More from Zachary Hill
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Startup aims to overcome a major solar energy problem with space-based power
One of the biggest problems with solar energy is that the sun is not always shining on Earth, but in space, this type of power can be collected almost continuously, making it an attractive prospect for overcoming the intermittency of Earth-based renewables. The concept of space-based solar power has been discussed for over a century,… -
Paramount chair defends reprimanded CBS anchor over controversial interview
A CBS morning news anchor recently faced criticism following an interview with author Ta-Nehisi Coates. The discussion centered on Coates’ new book, “The Message,” particularly a section addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. During the interview, Coates was questioned about his portrayal of the conflict. “The content of that section would not be out of place in… -
Ukraine’s drones strike a devastating blow to Russia’s Iranian-made weapons
Ukraine launched a series of drone strikes targeting key Russian ammunition depots, including a warehouse in Bryansk and a facility containing 400 Iranian-made Shahed drones, according to Ukraine’s military. The Shahed drones, a key weapon in Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian cities, account for nearly 5% of those deployed since the war began. The strikes are… -
AI companionship could be worth hundreds of billions by 2030
As artificial intelligence creeps into everyday lives, artificial girlfriends and boyfriends could become a multibillion dollar business by the end of the decade. AI chatbot companions promise to provide support for lonely or isolated individuals with engaging conversations, accessibility, entertainment, connection and even romantic and intimate companionship. “Replika” is one of the more popular bots… -
World’s first semisubmersible turbines may help solve offshore wind concerns
As the U.S. offshore wind industry grapples with rising installation costs and environmental concerns, a renewable energy project in Portugal may provide a viable alternative. Located a little over 12 miles off the Portuguese coast, WindFloat Atlantic developed the world’s first semisubmersible wind farm in 2020, and the facility has been proving its potential to… -
Kremlin reportedly confirms Trump sent COVID-19 testing devices to Putin
The Kremlin has reportedly confirmed details from a new book that states former President Trump sent Russian President Vladimir Putin COVID-19 testing devices for his personal use while in the White House in 2020, Bloomberg reports. This revelation comes from excerpts of journalist Bob Woodward’s new book, “War.” Woodward claims to have insight into Trump’s… -
Haitian gangs recruiting children with promise of food, shelter: Report
As violence continues to grip Haiti, there are now reports that gangs on the island nation are recruiting children as young as 8 years old. Human Right Watch (HRW) reported on Wednesday, Oct. 9, gangs are luring kids with the promise of food, shelter and money. Boys are reportedly recruited to be informants, trained to… -
Russian ‘floating bomb’ remains anchored off UK coast
A Russian cargo ship carrying over 1,000 tons of ammonium nitrate remains stranded just off the coast of Kent in southeast England, after being denied entry to several European ports. Authorities are monitoring the ship, dubbed a “floating bomb” by experts, as it continues to pose a potential threat due to the volatile nature of… -
Changes made to bid request for Bibles in Oklahoma classrooms
The Oklahoma Department of Education changed the requirements for vendors bidding to put 55,000 Bibles in public schools. The original request matched a version of the “Trump Bible.” The amended bid request, announced Monday, Oct. 7, no longer requires Bibles to include U.S. historical documents, including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Those requirements… -
China raises tariffs on European brandy in response to EU’s EV duty hike
China has raised tariffs on European brandy imports as part of its response to the European Union’s new tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). The move comes after the EU approved duties of up to 45% on Chinese EVs. The EU accuses Beijing of providing subsidies that artificially lower prices and create an unfair advantage… -
Texas power grid to connect with national network after decades of isolation
For decades, Texas has operated its own independent power grid, largely isolated from the rest of the country. However, a recent initiative from the Biden administration aims to change that by investing millions to better connect the state with the national electrical system. Texas initially distanced itself from the national grid in the 1930s, seeking… -
14 state AGs file lawsuits targeting TikTok’s addictive features
Attorneys general from 14 states and Washington, D.C., filed lawsuits Tuesday, Oct. 8, against TikTok, accusing the social media platform of harming young users’ mental health and violating consumer protection laws. The lawsuits allege that TikTok’s design encourages compulsive use through addictive features, such as autoplay and push notifications, which authorities argue have negatively impacted… -
AI tools consume up to 4 times more water than estimated
A new report shows that artificial intelligence tools, including ChatGPT, are using up to four times more water than previously believed. This discovery raises concerns about the sustainability of data centers as AI continues to expand. Researchers from the University of California, Riverside found that processing 10 to 50 queries on AI chatbots can consume…