US & World News, Monday 5/12

US & World Summary --- China Earthquake Kills More Than 100, Buries Nearly 900 (Beijing) -- The death toll has jumped to more than 100 from todays powerful earthquake in China. The countrys official news agency says the death toll is sure to rise. So far at least 107 people have been confirmed dead, and another 900 students were buried in the ruble of a high school that collapsed. The quake was felt as far south as Bangkok, Thailand and as far west as Pakistan, but no tsunami warnings were issued. People ran out of buildings in Beijing and Shanghai from the quake that the U.S. Geological Survey says was a magnitude seven-point-eight tremor. (Newton County, MO) -- At least 15 people in southwest Missouri are dead after a mile-wide tornado swept through one county on Saturday. Crews combed through debris yesterday, looking for survivors as well as more bodies. The tornado developed in southeastern Kansas and traveled 12 miles into Missouri, leaving a path of devastation. Several drivers were killed south of Joplin, including four people who were on their way to a wedding. At least 22 died in three states, including six in Oklahoma and one in Georgia. Another 150 others were injured in the severe weather that hit several southern states. --- U.S. Military Aid Plane Lands In Cyclone-Hit Myanmar The first U.S. military aid flight to Myanmar 1/81/8 MEE-ann-mar 3/83/8 has arrived in the cyclone-ravaged Asian nation. The American C-130 transport plane is loaded with water, mosquito nets and blankets. Two more American planes may be sent tomorrow. The ruling military junta in the country formerly known as Burma had blocked most foreign aid after the storm hit the country a little over one week ago. The United Nations estimates that about 100-thousand people may have been killed. --- McCain Pledges To Combat Climate Change (Portland, OR) -- John McCain says as president, hell take the lead in combating global climate change. In remarks prepared for delivery later today in Portland, Oregon, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee says hell seek international agreements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and will offer an incentive system to make U.S. businesses cleaner. The Arizona senator says if hes elected president, he will push for said he would push for what he calls "meaningful environmental protocols" to cut worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. --- Prosecutors Waive Death Penalty For Taylor Suspects (Fort Myers, FL) -- Florida prosecutors wont seek the death penalty against the four suspects accused of killing Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor. Instead, all the suspects will face the possibility of life in prison. Police say the four drove to Taylors house to burglarize it, but discovered Taylor was home with his family. Taylor was shot in the leg and died from blood loss the next day. The shooter was only 17-years-old at the time of the incident, and would not have been eligible for the death penalty under Florida law. --- Older And Sober (Washington, DC) -- Alcoholics often say that one drink is one too many and new research seems to bear that out. Researchers say for middle aged drinkers who have had past problems with alcoholism, the safest amount of alcohol to drink is none. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism study found that for recovering alcoholics over the age of 45, even minimal drinking raised the rates of relapse over the course of three years. --- Australian Pokes Shark In Eye During Attack (Sydney) -- An Australian swimmer is lucky to be alive today after fighting off a shark attack. Jason Cull poked the 12-foot great white in the eyes after the shark bit his leg. Cull told "The Australian" he was going for the creatures gills, but found its eye and jabbed it once. The shark took off almost immediately. A nearby lifeguard dragged Cull out of the water. Sharks are protected species in Australia and attacks on humans are rare, despite the countrys huge coastline. (Copyright 2008 by Newsroom Solutions) RNS-05-12-08 0741CDT