ENERGY

May 03 2026ENVIRONMENT

Solar Power: Facts, Fears and the Real Cost of Clean Energy

The world has seen two kinds of science in recent years: life‑saving vaccines and myths that scare people away from clean energy. Solar panels are a clear example of the former, yet some communities still think they bring danger. Solar energy captures light from the sky instead of burning coal, so

reading time less than a minute
May 03 2026BUSINESS

OPEC+ moves forward with oil production plan despite UAE exit and regional conflicts

Seven major oil producers in OPEC+ have quietly decided to slightly increase their oil output next month, adding about 188, 000 barrels per day. This decision happens even as one of their key members, the UAE, announced it was leaving the group. The increase mirrors a similar move last month, but wi

reading time less than a minute
May 03 2026BUSINESS

Cleaner Energy, Smarter Factories: How a Fast-Growing Startup is Changing the Game

A little-known energy tech company quietly set some big goals back in 2025 and actually met them. This startup, now selling gear in 85 countries, cut the power its products use by half—or even more—compared to the year before. Its inverters, battery boxes, and car chargers all drank less electricity

reading time less than a minute
May 02 2026POLITICS

Japan’s Leader Visits Hanoi to Revive Business Ties

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will travel to Hanoi on Saturday for a meeting with Vietnamese President To Lam. The two leaders aim to strengthen their 2023 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which covers energy, technology, minerals and regional peace. Japan still ranks as one of Vietnam’

reading time less than a minute
May 02 2026BUSINESS

Nuclear Power Gets a New Look in Louisiana

The state of Louisiana is stepping into the spotlight as it tries to become a key player in the next wave of nuclear energy. A recent summit hosted by Louisiana Economic Development gathered more than two hundred people from industry, government and finance to talk about how the state can grow this

reading time less than a minute
May 02 2026BUSINESS

Gas Surplus in the US While Global Demand Soars During Iran Conflict

The war with Iran has caused a major disruption in global gas supplies. Normally, the Middle East supplies a large portion of the world's liquid natural gas (LNG). But recent attacks have damaged key facilities and made shipping routes unsafe. Meanwhile, in the United States, gas is so plentiful tha

reading time less than a minute
May 02 2026OPINION

Science in America: Who’s Really Calling the Shots?

Earlier this year, a group of top science advisors got the boot. All twenty-two members of the National Science Board—experts nominated for their lifetime achievements—were removed before their terms ended. These weren’t random picks; they were carefully chosen from universities, industries, and res

reading time less than a minute
May 02 2026ENVIRONMENT

California's Gas Prices: Why Oil Industry Demands Might Not Help Drivers

Gas prices in California shot up by over a dollar since the Iran conflict began, squeezing family budgets. Instead of focusing on solutions that could ease the pain at the pump, the oil industry is pushing for more drilling permits, tax breaks, and cuts to environmental programs. Their argument is s

reading time less than a minute
May 01 2026TECHNOLOGY

Newport News Opens Energy Innovation Hub

The Secure Energy Future Center (SEFC) in Newport News has opened its doors, marking a new chapter for the city’s push toward clean and reliable power. The building, part of a network of Virginia Tech research parks, focuses on turning ideas into real products that can help the economy grow and crea

reading time less than a minute
Apr 30 2026FINANCE

Volta Finance Faces Volatile March with Mixed Returns

In March, the investment firm Volta Finance reported a net loss of 2. 4 %. The decline was steeper than the average for U. S. high‑yield bonds, which fell 1. 2 %, and similar to Euro high‑yield bonds at 2. 7 %. A contrasting picture emerged in leveraged loan indices, where the U. S. market gained 0.

reading time less than a minute