National Gas Prices Rise, Political Defiance in Australia, and a Startup Shuts Down
Orlando, Fla. – National gasoline prices have increased by 5 cents per gallon over the past week, just ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Current prices remain comparable to those seen last year. Experts link the rise to higher oil prices, which are holding above $80 per barrel, potentially leading to further price increases. GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan noted the possibility of continued price climbs.
Additionally, analysts are monitoring Hurricane Beryl, which recently strengthened and is headed toward Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula with a potential path towards Texas, impacting oil refining infrastructure.
Australia – Senator Fatima Payman of the Australian Labor Party crossed party lines to vote for a motion on Palestinian statehood, opposing her party's stance. The Australian government officially supports a two-state solution but did not back the motion, leading to Payman's temporary suspension from her party. By week’s end, her suspension extended indefinitely after she vowed to cross the floor again.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized, “No individual is bigger than the team.” Payman has been excluded from caucus meetings, group chats, and committees, drawing mixed reactions and raising questions about party discipline on community-impacting issues.
Climate Technology – Carbon removal startup Running Tide has ceased operations last month due to a lack of further funding. The startup's closure marks a significant loss in the technological fight against climate change.