Author: Gist It
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An alleged Russian spy whale is in Sweden — and danger. Here’s why his tale matters
Hvaldimir, a beluga whale believed to be a former Russian spy, has surfaced in Sweden, raising concerns for his safety and well-being. Background: The whale, named Hvaldimir, was first spotted by fishermen in 2019 off the coast of Norway wearing a harness labeled “Equipment St. Petersburg,” leading to suspicions of its military training. * Hvaldimir […]
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Is the debt deal changing student loan repayment? Here’s what you need to know
The debt deal may end the pause on federal student loan repayments and change the landscape for millions of borrowers. What’s in the deal: The House of Representatives is set to vote on a bipartisan compromise that would restart student loan payments, effective 60 days after June 30. * This means federal student loan borrowers […]
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House to vote on McCarthy-Biden compromise debt deal, a key test for speaker
The House is set to vote on a compromise bill to lift the debt ceiling, following weeks of negotiations between the White House and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Driving the news: The bipartisan deal would suspend the debt limit for nearly two years and include spending caps and policy changes, such as adjustments to work […]
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CBO says debt ceiling deal would cut deficits by $1.5 trillion over the next decade
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the debt ceiling deal would cut deficits by $1.5 trillion over the next decade. Cutting the deficit: The CBO’s projection states that most deficit reduction would come from caps on discretionary spending other than defense. * This would save an estimated $1.3 trillion over the next decade, along […]
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Debt limit deal claws back unspent COVID relief money
Around $27 billion in unspent COVID relief money will be clawed back as part of a debt limit deal between Republican and White House negotiators. The deal: The unspent funds, which were intended for federal agencies to combat the pandemic, will now be redistributed by Congress during this year’s budget process to other parts of […]
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Alabama’s law limiting transgender athletes in sports now includes college students
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed a bill into law Tuesday that extends the limitation of transgender athletes in sports to include college students. Key details: The law prohibits public higher education institutions from allowing transgender individuals to participate in sports that do not correspond with their assigned gender at birth. * This applies to both […]
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‘Like milk’: How one magazine became a mainstay of New Jersey’s Chinese community
Sino Monthly, a New Jersey-based Chinese-language magazine, has become a staple for the state’s Chinese community since its founding in 1991. A local favorite: Sino Monthly, founded by Ivy Lee and her husband, has maintained its independence while offering news, politics, economy, and cultural coverage for the Chinese community in New Jersey. * The magazine […]
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HBO estimates 2.9 million watched ‘Succession’ finale on Sunday night
HBO estimates that 2.9 million viewers watched ‘Succession’ finale on Sunday night, a series record that is expected to increase with delayed viewing. By the numbers: The finale surpassed the previous record of 2.75 million for a first-night episode that aired on April 30 during the show’s fourth and final season. * Episodes this season […]
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SpaceX mission returns from space station with ex-NASA astronaut, 3 paying customers
A SpaceX capsule with four astronauts, including an ex-NASA astronaut and three paying customers, returned from the International Space Station, splashing down in the Gulf of Mexico. The mission: The nine-day mission launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and docked at the International Space Station. * The crew conducted medical research, public outreach, […]
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Former first lady Rosalynn Carter has dementia, her family says
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter has been diagnosed with dementia, according to her family. Background: Rosalynn Carter, 95, has been a longtime advocate for mental health care throughout her life. * She and former President Jimmy Carter, who is now in hospice care, established The Carter Center in Atlanta in 1982. * Rosalynn’s work in […]