5 Things to Know About Dec. 16: Covid, Software, Biden, Condo Collapse, Extreme Weather

6 min read


2. Cybersecurity



Your device could be at risk of being a victim of 'one of the most grave' cyber security threats



How your device could be at risk of being 'one of the most grave cyber security threats 02:18



Hackers linked with the governments of China, Iran, North Korea and Turkey are exploiting a critical vulnerability in a software that is that is used by large tech companies around the world, Microsoft has warned. Foreign hacking groups have apparently tested the vulnerability in Java-based software known as "Log4j", which organizations use to log data into their applications. Blogging Is Good A senior US cybersecurity official said that they don't have evidence that the vulnerability was used to compromise federal networks. However the Log4j flaw could end up affecting most of the internet. Cloud computing from Apple, security firm Cloudflare and Minecraft, one of the world's most popular video games, all use Log4j according to researchers.



3. Make it better



Klobuchar: Manchin 'still at the negotiation table' over Build Back Better -- full interview



Klobuchar: Manchin 'still at the negotiating table' over Build Back Better -- full interview at 09:05



The movement on the Build Back Better Bill, the $1.75 trillion economic and climate package that serves as one of the cornerstones of Biden's legislative agenda is likely to stall until next year. Biden and Democrats had believed they could get the bill passed before the end of the year. However discussions between Biden, Democratic Senator Joe Manchin and Joe Manchin, who is a key swing vote, have not led to a resolution. One of the biggest issues that are hindering progress is the child tax credit. It's Biden's top priority because it provides aid to families and helps reduce child poverty. Manchin wants it to be eliminated from the bill. Even even if Biden and Manchin did agree the bill needs to be ratified and passed for the vote.



4. Condo collapse



Video shows moment Florida condo collapses



Video shows moment Florida condo collapses 01:18



A Miami-Dade grand jury that was in charge of the Surfside condo collapse that killed 98 people in June has released a report outlining ways to avoid another tragedy. The report calls for increased funding and inspectors and staff to spot unsafe buildings and suggests raising the standards of qualification for inspectors. The panel also recommended that the certification process for a residential property should begin earlier than 40 years after it is built. The engineering company chosen for the Surfside condo's 40-year recertification in 2018 had discovered "deep" decay of the concrete however, they were unable to make repairs due to structural stability concerns. While it wasn't their task to find the cause of the collapse, the grand jury noted that investigators still haven't found the exact cause , despite six months after the incident.



5. Extreme weather



Super Typhoon Rai hits the Philippines



Super Typhoon Rai makes landfall in the Philippines 01:34



The record-breaking December temperatures in the middle US has led to an "unprecedented” extreme weather threat that has led to hurricane-force winds and fires across the Great Plains as well as more tornadoes in the Midwest. Yesterday, there were at least 55 reports of winds of 75 mph or more in the region, which set records for a single day. A tornado in the southeast part of Minnesota was the first to be recorded in the state during the month of December, as per NOAA data. Around the globe, Super Typhoon Rai (known locally as Odette) has pounded into the Philippines and brought torrential rains and the threat of widespread flooding to around 20 million people. Nearly 200,000 people were evacuated prior the storm.



BREAKFAST BROWSE



2021's top red carpet trends for 2021



No matter how horrifying it was the first time, it's back.



The Jacksonville Jaguars have fired head coach Urban Meyer



The Urban Meyer experiment is over after just 13 games.



Study shows that we did indeed purchase more alcohol during the pandemic.



We ought to have known what was coming.



2021's most bizarre TikTok beauty trends



There is no limit to the things people will put on their faces.



"Shatner in Space" joins William Shatner on his trip to the end of the line



Reminder: Shatner is 90 YEARS old. He even went to space.



IN MEMORIAM



bell hooks, the renowned feminist, writer and academic, passed away at the age of 69. Born in Kentucky as Gloria Jean Watkins, hooks was well-known for her writing on gender, race, and sexuality and was dedicated to developing feminist theories that anyone could understand and comprehend.



TODAY'S NUMBER



45



This is how many international tourists Bali received in 2021. This figure would be in the millions in an average year. However, the island's tourism was decimated by strict border control measures and the closure of the airport due to the pandemic.



TODAY'S QOTE FOR TODAY



"While we understand that no amount will bring these families back to their fullest," the school board hopes that this settlement will demonstrate our sincere commitment to MSD families, staff, students, and faculty, as well as the entire Broward County community.



Marylin Batista, the interim general counsel for Broward County Public Schools. The district has agreed that it will pay more than $26 million to the victims of the shooting as well as their families at Marjory Stoneman Doug High School in Parkland.



TODAY'S WEATHER



Some parts of the Midwest ravaged by tornadoes and high winds



Some parts of the Midwest are ravaged by high winds, tornadoes, and tornadoes. 01:51



Check out the local forecast here>>



FINALLY



What should I have done?



You think you can put cats in front of perfectly set up dominoes, and they won't be able to knock them over? (Click here to see)

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