Maria Bakalova wants to make you feel something
LOS ANGELES — When it comes to acting, Maria Bakalova considers herself to be a person of extremes.
Editorial: The fiscal cliff looms; nothing to see here
The national debt is much like the weather. Everybody worries about the topic, but nobody wants to do anything about it.
Editorial: The House pretends to call in sick
The House of Representatives spent Friday passing the $1.65 trillion omnibus spending blowout, and the bill is loaded with earmarks and pet priorities from healthcare to public lands that few Members have bothered to read. This is no way to run a government, and compounding the embarrassment is that half of the lawmakers had already ditched Washington for the holidays.
Biden signs $1.7 trillion bill funding government operations
KINGSHILL, U.S. Virgin Islands — President Joe Biden on Thursday signed a $1.7 trillion spending bill that will keep the federal government operating through the end of the federal budget year in September 2023, and provide tens of billions of dollars in new aid to Ukraine for its fight against the Russian military.
World population projected at 7.9 billion on New Year’s Day
The world population is projected to be 7.9 billion people on New Year’s Day 2023, with 73.7 million people added since New Year’s Day 2022, the U.S. Census Bureau said Thursday.
Burian named acting chief — for less than three weeks
The Hawaii County Police Commission on Thursday unanimously selected Assistant Police Chief Andrew Burian to be the Big Island’s acting chief of police until Honolulu police Maj. Benjamin Moszkowicz is sworn in Jan. 17 as the department’s chief.
‘Not just the ramp’: Worship spaces need more accessibility
NASHVILLE, Tennessee — Jerry Lamb could not maneuver his wheelchair into the rows of pews at his church. It wouldn’t fit. Nor could he sit in the aisles without awkwardly blocking the way.
Be mindful: Fireworks celebrations can impact veterans and pets
New Year’s Eve can be a stressful time for veterans suffering from PTSD and pets who are sensitive to loud noises as fireworks blanket neighborhoods with a barrage of bangs.
Rabuka sworn in as Fiji prime minister after close election
MELBOURNE, Australia — Sitiveni Rabuka was sworn in as Fiji’s prime minister on Saturday, capping a tense week in a fragile Pacific democracy where the former military commander first held office more than two decades ago.
Nice weather forecast for holiday weekend
Most of the Big Island should be looking at perfect or near-perfect weather for fireworks, backyard barbecues and beach outings over the New Year’s holiday weekend.
Jan. 6 panel drops Trump subpoena as it wraps up work
WASHINGTON — The House Jan. 6 committee has dropped its subpoena against former President Donald Trump as it wraps up work and prepares to dissolve next week.
Nation and world news at a glance
Southwest: Normal flight operations to resume Friday
New year expected to bring more changes to state voting laws
State lawmakers around the country introduced thousands of bills to change the way elections are run after former President Donald Trump falsely blamed his 2020 loss on voter fraud. Hundreds became law.
Without Tua, Dolphins need to find a win to reach playoffs
With a four-game losing streak, the Dolphins squandered an easy path to the playoffs and now need to win at least one — or possibly both — of their last two games to reach the postseason.
As he turns 38, LeBron is clear: He still wants title shots
MIAMI — It was 2006. LeBron James wasn’t even midway through his first stint in Cleveland. He made the playoffs for the first time, was already a globally recognized star and well on his way to becoming the game’s best player.
History of Ka‘u coffee detailed in new documentary
Find out how former sugar workers reinvented themselves to grow award-winning Ka‘u coffee in a new, 20-minute film available via YouTube.
Comedian Pauly Shore to perform in Hilo
Comedian Pauly Shore performs next month in Hilo.
Pelé, Brazil’s mighty king of ‘beautiful game,’ dies at 82
SAO PAULO — Pelé, the Brazilian king of soccer who won a record three World Cups and became one of the most commanding sports figures of the last century, died Thursday. He was 82.
Christmas with Peaman’s Whirled Champeanship Biathlon
Having Peaman’s Whirled Champeanship Biathlon at Kaiakeakua Beach on Christmas morning was just what Sean “Peaman” Pagett wished for from Santa.
Detective honored for work in murder in investigation
Hawaii Police Department Detective Anson Caceres was recognized by the Kona Crime Prevention Committee as Officer of the Month for December during an awards ceremony earlier this month at Huggo’s on the Rocks in Kona.
Arkansas holds on to beat Kansas in 3 OTs in Liberty Bowl
KJ Jefferson passed to Rashod Dubinion for a 2-point conversion in the third overtime and Arkansas held off a furious second-half rally by Kansas for a 55-53 win the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on Wednesday night.
Raiders bench QB Carr, will start Stidham for final 2 games
HENDERSON, Nev. — Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has missed only three games in nine years, all because of injury.
Change of Heart pilot program ends after just $300 diverted from panhandlers
A Hawaii County pilot program to divert spare change from panhandlers to nonprofits is coming to an end.
County receives $2M state homelessness grant
Hawaii County has been awarded a $2 million grant from the state Ohana Zone funds to further homelessness relief programs on the island.
Vog, air pollution predicted to hurt student test scores, especially on Big Island
Vog, or volcanic smog, along with air pollution can hurt Hawaii student test scores, according to a new study from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the UH Economic Research Organization and University College London.
