More from Zachary Hill
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Monarch butterflies could get federal protections as threatened species
Monarch butterflies could soon be added to the threatened species list. U.S. wildlife officials announced Tuesday, Dec. 10, they’re planning to extend federal protections to the beloved pollinators after years of warnings that the population is shrinking, and the species may not survive climate change. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said it plans to… -
Podcasters or journalists: Who will ask questions in Trump’s press briefings?
The White House briefing room, a space where journalists gather daily to ask questions, may soon look different under the incoming Trump administration. Karoline Leavitt, President-elect Trump’s pick for press secretary, suggested this week that the briefing room could be restructured. Leavitt said the Trump administration has possible plans to make room for more nontraditional… -
BP cuts offshore wind spending as the company turns focus to fossil fuels
BP is transitioning away from offshore wind energy as the company redirects its focus toward oil and gas ventures. This development comes as the British energy giant announced an agreement to transfer all of its offshore wind projects into a joint venture with Japan’s largest power producer. The partnership will allow BP to share costs,… -
‘MAGA celebrates,’ ‘liberals rage’: Media coverage of Daniel Penny’s acquittal
Daniel Penny has been found not guilty by a jury in the chokehold death of Jordan Neely. The case has sparked widespread analysis in the media, with discussions highlighting a divide over the verdict. Contrasting headlines reflect the political nature of the case: CNN: “Why Some MAGA Allies Are Celebrating Daniel Penny’s Acquittal” Fox News:… -
Roy Rogers restaurant chain bets on ‘Yellowstone’ to help boost sales
Roy Rogers, a restaurant famous for its burgers, fried chicken and roast beef sandwiches, is making a comeback with a new location in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. The chain hopes its appeal to Western nostalgia will attract more customers drawn to the ongoing popularity of the Western drama series “Yellowstone.” Roy Rogers Expands in the… -
Mystery drone sightings: 21 New Jersey mayors call for governor to investigate
Dozens of unidentified drones spotted in central and northern New Jersey are raising concerns among state lawmakers. At least 21 mayors are calling on New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy to launch a state investigation into their origins. In a letter, the mayors demanded that the investigation’s findings be released to state and local officials and… -
EVs help compact SUVs overtake sedans as nation’s most eco-friendly car
For the first time since government records began in 1975, compact SUVs have overtaken sedans as the most environmentally friendly car type in the United States. According to recent data from the Environmental Protection Agency, in 2023, compact SUVs emitted less carbon pollution per mile than the average sedan, a shift attributed to the rapid… -
Taiwan on alert as China deploys 90 ships in military exercise
Taiwan is reporting one of the largest Chinese naval deployments near its waters in recent months, with nearly 90 vessels and reserved airspace zones near the island sparking fresh concerns about regional security and military posturing. The seven airspace zones are near its Fujian and Zhejiang provinces, which Taiwan said could signal upcoming military exercises.… -
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…