Lawsuit: Sam’s Club discriminated against transgender worker
A transgender woman said in a lawsuit Wednesday that she was called “it” and “thing” by co-workers and then wrongfully fired from a North Carolina Sam’s Club store after repeatedly complaining about harassment.
Fishermen in Mexico shoot down environmental group’s drone
The environmental group Sea Shepherd said fishermen fired 25 shots at one of its night-vision drones in Mexico’s Gulf of California, bringing it down.
Israel minister plans Trump train station at Western Wall
Israel’s transportation minister is pushing ahead with a plan to dig a railway tunnel under Jerusalem’s Old City, passing near sites holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims — and ending at the Western Wall with a station named after President Donald Trump.
Iceland: Crash kills Chinese tourist, critically injures 12
Police in Iceland say one person was killed and 12 more were critically injured Wednesday when a bus carrying 46 Chinese tourists skidded off the road after a rear-end collision with a compact car.
Russia: Explosion injures 10 at St. Petersburg supermarket
At least 10 people were injured Wednesday by an explosion at a supermarket in St. Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city and the site of a deadly subway bombing this year.
Authorities free entangled humpback whale off Maui’s coast
Authorities freed an adult humpback whale off the coast of Maui after it was found entangled in heavy gauge line.
Police: Missing 7-year-old boy found dead in swimming pool
A 7-year-old boy who went missing from his Mililani home on Christmas Eve was found dead in a swimming pool the next day, authorities said.
Hikers rescued from Hanakoa Valley, Uluwehi Falls
Firefighters responded to two calls of hikers in distress on Christmas morning near Hanakoa Valley on Na Pali Coast, and at Uluwehi Falls in Wailua.
Temporary stores a big hit at Kukui Grove Center
LIHUE — Emerson Keahi of Hanalei has been following Erika Kleinfeld of Pacific Fireworks for the past 17 years.
China ups recycling regulations, causing ripples in Hawaii
China wants to rehabilitate its environment, but one of the country’s primary initiatives to do so could leave pollutants piling up over much of the rest of the world, including Hawaii.
Girl distributes gift cards to needy keiki
Aaliyah Keala Nero wanted to brighten Christmas for as many keiki as she could. And she did. The 11-year-old recently distributed 13, $25 gift cards as part of the third annual Christmas service project at Kukui Grove Center.
Drug investigation leads to arrest
A 36-year-old Kilauea man was arrested on Friday following a drug investigation conducted by the Kauai Police Department, which led to the seizure of illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia and a firearm.
Making mochi
Leesha Kawamura watched 4-year-old Austin Sadamitsu quietly munching the mochi during the mochitsuki at Ed Kawamura’s home in Wailua.
Happy holidays for retailers
Lines protruded almost to the door at Deja Vu Surf Shop and Game Stop Tuesday, the day after Christmas, while there was an equally long line at Jeans Warehouse, where store manager Stephanie Catiggay said they had a successful and festive holiday season.
Debris threatens whales
A buoy is floating about 200 yards offshore of Ahukini, seemingly snagged on something in the water below.
Letter for Wednesday, December 27, 2017
• Thanks for road work
2017 national debacle equals 2018 local responsibility
The good news is that if you work for Bank of Hawaii, First Hawaiian Bank, Central Pacific Bank or American Savings Bank you have a $1,000 bonus coming and possibly a pay raise to $15 per hour coming your way very soon.
Happy Camper for Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Kudos are in order for John Baroni and John Copeland of the Sons of Kauai, Donna Copeland and Donna Nunes, who made an 11th-hour motorcycle toy run to get some last-minutes toys for needy children Sunday, and to Mike Pierce of Chicken in A Barrel for hosting free Christmas dinner for all comers Monday.
Feeling stuck?
This week, I want to touch on one of the most common and disappointing feelings anyone can have when pursuing changes in weight, physical fitness, body composition or improving their quality of life.
UH hoops drops 2 of 3 but continues to improve
The up and down nature of Hawaii’s early season continued over the holiday weekend, but the Rainbow Warriors continue to show flashes of success and promise.
Program makes it easy to borrow medical equipment
Cecilia Caldwell was seated under the shade of the kamani tree at the All Saints’ Gym Monday afternoon, a cane propped against her knee. “Ironically, I have a strained tendon,” Caldwell said. “My husband Bill said we have four canes, and I should use one.”
How to naturally strengthen your immune system
We all know that consuming lots of green vegetables, fresh fruits and regular exercise are the most important steps for keeping a healthy body and mind.
Obituaries for Wednesday, December 27, 2017
• Merly de Vera Cruz • Richard Sasan • Kenichi ‘Stupe’ Shimogawa • Florentina Manuel Sadomiano • Raymond Henry Pakahea Ah Leong Aiu • James ‘Jimmy’ Akina Makua Jr. • Phyllis Ann Kunimura • Mercy Hoonanikamakuamauloa Shintani • Sutemi Yamamoto • John Sanchez
Chased by Thomas fire, badly burned lion cub has long road to recovery
When Santa Paula animal control officer Donovan Varela first saw the mountain lion run from authorities, the cub didn’t appear injured.
Bitter cold expected until New Year in Midwest and Northeast
A white Christmas for much of the Northeast and Midwest has given way to bitter cold until the New Year.