More from Zachary Hill
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Bucha’s ‘Witches’: Ukraine’s all-female drone defense unit
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sparked the largest conflict in Europe since World War II. The town of Bucha, just outside Kyiv, bore witness to the brutality of Russia’s initial occupation as the bodies of more than 450 men, women and children were found. The occupation highlighted Russia’s severe tactics in the region. In response, Bucha… -
Miami-Dade wants to burn trash for energy again, but locals are concerned
Florida officials are advancing plans to build the largest waste-to-energy facility in the United States, set to be located in Miami-Dade County. The $1.5 billion project aims to replace a previous facility that burned down in 2023 and is intended to process 50% more waste, converting 4,000 tons of garbage into energy each day. Three… -
Energy bills going up in Virginia to pay for planned offshore wind farm
Dominion Energy is moving forward with a major renewable energy project: a $9 billion offshore wind farm off the coast of Virginia. However, the construction of this large-scale wind farm means some Virginia residents will initially have to pay more for their electricity. Starting this fall, Dominion Energy customers in Virginia will see a slight… -
NYC bodegas get federal funding for security enhancements
Nearly 13,000 bodegas dot the landscape of New York City, serving as vital hubs in both bustling and quieter neighborhoods. These small, often family-operated stores do more than just sell groceries and snacks; they are integral to the fabric of their communities. Despite their importance, these businesses are increasingly vulnerable to crime, with safety concerns… -
Stock market sell-off has one possible upside: Cheaper prices at the pump
Despite the Biden administration’s growing emphasis on electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy, demand for gasoline in the U.S. this summer remains high, according to recent reports. This trend surprised experts and could be contributing to a drop in prices at the pump. In May, U.S. gasoline demand surged to its highest level since 2019,… -
Candidates, networks debate over future of second presidential debate
In the weeks after President Joe Biden announced he would not seek a second term in the Oval Office, many questions came up about who would replace him on the ticket and how the rest of the race would play out. Now that Vice President Kamala Harris is the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, more… -
Army expands basic combat training as military rebuilds for future war
The U.S. Army is seeing an increase in recruiting, so it’s expanding its basic training to “meet the challenges of future war,” according to a report by The Associated Press. The news comes after years of poor recruitment and failure to reach enlistment goals. The additional training is set to begin in October. The Army… -
Research finds installing solar panels on your home could increase its value
Homeowners looking to increase the value of their properties may want to consider installing solar panels. According to data from Solar Reviews, a platform that helps consumers compare solar companies across the U.S., houses with solar panels tend to sell for 7% more than those without. For example, a home valued at $450,000 could see… -
Mercury may be home to an 11-mile thick underground layer of diamonds
Mercury, the smallest planet in the solar system, may harbor a significant amount of diamonds beneath its surface, according to new research. Scientists propose that the planet could contain an underground layer of diamonds that is approximately 11 miles thick. Just a single cubic meter of diamonds could be worth as much as $70 billion.… -
Political violence growing in US; poll says increasing share of Americans OK with it
An increasing number of Americans are okay with resorting to violence when it comes to expressing their political beliefs. Data from a new poll conducted by the Chicago Project on Security and Threats (CPOST), showed that calls to “lower the temperature” might be falling on deaf ears. University of Chicago Professor Robert Pape’s research found… -
‘Olympic Muffin Man’ making chocolate muffins the star of Paris Games
If social media is any indication, it’s not the sweet triumphs of Celine Dion, Simone Biles or the U.S. men’s gymnastics team that is the talk of these Paris Games. It’s something even sweeter: Olympic chocolate muffins. That’s all thanks to Norwegian three-time Olympian long-distance swimmer Henrik Christiansen. Christiansen innocently enough reviewed a chocolate muffin… -
Uber partners with Chinese EV maker BYD to help its drivers make the switch
Uber has announced a new multiyear partnership with Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD, with an aim of getting a larger number of the rideshare app’s drivers in EVs and eventually also making rides more affordable for passengers. The deal includes lower prices and financing options for Uber drivers looking to get a BYD car,… -
14 arrested in human trafficking sting at San Diego Comic Con
The fictitious world of superheroes and comic books intersected with the harsh realities of the actual world as authorities set up a human trafficking sting operation at the San Diego Comic Con. The operation led to the arrest of 14 sex trafficking suspects. Officials also recovered 10 victims — nine adults and a 16-year-old girl.…