Author: OMN AI

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order introducing a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applicants. The order cites “abuse” of the system and blocks entry unless the full fee is paid. Critics argue the H-1B programme undermines American jobs. Supporters, including billionaire Elon Musk, say it helps the US attract top global talent. Gold card offers fast-track entry for wealthy applicants Trump also unveiled a “gold card” programme to speed up visas for certain 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…

House Measure Fails Over Voter ID DisputeThe U.S. Senate voted down a short-term funding bill intended to keep federal operations running through March 14, 2025. The bill had already failed in the House by a 202-220 vote, with 14 Republicans joining Democrats in opposition. Central to the debate was a requirement for proof of citizenship in voter registration, which Democrats and civil rights groups criticized as a voter suppression tactic. Security Funding Overshadowed by ControversyThe proposed legislation also allocated $231 million for enhanced protection of federal officials, including $100 million for the U.S. Secret Service. Despite these security measures, the…

A TikTok deal 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” agreement. Reports suggest TikTok’s US operations could be sold to a group of American investors. If completed, one expert described it as a “rare breakthrough” in US-China trade relations. It could also resolve a dispute that has dominated headlines for years. Analysts now assess what the deal means for TikTok’s 170 million US users, and what Beijing could gain in return. The algorithm remains China’s key asset Chinese state media…

Advisory Issued and Later Rescinded for AlaskaA magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on September 18, 2025, triggering a tsunami advisory for Alaska’s western Aleutian Islands. The quake occurred at 11:58 a.m. Pacific Time, roughly 75 miles east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, at a shallow depth of six miles. The National Tsunami Warning Center warned communities from Amchitka Pass to Attu, though the advisory was later canceled after no significant waves were observed. California and Hawaii Monitoring SituationEven with the advisory lifted in Alaska, officials in California and Hawaii continue to track the event closely. The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center…

Daily Aspirin Could Prevent Return of Colorectal Cancer in Patients with Key Gene Mutations A daily dose of aspirin can substantially reduce the risk of some colorectal cancers returning after surgery, according to a major trial into the protective effects of the everyday painkiller. Swedish researchers found that people who took a low daily dose of aspirin after having their tumour removed were half as likely to have their cancer return over the next three years than patients who took a placebo. The trial involved cancer patients whose tumours carried specific genetic mutations that made them susceptible to aspirin’s anti-cancer…

Meta has unveiled a new generation of smart glasses powered by artificial intelligence. The company aims to make them essential daily accessories worldwide. Meta Connect reveals cutting-edge devices At the Meta Connect developer conference, CEO Mark Zuckerberg presented several products developed with Ray-Ban and Oakley. A neural wristband was a standout feature. It pairs with the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses and allows users to send messages through subtle hand gestures. The announcement comes as Meta faces ongoing scrutiny over its platforms. Activists emphasize the risks to children. Zuckerberg described the development as a “huge scientific breakthrough” while speaking to hundreds…

A new daily pill for weight loss, called orforglipron, has shown promise in helping people shed up to a fifth of their body weight, according to a trial by Eli Lilly. In a study of 3,127 adults with obesity, one in five participants who took the once-daily tablet for 72 weeks lost 20% or more of their weight. Orforglipron targets GLP-1 receptors, similar to popular weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy, but offers the convenience of a pill that is easier to store, distribute, and take. Participants on the highest dose lost an average of 11.2% of their body…

Ex-Director Describes Pressure to Approve RecommendationsSusan Monarez, who briefly led the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told senators that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanded she endorse advisory committee vaccine decisions ahead of time and terminate long-standing staff members. Monarez said she refused and was subsequently removed from her position after only a few weeks in office. Allegations of Political Influence Over ScienceDebra Houry, former CDC chief medical officer, testified that Kennedy’s actions could compromise the agency’s evidence-based processes. She cautioned that replacing advisory committee members with individuals aligned to political priorities might weaken the…

Food prices rose again in August, marking the fifth consecutive monthly increase. Official data shows the fastest growth since early last year. The cost of food and non-alcoholic drinks increased 5.1% over the year. Beef, butter, milk and chocolate saw the largest rises. Slower growth in other areas, including air fares, kept overall inflation steady at 3.8%, the same as July. Economists said supermarkets are passing higher minimum wage and National Insurance costs directly to shoppers. Bank of England expected to hold rates Inflation remains above the Bank of England’s 2% target. Analysts widely predict no change in interest rates…

Democrats Accuse Director of Partisan AgendaFBI Director Kash Patel came under fire in the Senate Judiciary Committee as Democratic senators alleged he was reshaping the bureau to serve political ends. Patel forcefully denied the claims, insisting that the recent dismissal of senior officials was tied to misconduct and inadequate performance rather than political loyalty. He accused his critics of staging partisan attacks to tarnish the FBI’s reputation. Handling of High-Profile Cases QuestionedPatel also faced pointed questions about his approach to sensitive investigations, including the sealed Jeffrey Epstein files and the probe into the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Lawmakers…