The families of hostages held by Hamas are now spearheading protests in cities all over Israel. They’re planning marches, rallies and demonstrations to bring public attention to their plight. This remarkable mobilization illustrates the urgency and frustration of those whose loved ones remain unaccounted for. Today, demonstrators are causing a real stir as they directly pressure authorities to act.
Besides the protests in Israel, world headlines have been consumed by other newsworthy moves concerning federalism. In the United Kingdom, former President Donald Trump recently suggested that wind power is a contributing factor to rising energy bills. Gas and electricity prices are expected to increase by 2% for 24 million homes as a result of the new energy price cap confirmed today by energy regulator Ofgem. This announcement has reopened, and in some cases deepened, the debate on energy policy.
On the other side of the world, though, in China, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge has recently passed an important load-bearing test. In the course of this test, 96 separate trucks passed over the bridge, showcasing the bridge’s impressive structural integrity in advance of its expected opening next month. This project represents one of the most visible engineering accomplishments in our region’s history.
In fringy-but-fun entertainment news, Taylor Swift just announced her engagement to NFL receiver Travis Kelce. The pair, who have been dating for two years, celebrated their engagement by creating major FOMO with an action-packed relationship announcement. Then, excitement compounded even further when Swift surprisingly announced her new album only three weeks prior. Even more importantly, the timing of these events has had stunningly negative media attention.
Plus, Guinness World Records is marking the seventieth anniversary of the publication, showcasing a new crop of record-breaking feats from across the world. This impressive milestone is a testament to the organization’s decades-long commitment to chronicling these extraordinary accomplishments.
The new campus recently opened at the Northern Regional College in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. With the cost of this astounding project being £54 million. We’re proud that this investment will help expand access to educational opportunity across the region.
Tragically, at least 30 people have lost their lives because of flash floods in northern India since Tuesday. This latest round of extreme weather left historic devastation in its wake, and emergency response teams are now rushing to help those impacted.
SpaceX scored the biggest win of the week as its Starship vehicle starred in a highly successful orbital test flight. This latest development is an exciting leap forward in the company’s continuing push to develop technology to help move space exploration forward.