KIF grapplers ‘tough’ at Officials

Kauai Interscholastic Federation wrestlers — Coby Lawrence and Braeden Jensen — each finished with two wins and two losses at the 2017 Officials Scholarship Tournament that wrappedup Saturday on Oahu.

Pope laments ‘winds of war’ blowing around the world

Lamenting “the winds of war” blowing around the world, Pope Francis in his traditional Christmas message on Monday called for a two-state solution to find peace in the Middle East and prayed that confrontation can be overcome on the Korean Peninsula.

Thousands protest pardoning of Peru’s former president

Thousands of Peruvians took to the streets on Monday to protest the pardon granted to former President Alberto Fujimori, with many calling it part of a backroom deal struck to protect the current president from impeachment on corruption charges.

Rev Jackson says he manages Parkinson’s with daily therapy

The Rev. Jesse Jackson said he’s relying on daily physical therapy, medication and prayer to manage Parkinson’s disease, but he showed few signs of slowing down Monday as he carried on a decades-old Christmas tradition with a sermon to inmates at one of the nation’s largest jails.

Cowboys out, Seahawks survive

The Dallas Cowboys are officially out of the playoffs, and the Seahawks still have a chance. Seattle beat Dallas 21-12, keeping the Seahawks tied with Atlanta for the final NFC wild-card spot. The Jaguars clinched the AFC South earlier when Tennessee lost. But Jacksonville’s 44-33 loss at San Francisco clinched a bye for New England.

Soltren comes out of ‘retirement’

More than 70 people were treated to a matinee showing of “The Last Jedi” Saturday. In addition to the movie and snacks at Kukui Grove 4 Cinemas, participants in the Luis Soltren Christmas Giveaway were given a $100 gift card for a shopping spree at Big Kmart in Lihue.

Motorcyclists hold last-minute toy ride

More than 200 toys filled a table at the Kauai Harley-Davidson shop in Puhi Sunday. The assortment was divided for delivery for needy keiki on Kauai’s Westside and Eastside, said John Baroni, sales manager. A last-minute plea prompted motorcycle riders to mount up and donate more toys.

Happy Camper for Monday, December 25, 2017

What a flurry of activity taking place during the weekend leading to Christmas, as kudos go out to Big Kmart Manager Anthony Florick and Kauai Police Department Chief Darryl Perry, who hosted the annual Shop With A Cop (nice to see Gini Kapali out and about, and mahalo, Bobby Thompson, for that cell phone thingie).

Records fall at 1st swim meet of season

Jack Machorek, a senior at Kauai High School, led the charge by setting two of the three Kauai Interscholastic Federation records as well asqualifying for the state swim meet in three individual swims. He was also part of two relay teams — the boys 200-yard medley and the boys 400-yard freestyle, both qualifying for states.

Raiders roar back in 46-23 win

Kauai High School’s Christian Manera scored 21 points to lead the Red Raiders to a 46-23 win over Kapaa High School Saturday night before an enthusiastic audience at the Kauai High School gym.

• Births for Monday, December 25, 2017

• Adonis Jaime • Alia Nozomi Harrington • Kilinoe Kealohapumehanaoku‘umomimakamae Rapozo • Spencer Caleb Nava Lopez • Olivia Anne Ballard • Kaiolohia Gage Ho • Luna Ella Amblard • Mylah Malie Kananiokaehukai Melendez • Grace Lee Kamanaolanaamekalokomaikaiokahaku Kelley • Janzen Aaron Tio Santiago • Awahi Ponoi Nalu Jada Babila • Elijah Zion Del Angel • Ke‘ohu Maulukua Kiwini Carlos • Caylee-Joyce Sachiko Keikilani Sagucio • Kaylee Cory Davenport • Kekai Keoni-Apaka Ke Ali‘i Maika‘i O Kamalu I Ko‘u Makana Makamae Mai Kalani