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Northern lights may drift across US skies this week: Know where to spot them Northern skies do not always announce themselves. Most nights pass quietly, even when something distant is shifting above the planet. This week is slightly different. A pulse of solar activity is moving through Earth’s magnetic field, and that change may be just enough to push the northern lights into view across parts of the United States. It is not guaranteed, and it will not look the same everywhere. Some people may see soft colour low on the horizon, others nothing at all. Still, for a short window in early January, the odds tilt a little. Space weather forecasters are watching closely, and so are sky watchers, hoping the darkness offers something unexpected rather than empty for once during the coldest stretch of winter nights.Which US states are most likely to see the Nothern lights this weekThe strongest chances sit far north, as they usually do. Alaska remains the most reliable place, almost separate f..

AdvertisementIsrael-Gaza warWorldMiddle EastIsrael says Bulgarian diplomat to direct Trump’s Board of Peace for GazaThe Board of Peace is meant to oversee the implementation of the second and far more complicated phase of the Gaza ceasefire
Reading Time:2 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPAssociated PressPublished: 1:12pm, 9 Jan 2026A former UN Middle East envoy has been chosen to direct US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace to oversee the ceasefire in Gaza, Israel’s prime minister said on Thursday, as at least eight more deaths from Israeli strikes were reported there.
The appointment of Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov marks an important step forward for Trump’s Middle East peace plan, which has moved slowly since delivering an October ceasefire ending more than two years of fighting between Israel and Hamas.
Benjamin Netanyahu made the announcement after meeting Mladenov in Jerusalem, identifying him as the “designated” director general for the board, which is meant to oversee t..

AdvertisementSCMP HighlightsChinaChina’s ‘sweep and kill’ weapon, Malaysians opting for Singapore: SCMP’s 7 highlightsFrom China’s long game after Trump’s Venezuela operation to Eric Tsang leaving TVB, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting
Reading Time:2 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPSCMPPublished: 12:12pm, 9 Jan 2026We have selected seven stories from this week’s news across Hong Kong, mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.1. China’s Hurricane 3000 microwave weapon can ‘sweep and kill’ drone swarms at 3kmThe truck-mounted Hurricane 3000 was showcased during China’s huge military parade in September. This week its developer – state-owned defence contractor Norinco – disclosed some details of the weapon system for the first time.
2. China is likely to thread the needle after US attack on VenezuelaA pro-government, armed civili..

Dubai Tenants vs Landlords: The AI Tool Deciding Who Wins the Rent Fight Dubai, January 08, 2026: As Dubai’s rental market continues to evolve amid strong demand and population growth, tenants often grapple with rising rents and the question: Is this rent increase even legal? Fortunately, the Dubai Land Department’s Smart Rental Index, an AI-powered official tool, now gives residents a clear way to check whether a rent hike proposed by a landlord is justified under UAE law. Whether you are renewing your lease, debating negotiations or simply planning your budget, understanding how rent hikes are regulated in Dubai is essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how the system works and how tenants can protect themselves from arbitrary increases.What is Dubai's Smart Rental Index?
At the core of Dubai’s rent regulation framework is the Smart Rental Index, a sophisticated tool developed by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to determine fair rental values across the emirate. Unlike the ol..

Stephen Chase, a US dad, repeatedly wakes from surgery speaking fluent Spanish, despite previously only knowing how to count to ten/ Image: (Kennedy News and Media) A father from the United States has described waking up from surgery speaking fluent Spanish, despite having only minimal knowledge of the language beforehand, a phenomenon doctors say may be linked to an extremely rare neurological condition. Stephen Chase, from near Salt Lake City in Utah, first experienced the sudden language switch at the age of 19 after undergoing surgery on his right knee for a football-related injury. According to LADbible, he was able to converse in Spanish for around 20 minutes before returning to English. What happened after surgery At the time of his first operation, Chase said his Spanish ability was extremely limited. By his own account, all he could do before the surgery was speak a few basic phrases and count to 10 in Spanish. “The very first time it happened, when I woke up I was speaking in..

