Supreme Court won’t block California flavored tobacco ban
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday refused a request from tobacco companies to stop California from enforcing a ban on flavored tobacco products that was overwhelmingly approved by voters in November.
Your Views for December 13
Stay generous
Biden made a bad deal for Brittney Griner
The release of WNBA star Brittney Griner after 10 months of Russian detention is cause for justifiable celebration. It has spared Griner from the possibility of years in a Russian penal colony, a punishment that far exceeded her alleged offense, and reunited her with friends and family. President Joe Biden deserves credit for his commitment to bringing her home. That doesn’t mean the deal to secure her freedom was a good one. Griner’s release came after months of negotiations, held amid escalating tensions caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. She had been arrested in February at a Moscow airport on charges of possessing small amounts of cannabis oil. Despite admitting guilt and issuing a public apology, she was sentenced to nine years and transferred to one of Russia’s notorious prison camps, where inmates are typically subjected to brutal living conditions and forced labor.
Walker’s loss shows the Trump train is out of fuel
Do you remember that Donald Trump has already thrown his hat in the ring for the 2024 presidential election? Odds are it slipped your mind, on account of more-or-less general indifference not only from a media that seems to have finally learned some lessons, but even a national GOP that has at last tired of his toxicity.
New mayor Bass declares homeless emergency in LA
LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass began her first day in office Monday by declaring a state of emergency to grapple with the city’s out-of-control homeless crisis, bidding to move swiftly to get thousands of unhoused people off her city’s streets.
Iran execution: Man publicly hanged from crane amid protests
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran executed a second prisoner on Monday convicted over crimes committed during the nationwide protests challenging the country’s theocracy, publicly hanging him from a construction crane as a gruesome warning to others.
Millions in central US brace for snow, rain and floods
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — A massive winter storm blew toward the center of the U.S. on Monday, threatening millions of people with heavy snow, freezing rain and flooding.
Analysis: Third-string NFL QBs rise to challenge of starting
Brock Purdy outplayed Tom Brady, leaving his dad in tears with a stellar performance in his first career start.
Resurgent Zion Williamson powering Pelicans up the standings
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A wide-smiling Zion Williamson could afford to poke fun at himself for the free throw he missed while fans packing the New Orleans Pelicans’ home arena were celebrating his latest dominant outing with thunderous chants of “M-V-P!”
Let’s Talk Food: Candy canes for the holidays
In December candy canes appear in most of the retail stores, as 90 percent of the distinctive red and white confections are sold between Thanksgiving and Christmas, with the biggest single week being the second week in December.
No liquid lava detected outside of Fissure 3 as eruption weakens further
The only liquid lava still present in the Mauna Loa eruption is confined to Fissure 3.
No liquid lava detected outside of Fissure 3 as eruption weakens further
The only liquid lava still present Monday in the Mauna Loa eruption was confined to Fissure 3.
No liquid lava detected outside of Fissure 3 as eruption weakens further
The only liquid lava still present in the Mauna Loa eruption is confined to Fissure 3.
Shoppers, workers clash over post-pandemic expectations
NEW YORK — Before the pandemic, Cheryl Woodard used to take her daughter and her friends to eat at a local IHOP in Laurel, Maryland after their dance practice. But now they hardly go there anymore because it closes too early.
Hospitalizations signal rising COVID-19 risk for US seniors
Coronavirus-related hospital admissions are climbing again in the United States, with older adults a growing share of U.S. deaths and less than half of nursing home residents up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.
‘Clean the land for Pele’: Volunteers help remove rubbish from areas along Saddle Road
Volunteers and members of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I teamed up Friday to clean trash from the side of the Daniel K. Inouye Highway.
Body found on Hilo Bay shoreline
Hawaii Island police are investigating the discovery of a man’s body located along the Hilo Bay shoreline near Isles.
NASA Orion capsule safely blazes back from moon, aces test
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA’s Orion capsule made a blisteringly fast return from the moon Sunday, parachuting into the Pacific off Mexico to conclude a test flight that should clear the way for astronauts on the next lunar flyby.
Libyan accused in Lockerbie bombing now in American custody
WASHINGTON — A Libyan intelligence official accused of making the bomb that brought down Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988 in an international act of terrorism has been taken into U.S. custody and will face federal charges in Washington, the Justice Department said Sunday.
Obituaries for December 12
Peggy Ann McBride, 83, of Hilo died Nov. 30 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, she was a retired hospital nurse’s aide. Private services held. Survived by sons, Alan McBride of California and David (LiPing) McBride of Japan; daughter, Eileen (Douglas) Johnson of Hilo; brothers, Michael (Nancy) O’Connor of Texas and Robert (Mary Ellen) O’Connor of Iowa; sister-in-law, Minnie O’Connor of Iowa; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Church officials clear Chicago priest Pfleger of abuse claim
CHICAGO (AP) — A prominent Roman Catholic priest known for his activism has been reinstated as leader of his Chicago parish after being cleared by church officials of allegations that he sexually abused a minor decades ago.
Tensions run high in north Kosovo as Serbs block roads
PRISTINA, Kosovo — Tensions were high in northern Kosovo on Sunday, with Serbs blocking roads as shots and explosions rang out and the Serbian president warned that Serbian troops are ready to defend their “homeland” if peace doesn’t prevail.
Morocco’s tactical masterplan ignites unlikely World Cup run
DOHA, Qatar — Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou leant back in his chair, shook his head and said: “Pinch me, I’m dreaming.”
Herbert, short-handed defense lead Chargers past Fins 23-17
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Justin Herbert threw for 367 yards and a touchdown and a short-handed Chargers defense got the best of the Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa as Los Angeles beat Miami 23-17 on Sunday night.
Purdy outshines Brady in 1st start as 49ers beat Bucs 35-7
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Brock Purdy’s day started with a botched audible that led to a crushing hit and ended with an emotional hug with his family and congratulations from Tom Brady.
