Author: Gist It

  • More than 5,000 have been found dead after Libya floods

    Libyan floods leave over 5,100 dead, inflict massive damage to Derna city, and illustrate the struggles faced by a country mired in infrastructure neglect and conflict. Overview: The Mediterranean coastal city of Derna and surrounding towns in Libya have experienced devastating floods and storms, leading to at least 5,100 recorded fatalities. * 25% of Derna […]

  • The latest COVID boosters are in for the fall. Here’s what that means for you

    The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated COVID-19 boosters for everyone 6 months and older, adding another tool to navigate the ongoing pandemic. Context: President Biden, whose wife recently tested positive for COVID-19, prompted clarification about his own situation from White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. * Jean-Pierre stated that President Biden had […]

  • A popular nasal decongestant doesn’t actually relieve congestion, FDA advisers say

    FDA advisers have unanimously voted against the effectiveness of phenylephrine, a key ingredient in popular over-the-counter decongestants like Sudafed and Dayquil, concluding that it offers no improvement in congestion over a placebo. Key findings: FDA advisers have cast a unanimous vote against phenylephrine, concluding it’s ineffective. * Dr. Mark Dykewicz, an allergy specialist at Saint […]

  • Jets fans think they are cursed. It’s starting to feel like they’re right

    Jets fans are lamenting the team’s perceived “curse” after a new injury in Monday’s game leaving starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers likely out for the season. Driving the news: During Monday’s game, quarterback Aaron Rodgers injured his Achilles tendon, most probably sidelining him for the season after just four plays into his debut with the New […]

  • American researcher stuck deep in a Turkish cave is rescued after falling ill

    An American researcher, Mark Dickey, who fell ill deep inside a cave in Turkey has been successfully rescued. Background: Mark Dickey, an experienced caver and researcher, fell seriously ill over a week ago while exploring and mapping the Morca cave in Turkey’s Taurus Mountains, which is the country’s third deepest. * Dickey, unable to climb […]

  • How to see a newly-discovered green comet this week, before it vanishes for 400 years

    Comet Nishimura, a newly discovered green comet, is visibly passing by Earth this week before disappearing from sight for approximately the next 400 years. Discovery Background: Amateur Japanese astronomer Hideo Nishimura, after whom the comet is named, discovered Comet Nishimura on August 11 by taking long exposure shots with a Canon digital camera and a […]

  • Up First briefing: Morocco earthquake; new COVID boosters; a primer on prenups

    Today’s top stories include a deadly earthquake in Morocco, the approval of updated COVID-19 boosters, and insights on prenuptial agreements. Morocco Earthquake: Friday’s 6.8 magnitude earthquake near Marrakech has resulted in over 2,000 deaths, damaging homes and historic sites. * Emergency services have experienced complications due to blocked roads and damaging aftershocks. * Residents fear […]

  • The search for a church that isn’t a church

    Perry Bacon, who grew up in a highly religious household, shares his journey away from traditional church settings in favor of finding a community that aligns with his evolving values. Background: Perry Bacon, like many “nones,” no longer feels a connection with traditional religious institutions and is seeking a new spiritual community. * Bacon and […]

  • Michigan State suspends coach Mel Tucker after sexual harassment allegations

    Michigan State has suspended football coach Mel Tucker without pay following allegations of sexual harassment that were publicized in a USA Today report. Allegations and Response: Activist and rape survivor Brenda Tracy accused Tucker of sexual harassment during a phone call last year. * The University President, Teresa K. Woodruff, and athletic director Alan Haller, […]

  • Arab American stories interconnect in the new collection, “Dearborn”

    Author Ghassan Zeineddine’s debut collection of short stories, “Dearborn,” explores interconnected Arab American experiences in the titular city. The setting: Dearborn, near Detroit, Michigan, has a substantial Arab American population, reflected in businesses like Yemeni cafes and Lebanese boutiques. * Zeineddine, a Lebanese-American and former Dearborn resident, draws on the diverse cultural landscape of the […]