Tractor Chaos, Emmys Epic Opener, Apple Watch Scandal

Just reporting the facts.

Author

Centrist Chronicle
January 17, 2024

Top Stories

If you no longer wish to receive the latest, no-spin news updates from Centrist Chronicle, click here to unsubscribe


Yesterday, German farmers prolonged their week-long protests in Berlin, with a substantial turnout of over 10,000 demonstrators and about 5,000 tractors causing significant road blockages in the city's heart. These protests are a reaction to the government's December announcement of its intention to terminate various farming subsidies, aiming to address a shortfall in this year's federal budget.

The need for $65 billion arose for Germany's tripartite coalition in November, following a judicial decision that deemed their proposal to reallocate unspent pandemic emergency funds in the budget as unconstitutional. To cover this financial gap, legislators scrapped a 70-year-old tax exemption on diesel fuel used by farmers, a change expected to increase each farm's expenses by approximately $3,300 per year. Additionally, the plan accelerated the termination of subsidies for electric vehicles and solar energy. Responding to the farmers' protests, the government recently restored some of the tax benefits for farmers.

These protests in Germany are part of a broader pattern, mirroring similar agricultural demonstrations in Spain, France, and the Netherlands in recent years. These movements are largely driven by rising costs and diminishing public support for farmers.


Last night, the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, hosted by actor and comedian Anthony Anderson, made its comeback following a four-month delay caused by strikes among Hollywood writers and actors last year.

The event saw HBO's "Succession" dominate by winning six awards, claiming best drama for the third time, as well as best actor and actress in a drama for Kieran Culkin and Sarah Snook. FX's "The Bear" matched this success with six awards of its own, including best comedy and individual awards for best actor in a comedy (Jeremy Allen White) and best supporting actor and actress in a comedy (Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Ayo Edebiri). Meanwhile, Netflix's "Beef" secured five awards, encompassing best limited series and best actor and actress in a limited series (Steven Yeun and Ali Wong).

Elton John earned an Emmy for outstanding variety special with “Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium," achieving the prestigious EGOT status, having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. "Abbott Elementary" actress Quinta Brunson made history as the second Black woman to receive the best actress in a comedy award.


New iterations of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 are reportedly set to lose their blood oxygen monitoring functionality. Although Apple has not issued an official statement and did not respond to our inquiries, both Bloomberg and 9to5Mac have reported on the removal of this feature. Additionally, it's been stated that US Customs and Border Protection has sanctioned this change, potentially paving the way for Apple to resume sales of both products, following their ban in the US last year.

The prohibition of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 in the United States was initiated due to a patent conflict with Masimo, a manufacturer of medical devices. The International Trade Commission (ITC) found that the blood oxygen sensors featured in these Apple devices infringed upon Masimo's patents.