Astronomers discover dozens of rogue planets
Astronomers using Maunakea observatories have discovered at least 70 planets within our galaxy that do not orbit a star.
Kimie Miner to make Kahilu debut
Kahilu Theatre presents Grammy Award-nominated and multi-Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning artist Kimie Miner, live in her Kahilu debut at 7 p.m. Jan. 8.
Annual After Christmas Holiday Paint Nights returns
Kona Oceanfront Gallery is celebrating this holiday season by bringing back the Best of Hawaii’s Artists with its annual After Christmas Holiday Paint Nights booking three of well-known and talented artists in Hawaii Dec. 28 through Dec. 30.
Making waves: ‘Twas the night before Christmas
‘Twas the night before Christmas on the Kona side, everyone was waiting for Santa’s big ride.
Commentary: Many of us are grieving this holiday season. Here are some ways to cope
The last “normal” Christmas, December 2019, was the last time I saw my grandma. She was years into an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and she had to be moved to an assisted living facility soon after the holidays. COVID made it next to impossible to visit.
Rastafari want more legal marijuana for freedom of worship
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Mosiyah Tafari banged on drums and chanted psalms with other Rastafari in a ballroom where the smoke of frankincense mixed with the fragrant smell of marijuana — which his faith deems sacred.
Cody Bellinger agrees to one-year deal worth $17 million with Dodgers
LOS ANGELES — Before Major League Baseball’s lockout began at the start of this month, the Dodgers quietly checked one important item off their winter to-do list.
Island life: Santa ‘Claws’ takes the reins
Santa “Claws” takes the sleigh’s reins.
Kapa art pieces added to the state’s Art in Public Places Collection
Kapa art by three renowned artists, including Hawaii Island’s Roen Hufford, have been designated by the Art Acquisition Selection Committee of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) for purchase and will be added to the state’s Art in Public Places Collection.
Here comes Santa Claus: NORAD ready to help keiki track jolly old Saint Nick
The North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, launches its annual Santa locator tool today for keiki who want to track when jolly old Saint Nick will reach the Aloha State.
Titans rally from 10 down at half, edge 49ers 20-17
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Coach Mike Vrabel heard that his banged-up Tennessee Titans were being written off after the left side of their offensive line was ruled out a day before hosting the streaking San Francisco 49ers.
Greene, Murphy lead USF to 76-69 win over Hawaii
HONOLULU — Javon Greene scored 18 points, making 7 of 9 at the foul line and USF fended off host Hawaii 76-69 at the Diamond Head Classic on Thursday night
Obituaries: December 24, 2021
Editor’s note: Obituaries are published free of charge as a public service. Content is subject to editing for parity treatment and style continuity. Date of publication cannot be guaranteed. Any questions regarding obituaries should be directed to the mortuary or via email to obituaries@westhawaiitoday.com. Memorial advertisements may be purchased through the newspaper advertising department.
NFL medical officer: Asymptomatic people not spreading COVID
NEW YORK — The NFL’s chief medical officer says asymptomatic players are not spreading COVID-19 based on his observations during this season.
Hawaii Bowl canceled on eve of game after UH pulls out
HONOLULU — The Hawaii Bowl was canceled Thursday on the eve of the game after Hawaii withdrew because of COVID-19, season-ending injuries and transfers.
Bowser, O’Keefe shine for UCF in Gasparilla Bowl win
TAMPA, Fla. — Isaiah Bowser ran for 155 yards and two touchdowns, Ryan O’Keefe had 85 yards on seven receptions, and Central Florida earned Sunshine State bragging rights by beating Florida 29-17 in the Gasparilla Bowl on Thursday night.
Booker, Johnson help NBA-leading Suns beat Thunder 113-101
PHILADELPHIA — Devin Booker scored 30 points, Cam Johnson added 21 while making all five of his 3-point attempts and the Phoenix Suns won their fifth straight game, beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 113-101 on Thursday night.
Putin to the West: ‘It is not us who threaten anyone’
MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin urged the West on Thursday to “immediately” meet Russia’s demand for security guarantees precluding NATO’s expansion to Ukraine, saying the U.S. is “on the threshold of our home.”
US sets shorter COVID-19 isolation rules for health workers
NEW YORK — Worried that a new COVID-19 wave could overwhelm understaffed U.S. hospitals, federal officials on Thursday loosened rules that call on health care workers to stay out of work for 10 days if they test positive.
New Year’s Eve in Times Square still on, with smaller crowd
NEW YORK — Revelers will still ring in the new year in New York’s Times Square next week, there just won’t be as many of them as usual under new restrictions announced Thursday as the city grapples with a spike in COVID-19 cases.
United cancels over 100 flights on Christmas eve due to omicron-linked shortages
United Airlines Holdings Inc. is canceling over 100 flights on Friday, the day before Christmas, while Delta Air Lines Inc. has cut about 90.
Officials question San Francisco’s emergency over opioids
SAN FRANCISCO — The Board of Supervisors in San Francisco were meeting Thursday to consider an emergency order requested by the mayor to tackle the opioid epidemic in the city’s troubled Tenderloin neighborhood, with some members clearly dismayed that the declaration could be used to criminalize people who are homeless, addicted to drugs or both.
Anti-DUI effort still on despite COVID surge
The Hawaii Police Department plans to have DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols on the Big Island’s roads for the Christmas and New Year’s Day weekends.
‘Omicron’s going to take off’: State health director urges caution as coronavirus cases soar
State and county officials are urging residents to keep their holiday celebrations small as COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise statewide.
US has reunited 100 children taken from parents under Trump
WASHINGTON — A Biden administration effort to reunite children and parents who were separated under President Donald Trump’s zero-tolerance border policy has made increasing progress as it nears the end of its first year.
