Author: OMN AI

Volkswagen is close to a US tariff deal, CEO Oliver Blume said, as the carmaker targets affordable electric vehicles in Europe. Trump’s tariffs announced in April, combined with a turbulent market, have already cost the group “several billions.” Even with a reduction from 27.5% to 15%, Blume called it a “burden for Volkswagen Group.” The company plans major US investments and may localise Audi production. Blume noted Porsche is hit hardest, with US-bound models almost exclusively made in Germany, while also unveiling a small electric car concept aimed at Europe’s compact EV market. BMW is preparing a Chinese-made iX3 SUV…

Microsoft confirmed that its Azure cloud platform experienced disruptions after several undersea cables in the Red Sea were cut. The company said users faced slower connections as internet traffic through the Middle East was delayed. Microsoft reroutes to reduce delays Microsoft did not reveal what caused the cable damage but said it redirected traffic through alternative paths. It emphasised that services outside the Middle East continued normally. Reports over the weekend suggested that the issue also spread to the United Arab Emirates and some Asian countries. Ocean cables keep the world online Cables lying on the seabed carry most international…

US President Donald Trump warned Hamas to accept a US-brokered ceasefire that Israel reportedly approved. Trump posted on Truth Social, “Everyone wants the Hostages HOME. Everyone wants this War to end! This is my last warning. There will not be another one.” US Proposal Aims for Hostage Release US Special Envoy Steven Witkoff sent the ceasefire proposal to Hamas on Sunday. The plan offers US support to end Israel’s military operation in exchange for all hostages’ immediate release. Israel would free up to 3,000 Palestinian prisoners in return. Hostages Remain and Pressure Mounts Gaza holds 48 hostages, though only about…

Mitsotakis presents major family support package Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has unveiled a €1.6 billion initiative aimed at tackling Greece’s declining population. Speaking at the Thessaloniki International Fair, he said the program is intended to ease the financial pressures on households and encourage young citizens to stay in the country. The plan, which will take effect in 2026, includes broad income tax reductions, targeted benefits for large families, lower property taxes in rural and island areas, and additional support for pensioners and households facing high living costs. Demographic trends raise alarm The measures respond to persistent population challenges. According to…

This Sunday, 7 September, Europe will witness a total lunar eclipse—a “blood moon”—the longest since 2022 at around 82 minutes. During this event, the Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface. Only red light, bent through Earth’s atmosphere, reaches the moon, giving it its distinctive reddish hue. Historically, blood moons have carried both ominous and hopeful meanings. Across civilizations—from Babylon to China to Central America—they were often interpreted as warnings of wars, natural disasters, or the deaths of rulers. Conversely, some African cultures, such as the Batammaliba of Togo and Benin,…

Ludrick Cooper, an eighth-grade teacher in South Carolina, once resisted artificial intelligence in his classroom. Eventually, he shifted his perspective. “This is the new encyclopedia,” Cooper said, recalling his childhood fascination with reference books. He now joins a growing number of teachers using AI in their lessons. The movement highlights how fast schools adopt the technology, even while debates about risks continue. A Walton Family Foundation and Gallup survey showed six in ten teachers used AI tools during the 2024-2025 school year. On Tuesday, First Lady Melania Trump launched the Presidential AI Challenge. The initiative encourages students from kindergarten through…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refused Vladimir Putin’s invitation to meet in Moscow, calling it unrealistic. Zelenskyy told ABC News he cannot visit Moscow while Ukraine faces daily missile attacks. He said, “Putin can come to Kyiv” instead. Zelenskyy suggested Russia shows no real interest in negotiations by insisting on Moscow. U.S. Pushes for Direct Talks President Donald Trump urged face-to-face talks between Zelenskyy and Putin, making it a key goal of his Alaska summit with Russia. Trump said the leaders would meet after Zelenskyy visits Washington and consults European leaders. Moscow added conditions, delayed decisions, and increased attacks on Ukrainian…

Max Verstappen set the fastest lap in Formula 1 history to claim pole position for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, stopping the clock at 1:18.792 and averaging over 164mph. The Red Bull driver edged out McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. After describing last year’s car as an “undriveable monster,” Verstappen’s pole signals a resurgence for Red Bull under new team principal Laurent Mekies, following Christian Horner’s departure. Ferrari shone at their home race, with Lewis Hamilton making his Monza debut for the Scuderia and qualifying fifth, just behind Charles Leclerc, though a grid penalty will drop him to…

Elon Musk, the world’s richest person, may soon achieve another milestone. Tesla’s board has unveiled a record-breaking pay package that could make him the first trillionaire if the company reaches historic growth targets. The deal mirrors his earlier package, once seen as out of reach but later surpassed by Tesla’s rapid rise. Now, the board is betting again on Musk’s ability to deliver. Stock rewards tied to bold targets The new package gives Musk the chance to claim 423.7 million additional Tesla shares, worth $143.5 billion today. To unlock the full payout, Tesla must soar to a $8.5 trillion market…

EU Regulators Cite Unfair Advantage The European Commission has levied a €2.95 billion fine against Google, finding that the company exploited its dominant position in online advertising. Investigators said Google favored its own ad exchange and publisher platforms, restricting competition and limiting options for both advertisers and media companies. Company Must Propose Fix Within Two Months Brussels has given Google 60 days to submit a plan to correct the practices. Officials warned that if the measures are deemed inadequate, they could consider more severe actions, including breaking up parts of Google’s ad-tech operations. Google has confirmed it will contest the…