There is an asteroid on a possible intercept trajectory with the Earth. Apparently, this rock, called 2002 NT7, has received the highest threat rating of any object since the Palermo technical scale of threat was created [here]. Even so, it seems the uncertainties are high and it is likely that the threat rating will be reduced after new measurements are made.

These types of headlines make for sensational news stories because people simply aren't used to hearing that our little spaceship Earth could be attacked from outer space. Of course, it hasn't been until recently that astronomers have been capable of monitoring this type of activity. As the article states:

...the world [will] have to get used to finding more objects like NT7 that, on discovery, look threatening, but then become harmless.

I'm looking forward to 1 February, 2019 to see what happens.
11:30:55 AM    

Here's another article showing the potential of bottom-up wireless networks. Evidence is mounting to suggest that Wi-Fi may be able to completely undercut the big telco's and make wireless easy and cheap.

I think there is little doubt that these types of networks will become common. What I'm not sure about is how reliable they will be. Sure, when you are on a college campus or at Starbucks, your connection is likely to be reliable. But, it is also likely that many areas will have little to no connectivity with this type of volunteer network. I think poor neighborhoods and sparsely populated areas are especially likely to have unreliable wireless connectivity unless the telco's put it there.
11:19:30 AM