#us

#us

Ukraine receives significant military aid from the US, Germany, UK, and Denmark to combat Russian attacks. [ more ]

Sanctions imposed by the U.S. and U.K. on Iran in response to the attack on Israel are likely to have limited practical impact. [ more ]

The US and UK conducted airstrikes on the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen, while the US also conducted airstrikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria.

The conflict between the US and Iran-backed fighters is escalating, raising concerns about the potential for a larger war. [ more ]

China's growing influence in the Middle East gives them a unique role as a regional peacemaker

The US is leaning on China to press Iran to urge Hamas and the Houthis to cease their attacks [ more ]

Consumer inflation in the U.S. is at its lowest annual rate since June.

OPEC maintains expectations for global oil-demand growth and raises economic outlook. [ more ]

The first round of US strikes against Iran-linked militants in Iraq and Syria killed dozens of fighters and several civilians.

Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces reported 16 fighters killed and 25 injured in a strike on a command center in Anbar province. [ more ]

The US has approved a plan to attack Iran-linked targets in Iraq and Syria in retaliation for the killing of three soldiers.

The military response could be multitiered and take place over several days. [ more ]

US accused of secret military bases in disputed area by Venezuelan President Maduro.

Maduro claims US bases are an 'aggression' against Venezuela, preparing for escalation. [ more ]

Variant JN.1, a descendant of BA.2.86 and offshoot of the Omicron variant, currently makes up 61.6% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S.

The Northeast region of the U.S. has the highest prevalence of variant JN.1, accounting for an estimated 74.9% of COVID-19 cases. [ more ]

The European Union has committed to providing 50 billion euros in aid to Ukraine until 2027, a move that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes will break the deadlock in Washington and support Ukraine against Russia.

US President Joe Biden expressed frustration with Republicans in Congress who are blocking the release of further funds for Ukraine, stating that this delay is detrimental to Ukraine's defense capabilities against Russian aggression. [ more ]

The US military retaliated against Iran-linked targets in Syria and Iraq for the deaths of three American soldiers in a drone attack in Jordan.

The attacks resulted in casualties, killing at least 18 Iran-aligned fighters according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. [ more ]

US and Western countries favor the Palestinian Authority (PA) to take over governance in Gaza, despite the low public trust in the PA.

The US wants to continue the status quo arrangement with the PA in the interests of Israel, but even if successful, the new iteration of the PA may not be sustainable. [ more ]

Rights advocates are calling on President Joe Biden to end US complicity in Israeli rights abuses after far-right ministers in Israel expressed support for pushing Palestinians out of Gaza.

Israeli officials' remarks about resettling Palestinians outside of Gaza have raised concerns about forced displacement and possible ethnic cleansing.

The Biden administration has been criticized for failing to condemn Israeli officials' push to remove Palestinians from Gaza and for providing military aid and diplomatic support to Israel. [ more ]

The United States is calling for an investigation into the killing of 17-year-old Tawfiq Ajaq in the occupied West Bank.

The US State Department is engaged with the Government of Israel to gather information on the incident and has offered condolences to Ajaq's family. [ more ]

The US has approved an emergency weapons sale to Israel despite calling for an end to civilian deaths

The sale includes equipment worth $147.5m, including items needed to make shells for previous purchases [ more ]

Putin says a deal can be reached to secure the return of imprisoned Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich, but it depends on reciprocal steps from the US.

Russian authorities have charged Gershkovich with espionage, however, the US government has declared him to be wrongfully detained and Russian authorities have not provided evidence to support the charges. [ more ]

Canada will host 13 games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Vancouver and Toronto will be the Canadian host cities [ more ]

Diego Kochen has agreed to a new long-term contract with Barcelona, keeping him at the club until 2028.

Kochen will be promoted to Barça Atlétic and has already been training with the first team. [ more ]

Canada's energy industry is disappointed with President Biden's decision to pause approvals of new LNG export terminals in the US.

Canadian companies see LNG as a lower-emission alternative to coal and a source of secure energy. [ more ]

China is expressing its displeasure and rebuking any country that congratulates Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te.

The United States and Denmark have received diplomatic warnings from China for offering congratulations to Lai and recognizing Taiwan's democratic process. [ more ]

Taiwan's election of a presidential candidate that China distrusts threatens the fragile relationship between Washington and Beijing.

China views President-elect Lai Ching-te as an agitator for Taiwan's independence and has vowed to prevent it, by force if necessary. [ more ]

Taiwan's citizens have lined up to choose their next president, an election that could impact the island's relationship with China and the US.

The election is primarily a choice between the Democratic Progressive Party, which wants to steer Taiwan away from Beijing's influence, and the Nationalist Party, which seeks closer ties with China. [ more ]

China will not compromise on the Taiwan issue and demands the US to stop arming Taiwan and not support Taiwan independence.

The statement also affirms China's willingness to develop a stable military-to-military relationship with the US based on equality and respect. [ more ]

Apple's Vision Pro headset is going on sale in the US on February 2, with pre-orders starting on January 19.

The starting price for the 256GB model is $3,499. [ more ]

Vladimir Putin considers the US and UK as Russia's enemies and justifies keeping forces mobilized in Ukraine.

Putin claims the West is seeking to destroy Russian statehood by sending weapons to Ukraine. [ more ]

China showcased fighter jets firing missiles in the South China Sea during rival military exercises with the US.

Tension between China and the Philippines in disputed reefs continues to escalate, with China warning its neighbour to exercise caution. [ more ]

Saudi Arabia has joined the BRICS bloc, which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

This move raises questions about Saudi Arabia's commitment to its peace negotiations with Israel and its alliance with the US. [ more ]

Severe obesity is becoming more common in young U.S. children, including those in a government food program.

Around 2.5% of preschool-aged children in the Women, Infants and Children program were severely obese in 2020. [ more ]