News Brief for July 2017

July 2017 News

Into the second half of the year and nature took it's toll with earthquakes and flooding in various parts of the world. Corruption scandals hit Brazil and South Africa while the Trump Administration saw more controversies while the GOP controlled houses failed to repeal and replace Obama Care. Cyber currencies experienced wild swings and Brexit lumbered forward. In the world of sports we saw Wimbledon come to an end with Roger Federer claiming his 8th title and Garbine Muguruza beating Venus Williams. Comic Con brought incredible creations to life while a Bill Cosby retrial was set for November. On the technology front we saw more cyber crimes unfolding as the world becomes ever more connected.

The Big Stories of March 2016

March ended with the all to familiar sound of explosions as Brussels was attacked by terrorists hell bent on destabilizing the world.

Headlines

Brussels was attacked by terrorists claiming to be part of ISIS who detonated multiple bombs at the airport and subways killing over 30 people and injuring hundreds more. ISIS however saw it's strangle hold in Iraq and Syria slowly slipping away as the world continued to fight the oppressive regime. Elsewhere we saw the refuge crisis growing with European nations trying to hold back the influx of refuges while in Brazil protests raged on over a corruption scandal at the very highest office in the land.

Business

The VW scandal continued in the business world with the US chief stepping down and lawsuits from investors. Multinational companies and their taxes were in the spotlight with European governments desperate to bring in more money instead of focusing on inefficiencies.

Sports

The FIFA corruption scandal grew with more allegations levied against those responsible while FIFA itself has said the scandal has affected it's bottom line and want money back from those responsible.

Entertainment

Controversy from the Oscar's held in February carried on into March with host Chris Rock taking flak for some of his jokes while one performer walked away with a smile on his face this month when Hulk Hogan one his legal battle against Gawker receiving over $115 million in compensation for his leaked sex tape.

Technology

The battle between Apple and the FBI fizzled out when an alternative third party presented an offer to the FBI to help crack the iPhone security, meanwhile cyber criminals finally met their match when the long arm of the law closed in on them while troubling news from west Africa shows that Ebola was making a come back with more cases reported.

Style

Lastly Paris Fashion Week closed out the fashion week scene giving the beautiful people a chance to rest up for the second half of the year.

FIFA Corruption Scandal

News broke this week of a massive corruption scandal at FIFA after multiple high ranking members were arrested by Swiss Police on Wednesday morning followed by warrants for arrest for other members.

Arrest & Allegations

The initial arrests took place at luxury Baur au Lac hotel while the leadership of FIFA gathered in Zurich, Switzerland days before voting on a presidency of FIFA. The Swiss police arrested multiple high ranking FIFA member who are now set to be deported to the US and face federal charges of corruption. Former FIFA vice president Jack Warner handed himself in to police in Trinidad after a warrant for his arrest was issued by US authorities and still more FIFA members.

It is alleged that FIFA had a culture of corruption with $150 million in bribes and payoffs over 24 years among 9 officials and 5 corporate executives at FIFA. The group faces indictment for allegations of racketeering, money laundering and corruption. It's believed former FIFA executive committee member Chuck Blazer provided the key information that lead to the arrests.

Response

Since the arrests and allegations surfaced there have been serious questions raised by sponsors with VISA threatening to leave the multi-billion dollar soccer empire costing millions in sponsorships. With events costing in the millions many are asking questions about previous decisions and future venues including hosting win by Qatar with Australia asking questions after their bid for the 2022 event failed.

From the individual standpoint current FIFA President Sepp Blatter in now also in the cross airs after the allegations, however, he is expected to win the vote for president despite his close ties to those under investigation and calls for him to resign. Former Argentina captain Maradona believes the money accepted in bribes should go to training camps in Africa while Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the US of meddling with FIFA.

Need to Know - FIFA World Cup 2014

It's time for what some might call the greatest sporting event ever, even bigger than the Olympics but marred by, if not the same problems that plagued Russia's Sochi Winter Olympic games, a very similar set of problems.

Infrastructure

Since the announcement Brazil seems to have taken it's time preparing with delays to construction being reported in the build up to the games. Concerns over safety have also been top priority not only due to questionable construction but to the large number of deaths that have accompanied the construction of the various stadiums across Brazil.

Protests

Not only was the infrastructure progress questioned by the international media but locals took to the streets with protests often turning bloody over the high costs of hosting the World Cup. Calls for peace and calm often went unnoticed as riots and clashes with police persisted in the build up. Just days before the opening ceremony and first match between Brazil and Croatia there were skirmishes between protestors and police. But the protests didn't stop with those on the streets but continued with several key industries being brought to their knee's by striking workers.

Scandal

While the FIFA World Cup has officially been launched questions of it's readiness still abound. However, not only is the current event in question but also the future 2022 games to be held in Qatar which has been plagued with rumours of corruption and fraud. Even though Sepp Blatter, President of FIFA, has been surrounded by controversy over past, current and future hosting he has thrown his hat into the ring to continue his presidancey in what is a very dark history for FIFA and the World Cup.

Money, money, money, it's so... funny?

From money for nothing to money for beauty and money wasted. It's all about money this week

So you're not making money? I'm in.

Snap chat reject a $3 billion offer from Facebook as they expect even more in the future.

Early bird picks up the bill

Timing the markets pays off showing that you could gain nearly 63% by buying a week after an IPO.

So much for ubuntu

South African government declares $3 billion (R30 billion) in "irregular spending" down from last years $3.3 billion. There have been no arrests of any government officials.

Money where his mouth is

Blair brings in the bucks raking in nearly £2600 a minute earning £150,000 for 2 half hour events.

Record breaking

A new record has been set by a Francis Bacon portrait of Lucian Freud sold on auction for $142 million.

Another 15 minutes

In another art world moment the Andy Warhol painting titled "Silver Car Crash (Double Disaster)" sold on auction for $104.5 million.