Americans need a better Constitution. Trying to create one would be a big mistake
Much like an only child of parents in a divorce proceeding, the U.S. Constitution has been clutched at by both sides of the ideological divide, each of which insists that its claim is the more legitimate and the other’s distorts reality. The right is certain the Constitution protects “religious liberty,” “individual freedom” and the ability to own any variety of weaponry, while the left asserts that the document protects the right of women to have an abortion and ensures all Americans are allowed to vote, thereby preserving the Framers’ goal of majority rule.
50 years and no cure: how we can finally win the ‘war on cancer’
In 1971, when then-President Richard Nixon signed the National Cancer Act and launched the “war on cancer,” taxpayer dollars were poured into the search for a cure for a disease that was, at the time, the second-leading cause of death in the U.S.
NOT REAL NEWS: A look at what didn’t happen this week
A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, even though they were shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked them out. Here are the facts:
Tropical Gardening: Christmas can be nuts depending on where you live
In years gone by, if you lived in North America or Europe, the traditional nuts found at Christmas would have been walnuts or hazelnuts. Pecans would have been the choice in the Southern states. Now we may find nuts from all over the world at the local markets. For example in Haiti, you might find tropical almonds roasted and made into a confection similar to peanut brittle. This is actually Terminalia catappa known in Hawaii as false kamani. In the Philippines, you might find the pili nut or one of its relatives. The pili nut has over 600 species in the family Burseraceae and may be found throughout Southeast Asia. Even the macadamia has close relatives in tropical Asia, so depending on where you live, you may find local nuts as well as exotic introductions included in the regional cuisine.
County rolls out interactive hazard map
County officials said they’ve created an interactive hazard map to provide the public with real-time information relating to natural hazards on Hawaii Island.
After “epic” nonconference stretch, Vuls open conference play at home against Concordia
It’s been epic, UH-Hilo men’s basketball coach Kaniela Aiona said.
Ka Makani take down Konawaena for BIIF D-II volleyball crown
KEALAKEKUA – Hawaii Prep’s backs were against the wall.
Hilo, Konawaena clash to decide BIIF D-I title football champion
If Hilo High coach Chris Todd had it over again, the Vikings wouldn’t have had a fake punt contribute to their only BIIF loss of the past four years.
Omicron reaches Hawaii
The omicron variant of the novel coronavirus has been found in Hawaii, the state Department of Health confirmed Thursday.
China, US tussle over Biden’s ‘Summit for Democracy’
BEIJING — China and the United States are tussling over President Joe Biden’s upcoming democracy summit, which the ruling Communist Party sees as a challenge to its authoritarian ways.
Puna couple faces charges in Tuesday incident
A Puna couple have been charged for a Tuesday incident in Hawaiian Acres involving a stolen Toyota pickup truck and possession of methamphetamine and ammunition, according to county Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen.
Pahala man faces auto theft, drug, ammo charges
A 29-year-old Pahala man was charged in connection with unauthorized control of a stolen Toyota pickup truck on Nov. 5 and possession of methamphetamine and ammunition on Tuesday.
Alameda out at Na Leo
Na Leo TV is undertaking a management change following former CEO Stacy Higa’s guilty plea to federal embezzlement and bribery charges and the subsequent filing of a whistleblower hostile workplace complaint by an employee there.
Holiday ‘parades’ a go: Events this month in Waimea, Keaau, Kailua-Kona
The Big Island loves a parade, and after a pause last year because of the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, three of the most beloved Christmas parades on the Big Island return — although not in the traditional format.
Omicron coronavirus variant found in multiple US states
NEW YORK — The omicron variant of COVID-19, which had been undetected in the U.S. before the middle of this week, had been discovered in at least five states by the end of Thursday, showing yet again how mutations of the virus can circumnavigate the globe with speed and ease.
New data suggests 1 in 44 US children affected by autism
New autism numbers released Thursday suggest more U.S. children are being diagnosed with the developmental condition and at younger ages.
Senate passes stopgap funding bill, avoiding shutdown
WASHINGTON — The Senate passed a stopgap spending bill Thursday that avoids a short-term shutdown and funds the federal government through Feb. 18 after leaders defused a partisan standoff over federal vaccine mandates. The measure now goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.
Charges weighed for Michigan shooting suspect’s parents
OXFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A prosecutor on Thursday repeated her criticism of the parents of a boy who is accused of killing four students at a Michigan school, saying their actions went “far beyond negligence” and that a charging decision would come by Friday.
Lawyers allied with Trump ordered to pay $175K in sanctions
LANSING, Mich. — Nine lawyers allied with former President Donald Trump were ordered Thursday to pay Detroit and Michigan a total of $175,000 in sanctions for abusing the court system with a sham lawsuit challenging the 2020 election results.
Germany’s Merkel at farewell ceremony: Don’t tolerate hate
BERLIN (AP) — Outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Germans to stand up to hatred, at a military ceremony Thursday bidding her farewell after 16 years in office.
Roe v. Wade nearly fell 30 years ago. Can it survive again?
WASHINGTON — We’ve been here before, with the fate of abortion rights throughout the United States in doubt and awaiting a decision by the Supreme Court.
Omicron and delta spell return of unpopular restrictions
PARIS — Greeks over 60 who refuse coronavirus vaccinations could be hit with monthly fines of more than one-quarter of their minimum pensions — a get-tough policy that the country’s politicians say will cost votes but save lives.
The Supreme Court seems poised to overturn Roe v. Wade
Chief Justice John Roberts is searching for a compromise to preserve some basic right to abortion while moving it earlier in pregnancy, perhaps as early as 15 weeks. But based on Wednesday’s oral argument, it seems unlikely that any of the other justices is interested. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, in particular, seemed to telegraph a willingness to overturn Roe v. Wade altogether.
Omicron reminds us that now’s the time for COVID vaccines and boosters
President Joe Biden got it right: The new coronavirus variant omicron is “a cause for concern, not a cause for panic.” The travel restrictions the U.S. and 70 other nations imposed will buy scientists time to further understand what risks omicron poses at this extended stage of the pandemic. For now, it’s time to double down on what already works: Vaccinations, booster shots and wearing masks in crowded indoor settings.
Flash flood watch issued; blizzard and high wind warnings in effect for summits
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for the state, including the Big Island through Monday.
