Author: Andrew Rogers

Iran is witnessing widespread anti-government protests as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that U.S. President Donald Trump will face a downfall comparable to tyrants like Nimrod and Pharaoh. The leader’s remarks came during a nationally televised speech, emphasizing that Iran will not yield to external pressure or conspiracies. The unrest has spread across all 31 provinces, with millions taking to the streets. Demonstrators are demanding the fall of Khamenei’s administration and the restoration of a monarchy. Reports indicate that 45 people have died in the first 12 days of the protests, which have included widespread fires, vandalism, and clashes…

China will cancel or reduce tax rebates on hundreds of products in a move aimed at easing concerns over surging exports. The government said the measures are voluntary steps to reassure trade partners and address trade imbalances. Starting April 1, value-added tax rebates will be removed for 249 products, including solar cells, ceramic roof tiles, and lithium hexafluorophosphate, the Ministry of Finance announced Friday. Additionally, rebate rates on 22 battery-related products, such as lithium-ion batteries, will fall from 9% to 6%, with full removal scheduled for January 1, 2027. The tax rebate cuts come amid ongoing trade tensions with key…

Titan Cement announced that its U.S. subsidiary, Titan America SA, has agreed to acquire Keystone Cement Company, a Pennsylvania-based cement and aggregates producer. The deal marks a strategic move to strengthen Titan’s footprint in the U.S. construction and infrastructure market. Keystone Cement operates an integrated cement plant in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, featuring one of the state’s most efficient cement kilns with a clinker production capacity of 990,000 short tons per year. The plant’s location positions it to serve a 6.2 million short ton per year market spanning Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and Ohio. The acquisition is expected to accelerate Titan America’s…

New Mexico has launched a new division and technology platform to simplify infrastructure grants for local and tribal governments. The effort comes after wildfires burned roughly 24,700 acres across southern New Mexico in June 2024, prompting state and local officials to fund repairs and long-term recovery. The Infrastructure Planning and Development Division, created 18 months ago within the Department of Finance and Administration, now manages the New Mexico Match Fund. The fund provides matching money to help communities qualify for federal grants, manage projects efficiently, and cover compliance costs. Using a new grants management system called Euna Grants, the division…

Nevada saw an increase of 11,092 active registered voters in December 2025 compared to November, according to the Secretary of State. The total number of active registered voters in the state now stands at 2,116,453, marking a 0.53% rise. Nonpartisan voters led the growth, adding 11,938 new registrations, an increase of 1.54%. Republican registrations fell slightly by 962 voters, a 0.16% decrease, while Democratic registrations grew by 64, representing just 0.01% growth. Smaller parties also recorded modest gains. The Independent American Party added 39 voters, a 0.04% increase, and the Libertarian Party of Nevada added 7 voters, or 0.05%. Other…

Missouri lawmakers are preparing to eliminate the state income tax, joining nine other states in the U.S. that have already removed it. The proposal will be a central topic in the upcoming legislative session. House Speaker Jon Patterson said he supports ending the tax but offered few details on how the state would replace the billions in revenue it generates. Missouri’s income tax brings in over $4 billion each year, making it the largest source of state revenue. Patterson told FOX4 that the move is aimed at making Missouri more competitive and encouraging population growth. “We have to do things…

Maryland Representative Steny Hoyer will announce his retirement from Congress on Thursday, ending a political career that spanned more than four decades. Hoyer, 86, served in Congress since 1981 and held two four-year terms as House majority leader, playing a pivotal role in passing landmark legislation, including the Affordable Care Act. In an interview, Hoyer said he did not want to “outstay his ability to do the job,” reflecting a desire to step aside while still capable of contributing effectively. He represents a district covering the eastern Washington suburbs and parts of southern Maryland. Hoyer rose to the second-ranking position…

President Donald Trump will attend this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, accompanied by several top officials, a source familiar with the plans said Wednesday. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright are among the Cabinet members expected to join him. Also included in the delegation are U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. The delegation will meet with global leaders during the annual forum, scheduled for January 19-23, 2026. Trump will attend in person, after addressing last year’s forum remotely, four days after returning…

The U.S. House of Representatives Oversight Committee has voted to subpoena billionaire Leslie Wexner for a deposition regarding his ties to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia confirmed the action on Wednesday, noting that subpoenas were also issued to the executors of Epstein’s estate. Wexner, the former CEO and founder of Victoria’s Secret-owner L Brands, has previously drawn scrutiny due to Epstein managing his personal finances and serving as trustee of Wexner’s charitable foundation. The billionaire has not faced any criminal charges in connection with Epstein. Representatives from the Wexner Foundation did not…

Amid growing global attention on Venezuela, another potential flashpoint is emerging in Iran. Western intelligence reports indicate that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, may have a contingency plan to leave the country if domestic unrest spirals out of control. According to a report cited by Western media, Khamenei could seek refuge in Moscow, with Russian authorities potentially assisting his safe passage. The plan would involve a small, trusted group of up to 20 people, including his son and possible successor, Mostafa Khamenei. Preparations reportedly include a secured exit route, ready access to cash and assets abroad, and rapid evacuation…