Deaths from the Feb. 6 earthquakes in Turkey have climbed to more than 35,000. The country’s vice president said on Sunday that arrest warrants have been issued for over 100 people said to be involved in the construction of buildings that collapsed across the region. And, the epicenter of the earthquakes was 25 miles from Syria's western border, leaving a wake of destruction. Most of the damage happened in the northwest, where rebel-held areas have received little assistance. Also, immigration authorities in Argentina are investigating the large number of pregnant Russian women who have recently entered the country to give birth, as a way to obtain citizenship. Plus, "Teraki," an Ethiopian app, seeks to grow podcasts and audiobooks.

Across southern Turkey, countless numbers of people are sleeping outside, in tents or in their cars, worried about more powerful aftershocks following Monday's earthquake. More than 22,000 people are now believed to be dead in Turkey and Syria. And, anger mounts as emergency aid for Syrians slowly trickles into the northwest of the country. Also, Greek lawmakers voted to ban political parties whose leaders have been convicted of crimes in an effort to curb the political influence of violent far-right and fascist groups in the country. Plus, Norwegian and Arabic music share some similarities. 

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited areas in southeastern Turkey hit hard by a powerful earthquake on Monday and described it as "the disaster of the century." The estimated death toll has climbed to more than 20,000 people. And, badly needed aid is beginning to trickle into Syria, with six convoys entering the northwest to provide some relief to areas under rebel control. Also, millions of voters in Nigeria will take to the polls later this month to vote for a new president. But the country has been plagued by growing insecurity that is causing big problems for electoral officials. Plus, the world says goodbye to songwriter Burt Bacharach, who died at the age of 94.

In Turkey, it's taken two days for government aid to reach some of the areas hardest hit by Monday's devastating earthquakes, leaving residents and volunteers to manage rescue and relief efforts. And much of the areas in northern Syria hit hardest by the disaster had already been devastated by years of civil war, making it even more challenging to bring in humanitarian relief. Also, this corner of the globe sits at the intersection of three tectonic plates, including the Arabian Plate moving northward into Europe. We learn about the science behind these massive quakes. Plus, a campaign in France targets "macho" driving. 

Syria's northern provinces were badly hit by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the region on Monday. Rescue efforts continue as aid trickles in through the border crossing between Turkey and northwest Syria. And, aid workers are also pouring into southern Turkey to help with earthquake relief efforts, but many victims are in rural areas that are tough to reach, especially in the winter. Also, the island nation of Kiribati is rejoining the Pacific Islands Forum, a regional alliance of 18 island states and territories. Kiribati left the group last year because its leaders said that concerns in Micronesia were not being addressed by the body as a whole. Plus, a bit of calm with "Ocean Blue."

Two massive, back-to-back earthquakes have left thousands dead and many missing or injured in the region of southern Turkey and northern Syria. We learn about the scale of devastation in a region where vulnerable populations are already struggling. And, the US missile that downed a Chinese surveillance balloon Saturday off the South Carolina coast may have taken with it efforts to repair US-China relations. One analyst says the incident might be seen as a “wake-up call” for officials from both sides. Also, Iran’s government plans on pardoning thousands of people held in its prisons since anti-government protests began late last year. But it's not clear exactly who will get released. Plus, a teen inspired this ocean cleanup project.

On Friday, the US postponed a planned trip by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to meet Xi Jinping in Beijing. This comes amid controversy over a Chinese surveillance balloon currently floating over the western US. And, Canada's western province of British Columbia is starting a three-year pilot program to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of heroin, meth, ecstasy, or crack cocaine. The program is part of an effort to fight a drug overdose crisis which has affected thousands in the province. Also, as violence erupts once again between Israelis and the Palestinians, can Arab nations that signed the Abraham Accords play a role in lowering tensions? Plus, an award for the best song for social change. 

The US is gaining access to four additional military bases in the Philippines following a deal signed between the US and Philippines on Thursday in Manila.  And, in recent weeks, US officials have loudly debated what weapons systems should be sent to Ukraine. But discussions about US goals and limitations in the war effort seem to be happening in quieter corners. Also, Shell and Exxon are reporting their biggest earnings ever for 2022, with Shell netting $40 billion and Exxon hauling in $56 billion. Plus, a song that pays homage to disappeared towns.

On Tuesday, Pope Francis arrived in Democratic Republic of Congo to begin what he's calling an "ecumenical pilgrimage of peace." Peace is expected to be his main message in DR Congo and South Sudan. And, the US says Russia is violating the New START treaty, the last remaining nuclear arms agreement between the two countries, by not allowing American inspectors into Russian nuclear weapons facilities. The Biden administration renewed the treaty for another five years in 2021. Also, Peru-bound travelers have been canceling their trips because of demonstrations throughout the country. Tourists at the iconic Machu Picchu archaeological site in Cusco were stranded recently as protesters sabotaged the region's train tracks. Plus, stunning 2,000-year-old gems were found down the drain of an ancient Roman bathhouse. 

The International Monetary Fund says that economic growth worldwide will exceed their previous expectations. The IMF did have some bad news for the UK: Their economic outlook looks worse than Russia, which has been heavily targeted with economic sanctions. And, Tunisians voted in a runoff parliamentary election over the weekend. Only 11% of eligible voters actually came out to vote — the same level of participation in the first round of voting. Also, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to meet Palestinian Authority head, Mahmud Abbas in Ramallah on Tuesday. Many residents say they have low expectations about this visit helping to improve their quality of life. Plus, we hear about the challenges of supporting displaced Ukrainians.