Ministry that lasted several days, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said.The attackers focused on internal email accounts at the Place Beauvau ministry, which employs nearly 300,000 people nationwide.Nuñez publicly confirmed the incident on Wednesday after internal teams identified the breach. The cyberattack allowed unauthorized access to several professional email inboxes used by ministry staff.Through those accounts, hackers reached sensitive police systems and internal files, according to the minister. Nuñez addressed the incident during an interview with the Franceinfo news outlet.He said authorities immediately launched a judicial investigation to identify those responsible.Investigators aim to…
Louvre workers closed the Paris museum on Monday after launching a strike over working conditions, staffing levels, and security concerns. The walkout forced the world’s most visited museum to shut its doors, delivering another blow just months after a high-profile jewellery heist embarrassed the institution. The CFDT union said around 400 employees attended a morning meeting and voted unanimously to strike for the day. Union leaders said it remains unclear whether the stoppage will last longer than Monday. Striking workers gathered outside the museum, blocking the glass pyramid entrance with flags, banners, and placards. The Louvre confirmed the closure on…
A mass shooting erupted at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, killing ten people, including one gunman. More than a dozen others suffered injuries during the attack. A Hanukkah event took place at the beach when the shooting began. Authorities continue investigating the motive behind the violence. New South Wales Police confirmed that the attack occurred on Sunday at the popular beach. Police said ten people died, including one of the attackers. Officers reported that another suspected gunman remains in critical condition. Eyewitnesses described chaotic and graphic scenes along the beachfront. Several witnesses said they saw more than a dozen people lying…