Massive explosions caused by ruptured underground gas lines tore through the Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung on July 31, killing 28 people and injuring more than 300. The blasts occurred around midnight and caused the collapse of three miles of roadway. The explosions were blamed on a leaking pipeline carrying propylene, a colorless, odorless gas.

One person was killed and 20 others were injured on a sightseeing tour of Victoria Falls and the rainforest on July 1 when their open-air tram was struck by a cargo train. Most of the 32 passengers were members of a wedding party.

The tram was hit from behind while stopped at the Victoria Falls station to change tracks. Authorities suspect that a signal error led to the cargo train’s being on the same line as the tram. On July 16, to aid investigators, Victoria Falls Steam Train...

Following a couple of failed cease-fires, optimism was high after Israel and the Palestinian organization Hamas, based in Gaza, agreed to a long-term truce on Aug. 26, ending seven weeks of fighting that left more than 2,100 Palestinians and 68 Israelis dead. 

The deal loosened blockade restrictions on Gaza and opened its border crossings to and from Israel and Egypt, which will allow access to more humanitarian aid and building materials. Also, Gazan fishing rights were extended to...