Author: Gist It

  • Netflix’s pop-up eatery serves up an alternate reality as Hollywood grinds to a halt

    Amidst an ongoing Hollywood labor dispute, Netflix’s pop-up eatery dubbed “Netflix Bites” offers patrons a taste of its unscripted cooking shows, causing fans and strikers to question the timing and purpose of the promotion. The Experience: Patrons of the Netflix Bites pop-up get to sample dishes crafted by chefs featured on Netflix culinary shows. * […]

  • China has replaced its foreign minister, absent from public for a month

    China has replaced its foreign minister, Qin Gang, after he went unseen in public for a month, bringing back predecessor Wang Yi to the position. Key points: Chinese authorities have provided no substantial explanation for the absence of Qin, who served as the foreign minister since December after spending less than two years as ambassador […]

  • Obamas’ personal chef dies while paddleboarding in Martha’s Vineyard

    Tafari Campbell, the personal chef to former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, tragically drowned while paddleboarding in Martha’s Vineyard. Event Details: Campbell, 45, was found in Edgartown Great Pond near the Obamas’ home after a two-day search. * Campbell was seen by a fellow paddleboarder struggling on the surface of the water before […]

  • Up First briefing: Climate worsens heat waves; Israel protests; Emmett Till monument

    Today’s top stories involve climate change exacerbating heat waves, protests in Israel over new judiciary laws, and US monument designation for Emmett Till sites. Climate impact: A new study reveals that not only is climate change making heat waves more common, but also hotter. * The effects of greenhouse gases on global temperatures are well-known, […]

  • Kurtis Blow breaks hip-hop nationally with his 1980 debut

    Kurtis Blow’s 1980 debut album fundamentally shaped hip-hop, making history as one of rap’s first nationwide hits. Before the game-changer: Hip-hop began at Bronx block parties 50 years ago, developed at park jams and parties, and took nearly a decade to enter recording studios. * Prior to Blow’s 1980 album, hip-hop was mainly an in-the-moment […]

  • When illness or death leave craft projects unfinished, these strangers step in to help

    Loose Ends, a program started by Masey Kaplan and Jen Simonic, connects volunteers with unfinished craft projects left when a person dies or becomes disabled. Origins of Loose Ends: Kaplan and Simonic were inspired to found the program after completing several projects for friends who had lost relatives. * They launched the program in August […]

  • Congregations leave United Methodist Church over defiance of LGBTQ bans

    Many United Methodist congregations are leaving the Church over issues related to the defiance of LGBTQ bans. Defining the issue: The United Methodist Church, facing tensions over views on homosexuality, marriage and sexual ethics, is witnessing a departure of a large number of congregations. * Some church leaders in the U.S. are openly defying the […]

  • Wildfires across Algeria have killed at least 2 dozen people

    Wildfires in Algeria have resulted in 25 deaths, including 10 soldiers, with the fires fanned by high winds and hot summer temperatures. Devastating Details: The Algerian government announced casualties and efforts to contain the raging wildfires. * The fires have been ongoing for several days, resulting in 25 deaths, including 15 civilians and 10 soldiers, […]

  • An American becomes the youngest to debut in the Women’s World Cup — for South Korea

    An American 16-year-old girl named Casey Phair has become the youngest player to ever compete in the Women’s World Cup, representing South Korea. Breaking records: On Tuesday, during South Korea’s opening match against Colombia, Casey Phair made her debut, becoming the youngest player ever in the Women’s World Cup. * Now 16 years and 26 […]

  • The IRS will stop making most unannounced visits to taxpayers’ homes and businesses

    The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will largely reduce the unannounced visits it makes to homes and businesses due to safety concerns for officers and the risk of scammers posing as agency employees. Leading Policy Change: Effective immediately, IRS officers will only make these visits in very specific situations such as seizing assets or executing summonses […]