Author: Gist It

  • Why prosecutors want a protective order in the criminal case against Trump

    Federal prosecutors have sought a protective order in the criminal case against former President Donald Trump, who is charged with four counts related to alleged attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Defining the Issue: The Justice Department has requested a protective order, which would prohibit Trump and his lawyers from misusing […]

  • The mysterious story of Connie Converse, the singer-songwriter who vanished

    Singer-songwriter Connie Converse, a precursor to Bob Dylan who disappeared in 1974, is having her music released posthumously. Backstory: In the 1950s, Converse performed music in New York City which largely went unnoticed. * By 1961, disappointed by the music industry, she moved from New York to start a new life in Ann Arbor, Michigan. […]

  • Where did 20,000 Jews hide from the Holocaust? In Shanghai

    Around 20,000 Jewish refugees sought asylum in Shanghai during the Holocaust due to its open city policy. Historical backdrop: In the late 1930s, refugees could migrate to Shanghai without obtaining a visa. * The city was known for being open to immigrants, with a significant part controlled by foreign powers such as France, Britain, and […]

  • What the U.S. could learn from Japan about making healthy living easier

    Despite its variety and availability of food, Japan’s obesity rate is 4.5%, significantly lower than the U.S’s 43%, revealing cultural differences that suggest ways to make healthy living easier. The food factor: Japanese food, while diverse and easy to access, typically has high freshness quality. * Soba noodles are made to order, and mouthwatering sushi […]

  • A train derailment has killed at least 15 and injured 50 in southern Pakistan

    At least 15 passengers were killed and 50 more injured when a train derailed near the Pakistani town of Nawabshah in the southern Sindh province. Accident details: The train derailment occurred on Sunday, with 10 cars of the Hazara Express veering off the tracks near the Sarhari railway station. * The Hazara Express was transitioning […]

  • Knocked out. Sweden bounces top-ranked U.S. out of the Women’s World Cup in penalties

    The U.S. Women’s National Team suffered a narrow loss in a penalty shootout against Sweden, leading to their earliest ever departure from the Women’s World Cup. The backdrop: The closely contended match ended in a penalty shootout after neither team scored during the 90-minute regulation time and half-hour of extra time. * The U.S. and […]

  • Some states are trying to boost youth voter registration. Here’s what they’re doing

    States across the U.S. are implementing policies to boost youth voter registration, but young voters still face numerous challenges in navigating the voting process. Policy measures: In efforts to enhance youth voter engagement, some states have made strides toward lowering barriers for new voters. * Minnesota’s Democratic governor, Tim Walz, signed a law making it […]

  • Philippines claims Chinese coast guard used water cannon on a boat in disputed sea

    The Philippine military has condemned the use of a water cannon by a Chinese coast guard ship to block a Filipino supply boat from delivering new troops and supplies in the disputed South China Sea. Driving the news: During the blockage incident on Saturday, a Chinese coast guard ship approached a Philippine navy boat that […]

  • GOP hopeful Asa Hutchinson is optimistic that Trump’s grip on party will loosen

    Former Arkansas Governor and GOP primary candidate Asa Hutchinson expresses his optimism that former President Trump’s influence over the Republican party will decrease. Political Context: Despite his recent indictment related to the 2020 election results, Donald Trump remains the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. * Hutchinson, a critic of Trump, has been struggling […]

  • Trump lawyers ask for extension in responding to DOJ’s protective order

    Lawyers for former President Donald Trump have sought additional time to respond to the Justice Department’s motion for a protective order in his ongoing criminal case regarding the 2020 Presidential election. On the court: On August 5, Trump’s legal team requested a three-day extension to respond to the Justice Department’s motion for a protective order, […]