Ka‘u man facing robbery, kidnapping charges
Police have charged a Ka‘u man with numerous offenses stemming from a kidnapping and assault investigation that occurred in Pahala earlier this week.
Big Island reports 4 new COVID-19 cases, bringing tally to 2,256
The Big Island reported four new COVID-19 cases Friday, bringing the total number of cases to 2,256.
AP-NORC poll: Americans largely back Biden’s virus response
WASHINGTON — Joe Biden is enjoying an early presidential honeymoon, with 60% of Americans approving of his job performance thus far and even more backing his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
Biden signals support to replace war power authority
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Friday signaled support to replace decades-old authorizations for the use of military force in the Middle East, a little more than a week after he relied on the authorizations to carry out a retaliatory airstrike against Iranian-backed militia in eastern Syria.
Jump in hiring fuels optimism for US economic recovery
WASHINGTON — U.S. employers added a surprisingly robust 379,000 jobs last month in a sign the economy is strengthening as virus cases drop, vaccinations ramp up, Americans spend more and states ease business restrictions.
Americans vaccinated against COVID-19 still wait for advice
More than 27 million Americans fully vaccinated against the coronavirus will have to keep waiting for guidance from federal health officials for what they should and shouldn’t do.
Minimum wage hike falls short as Senate debates virus bill
WASHINGTON — The Senate seemingly killed progressives’ last-ditch effort to include a minimum wage hike in the Democrats’ $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill Friday, as the chamber began climactic votes on the huge package embodying President Joe Biden’s top legislative priority.
Exam finds multiple cracks in part of United jet’s engine
Microscopic examination supports early suspicions that wear and tear caused a fan blade to snap inside one engine of a United Airlines plane that made an emergency landing shortly after takeoff last month in Denver, federal safety investigators said Friday.
Editorial: Don’t weaken what’s left of the Voting Rights Act
In a disastrous decision in 2013, the Supreme Court gutted an important piece of the landmark Voting Rights Act: a requirement that states with a history of racial discrimination get permission from the Department of Justice or a federal court before making any changes in voting procedures.
Editorial: How farmers could fight climate change (and make a profit)
Agriculture has never been a principal focus of efforts to reduce greenhouse gases. But farm emissions — which make up about 10% of the U.S. total — are coming under increasing scrutiny as Democrats take the reins of agricultural policy and farmers themselves awaken to the threats of climate change. One strategy in particular is getting attention this year: encouraging farmers to view emissions reduction and carbon sequestration as potential sources of income.
Commentary: Politicians should not be idolized
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo quickly emerged as one of the nation’s heroes.
Good Samaritan takes a wild ride
“I just didn’t want to die on Valentine’s Day. I don’t think my kids would’ve been happy about it.”
Hawaii hotel leaders, union push for vaccine eligibility
HONOLULU — Hotel leaders and a hotel workers union are urging the state to designate hospitality workers as frontline essential workers.
Back in class: West Hawaii schools to increase in-person instruction
Students in West Hawaii will soon be spending more time inside the classroom.
Sustainability Summit explores ecological issues on Big Island
Hawaii County officials and private experts weighed in Thursday about how the county can improve the island’s ecological future.
Inoculations continue: Residents 70 and older eligible for vaccinations starting Monday
Kona Community Hospital held its second COVID-19 vaccine mega clinic Thursday, with more than 600 individuals registered to receive a dose at Kekuaokalani Gymnasium in Kailua-Kona.
House passes resolutions to form Maunakea management working group
The state House of Representatives on Thursday passed a pair of resolutions calling for the formation of a working group to develop recommendations for the future of Maunakea governance.
Concert Review: Kainani Kahaunaele delivers a soaring show at the Kahilu Theatre
The five-time Na Hoku award winner offered a five-star performance last Saturday on Kahilu TV’s livestream broadcast.
In Brief: March 5, 2021
US job growth likely rose in February in rebound from slump
Little damage from huge Pacific quake; tsunami threat passes
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — One of the strongest earthquakes to hit the South Pacific in modern history triggered tsunami warnings across the ocean and forced thousands of people in New Zealand to evacuate coastal areas Friday. Small tsunami waves were seen, but little damage was apparent hours later.
