Author: Gist It

  • Global heat waves show climate change and El Niño are a bad combo

    Global heatwaves are becoming longer and more dangerous due to climate change and the El Niño climate pattern, potentially making 2023 the hottest year on record. Heatwaves and Climate Change: Climate scientists link worsening heatwaves to climate change, noting an increased occurrence and intensity. * Extreme heat records have been broken in Texas, Southern U.S., […]

  • Detroit, Chicago and the Midwest blanketed by wildfire haze from Canada

    Smoke from Canadian wildfires is causing hazardous air quality in U.S. cities like Detroit, Chicago, and Pittsburgh, with warnings in effect across the Midwest. City in focus: Chicago’s air quality was the worst globally at one point, with an “unhealthy” rating as of 9 a.m. local time. * Several U.S. cities, including Pittsburgh, have been […]

  • At least 8 dead, including children, from a Russian missile strike in eastern Ukraine

    A Russian missile struck a crowded restaurant in eastern Ukraine, killing at least eight people, including three children, and wounding over 50 others. The incident: A missile hit a pizza restaurant in Kramatorsk on Tuesday night causing significant damage, with fear of more people potentially buried in the debris. * The restaurant was a popular […]

  • A mother’s understanding of her son is transformed with a single phone call

    Barbara Romero’s perspective towards her son, Daniel, completely changed after one call, helping her understand that her son’s violent and abusive behavior was due to his undisclosed illness, schizophrenia. Mother’s dilemma: Once a curious and silly young boy, Daniel’s personality starkly altered when he entered middle school, leading to episodes of violence and verbal abuse. […]

  • Nearly 2,000 migrants have died crossing the Mediterranean this year. Here’s why

    Nearly 2,000 migrants have perished this year while trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea, with this year set to be deadlier than the last according to United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) data. Increased death toll: IOM data shows a significant uptick in deaths on Mediterranean crossing routes this year. * From January 1 […]

  • NASCAR great Jimmie Johnson’s in-laws found shot to death in Oklahoma

    Three relatives of seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson were found shot to death in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The victims: The bodies of Jack Janway, 69; Terry Janway, 68; and Dalton Janway, 11, were discovered in a home in Muskogee. * The victims are the parents and nephew of Johnson’s wife, Chandra Janway. Investigation details: The police […]

  • What the Supreme Court’s rejection of a controversial theory means for elections

    The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected the “independent state legislature theory,” which upholds that state lawmakers have total control over how congressional elections are run, and ruled that this power can be checked by state courts and state constitutions. The implications: The decision brings a sense of stability to the 2024 elections. * Legal scholars […]

  • In Texas, a rare program offers hope for some of the most vulnerable women and babies

    Casa Mía, a program in Texas, supports pregnant women and new mothers struggling with addiction, offering a ray of hope amidst restrictive reproductive policies and rising substance abuse issues. About the program: Casa Mía, based in San Antonio, provides housing, addiction treatment, mental health care, and support for pregnant women and new mothers dealing with […]

  • Supreme Court ethics v. pride, prejudice and political movers and shakers

    The lack of a code of ethics for the Supreme Court has raised concerns amidst incidents of non-disclosure by Justices, while other Justices are making significant sums from book deals. Supreme Court Non-disclosures: Some Justices have faced accusations of non-disclosure of gifts and payments they’ve received. * Justice Samuel Alito failed to disclose his all-expenses-paid […]

  • The Bud Light boycott shows brands are at a crossroads: Use their voice, or shut up?

    Corporations that advocate for LGBTQ rights, including Disney, Bud Light, and Target, are facing backlash, which may potentially cause a reversal in how they support these causes. Bud Light and Target example: Recent backlash towards Bud Light’s LGBTQ supportive campaign and Target’s in-store Pride displays led to defensive measures by both companies. * Bud Light […]