Apple's Emergency SOS feature foils attempted sexual assault

An iPhone owner this week credited Apple's Emergency SOS feature with thwarting a sexual assault attempt in Virginia Beach, Va., an attack that could have turned deadly had police not received the automated alert.
Read more: https://appleinsider.com/articles/19/12/30/apples-emergency-sos-feature-foils-attempted-sexual-assault?source=Snapzu

CIA developed tech to restrict anti-aircraft missiles given to allies, researcher says

The CIA developed technology to restrict anti-aircraft missiles once they are given to allies, a Dutch researcher said according to a Reuters report. The researcher, Jos Wetzel, said at a cybersecurity conference in Germany over the weekend that the technology would be used for shoulder-fired missiles called Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems (MANPADS). This could convince U.S. officials to distribute these weapons more often, Reuters reported.
Read more: https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/cia/476325-cia-developed-tech-to-restrict-anti-aircraft-missiles-given-to?source=Snapzu

The Voices of the Afghanistan Papers

According to an investigative reporter from the Washington *Post*, the failures of the war in Afghanistan were consistently followed by dishonesty from policymakers and military leaders.
Read more: https://www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a/the-voices-of-the-afghanistan-papers?source=Snapzu

California's groundbreaking privacy law takes effect in January. What does it do?

Last year, California passed a landmark privacy law that gives consumers more control over their data. The legislation gives residents unprecedented rights to control what information companies collect on them and how it is used. The California Consumer Privacy Act will go into action 1 January 2020, giving residents of the state a whole new arsenal of tools to protect their data and personal information online – and saddling businesses with a lot more responsibility.
Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/dec/30/california-consumer-privacy-act-what-does-it-do?source=Snapzu

Neil Innes, 'Monty Python' collaborator, dead at 75

Neil Innes, a writer, musician and "Monty Python" collaborator, has died at the age of 75.
Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/30/entertainment/neil-innes-dead-scli-intl/index.html?source=Snapzu

Climate change could render assets ‘worthless’, Bank of England governor warns

Climate breakdown could render investments held by millions of people “worthless”, the outgoing governor of the Bank of England has warned. Mark Carney suggested the financial sector had not yet woken up to the looming crisis and was “not moving fast enough” to divest from fossil fuels.
Read more: https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change-finance-assets-worthless-mark-carney-bio-divestment-a9263861.html?source=Snapzu

Chinese state 'likely' linked to cyber spies targeting human rights workers

Sky News exclusively reveals evidence of collusion between an espionage group's activities and China's government.
Read more: https://news.sky.com/story/chinese-state-likely-linked-to-cyber-spies-targeting-human-rights-workers-11897164?source=Snapzu

China Blocks American Books as Trade War Simmers

Novels and nonfiction titles alike have been delayed without explanation, cutting off U.S. authors and publishers from a vast market.
Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/27/business/us-china-books-trade-war.html?source=Snapzu

10-year-old boy forced to take off clothe before boarding a flight over snake picture

A New Zealand family said their 10-year-old son was forced to take off his T-shirt and wear another one before boarding a flight because it had picture of a snake on it. On December 17, Stevie Lucas embarked on a family trip from New Zealand to South Africa to visit his grandparents. His parents Steve and Marga said security officers at Johannesburg airport told them snake toys and printed clothing was not allowed on board.
Read more: https://www.mazechmedia.com/2019/12/10-year-old-boy-forced-to-take-off-clothe-before-boarding-a-flight-over-snake-picture/?source=Snapzu

He filmed the killing of Eric Garner—and the police punished him for it

The story of Ramsey Orta is one of continued and unending police harassment.
Read more: https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/13/18253848/eric-garner-footage-ramsey-orta-police-brutality-killing-safety?source=Snapzu

The tiny desert community that could hold the secret to how language first spread

Researchers are hoping a remote Aboriginal community can help them unlock the secrets of language.
Read more: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-29/researchers-map-ancient-languages-in-west-australian-outback/11760406?source=Snapzu

Elon Musk says Las Vegas tunnel will hopefully be operational in 2020

Elon Musk said that Las Vegas is "hopefully" getting a fully operational underground commercial tunnel in 2020.
Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/28/tech/elon-musk-las-vegas-tunnel/index.html?source=Snapzu

Hundreds of thousands flee in Syrian rebel region

The UN says a government advance on rebel-held Idlib has had
Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50927434?source=Snapzu

