Author: Gist It

  • This week is Trump’s arraignment — and birthday. Here’s how he has celebrated before

    This week, former president Donald Trump faces arraignment in federal court and celebrates his 77th birthday. Birthday history: Trump has celebrated past birthdays with extravagant events. * In 1988, Trump’s 42nd birthday at a casino included a laser show, a 15-foot spaceship, and Michael Jackson music. * His 1990 casino party featured birthday messages from […]

  • Silvio Berlusconi, Italy’s former prime minister, has died at the age of 86

    Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has died at the age of 86. Life and career: Berlusconi was known for his flamboyant lifestyle, media empire, and multiple terms as Italy’s prime minister, beginning in 1994. * Starting with a 1970s game show, his media empire grew to include television networks, newspapers, and a top soccer […]

  • UBS finishes takeover of Credit Suisse in deal meant to stem global financial turmoil

    UBS has completed its takeover of Credit Suisse, a deal aimed at maintaining Switzerland’s reputation as a global financial center and stemming market turmoil. Acquisition complete: UBS announced the completion of the acquisition, valued at 3 billion Swiss francs ($3.3 billion). * The deal comes nearly three months after the Swiss government orchestrated a rescue […]

  • 60 years ago, Medgar Evers became a martyr of the Civil Rights Movement

    Today marks the 60th anniversary of civil rights leader Medgar Evers’ assassination in Jackson, Mississippi. The assassination: On June 12, 1963, Evers was shot and killed by a Ku Klux Klan member outside his home. * Evers was only 37 years old at the time of his death. * His murder was not brought to […]

  • ‘Anti-dopamine parenting’ can curb a kid’s craving for screens or sweets

    “Anti-dopamine parenting” can help manage children’s cravings for screens or sweets by understanding the role of dopamine in the brain. The science: Both smartphones and sugar-laden foods trigger surges of dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter heavily involved in motivation. * Research shows that dopamine primarily generates desire, making people want things or continue doing […]

  • Nation’s first ‘drag laureate,’ kicks off Pride in San Francisco

    D’Arcy Drollinger has become San Francisco’s first drag laureate, kicking off Pride celebrations and raising awareness of LGBTQ issues. A groundbreaking role: The city’s LGBTQ task force proposed the creation of the drag laureate position three years ago, during the COVID-19 pandemic. * Drollinger’s 18-month term comes with a $55,000 stipend. * The aim of […]

  • The U.S. dollar conquered the world. Is it at risk of losing its top spot?

    The U.S. dollar, currently the world’s reserve currency, faces potential challenges to maintain its top position. Historical context: The dollar became the global reserve currency after the Bretton Woods International Monetary Conference in 1944. * At the conference, it replaced the British Pound Sterling, which had been the international currency for decades. Reasons for concern: […]

  • Thousands of Reddit communities ‘go dark’ in protest of new developer fees

    Thousands of Reddit communities have gone dark in a 48-hour protest against new fees imposed on third-party developers. What’s happening: Reddit is now charging developers for access to the site, leading to widespread protests by users and potential shutdowns of third-party apps like Apollo, Reddit is Fun, and ReddPlanet. * Over 6,000 subreddits are participating […]

  • The special ingredient for Mars travel meal prep? Astronaut breath

    A NASA-sponsored Deep Space Food Challenge finalist proposes using astronaut breath to create space yeast for meal prep. The science behind it: Stafford Sheehan’s process turns carbon dioxide into alcohol, which can then be converted into yeast. * The process mimics photosynthesis, using astronaut breath as a carbon dioxide source. * The resulting protein shake […]

  • LA’s top make-out spots hint at a city constantly evolving

    LA’s top make-out spots reflect the city’s evolution and deep connection with automobiles since the 1920s. Historical context: The creation of the automobile has transformed Los Angeles into a sprawling, car-centric metropolis, with make-out spots offering glimpses of its history. * Mulholland Drive, carved into the Hollywood Hills in the 1920s, ranks as Yelp’s top […]