Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano Sets Record for Lava Fountaining Episodes, Impacting Local Communities

Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano Sets Record for Lava Fountaining Episodes, Impacting Local Communities

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano has set a new record for the number of lava fountaining episodes during its ongoing eruption, which began in December 2024. As of Monday, the volcano has experienced 48 such episodes, surpassing previous records. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that these episodes are separated by periods of little to no lava activity, all originating from the same vents at the summit crater. The eruption is notable not only for its record-breaking nature but also for its accessibility to residents and tourists, unlike a similar event in the 1980s that occurred in a more remote area. The ongoing volcanic activity is reshaping the summit's topography and poses potential risks to nearby communities due to volcanic fragments and ash, known as tephra.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Kilauea Volcano Sets Record for Lava Fountaining Episodes, Impacting Local Communities

Kilauea Volcano Sets Record for Lava Fountaining Episodes, Impacting Local Communities

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano has set a new record for the number of lava fountaining episodes during its ongoing eruption, which began in December 2024. As of Monday, the volcano has experienced 48 such episodes, surpassing the previous record of 47 episodes that occurred during an eruption in the 1980s. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that these episodes are characterized by periods of intense lava fountaining, separated by intervals of little to no activity. The current eruption is notable for its accessibility to both residents and tourists, unlike the more remote eruption of the 1980s. The ongoing volcanic activity is reshaping the summit's topography and poses potential risks to nearby communities due to volcanic fragments and ash, known as tephra.
1Weather 1Weather
FEMA Opens Recovery Centers for Kona Low Storm Victims in Hawaii

FEMA Opens Recovery Centers for Kona Low Storm Victims in Hawaii

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has established in-person recovery centers across Hawaii to assist residents affected by the Kona low storms that occurred in March 2026. FEMA has approved nearly $10 million in federal aid for individual assistance programs, including temporary housing, rental assistance, home repairs, and coverage for personal property losses and medical expenses. Over 2,700 registrations have been received, with approximately 950 from Maui County alone. Residents are encouraged to apply for assistance before the June 14 deadline, even if their applications are incomplete. FEMA representatives are conducting inspections to assess damages and help finalize applications. Recovery centers are particularly focused on aiding individuals with limited internet access or other connectivity challenges.
AP News AP News
A lawsuit challenges Hawaii homestead leases limited to those with 50% Hawaiian blood

A lawsuit challenges Hawaii homestead leases limited to those with 50% Hawaiian blood

A lawsuit is challenging the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, which provides land to Native Hawaiians with at least 50% Hawaiian blood quantum
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Lawsuit Challenges Hawaiian Homestead Leases Based on Blood Quantum

Lawsuit Challenges Hawaiian Homestead Leases Based on Blood Quantum

A lawsuit has been filed in U.S. court in Honolulu challenging the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, which provides land leases to individuals with at least 50% Hawaiian blood. The lawsuit, filed by the Pacific Legal Foundation, argues that the blood quantum requirement is unconstitutional. This legal action is part of a broader challenge to Native Hawaiian entitlements, coinciding with the Trump administration's stance against diversity and inclusion policies. The Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, established in 1921, allows Native Hawaiians to apply for 99-year leases for $1 annually. Currently, about 29,000 people are on the waitlist for these leases. The lawsuit could potentially reach the U.S. Supreme Court, as the plaintiffs argue that government classifications based on ancestry or race are unconstitutional.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Scientists Identify Methane Bubbles as Source of Mysterious Booms in Finger Lakes

Scientists Identify Methane Bubbles as Source of Mysterious Booms in Finger Lakes

For over 300 years, residents near New York's Seneca Lake have reported hearing mysterious booming sounds, known locally as 'Seneca guns.' Recent research led by Tim Morin from SUNY ESF has identified the cause as methane bubbles trapped in the lakebed. These bubbles build up pressure over time and erupt with a force that creates shockwaves, resembling cannon fire. The lake's vast volume, holding approximately 4.2 trillion gallons of water, amplifies these sounds, making them audible across the region. Historical theories dating back to the 19th century speculated about gas explosions, but it wasn't until modern sonar mapping and sediment sampling that the methane bubble theory was confirmed.
AP News AP News
Hawaii's Kilauea sets record for lava fountaining episodes in any 1 eruption for the volcano

Hawaii's Kilauea sets record for lava fountaining episodes in any 1 eruption for the volcano

Hawaii’s Kilauea has hit a record number of lava fountaining episode for any one eruption from the volcano
1Weather 1Weather
Hawaii’s Kilauea Sets New Lava Eruption Record

Hawaii’s Kilauea Sets New Lava Eruption Record

Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupted again on Monday, marking the 48th episode of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption and setting a new historic record. The United States Geological Survey said lava fountains reached up to 650 feet high, sending ash plumes more than 20,000 feet into the sky. The eruption began early Monday morning and triggered ashfall advisories near the volcano. Scientists say Kilauea has erupted roughly every 10 days since December 2024.
AP News AP News
Mental fitness exam ordered for man charged with murder in 3 'heinous' killings in Hawaii

Mental fitness exam ordered for man charged with murder in 3 'heinous' killings in Hawaii

Prosecutors say the killings of three men on Hawaii's Big Island were “especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel.”
Rapid Read Rapid Read
El Nino Predicted to Reduce Atlantic Hurricanes, Increase Pacific Storms

El Nino Predicted to Reduce Atlantic Hurricanes, Increase Pacific Storms

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts a quieter-than-usual Atlantic hurricane season due to the El Nino phenomenon. El Nino, characterized by the warming of surface sea temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, is expected to suppress hurricane activity in the Atlantic while increasing storm activity in the Pacific. This year, there is a 55% chance of below-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic, with a 35% chance of near-normal and a 10% chance of above-normal activity. El Nino events typically occur every two to seven years and last nine to 12 months. The phenomenon affects global wind and rainfall systems, potentially intensifying floods, droughts, and heatwaves worldwide.
Trendline Trendline
East Hampton's Main Beach Ranked Among Top 10 Best U.S. Beaches by Dr. Beach

East Hampton's Main Beach Ranked Among Top 10 Best U.S. Beaches by Dr. Beach

East Hampton's Main Beach Ranked Among Top 10 Best U.S. Beaches by Dr. Beach