Author: Gist It
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Scientists say a new epoch marked by human impact—the Anthropocene—began in 1950s
A group of scientists argue that human impact on the Earth has been so significant since the mid-20th century, that this period should be designated as a new geologic epoch, dubbed the Anthropocene. Defining the Epoch: The Anthropocene, a term combining Greek words for “human” and “new”, is believed to have started between 1950 and […]
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A jury rules a handwritten will found under Aretha Franklin’s couch cushion is valid
A handwritten will by late soul singer Aretha Franklin, found under her couch cushions, has been declared valid by a Michigan jury. Court contention: Franklin’s sons, Kecalf and Edward Franklin, wanted the 2014 note to override a separate will from 2010. * The opposing party was their brother, Ted White II, whose lawyer argued that […]
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‘Fresh Air’ hosts Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley talk news, Detroit and psychedelics
‘Fresh Air’ host Tonya Mosley discusses her career path and experiences as a Black journalist, as well as her personal exploration of psilocybin treatment for racial trauma. Career journey: Tonya Mosley’s passion for journalism stems from her childhood in Detroit, leading to her current role as co-host of ‘Fresh Air’. * Starting her career as […]
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One senator’s abortion protest leaves the Marine Corps without a permanent leader
For the first time in over 150 years, the U.S. Marine Corps lacks a senate-confirmed commandant due to protest by Senator Tommy Tuberville over the Pentagon’s decision to support service members seeking out of state abortions. Background: Tuberville, a Republican Senator from Alabama, has held back military officer nominations since the beginning of the year, […]
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Northwestern football coach Pat Fitzgerald is fired following hazing investigation
Pat Fitzgerald, head coach of the Northwestern University football team, has been fired following an investigation into allegations of hazing within the team. Dismissal details: Northwestern University fired Fitzgerald after initially suspending him for two weeks without pay. * The decision followed an investigation into hazing allegations, with University President Michael Schill stating in a […]
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Justice Sotomayor’s staff urged schools and libraries to buy her memoir or kid’s books
Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s staff has regularly urged public institutions, including schools and libraries, to purchase her memoir and children’s books, an action that has earned her a minimum of $3.7 million since joining the Supreme Court in 2009. Ethics concerns: Sotomayor has leveraged publicly sponsored travel to increase her book sales, which critics argue could […]
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Trump asks the judge to delay the start of his classified documents trial
Former President Donald Trump’s attorneys have requested a delay in setting a trial date in his classified documents case, noting the breadth of materials, complex legal issues, and impact on the 2024 presidential election. Request for delay: Trump’s lawyers cite the complexity and volume of materials in the case. * The case charges Trump and […]
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Up First briefing: Sweden’s NATO approval; Israel protests; Emmy predictions
Today’s key news includes Turkey agreeing to back Sweden’s NATO entry, anti-government protests in Israel, extreme weather in the US, and the potential benefits of the drug doxycycline. Geopolitical developments: Turkey’s President Erdogan has agreed to secure parliamentary approval for Sweden to join NATO, ahead of the NATO summit in Lithuanian capital Vilnius. * Sweden […]
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New malaria vaccine offers a ray of hope to Nigeria. There’s just one thing …
Nigeria has approved a new malaria vaccine called R21 which showed promise in early trials, but there are concerns about its distribution, especially in poor and rural areas. The breakthrough: The new R21 vaccine has demonstrated up to 80% effectiveness in preventing malaria in early trials, significantly higher than the current RTS,S vaccine’s effectiveness of […]
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‘When Crack Was King’ follows four people who lived through the drug epidemic
“When Crack Was King: A People’s History of a Misunderstood Era” by Donovan X. Ramsey delves into the crack epidemic, outlining causes and effects using the stories of four individuals who experienced it firsthand. Book Overview: Donovan X. Ramsey’s new book discusses the social, political, and economic factors which propagated the crack epidemic in the […]