One person killed, another injured in shooting at Florida shopping mall
OCALA, Fla. — A man died in a shooting at a shopping mall in central Florida two days before Christmas in which the victim was apparently “targeted” for the attack, police said.
Suspect arrested in alleged theft of a Banksy stop sign decorated with military drones
LONDON — A man suspected of stealing an artwork by Banksy of a stop sign adorned with three military drones, was arrested Saturday, London police said.
Trump says he’s eager to debate Biden in 2024, even if controversial commission plans events
NEW YORK — Former President Donald Trump says he is eager to debate President Joe Biden, even if the debates are sponsored by the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates. And he says he is open to debating a single Republican rival if a serious challenger emerges after the New Hampshire primary.
Busiest holiday travel season in years is off to a smooth start with few airport delays
NEW YORK — The holiday travel rush hit its peak Friday as mild weather and lower flight cancelation rates raised hopes for merrier drivers and airline passengers than last year.
It ‘shows a lot of disrespect’: Council OKs Puna route study after initially rejecting bill
The Hawaii County Council voted Wednesday to reject $1.5 million for a study of possible alternate routes into Puna before immediately calling for a do-over and accepting the funds.
Hawaii health care workers’ student loans to be paid
Just in time for Christmas, the state told 492 Hawaii health care workers this week that it will pay off their student loans—up to $100, 000—in return for a two-year commitment to stay in the islands.
‘The magic of Santa”
Santa Claus’ Hawaii workshop has started to slow down as Christmas Day nears, giving Santa himself more time to visit keiki for last-minute wishes and pictures.
Free Amelia Earhart Girls in Engineering Day on Jan. 27
Registration is now open for the first 50 girls from Hawai‘i Island in grades 4-8 who sign up for the 8th Annual Amelia Earhart Girls in Engineering Day on Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 8 am to 3 pm at Waiakea High School.
Men of PA’A Makahiki Cultural Festival celebrates culture, community, and wellness
Pahoa, Hawai’i – The Men of PA’A proudly announce the inaugural Men of PA’A Makahiki Cultural Festival, an event celebrating Hawaiian culture, community resilience, and holistic wellness. Set against the backdrop of the revered Makahiki season, this festival is a testament to the commitment to cultural revival and community healing.
Island Life photo for Sunday, December 24, 2023 – ‘Golden gaze’
Island Life photo for Sunday, December 24, 2023 – ‘Golden gaze’
Post-flight feast: Study suggests reindeer vision evolved to spot favorite food
CONCORD, N.H.— Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer may have millions of carrots set out for him on Christmas Eve, but what about the rest of the year?
In Mexico, piñatas are not just child’s play. They’re a 400-year-old tradition
ACOLMAN, Mexico — María de Lourdes Ortiz Zacarías swiftly cuts hundreds of strips of newsprint and colored crepe paper needed to make a piñata, soothed by Norteño music on the radio while measuring pieces by feel.
Estonia, one of the first countries to introduce Christmas trees, celebrates the holiday
TALLINN, Estonia — Christmas trees started appearing in Central Europe and the Baltic States, including Estonia, as early as the Middle Ages and have now become traditional across much of the world.
Commentary: What do children learn when they’re taught to kill?
I went hunting once—on a friend’s farm in southwest Georgia. Some 50 years after I fired into a squirrel’s nest, I recall the shock of seeing them plummet lifelessly to the ground as vividly as if it were only a moment ago. I’m thinking about it now.
Editorial: State of disorder: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s latest demagoguery on migrants
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is up to it again, signing an unlawful new state law to make crossing into the country illegally a state misdemeanor. We don’t expect it to last much beyond when the ink has dried.
No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller ruled out for Hornets after injuring ankle vs Nuggets
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Charlotte Hornets rookie Brandon Miller has been ruled out for the second half of Saturday night’s game against the Denver Nuggets after spraining his right ankle.
Padres and Japanese reliever Yuki Matsui agree to 5-year contract
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Japanese reliever Yuki Matsui agreed Saturday to a five-year contract with the San Diego Padres. At 5-foot-8, he becomes one of the shortest pitchers in the major leagues.
Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown lead Celtics to a 145-108 rout of the Clippers
LOS ANGELES — Jayson Tatum scored 30 points, Jaylen Brown added 24 and the Boston Celtics kicked off their Christmas weekend in Southern California with a 145-108 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday.
New York Mets hit with record luxury tax of nearly $101 million for season of fourth-place finish
NEW YORK — The New York Mets must pay a record luxury tax of nearly $101 million after a fourth-place finish in their division, among an unprecedented eight teams that owe the penalty for the 2023 season.
TV sitcom ‘Extended Family’ inspired by real-life relationship of Celtics owner, wife and her ex
BOSTON — When Boston Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck felt like his life could be the premise for a television sitcom, he knew just where to turn: His friend Tom Werner, a Red Sox owner and TV veteran who was behind megahits like “The Cosby Show,” “Roseanne” and “That ’70s Show.”
Suárez signs with Inter Miami, reunites with former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The long-awaited reunion of Luis Suárez and Lionel Messi is now a reality, after the Uruguayan striker signed with Inter Miami on Friday for the 2024 season.
Bucks beat the Knicks again in a one-sided series, with the teams set to meet again on Christmas
NEW YORK— Giannis Antetokounmpo had 28 points, seven assists and seven rebounds, Bobby Portis added 23 points and 11 boards, and the Milwaukee Bucks beat the New York Knicks 130-111 on Saturday, opening a two-game series with their seventh straight victory.
Hefty raises for county execs
Top Hawaii County executives will get significant pay hikes starting Jan. 1.
Man found guilty of federal drug charges
A 31-year-old Mexican national was found guilty of drug charges in Federal Court after his June arrest in Hilo.
Flu and COVID infections are rising and could get worse over the holidays, CDC says
NEW YORK — Look for flu and COVID-19 infections to ramp up in the coming weeks, U.S. health officials say, with increases fueled by holiday gatherings, too many unvaccinated people and a new version of the coronavirus that may be spreading more easily.
