I’m pleased to once again present a new Weekly Newsmakers – stories making headlines around the world.

Obama Blocks Chinese Firm’s U.S. Wind-Farm Bid – Wall Street Journal (Editor’s Pick)

For the first time in 22 years, a US President will invoke the law to prevent foreign acquisition of U.S. companies.  Obama blocked the sale of four wind-farm-project companies to a Chinese firm, citing domestic-security concerns.  In reply, the Chinese firm, Ralls Corp. has sued the American government in an effort to continue acquisition efforts.

Foxconn and Apple supply: What are the effects? – Washington Post

Due to escalating tensions at Apple’s production facility in Taiyuan, China, overseas affiliate Foxconn halted iPhone production temporarily on Monday 9/24 due to worker riots.  Production resumed almost immediately on 9/25.  The event brought Foxconn under further scrutiny, as the ill-fated production halt added to the Chinese company’s already vivid history of rash of employee suicides, a plant explosion and several reports of dangerous and as some media sources describe – inequitable working conditions.  Interestingly, Foxconn’s recent Taiyuan incident seems to be the result of worker disputes of working hours/conditions, but other factors may also be involved.  In a recent update from the Washington Post, some experts forecast that this type of riot will likely not be the last.

Spain Recoils as Its Hungry Forage Trash Bins for a Next Meal – New York Times
In the New York Time’s continuing reports on the Euro crisis, Spain was recently highlighted in regards to how Spanish nationals are coping with poverty.  The tanking Spanish economy has led to an unemployment rate of over 50% among young people and increasing numbers of households where there are jobless adults in various parts of Spain.  Despite the adversity, the Spanish have remained resourceful and hopeful for change.

Lost: The Criticism Heaped on Apple Shows the Growing Importance of Cartography – The Economist
Apple’s chief executive, Tim Cook, was forced to show his hand today, admitting to the world that the iPhone’s new map service was riddled with errors.  For the iPhone 5, Apple decided to implement its own map feature instead of partnering with Google Maps. Unfortunately, Apple’s map feature was met with anguish and negative criticism from its iPhone clientele. As a result, Apple had no choice but to recommended that users download competitor’s apps, such as Nokia’s map app or Google Maps. Experts remark that it would take time (one critic predicted three years) for Apple to develop it’s map feature to a reliable level.