More from Zachary Hill
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Idaho moves to expand cannibalism ban over human composting concerns
Natural organic reduction, or human composting, a practice meant to turn bodies into fertile soil, is sparking talks of further cannibalism bans in the Idaho Legislature. Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, moved to expand cannibalism laws in the state over her human composting concerns. Idaho already has laws on the books banning cannibalism. The law, passed… -
Hawaii court rebukes SCOTUS in gun rights case, cites ‘spirit of Aloha’
In a recent ruling, the Hawaiian Supreme Court invoked the “spirit of Aloha,” a deeply ingrained cultural conduct emphasizing kindness, humility, unity and patience, to address the issue of firearm regulation. On Wednesday, Feb. 7, the court ruled that people living in Hawaii do not have the right to carry a firearm in public without… -
US warns against travel to Jamaica and Bahamas amid violent crimes
In response to a reported wave of violent crime, the U.S. State Department issued travel advisories for Jamaica and the Bahamas in late January. Jamaica’s travel advisory is more stringent than the Bahamas’, stating that tourists should “reconsider travel,” while the Bahamas’ advisory suggests that tourists should “exercise increased caution.” The State Department noted that… -
NY officials propose restricting social media algorithms for kids
Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-N.Y., is throwing her support behind legislation that limits the power of social media algorithms for its youngest users. The proposed legislation would also require age verification for anyone under 18. On Oct. 11, 2023, Hochul announced the state would pursue legislation that would limit the power of Big Tech algorithms and… -
Man with China ties arrested for allegedly stealing nuclear missile launch sensors
Last year, the Justice Department unveiled the Disruptive Technology Strike Force, aimed at defending American technology from hostile foreign entities. Since its inception, the initiative has made significant progress, apprehending more than a dozen individuals for attempting to steal sensitive trade secrets. Officials revealed details about their latest arrest Feb. 7. Chenguang Gong, a U.S.… -
Microsoft flags Iranian cyber ops as threat to US 2024 election
A Microsoft analysis warns Iranian threats have been lurking online and within tech infrastructure, targeting Israel and its allies more frequently since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war. Microsoft’s Threat Analysis Center flagged those threats as Iranian cyber attacks and influence operations, concluding that Iran’s cyber capabilities pose a threat to the 2024 U.S. presidential… -
Researchers study how bidirectional EV charging could help power the grid
Researchers at the University of Colorado Denver have embarked on a study to investigate the viability of bidirectional electric vehicle (EV) charging, also known as two-way charging. The solution could provide energy to the grid when it is needed most and save consumers money. “This concept is very similar to Airbnb. If you have a… -
IDF says quarter of hostages dead; Hamas pushes 135-day cease-fire
As the Israeli military continues striking Gaza to eliminate Hamas terrorists and find Israeli hostages, Israeli intelligence officials believe a quarter of the remaining hostages have died in captivity. The Israel Defense Forces concludes at least 31 of the 136 remaining hostages from the Oct. 7 attack are now dead. The IDF believes some of those… -
GOP: White House pressured Amazon to ‘censor’ COVID-related books
In the wake of the “Twitter Files” and the “Facebook Files,” another example of the federal government allegedly pressuring companies into modifying their content has emerged. Amazon files released by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, on X suggest the White House pressured Amazon to restrict certain books and COVID-related items due to misinformation… -
Black family held at gunpoint by officers receives $1.9 million from Aurora, Colo.
The city of Aurora, Colorado, has awarded a Black family held at gunpoint by Aurora police officers $1.9 million. The money is part of a settlement between the the city and Brittney Gilliam. Gilliam’s lawyer, David Lane, said the settlement was agreed upon because a trial would make Gilliam and the four girls relive the… -
NYC under scrutiny for releasing migrants without bail, migrant debit cards
Manhattan’s district attorney is being criticized by fellow state Democrats over migrants released without bail after attacking police officers. New York City is also getting national attention for giving migrant families debit cards with a monthly allowance. A Jan. 27 attack on New York police officers landed seven migrants in jail temporarily. Six were released… -
South Dakota tribe banishes Gov. Kristi Noem over immigration remarks
The Oglala Sioux Tribe, South Dakota’s largest, has officially banished Gov. Kristi Noem from its territories, escalating tensions over her comments on crime and illegal immigration on reservations. In a controversial statement on Jan. 31, Gov. Noem linked the surge in crime within the state, including on tribal lands, to illegal immigration. “The drugs and… -
Home EV charger tax credit covers most of the US, some say it’s too broad
As prospective electric vehicle (EV) buyers weigh their options, concerns about where and when to charge have been among the biggest roadblocks to overcome. A lesser-known solution, embedded within the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, offers a tax incentive aimed at encouraging individuals to install home EV chargers. “We know that one big factor holding…