Massive fire at Cambodia hotel casino kills at least 19
POIPET, Cambodia — A massive fire at a Cambodian hotel casino Thursday injured over 60 people and killed at least 19 — a number that officials warned would rise after the search for bodies resumes Friday.
Think those bags are recyclable? California says think again
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Since California adopted the nation’s first ban on single-use plastic shopping bags in 2014, most grocery stores have turned to thicker, reusable plastic bags that are supposed to be recyclable.
Nice weather forecast for holiday weekend
Most of the Big Island should be looking at perfect or near-perfect weather for fireworks, backyard barbecues and beach outings over the New Year’s holiday weekend.
Democrat wins Arizona attorney general race after recount
PHOENIX (AP) — A recount of votes has confirmed Democrat Kris Mayes narrowly defeated Republican Abraham Hamadeh in the Arizona attorney general’s race, one of the closest elections in state history.
Biden outpacing Trump, Obama with diverse judicial nominees
WASHINGTON — For the Biden White House, a quartet of four female judges in Colorado encapsulates its mission when it comes to the federal judiciary.
Israel’s Netanyahu back in power with hard-line government
JERUSALEM — Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday returned to power for an unprecedented sixth term as Israel’s prime minister, taking the helm of the most right-wing and religiously conservative government in the country’s 74-year history.
Russia hits key infrastructure with missiles across Ukraine
KYIV, Ukraine — Russian missiles hit Ukraine Thursday in the biggest wave of strikes in weeks, damaging power stations and other critical infrastructure during freezing winter weather.
Obituaries for December 30
Roy Awa, 66, of Hawaii Island died Dec. 17. No known family. Survivors are asked to call Hilo Medical Center at (808) 932-3500, option 4.
Your Views for December 3o
‘Hurry up and wait’
It was a good year if you are a mainstream Republican
In many ways, 2022 might seem like it was a pretty bad year for Americans on the political right. After all, the year saw record budget deficits, spending bills loaded with corporate welfare, a legally dubious student loan scheme, and disappointing election results for the Republican Party.
Southwest: Normal flight operations to resume Friday
DALLAS — Southwest Airlines said it expects to return to normal operations Friday after slashing about two-thirds of its schedule, including canceling more than 2,350 flights Thursday.
Burian named acting police chief until Jan. 17
Assistant Police Chief Andrew Burian will serve as acting police chief from Friday until Tuesday, Jan. 17, when Benjamin Moszkowicz is sworn in as the new police chief.
County receives $2M state homelessness grant
Hawaii County has been awarded a $2 million grant from the state Ohana Zone funds to further homelessness relief programs on the island.
Change of Heart pilot program ends after just $300 diverted from panhandlers
A Hawaii County pilot program to divert spare change from panhandlers to nonprofits is coming to an end.
Public outreach events set for code updates
Hawaii County’s Planning Department has announced another round of public outreach meetings relating to an update of zoning and subdivision codes.
Police arrest 17 for DUI
During the week of Dec. 19-25, Hawaii Island police arrested 17 motorists for driving under the influence.
UH: Vog hurts student test scores
Volcanic smog, or vog, along with air pollution can hurt Hawaii student test scores, according to a new study from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the UH Economic Research Organization and University College London.
Obituaries for December 29
Henry Goo Akona Jr., 86, of Kailua-Kona died Nov. 16 at home. Born in Kailua-Kona, he was a custodian for the Department of Education, member of Hawaii Wood Turners Association and Hawaii Army National Guard veteran. Services at a later date. Survived by wife, Frances Akona of Kailua-Kona; sons, Henry Akona III of New York City and Andrew (Macie) Akona of Sacramento, Calif.; daughter, Leilani (Kaipo Tomita) Akona of Las Vegas; three grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary
County offers ‘tree-cycling’ at multiple locations
The Solid Waste Division of the Department of Environmental Management is again offering “tree-cycling.”
Max’s wild ride: TCU QB Duggan goes from lost job to playoff
It has been a wild, four-year ride at TCU for quarterback Max Duggan.
Nix leads No. 15 Oregon to Holiday Bowl win vs. Tar Heels
SAN DIEGO — Bo Nix threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Chase Cota on fourth down with 19 seconds left and Camden Lewis’ PAT bounced off the left upright and went through to give No. 15 Oregon a wild 28-27 victory against North Carolina in the Holiday Bowl on Wednesday night at Petco Park.
Katie Ledecky earns AP female athlete of year for 2nd time
A change of scenery worked out just fine for Katie Ledecky.
Ex-MTV star Pauly Shore brings comedy act to Hilo
The Palace Theater in Hilo will host a “A Night of Comedy with Pauly Shore” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 6.
Helm slated to perform at Kahilu on Jan. 20
Kahilu Theatre will present multi-Grammy nominee and Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning artist Raiatea Helm live on stage at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 20.
Paul Pelosi attack: Suspect enters not-guilty plea
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The man who allegedly broke into U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s home and beat her 82-year-old husband in October pleaded not guilty Wednesday to six charges, including attempted murder, prosecutors said.
