Biden stumbles over his words as he tries to steady reelection campaign

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden sought to steady his reelection campaign by talking with two Black radio hosts for interviews broadcast Thursday, but he spoke haltingly at points during one interview and struggled to find the right phrase in the other, saying that he was proud to have been “the first Black woman to serve with a Black president.”

New laws aim to improve fire safety, reduce fraud during disasters

Bills signed into law Friday by Gov. Josh Green would crack down on aerial fireworks and disaster charity fraud during emergencies, reestablish a state fire marshal and help those with limited English proficiency to navigate both emergency evacuations and relief available in the wake of disaster.

Biden tells allies he knows he has only days to salvage candidacy

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden has told key allies that he knows the coming days are crucial and understands that he may not be able to salvage his candidacy if he cannot convince voters that he is up to the job after a disastrous debate performance last week.

Biden tells governors that he is staying in the race

President Joe Biden told a group of Democratic governors on Wednesday that he was staying in the 2024 campaign, as the group peppered the president with questions about the path forward after Biden’s disastrous debate performance last week.

Petitioners appeal decision regarding Lee Loy

Petitioners who sought to disqualify Hawaii County Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy from running for the state House District 2 seat are appealing Hawaii Chief Election Officer Scott Nago’s decision that she is eligible to run.

Judge delays Trump’s sentencing until Sept. 18 after immunity claim

NEW YORK — The judge in Donald Trump’s Manhattan criminal case delayed his sentencing until Sept. 18 to weigh whether a new U.S. Supreme Court ruling might imperil the former president’s conviction, the judge said Tuesday in a letter to prosecutors and defense lawyers.

Supreme Court says Trump is partly shielded from prosecution

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court ruled Monday that former President Donald Trump is entitled to substantial immunity from prosecution on charges of trying to overturn the last election, a blockbuster decision in the heat of the 2024 campaign that vastly expanded presidential power.

Rebuilding begins in Lahaina wildfire impact zone

LAHAINA — Walls are going up on Lahaina resident Gene Milne’s Malanai Street property — the first under construction in the Lahaina wildfire impact zone, where the historic town was destroyed Aug. 8 in the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century.