Author: OMN AI

Germany plans to strengthen its military independence with a major procurement plan worth up to 83 billion euros. Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged to build Europe’s strongest conventional force, addressing personnel shortages and upgrading equipment simultaneously. Officials aim to allocate most contracts to European firms, with only eight percent going to U.S. suppliers. Between September 2025 and December 2026, Berlin expects to launch 154 defence projects, signaling a shift in strategy. Transatlantic Dependence Faces Challenges US exports to Europe tripled from 2020 to 2024, making Washington the top arms supplier to NATO allies. Germany’s imports rose 334 percent, with 70 percent…

Donald Trump has ordered troops to Portland, Oregon, and authorised the use of full force if required to stop protests targeting immigration detention centres. The president said the move would protect immigration facilities from what he described as attacks by Antifa and other domestic terrorists. He portrayed the city as war-ravaged in a post on Truth Social. This order expands military deployments in US cities during his wider crackdown on illegal immigration. pushback from democratic leaders Democratic lawmakers strongly criticised the decision. They argued there was no need for federal troops in Portland. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek said the state…

Around 50,000 people filled central Berlin on Saturday to show support for Palestinians in Gaza. Protesters marched from Alexanderplatz to the Victory Column while chanting “free, free Palestine” and urging peace. Police deployed about 1,800 officers to supervise the march and prevent disorder during the demonstration. The demonstrators demanded Germany stop supplying arms to Israel and called for European Union sanctions. Berlin remains one of Israel’s largest weapons suppliers, alongside the US and Italy, despite mounting criticism. In August, Germany temporarily suspended some arms exports for Gaza after opposition to Israel’s planned offensive. Protests Expand Across Europe Around 50 organisations,…

Jennifer Lawrence became the youngest recipient of the Donostia Award at the San Sebastian Film Festival, where she used the moment to defend freedom of expression. The 35-year-old Oscar winner said: “Our freedom of speech is under attack in America, including in the world of film, where we realise that we are all connected and need empathy and freedom.” At the festival, Lawrence presented her new film Kill Me Love, which she also produced, and encouraged young filmmakers to persist: “Learn, go to casting tests, keep trying. But above all, watching films is very important.” She also praised women in…

US Officials Condemn Petro’s Conduct The United States has canceled the visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro after his recent visit to New York during the United Nations General Assembly. The State Department described his actions at public events as “reckless and incendiary,” signaling strong disapproval of his behavior outside official diplomatic duties. Provocative Speech at Pro-Palestinian Rally Petro spoke to a crowd at a demonstration near UN headquarters, urging U.S. soldiers to disregard orders and calling for a global military coalition larger than America’s forces to act in Palestine. His statements quickly drew criticism from Washington, with officials warning…

Jaguar Land Rover has begun a phased restart of operations following a damaging cyber-attack. Several IT systems are back online, and the company is processing delayed supplier payments with greater invoicing capacity. Cyber-attack forced production to stop The August attack forced Jaguar Land Rover to shut down its IT networks and halt car production. Its plants are expected to remain closed until at least next month. The prime minister said the government is working continuously on a support package for suppliers. Fears are growing that smaller firms could collapse as the shutdown drags on. Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer called…

A Cambridge-led trial has found early evidence that a combination of a diabetes drug and an antihistamine can help repair nerve damage in multiple sclerosis (MS), offering fresh hope for a new class of treatments. The CCMR Two trial tested metformin, widely used for type 2 diabetes, alongside clemastine, an antihistamine previously shown to boost myelin repair. In MS, the immune system destroys the protective myelin sheath around nerves, slowing or blocking electrical signals and leading to symptoms such as numbness, vision problems, tremors, and progressive disability. Seventy patients with relapsing MS took part in the six-month trial, with half…

Interpol, the world’s largest policing organisation with 196 member states, coordinated a wide crackdown on digital crime across Africa.Authorities carried out the operation in July and August, leading to 260 arrests tied to romance fraud and extortion plots.The suspects used social media, dating platforms, and messaging apps to deceive targets into sending money or compromising images.Investigators confirmed that the scams reached over 1,400 victims, who collectively lost nearly $2.8 million (€2.4 million). Scammers Manipulated Trust to Steal and Blackmail Interpol explained that perpetrators constructed fake romantic connections, then exploited victims financially or through sexual blackmail.Many criminals tricked individuals into paying…

US President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping set of new tariffs. From October 1, branded and patented medicines imported into the United States will face a 100 percent duty unless companies run production plants on American soil. Washington will also impose a 25 percent tariff on heavy-duty trucks and a 50 percent levy on kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Trump unveiled the measures on Thursday, describing them as vital to safeguard American manufacturing. He said on Truth Social that a “flood” of imported goods left the US with no choice. He insisted the tariffs would shield domestic producers from damaging…

Officials Probe Suspected Coordinated Flights Danish authorities reported drones flying over four airports from Wednesday night into early Thursday, prompting an investigation into a possible organized operation. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described the activity as methodical and likely carried out by a professional operator. Intelligence sources noted similarities with recent European drone incidents and pointed to potential Russian involvement, though no group has claimed responsibility. Flight Operations Interrupted at Key Sites Airports in Aalborg, Esbjerg, Sønderborg, and Skrydstrup experienced delays, with Aalborg—also a military base—seeing the most significant disruption. Skrydstrup, home to Danish fighter jets, was likewise affected. Drones…