Notes

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

2. Cybersecurity



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



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



Microsoft has warned that hackers are exploiting a major flaw in the software used by large tech companies across the globe. They are linked to the governments of China and North Korea, Iran, North Korea, and Turkey. So far, foreign hacking groups appear to have been testing the vulnerability, which is located in the Java-based software called "Log4j" which organizations across the globe use to track data in their applications. A senior US cybersecurity official stated that there was no evidence to suggest that federal networks had been affected by the vulnerability. However the Log4j flaw could impact the majority of the internet. Apple's cloud computing service, security firm Cloudflare and Minecraft, one of the world's most played video games all use Log4j according to research.



3. Build Back Better



Klobuchar: Manchin 'still at the negotiating table' over the building Back Better -- full interview



Klobuchar: Manchin 'still at the negotiations' over Building Back Better -- full interview at 09:05



The $1.75 trillion economic and climate package, also known as the Build Back Better bill, is likely to be delayed until next year. Biden and Democrats had hoped to pass the bill prior to the end of the year. However talks between Biden, Democratic Senator Joe Manchin and Joe Manchin, who is a key swing vote, have not resulted in any resolution. One of the most pivotal issues that has been preventing progress is the child tax credit. For Biden, it's a major priority that delivers aid to families and helps to reduce child poverty. Manchin, however, wants to keep it out of the bill. Blastermusic.Net Even even if Biden & Manchin were to agree to the bill, it must be approved and finalized before it can be put to a 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 in June has released a report outlining strategies to prevent a repeat tragedy. The report calls for more money, staff and inspectors to identify dangerous buildings, and recommends raising qualification standards for inspectors. The panel also recommended that the certification process for a residential property should begin much earlier than 40 years after the property is constructed. The Surfside condo's recertification for 40 years in 2018 was conducted by an engineering company. They found concrete deterioration that was "deep" however they could not make repairs due to structural stability concerns. While it wasn't their job to pinpoint the cause of the collapse, the grand jury said that investigators haven't found the exact cause nearly six months later.



5. Extreme weather



Super Typhoon Rai hits the Philippines



Super Typhoon Rai hits the Philippines at 01:34



Record-breaking temperatures in December in the middle of the US has created an "unprecedented" extreme weather risk that has resulted in hurricane-force winds, fires, and more tornadoes in the Great Plains and the Midwest. At at least 55 reports of wind gusts more than 75 mph were recorded in the region yesterday, setting a single-day record. According to NOAA data, a tornado was first observed in Minnesota's southeastern area in December. Super Typhoon Rai, also known locally as Odette, has struck the Philippines and brought torrential rain and the threat of massive flooding to 20 million people. Nearly 200,0000 people were evacuated prior to the storm.



BREAKFAST BROWSE



2021's top red carpet trends for 2021



However terrifying it was the first time, it's back.



Urban Meyer, the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, has been fired



After just 13 games, the Urban Meyer experiment is finished.



We did indeed buy more alcohol during the early pandemic, a study shows.



We ought to have known what was coming.



2021's most bizarre TikTok beauty trends



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



William Shatner's Space Exploration is joined by 'Shatner in Space.



Reminder: Shatner turns 90 years old. He also went to space.



IN MEMORIAM



bell hooks, a renowned feminist, writer and academic, passed away at the age of 69. Born Gloria Jean Watkins in Kentucky, hooks was a prominent feminist academic and writer who was dedicated to establishing feminist theories that anyone could comprehend and use.



TODAY'S NUMBER



45



That's how many visitors from abroad Bali welcomed in 2021. The number of visitors would have been in the millions in an average year. However, the island's tourism was severely affected by the strict border control measures, and the closure of its airport due to the pandemic.



TODAY'S SQUOTTE



"While we recognize that no amount can make these families whole," the school board hopes that this settlement can demonstrate our sincere dedication to the 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 millions to the victims of the shooting and their families at Marjory Stoneman Doug High School in Parkland.



TODAY'S WEATHER



Some parts of the Midwest were ravaged by tornadoes, high winds and other natural catastrophes.



Parts of the Midwest devastated by tornadoes and high winds 01:51



Here's an online link to your local forecast.



FINALLY



Did I have to do that?



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


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