Author: Gist It

  • Photos: ‘Whole town went and dissolved into ashes,’ Hawaii lieutenant governor says

    Wildfires in Hawaii, aided by dry conditions and high winds, have prompted mass evacuations and caused significant destruction, particularly in the historic town of Lahaina on Maui, leading to 53 confirmed fatalities and significant property damage. Driving the news: High winds, amplified by Hurricane Dora passing to the south, have created severe wildfires across Maui […]

  • The Perseid meteor shower peaks this weekend. Here’s how to watch

    The peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower is set to occur this weekend, favored by minimal moonlight and creating an ideal backdrop for the event. The spectacle: This year’s Perseid meteor shower is expected to be particularly impressive. * The moon’s waning crescent phase and late rise make for a dark sky conducive to […]

  • Why the sell-off in bond markets could impact you

    The ongoing sell-off in bond markets impacts both consumers and businesses economically, with higher borrowing costs, more expensive government borrowing, and financial difficulties for banks. Market Status: After the Federal Reserve increased interest rates due to high inflation, U.S. Treasuries and other investments were negatively affected. * The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index depreciated […]

  • Ford is losing a lot of money in electric cars — but CEO Jim Farley is charging ahead

    Ford’s electric vehicle (EV) strategy faces challenges as they delay sales targets and navigate infrastructure issues, but CEO Jim Farley remains committed to the electrification process. Driving the news: Despite setbacks and financial losses, Ford aims to be a major player in the EV market. * Ford’s original plan to sell 600,000 EVs this year […]

  • Scorched by Maui wildfire, historic Lahaina banyan tree appears still standing

    The iconic banyan tree that has stood for 150 years in the center of Lahaina on the island of Maui appears to be still standing, albeit badly charred, after a wildfire that has killed at least 36 people and destroyed large parts of the historic town. History of the tree: The gigantic banyan tree was […]

  • San Francisco has lots of self-driving cars. They’re driving first responders nuts

    San Francisco’s first responders are experiencing increasing incidents with self-driving cars impeding their operations. California’s transportation regulator will decide on whether to allow more autonomous vehicles on the road this week. The Current Conflict: San Francisco’s police and fire departments have reported 55 incidents in the past six months where self-driving cars have interfered with […]

  • Emmy Awards rescheduled to Jan. 15 due to Hollywood strikes

    The Emmy Awards have been rescheduled to January 15 due to ongoing Hollywood strikes. Details of the rescheduling: The Emmy Awards were originally set to air in September but are now rescheduled for January 15 due to Hollywood strikes. * The Creative Arts Emmys, which honor technical achievements and animation, reality and documentary work, will […]

  • Special counsel proposes a trial date for Trump Jan. 6 case

    Prosecutors are proposing January 2, 2024, as the trial date for former President Donald Trump’s charges related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Proposed plan: Special Counsel Jack Smith and his team predict the trial could last four to six weeks. * The prosecutors emphasised the importance of a speedy trial in the public’s […]

  • After singer David Daniels’ guilty plea, the victim speaks out

    Opera singer David Daniels and his husband, Scott Walters, have pled guilty to charges of sexual assault against fellow singer Samuel Schultz, avoiding severe penalties through a plea deal. The backstory: Samuel Schultz accused Daniels and Walters of drugging and raping him in 2010 while he was a graduate student. * The couple had consistently […]

  • 3 people were killed fighting a California wildfire after two helicopters collided

    Three individuals were killed in a helicopter collision while combating a wildfire in California. Incident details: On Sunday afternoon, a Bell 407 helicopter and a Sikorsky S-64E helicopter, dispatched by Cal Fire, collided while fighting a wildfire in Cabazon, California. * The two individuals aboard the Sikorsky were unharmed and managed a safe landing, while […]