The horrific reality of a psychiatric hospital in Venezuela

It's one of the most devastating aspects of Venezuela's political and economic turmoil: the collapse of the public health system. Venezuela suffers from a severe shortage of medication, while many do…
Read more: https://www.france24.com/en/20190918-focus-venezuela-collapse-health-system-mental-psychiatric-hospital-patients-hunger-care?fbclid=IwAR3jq8A5_MQOUA_xl1mbnfDloBHtN8DqWG4RytMFjwyr1b3rB2B0g5WXRI8?source=Snapzu

TV reporter wins lottery she thought was millions, announces she's quitting job - only to find its just $7,500

Valencia community journalist Natalia Escudero was covering Spain's annual Christmas lottery, called El Gordo (The Fat One), when she found out that she was also a winner. It happened on Sunday December 22.The state-run lottery is the world's richest draw, boasting €2.24 billion (S$3.37 billion) in prizes, according to the Guardian. Nearly 15,000 people can have a winning ticket that pays in different amounts, according to travel website Barcelona Yellow.
Read more: https://www.mazechmedia.com/2019/12/tv-reporter-wins-lottery-she-thought-was-millions-announces-shes-quitting-job-only-to-find-its-only-7500/?source=Snapzu

Iraq: New election law paves way for more independent candidates

After months of deadly protests, Iraq's parliament has approved a new election law that upends parts of the post-US invasion system. A prominent Shiite cleric said the law "will get rid of all corrupt parties."
Read more: https://www.dw.com/en/iraq-new-election-law-paves-way-for-more-independent-candidates/a-51791470?source=Snapzu

The World's First Working Protosaber is Here

As a child I always dreamed of owning a lightsaber after watching Star Wars. My softball bat, a tube of cardboard, anything I could really get my hands on. I was a brave Jedi sworn to defend the galaxy from the evil empire! My huge front lawn was my area to defend. But even as an adult I still want a lightsaber. They still look amazing and I would give an arm and a leg to have one (get it?).
Read more: https://nerdbot.com/2019/12/21/worlds-first-protosaber-is-here/?source=Snapzu

Spotify is pausing political ads in 2020

The move follows stricter bans by other platforms like Twitter and Google
Read more: https://www.theverge.com/2019/12/27/21039239/spotify-political-ads-paused-music-platform-ban-early-2020?source=Snapzu

Japan warns of North Korea election meddling in United States

Japan's national intelligence agency issued a warning regarding potential North Korean interference in the 2020 U.S. presidential election and South Korea's parliamentary election next year.
Read more: https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2019/12/27/Japan-warns-of-North-Korea-election-meddling-in-United-States/9491577398112/?source=Snapzu

French publishing boss claims she was groomed at age 14 by acclaimed author

Vanessa Springora describes relationship with Gabriel Matzneff, then 50, in new book
Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/27/french-publishing-boss-claims-she-was-groomed-at-age-14-by-acclaimed-author?source=Snapzu

The Rise — And Rise — Of Mass Surveillance

Eavesdropping bureaucrats have been replaced by algorithm-driven facial recognition technology. But the real impact of indiscriminate surveillance may be in our minds.
Read more: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/meghara/mass-surveillance-2010s?origin=web-hf?source=Snapzu

Don Imus, Legendary 'Imus in the Morning' Host, Dies at 79

The controversial radio personality passed away on Friday morning at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in College Station, Texas.
Read more: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/don-imus-legendary-imus-morning-host-dies-at-79-1265052?source=Snapzu

They Said #MeToo. Now They Are Being Sued.

A growing number of men in China are using defamation lawsuits to counter claims of sexual harassment. Women are thinking twice about speaking out.
Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/26/business/china-sexual-harassment-metoo.html?source=Snapzu

Court rules Turkey Wikipedia ban violates rights

Turkey’s highest court on Thursday ruled that the country's ban on the Wikipedia website violates freedom of expression,
Read more: https://thehill.com/policy/technology/475948-court-rules-turkeys-wikipedia-ban-violates-rights?source=Snapzu

Russia commissions intercontinental hypersonic weapon

Russia’s defense minister reported to President Vladimir Putin that a new hypersonic weapon of intercontinental range became operational Friday following years of tests. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu informed Putin that the first missile unit equipped with the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle entered combat duty, the Defense Ministry said.
Read more: https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2019-12-27/russia-hypersonic-weapon?source=Snapzu

