The Saudis are unhappy with several recent US foreign policy decisions in the Middle East and North Africa, and some fear cooler relations with Riyadh would weaken the US’ regional footing. Secretary of State John Kerry has been meeting with Prince Saud al-Faisal in London and Paris over the past few days trying to iron out an agreement. However, some analysts believe Washington and Riyadh are so tightly connected by “weapons and oil” that serious political divergence is unlikely. [Financial Times]

Chinese air pollution is no secret, but Beijing had been slow to respond to the issue until the US State Department began taking its own readings from the roof of the embassy and publishing the results on Twitter. [Washington Post]

Natural gas is expected to increasingly fuel off-highway engines in coming years. “Natural gas has seen somewhat limited usage in transportation, but that’s changing rapidly. Large vehicles in agriculture, construction, maritime, and rail are all being eyed as areas that may benefit by transitioning from diesel fuel to natural gas.” [SAE International]