Author: OMN AI

When Kerry Dunstan and his partner started searching for an electric car this summer, one question topped their list: “How’s the battery?” They soon found a 2021 Nissan Leaf with 29,000 miles. The dealer said its state of health (SOH) was still 93%. That was enough to convince them. For £12,500, they bought a roomy, practical electric car with space for both family and luggage. Dunstan, a cabinetmaker who also owns a sleeker electric Volvo SUV, admits he’s not smitten. “I like cars with character and punch – this one’s a bit plain,” he says. Still, he’s content. “It’s done…

Smart Technologies Breathe New Life into Traditional FacilitiesAcross the European energy landscape, utilities are digitizing older power stations to enhance performance and reliability. In countries such as Germany, France, and Italy, long-serving plants are being equipped with real-time monitoring systems, predictive analytics, and automated control technologies. These modern tools enable operators to oversee equipment health, reduce downtime, and fine-tune generation efficiency. Major industrial players including GE Vernova and Siemens Energy are spearheading many of these retrofit programs, offering digital solutions that extend plant operation while reducing emissions and operating costs. Data-Driven Operations Bolster Grid ReliabilityEurope’s increasing dependence on renewable energy…

Thousands of protesters filled streets across the United States on Saturday, opposing the country’s direction under President Donald Trump. The “No Kings” demonstrations spanned all 50 states, with more than 2,600 rallies nationwide. Protesters gathered in New York’s Times Square, Chicago’s Grant Park, Boston Commons, and Washington, DC, chanting, “Trump must go now.” Many waved signs criticizing Trump’s policies and his immigration crackdown. Crowds held banners reading “Nothing is more patriotic than protesting” and “Resist Fascism.” Some turned the demonstrations into lively street parties with marching bands, a giant US Constitution banner for signatures, and frog-costumed protesters from Portland, Oregon.…

Paramount Skydance plans to lay off about 2,000 US employees beginning the week of 27 October as part of a $2 billion cost-cutting effort under new CEO David Ellison, Variety reported. The layoffs come just months after Skydance Media completed its $8.4 billion merger with Paramount Global in August. Additional job cuts are expected internationally, with full details likely to be revealed in the company’s third-quarter earnings report on 10 November. Earlier reports suggested that between 2,000 and 3,000 positions could be eliminated by early November. As of December 2024, Paramount employed roughly 18,600 full- and part-time staff, plus about…

Greece and Europe are expected to see strong tourism growth in 2025, supported by an upgraded global economic forecast from the OECD. Analysts say this optimism signals a steady recovery for the travel sector across the region. Tourism in Greece is set to rebound sharply as travelers return to major cities, islands, and cultural sites. Increased bookings for flights, hotels, and leisure activities are anticipated, creating a positive impact on the local economy. Greece’s unique combination of history, beaches, and hospitality makes it a top destination for international tourists. Other European countries are also expected to benefit. Popular destinations in…

European commercial property investment volumes rose sharply in 2024, signaling renewed confidence among investors. Full-year transactions across key property types reached €183 billion, up 22% from €150 billion in 2023. Analysts attribute this growth to a combination of stabilizing economic conditions and positive market sentiment. After years of uncertainty in Europe’s commercial real estate sector, investors are increasingly willing to commit capital to offices, retail, and industrial properties. The industrial and logistics sector, in particular, saw robust demand. E-commerce growth continues to drive the need for modern warehouses and distribution centers, pushing investment volumes higher. Meanwhile, office properties in major…

Lamborghini’s chief executive says the brand’s passion still lives in the roar of combustion engines. The Italian supercar maker plans to keep them running for at least another decade before going fully electric. Hybrids take centre stage At Lamborghini’s London showroom, CEO Stephan Winkelmann said enthusiasm for electric cars is cooling down. He believes this creates space for Lamborghini to invest deeper in hybrid performance rather than switching entirely to electric. The company will decide within weeks whether its long-awaited grand tourer, the Lanzador, will debut as a pure electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid. Winkelmann stressed that Lamborghini remains…

A long-acting HIV prevention injection is set to be approved for use in England and Wales, offering a new alternative to daily pills for people at risk of infection. The jab, known as cabotegravir (CAB-LA), is administered every two months and provides protection against HIV for those unable to take standard oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) recommended its use in draft guidance released on Friday. Already available on the NHS in Scotland, the injection could be rolled out in England and Wales within three months of final approval later this year. Health…

Under the leadership of Garrick Ohlsson, the jury of the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition selected 11 pianists to advance to the final round. Poland’s Piotr Alexewicz carries the nation’s hopes into the decisive stage of the event in Warsaw. The international music world now knows the lineup of the finalists, with Alexewicz standing as the sole Polish representative. First organized in 1927, the competition remains one of the most respected and long-standing piano contests globally. Since its founding, the program has celebrated the legacy of Fryderyk Chopin, featuring only his compositions. Finalists Announced for the Celebrated Piano Showcase…

Luxembourg Selected as Test Ground for Pilot OperationsChinese autonomous vehicle innovator Pony.ai and global automaker Stellantis have agreed to collaborate on the creation of electric vans equipped with Level 4 self-driving capabilities aimed at European markets. The partnership, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, will begin with a pilot program in Luxembourg, followed by an expanded rollout expected in 2026. The initiative blends Pony.ai’s expertise in autonomous technology with Stellantis’ manufacturing strength and electric vehicle platforms. Autonomous Technology to Power Stellantis’ Electric FleetThe cooperation will see Pony.ai’s autonomous driving systems integrated into Stellantis’ range of electric light commercial vehicles, including…