Author: OMN AI

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order threatening tariffs on countries that continue trading with Iran. The order does not set a fixed rate but uses 25 percent as an example. It states the tariff could apply to goods imported into the United States from any nation that directly or indirectly purchases goods or services from Iran. Trump did not comment directly on the order but emphasized that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons. He spoke from Air Force One while senior US and Iranian officials held talks in Oman after weeks of escalating threats. Trump had already…

A major review finds most statin side-effects listed on labels are not caused by the drugs.Researchers published the analysis in The Lancet after reviewing 19 trials involving 124,000 people. Evidence supported muscle pain, diabetes risk, and four minor effects, including liver test changes and swelling.Researchers found no strong evidence for 62 other listed effects, including memory loss and sleep problems. Christina Reith said statins did not increase common complaints compared with placebo.Experts said benefits clearly outweighed risks and called for updated drug labels.

The European Union has told TikTok to change its platform design or face massive financial penalties. The European Commission said the video app violated EU online safety rules. Officials reached this conclusion after an investigation launched in February 2024. Regulators examined how TikTok’s features influence user behaviour. The Commission said TikTok failed to properly assess risks to mental wellbeing. Investigators highlighted autoplay and endless content feeds. They said these features can harm users, especially children. Regulators also said TikTok did not put in place enough safeguards to limit these risks. TikTok rejected the findings through a company spokesperson. The firm…

Pressure Builds Ahead of 2027 Deadline From January 2027, companies importing oil and gas into the European Union will be required to meet strict monitoring, reporting and verification standards tied to methane emissions from producing countries and firms. With that deadline approaching, a group of US lawmakers is urging Brussels not to weaken the rules or carve out exemptions for American energy producers if US standards fall short. In a letter obtained by Euronews, 24 members of Congress argue that the EU’s methane regulation is essential to curb emissions of the powerful greenhouse gas, which they note is far more…

Tech Shock Ripples Across Wall Street US markets fell sharply on Thursday after Alphabet shares dropped more than 4%, pulling major indexes lower and unsettling investors across asset classes. The S&P 500 slid 1.2%, marking its sixth decline in seven sessions since hitting a record high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 606 points, while the Nasdaq dropped 1.5%. Alphabet weighed heavily on the market despite posting stronger-than-expected quarterly profits. Investors reacted instead to the company’s warning that capital spending could nearly double this year to about $180 billion, far exceeding forecasts. The move rattled confidence in a market already…

Hidden-market sellers promote unlicensed weight-loss drugs through WhatsApp and Telegram giveaways.They offer injectable medicines such as retatrutide as competition prizes. The Guardian found groups urging users to enter within 24 hours.Experts warn these tactics create serious health risks. One group promoted prizes including retatrutide, Glow pens, and melanotan II.None of these injectable products hold UK approval. UK law allows weight-loss injections only with valid prescriptions.Unapproved drugs cannot be legally sold or advertised. Another seller disguises drug sales as fitness coaching programmes.Researchers say these promotions misuse marketing pressure and bypass safety rules.

For two months, the US Department of Justice released millions of documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein. The files reveal years of alleged sex trafficking by the wealthy financier. President Donald Trump now calls for the country to move on. Washington, however, shows little interest in letting the story fade. Justice department closes its review Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the government review has concluded. Congress mandated the review through legislation passed in November. Blanche said prosecutors found no grounds for new criminal charges. He confirmed the files include emails, photographs, and extensive correspondence. He added that such material alone…

Ultra-processed foods should face tobacco-style regulation because they promote addiction and harm public health, researchers say.Scientists from Harvard, the University of Michigan, and Duke compared UPFs to cigarettes in design and health impact.They said manufacturers optimise ingredients to drive compulsive consumption and reward responses.The study, published in Milbank Quarterly, warned that marketing claims can delay regulation.Researchers urged governments to shift responsibility from consumers to the food industry.Some experts cautioned against overreach but agreed stronger controls are needed.

SpaceX Deal Redraws the Balance Elon Musk’s business empire has taken a dramatic turn after SpaceX’s merger with artificial intelligence firm xAI pushed the combined company’s valuation to $1.25 trillion (€1.06tn). That figure brings SpaceX within striking distance of Tesla, whose market capitalisation stands at roughly $1.58 trillion (€1.34tn). On paper, Musk now appears to derive more of his personal wealth from rockets and AI than from electric cars, marking a major shift in where his influence and value lie. The deal values SpaceX at $1 trillion, with xAI contributing a further $250 billion. It follows last year’s move in…

Netflix came under intense scrutiny in Washington over its $82bn (£61bn) bid to acquire Warner Bros Discovery. Lawmakers questioned whether the merger would benefit consumers or workers. Senators from both parties expressed concern during an antitrust hearing. Senators warn deal could harm competition and raise costs Members of the Senate antitrust subcommittee said the merger could reduce competition across entertainment markets. Several senators warned that subscription costs might rise. Others questioned whether cinemas could survive if regulators approve the deal. The Department of Justice is reviewing the proposed transaction. Approval would give Netflix control of Warner Bros film and television…