Where there are updates...

Nicaragua. Yesterday, more than 200 political prisoners from Nicaragua, including one American, landed in the US. The prisoners included a mix of political leaders, priests, journalists, and activists who had been found guilty of treason. It comes as the largest country in Central America has been dealing with a struggling economy and an authoritarian leader who’s cracked down on dissent. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega said the plan was to expel criminals who undermined Nicaragua’s independence. Sec of State Antony Blinken said the release was a “constructive step" in addressing human rights abuses in Nicaragua amid a strained diplomatic relationship with the US.

Next steps: Under Ortega, the freed individuals would no longer be considered Nicaraguan citizens. But in the US, they will receive humanitarian protection under the Biden admin's new process and may eventually be able to apply for asylum.

Where things are getting worse…

Turkey and Syria. Yesterday, the death toll rose to more than 20,000 people making it the world’s deadliest earthquake in more than a decade. Tens of thousands are injured. About 380,000 people are homeless. And the death toll is expected to rise. Rescue teams are racing against the clock to find trapped survivors, but the UN says chances are “diminishing fast” in the freezing cold temperatures. Meanwhile, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan — who called it “the disaster of the century” — is facing criticism over the government's weak infrastructure and what many are calling a slow response. Erdoğan admitted to facing problems in the beginning, but says that things are now “under control.”

Who Austin Powers — and everyone else — will miss…

Burt Bacharach. This week, the legendary composer died at 94 of natural causes. Bacharach was behind dozens of top hits throughout his 70-plus-year career, including “I Say a Little Prayer,” and “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.” Dionne Warwick paid tribute to her “dear friend” and “musical partner.” Brian Wilson remembered Bacharach as a “giant in the music business” whose “songs will live forever.”

Who’s taking a seat at the table...

Black women. A new report found that S&P 500 companies tapped more Black women for boards than in the past 15 years. Between 2021 and 2022, 12% of board directors for some of the world’s top companies were Black women — up from 2% in 2008. Experts say companies are finally realizing leadership needs to reflect their base.

What’s saying ‘I hope you’re hungry...for nothing’...

Chick-fil-A.

Why we’re staying in tonight…

To catch “The Last of Us.”