Wednesday

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• On July 30, 2025, a magnitude 8.8 megathrust earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. The epicenter was located approximately 132 kilometers southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a depth of 20 kilometers. The earthquake, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire’s active seismic zone, triggered multiple aftershocks, including magnitudes 6.9 and 6.3. The quake caused strong ground shaking across Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands, leading to minor injuries and moderate structural damage. In areas such as Severo-Kurilsk and Ust-Kamchatsk, tsunami waves between 2 and 4 meters resulted in flooding of ports, coastal homes, and infrastructure including fish processing facilities. Buildings such as schools and warehouses sustained damage, and power lines were brought down in some coastal zones.

• Tsunami warnings were issued quickly by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and extended across the Pacific Ocean. In Japan, coastal communities in Hokkaido and northern Honshu saw waves of 50 centimeters to 1.2 meters, prompting evacuations in towns like Kushiro and Nemuro. Minor flooding affected harbors and some roads, though no serious damage was reported. In Hawaii, wave activity reached up to 0.7 meters in Hilo and Kahului, causing saltwater intrusion, minor flooding near docks, and temporary closures of waterfront areas. Alaska’s Aleutian Islands recorded waves under 1 meter, leading to precautionary evacuations that were later lifted. While tsunami watches were issued in regions including Guam, Fiji, and Ecuador, no major wave activity was observed. Early warning systems and coordinated international response helped limit the overall impact of the event.

Development:

• On July 28, 2025, the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) announced the resumption of two major infrastructure projects in Nepal that had previously been on hold. The MCC, a U.S. government foreign aid agency, is reactivating a $500 million grant agreement originally signed in 2017. The funding supports the development of a high-voltage power transmission line and the improvement of key roadways across the country. These projects were paused in early 2021 due to a broader suspension of U.S. foreign aid but have now been reinstated.
• The resumed work focuses on strengthening Nepal’s energy distribution system to improve grid reliability and on rehabilitating roads that connect rural areas to national and regional trade routes. These initiatives are part of Nepal’s broader infrastructure and development strategy aimed at increasing economic opportunities and reducing poverty through improved connectivity. The restoration of MCC funding enables the continuation of long-planned upgrades and highlights the role of international partnerships in supporting infrastructure development in low-income countries.

Social:

• On Monday, July 28, 2025, the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball announced the passing of Ryne Sandberg, Hall of Fame second baseman, at the age of 65. Sandberg had been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in January 2024. After a brief remission, the cancer returned and spread later that year. He died at home, surrounded by family. Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts described Sandberg as “a hero to a generation of Chicago Cubs fans… one of the all-time greats in nearly 150 years of this historic franchise.”

• Sandberg played 16 seasons in Major League Baseball—primarily with the Chicago Cubs from 1982 to 1994 and 1996 to 1997. Known for his power, speed, and defensive skill at second base, he was a 10-time All-Star, nine-time Gold Glove winner, and seven-time Silver Slugger. He was named National League MVP in 1984, highlighted by a standout performance in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals known as “The Sandberg Game.” Following his retirement, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005. His No. 23 jersey was retired by the Cubs, and in 2024, he was honored with a statue outside Wrigley Field.

Sports:

• From July 28 to 29, Major League Baseball delivered dramatic late-game action and standout performances. On July 28, the San Diego Padres defeated the New York Mets 7–6 with a walk-off single by Elías Díaz in the bottom of the ninth, ending the Mets’ seven-game winning streak. José Iglesias scored the winning run. Elsewhere, the Detroit Tigers notched their second straight win, while the New York Yankees continued to play without star outfielder Aaron Judge as the trade deadline approached.

• In the WNBA, the Dallas Wings beat the New York Liberty 92–82 on July 28. Arike Ogunbowale led with 20 points and 14 assists, and Paige Bueckers added 20 points. Dallas dominated defensively in the fourth quarter, allowing just one field goal. Aziaha James sealed the game with a late three-pointer.

Space:

• On July 29, 2025, Gilmour Space Technologies conducted the inaugural test flight of its Eris rocket from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in Queensland, Australia. This event marked Australia's first attempt at an orbital launch using a domestically designed and built vehicle, with the three-stage Eris intended to carry small payloads to low Earth orbit. The rocket lifted off as planned but experienced an anomaly shortly after ignition, preventing it from achieving its objectives. As a test flight without operational satellites on board, the primary goal was to collect data for future improvements, a common practice in rocket development where initial attempts often encounter challenges.

• The vehicle ascended approximately 50 meters vertically before developing insufficient thrust, causing it to translate sideways and fall back to the ground near the launch pad after about 20 seconds. The impact resulted in an explosion, but there were no injuries or significant damage reported beyond the rocket itself. Gilmour Space CEO Adam Gilmour stated that the team would review telemetry data to determine the cause, likely related to engine performance, and apply lessons learned to subsequent flights.

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