Author: Andrew Rogers

North Korea has accused South Korea of flying drones across its heavily fortified border, raising tensions on the Korean Peninsula and threatening consequences for what Pyongyang calls “unpardonable hysteria.” North Korea’s military said on Sunday it used special electronic warfare systems to bring down a drone flying over a border town on January 4. The unmanned aircraft, it claimed, was equipped with two cameras and had filmed unspecified locations inside North Korea. North Korean officials added that another drone had entered North Korean airspace on September 27 before being forced down by similar electronic attacks. In a strongly worded statement,…

A dramatic new alignment is emerging on the global stage as North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin signal unwavering support for each other while Iran faces escalating unrest. The coordinated message is clear: neither leader will yield to pressure or sanctions. Kim, known for his provocative stance in international affairs, sent a letter to Putin expressing unconditional backing for all Russian policies and decisions. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency, Kim emphasized that his support is permanent, uncompromising, and non-negotiable. He described his relationship with Putin as “comrade-like,” highlighting deep personal and ideological ties,…

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…