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Dec. 16th: Software, Covid, Software And Extreme Weather

2. Cybersecurity

What could your device be at risk of 'one of the most serious cyber security threats

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

Hackers linked with the governments of China, Iran, North Korea and Turkey are exploiting a serious flaw in a software used by big tech firms across the globe, Microsoft has warned. So far, hackers from foreign countries appear to have been testing the vulnerability, which is found in Java-based software known as "Log4j" that companies around the globe use to track data in their applications. A senior US cybersecurity official has said that they do not have evidence that federal networks were breached using the vulnerability. However, the Log4j vulnerability could affect the majority of the internet. Cloud computing from Apple, security firm Cloudflare, and Minecraft one of the most popular video games, all use Log4j according to research.

3. Build Back Better

Klobuchar: Manchin is'still at negotiating table over Building Back Better -- full interview

Klobuchar: Manchin is'still at negotiating table' over building Back Better -- full interview 09/05

The movement to pass the Build Back Better Bill The $1.75 trillion economic and climate package that serves as one of the mainstays of Biden's legislative agenda will likely be delayed until next year. Biden and Democrats had wanted to adopt 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, haven't led to a resolution. One of the biggest issues that are hindering progress is the child tax credit. For Biden, it's a major priority that provides aid to families and helps to reduce child poverty. Manchin would like it to be eliminated from the bill. Even if Biden and Manchin were to agree, the bill must still 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 report has been released by the Miami-Dade Grand Jury that looked into the Surfside condo collapse, which caused the deaths of the 98 victims. The report recommends more inspectors, staff, and money to identify unsafe buildings and raises standards for inspectors. The panel recommended that certification for residential properties be made no later than 40 years after the building is built. The Surfside condo's 40-year recertification in 2018 was carried out by an engineering firm. They discovered concrete degrading that was "deep", but could not make repairs due to structural stability concerns. Although it wasn't their job to discover the causes of the deadly collapse the grand jury noted that, nearly six months later, investigators aren't sure how it happened.

5. Extreme weather

Super Typhoon Rai hits the Philippines

Super Typhoon Rai hits the Philippines at 01:34

The record December heat in the middle US has resulted in an "unprecedentedextreme weather threat that has caused hurricane-force winds and fires across the Great Plains as well as more tornadoes in the Midwest. At at least 55 reports of wind gusts over 75 mph were reported in the region yesterday, setting a single-day record. According to NOAA data, a tornado was first recorded in Minnesota's southeastern region in December. Super Typhoon Rai, also known locally as Odette has hit the Philippines with torrential rain and the threat to widespread flooding to about 20 million people. Around 200,000 people were evacuated prior the storm.

BREAKFAST BROWSE

2021's top red carpet trends for 2021

However terrifying it was the first time around, 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.

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

We should 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.

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

Reminder: Shatner turns 90 years old. And he WENT TO SPACE.
Minecraft skins

IN MEMORIAM

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

TODAY'S NUMBER

45

That's how many international visitors Bali received in 2021. In a normal year that figure would be in the millions, but strict border control measures and an airport closed because of the pandemic totally decimated the island's tourism this year.

TODAY'S SQUOTTE

"While we acknowledge that no amount of money can bring these families back to their feet, it is the school board's hope that this settlement will show our sincere dedication to the MSD families, students, staff and faculty, as well as the entire Broward County community."

Marylin Batista is the interim general counsel for Broward County Public Schools. The school district has agreed to pay more than $26 million to victims of the shooting as well as the families of 17 people killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

TODAY'S WEATHER

A portion of the Midwest are devastated by tornadoes as well as high winds

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

Here's a link to your local forecast.

AND FINALLY

Did I have to do this?

What do you think, you can put cats in front of some perfectly set up dominoes, and they won't smash them over? (Click here to view)