Pakistan army says 300 hostages freed from train

BREAKINGA powerful magnitude 8.7 earthquake struck 136km east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in Russia's far east, triggering tsunami alerts in multiple countries, with waves of 3-4 meters reported in the Kamchatka region. Japan issued a tsunami advisory for waves up to 1 meter, and Hawaii is on a tsunami watch, though there are currently no reports of damage or casualties. Want More Context? 🔎

Millions in the US are under heat advisories as a severe heatwave affects 168 million people, particularly in the mid-west, south-east, and north-east. New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the dangers of extreme heat, urging residents to check on vulnerable neighbors, while authorities set up cooling centers and extended pool hours amid record temperatures. Want More Context? 🔎

Malta to Recognize Palestinian StateMalta's Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that the country will officially recognize a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly in September, following similar declarations from the UK and France. This decision comes amid internal and external pressures for recognition and aligns with Malta's historical support for Palestinian causes and a two-state solution. Want More Context? 🔎

The Canadian government is phasing out its hotel program for asylum seekers, which has cost over $1.2 billion since 2020, with funding ending in September 2024. While current plans include reception centers and support for long-term housing, experts warn that cities may struggle to accommodate the growing number of asylum claims, which rose from 64,000 in 2019 to 173,000 last year. Want More Context? 🔎

An attempt at Australia’s first orbital launch in over 50 years ended in failure when Gilmour Space Technologies' Eris rocket exploded just 20 seconds after liftoff from Bowen Orbital Spaceport. Despite previous delays and challenges, CEO Adam Gilmour emphasized the importance of the data collected during the flight for future improvements. Want More Context? 🔎

As extreme heat increasingly impacts Phoenix, the city's Fire Department is employing a novel lifesaving method: cold water immersion using bags of ice, originally developed by the military. This technique cools heatstroke victims three to five times faster than traditional methods, significantly reducing heat-related deaths despite rising temperatures, and is being stockpiled at fire stations and popular trailheads for rapid response. Want More Context? 🔎