Author: Andrew Rogers

Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwest China is leading the way in renewable energy with a program that lets residents install solar panels on their rooftops and sell electricity back to the grid. The region enjoys about 3,000 hours of sunlight each year, making it one of the sunniest areas in China. Its renewable energy production from solar and wind already exceeds local demand. In Tongxin County, the grid-connected capacity of rooftop solar systems has reached 125.62 megawatts as of December. These systems generate roughly 226 million kilowatt-hours per year. This amount of electricity can power about 90,000 households annually.…

Israeli military vehicles entered a village in the countryside of Quneitra in southern Syria on Tuesday, according to local observers on the ground. The move has raised fresh concerns about violations of Syrian sovereignty at a time when indirect talks between Syria and Israel are taking place abroad. Twelve Israeli army vehicles were seen entering the Saida al-Golan village in the Quneitra countryside. Residents reported military movement inside the village area, adding to ongoing tension across southern Syria. The latest incursion comes as a Syrian delegation is holding a new round of negotiations with Israeli representatives in the French capital,…

Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China is close to achieving full e-commerce coverage in rural areas, officials reported. This milestone comes as county-level commercial service centers, logistics distribution hubs, and township-level logistics stations now form a comprehensive network to connect rural consumers with digital markets. According to the regional department of commerce, township commercial centers and village convenience stores have reached record coverage rates of 96.56 percent and 98.92 percent, respectively. The expansion has strengthened rural access to goods and services while facilitating the flow of agricultural products to urban centers. The region’s push follows a three-year national action…

China’s Premier Li Qiang has urged Guangdong to accelerate economic growth and strengthen its position as the country’s leading economic engine. During a three-day visit from Saturday to Monday, Li emphasised innovation, reform, and decisive action as key drivers for the province’s continued success. Guangdong, China’s largest provincial-level contributor to GDP, has long led the nation’s economy. But the eastern province of Jiangsu is closing the gap, putting pressure on Guangdong to maintain its edge. In 2024, Guangdong recorded a GDP of nearly 14.2 trillion yuan (US$2.03 trillion), growing 3.5% year on year, while Jiangsu grew 5.8% to 13.7 trillion…

The United States may be underestimating Iran, experts warn, after its recent military operation in Venezuela. Early Saturday, U.S. forces conducted a sudden strike in Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro. While this move created a sense of confidence in Washington, analysts caution that the same approach will not work in Tehran. Before the Venezuelan operation, President Donald Trump had issued strong warnings about Iran. On Friday, he threatened military action if Iran failed to manage its economic crisis. Days earlier, during a meeting in Florida with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump escalated his stance. He warned that Iran…

A security incident occurred at the home of the United States Vice President in Ohio over the weekend. Authorities reported that a man broke into the residence during the night, causing property damage. Fortunately, no one was present at the home at the time, and no injuries were reported. The attack happened late Sunday night. Local law enforcement responded quickly after receiving reports of forced entry at the Vice President’s private residence. Officials confirmed that one adult male was detained at the scene. Authorities said the suspect had broken windows and caused other property damage but did not harm anyone.…

The Trump administration filed a lawsuit Monday against two California cities, challenging local laws that limit natural gas infrastructure and appliances in new buildings. The legal action targets policies aimed at reducing fossil fuel use to address climate change. The complaint, filed in U.S. District Court in northern California, focuses on Morgan Hill and Petaluma, cities in the San Francisco area. Justice Department attorneys argue the ordinances, enacted since 2019, violate a 1975 federal law that bars states and cities from regulating the “energy use” of products already subject to federal standards. “The natural gas bans not only impose crushing…

The Arizona Supreme Court building in downtown Phoenix was evacuated Monday morning after a package tested positive for explosives. Court staff found the suspicious item in the building’s mailroom near 15th Avenue and Washington Street. Authorities responded immediately, treating the package as a potential threat. Bernard Zapor, a retired ATF Special Agent in Charge, said any suspicious package is handled with maximum caution. “From the time they showed up, it’s a device. Whether it is or not doesn’t matter. They have to treat it as the most dangerous thing ever,” Zapor said. The Arizona Department of Public Safety confirmed troopers…

Republican U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville has officially entered the 2026 race for Alabama governor. On Monday, he filed paperwork at the Alabama Republican Party headquarters, saying he wants to be the “chief recruiter to make our state better.” Tuberville, known for his successful coaching career at Auburn University, used his sports fame to win a Senate seat in 2020. Last year, he announced he would run for governor instead of seeking re-election to the Senate. “It’s time to come home, put together a staff and focus on the people of Alabama,” Tuberville said. “Residents deserve a better state every day…

President Donald Trump has shared new details about his health, addressing questions about bruises, sleep, and cognitive performance. The disclosures follow public scrutiny of the oldest U.S. president in office and renewed debates about his fitness. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Trump explained that visible bruises on his hands result from taking a high daily dose of aspirin—more than typically recommended. He said the medication helps maintain “nice, thin blood” through his heart and dismissed concerns about his energy and physical condition. Trump also posted on Truth Social, claiming he had “aced his third straight” cognitive test,…