United States

Uber Eats Faces Backlash Over Super Bowl Ad Mocking Allergic Reaction

Uber Eats faced backlash over its Super Bowl advertisement that mocked a man's allergic reaction to peanut butter. The ad, featuring celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and the Beckhams, was criticized by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) and individuals with allergies as 'disgusting, tone-deaf, and completely unnecessary.' Critics argue it trivializes a serious medical condition and could encourage bullying. Dr. Sung Poblete of FARE emphasized the need for education about food allergies. The controversy highlights the importance of sensitivity in advertising regarding health issues.

Biden Defends Memory After DOJ Report on Handling of Classified Documents

US President Joe Biden responded to a DOJ investigation led by Special Counsel Robert Hur that found Biden willfully retained and disclosed classified files but did not charge him. The report criticized Biden's memory, citing his inability to recall key life events during a five-hour interview. Biden denied memory issues and blamed staff for misplacing documents. The report also contrasted with former President Trump's case, where Trump allegedly obstructed justice. Trump called for dropping the case against Biden.

Apple Vision Pro Launches in US

Apple’s Original Macintosh 128K Celebrates 40th Anniversary

On 24 January 1984, Steve Jobs unveiled the Apple Macintosh 128K personal computer, marking a historic moment. The Mac 128K, with 128KB of RAM, featured a groundbreaking graphical user interface, mouse, and compact design. Despite outdated specs, it retains a devoted fan base. Enthusiasts and historians like David Blatner and David Greelish praise its intuitive design and circuit board ingenuity. The Centre for Computing History in Cambridge, England, has a functioning unit. The Macintosh project, initiated by Jef Raskin, aimed for an affordable, user-friendly computer. The iconic marketing, including a 1984-themed TV commercial directed by Ridley Scott, contributed to its appeal. The Mac 128K helped transition from terminal-based computers to accessible machines.

US Reassures Maldives of Support in Maintaining Peace and Security

Netanyahu Rejects US Proposal for Non-Militarised Palestinian State

US Appeals Court Bans Sale of Two Apple Smartwatch Models Amid Ongoing Patent Dispute

A US federal appeals court has banned the sale of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models due to a patent dispute with medical technology company Masimo and its spin-off Cercacor. The court reversed an earlier decision that allowed sales during litigation. The dispute involves allegations that Apple poached staff and stole technology related to blood oxygen measurement. The US International Trade Commission (ITC) had earlier found Apple violated patent rights. Apple plans to release watches without the disputed feature. The ban affects imports as well. Apple expressed disagreement and is pursuing an appeal. Masimo's CEO Joe Kiani stated that even large companies must respect intellectual property rights.

Death Row Inmate Faces Controversial Execution Method in Alabama

Alabama plans to execute death row inmate Kenneth Smith using nitrogen gas on January 25, marking the state's first use of this experimental method. The controversial procedure has drawn criticism from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, who described it as potential torture. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends sedation for large animals euthanized with nitrogen, but Alabama's protocol lacks sedation. Smith was sentenced to death in 1988 for a murder-for-hire and experienced a failed execution attempt in November 2022.

Maldivian Trade Delegation Invited to US: Minister Saeed

Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed confirmed that a Maldivian trade delegation has been invited to visit the United States. He made the announcement at the inauguration of a new cargo terminal at Velana International Airport. The minister highlighted that the trade representative met with the US Trade Representative to discuss providing PayPal services in the Maldives, as instructed by President Mohamed Muizz. Imports from the US to the Maldives reached $99 million in 2022, a 140% increase over the previous year, while exports to the US were $17 million, a 19% increase.

Fuel Leak Jeopardises US Lander’s Lunar Descent

The Peregrine 1 lunar lander, the first US commercial moon lander in over 50 years, suffered a fuel leak after launch from Cape Canaveral on a Vulcan Centaur rocket. Astrobotic leads the mission; thrusters may only operate for 40 more hours. The lander carries NASA scientific instruments and non-scientific payloads including DNA and ashes. NASA is investigating the propulsion problem.

Peregrine Makes History as Star Trek Crew Makes Final Voyage to Moon

United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully launched its Vulcan rocket carrying Astrobotic's Peregrine lunar lander. The launch occurred at 7.18 GMT, entering a highly elliptical orbit. Peregrine, part of NASA's CLPS initiative, carries NASA instruments and other payloads including Star Trek actors' remains and a Bitcoin. The mission aims for the first US soft lunar landing in over 50 years, scheduled for 23 February. Tory Bruno, ULA's CEO, praised the team. The flight is one of two test launches for US Space Force certification.

