ICYMI: This Week’s Internet Drama, Served Hot (Jan. 13 – Jan. 20)

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Can’t keep up with the current stream of news? We get it, it’s not easy. But you can count on us to keep you in the loop. Skip the doom-scrolling and read on for a bite-size recap of all the headlines you might have missed over the past seven days. Below, a rundown of all the top stories you need to know from Jan. 13 to Jan. 20.

Emirates Will Become the First Autism-Certified Airline in the World

 

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Une publication partagée par Emirates (@emirates)


Emirates is set to make history as the world’s first Autism-certified airline, with official recognition expected soon from International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), one of the leading institutions specialized in training professionals to work with individuals with disorders. To reach this milestone, over 30,000 cabin crew members and ground staff are expected to be trained to support passengers with difficulties, with a goal of having 80% of their workforce to be fully prepared.

Apple Adds New Hijab Emojis 

Apple’s latest iOS update introduced a new range of emojis, expanding their pre-existing collection to include more diverse and inclusive icons. Some of the most notable additions include the new hijabi emojis, featuring a variety of headscarf styles, skin tones, and poses. How and when they’ll come into play? Time and the internet will make sure we find out ASAP.

Sothebys to Host Its First Ever Auction Sale in Saudi Arabia

 

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Une publication partagée par Sotheby’s (@sothebys)


Sotheby’s is set to host its first-ever auction in Saudi Arabia on Feb. 8, reflecting its current focus on Middle Eastern markets. The forthcoming event, titled Origins will be held in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near the administrative capital, and will coincide with the opening of Sotheby’s new branch in Riyadh’s Al Faisaliah Tower, a pyramid-shaped skyscraper designed by English architect and designer Norman Foster.

Syrian Designer Wins Corteiz Contest


Clint, founder of London-based streetwear brand Corteiz, recently organized a design contest on X (formerly Twitter) following a scathing comment from a critic who questioned the brand’s creativity. In response, Clint challenged his community to showcase their talent by imagining a 10-piece Corteiz collection in 24 hours, with the winning designer expected to receive a cash prize of £5,000. After reviewing numerous submissions, Clint shortlisted five of his favorite submissions, leaving the final decision up to the public by launching a poll on X. Ultimately, a Syrian designer who goes by Mayyar came out on top, securing 41% of the votes.

TikTok Was Banned, Then Unbanned

TikTok’s presence in the US experienced yet another dramatic twist—it was banned and then almost immediately reinstated. Amid escalating concerns about data privacy and national security, the app faced a temporary blackout, prompting users to temporarily flock to RedNote, a burgeoning rival that briefly topped the download charts. The swift reversal came after President Trump signed an executive order granting TikTok a 75-day reprieve to either comply with a new law requiring its sale or face a permanent ban. For now, users are back to scrolling through their feeds, though the future of TikTok in the US remains in limbo as the deadline approaches.

Aaliyah Now Has Her Own Barbie Doll

 

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Une publication partagée par Aaliyah Haughton (@aaliyah)


On what would have been Aaliyah’s 46th birthday, Mattel unveiled an official Barbie doll in her memory. Priced at $55, the commemorative toy sold out within hours, reflecting the lasting impact of the late singer. Created in collaboration with Aaliyah’s brother, the doll draws inspiration from her iconic look in the One in a Million music video, featuring a leather pant, laced top, and boots—a style synonymous with her bold, rock-inspired fashion.

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