5 Things You Need to Know This Week

From light pollution to the Grey Cup, here's what you need to know this week.
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JULIO CORTEZ/AP
  1. The World is Getting Brighter

 

Which isn’t really a good thing. On Wednesday, researchers released satellite data that showed the Earth’s artificially lit outdoor surface at night grew by 2% annually in brightness and area from 2015-2016.  Also known as light pollution, the most growth was seen over developing countries as opposed to already lit, rich countries like Canada and the US. The researchers are saying this growth may be even bigger except the satellite sensors can’t detect some LED lights. Light pollution is a serious issue because of its ecological consequences – artificial light disrupts natural light cycles which affects nocturnal animals and plants and their reproduction or migration patterns. With the growing number of LED lights hopefully, it will reduce the energy used but with the growing number of brighter lights in developing countries, the energy saving is offset.

 

 

2. Meghan Markle & Prince Harry

 

Meghan Markle recently wrapped up her filming for Suits and is moving on to bigger and better things, like becoming a princess. Prince Harry proposed to Meghan with a ring made out of diamonds from a brooch that once belonged to Princess Diana and although they haven’t officially announced their engagement and they have announced that they will be having a summer wedding, we’re hoping its next summer to gawk over the dresses and decor. Meghan has moved out of her Toronto apartment and will be making the move to Harry’s two-bedroom Nottingham Cottage, just down the street from Prince William and Dutchess Kate. Now that her Suits career has ended, she’ll be able to transition into her new, royal life.

 

 

3. Net Neutrality

 

The US FCC plans to scrap Obama-era net neutrality rules. The rules created in 2015 were intended to ensure a free and open internet and not allow service providers to block certain websites or charge content providers for things like speedier connections or more access. As you can imagine, people aren’t overly pumped about giving broadband service providers power over what consumers can access on the internet. The FCC wants to go back to letting Internet providers play by their own rules. Service providers are saying the government shouldn’t be able to regulate them like that and content providers are arguing making companies pay for faster connections puts startups and smaller sites at a disadvantage. The vote to make it official will happen next month.

 

 

4. Uber Hacking Cover Up

 

Earlier this week, Uber came clean about a year-old hack that compromised the data of 57 million Uber riders and drivers. The hackers stole information like names, email addresses and mobile phone numbers. It may seem unimportant data but when combined with other information that is being stolen or lives somewhere on the internet, it can be dangerous. Uber admitted to covering up the hack in 2016 by paying the hackers $100,000 to destroy the stolen information. Although it doesn’t excuse the actions taken by previous management, the recently hired CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi reacted to the news in a blog post saying Uber is working hard to earn the trust of their customers and change the way they do business. Although none of the information stolen has been misused, it’s hard to say how it will affect the victims.

 

AMBER BRACKEN / THE CANADIAN PRESS

5. Stamps Head to Grey Cup

 

It was the battle of Alberta over the weekend. The Calgary Stampeders were victorious against the Edmonton Eskimos during the Western Finals last Sunday. Edmonton took the lead in the first quarter, scoring two touchdowns heading into the second quarter 14-0. It took the Stamps a bit, but their momentum picked up after their first touchdown in the second quarter. The Eskimos just couldn’t keep pace as the Stampeders worked the field and ended the game with a 32-28 win. The Stamps will take on the Toronto Argonauts on November 26 in Ottawa at 4 p.m EST.

 


 

 

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