Two arrested following armed home invasion
Two men have been arrested after three people were injured during a home invasion Sunday in South Kona.
Hawaii Island COVID-19 case count increases by 14
Hawaii Island reported 14 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, bringing the island’s total case count to 1,887.
Man called most prolific serial killer in US history dies
LOS ANGELES — The man authorities say was the most prolific serial killer in U.S. history, with nearly 60 confirmed victims, died Wednesday in California. He was 80.
China OKs 1st homegrown vaccine as COVID-19 surges globally
BEIJING — China authorized its first homegrown COVID-19 vaccine for general use Thursday, adding another shot that could see wide use in poorer countries as the virus surges back around the globe.
Census Bureau to miss deadline, jeopardizing Trump plan
The Census Bureau plans to announce it will miss a year-end deadline for handing in numbers used for divvying up congressional seats, a delay that could undermine President Donald Trump’s efforts to exclude people in the country illegally from the count if the figures aren’t turned in before President-elect Joe Biden takes office.
Race to vaccinate millions in US off to slow, messy start
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Terry Beth Hadler was so eager to get a lifesaving COVID-19 vaccination that the 69-year-old piano teacher stood in line overnight in a parking lot with hundreds of other senior citizens.
Kauai ban on single-use plastics to take effect in new year
LIHUE — A law prohibiting public funds from being used to buy single-use plastics will take effect Friday on Kauai.
Island Life: Glow from below
People watch the glow of Kilauea’s 2020 eruption on Dec. 23.
Letters to the Editor: December 31, 2020
Reckless behavior deserves consequences
Making Waves: It’s about darn time
Tonight is New Year’s Eve and it’s about darn time.
Looking Back: Pandemic takes hold
When the clock struck midnight on Jan. 1, few knew what the first year of the new decade would bring.
Ige’s budget includes $5.7M reduction for UH-Hilo
The University of Hawaii is facing budget cuts totaling more than $78 million as part of Gov. David Ige’s proposed biennium budget, which was unveiled Dec. 21.
Last Waiki accomplice changes plea
The last of the seven defendants accused of aiding Justin Waiki following the fatal shooting of Hawaii Police Department Officer Bronson Kaliloa in July 2018, recently reached a plea agreement with the state.
Nine significant non-COVID stories that happened in 2020
Kilauea reawakens
Police on report man was making bombs: ‘Hindsight is 20/20’
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — More than a year before Anthony Warner detonated a Christmas Day bomb in downtown Nashville, officers visited his home after his girlfriend told police he was building bombs in a recreational vehicle at his residence, according to documents. But they did not make contact with him, or see inside his RV.
Missouri senator to contest Biden’s Electoral College win
WASHINGTON — Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said Wednesday he will raise objections next week when Congress meets to affirm President-elect Joe Biden’s victory in the election, forcing House and Senate votes that are likely to delay — but in no way alter — the final certification of Biden’s win.
In Brief: December 31, 2020
California has nation’s 2nd confirmed case of virus variant
Trump push on $2K checks flops as GOP-led Senate won’t vote
WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell all but shut the door Wednesday on President Donald Trump’s push for $2,000 COVID-19 relief checks, declaring Congress has provided enough pandemic aid as he blocked another attempt by Democrats to force a vote.
Announcements: December 31, 2020
Upland game bird hunt Sunday
Gators rattled: Oklahoma routs Florida in Cotton Bowl
ARLINGTON, Texas — Spencer Rattler threw three touchdown passes and ran for another score, Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for 186 yards and No. 8 Oklahoma beat 10th-ranked SEC runner-up Florida 55-20 on Wednesday night in the Cotton Bowl.
Top 25 capsules: No. 2 Baylor beats Alcorn State 105-76, second win in 23 hours
WACO, Texas — Macio Teague had 18 points to lead six players scoring in double figures for No. 2 Baylor, which beat Alcorn State 105-76 on Wednesday for its second lopsided victory in a 23-hour span.
Spurs’ Becky Hammon first woman to act as head coach of NBA team
SAN ANTONIO — Becky Hammon became the first woman to direct a team in NBA history, taking over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers following Gregg Popovich’s ejection in the first half.
Ball drop: Wisconsin wins Duke’s Mayo Bowl, breaks trophy
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Wisconsin Badgers captured the Duke’s Mayo Bowl and the trophy that came along with it.
Seahawks get contributions they wanted from rookie class
RENTON, Wash. — When the NFL draft concluded back in April, it was clear what Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider were trying to find.
China clamps down in hidden hunt for coronavirus origins
MOJIANG, China — Deep in the lush mountain valleys of southern China lies the entrance to a mine shaft that once harbored bats with the closest known relative of the COVID-19 virus.
