Time zone by time zone, another new year sweeps into view
NEW YORK — New Year’s celebrations swept across the globe, ushering in 2023 with countdowns and fireworks — and marking an end to a year that brought war in Europe, a new chapter in the British monarchy and global worries over inflation.
‘Atmospheric river’ dumps heavy rain, snow across California
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A powerful storm brought drenching rain or heavy snowfall to much of California on Saturday, snarling traffic and closing highways as the state prepared to usher in a new year.
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to $785M after no big winner
The first Mega Millions drawing of the new year will be a big one after no one won an estimated $685 million jackpot.
Suspect in Idaho killings plans to waive extradition hearing
BOISE, Idaho — A suspect arrested in connection with the slayings of four University of Idaho students plans to waive an extradition hearing so he can be quickly brought to Idaho to face murder charges, his defense attorney said Saturday.
Chief justice: Judges’ safety ‘essential’ to court system
WASHINGTON — With security threats to Supreme Court justices still fresh memories, Chief Justice John Roberts on Saturday praised programs that protect judges, saying that “we must support judges by ensuring their safety.”
Benedict XVI, first pope to resign in 600 years, dies at 95
VATICAN CITY — Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the shy German theologian who tried to reawaken Christianity in a secularized Europe but will forever be remembered as the first pontiff in 600 years to resign from the job, died Saturday. He was 95.
Pope Francis grateful for ‘noble’ Benedict and his prayers
VATICAN CITY — Hours after the death Saturday of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Pope Francis praised his “noble” predecessor and expressed gratitude for his life of faith and prayers, especially those offered in the nearly 10 years since the shy churchman dramatically became the first pontiff in centuries to retire from the papacy.
Migrant shelters try to help traumatized assault survivors
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico — Since he began volunteering two months ago for weekend shifts at a clinic in one of this border city’s largest shelters, Dr. Brian Elmore has treated about 100 migrants for respiratory viruses and a handful of more serious emergencies.
Russian strikes intensify as Ukrainians return for holiday
KYIV, Ukraine — Multiple blasts rocked Kyiv and other areas of Ukraine on Saturday, killing at least one person and wounding 14 others, in a sign that the pace of Russia attacks had picked up before New Year’s.
N. Korea’s Kim orders ‘exponential’ expansion of nuke arsenal
SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered the “exponential” expansion of his country’s nuclear arsenal and the development of a new, more powerful intercontinental ballistic missile, state media reported Sunday, after he entered 2023 with another weapons test following a record number of missile firings last year.
BYU offensive lineman Veikoso dies in construction accident
HONOLULU — Brigham Young University offensive lineman Sione Veikoso was killed in a construction accident in his hometown in Hawaii, family members said.
Rizal Day celebrated at the Kukui Grove Center
LIHU‘E — The Philippines national flag wafted from one corner of the stage on Friday, as Kukui Grove Center joined with Rose Garabillo and Filipino organizations in observing Rizal Day with a slate of entertainment that echoed into the evening hours.
Kaua‘i Representative Jimmy Tokioka leaves statehouse to work for Green administration
LIHU‘E — After 26 years in elected office, Jimmy Tokioka is moving on.
Real Estate Directory for December 30, 2022
Find the latest real estate listings, broker information and home improvement ideas.
Utility proposes rate hike in 2023
LIHU‘E — In a move prompted by a confluence of lagging sales and inflation, the Kauai Island Utility Corporation is proposing to raise electric rates in 2023.
Firework frights: how to keep your pets safe on New Year’s Eve
A happy new year isn’t always happy for man’s best friend.
Public input sought in Kaua‘i Food Access Plan
LIHU‘E — Malama Kaua‘i is hosting four Community Food Access Meetings, starting Jan. 4, 2023, to focus on how to increase local food access and create sustainable food systems on Kaua‘i.
Happy Camper for Friday, December 30, 2022
Liliana Estep of Shell of a Lifetime (what? Limited time, free paintings?) was decked out in lei, Thursday during the weekly Aloha Market at the National Tropical Botanical Garden South Shore Visitor Center. Liliana said it’s not her birthday; she’s going traveling for a while, leaving her accounts to be cared for by “good people.”
Obituaries for Friday, December 30, 2022
• Gretel P. Gray • Anthony Kealii Arnezto Jaramillo • Ricardo E. Navor Sr.
Biden signs $1.7 trillion bill funding government operations
KINGSHILL, U.S. Virgin Islands — President Joe Biden on Thursday signed a $1.7 trillion spending bill that will keep the federal government operating through the end of the federal budget year in September 2023, and provide tens of billions of dollars in new aid to Ukraine for its fight against the Russian military.
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.
Southwest: Normal flight operations to resume Friday
DALLAS — Southwest Airlines said it expects to return to normal operations Friday after more than a week of widespread flight cancellations that started with a winter storm and spiraled out of control because of a breakdown with staffing technology.
Trump’s tax returns to be released Friday after long fight
A House committee is set to release six years of Donald Trump’s tax returns on Friday, pulling back the curtain on financial records that the former president fought for years to keep secret.
Jan. 6 takeaways: Final revelations from investigation
WASHINGTON — Destroyed documents. Suggestions of pardoning violent rioters. Quiet talks among cabinet officials about whether then-President Donald Trump should be removed from office.
Pelé, Brazil’s mighty king of ‘beautiful game,’ has died
SAO PAULO — Pelé, the Brazilian king of soccer who won a record three World Cups and became one of the most commanding sports figures of the last century, died Thursday. He was 82.