SUMMARY: A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering tsunami waves across the Pacific, including Japan, Alaska, Hawaii, North and Central America, and Pacific islands. Flooding hit Kamchatka ports, prompting evacuations of thousands, while Japan and Alaska reported smaller tsunami waves with no major damage. Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast issued warnings and advised residents to move to higher ground. The quake, the strongest in the region since 1952, caused aftershocks up to magnitude 6.9. Authorities across the Pacific urged caution as tsunami effects could persist for over a day, causing dangerous currents despite moderate wave heights.

Read the full article

The post 8.8-magnitude earthquake sends small tsunami into coasts of Russia, Japan and Alaska appeared first on www.kxan.com

SUMMARY: A man named Shane Tamura, with a documented mental health history, opened fire Monday in a Manhattan office tower at 345 Park Avenue, killing four people—including NYPD officer Didarul Islam—and wounding one critically before killing himself. The building houses NFL and Blackstone headquarters and others. Tamura entered around 6:30 p.m. armed with an M4 rifle, shooting victims in the lobby, elevator bank, and on the 33rd floor. Islam, an immigrant and father of two with a pregnant wife, was killed protecting the premises. Authorities are investigating Tamura’s motive and recent cross-country travel. Several injured fled amid chaotic gunfire.

Read the full article

The post Gunman kills 4, including police officer, in shooting at New York City office tower appeared first on www.kxan.com

SUMMARY: A 12-year-old boy, Jaysen Carr from South Carolina, died after contracting a brain-eating amoeba infection (Naegleria fowleri) from swimming in Lake Murray. This amoeba thrives in warm freshwater and soil, especially at temperatures above 75°F. Infection occurs when contaminated water enters the nose, leading to primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rapidly progressing and almost always fatal brain infection. Symptoms include fever, headache, seizures, and death usually occurs within days after symptoms appear. Treatment involves antifungal and antibiotic drugs, but survival is rare. Prevention through avoiding warm freshwater and using nose protection is vital. Climate change and increased awareness may be raising infection rates.

Read the full article

The post Brain-eating amoeba: Who is most often infected? appeared first on www.kxan.com