US urges Canada to use federal powers to end bridge blockade
TORONTO — The Biden administration urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government Thursday to use its federal powers to end the truck blockade by Canadians protesting the country’s COVID-19 restrictions, as the bumper-to-bumper demonstration forced auto plants on both sides of the border to shut down or scale back production.
In NBA All-Star draft, Durant selects … anyone but Harden
Kevin Durant wanted no part of James Harden on the day their partnership in Brooklyn ended.
CDC proposes softer guidance on opioid prescriptions
NEW YORK — The nation’s top public health agency on Thursday proposed changing — and in some instances, softening — guidelines for U.S. doctors prescribing oxycodone and other opioid painkillers.
US files 1st USMCA environment case on Mexico over porpoise
MEXICO CITY — The U.S. Trade Representative’s Office filed the first environmental complaint against Mexico Thursday for failing to protect the critically endangered vaquita marina, the world’s smallest porpoise.
Senate approves bill that bans mandatory arbitration in cases of sexual harassment and assault
WASHINGTON — The Senate on Thursday voted to approve bipartisan legislation that would ban private companies from forcing employers and customers into arbitration to resolve sexual harassment and assault allegations, a victory for advocates and victims who have long complained that such legal agreements have enabled powerful men to evade accountability.
Island Life: A cluster of beauty
An artichoke blooms on a deck in Kona.
Day at Hulihe‘e Palace returns
After a two-year hiatus, the Daughters of Hawaii will be hosting their annual “Day at Hulihe‘e Palace” on Saturday.
3 authors named winners of Science + Literature awards
NEW YORK — The National Book Foundation has teamed with the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to honor books that wed two categories not always in harmony: technology and the arts.
Super Bowl performers vow to open doors for more hip-hop
LOS ANGELES — Mary J. Blige, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg said the NFL was late embracing hip-hop and vowed that their Super Bowl halftime show would create more opportunities for the genre.
Faith in the metaverse: A VR quest for community, fellowship
Under quarantine for COVID-19 exposure, Garret Bernal and his family missed a recent Sunday church service. So he strapped on a virtual reality headset and explored what it would be like to worship in the metaverse.
Letters to the Editor: February 11, 2022
Why is Hawaii always so behind the times?
Obituaries: February 11, 2022
Editor’s note: Obituaries are published free of charge as a public service. Content is subject to editing for parity treatment and style continuity. Date of publication cannot be guaranteed. Any questions regarding obituaries should be directed to the mortuary or via email to obituaries@westhawaiitoday.com. Memorial advertisements may be purchased through the newspaper advertising department.
Oahu woman gets 90 days in jail in embassy documents case
HONOLULU — A Honolulu woman who pleaded guilty to taking classified documents while working at the U.S. Embassy in Manila was sentenced Thursday to 90 days in jail.
US inflation highest in 40 years, with no letup in sight
WASHINGTON — Inflation soared over the past year at its highest rate in four decades, hammering American consumers, wiping out pay raises and reinforcing the Federal Reserve’s decision to begin raising borrowing rates across the economy.
Packers QB Rodgers earns 4th MVP award, 2nd in a row
LOS ANGELES — A four-time MVP, three Super Bowl players and the beginning of a brother act.
Council Planning Committee postpones Waikoloa timeshare project
Supportive testimony by a wide swath of individuals from resort operators to labor unions and tourism promoters to front-line workers who sleep in their cars because of a lack of housing wasn’t enough to win approval Tuesday from a County Council panel on a plan to convert half of a Waikoloa Beach Resort golf course to timeshare units.
Most vulnerable still in jeopardy as COVID precautions ease
Two years into the pandemic Jackie Hansen still left home only for doctor visits, her immune system so wrecked by cancer and lupus that COVID-19 vaccinations couldn’t take hold.
3 major Democrats run for Hawaii governor, 4th mulls race
HONOLULU — Hawaii’s race for governor has three major Democratic Party candidates to date, while a fourth is considering a run.
With Harden-Simmons swap, Nets make a move Lakers didn’t
In swapping James Harden for Ben Simmons, the Brooklyn Nets decided they needed to act now as they slide down the standings.
