Tsunami Watch this afternoon
HONOLULU — National Weather Service (NWS) has placed Hawai‘i under a tsunami watch and the first wave is expected to impact the state this afternoon at 4:35 p.m.
Capitol Police chief appeals for National Guard to stay
WASHINGTON — Worried about continuing threats, the acting chief of the U.S. Capitol Police appealed to congressional leaders Thursday to use their influence to keep National Guard troops at the Capitol, two months after the law enforcement breakdowns of the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection.
US demands Myanmar release detained journalists, protesters
WASHINGTON — The Biden administration stepped up its condemnation of the coup in Myanmar on Thursday, demanding that military authorities stop their brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protesters and release demonstrators and journalists who have been detained.
Accuser says talk of Cuomo as AG spurred her to come forward
NEW YORK — One of the women who accused New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo of sexually harassing her at the workplace said she was motivated to come forward after another woman contacted her sharing similar allegations and following the Democratic governor’s name being mentioned as a potential cabinet position nominee for President Joe Biden.
Dallas police officer charged with arranging two killings
DALLAS — A Dallas police officer was arrested Thursday on two counts of capital murder, more than a year and a half after a man told investigators that he kidnapped and killed two people at the officer’s instruction in 2017, authorities said.
Biden lauds NASA team for giving US ‘dose of confidence’
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Thursday congratulated the NASA team responsible for last month’s successful landing of an six-wheeled rover on Mars and for giving the country a “dose of confidence” at a moment when the nation’s reputation as a scientific leader has been tattered by the coronavirus pandemic.
By slimmest of margins, Senate takes up $1.9T relief bill
WASHINGTON — The Senate voted by the slimmest of margins Thursday to begin debating a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, after Democrats made eleventh-hour changes aimed at ensuring they could pull President Joe Biden’s top legislative priority through the precariously divided chamber.
Highlights: What’s changed in the Senate’s COVID relief bill
WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats on Thursday came out with their version of the $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill. A look at some of the major changes in the bill now being considered by the Senate versus what passed the House last week.
What a difference a year makes: California poised to reopen
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — This April should look very different than the last for California’s nearly 40 million residents, with a new plan from the governor that will speed up reopening a year after he imposed the nation’s first statewide coronavirus shutdown.
California to give 40% of vaccine to Latino, high-risk areas
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California will begin sending 40% of all vaccine doses to the most vulnerable neighborhoods in the state to try to inoculate people most at risk from the coronavirus and get the state’s economy open more quickly, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday in the latest shake-up to the state’s rules.
US jobless claims tick up to 745,000 as layoffs remain high
WASHINGTON — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits edged higher last week to 745,000, a sign that many employers continue to cut jobs despite a drop in confirmed viral infections and evidence that the overall economy is improving.
Agency cancels Hawaii tsunami watch after huge Pacific quake
HONOLULU — The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center cancelled a tsunami watch Thursday for Hawaii that was issued after a huge earthquake occurred in a remote area between New Zealand and Tonga.
Red Cross officials recognize Hero, Volunteer of the Year
LIHU‘E — March is a time to honor the kindness of neighbors who aid families in need every day around the world. March is American Red Cross Month and acknowledged by Mayor Derek Kawakami with gratitude and appreciation to the American Red Cross, Kaua‘i Branch headed by Padric Gallagher.
J&J single-shot COVID-19 vaccine arrives on Oah‘u
OAH’U — Hawai‘i has received its first shipment of the single-shot COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Johnson & Johnson today.
Gov. signs off on UI Tax relief
HONOLULU — Governor David Ige has signed a bill that will temporarily lower unemployment insurance rates for some businesses and nonprofits.
Getting Pa‘ula‘ula ready for the King
WAIMEA — The Friends of King Kaumuali‘i invite the community of Kaua‘i to join them Saturday when the group does a community clean-up day at Pa‘ula‘ula, more commonly known as the Russian Fort Elizabeth State Park.
Minor rescued after swept off rocks at Queen’s Bath
PRINCEVILLE — A minor was rescued Wednesday evening after being swept off the rocks at Queen’s Bath, according to officials.
Essay contest celebrates National Women’s History Month
LIHU‘E — What woman inspired you, and how is the theme of an essay contest, Women’s History Essay Contest 2021, that is being presented by the Kaua‘i Committee on the Status of Women to mark the month of March as National Women’s History Month.
Obituaries for Thursday, March 4, 2021
• Helen Anne Knudsen Callahan • Stanley Glaubrecht Griep • Sharon Leton
Letters for Thursday, March 4, 2021
• The ADC needs support, not slashing • Find something else to do