Airport improvements continue
KAILUA-KONA — With a new year just around the corner, improvements at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole continue.
NFL: Ravens, Eagles, Colts squeeze into playoffs
BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Ravens squeezed past the Browns and into the playoffs, using two rushing touchdowns by rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson and a late defensive stand to beat Cleveland 26-24 Sunday and claim the AFC North title.
AP top sports story of 2018: Nassar abuse, gymnastics turmoil
The depths of Larry Nassar’s depravity began to emerge some 15 months before the calendar flipped to 2018 — when reports of his sexual abuse first appeared in newspaper stories that would eventually lead to a trial and, ultimately, to the doctor’s imprisonment.
UMBC’s win over Virginia was biggest surprise of 2018
The University of Maryland-Baltimore County had no chance. Not against mighty Virginia, certainly not against history.
Top 10 local sports stories of 2018
10. Wrestlers Umu, Bailey are Big Island’s Golden girls
Tutu’s House
Caregiving Conversations will gather from 11 a.m.-noon this Wednesday led by professional caregiver Karyn Clay. Whether you are a caregiver by heart, hire or relationship, join fellow caregivers in sharing stories, support and inspiration.
Humane society announces new leadership team
Robbery suspect charged
KAILUA-KONA — Police have arrested and charged robbery suspect Kyle Arellano, 22, with several offenses, the department said Saturday.
Wild and crazy season ends with lots of playoff uncertainty
Houston leads and takes the division title by beating struggling Jacksonville. A Texans loss, however, gives the winner of the prime-time game between the Colts and Titans in Nashville the crown, dropping Houston into a wild card.
BIIF boys soccer: Wildcats finding their rhythm, beat Ka‘u 8-0
KEALAKEKUA — Three players scored two goals apiece as Konawaena picked up back-to-back wins for the first time this season after defeating Ka’u Saturday afternoon at Julian Yates Field.
Nunes KOs Cyborg in 51 seconds, Jones wins at UFC 232
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Amanda Nunes knocked out Cris “Cyborg” Justino 51 seconds into the first round at UFC 232 on Saturday night, ending the featherweight champion’s 13-year unbeaten run with one of the most surprising victories in mixed martial arts history.
Florida routs Michigan 41-15 in Peach Bowl
ATLANTA — Florida capped its big comeback season — and left Michigan reeling again.
Lawrence lights up Notre Dame, No. 2 Clemson cruises 30-3
ARLINGTON, Texas — When Clemson’s Dabo Swinney entrusted a team with championship aspirations to freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence in September, this is what the Tigers’ coach had in mind.
No. 1 Alabama beats No. 4 Oklahoma 45-34 to reach title game
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Tua Tagovailoa threw for 318 yards and four touchdowns and No. 1-ranked Alabama beat No. 4 Oklahoma 45-34 on Saturday night in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Orange Bowl.
Princeton stuns No. 17 Arizona State 67-66
TEMPE, Ariz. — Princeton’s basketball team took a little Christmas vacation in the desert and capped it off with a stunning upset of No. 17 Arizona State.
NBA: Harden scores 41 as Rockets keep rolling, beat Pelicans
NEW ORLEANS — James Harden scored 41 points, becoming the first NBA player since Oscar Robertson to record at least 35 points and five assists in seven consecutive games, to power the Houston Rockets to a 108-104 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night.
Avocado import to mainland markets shows promising signs for industry
KAILUA-KONA — For the first time in 25 years, Hawaii Island farmers are exporting avocado to the mainland in earnest.
AP News in Brief 12-30-18
Trump blames Democrats for migrant child deaths at US border
Congo faces a troubled, long-delayed election
KINSHASA, Congo — Congo’s presidential election takes place today after more than two years of delays. Protests, an opposition outcry and the surprise barring of 1 million voters from the polls over an Ebola outbreak marked the final days of preparations.
Island Life 12-30-18
The last full moon of the year sets. (Reiko Sekine/Community contributor)
Year in Review: 2018 forever shaped Hawaii Island
KAILUA-KONA — We watched the island burn and said goodbye to an officer felled in the line of duty.
HFD: Kaloko fire burned 30 acres
KAILUA-KONA — A brush fire in Kaloko burned 30 acres of land on Friday, the Hawaii Fire Department said.
Trump’s loneliness of leadership in an uncertain 2019
In the days before Christmas 2018, President Donald Trump was alone in his home/office at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Someday, future historians will picture Trump sitting at his desk and perhaps commiserate if he felt those oval walls of his famous office were closing in on him.
Letters to the editor: 12-30-18
Love visiting, but ease up on dolphins
Crackdown on squatters
HILO — Trespassers squatting in vacant homes has long been an issue in Puna, and residents of one subdivision have decided they won’t take it anymore.
