Judge overturns Ian Schweitzer’s conviction in Dana Ireland’s rape, murder
It’s the first night of freedom for a Puna man who spent 26 years behind bars for the kidnapping, rape and murder of Dana Ireland on Christmas Eve 1991.
US: Ex-FBI counterintelligence agent aided Russian oligarch
NEW YORK — A former high-ranking FBI counterintelligence official who investigated Russian oligarchs has been indicted on charges he secretly worked for one, in violation of U.S. sanctions. The official was also charged, in a separate indictment, with taking cash from a former foreign security officer.
A look at Leopard 2 tanks that could soon be sent to Ukraine
GENEVA — Following intense pressure from its allies, Germany appears to be inching toward approving deliveries of high-tech Leopard 2 main battle tanks that Ukraine and its biggest Western backers hope will boost Kyiv’s fight against Russian invaders.
Coalition takes aim at reducing fentanyl deaths
The Hawaii Island Fentanyl Task Force has partnered with state Sen. Joy San Buenaventura of Puna to introduce legislation to legalize fentanyl test strips.
Petition seeks to free man convicted in ’91 Dana Ireland murder
HONOLULU — A petition filed Monday outlining new evidence in one of Hawaii’s biggest murder cases asks a judge to release a Native Hawaiian man who has spent more than 20 years in prison for the sexual assault, kidnapping and murder of a white woman on the Big Island.
HFD seeks OK to hire grant manager
The Hawaii Fire Department is seeking County Council approval to hire a consultant to manage a nearly half-million dollar federal grant recently awarded to the county.
Green declares homelessness an emergency during State of State
During his first State of the State address, Gov. Josh Green said his high priority legislative and budget priorities are “housing, homelessness, the cost of living, climate, environment and mental health.”
Obituaries for January 24
Jose Renato “Rey” Agpaoa Agbayani, 76, of Pepeekeo died Jan. 9 at home. Born in Claveria, Cagayan, Philippines, he was a retired equipment operator for the former Hilo Coast Processing Co., retired farmer and member of Episcopal Church of the Holy Apostles. Visitation 9-10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 3, at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Burial 1 p.m. at Homelani Memorial Park, Lehua Section. Casual attire; face masks requested. Survived by wife, Thelma Martinez Agbayani of Pepeekeo; sons, Richard (Melodie) Agbayani and Rey (Haley) Agbayani of Pepeekeo; daughter, Therelyn Agbayani of Keaau; father, Celso Agbayani Sr. of Hilo; brothers, Salvador (Juliet) Agbayani of Mountain View, Jimmy (Theresa) Agbayani of North Carolina, JC (Lindsey) Agbayani of Honokaa and Steven (Sheena Kobayashi) Agbayani of Keaau; sisters, Nancy Carpio of Delano, Calif., and Rose Agbayani of Hilo; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; cousins, nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Could AI help decide Baseball Hall of Fame inductees?
Today the new members of the Baseball Hall of Fame will be announced, and the debate will ensue as to who does or does not belong, who has been unjustifiably snubbed and how banned substances should be factored into the decision. Around 400 sports writers determine who will be enshrined among baseball’s all-time greatest players in Cooperstown, New York, on July 23.
The debt-ceiling nonsense has gone on long enough
The recurring farce of lifting the US government debt ceiling began again this week. As total debt surpasses $31.4 trillion — the current statutory limit — the Treasury is undertaking a series of bookkeeping maneuvers to disguise new borrowing and keep the government operating. At some point, these methods will be exhausted. If Congress doesn’t vote to increase the limit, new borrowing could be halted and outright debt default is possible.
Let’s Talk Food: Star anise: A star for fighting a flu
Star anise, or Illicium verum, has antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties and has been used in Ayuveda and Chinese medicine for thousands of years. The compound shikimic acid in star anise is the active ingredient in flu medications such as Tamiflu.
Your Views for January 24
Compassionate and kind
Official: 7 killed in California community; suspect arrested
HALF MOON BAY, Calif. — Seven people were killed in two related shootings Monday at agricultural facilities in a California coastal community south of San Francisco, and a suspect was in custody, officials said.
Police: 2 students killed, man hurt in Des Moines shooting
DES MOINES, Iowa — Two teenage students were killed Monday and a man was seriously injured in what police said was a targeted shooting at an alternative educational program designed to keep at-risk youth away from trouble. The injured man was identified as the program’s founder — a rapper who left a life of gangs and violence and has been dedicated to helping youth in Des Moines.
Analysis: Defense still wins in the NFL playoffs
The San Francisco 49ers and Cincinnati Bengals advanced to the conference championship games with excellent defensive performances on Sunday.
Shelton, Paul give US 3 men in quarters at Australian Open
MELBOURNE, Australia — Ben Shelton’s concerns leading into his first Australian Open had less to do with playing tennis and more to do with everything else associated with the trip.
Scandals highlight lack of women coaches at top of US soccer
Twila Kilgore knew her career path when she was just 12 years old, thanks to a youth soccer coach who used to drive her to practice.
Rolen could become just 18th third baseman in Hall of Fame
NEW YORK — Scott Rolen could become just the 18th third baseman elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame, the fewest of any position.
