2017's News Summary

2017 News Summary

2017 was the year of changes globally from natural disasters to terrorism and politics to sexual harassment all vying for center stage. If you missed any of our blog posts as the year rolled out be sure to check it out below.

In January it all kicked off with Donald Trump and the world waiting anxiously to see what would happen. By February there was news of new planets being discovered, Superbowl champions were crowned and fashion weeks saw beautiful models strut their stuff. By March there were terrorist attacks and Brexit moving forward along with Oscar errors and Bill Cosby news. April and May saw cyber crimes making the news along with climate change protestors taking to the streets. By the middle of the year Donald Trump faced more opposition and news on Russian interference with July taking a bashing from natural disasters, corruption and more. By August hurricanes had devastated parts of the US while the sports worlds fight of the century fizzled out. September saw repeats of natural disaster, Donald Trump and more fashion weeks. October had mass shootings rattling the US and markets saw action from Bitcoin and Brexit along with taxes and Harvey Weinstein and other men falling with the explosion of sexual harassment claims. In November we saw dictator Robert Mugabe removed from power and Catalonia standing up for itself while scandals rocked the Olympics and FIFA. By December there were wildfires in California and tax reform in place while ISIS struggled and cryptocurrencies soared.

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News Brief for November 2017

November 2017 News

As the years draws to a close we've witnessed dictators like Robert Mugabe fall and Catalonia rise up. ISIS attacks shed blood in Turkey while Donald Trumps administration stumbled from one controversy to the next. Cryptocurrencies raced ahead reaching new milestones while Brexit dragged on. The sporting world featured more controversy than accomplishments with scandal's hitting the Olympics and FIFA while the world of entertainment wallowed in sexual harassment scandals and awards ceremonies. Cyber criminals fell and new technologies grew while the beautiful people strutted along cat walks for all to see.

The Big Stories of April 2016

April began as the month of fools but revelations from the leaked Panama Papers and multiple natural disasters quickly turned to things more serious.

Headlines

Natural disaster's struck both Japan and Ecuador with aftershocks following and adding to the extensive causalities. Following the attacks on both Paris and Brussels security forces in Europe managed to track down multiple suspects who were caught and charged. Meanwhile, the refugee crisis was back in the news as European leaders tried to prevent more refugees spreading into Europe while the cause of the mass migration, ISIS, saw their strong holds coming under renewed attack.

Business

The leak known as the Panama Papers revealed the secret hiding place where high profiled individuals and politicians kept their cash leading to resignations, indignation and multiple investigations. In the business world VW reported major losses as the emissions scandal and it's penalties ate away at profits.

Entertainment

The entertainment industry once again saw beloved artist passing away with the likes of singer Prince and the WWE's Chyna to TV's Doris Roberts. While we lost some celebrities others saw their fame fading as the Bill Cosby sexual assault cases continued.

Technology

The battle between Apple and FBI fizzled out when the FBI managed to gain access to the controversial iPhone via alternative means. Elsewhere cyber criminals were sentenced to prison for their creations.

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.

The Big Stories of February 2016

With February being the shortest month it surprised everyone managing to pack a lot in.

Headlines

We begin with protests which broke out in Hong Kong at the start of the Chinese new year while Julian Assange made a bid to leave the Ecuadorean Embassy with some help from the UN. The standoff between the FBI and occupiers at the Wildlife Refuge in Oregon came to an end while everyone was on edge after North Korea launched a satellite into space spreading fears of their launch abilities while a tropical cyclone slammed into Fiji.

Business

The business world saw the oil situation being addressed with Russia and 3 OPEC members agreeing the freeze oil output while the IMF warned that the global economy was still fragile.

Sports

The sporting world saw the Australian Open come to an end while ex FIFA bosses fought their suspensions dropping them from 8 to 6 years.

Entertainment

The awards ceremony season saw the Grammy's and BRIT Awards celebrate the best of music while the BAFTA's celebrated stars on the screen. The month ended with the controversial Oscar's awarding those in the movie industry.

Technology

The technology world came together when Apple refused to assist the FBI in unlocking an iPhone once again raising the issue of privacy. Outside of the politics in science we saw an amazing breakthrough in the form of gravitational waves being confirmed confirming long standing theories.

