Maui Strong Fund tops $190 million
The Hawaii Community Foundation on Thursday said its Maui Strong Fund has raised over $190 million from 250,000 donors across 76 countries — distributing almost $90 million to provide immediate and long-term support to Maui wildfire recovery efforts.
If 10 straight months of record-breaking heat isn’t a climate emergency, what is?
Californians have had weekend after weekend of cool, stormy weather and the Sierra Nevada has been blessed with a healthy snowpack. But the reality is that even the last few months have been more than 2 degrees hotter than average.
Fighting back against library book bans
A bill recently passed by the West Virginia House of Delegates is one of the latest attempts to censor educational materials. If the measure becomes law, it would make librarians and other educators criminally liable for showing obscene materials to children who are not accompanied by an adult. Librarians and teachers could then face felony penalties, up to $25,000 in fines, and even up to five years in jail.
Florida man who lit himself on fire outside Trump trial courthouse touted conspiracy theories
NEW YORK — A Florida man set himself on fire in a city park across from Manhattan Criminal Court where former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial was being held Friday to draw attention to an array of conspiracy theories including his belief that Ivy League colleges were “fronts for the mob,” authorities said.
Israel strikes an Iranian military base, but damage appears limited
The Israeli military struck Iran early Friday in retaliation for an aerial attack on Israel last weekend, according to two Israeli and three Iranian officials, but the strike appeared to be limited in scope and the reaction from both Israel and Iran was muted.
Final members of Trump jury chosen as trial races ahead
NEW YORK — The final jurors for Donald Trump’s criminal trial were selected Friday, with lawyers preparing to offer opening statements Monday in a landmark proceeding that was suddenly overshadowed at midday by the spectacle of a man setting himself aflame outside the courthouse.
Police responded to alarm around time of $30 million LA heist, but thieves were undetected
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Police Department responded to three separate alarms at GardaWorld’s Sylmar cash storage facility on the day that thieves stole as much $30 million from its vault during the biggest heist in the city’s history.
Russia pummels exhausted Ukrainian forces with smaller attacks ahead of a springtime advance
Russian troops are ramping up pressure on exhausted Ukrainian forces to prepare to seize more land this spring and summer as muddy fields dry out and allow tanks, armored vehicles and other heavy equipment to roll to key positions across the countryside.
USC cancels graduation keynote by filmmaker amid controversy over decision to drop student’s speech
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The University of Southern California further shook up its commencement plans Friday, announcing the cancelation of a keynote speech by filmmaker Jon M. Chu just days after making the controversial choice to disallow the student valedictorian from speaking.
Ukraine, Israel aid advances in rare House vote as Democrats help Republicans push it forward
WASHINGTON — With rare bipartisan momentum, the House pushed ahead Friday on a foreign aid package of $95 billion for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and humanitarian support as a robust coalition of lawmakers helped it clear a procedural hurdle to reach final votes this weekend. Friday’s vote produced a seldom-seen outcome in the typically hyper-partisan House, with Democrats helping Republican Speaker Mike Johnson’s plan advance overwhelmingly 316-94. Final House approval could come this weekend, when the package would be sent to the Senate.
Bitcoin’s latest ‘halving’ has arrived. Here’s what you need to know
NEW YORK — The “miners” who chisel bitcoins out of complex mathematics are taking a 50% pay cut — effectively reducing new production of the world’s largest cryptocurrency, again.
Mandisa, ‘American Idol’ star and Grammy winning Christian music singer, dies at 47
Mandisa, the Christian music singer who competed on “American Idol” and then pursued a Grammy Award-winning career, has died. She was 47.
BNSF Railway says it didn’t know about asbestos that’s killed hundreds in Montana town
HELENA, Mont. — BNSF Railway attorneys told a Montana jury Friday that the railroad should not be held liable for the lung cancer deaths of two former residents of an asbestos-contaminated Montana town, one of the deadliest sites in the federal Superfund pollution program.
Olympic organizers unveil strategy for using artificial intelligence in sports
LONDON — Olympic organizers unveiled their strategy Friday to use artificial intelligence in sports, joining the global rush to capitalize on the rapidly advancing technology.
UConn freshman Stephon Castle declares for NBA draft and becomes school’s second one-and-done player
STORRS, Conn. — UConn freshman Stephon Castle has entered his name into the NBA draft, becoming the fifth Husky starter to at least explore moving on after Connecticut’s latest NCAA title run.
Mario Andretti offended by F1 rejection. ‘If they want want blood, well, I’m ready,’ says 1978 champ
LONG BEACH, Calif. — Mario Andretti said Friday he was deeply offended by the language Formula One Management used in denying his family and General Motors the opportunity to join the global motorsports series.
Sign of the times: NCAA approves coach-to-player helmet communication for 2024 football season
INDIANAPOLIS — College football is ready to put the signs away.
Coyotes’ move to Salt Lake City elicits opposing responses in 2 cities
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman sat next to the former Arizona Coyotes owner in a downtown Phoenix hotel meeting room, trying to put a positive spin on the funeral for a franchise.
Debate over tight end value hovers over Brock Bowers’ draft prospects
Evaluating Brock Bowers the player is a fairly straightforward assignment.
Tropical Gardening: Celebrate Hawaii Island chocolate this week
As the Hawaii Island cacao industry continues to expand, it is time to celebrate with the 11th Annual Big Island Chocolate Festival from Thursday, April 25 through Saturday, April 27. According to Fern Gavelek, the event culminates with the “Mystical Chocolate Masquerade” gala offering everything from sweet to savory.
