Despite supply issues and omicron, holiday sales rise 8.5%
Holiday sales rose at the fastest pace in 17 years, even as shoppers grappled with higher prices, product shortages and a raging new COVID-19 variant in the last few weeks of the season, according to one spending measure.
Inflation’s here. Let’s not make it worse
For a quite a while, progressives were calling our country’s painful inflation mild and “transitory,” meaning it would last just a yawn or two and be gone. Relax, enjoy yourself, put up with policies that just maybe strike you as insane and vote for congressional Democrats, we were told. Just one problem: Escalating price increases have persisted and could hang on for a long time, thanks in no small part to governmental curses dressed up as benevolence.
Markets 2021: Stocks soar, IPOs explode, crypto goes wild
Wall Street delivered another strong year for investors in 2021, as a resurgence in consumer demand fueled by the reopening of the global economy pumped up corporate profits.
Last day of Diamond Head Classic cut short by COVID
Cancellations were the name of the game this holiday weekend in Hawaii.
All-BIIF D-I girls volleyball: Kamehameha sophomore Honma easy choice as player of year
Kamehameha outside hitter Maela Honma dominated BIIF competition, knocking down 14 kills against Hilo High in a sweep for the league title, 14 kills against Waiakea during a sweep and 12 kills against Hilo in an earlier sweep.
New laws to take effect Jan. 1
A law that will make it more difficult to build “ghost guns” is among a number of new laws that will take effect next month.
Space telescope launched on daring quest to behold 1st stars
The world’s largest and most powerful space telescope rocketed away Saturday on a high-stakes quest to behold light from the first stars and galaxies and scour the universe for hints of life.
Albizia fight to go on in 2022: BIISC hopes to obtain new funding to clear invasive trees
The ongoing war against albizia trees will continue in Puna next year after a lean 2021.
Electric stun guns to become legal on Jan. 1
Beginning Jan. 1, most private citizens in Hawaii 21 and older can legally carry a Taser or electric stun gun for self-protection.
COVID Christmas in French ICU: Fear, fatigue and loving care
MARSEILLE, France — From the intensive care ward in France where he is spending the holidays, COVID-19 patient David Daniel Sebbagh said he has one overriding regret: that he didn’t get vaccinated.
Get connected: HICC seeks new members
The Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce is a private, nonprofit business organization based in East Hawaii whose purpose is to assist businesses and promote the Island of Hawaii.
Another COVID Christmas brings anxiety, but also optimism
Christmas arrived around the world Saturday amid a surge in COVID-19 infections that kept many families apart, overwhelmed hospitals and curbed religious observances as the pandemic was poised to stretch into a third year.
Flight cancellations snarl holiday plans for thousands
NEW YORK — Airlines continued to cancel hundreds of flights Saturday because of staffing issues tied to COVID-19, disrupting holiday celebrations during one of the busiest travel times of the year.
Spanish eruption’s end brings ‘emotional relief,’ rebuilding
MADRID (AP) — Authorities on one of Spain’s Canary Islands declared a volcanic eruption that started in September officially finished Saturday following 10 days of no lava flows, seismic activity or significant sulfur dioxide emissions.
Bidens mark Christmas with holiday calls to service members
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden marked his first Christmas in office by making calls to military service members stationed around the world, offering them holiday wishes and gratitude for their service and sacrifice for the nation.
Feds seek jail for Capitol riot suspect found with rifle
A North Carolina man awaiting trial on charges he assaulted two police officers during the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol had an assault rifle and ammunition in his vehicle when he was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving earlier this month, according to prosecutors.
Start small to change the world
As we reach the end of another tumultuous year, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Besides the ongoing pandemic and concerted assault on democracy, we’ve had deadly tornadoes, another mass school shooting, and a U.S. Supreme Court poised to outlaw abortion.
Learn how to prepare an AHCD
Community First’s committee on advance health care directives has met many challenges during this COVID pandemic. We’re just a small group of volunteers but we’re committed to our goal of encouraging all adults, regardless of health status, to prepare an advance health care directive, or AHCD, and to share it with their loved ones and doctor.
Thousands line up for ‘jingle jabs’ on Christmas in England
LONDON — Thousands of people across England are spending a few minutes of Christmas Day to line up under leaden winter skies to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as the omicron variant fuels a surge in infections across the country.
El Salvador frees three women convicted of abortions
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) — President Nayib Bukele’s government has freed three Salvadoran women who were sentenced to 30 years in prison under the nation’s strict anti-abortion laws after suffering obstetric emergencies, according to abortion rights groups.
Volcano Watch: Infrared measurements help HVO scientists unravel Kilauea’s gas chemistry
Most people in Hawaii know about sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas, the major component of vog. But, have you ever found yourself wanting to know the SO2/HCl (sulfur dioxide/hydrogen chloride) ratio in volcanic gas? Or the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) dissolved in volcanic glass?
Sharing the love: King’s Daughters Ministry helps make Christmas a little merrier
Christmas was made a little merrier for families attending the King’s Daughters Ministry celebration Friday at the Kainaliu thrift store.
Omicron is latest blow to pandemic-weary front-line workers
BOSTON — Staff absences for COVID-19 tripled this month in London’s hospitals, and nearly 10% of the city’s firefighters called out sick.
3rd Florida-based ship has outbreak, state cases hit record
MIAMI (AP) — A COVID-19 outbreak took place on a South Florida-based cruise ship for the third time this week, as the number of coronavirus cases in Florida hit its highest level since the start of the pandemic.
Airlines cancel flights due to COVID staffing shortages
NEW YORK — Airlines canceled hundreds of flights as the omicron variant jumbled schedules and drew down staffing levels at some carriers during the busy holiday travel season.