Style

Finally the fashion world saw the return of Fashion Weeks with New York Fashion Week kicking things off followed by London Fashion Week and then Milan Fashion Week. Lastly, rounding things off for the start of the year was Paris Fashion Week.

The Big Stories of January 2016

January 2016 was much of the same with wars raging on and scandals engulfing the worlds of sports and entertainment.

Headlines

The war against ISIS raged on with targeted attacks on leaders from all coalition forces sending ever more refugees fleeing to Europe while elsewhere terrorist attacks took place with Jakarta hit with bombings.

Weather wreaked havoc globally with blizzards hitting the East coast of America and flooding hitting Europe while the southern hemisphere was dried up with droughts spreading as far as South Africa.

Business

Bitcoin had a bumpy start to the year losing one of it's head developers while the issue of taxation continued with stories of evasion and avoidance dominating. The aftermath of the VW emissions scandal continued to reverberate around the globe while the US Federal Reserve struggled with some tough decisions.

Sports

The world of tennis was rocked by accusations of match fixing casting a shadow over the Australian Open. The future of sports also made headlines with the Olympics on everyone's minds with concerns over the Zika virus to the price tag of the spectacle but it was the controversial past in the form of FIFA corruption that ultimately dragged everyone's hopes down with it.

Entertainment

Most of the talk in the entertainment world centered around awards with the Oscars and controversy over the lack of diversity surrounding the event. While the Oscars had major PR problems the Golden Globes went off without a hitch along with the Critics Choice Awards. Elsewhere the Grammy's managed to build interest while the Sundance Film Festival had everyone trekking to the famous frozen film festival.

Outside of major events we said goodbye to much loved icons in the industry with the deaths of celebrities like David Bowie and Alan Rickman along with Celine Dion's husband and then brother two days later. Other celebrities in the news include Bill Cosby who had a small victory when a lawsuit against him was dismissed after months of sexual assault allegations against him.

Technology

The world of technology and science saw Ebola making a come back after being declared over while cyber crimes made headway thanks to infections in various networks. The technology industry however saw Apple reporting some disappointing numbers while it's peers continued innovating.

Style

In the world of style we saw Men's fashion take to the stage while Paris Couture Fashion Week kicked the year off to a fashionable start.

The Stories that Made 2015

2015 has come and gone with no area left unscathed. We've seen natures majestic intensity and man committing horrific acts. We've seen nations on the brink and hero's made on the field. We saw icons fall from grace and graceful beauty on the catwalk. We saw it all in 2015.

Headlines

The world suffered multiple atrocities with terrorists wreaking havoc indiscriminately killing in Paris and abroad while smaller groups of armed individuals killed with mass shootings and racial profiling.

Mother nature's awesome force was felt by those elsewhere with earthquakes in Nepal and more but it was man who taught nature with the killing of Cecil the lion and a climate on the edge.

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Business

The world teetered on the edge early in the year with Greece threatening to break the Eurozone but pulled through in the end. After that it was business as usual with some straying off the beaten path seeing VW involved in a massive emissions scandal and a pharmaceutical CEO on an ego trip.

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Sports

The world saw world class athlete's compete on the world stage with the Rugby World Cup going to New Zealand and the New England Patriots winning the Super Bowl but it was FIFA that made headlines with a massive corruption scandal that sent shock waves around the globe.

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Entertainment

The entertainment world celebrated at the usual awards ceremonies with all the expected festivities but it was individual entertainers who left their mark. While we lost some talent it was the darker side that made news with Bill Cosby's spectacular fall from grace as sexual assault victims emerged from all corners.

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Technology

The world of technology saw the tech giants show their wares with new gadgets hitting the markets with new promises of a better life. It was also a time for man's achievements to take the spot light with the New Horizons craft reaching the farthest reaches of our solar system and private companies pushing the envelope to reach space.

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Style

The beautiful people made sure they were seen with the Fashion Weeks drawing the fashion elite in droves while celebrities clambered for the spotlight in designer gowns and headed massive campaigns.

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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.