R'Bonney Gabriel, a Filipino-American fashion designer, model, and sewing instructor from Texas, was crowned Miss Universe on Saturday night at the 71st Miss Universe Competition. She is the first Filipino American to win the title, and her win is a testament to the organization's commitment to inclusivity and empowering women. Gabriel hopes to use her platform as Miss Universe to continue to inspire and empower women around the world.
News Mash
Iran executed a dual Iranian-British national on Saturday, sparking immediate anger from the U.S., UK and other countries who have sanctioned Iran over the protests. This execution is believed to be part of an ongoing power struggle within Iran's theocracy, and has further escalated tensions with the West. The U.S. and UK have condemned the execution and demanded the immediate release of all political prisoners in Iran, highlighting the human rights violations committed by the Iranian government.
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on Saturday night to protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government's proposed changes to the Israeli judicial system. The protesters are concerned about the dismantling of Israeli democracy and human rights protections, and are determined to make their voices heard. Despite the pouring rain, the protests have been largely peaceful, with no reports of violence or arrests.
Damar Hamlin, safety for the Buffalo Bills, has made a remarkable recovery after suffering a cardiac arrest during a game two weeks ago. On Saturday, he made his first visit to the Bills facility, where he was welcomed with open arms by his teammates. His recovery has been an inspiring testament to his strength and determination, and the team is hopeful that he will make a full recovery and be able to return to the field in the future.
At least nine people were killed and 64 wounded in a Russian missile strike in Dnipro, Ukraine on Saturday. The attack was part of a series of attacks across Ukraine, with 26 people still trapped in the rubble. The Ukrainian military has accused Russia of launching a “large-scale offensive” against the country, and the United Nations Security Council is expected to discuss the situation on Monday.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has released body-camera footage of an incident involving the cousin of a Black Lives Matter co-founder, Keenan Anderson. Anderson was arrested and transported to a hospital, where he subsequently died. This death has sparked angry demands for greater accountability from the police force, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has launched an investigation into the incident. Results of the investigation are pending.
California has been hit by eight powerful storms driven by atmospheric rivers since Dec. 26, causing widespread damage, flooding, and power outages. Residents are being urged to take precautions and be prepared for more storms in the coming days, with the National Weather Service continuing to monitor the situation and provide updates. Over 68,000 utility customers were without electricity on Saturday morning, though this number was reduced by more than half during the afternoon.
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., and her husband were struck by a car while crossing a street in Portland on Friday night. Bonamici was treated for a concussion and laceration to her head, while her husband was treated for minor injuries. She is expected to make a full recovery, but will be unable to attend public events while she heals.