YouTuber jailed for insulting Morocco's king

Mohamed Sekkaki was arrested for criticising King Mohammed's speeches.
Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-50924562?source=Snapzu

Creators of Gay Jesus Netflix Special Hit With Christmas Eve Attack

A petition asking the streaming giant to ban 'The First Temptation of Christ' circulated online before the attack.
Read more: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/creators-gay-jesus-netflix-special-hit-christmas-eve-attack-1264961?source=Snapzu

Game on: Wisconsin town to legalize snowball fights after 50 year ban

Wausau has voted to amend a 1962 ordinance that forbids the launching of projectiles – including snowballs – on city property
Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/dec/24/game-on-wisconsin-town-to-legalize-snowball-fights-after-50-year-ban?source=Snapzu

U.S. tests ways to sweep space clean of radiation after nuclear attack

The U.S. military thought it had cleared the decks when, on 9 July 1962, it heaved a 1.4-megaton nuclear bomb some 400 kilometers into space: Orbiting satellites were safely out of range of the blast. But in the months that followed the test, called Starfish Prime, satellites began to wink out one by one, including the world’s first communications satellite, Telstar. There was an unexpected aftereffect: High-energy electrons, shed by radioactive debris and trapped by Earth’s magnetic field, were fritzing out the satellites’ electronics and solar panels.
Read more: https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/12/us-tests-ways-sweep-space-clean-radiation-after-nuclear-attack?source=Snapzu

Be careful you are not giving away your privacy with Christmas gifts this year

This Christmas, you may be considering just how much your family would appreciate a cool new gadget – that latest internet-enabled watch for dad, a smart speaker for your grandmother’s kitchen, or an amazingly interactive talking doll for your niece.
Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/dec/23/be-careful-you-are-not-giving-away-your-privacy-with-christmas-gifts-this-year?source=Snapzu

In Tougher Times, China Falls Back on Coal

China’s efforts to wean itself off coal are losing steam, as the world’s biggest carbon emitter is putting economic growth and energy security above its ambitions to be a leader in combating climate change. Coal consumption is back near peak levels after rebounding over the past three years, despite China’s pledges to make steep cuts in what is the country’s most prevalent and polluting source of energy. The country is building more coal-fired plant capacity than the rest of the world combined.
Read more: https://www.wsj.com/articles/in-tougher-times-china-falls-back-on-coal-11577115096?source=Snapzu

Class warfare, inequality board game 'Kapital!' sells out in French stores ahead of Christmas

A new French board game illustrates modern wealth inequality by forcing players to fight each other as they struggle to be accepted by the rich.
Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/french-wealth-inequality-board-game-kapital-1479184?source=Snapzu

Friends theme songwriter Allee Willis dies at 72

Willis also co-wrote hits for Earth, Wind & Fire and is a Songwriters Hall of Fame member.
Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-50910494?source=Snapzu

This was supposed to be the decade of tougher consumer protections. That didn't happen

To sum up the past decade, you could call it a tale of two presidents. For evidence of that, look no further than the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The financial overhaul legislation was signed into law by then-President Barack Obama on July 21, 2010.
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/12/24/why-consumer-protections-didnt-improve-as-expected-in-the-2010s.html?source=Snapzu

Michael Bloomberg, the wealthiest 2020 candidate, used prison labor to help his campaign

The Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg, who with a net worth of about $54 billion is the wealthiest member of the 2020 field, used prisoners to make phone calls to California for his 2020 campaign, The Intercept reported on Tuesday.
Read more: https://www.businessinsider.com/michael-bloomberg-used-prisoners-make-phone-calls-for-2020-campaign-2019-12?source=Snapzu

‘Security deteriorating rapidly’ in Abyei on Sudan-South Sudan border

The security situation in the disputed area of Abyei on the Sudan-South Sudan border is deteriorating rapidly, the head of the Abyei civil society reported on Tuesday.
Read more: https://www.dabangasudan.org/en/all-news/article/security-deteriorating-rapidly-in-abyei-on-sudan-south-sudan-border?source=Snapzu

America’s Most Under-Appreciated Right

Groups of citizens regularly exercise the right to assemble, but too often American political and cultural leaders ignore it.
Read more: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/12/americas-most-under-appreciated-right/603910/?source=Snapzu

