Thursday Afternoon Update: Syria-Turkey Death Toll Rises, Fetterman Hospitalized, Legendary Composer Dies At 94

This article is a companion piece to today’s Morning Wire Afternoon Update. Click here to listen the podcast version. Here.

The Death Toll in Syria-Turkey Rises

The death toll in Turkey and Syria has exceeded 20,000 people, that’s according to The New York Times today. Aftershocks continue and more than 100,000 people are homeless. Three Americans are suspected to have been killed. Three days later, rescue efforts are continuing despite numerous logistical hurdles.

State Department Reveals Details About Balloons

Today, the U.S. State Department stated that the Chinese balloon which was shot down by President Biden’s administration had antennas capable capturing communications. Images from the balloon’s flybys showed that the aircraft was clearly visible. “was clearly for intelligence surveillance and inconsistent with the equipment onboard weather balloons.”

Today’s unanimous bipartisan House resolution condemned China for its actions. “brazen violation of United States sovereignty.” This resolution also requires more information from Biden’s administration regarding the incident.

Fetterman Hospitalized

After feeling lightheaded during a Democrat Senate retreat, Senator John Fetterman (D.PA) was rushed to hospital Wednesday evening. After suffering a severe stroke last year while on campaign trail, Fetterman was concerned about his health. His team says there’s no evidence of a new stroke.

Another NJ Council Member Killed

Two weeks ago, a New Jersey GOP councilor was killed in an apparent shooting attack. Russell Heller, Milford Borough councilman, was killed on Wednesday. He was just seven days away from Eunice Dwumfour (Sayersville councilwoman) being also shot. Authorities aren’t convinced that the two tragedies were related. Police found the suspect shooter, who was believed to have been self-inflicted with a gunshot wound, in his car near the scene. This happened around three and half hours after the murder.

Southwest Airlines CEO Apologizes for Holiday Chaos

Andrew Watterson, Southwest Airlines COO, made a retraction in remarks he prepared for a Thursday hearing. He stated that he and his fellow executives were sorry. “messed up” amid the company’s holiday travel meltdown. Southwest cancelled 16,700 flights between December 21st and December 31 despite severe winter weather subsiding in the days following Christmas.

Burt Bacharach Dead At 94

Burt Bacharach, a legendary composer and songwriter, is well-known for his hit songs like “I Say a Little Prayer” “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” Los Angeles, Wednesday, September 24, 1994: He died at the age of94. According to a spokesperson, his death was caused by natural causes.

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