A significant earthquake killed hundreds of people in the Middle East this morning; debris from the Chinese spy balloon shot down over the weekend is being investigated by U.S. officials; and another near collision between two airplanes at a U.S. airport over the weekend. These stories and more highlight the daily morning rundown for Monday, Feb. 6, 2023.
Earthquake in Turkey kills hundreds
A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southern Turkey and northern Syria in the early morning hours Monday. Buildings took a hit from the unstable ground beneath them and toppled over, taking hundreds of civilians with them.
The death toll has continued to dramatically increase. At least 1,500 people are reported dead. Hundreds more are unaccounted for and believed to be trapped under rubble. The death toll is expected to keep rising.
U.S. officials have already issued a statement this morning saying the U.S. will send support in the recovery efforts.
Spy balloon taken down, tension remains
A story of a Chinese spy balloon hovering over the U.S. ended over the weekend when U.S. officials shot down the Chinese satellite once it was over the South Carolina coast line.
The move has angered Beijing. China called the takedown of the satellite a “clear over-reaction” and a “serious violation of international practice.”
Now, top U.S. officials are examining parts of the spy balloon that were collected after it was shot down.
Santos accused of sexual misconduct
George Santos, the Republican congressman from Long Island who dealt with a number of controversies since his election, has now been accused of sexual misconduct, and an ethics violation by a prospective staffer.
The staffer said on social media that Santos grabbed him inappropriately in Santos’ office space. Santos and his attorney have not commented on the allegations.
FedEx plane, Southwest jet nearly collide
Another near miss happened on an airport-runway over the weekend. This time the near-collision was avoided at an Austin, Texas airport, involving a Southwest plane bound for Cancun given the OK for takeoff, and an in-coming FedEx cargo plane given the OK for landing.
The FedEx cargo airplane had to abort its attempted-landing on Saturday after the Southwest airplane full of passengers was on the same runway. Air traffic control was in communication with both the FedEx and Southwest pilots. But as the Southwest plane rolled out, the FedEx plane was flying in. FedEx aborted the landing and avoided a near-collision. The tower in Austin apologized to the pilot.
A similar near-collision happened last month in New York city involving airplanes from American and Delta.
Dell to eliminate 6,650 jobs
Dell Technologies is the latest tech company to announce significant job cuts. More than 6,500 jobs, or 5% of its workforce, will be eliminated.
Not only did the company cite the current market conditions, but they’re also battling a deep cut in demand. In the fourth quarter last year, Dell had a 37% decline in PC computer shipments compared to the previous year.
Beyonce crowned queen of Grammys
There’s a new queen crowned with the most Grammys of all time after last night’s awards show. Beyonce won four Grammys on Sunday for her album “Renaissance.” That equals 32 total Grammy awards in her career. That is the most any one has ever one.
While Beyonce’s thunder stole the show, Harry Styles won Album of The Year.