Plagiarism Allegations Surround Former MIT Professor Neri Oxman

Neri Oxman, former MIT professor and wife of billionaire Bill Ackman, faces plagiarism allegations. Business Insider found at least 15 instances of plagiarism in her 2010 dissertation and research papers. Oxman apologized and pledged to review sources. This follows accusations against Claudine Gay that led to her resignation as Harvard president. Bill Ackman, who had criticized Gay, now defends Oxman and vows to lead plagiarism reviews against MIT faculty and Business Insider reporters. Oxman also accepted a $125,000 gift from Jeffrey Epstein. Her venture, named Oxman, was in early stages when she apologized.

Foreign Minister Engages in Talks With US Counterpart as President Muizzu Announces Visit to China

Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer held a phone call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday, who reaffirmed US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The call coincided with President Mohamed Muizzu's announcement of his first state visit to China from January 7-12 at Xi Jinping's invitation. Discussions covered defense, economic development, climate change, democratic governance, and rule of law. Critics noted the timing given Maldives' strategic role. Muizzu's visit marks a shift from the traditional first visit to India, signaling closer ties with China.

Tesla Initiates Largest-Ever Recall of Over Two Million Vehicles Due to Autopilot Concerns

Tesla is issuing the largest-ever recall of over two million vehicles in the United States due to concerns with its Autopilot system. The recall follows a NHTSA investigation that began in August 2021 after fatal crashes. Tesla will provide a software update to enhance driver attention controls. Transport Canada also announced a recall of 193,000 vehicles. The U.S. House commended Tesla for the recall. Shares saw little change.

Apple Tightens Rules on Customer Data Requests From Law Enforcement

Apple updated its law enforcement guidelines to require a judge's order for release of push notification data, aligning with Google. The change follows revelations by Senator Ron Wyden that authorities were seeking such data. Apple's guidelines previously allowed data with a subpoena; now requires a warrant. No official announcement from Apple. Senator Wyden commended Apple.

US Veto Sparks Global Outcry; Israel Ramps Up Attacks in Gaza

The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, sparking global outcry. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the veto as immoral and accused the US of complicity with Israel. Palestinian UN representative Riyad Mansour called the move 'beyond regrettable.' Several countries and human rights organizations criticized the US, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Medecins Sans Frontiers. UN Secretary-General Guterres invoked Article 99 to push for a ceasefire. Israel intensified its attacks on Gaza, with casualties reported: at least 17,700 Palestinians killed and 48,800 wounded since October 7. On the day of the veto, 210 deaths and 2,300 injuries were reported. In the West Bank, 266 Palestinians have been killed and over 3,640 arrested since October 7.

US Vetoes UNSC Ceasefire Resolution as Israel Intensifies Attacks on Gaza; Palestinian Death Toll Nears 18,000

The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, with 13 votes in favor, one abstention (UK), and one against. Israel intensified attacks on Gaza, causing hundreds of casualties and bringing the death toll near 18,000, mostly women and children. Palestinian representative Riyad Mansour called the veto 'beyond regrettable' and accused Israel of war atrocities. Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warned the veto would give Israel 'a licence to continue with its massacre of Palestinians.' Israeli forces also expanded raids in the occupied West Bank.

US Senate Republicans Block US$110 Billion Aid Bill for Ukraine, Israel and Palestine

US Senate Republicans blocked a $110 billion aid bill that included $61 billion for Ukraine, funds for Israel, and aid for Gaza. The bill failed 51-49, short of the 60 votes needed, as Republicans insisted on tying Ukraine aid to border security reforms. The White House warned that US funds for Ukraine may soon run out. Ukrainian official Andriy Yermak warned that lack of aid could increase chances of losing the war against Russia. President Joe Biden offered to compromise on border issues. The Biden administration announced $175 million in new security assistance for Ukraine. Lawmakers will continue negotiations.

COP28 Summit: United States Unveils Plans to Slash Methane Emissions

At COP28 in Dubai, the United States announced new EPA regulations to slash methane emissions from oil and gas by 80% by 2038, reducing 58 million tonnes. Methane is a super pollutant up to 80 times more effective than CO2. Turkmenistan joined the pledge. EPA administrator Michael Regan and US climate envoy John Kerry urged action. UN satellite system identified 127 major methane plumes. Colombia joined a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty.

Diplomatic Push Intensifies for Gaza Truce Extension as Deadline Approaches

The article covers international efforts to extend a four-day truce in the Gaza conflict, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US. The truce ends Tuesday at 7 a.m. Israeli PM Netanyahu offered to extend it per 10 captives released. Hamas released 13 Israeli captives, three Thais, and one Israeli-Russian. 39 Palestinians were released. Over 14,800 Palestinians have died since Oct 7. Elon Musk agreed not to activate Starlink over Gaza without Israeli approval. NATO and EU support extension. Arrests in the West Bank continue.