Technology:
The Good: California Debuts First Driver-less Shuttles
This past Tuesday the city of San Ramon (located in California) rolled out the future of public transportation. A new driver-less shuttle introduced to the residents of Bishop Ranch can hold up to 12 passengers, 6 standing and 6 sitting. At least 100 of the shuttles will be available for use in the county by 2020. An attendant is posted inside the vehicle to answer questions and address any emergencies while testing continues through April. The implementation of the new technology has been the first wave of prototypes dozens of companies are producing to stay in step with the future of transportation.
The Bad: 600 Computers Stolen In Iceland, Linked To Bitcoin
Investigators are scrambling to find computers stolen in connection with the growth of the crypto-currency giant Bitcoin. Police say that the the computers that were stolen were from Iceland data centers and used to “mine” for bitcoin and other crypto-currencies. Olafur Helgi Kjartansson, the police commissioner on the Southwestern Reykjanes peninsula said: “This is a grand theft on a scale unseen before, everything points to this being a highly organized crime.” Although 11 people were arrested, the original computers haven’t been found and are worth at least $2 million. The potential profit the computers could turn from mining bitcoin is unknown. The use of the computers to mine coins uses a wealth of electricity; police are asking local internet providers and electric companies to offer information if there are any unusual surges or requests in the hopes that they’ll be able to locate the thieves.
World:
The Good: 8 Sentenced In Germany Terror Plots
8 people were found guilty and sentenced for taking part in a right wing German terrorist group responsible for several bombings. The ruling came after a year long trial between federal prosecutors and members of the “Freital Group.” The group was accused of bombing two refugee homes as well as a car and office belonging to the pro-immigration party in Germany called Die Linke often referred to as “The Left Party”. Prosecutors claimed that the group illegally obtained explosive materials from the Czech Republic and used the materials to create pipe bombs. Members of the party are serving different sentences ranging from 4-10 years. The leader, Tino S. is set to serve 10 years.
The Bad: Mysterious Case Of Spy & Daughter Poisoned in UK
An investigation has begun into the mysterious case of Sergei Skripal. Skripal was sentenced to 13 years in prison in 2006 for spying on Russia for the United Kingdom. Russia’s federal security service claims Skripal was approached by Britain’s M16 intelligence agency and received at least $100,000 in exchange for sensitive information. In an eerily similar situation, Skripal and his daughter were found extremely ill and slumped on a park bench in Salisbury, England. They were rushed to a hospital where it became clear they had been exposed to an “unknown substance.” Speculation is being made that the Russian government is not only behind this poisoning, but that it has been behind over a dozen similar attacks within the U.K. over the past several decades. Skripal’s hospitalization sparked a high level meeting including Britain’s Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson who said although he is not “pointing fingers, as we cannot,” Britain would make it clear to governments “around the world that no attempts to take innocent lives on UK soil will go unpunished…If evidence emerges of state responsibility, the government will respond appropriately and robustly.”
Crime:
The Good: New York Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against Harvey Weinstein & Co.
The New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman filed a lawsuit against the Weinstein Production Company this past Sunday with the New York Supreme Court citing a culture of discrimination, sexual harassment, and violations of civil rights. The lawsuit alleges that the Weinstein’s created “a gender-based hostile work environment, a pattern of quid pro quo harassment and routine misuse of corporate resources for unlawful ends that extended from in or about 2005 through at least October 2017”. The investigation and the subsequent lawsuit comes after a mountain of accusations and the upcoming sale of The Weinstein Company. The 39 page suit also includes that any sale of the company “must ensure that victims will be compensated, employees will be protected going forward, and that neither perpetrators nor enablers will be unjustly enriched”.
The Bad: Things Get Worse In Suge Knight Murder Case
The Hip-Hop mogul Marion “Suge” Knight is set to appear again in court early next week regarding the 2015 killing of Terry Carter. Carter was run over by Knight in Compton, California which ended Carter’s life. Since charges were filed, controversy has surrounded the case with both sides being accused of corruption. Knight has made claims that he hasn’t been able to make phone calls or take meetings with his lawyers regarding the case. Most recently, indictments were handed down to Knight’s lawyers, Matthew Fletcher and Thaddeus Culpepper who are being accused of bribing witnesses to testify favorably for Knight. Los Angeles County prosecutors said both of Knight’s lawyers are being charged with conspiracy to commit subornation of perjury, conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact to a felony.
Hilarity
Congratulations You Played Yourself
Don’t Drink & Drive
A man was arrested and charged after hitting himself with his own car and fleeing the scene. Fairfax Police released a video of 30 year old Isaac Bonsu jumping out of his car in an attempt to run from police, however he ran in front of his own moving vehicle and ending up getting hit. Police were able to catch up to Bonsu who was unharmed but was charged with his third DUI, possession of marijuana, illegal window tint, & felony hit & run.
Drunk Rider Hit With Massive Uber Bill
After getting drunk one night in West Virginia, Kenny Bachman did like many of us do at the end of a night and ordered an Uber…sort of. After accidentally ordering an Uber XL to the wrong destination (over 300 miles away), Bachman fell asleep and woke up 2 hours later in New Jersey with an incredible bill. The total cost for the mistake was $1635.93. Although Bachman accuses the Uber driver of using his phone while he was passed out, Uber has not issued a statement.
