On Monday morning, residents of the Buffalo area were shaken awake by a 3.8-magnitude earthquake, the strongest recorded in the area in 40 years. Seismologist Yaareb Altaweel said the quake lasted a few seconds and sent residents into a panic. The U.S. Geological Survey is continuing to monitor the area for any further seismic activity and residents are urged to take precautions in case of any aftershocks.
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A 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on February 6 caused severe damage to Gaziantep Castle, a 2,000-year-old historic site and tourist attraction in southeastern Turkey. Images show parts of the castle crumbling, with iron railings scattered on the surrounding sidewalks and the retaining wall next to the castle collapsing. The earthquake has killed more than 2,000 people in the region, and the Turkish government is currently assessing the damage and working to restore the castle.
Dell Technologies has announced plans to lay off 5% of its workforce due to the uncertain economic climate, following similar cost-cutting measures taken by other large tech companies. The announcement comes as the tech industry has been hit hard by the economic downturn, with interest rate hikes contributing to the financial woes of many companies. Despite the job cuts, Dell has reported several strong quarters due to the steps taken to stay ahead of the downturn impacts.
American Media Inc. has sold the National Enquirer, a 97-year-old tabloid known for its wacky headlines and controversial stories, to a brand acquisition company, VVIP Ventures. The magazine publisher a360 agreed to sell the National Enquirer and another tabloid, the Globe, to VVIP in an all-cash deal. The National Enquirer has been involved in several scandals, including stories about former President Donald Trump and Amazon Chairman Jeff Bezos, and its former CEO David Pecker had been looking to sell the tabloid since at least 2019.
AFP, a powerful network of political groups funded by the Koch brothers, has announced it is "turning the page" on former President Donald Trump and seeking another Republican to back in the 2024 presidential election. The memo does not name Trump, but its preference for someone "new" is clear, and its decision could have a significant impact on the election. It remains to be seen who the network will support, but they are looking for a candidate who can represent a new chapter for the country.
US military shot down a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon off the coast of the Carolinas, sparking a heated dispute between the two countries. China has accused the US of “indiscriminate use of force”, while the US maintains the balloon was being used for surveillance purposes. The incident has become a watershed moment in the world’s new superpower rivalry, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken cancelling a planned trip to Beijing in response.
High Springs Police Department have located two missing children from Missouri, a 12-year-old girl and 11-year-old boy, who had been abducted nearly a year ago. The officers located the children, with their non-custodial mother, Kristi Nicole Gilley, 36, while running a routine tag check on her vehicle. Gilley has been detained and arrested, and the children are now in the custody of the Clay County Sheriff's Office and being reunited with their family. The High Springs Police Department is continuing to investigate the case and are asking anyone with information to contact them.
The Netherlands is sending 15 metric tons of search and rescue equipment to Turkey in response to the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the region in the early hours of the morning. The team of 65 rescue workers and 8 search dogs will be accompanied by police, military personnel, first aid responders, and firefighters. International aid groups and countries are also sending resources to help with the relief effort.