Poll: Abortion grows as priority issue for Democrats
WASHINGTON — With Roe v. Wade facing its strongest threat in decades, a new poll finds Democrats increasingly view protecting abortion rights as a high priority for the government.
Supreme Court halts COVID-19 vaccine rule for US businesses
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court has stopped a major push by the Biden administration to boost the nation’s COVID-19 vaccination rate, a requirement that employees at large businesses get a vaccine or test regularly and wear a mask on the job.
COVID-19 pill rollout stymied by shortages as omicron rages
WASHINGTON — Two brand-new COVID-19 pills that were supposed to be an important weapon against the pandemic in the U.S. are in short supply and have played little role in the fight against the omicron wave of infections.
Businesses react to ruling against Biden vaccine mandate
For companies that were waiting to hear from the U.S. Supreme Court before deciding whether to require vaccinations or regular coronavirus testing for workers, the next move is up to them.
As omicron surges, HealthCare.gov sign-up deadline arrives
People looking for health insurance in the grip of the omicron surge have through Saturday to sign up for taxpayer-subsidized private coverage under the Obama-era Affordable Care Act.
Study nixes Mars life in meteorite found in Antarctica
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — A 4 billion-year-old meteorite from Mars that caused a splash here on Earth decades ago contains no evidence of ancient, primitive Martian life after all, scientists reported Thursday.
Editorial: Officials have been relaxing some COVID protocols, leaving the public dazed and confused
Even as COVID-19 cases spiked last month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cut in half the amount of time that people should remain in isolation after infection if they are without symptoms — and eliminated the recommendation that they get a negative test before they start interacting with other people. The change caused an outcry among many scientific experts who thought it was reckless.
Letters to the Editor: January 14, 2022
On sample sizes
Island Life: Beauty and the Beast
Colorful wild amaryllis is seen in front of Macaranga, an invasive, noxious weed.
Review: In ‘Belle,’ a dazzling anime ‘Beauty and the Beast’
Anime master Mamoru Hosoda makes movies that, even at their most elaborate, can reach such staggeringly emotional heights that they seem to break free of anything you’re prepared for in an animated movie — or in most kinds of movies, for that matter.
Kahilu Theatre presents ‘Brilliance of Now’
“Brilliance of Now — Artwork as a reflection of a moment in time” will be on display at Kahilu Exhibits through March 4.
Defending champion Na with another 61 leads Sony Open
HONOLULU — Kevin Na felt such great control Thursday in the Sony Open that he matched his career low with a 9-under 61 and still found reason to be slightly disappointed.
Antetokounmpo, Bucks start fast, blow out Warriors 118-99
MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 30 points and had his third triple-double of the season to help Milwaukee rout the Golden State Warriors 118-99 on Thursday night in Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer’s return from the NBA’s COVID-19 protocols.
MLB talks resume after 42-day gap, little evident progress
NEW YORK — Baseball labor talks to end the lockout resumed Thursday for the first time in 1 1/2 months with little evident progress during a bargaining session that lasted about an hour, jeopardizing a timely start to spring training,
Djokovic faces deportation as Australia revokes visa again
MELBOURNE, Australia — Tennis star Novak Djokovic faces deportation again after the Australian government revoked his visa for a second time.
Saddle up, Kohala: Cowboys, Cazimero gearing up for repeat ride
Whenever Kohala boys basketball coach Kihei Kapeliela is feeling nostalgic or has a hankering for hoops, the 2020 HHSAA Division II championship game is but a click away.
Oregon beats No. 3 UCLA 84-81 in OT for Altman’s 700th win
LOS ANGELES — Jacob Young scored a season-high 23 points and Oregon edged No. 3 UCLA 84-81 in overtime Thursday night to give coach Dana Altman his 700th career victory.
Biden to double free COVID tests, add masks to fight omicron
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden announced Thursday that the government will double to 1 billion the rapid, at-home COVID-19 tests to be distributed free to Americans, along with “high-quality masks,” as he highlighted his efforts to “surge” resources to help the country weather the spike in coronavirus cases.
Rooftop solar systems up 5.3% statewide
The number of solar rooftop systems increased 4.35% last year on the Big Island.
FEMA assists with funeral costs
Those who lost a loved one to COVID-19 could still be eligible for federal financial assistance of up to $9,000 for funeral expenses incurred on or after Jan. 20, 2020.
