Author: Gist It
-
The judge assigned to oversee Trump’s criminal case was appointed by Trump himself
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, appointed by Trump in 2020, has been assigned to oversee the former president’s criminal case. Case background: The case stems from Donald Trump’s indictment, and Judge Cannon has previously ruled in favor of Trump’s request to appoint a special master to review documents seized by the FBI from Mar-a-Lago. * […]
-
James Watt, sharp-tongued interior secretary under Reagan, dies at 85
James Watt, the controversial pro-development interior secretary under President Ronald Reagan, has died aged 85. Legacy: Watt was known for his aggressive approach in granting oil, gas, and coal leases on public land, as well as increasing offshore drilling and limiting the expansion of national parks and monuments. * He tripled the amount of onshore […]
-
Here’s how NPR reporters around the world are dealing with air pollution
NPR reporters and freelance journalists share their experiences with air pollution in cities like Beijing, Seoul, New Delhi, Mexico City, and Johannesburg. Beijing and Seoul: Beijing has improved its air quality over the years by moving factories out of the city and replacing coal stoves with electric heat. * However, dust storms still cause occasional […]
-
Here’s one route where immigration has slowed since Biden’s new U.S. border rules
The flow of migrants crossing the Darien Jungle has slowed since the Biden administration introduced new border rules. New U.S. border rules: Last month, new rules for entering the U.S. were introduced, which could result in criminal prosecution and a five-year ban for those caught without a visa. * Asylum seekers must also prove they […]
-
Blankets of orange haze may be unwelcomed guests at weddings this weekend in the U.S.
Potential poisonous orange haze in the US is affecting wedding plans this weekend. An unexpected challenge: Christina Lamoureux, a bride in Washington, D.C., planned her wedding for potential rain, thunderstorms, heat, and proximity to the White House, but never expected air quality to be a concern. * Lamoureux is now worried about the thick orange […]
-
‘All the Sinners Bleed’ elegantly walks a fine line between horror and crime fiction
S.A. Cosby’s ‘All the Sinners Bleed’ is a dark and intricate crime novel with religious undertones that explores timely issues without sounding preachy. The setting: The story takes place in Charon County, Virginia, where Titus Crown, the first Black Sheriff, investigates a horrific murder case leading to a series of crimes involving children of color. […]
-
Relationships are the true heart of 1940s dystopian novel ‘Kallocain’
Kallocain, a lesser-known 1940s dystopian novel by Swedish poet Karin Boye, focuses on relationships and how they shape us. Background: Published in 1940, Kallocain was influenced by the rise of the Nazi party and the Soviet Union, as well as Sweden’s neutrality during World War II. * The novel tells the story of Leo Kall, […]
-
A former North Korean operative gives his first interview since defecting in 2014
Former North Korean operative Kim Hyun-woo, who defected in 2014, shared his insights on the regime, succession scenarios, and diplomacy with the US in his first-ever interview since defecting. Background: Kim worked for North Korea’s top intelligence agency, the Ministry of State Security, for 17 years before defecting to South Korea. * He served in […]
-
Kevin McCarthy survived his first political battle. This is how his hometown reacted
Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy is facing potential backlash from the far-right Freedom Caucus but receives support from constituents in his Bakersfield district. The big picture: McCarthy was able to orchestrate a deal to raise the federal spending limit and avoid a debt default, which some constituents see as a strength. * This move […]
-
An eating disorders chatbot offered dieting advice, raising fears about AI in health
An eating disorders chatbot named Tessa has raised concerns about AI in health after providing harmful dieting advice. What happened: The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) promoted Tessa as a prevention resource for those struggling with eating disorders, but it ended up giving diet tips similar to those in commercial weight loss programs. * San […]