Report reveals Facebook data-sharing details, Elon Musk's California tunnel, and more top news

The news professionals are talking about now, curated by LinkedIn’s editors. Join the conversation on today's stories in the comments.

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Facebook gave members' personal data to some of the world’s largest technology companies for years, says The New York Times. Netflix and Spotify were given the ability to read Facebook users’ private messages, and Microsoft’s [LinkedIn Parent] Bing search engine was allowed to see the names of virtually all Facebook users’ friends without consent. Facebook says none of the partnerships violated users’ privacy or a 2011 consent agreement with the Federal Trade Commission. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Following much anticipation, Elon Musk’s Boring Company unveiled its first tunnel. Originally meant to open on Dec. 10, the two-mile long Hawthorne tunnel begins at the SpaceX parking lot and serves as a “research and development project.” The Boring Company is ultimately planning to build an underground “Hyperloop” transit system between major cities in California. The company says tours of the tunnel will be by "invitation only.” ? Here’s what people are saying.

The widest wealth gap since records began in the ‘60s has fueled the growth of U.S. neighborhoods where households earn $200,000 and above — the top tier of the Census Bureau’s community survey. Bloomberg identified the fastest-growing 100 of these wealthiest communities: No. 1 is around the former Cabrini-Green, the Chicago public housing project. The Washington, D.C., commuter area holds four of the top 10 high-earner neighborhoods, and the New York metropolitan area took Nos. 9 and 10. Across the country, 6.9% of American households bring home that amount. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Shareholder activism soared in 2018, says Bloomberg. The rise in campaigns was led by billionaire investor Carl Icahn, who returned to the scene after a stint as special advisor to President Trump. In total, a record 160 board seats were won with 240 campaigns waged, per Lazard data. The shift is attributed in part to more first-time and unconventional activists pushing for change, as well as an increase in firms grouping together to form so-called wolf pack campaigns. ? Here’s what people are saying.

The U.S. Surgeon General declared the use of e-cigarettes among youths an epidemic. In an advisory, Surgeon General Jerome Adams said parents and teachers should educate themselves about e-cigarettes and discuss the dangers with their children. Health professionals should also ask about the use of the devices when screening patients for tobacco use. The declaration comes as the e-cigarette industry is under increasing scrutiny from the federal government. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Idea of the Day: Social media has increased society’s propensity for change, says Jamie Bolding, founder and CEO of Jungle Creations.

“Today, thanks to the internet, social media and the constant access we have to information, change takes hold much quicker, which is fantastic for the advancement of society.”

What's your take on today’s stories? Share your thoughts in the comments. 

— Jessica Hartogs and Carmel Melouney