Russian, Ukrainian troops gird for major battle in Kherson

KYIV, Ukraine — Russian and Ukrainian troops appeared Thursday to be girding for a major battle over the strategic southern industrial port city of Kherson, in a region which Russian President Vladimir Putin has illegally annexed and subjected to martial law.

US: Iranian troops in Crimea backing Russian drone strikes

WASHINGTON — The White House said Thursday that Iranian troops are “directly engaged on the ground” in Crimea supporting Russian drone attacks on Ukraine’s power stations and other key infrastructure, claiming it has troubling evidence of Tehran’s deepening role assisting Russia as it exacts suffering on Ukrainian civilians just as the cold weather sets in.

EU leaders avoid deep rift on gas price cap at energy summit

BRUSSELS — European Union leaders struggled to find immediate practical solutions on how to deal with the energy crisis but avoided an open rift between Germany and France on Friday that would have exposed a divided bloc as it confronts Russian President Vladimir Putin over his war in Ukraine.

Liz Truss promised UK a shakeup — but was forced out instead

LONDON — Liz Truss became prime minister on a promise to open a new era of growth by shaking up Britain’s economy. But the tumult that resulted was not exactly what she had in mind: Markets recoiled, the pound currency dived, her party revolted — and, in the end, she announced her resignation just 45 days after taking office.

Drought to continue for parts of Hawaii despite wet outlook

HONOLULU — Continuing La Nina weather is expected to bring above average rainfall for parts of Hawaii, but drought conditions could persist over some areas of the islands, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s wet season outlook released Wednesday.

Magoun strong in Voyagers’ KIF title run

Island School sophomore Mary Magoun pulled the trigger and the crowd in the Wilcox Gymnasium exploded on Tuesday night during the Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation girls volleyball playoff for the KIF title.

KIF names All-Star sharpshooters

The Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation announced its air rifle All-Stars on Tuesday that includes the Kaua‘i High School boys team and the Waimea High School girls team as KIF champions.

More COVID tests going out

Response to the free COVID-19 tests giveaway was really good on Wednesday, said Ross Kagawa of the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at the Kilauea Neighborhood Center.

Kaua‘i restaurant Tahiti Nui fined for labor violations

North Shore restaurant Tahiti Nui was ordered to pay more than $37,000 in back wages, damages and penalties after a U.S. Department of Labor investigation found they failed to pay overtime wages and violated youth labor laws.

Recovered shearwaters released back into the wild

WAILUA — A pair of fledgling ‘a‘o, or Newell’s shearwaters, were honored guests poised to leave the annual Ho‘opomaika‘i ‘ia na Manu ‘A‘o Tuesday with students from Island School participating with Kumu Sabra Kauka, and invited guests including Capt. Brett Stevenson of the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands and other selected individuals from PMRF, members of the Kaua‘i County Council and the county’s Department of Parks and Recreation.

Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery offers special celebratory events Saturday

LIHU‘E — The national marine sanctuaries are celebrating 50 years of ocean conservation and stewardship, and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is celebrating its 30th anniversary, said Jean Souza, a program specialist with the HIHWNMS and manager for Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery at Kukui Grove Center.