A holiday season overshadowed by a new COVID-19 threat
LOS ANGELES — With numbers confirming a fifth wave of COVID-19 led by the omicron variant, the lights of the holiday season have grown suddenly dim. Travel plans, parties and celebrations meant to make up for lost time have been canceled or recalibrated. The disappointment is real, but nature’s rules are often at odds with human intentions.
National and world news at a glance
Trump asks SCOTUS to block release of Jan. 6 records
More Marines discharged over vaccine refusal, total at 169
WASHINGTON — The Marine Corps discharged 66 Marines in the past week for refusing to get the coronavirus vaccine as mandated by the military, outpacing the other services at discipline related to the shots.
Big Island artist to show small paintings inspired by the ocean
Waimea artist J. Jay West has released a series of highly textured abstract oil paintings as part of a challenge undertaken this fall with 70 other artists worldwide. West’s online show, “Standing Still, mini-series,” will be exhibited in a virtual show that opened Dec. 15.
Cooked dressing updates a holiday salad
Traditions understandably rule the holiday table, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be updated. One simple update to a wintry seasonal salad is to cook the dressing, which slightly softens sturdy bitter greens while adding bold flavor.
HPA stuffed at state tournament 51-0: Kapaa stalls Ka Makani revival, but ‘the future is ridiculously bright’
HONOLULU – Hawaii Preparatory Academy ran into a brick wall otherwise known as the Kapaa Warriors on Wednesday.
Council passes glyphosate ban at county parks
The County Council on Wednesday passed a bill banning the use of Round-Up or other glyphosate-based herbicides at county parks, sending it to Mayor Mitch Roth, who is expected to sign it.
Court upholds US cockfighting ban, rejects challenge in Guam
HONOLULU — A U.S. appeals court ruling Wednesday affirmed a ban against cockfighting in U.S. territories.
DOH: Four suspected omicron cases on the Big Island
The state Department of Health suspects that there could be at least four cases of the omicron variant of COVID-19 on the Big Island.
Hospitals prep for surge
Big Island hospitals are preparing for a rough winter as all signs point to an omicron-fueled COVID-19 surge within the next month.
High court to hold special session on vaccine requirements
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court says it will hold a special session in just over two weeks to weigh challenges to two Biden administration policies covering vaccine requirements for millions of workers, policies that affect large employers and health care workers.
Omicron less likely to put you in the hospital, studies say
Two new British studies provide some early hints that the omicron variant of the coronavirus may be milder than the delta version.
Island life: Think pink
A pink hibiscus blooms ahead of the holidays.
Letters to the Editor: December 23, 2021
How refreshing
Commentary: Subsidies will make the child care crisis worse. Empower families to solve it instead
Before the pandemic, finding good quality child care could be challenging. Now, it’s even harder.
Arriving for the holidays: Travelers keep Big Island airports busy
Big Island airports have been busy amid the holidays with nearly 21,000 trans-Pacific arrivals between Sunday and Wednesday.
Biden and Dems scramble to salvage social, climate package
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden, along with progressive and moderate Democrats, appears determined to return to the negotiating table with Sen. Joe Manchin, the holdout Democrat who effectively tanked the party’s signature $2 trillion domestic policy initiative.
Mountain View man pleads guilty to meth distribution
A Mountain View man charged with methamphetamine trafficking has changed his plea in federal court.
2021 on track to surpass last year as nation’s deadliest
NEW YORK — U.S. health officials say 2021 is shaping up to be even deadlier than last year.
Obituaries: December 23, 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.
Army stuns Missouri in Armed Forces Bowl on last-second FG
FORT WORTH, Texas — Cole Talley kicked a 41-yard field goal as time ran out and Army rallied to beat Missouri 24-22 in the Armed Forces Bowl on Wednesday night.
Saleh, Sirianni test positive for COVID-19, Stefanski back
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The Cleveland Browns got their coach back on the sideline. The New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles might be without theirs this weekend.
Brown scores 34 points, Celtics end Cavaliers’ win streak at 6
BOSTON — Jaylen Brown scored 34 points and the Boston Celtics beat depleted Cleveland 111-101 on Wednesday night to end the Cavaliers’ winning streak at six.
NCAA committee to consider replacing A&M in bowl
No. 23 Texas A&M won’t play in the Gator Bowl against No. 20 Wake Forest on Dec. 31 because of COVID-19 issues and season-ending injuries, but the Demon Deacons might still get a game.
