Short-term rental operators moving out of the Hawaii market
HONOLULU — The number of Hawaii properties listed as short-term vacation rentals has declined by as much as half compared with last year, which is likely the result of the coronavirus pandemic and new restrictions on the industry.
Pentagon deploys troops to fuel COVID-19 vaccine drive
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon will deploy more than 1,100 troops to five vaccination centers in what will be the first wave of increased military support for the White House campaign to get more Americans inoculated against COVID-19.
Reopening debate testing Biden’s ties with teachers unions
The increasingly heated school reopening debate is forcing President Joe Biden to balance two priorities: getting children back into the classroom and preserving the support of powerful labor groups that helped him get elected.
Tiny chameleon a contender for title of smallest reptile
BERLIN — It fits on a human fingertip, but this chameleon could make a big splash.
AP-NORC poll: Americans are split on Trump’s impeachment
WASHINGTON — A majority of Americans say former President Donald Trump bears at least some blame for the Capitol insurrection, and about half say the Senate should vote to convict him at the end of his impeachment trial.
Biden wants fast COVID aid, but minimum wage hike in doubt
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden laid out his case Friday for moving fast to pass $1.9 trillion in coronavirus relief, but even as he opened the door to proceeding without Republicans, he conceded that a key element of his plan — hiking the minimum wage to $15 per hour — was unlikely to become law.
Oscar winner, ‘Sound of Music’ star Christopher Plummer dies
NEW YORK — Christopher Plummer, the dashing award-winning actor who played Captain von Trapp in the film “The Sound of Music” and at 82 became the oldest Academy Award acting winner in history, died. He was 91.
S&P 500 climbs again, closing out best week since November
Wall Street closed out a winning week Friday as the S&P 500 notched its fifth gain in a row and its biggest weekly increase since November.
A sexy Alexa, Dan Levy’s M&M habit: Super Bowl ads to watch
It might not have seemed likely early in the pandemic, but the 55th Super Bowl Sunday is upon us yet again.
A meager gain in US jobs last month highlights virus’ damage
WASHINGTON — America’s employers barely added jobs last month, underscoring the coronavirus pandemic’s ongoing grip on the economy and likely adding momentum to the Biden administration’s push for a bold rescue aid package.
Coronavirus cases drop at US homes for elderly and infirm
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Coronavirus cases have decreased at U.S. nursing homes and other long-term care facilities during the past few weeks, offering a glimmer of hope that health officials attribute to the start of vaccinations, an easing of the post-holiday surge and better prevention, among other reasons.
University of Hawaii expects $400K annual loss for football
HONOLULU — The University of Hawaii estimates annual losses up to $400,000 while using an expanded practice facility for home football games.
Immigrants in sanctuary in churches hope Biden offers relief
BEDFORD, Mass. — For more than three years, Maria Macario has been too afraid to leave the white steepled First Parish church just outside Boston.
Wisconsin prosecutors seek Rittenhouse arrest, higher bond
MADISON, Wis. — Prosecutors asked a judge Wednesday for a new arrest warrant for an Illinois teen charged with shooting three people, killing two of them, during a protest about police brutality in Wisconsin after he apparently violated his bail conditions.
State epidemiologist Park leaves DOH
HONOLULU — The state epidemiologist who has been blamed for slowing Hawaii’s coronavirus response has left the Department of Health. Dr. Sarah Park’s last day with the department was Dec. 31.
Why US hiring could rebound faster than you might expect
WASHINGTON — Hiring has weakened for six consecutive months. Nearly 10 million jobs remain lost since the coronavirus struck. And this week, the Congressional Budget Office forecast that employment won’t regain its pre-pandemic level until 2024.
And yet a hopeful view is gaining steam that as vaccinations reach a critical mass, perhaps by about midyear, and the government provides further stimulus, the economy and the job market will strengthen much faster than they did after previous recessions.
Biden flexible on who gets aid, tells lawmakers to ‘go big’
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden encouraged Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday to “act fast” on his $1.9 trillion COVID rescue plan but also signaled he’s open to changes, including limiting the proposed $1,400 direct payments to Americans with lower income levels, which could draw Republican support.
Canada designates the Proud Boys as a terrorist entity
TORONTO — The Canadian government designated the Proud Boys group as a terrorist entity Wednesday, noting the group played a pivotal role in the insurrection Jan. 6 at the U.S. Capitol.
Slain Capitol Police officer honored: ‘We will never forget’
WASHINGTON — Congressional leaders paid tribute Wednesday to slain U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick in the building he died defending, promising his family and his fellow officers that they will never forget his sacrifice.
Study finds COVID-19 vaccine might reduce virus transmission
AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine shows a hint that it might reduce transmission of the coronavirus and offers strong protection for three months on just a single dose, researchers said Wednesday in an encouraging turn in the campaign to suppress the outbreak.