AdvertisementHong Kong courtsHong KongLaw and CrimeHong Kong bookstore owner pleads not guilty to using shop as unregistered schoolPong Yat-ming to be tried for violating Education Ordinance by hosting a Spanish class at his bookstore, Book Punch, in April last year
Reading Time:1 minuteWhy you can trust SCMPFiona ChowPublished: 1:34pm, 8 Jan 2026Updated: 1:36pm, 8 Jan 2026A Hong Kong independent bookstore owner will stand trial after he pleaded not guilty to managing an unregistered school by holding a Spanish class in his shop.
Pong Yat-ming was accused of violating the Education Ordinance by allowing a Spanish class to be held on April 23 last year at Book Punch, a bookstore he founded in 2020.
The bookshop located in Sham Shui Po occasionally hosts workshops and talks on various subjects, including social issues, travel and mental health.
AdvertisementPong had mentioned in previous media interviews that he wished to create a local community space.
In Thursday’s hearing at Kowloon C..

AdvertisementHong Kong societyHong KongSocietyEx-Bar head Victor Dawes named lead counsel in deadly Hong Kong fire inquiryDawes topped list of five lawyers appointed as counsel for Independent Committee probing Tai Po fire, according to document seen by the Post
Reading Time:2 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPConnor MycroftPublished: 1:30pm, 8 Jan 2026Victor Dawes, former chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association, has been appointed lead counsel to an independent committee investigating the city’s deadliest fire in decades, with the inquiry expected to begin in the first quarter, the Post has learned.“Preparation work [for the hearing] has been under way at full force. The target is to start the hearing within the first quarter of this year,” a source said on Thursday.
According to a document seen by the Post, Dawes topped the list of the five lawyers appointed as counsel for the Independent Committee probing the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.
AdvertisementThe letter, dated January 6, w..

. Indian American physician Dr Tina Shah has entered the race for the Democratic nomination in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, becoming the only Indian American among several Democrats seeking the party ticket.“I am so proud of the support our campaign has earned,” Shah said in a statement quoted by New Jersey Globe. “New Jerseyans want leaders who put patients over industry profits. Our campaign is about serving working families, not special interests,” she said. 'Listen Guys, I told Ya': Obama’s Election Warning Just Came True for Trump After Big Defeat In NYC? If elected, Shah would be the first Indian American to represent New Jersey in the US Congress. Indian Americans currently hold only a few seats in the House of Representatives, a number that does not reflect the size of the community. New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, which includes several suburban areas with a large Indian American population, is expected to be a closely watched race with national ..

. Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodriguez on Tuesday firmly rejected claims by the United States that it is now in control of the country, and also announced a week of national mourning for those killed during the US military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.Speaking on state television, Rodriguez said Venezuela remained sovereign and was being governed by its own people. She pushed back against statements by US President Donald Trump, who has said Washington is now “in charge” and that Venezuela will hand over millions of barrels of oil to the United States. Post-Maduro Venezuela: Foreign Reporters TARGETED, Gunfire & Armed Patrols Under Delcy Rodriguez “The government of Venezuela is in charge in our country, and no-one else,” Rodriguez said, three days after US special forces carried out a raid in the Venezuelan capital and detained Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who have since been taken to the United States to face trial. At the same time, Rodri..

AdvertisementElectric & new energy vehiclesBusinessChina EVsTesla hits record sales; Chinese carmakers eye third of global market: 7 EV readsFrom automakers doubling down on discounts to Chinese robotaxis in the Middle East, here are seven EV stories you may have missed
Reading Time:2 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPSCMPPublished: 12:28pm, 7 Jan 2026We have put together stories from our coverage on electric and new energy vehicles from the past two weeks to help you stay informed. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.1. China’s EV sector doubles down on discounts and cheap financing as growth coolsElectric vehicle makers have kicked off a fresh round of price cuts in mainland China at the start of 2026, despite Beijing’s repeated calls to curb “involution”, as pressure on margins and survival prospects persists.
2. Tesla’s China sales hit record as EV buyers race to beat tax increaseTesla cars are displayed in a showroom in Chongqing. Photo: VCG/VCG ..