History’s Largest Mining Operation Is About to Begin

Unless you are given to chronic anxiety or suffer from nihilistic despair, you probably haven’t spent much time contemplating the bottom of the ocean. Many people imagine the seabed to be a vast expanse of sand, but it’s a jagged and dynamic landscape with as much variation as any place onshore. Mountains surge from underwater plains, canyons slice miles deep, hot springs billow through fissures in rock, and streams of heavy brine ooze down hillsides, pooling into undersea lakes.
Read more: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/01/20000-feet-under-the-sea/603040/?fbclid=IwAR1mWjiVujqnw6GgURYa_0MPHPBMOPOydhwww-DWgYNhKbmEeShcL_9rbYE?source=Snapzu

Boeing's fired CEO could walk away with a $60 million golden parachute

Boeing's ousted CEO Dennis Muilenburg left behind a long list of problems at Boeing, but he's walking away with a sizable golden parachute.
Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/24/tech/boeing-ceo-dennis-muilenburg-severance/index.html?source=Snapzu

Aschoff, ESPN college football reporter, dies at 34

Edward Aschoff, who started covering college football for ESPN as an SEC reporter in 2011 and began a more expanded national role in 2017, died Tuesday at age 34.
Read more: https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/28367265/edward-aschoff-espn-college-football-reporter-dies-age-34?platform=amp?source=Snapzu

The $15 Minimum Wage Doesn’t Just Improve Lives. It Saves Them.

A living wage is an antidepressant. It is a sleep aid. A diet. A stress reliever. It is a contraceptive, preventing teenage pregnancy. It prevents premature death. It shields children from neglect.
Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/02/21/magazine/minimum-wage-saving-lives.html?source=Snapzu

Grandfather buys bus to take his 10 grandchildren to school

A grandfather in Oregon wanted to do something special for his grandkids this Christmas, and his idea makes for a pretty unique gift that can be used for years to come.
Read more: https://www.wthr.com/article/grandfather-buys-bus-take-his-10-grandchildren-school?source=Snapzu

Digest News Regarding Business Development

Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the digest news regarding business development as well as tech development!
Read more: https://2muchcoffee.com/blog/weekly-news-digest-31/?source=Snapzu

Popular chat app ToTok is actually a spying tool of UAE government

Government reportedly uses ToTok to track conversations, locations and other data of those who install the app
Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/23/totok-popular-chat-app-spying-tool-uae-government?source=Snapzu

Trump is rolling back over 80 environmental regulations. Here are five big changes you might have missed in 2019

President Donald Trump has taken historically unprecedented action to roll back a slew of environmental regulations that protect air, water, land and public health from climate change and fossil fuel pollution.
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/12/24/5-major-trump-climate-rollbacks-you-might-have-missed-in-2019.html?source=Snapzu

Russia 'successfully tests' its unplugged internet

Russia has successfully tested a country-wide alternative to the global internet, its government has announced. Details of what the test involved were vague but, according to the Ministry of Communications, ordinary users did not notice any changes. The results will now be presented to President Putin.
Read more: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-50902496?source=Snapzu

Russia successfully disconnected from the internet

RuNet disconnection tests were successful, according to the Russian government.
Read more: https://www.zdnet.com/article/russia-successfully-disconnected-from-the-internet/?source=Snapzu

Christianity Today again slams Trump, raises issue of 'unconditional loyalty'

Christianity Today, the magazine founded by the late Reverend Billy Graham, renewed its criticism of President Donald Trump in a new editorial that cited his “misuses of power” and asked fellow Christians to examine their loyalty to him, days after a controversial editorial that called for his impeachment.
Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-religion/christianity-today-again-slams-trump-raises-issue-of-unconditional-loyalty-idUSKBN1YS06F?il=0?source=Snapzu

Fact-check: 5 things Trump got wrong about wind turbines

President Donald Trump kicked off his holiday week with a speech at the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit in Florida on Saturday. Speaking to the crowd of young conservatives, the President touted his knowledge of wind power and turbines, saying "I know windmills very much. I've studied it better than anybody I know." However, several of his claims were false or misleading.
Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/23/politics/wind-turbines-trump-fact-check/index.html?source=Snapzu

My death sentence has been set for Christmas Day—so that you won't notice | Opinion

I was arrested and tortured into making false confessions after demanding democracy in Bahrain. This week, the Kingdom plans to sentence me to death while the world is celebrating Christmas.
Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/death-sentence-mohammed-ramadhan-christmas-day-bahrain-1478786?source=Snapzu