Author: OMN AI

Massive Attack have removed their catalogue from Spotify in protest at founder Daniel Ek’s €600m (£520m) investment in the military AI company Helsing. The band cited a “moral and ethical burden” on artists whose work ultimately funds lethal technologies, noting that Helsing develops AI software for battlefield decision-making and manufactures military drones. The announcement coincided with the band joining the No Music for Genocide initiative, in which over 400 artists and labels block their music from streaming services in Israel. Massive Attack emphasized that their Spotify withdrawal is separate from this initiative, highlighting the ethical concerns around Ek’s investment. Spotify…

Donald Trump announced on Friday that Chinese president Xi Jinping had agreed to approve a deal over TikTok, though no specifics of the agreement or signing timeline were disclosed. The announcement followed a phone call between the two leaders, their first direct contact since June, amid heightened tensions over trade and technology. Trump said earlier this week that Washington and Beijing had reached a deal to place TikTok’s US operations under American control, with Oracle among the investors in talks to take a significant stake. Reports suggest the framework is still incomplete, and negotiations continue over compliance with laws passed…

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order introducing a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applicants. The order claims the programme faces “abuse” and denies entry unless the fee is paid. Critics argue the H-1B system threatens American jobs. Supporters, including billionaire Elon Musk, say it allows the US to attract top global talent. Gold card provides fast-track option for wealthy immigrants Trump also unveiled a “gold card” programme to accelerate visas for selected immigrants. Entry fees start at £1m. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick joined Trump in the Oval Office on Friday. “A hundred thousand dollars a year for H1-B…

The US imposed 50% tariffs on EU steel and aluminium in June, requiring importers to prove material origins.Importers must now trace steel and aluminium in finished products, creating additional costs for European industries. Complex Rules Strain Supply Chains ACEA said the “melt and pour” rule forces suppliers to share information across multiple tiers, which many lack.Parts combining steel, aluminium, and copper fall under multiple tariff categories, increasing compliance complexity.In August, the US added 407 product categories, including machinery, turbines, construction materials, and fire extinguishers. European Industries Face Financial Pressure ACEA reported that generic materials essential to car manufacturing now face…

Security Breach in Baltic WatersPoland has accused Russian aircraft of entering the safety perimeter around a Baltic Sea oil platform. The Ministry of Defence described the maneuver as unsafe and carried out without prior coordination, adding to concerns over ongoing Russian military activity in the region. NATO Scrambles Fighters Over EstoniaSeparately, NATO confirmed that Italian F-35 jets intercepted Russian MiG-31 aircraft over Estonia near Vaindloo Island. The planes reportedly operated without flight plans, had their transponders switched off, and did not communicate with local air traffic authorities. Estonia condemned the incident as a deliberate provocation and filed a diplomatic protest…

A TikTok agreement is moving closer. US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are expected to discuss terms on Friday. Officials from both sides recently reached a “framework” deal. Reports indicate TikTok’s US operations could be sold to American investors. If finalised, one analyst called it a “rare breakthrough” in US-China trade relations. It could resolve a long-standing dispute that has dominated headlines. Experts are now evaluating what the deal means for TikTok’s 170 million US users, and what Beijing stands to gain. TikTok’s algorithm stays under Chinese control Chinese state media described the outcome as “win-win”. Trump…

A Swedish trial has found that a low daily dose of aspirin can cut the risk of colorectal cancer returning by more than 50% in patients with specific gene mutations. Researchers at the Karolinska Institute tested over 3,500 post-surgery patients across Scandinavia, finding that those with PI3K pathway mutations who took 160mg of aspirin daily for three years were far less likely to relapse than those given a placebo. The study suggests aspirin helps by reducing inflammation, interfering with the PI3K pathway, and limiting blood platelets that shield tumour cells. About 40% of colorectal cancer patients have these mutations, highlighting…

In Flensburg, Hans Velten Reisch angered residents with a shop sign banning Jews from entry.The sign read: “Jews are banned from here! Nothing personal. No antisemitism. Just can’t stand you.”Police removed the sign Wednesday evening “to prevent danger” and protect public order, spokesperson Philipp Renoncourt said.Reporters noted the message still appeared inside the shop on a wall opposite the entrance.The incident sparked heated debate in Flensburg and online, with many condemning the discriminatory message.Some compared it to Nazi-era practices, while others called for boycotts, protests, or even arson.By Thursday morning, vandals smeared the shop window with slogans such as “Nazis…

Mass Walkouts Bring Public Services to a HaltOn September 18, 2025, unions across France launched coordinated strikes and protests against government spending cuts, leading to major interruptions in everyday life. Train and bus services operated at reduced capacity, schools closed in many areas, and pharmacies limited hours as workers from multiple sectors joined the demonstrations. Organizers estimated that hundreds of thousands participated nationwide. Protests Spread Through Major Cities, Violence in ParisLarge-scale marches occurred in Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, and Montpellier, but Paris saw the most severe tensions. While the majority of protests were peaceful, clashes erupted between police and some demonstrators,…

Meta has launched a new line of smart glasses powered by artificial intelligence. The company wants them to become everyday essentials worldwide. Highlights from Meta Connect At the Meta Connect developer conference, CEO Mark Zuckerberg presented several devices made with Ray-Ban and Oakley. A neural wristband was a standout feature. It pairs with the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses and lets users send messages through subtle hand gestures. The announcement comes as Meta faces scrutiny over its platforms. Activists emphasize risks to children. Zuckerberg called the launch a “huge scientific breakthrough” while addressing hundreds of attendees at the Silicon Valley campus.…