Author: OMN AI

The European Commission launches infringement proceedings against Italy for applying its golden power rule during UniCredit’s attempted takeover of Banco BPM.The rule lets the Italian government examine, halt, or condition banking-sector deals.Commission officials argue the measure, designed to protect national security, instead enables unjustified interference that restricts free establishment and capital movement across the single market.They also claim the legislation conflicts with the European Central Bank’s exclusive authority under the Single Supervisory Mechanism.The Commission gives Italy two months to address the identified issues. Italy Responds to Commission Concerns Italy’s economy minister Giancarlo Giorgetti states that officials will answer the objections…

Zelensky Uses Careful and Restrained LanguageUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky avoids criticising the US draft peace plan, even though it mirrors several Russian demands. The White House denies claims that Ukraine was excluded from the drafting process. Zelensky says in his nightly address that Ukraine wants peace and will follow calm and disciplined diplomacy. He emphasises that Ukraine remains ready for honest and efficient talks. Kyiv Alarmed by Risky Proposed ConcessionsKyiv fears proposals that include handing over the entire Donbas region. The draft also calls for a smaller Ukrainian army and bans foreign troops inside the country. Ukraine has rejected these…

Ian Wright has defended Jude Bellingham, claiming some of the midfielder’s critics are uncomfortable with the rise of a confident, high-performing “black superstar”. Bellingham faced criticism following his reaction to being substituted during England’s World Cup qualifying win over Albania, with some suggesting he could be disruptive within the squad. Wright rejected that narrative, arguing that Bellingham’s success and self-assurance make certain people uneasy. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Wright said Bellingham’s personality and performances frighten critics who cannot find fault with his achievements on the pitch. He suggested outspoken, elite black players are often judged more harshly…

A large power outage struck parts of Paris and Hauts-de-Seine on Thursday morning.The blackout initially cut electricity to 55,000 homes before the number dropped to a few thousand.The outage shut down traffic lights, streetlights, and several metro and suburban train lines.Enedis, the electricity grid operator, said the blackout lasted about five minutes for most areas.Some households, however, continue to experience extended outages. Cause Identified by Grid Operators Enedis reported that a technical incident at the RTE substation in Issy-les-Moulineaux triggered the blackout.RTE oversees France’s high-voltage electricity transmission network and confirmed the substation failure.The incident disrupted power distribution across several neighbourhoods…

The national median rent in the United States fell slightly in October, offering relief for renters amid ongoing housing cost concerns. According to Realtor.com’s October Rent Report, the median asking rent dropped to $1,696, a 1.7% decrease from the same time last year. Experts say the decline indicates a softening rental market, especially in regions where high rent growth had previously strained household budgets. The small drop provides some financial breathing room for renters while reflecting broader shifts in supply and demand. Analysts note that slower rent growth may result from increased rental inventory, stabilization in housing prices, and adjustments…

Trump signs law demanding quick disclosure of files Donald Trump says he has signed a law that forces the Justice Department to release all federal records linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The law sets a 30-day deadline, though officials may withhold details that harm active investigations or violate personal privacy. With Trump’s backing, the bill passes both chambers with overwhelming support. Trump shifts his stance after strong pressure from survivors and members of his own party. He had earlier dismissed the plan as a partisan distraction before reversing course. He now argues the files may reveal information about Democratic figures and…

Anti-capitalists, climate activists, women’s rights groups, and anti-migrant organisations plan protests, highlighting poverty and inequality in South Africa.Police and army held a parade on Wednesday with helicopters, K-9 units, and motorcycles to show force before the G20 summit.Officials deployed 3,500 extra police officers and placed the army on standby under the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure.Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili told reporters authorities expect protests in Johannesburg and other major cities.She confirmed that citizens can protest, but only within legal boundaries.Police designated specific areas near the exhibition centre beside the country’s largest soccer stadium for protesters to gather.Airports Company South…

Manchester United’s proposal to introduce personal seat licences (PSLs) to help fund a £2bn Old Trafford redevelopment has been thrown into doubt by the UK government’s tougher stance on ticket touting. The PSL model United have been exploring would allow licence holders to resell match or season tickets at a profit — a key feature that may soon be illegal. New legislation announced this week intends to ban resale of sports and music tickets above face value, replacing earlier plans to permit a 30% mark-up. Although football ticket resale is already prohibited under the 1994 Criminal Justice Act, government sources…

Civilian Flights Suspended for Airspace SafetyRzeszów–Jasionka and Lublin airports briefly halted passenger services on Wednesday as officials restricted eastern airspace to accommodate military operations near the Ukrainian border. The Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PANSA) issued the temporary suspension, leading to flight delays and rerouting. Authorities described the action as a precautionary measure in response to heightened activity across the border following recent strikes in Ukraine. Airports Reopen Following Military OperationsLater in the day, both airports resumed normal operations once defence flights concluded and controllers confirmed it was safe for civilian traffic. Airlines reported minor disruptions and expected schedules to…

Court Rejects Antitrust ClaimsA US district judge in Washington ruled that Meta did not violate antitrust laws when it acquired Instagram and WhatsApp more than a decade ago. The decision represents a setback for the Federal Trade Commission, which sued Meta in 2020 and argued the company used these purchases to dominate social media. Judge James Boasberg wrote that the agency failed to prove its claims and concluded that Meta does not hold monopoly power. Meta welcomed the ruling and said it competes in a crowded and fast-changing market. Executives Highlight Intense CompetitionIn April, Judge Boasberg oversaw a lengthy bench…