Author: Gist It
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Japan expands the definition of rape and raises the age of consent to 16 from 13
Japan’s parliament has passed legislation redefining rape and raising the age of consent from 13 to 16. Driving the news: The changes come after four years of protests called the Flower Demo, focused on sexual violence and acquittals in rape cases. * Rape is now defined as nonconsensual sexual intercourse, removing the provisions regarding use […]
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These kids revamped their schoolyard. It could be a model to make cities healthier
A schoolyard revamp led by students in Philadelphia could serve as a model for creating healthier cities by providing much-needed green spaces. Problem background: Low-income communities and communities of color in America have far less access to green spaces, contributing to health disparities. * Access to parks and green spaces has various physical and mental […]
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Americans celebrate dads this weekend. Three tell us about being a father in 2023
Father’s Day celebrations this year highlight diverse stories of American fathers sharing their unique experiences and the evolving meaning of fatherhood. Duane Jolly: A retired Army sergeant major discusses parenting between deployments, emotions when missing milestones, and adjusting to life back at home. * Jolly believes that both service personnel and their families make significant […]
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How Indigenous kids survived 40 days in Colombia’s jungle after a plane crash
Four Indigenous children survived 40 days in Colombia’s Amazon jungle after a plane crash, being located through a combination of modern technology and Indigenous knowledge. The situation: The children, ranging from ages 11 months to 13 years, survived a deadly plane crash in May that killed their mother. * They managed to sustain themselves by […]
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At least 25 have been killed in a suspected rebel attack on a Ugandan school
At least 25 people were killed in a suspected rebel attack on a Ugandan school near the Congo border. Attack details: The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) allegedly attacked Lhubiriha Secondary School in Mpondwe on Friday night. * The school is located in the Kasese district, about 1.2 miles from the Congo border. * A dormitory […]
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Gas stoves pollute homes with benzene, which is linked to cancer
Gas stoves emit benzene, a pollutant linked to cancer, according to a recent study by researchers at Stanford University. The issue: The research documented higher levels of benzene in homes from gas stoves, reaching levels higher than those found in secondhand tobacco smoke. * Benzene emissions were detected and repeatable in both natural gas and […]
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He interviewed his daughter on her birthday for 17 years. This is what he learnt
Documentary filmmaker Jay Rosenblatt interviewed his daughter Ella on her birthday for 17 years, offering a unique insight into their relationship and modern childhood. About the film: Rosenblatt’s documentary, “How Do You Measure A Year,” captures Ella’s growth from age two to 18 years old. * The film was nominated for a 2023 Academy Award. […]
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Are masks for the birds? We field reader queries about this new stage of the pandemic
This new stage of the pandemic has led to questions about prevention measures, such as mask usage and COVID tests. Preparing at home: COVID experts suggest having one rapid test per person in a household, depending on individual circumstances and risk factors. * It is important to find a strategy that puts one’s mind at […]
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History-making whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg has died at 92
Daniel Ellsberg, the whistleblower behind the Pentagon Papers leak, has died at the age of 92. Significant impact: Ellsberg’s disclosure of the Pentagon Papers in 1971 contributed to ending the Vietnam War, prompted a landmark Supreme Court decision on freedom of the press, and led to a response from President Nixon that resulted in the […]
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The U.S. must set up regular engagement with China, Rep. Andy Kim says
Rep. Andy Kim advocates for regular engagement between the U.S. and China ahead of Secretary of State Blinken’s visit to China. What they said: Rep. Kim, a member of the House China committee, discusses the importance of maintaining communication with Beijing in a recent NPR interview. * He emphasizes the need for consistent dialogue to […]