Author: Rachel Maddow

Justice Department Publishes Incomplete Files The US Justice Department released thousands of documents and photographs tied to Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, a move long demanded by the public and lawmakers for insight into the financier’s crimes and powerful connections. The release included mostly photographs but also call logs, court records, and other investigative material, many heavily redacted. Democrats immediately condemned the release as incomplete, accusing the Trump administration of withholding key information. The department said it plans to continue publishing files over the coming weeks to meet legal obligations and public expectations. Trump Signs Bill Amid Political Pressure President Donald…

Late Thursday night, EU leaders quietly conceded that their most ambitious financial proposal for Ukraine could not succeed. After months of discussion, the idea of turning frozen Russian central bank assets into a zero-interest reparations loan collapsed under political and legal pressure. Supporters framed it as morally urgent and strategically clever, while critics warned it carried massive financial risk and untested legal challenges. As negotiations stretched into the final hours, boldness gave way to caution, and governments returned to a solution they understood. Rather than gamble with uncertain legal and financial consequences, leaders chose the familiar path of joint EU…

Across Europe, airport workers are walking out to protest low wages and difficult working conditions.Unions have described employer behavior during the festive season as “Grinch-style,” criticizing management for taking advantage of staff when travel costs and workloads peak. Christmas and winter holiday travel has increasingly collided with strikes, as workers target the busiest periods to push for better pay and conditions.Some strikes are planned months in advance, giving travelers and airlines time to prepare. Others appear suddenly, sometimes only hours before they begin, leaving passengers scrambling to adjust plans.For anyone traveling over the holidays, checking for updates before leaving the…

France’s Interior Ministry fell victim to a cyberattack that lasted several days, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez revealed. The hackers targeted professional email accounts at the Place Beauvau ministry, which employs nearly 300,000 people. Nuñez confirmed the breach after ministry staff noticed suspicious activity in their systems, prompting immediate investigations. While the attack disrupted internal communications, authorities acted quickly to limit further exposure of sensitive data. The minister stressed that the breach, although serious, did not put citizens’ safety at risk. Nuñez described the intrusion as a calculated effort to exploit lapses in internal security. He confirmed that judicial authorities have…

Workers at the Louvre shut the museum on Monday to protest poor working conditions and staffing shortages.Labour leaders said 400 employees voted unanimously to strike, though they have not yet decided whether the action will continue.Strikers blocked the iconic glass pyramid with banners, flags, and placards, forcing the museum to cancel public access.The Louvre posted an update online calling the closure “exceptional” and promised refunds to all ticket holders.Since the museum normally closes on Tuesdays, employees may meet Wednesday to decide whether to return or continue striking. Visitors express disappointment and understanding Tourists arriving at the museum expressed frustration at…

Gunmen opened fire at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, killing ten people, including one attacker. More than a dozen others suffered injuries. Authorities continue investigating the motive behind the assault. A Hanukkah celebration attracted crowds to the beach when the shooting began. New South Wales Police confirmed the fatalities and said one suspected gunman remains in critical condition. Officers are actively managing the scene and securing the area. Eyewitnesses reported seeing injured victims lying on the sand and blood spreading across the shoreline. Officials respond as chaos unfolds Prime Minister Anthony Albanese posted a statement on X expressing condolences to victims and…

EU fisheries ministers concluded two days of negotiations with a binding agreement on 2026 quotas. The Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers approved catch limits and fishing effort rules, with some provisions extending to 2028. The deal covers key commercial stocks in the Atlantic, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea, offering the sector clearer guidance for planning and operations. Fishing effort combines vessel size, engine power, and the number of days spent at sea. After prolonged discussions, all 27 Member States agreed on a compromise balancing scientific recommendations with economic needs. Danish fisheries minister Jacob Jensen stated…

Officials exposed fake websites and political ads in Moldova’s election and false videos targeting Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.The UK imposed sanctions on Russian media and ideological groups to counter escalating information warfare.Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper named the Telegram channel Rybar, the Compatriots Foundation, and Aleksandr Dugin’s Centre for Geopolitical Expertise.She also sanctioned two China-based companies for extensive cyberattacks against the UK and its allies. Cooper Warns of Hybrid Threats Cooper told the Foreign Office that hostile states deploy hybrid threats to weaken infrastructure, disrupt interests, and influence democracies.She described sabotage, disinformation, and AI-generated manipulated videos aimed at undermining Western support for…

China’s export surge threatens Europe’s economy, with Goldman Sachs warning of GDP losses in Germany, Italy, France, and Spain.Beijing’s renewed export drive intensifies global trade competition, putting European economies under pressure.Goldman Sachs cuts European growth forecasts, citing rising Chinese exports and weak EU policy responses.Economist Giovanni Pierdomenico says higher Chinese goods supply widens Europe’s trade deficit and undermines competitiveness.He adds that stronger Chinese export pressure could reduce euro-area GDP by 0.5% by 2029.Germany faces the largest drag, with GDP projected 0.9% lower over four years.Italy may drop 0.6%, and France and Spain about 0.4% each.Eurozone exports have lost up to…

The White House created a “Hall of Shame” on its website as Trump intensified his attacks on “fake news.” Officials said the portal prevents alleged hoaxes, anonymous claims, and partisan smears from disappearing. Major Outlets Face Public Scrutiny The portal lists The Washington Post as “Offender of the Week” and targets The New York Times, CNN, CBS News, and The Independent. It details specific claims from each outlet, categorizing them as circular reporting, failure to report, false claim, malpractice, mischaracterization, misrepresentation, or left-wing lunacy. The Associated Press and Reuters also appear, accused of bias or lying. Matt Murray, executive editor…