World’s tallest 3D-printed building

The newly unveiled Tor Alva (White Tower) in Mulegns, a tiny Swiss Alpine village with just 12 residents, is now the world’s tallest 3D-printed building at 30 metres high.

Built by architects and researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, the modular tower features 32 3D-printed columns connected with screws and steel cables — no cement or steel frame required. Tor Alva includes a domed top floor for performances and scenic views.

The tower showcases innovations in thin-walled, material-efficient concrete, modular design for reuse and new reinforcement techniques — advancements expected to revolutionise sustainable construction.

Truck rollover releases 14 million bees on to road

A tractor-trailer crash in Whatcom County, Washington, released an estimated 14 million bees near the Canadian border after the truck carrying over 70,000 pounds of beehives overturned on Weidkamp Road.

The road was closed for 24 hours to allow the bees to return to their hives. Over two dozen beekeepers assisted in rescue efforts, with most hive boxes recovered and restored. Officials said many bees will survive, with some joining wild colonies. The crash was blamed on the driver failing to properly navigate a turn; no injuries were reported.

Mother bear and cub found in resident’s pool

A California resident in Auburn captured a video of a mother bear giving her cub a swimming lesson in a backyard pool. The homeowner said bear visits are common during hot weather as they seek ways to cool off. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife reminds residents to secure food and trash to avoid encouraging bear encounters.

Published in Dawn, Young World, June 21st, 2025