More from Zachary Hill
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How the media is covering Obama’s first speech since the election
Former President Barack Obama spoke for the first time since the November election on Thursday, Dec. 5. His speech, delivered at his foundation’s “Democracy Forum” in Chicago, garnered a wide range of interpretations from the media, reflecting each outlet’s political leanings. Left-leaning media Left-leaning outlets, such as Politico and The New York Times, focused on… -
NBA to return to China after yearslong rift
The NBA announced it will return to China for the first time in more than five years. The decision comes years after the league and Beijing had a falling out over an executive’s tweet. The league announced Friday, Dec. 6, that two preseason games between the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns will take place… -
FEC filings reveal Dem finances following most expensive election in US history
One month after the election, new financial details have emerged regarding the Democratic and Republican National Committees and the parties’ top supporting PACs. Political candidates rely on several funding sources, including official party committees, campaigns and super PACs. A significant amount of attention has focused on the Harris campaign, which reportedly raised more than $1.4… -
Disney’s live-action ‘Snow White’ trailer debuts after years of public critique
Disney released the trailer for its live-action remake of “Snow White” earlier this week. For years, the movie’s development has drawn criticism and continues to spark debates just months before its release. The film, a reimagining of the 1937 animated classic, dropped its first trailer on Tuesday, Dec. 3. The trailer’s release has reignited long-standing… -
Texas lawmakers move to ban sale of all THC products in 2025
Texas is taking the first step toward banning all THC products, with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, R, stating the state Senate will push for a ban on all forms of consumable THC in the upcoming legislative session. The move follows concerns from conservative state lawmakers over the influx of unregulated products in the market. Since… -
EVs, hybrids see reliability improvements but trail behind gas models
Electric vehicles (EVs) are making progress in reliability, according to the latest findings from Consumer Reports. However, they still face significant challenges compared to traditional gas-powered cars. The publication’s most recent automotive report card revealed EVs had 40% more reliability issues than gas-powered vehicles, narrowing the gap from last year’s 79% disparity. Plug-in hybrids also… -
Top Russian, US generals discuss Mediterranean drills in rare call
Russia’s top military officer called his U.S. counterpart last week to warn of live-fire missile tests in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The advance notice was given to U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown amid heightened tensions between the United States and Russia. Russia’s Defense Ministry stated that the call aimed to prevent incidents in… -
Dr. Fauci, Schiff, Cheney: Biden weighs preemptive pardons ahead of Trump term
The Biden administration is considering issuing preemptive pardons for several public officials, according to sources close to the discussions who spoke with Politico. These pardons could be granted to individuals who senior aides believe may be targeted by President-elect Donald Trump. The potential pardons could include high-profile figures who have been outspoken against Trump, such… -
‘Wicked’ faces ban, fresh lawsuit amid box office success
The “Wicked” movie continues to make headlines after its November release. However, the attention is not for the reasons fans expected. Straight Arrow News recently reported that toy company Mattel is facing a class action lawsuit, following a packaging error on its “Wicked” dolls. The dolls’ boxes included a URL that led consumers to an… -
Trump announces crypto-friendly Paul Atkins to head the SEC
President-elect Donald Trump picked a cryptocurrency-friendly face to chair the Securities and Exchange Commission. The move to nominate former SEC commissioner Paul Atkins would fulfill a campaign promise made to the crypto community. Atkins served as SEC commissioner under President George W. Bush. In the early 1990s, he was on the staff of two former… -
Solar panels costing California residents, why energy bills increased in 2024
California’s solar panels are driving up electricity bills for residents while making power cheaper for customers in other states. The Golden State is producing more solar power than it can use, leading to significant energy waste and financial losses. Over the past 12 months, California curtailed more than 3 million megawatt-hours of solar energy, enough… -
Donors beware, the season of giving often leads to scams
Six former Apple employees are now facing felony charges in California. They are accused of scamming the tech giant out of charitable matching donations and then keeping the money. One of the suspects is an executive at a nonprofit organization that supports children and teenagers living in poverty called Hop4Kids. The prosecutor in Santa Clara… -
Judge dismisses Hunter Biden’s gun case amid opposition from prosecutors
U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika has closed the gun case against Hunter Biden a week before his scheduled sentencing. The dismissal comes after a sweeping pardon granted by his father, President Joe Biden. Following the decision Sunday, Dec. 1, Hunter Biden’s legal team submitted a motion to dismiss all charges with prejudice citing the “Full…