More from Zachary Hill
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Russia fines Google impossible sum for blocking YouTube channels
A Russian court has fined Google an unprecedented $20 decillion after the tech giant blocked Kremlin-linked channels on YouTube. The fine, which doubles every week Google refuses to pay, reflects the widening rift between Russia and global tech companies over sanctions and content controls. The court’s ruling stems from lawsuits filed in 2020 by Russian… -
US renewable energy subsidies benefit a Chinese solar company in Ohio
A newly opened solar panel manufacturing plant in Pataskala, Ohio, is generating hundreds of new jobs. However, its partial Chinese ownership has led to concerns about the U.S. government subsidies supporting it. The factory, operated under a joint venture called Illuminate USA, promises to produce more than 9.2 million solar panels annually. That would make… -
As Washington Post loses subscribers, Bezos parties with Katy Perry
As the Washington Post faces a subscriber exodus after its controversial decision to stay neutral in the 2024 presidential election, owner Jeff Bezos was celebrating in Europe, sparking frustration among staff and observers. The policy shift, which more than 250,000 subscribers protested by canceling their accounts, came after Bezos blocked an endorsement of Vice President… -
New York City judge rules shutdown of illegal cannabis shops unconstitutional
A New York City judge ruled Tuesday, Oct. 19, that the process used by the state of New York and New York City to shut down illegal cannabis shops is unconstitutional. Under the program “Operation Padlock to Protect,” more than 1,200 cannabis shops were inspected and shut down across New York. New York City Mayor… -
Nerds Gummy Clusters rack up $500M in 2024 before Halloween
Straight Arrow News reported earlier this week that M&M’s have been named the most popular candy for this year’s Halloween, according to Candystore.com. But Nerds, a brand more synonymous with 1984 than 2024, is making a case for itself with its newest creation, Nerds Gummy Clusters, taking over the confectionery world. The clusters, consisting of… -
Ex-Google CEO wants AI drones in modern warfare, calls tanks ‘useless’
Google’s former CEO, Eric Schmidt, has called on the U.S. military to replace its tanks with AI-powered drones, arguing these autonomous technologies offer significant cost and strategic advantages over traditional armored vehicles. Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Saudi Arabia, Schmidt emphasized drones could eventually render tanks, artillery and mortars obsolete. Schmidt launched… -
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faces two new accusations of sexual assault of minors
Rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is facing more allegations of sexual abuse against minors. Two new lawsuits were filed on Monday, Oct. 28. One of them claims that the hip-hop star drugged and sexually assaulted a 10-year-old boy in a New York City hotel room in 2005. The other lawsuit accuses Combs of a similar assault… -
Most profitable US fishing port voices concerns over offshore wind projects
The New Bedford Port Authority, which oversees the nation’s most profitable commercial fishing hub, is voicing concerns over new offshore wind developments that could impact critical scalloping grounds. Generating over $400 million annually, around 80% of the region’s fishing industry revenue stems from its scallop harvests. Over the next 16 years, the most impacted fisheries… -
US missile stockpiles drop as Middle East, Europe conflicts escalate: Report
The U.S. military faces a shortage of key air defense missiles as escalating conflicts in the Middle East and Europe strain existing stockpiles. Standard Missiles, commonly launched from ships, are critical interceptors that have become central in countering missile and drone threats against U.S. allies, particularly in defending Israeli territory from Iranian attacks and preventing… -
Maryland offshore wind project sued over economic and environmental concerns
A proposed offshore wind project off Maryland’s coast is encountering resistance from the nearby community of Ocean City. The city challenged the federal government’s approval of the development and filed a lawsuit against the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). The project aims to generate over 2 gigawatts of renewable energy, potentially powering more than… -
FDA, DEA struggle to take down rogue pharmacy websites
The FDA has issued a warning about the growing presence of fake online pharmacies selling drugs like oxycodone and Xanax through Google, exploiting search engine loopholes to mimic legitimate pharmacies. These rogue sites are targeting consumers with illegal drugs, often without requiring prescriptions, raising concerns about safety and abuse. Kubapharm.com, one such site flagged by… -
House GOP, DOJ go to court over Biden, special counsel interview tapes
Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee are in court on Monday, Oct. 28, against Attorney General Merrick Garland. The case stems from a lawsuit filed in July seeking the release of audio recordings of President Joe Biden’s interview with special counsel Robert Hur during the Department of Justice’s investigation into Biden’s handling of classified documents.… -
Solar panels save on energy costs, but make roof repairs more expensive
Installing rooftop solar panels can help homeowners reduce energy costs, with experts estimating that the average U.S. household saves around $1,500 annually on utility bills after adding this renewable energy infrastructure. Over the panel’s lifespan, these savings can total anywhere from $28,000 to $120,000, but having them can also make some home renovations more expensive.…