Author: OMN AI

Airport and airline staff across Europe are preparing for walkouts this festive season, protesting low pay and poor working conditions.Union representatives have criticized employers’ “Grinch-style” behavior, accusing them of taking advantage of staff during one of the most expensive and stressful times of the year. Holiday travel has increasingly become intertwined with strikes, as workers target peak travel periods to amplify their demands.Some strikes are planned months in advance, giving travelers and airlines time to prepare, while others appear with little warning, sometimes only hours before they begin.Passengers are being urged to check travel updates regularly, as last-minute cancellations or…

The carnivorous pitcher plant Nepenthes khasiana has been found to lace its sugary nectar with a toxic nerve agent to subdue prey. The plant oozes sweet liquid along the rim of its pitchers to attract insects, especially ants, but the nectar contains isoshinanolone, a compound that disrupts the nervous system, causing sluggish movement, muscle weakness and disorientation. Combined with water-absorbing sugars that make the rim extremely slippery, the toxin increases the chance that insects fall into the pitcher, where they are digested. The strategy helps the plant obtain nutrients in the poor soils where it grows.

France’s Interior Ministry suffered a cyberattack that lasted several days, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed. The attackers targeted professional email accounts at the Place Beauvau ministry, which employs nearly 300,000 people. The breach allowed unauthorized access to sensitive internal files, prompting swift action once the intrusion was discovered. Nuñez acknowledged the severity of the incident but emphasized that authorities responded quickly and are now working to fully understand the scope of the attack. The attack came after internal teams noticed unusual activity within the ministry’s email servers, and the situation quickly escalated to a national cybersecurity concern. While the breach…

Travelers looking to save money in 2026 have plenty of options, with a new report highlighting the five cheapest destinations to fly to next year. Affordable travel spots make planning trips easier for budget-conscious vacationers while still offering memorable experiences. Among the top budget-friendly destinations are U.S. cities such as Fort Lauderdale and Orlando. These cities offer not only low flight costs but also a range of attractions, from beaches and amusement parks to cultural experiences and dining options. Visitors can enjoy a full itinerary without overspending on travel. Fort Lauderdale is known for its sun-soaked beaches, lively boardwalk, and…

The first new treatments for gonorrhoea in decades have been approved in the US, raising hopes of tackling the rapid spread of drug-resistant strains of the infection. Gonorrhoea causes an estimated 82 million infections globally each year, with cases rising sharply in Europe and England. Resistance to existing frontline antibiotics has increased significantly, prompting the World Health Organization to label the disease a priority pathogen. Two new drugs have now been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Zoliflodacin, approved on 12 December, cured more than 90% of genital gonorrhoea cases in clinical trials and can be taken as…

Louvre employees closed the Paris museum on Monday in protest over working conditions and staffing shortages.The strike follows an embarrassing jewellery heist in October, which exposed security flaws at the landmark museum.CFDT union officials said 400 workers voted unanimously during a morning meeting to walk out for the day. Striking employees blocked the glass pyramid entrance with banners, flags, and placards.The Louvre posted an updated notice online, confirming the museum would remain “exceptionally” closed.Ticket holders received full refunds, and staff may meet again on Wednesday to decide whether to continue the strike. Visitors reacted with disappointment, understanding the staff’s frustrations.Lindsey…

The US company behind the Roomba robot vacuum cleaner has filed for bankruptcy protection and agreed to be taken over by one of its Chinese suppliers. iRobot, which pioneered robotic vacuum cleaners in the early 2000s, said it had entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in Delaware as part of a restructuring deal with Picea Robotics, a subsidiary of its main supplier. The US-listed company said the agreement would allow it to continue operating while stabilising its finances. The company has struggled in recent years amid supply chain disruption, falling demand after the pandemic and growing competition from cheaper rivals. Earlier…

Stephon Castle delivered a career-best performance as the San Antonio Spurs advanced in NBA Cup play. The guard scored a season-high 30 points, helping secure a key victory and showing impressive growth this season. Castle’s scoring came through a mix of drives, mid-range jumpers, and three-pointers. His ability to attack the basket and create space highlighted improved offensive skills. Analysts noted his scoring efficiency and decision-making were at a new level. The Spurs relied on Castle to take control during critical stretches. His points helped the team maintain a lead against a competitive opponent. Castle’s contribution also drew defensive attention,…

A new review suggests psychedelic treatments may help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), while cannabis shows little lasting benefit. The study, published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research and led by Dr Michael Van Ameringen of McMaster University, examined alternative treatments for OCD, a condition where up to 60% of patients gain limited relief from standard therapies. After analysing published studies, conference data and preliminary trial results, researchers found stronger evidence supporting psychedelics such as psilocybin than cannabinoids like THC or CBD. Psilocybin appears to affect the brain’s default mode network, which is linked to rumination and overactivity in OCD,…

Gunmen opened fire at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, killing ten people, including one of the attackers. More than a dozen bystanders suffered injuries during the assault. A Hanukkah event drew thousands to the beach when the attack occurred. Authorities are investigating the motives behind the incident. New South Wales Police confirmed ten deaths and identified one gunman among the fatalities. Police reported that the other suspected attacker remains in critical condition at a hospital. Witnesses described terrified crowds and dozens of victims lying injured across the sand. Eyewitnesses said blood covered the beach, and many victims required urgent medical attention. Officers…