Who likes SantaCon? Not New Yorkers.

Happening in the World: In response to a rise in religious conservatism, Indonesia has passed a law that bans extramarital sex. The new law, which carries a jail term of up to a year, applies to citizens and visiting foreigners. Citizens are also forbidden from living together unmarried and committing adultery. Advocates against the law say that it puts human rights in danger, and could disincentivize tourist and future investments in the country. Despite protests and court challenges against the new legislation, it was unanimously approved by Indonesian parliament, and follows multiple bills criminalizing immorality, blasphemy, and restricting political and religious expression. (BBC)

Happening in the US: Tomorrow, the US Supreme Court will hear arguments in Moore v. Harper, where the Court will examine whether state election laws and redistricting maps should be subject to judicial review in state courts. The case is between between voting rights advocates and North Carolina’s General Assembly, where the latter argue that the court should defer to the independent state legislature. However, voting rights advocates argue that the gerrymandered districts have restricted political power to the dominant party. Going forward, this could have severe impacts on presidential electors and future redistricting methods. (NYT)

Happening in NYC: Many will remember the annual gathering of thousands of Santas who party throughout the city, in ways many call disruptive and obnoxious. That’s right, SantaCon is back, with much criticism from New York residents. One of the event’s organizers, Shiny Galeani, says that the event gets a “negative light” from “preconceived notions” about the event. Galeani also emphasized the $900,000 that the event has raised for charity. Whether one sees it as a community pub crawl, a citywide nuisance, or a performance art project, get ready to see the subways filled with Santas on Saturday, December 10. (Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: Want to learn more about AI? Attend the EE Seminar: Talking to Robots and Drones today from 2 to 3 pm. This seminar will discuss the benefits and problems of machine learning, cloud robotics, and network performance support required to support effective operation systems. This event will take place in Mudd Hall, Room 1300, 500 W. 120 St. Register here and contact organizer Eliese Lissner for more information.

Average SantaCon Enjoyer via Bwog Archives