Author: Gist It

  • U.S. fighter jets strike Iran-linked sites in Syria after attacks on U.S. troops

    U.S. fighter jets have conducted airstrikes Friday on two Iran-linked locations in Syria in response to recent attacks on U.S. bases and personnel in the Middle East. Military response: U.S. fighter jets launched airstrikes on two positions in eastern Syria associated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps. * The U.S. claims the strikes were in retaliation […]

  • Up First newsletter: Maine shooter at large; support for humanitarian pause in Gaza

    Shootings in Maine and escalating conflict in Gaza are weeks’ top news, along with severe weather in Mexico and political developments in the US. The manhunt in Maine: Police are searching for Robert Card, the suspect in two mass shootings in Lewiston, Maine that killed at least 18 and injured 13. * Democratic Congressman Jared […]

  • Americans in Gaza feel abandoned by their government

    An estimated 600 U.S. citizens are among the many trapped in Gaza amidst the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and they report feeling abandoned by their government. Living Conditions: Massachusetts residents Wafaa Abuzayda and Abood Okal, along with their one-year-old baby and others, are caught in the crossfire. * The family is running out of […]

  • Iran’s foreign minister: Armed groups are poised with ‘their finger on the trigger’

    Iran’s foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated that Iran-aligned militias are prepared to escalate the conflict if Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank persist. Situation Overview: Iran warns of escalation in conflict if Israeli actions continue. * In an interview with Morning Edition’s Steve Inskeep, Amir-Abdollahian hinted at plans by “leaders of the resistance” […]

  • Who is Mike Johnson? An ardent conservative who embraces far-right policies

    Louisiana Rep. Mike Johnson, a conservative who opposes abortion rights and same-sex marriages, has been elected House Speaker, becoming the first speaker from Louisiana and achieving two top leadership positions in the House for Louisianans. Political milestones: Johnson’s election is celebrated by Louisiana’s GOP and marks historical gains in leadership for the state. * He […]

  • U.S. Postal Service touts crackdown on postal crime with hundreds of arrests

    Since May, over 600 arrests have been made in a crackdown by U.S. Postal Service officials on increasing postal crime, including theft and postal carrier robberies. The challenge: Rising crime rates involve both stealing mail and targeting carriers’ “arrow keys” for access to mailboxes. * Last year, nearly 500 postal workers were robbed. Criminals are […]

  • Up First briefing: Concerns over Israel’s war strategy; long COVID origins

    This briefing covers concerns over Israel’s war strategy, the potential origins of long COVID, and the nomination of a new House Speaker following weeks of chaos in the House. Conflict update: Israel has intensified bombing of Gaza for over two weeks following Hamas attacks, with over 1,400 people killed and more than 6,000 casualties reported. […]

  • Quakes killed thousands in Afghanistan. Critics say Taliban relief efforts fall short

    Devastating earthquakes in Afghanistan led to thousands of deaths and homelessness, with recovery hindered by a lack of preparedness and international support. Crisis response: The recovery has been criticized for being ill-equipped and slowed by the Taliban’s isolation from international support and decision to ban women staffers from aid organizations. * Aid workers have been […]

  • A new RSV shot could help protect babies this winter — if they can get it in time

    The newly approved RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) therapy, Nirsevimab, is facing a shortage and high costs, leading to frustration among parents, particularly for infants whose pediatricians have recommended it. The dilemma: Emily Bendt, a new mother and pediatric home health nurse, struggled to find Nirsevimab for her two-week-old baby, despite it beginning to ship in […]

  • Senate votes 98-0 to confirm Biden’s nominee to run the FAA

    The Senate voted unanimously to confirm Michael Whitaker, President Biden’s nominee to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Confirmation: The Senate’s decision on Tuesday ends a period of about 19 months without a Senate-confirmed FAA chief. * Whitaker, a former deputy FAA administrator and most recently the COO of a Hyundai affiliate involved in […]