A 7.8 magnitude earthquake has struck Syria and Turkey, resulting in a combined death toll of over 36,000 and leaving 5.3 million people homeless. Despite the difficulties, rescuers have managed to pull survivors from the rubble, including a woman who spent 170 hours beneath it. International aid organizations are providing assistance and calling for donations to support their efforts.
News Mash
The U.S. military has recently shot down several unidentified flying objects over North America, with some speculating they could be of extraterrestrial origin. On Sunday, a national security spokesperson said the objects were much smaller than the suspected Chinese spy balloon shot down earlier this month. The intelligence and counterintelligence communities are still trying to figure out what the objects are, and the public will have to wait for an explanation.
The Philippine Coast Guard has accused a Chinese Coast Guard ship of using a “military-grade laser” to disrupt a resupply mission to its troops in the South China Sea. This incident has raised tensions between the two countries, which have long been in a territorial dispute over the South China Sea, and has led to the Philippines strengthening its military presence in the area and seeking support from its allies. China has responded by accusing the Philippines of trespassing and violating its sovereignty.
Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl XXIII featured over 100 rescue dogs competing for the "Lombarky" Trophy, with Team Fluff ultimately winning 87-83 in the first ever overtime in Puppy Bowl history. Vivianne, a bulldog mix, scored the game's final touchdown, and the game was also analyzed by the NBA on TNT crew and the winner of the "Most Pupular" contest, Josh Allenhound. The trophy was presented to Majesty, a purebred corgi from Florida and Team Fluff's captain, and viewers were delighted by the adorable puppies.
The International Rescue Committee is working to help victims of the earthquakes that hit southeastern Turkey and northern Syria last week. US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield has urged the UN Security Council to approve two additional access points to deliver aid to parts of Syria. The organization is appealing to the international community to help in the moment of need, as the death toll from the quakes has risen to over 33,000 and is expected to continue to go up.
Patrick Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to a come-from-behind victory in Super Bowl LV, breaking a record for most rushing yards by a quarterback and earning the MVP award. Despite re-aggravating an ankle injury, Mahomes rallied the team to a 38-35 win with a 27-yard field goal by kicker Harrison Butker with 8 seconds remaining. This victory marks the Chiefs’ second Super Bowl win in four seasons, and puts them in the conversation for a potential dynasty.
The Kansas City Chiefs have won their second Super Bowl in four years, with Patrick Mahomes taking home the MVP title. Mahomes had a key role in the comeback, despite going into halftime trailing, and had a 26-yard run on a gimpy ankle just before the winning field goal. Despite suffering an ankle injury earlier in the playoffs, Mahomes said there was nothing that could have kept him off the field, and he made good on that promise.
The College Board has accused the Florida Department of Education of "slander" in response to their critiques of the new AP African American Studies course. The course covers topics like mass incarceration and reparations, and is intended to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of African American history and culture. The College Board has vowed to continue to fight for the course, and to ensure that all students have access to a comprehensive education.