Author: Gist It

  • Facebook, Instagram to block news stories in California if bill passes

    Facebook and Instagram threaten to block news articles in California if lawmakers pass the California Journalism Preservation Act. The big picture: The proposed legislation aims to redistribute ad revenue from tech platforms to media organizations by taxing ad profits from news article distribution. * Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks sponsors the bill, arguing it could be a […]

  • Mike Pence expected to announce 2024 run for president

    Former Vice President Mike Pence is expected to announce his 2024 presidential campaign on June 7. Signs of a potential run: Pence has made stops in early voting states, announced a Super PAC supporting his bid, and joins at least nine other Republicans vying for the GOP nomination. * Pence recently stated that he and […]

  • Actor Danny Masterson is found guilty of 2 out of 3 counts of rape in retrial

    Actor Danny Masterson has been found guilty of two out of three counts of rape in a retrial in Los Angeles. The Verdict: The jury found Masterson guilty after seven days of deliberations, but could not reach a verdict on the third count. * Masterson was led from the courtroom in handcuffs and faces up […]

  • What to know about the Mountain Valley Pipeline in the debt ceiling deal

    The controversial Mountain Valley Pipeline project gains momentum due to a debt ceiling deal pushing approvals. The specifics: The 303-mile natural gas pipeline from West Virginia to North Carolina faces opposition from climate groups, conservation groups, and local residents. * The Fiscal Responsibility Act orders expedited approvals of all permits required for the project completion. […]

  • National Eating Disorders Association phases out human helpline, pivots to chatbot

    The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is phasing out its human-operated helpline and transitioning to a chatbot called Tessa. Driving the news: NEDA’s decision sparked concerns among volunteers who believe that the loss of personal connection could isolate those seeking help. * The shift to chatbot is part of a broader trend of mental health […]

  • 400 chunks of concrete may explain what caused a deadly building collapse in Florida

    The collapse of Champlain Towers South in Florida is being investigated, with 400 chunks of concrete playing a crucial role. Background: Ninety-eight people died on June 24, 2021, when part of the 12-story building unexpectedly collapsed. * The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) began its investigation shortly after the incident. In progress: NIST […]

  • Brazil’s Indigenous people protest as lawmakers vote to limit their land rights

    Brazilian lawmakers approved a proposal that would limit Indigenous land rights and environmental protections. Background: The law is expected to pass the Senate, limiting the creation of new Indigenous reserves to lands occupied by native people by 1988. * This date coincides with Brazil’s most recent constitution. Protests: Indigenous leaders blocked a major highway in […]

  • FRONTLINE traces the ‘ambition and revenge’ driving SCOTUS Justice Clarence Thomas

    A new PBS FRONTLINE documentary follows the path to power of SCOTUS Justice Clarence Thomas and his wife Ginni amid controversy surrounding their financial ties to a conservative billionaire. In the spotlight: Filmmaker Michael Kirk examines the couple’s ambition and drive for revenge in a new PBS documentary. * The film traces the journey of […]

  • Tara Reade, who accused Biden of sexual assault, will apply for Russian citizenship

    Tara Reade, who accused Joe Biden of sexual assault, has announced her intentions to apply for Russian citizenship. Driving the news: Reade was featured in an event hosted by Russian state news outlet Sputnik on Tuesday, where she mentioned her decision after receiving threats in the United States. * She expressed feeling happy and safe […]

  • Chris Christie will seek to be alternative to Trump in expected presidential campaign

    Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is expected to announce his 2024 presidential run as an alternative to Trump at a town hall event in Manchester, New Hampshire. To recap: Christie previously ran for president in 2016 but dropped out after a disappointing sixth-place finish in New Hampshire. * He was once a longtime friend […]