Development & Education

One of the best examples of ‘soft power’ is on the chopping block, experts say

Since the end of World War II, the Fulbright Program has been one of America’s most prestigious tools of diplomacy — sending scholars abroad, welcoming researchers in and building soft power through education. But today, this flagship exchange program is under existential threat — from the State Department that runs it. As the World’s Joshua Coe learned, it could take decades to see the repercussions.

As Taiwan’s birth rate falls, universities shut down one after the other

How Hungary’s higher education overhaul became a model for US conservatives

Spain’s new eviction law may not keep squatters out

Development

Universities stand to lose big bucks as international students quit the US

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Spain tests AI-based speed limit system

Transportation

Spain is testing new artificial intelligence technology that will change the speed limit based on weather conditions, traffic, time of day and road conditions. The government hopes the system will help alleviate gridlock and increase safety on one of the country’s busiest highways.

‘I live very cautiously:’ International students in the US fear deportation

After revoking hundreds of international students’ visas, the Trump administration paused the process on Friday. But the crackdown that changed the legal status of over 1,800 students has left a chilling effect on students on college campuses, as The World’s Joshua Coe reports, leaving some students wondering if they should stay or go.

Paris votes to make 500 more streets car free 

Transportation

There’s a showdown unfolding in Paris over who owns the streets. Residents recently voted in favor of banning cars from 500 roadways. The plan is to open them up to pedestrians, cyclists and new green spaces. The city’s mayor wants to transform Paris into the world’s first car-free megacity. But not every Parisian thinks that’s a good idea.

Construction underway on the world’s longest tunnel immersed underwater

Transportation

The Fehmarn Belt Link is set to connect Germany and Denmark through the Baltic Sea by car and train. Developers say the project will fundamentally reshape travel in the EU for the better, cutting the time it takes to get from Hamburg to Copenhagen in half. But German advocates aren’t so sure the benefits outweigh the risks.

South Africa’s largest city is running out of water

Infrastructure

In 2017, Cape Town nearly became the world’s first major city to essentially run out of municipal water. Although this was eventually avoided, water woes continue to plague South Africa and have been worsened by climate change. Now, the main economic hub, Johannesburg, is facing its own crisis, with outages becoming part of daily life.

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