Future of Lake Tahoe clarity in question as wildfires worsen
CARSON CITY, Nev. — When a wildfire crested the mountains near North America’s largest alpine lake, embers and ash that zipped across a smoky sky pierced Lake Tahoe’s clear blue waters.
Fighting fire with fire to protect ancient sequoia trees
LOS ANGELES — With flames advancing toward the signature grove of ancient massive trees in Sequoia National Park, firefighters on Thursday fought fire with fire.
Budget bill reopens moderate vs. progressive divide for Dems
WASHINGTON — One side is energized by the prospect of the greatest expansion of government support since the New Deal nearly a century ago. The other is fearful about dramatically expanding Washington’s reach at an enormous cost.
Florida surpasses 50K COVID deaths after battling delta wave
MIAMI — Florida surpassed 50,000 coronavirus deaths since the pandemic began, health officials reported Thursday, with more than one fourth of those succumbing this summer as the state battled a fierce surge in infections fueled by the delta variant.
COVID-19 surge forces health care rationing in parts of West
BOISE, Idaho — In another ominous sign about the spread of the delta variant, Idaho public health leaders on Thursday expanded health care rationing statewide and individual hospital systems in Alaska and Montana have enacted similar crisis standards amid a spike in the number of unvaccinated COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization.
Cuba begins vaccinating children as young as 2
HAVANA — Sitting on her mother’s lap, 2-year-old Lucía looked at the illustrations in her book while around her several children watched the doctors in white coats and nurses with thermometers in amazement. In an adjoining room, Danielito, also 2, sniffled while getting a shot as a clown tried to distract him.
Long weekend becomes 9-week lockdown for AP Vietnam reporter
VUNG TAU, Vietnam — I wake up as the loudspeaker outside my window starts the community broadcast at 7 a.m. I try to recall the date. Vietnam’s pandemic lockdown has been so long I’ve lost my sense of time. I now count by weeks.
Russia votes in parliament election without main opposition
MOSCOW — After a few weeks of desultory campaigning but months of relentless official moves to shut down significant opposition, Russia began three days of voting early Friday in a parliamentary election that is unlikely to change the country’s political complexion.
Soaring utility bills alarm Europe, raise fears for winter
MADRID — Wholesale prices for gas and electricity are surging across Europe, raising the prospect of increases in already-high utility bills and further pain for people who have taken a financial hit from the coronavirus pandemic.
Jan. 6 committee seeking records on Milley’s China calls
WASHINGTON — The leaders of a House committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection said Thursday they have sought records related to calls from Gen. Mark Milley, the top U.S. military officer, to his Chinese counterpart in the turbulent final months of Donald Trump’s presidency.
Missing Hawaii girl’s parents withdrew her from school
HONOLULU — The adoptive parents of a missing 6-year-old Hawaii girl pulled her out of school to home-school her, the state Department of Education said.
State provides COVID-19 testing for Hawaii school campuses
HONOLULU — Some Hawaii schools are participating in a state Department of Health program that provides COVID-19 testing for students, teachers and staff.
Vaccine cards required for some indoor businesses on Maui
WAILUKU — Proof of vaccination is now required to patrons who want to sit inside Maui bars and restaurants.
Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank changes schedule in face of uncertainty
NAWILIWILI — Phil and Marilyn Spittler of Colorado were happy on Wednesday at the Kaua‘i Independent Foodbank warehouse.
North Shore home to state’s first Tesla Solar Roof
PRINCEVILLE — The first Tesla Solar Roof in the state has been installed on Kaua‘i, introducing a new option for homeowners who want clean energy without sacrificing style.
Kaua‘i reports 10th COVID-19 related fatality, 35 new cases
LIHU‘E — Wednesday, the Hawai‘i State Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office reported Kaua‘i’s tenth fatality from COVID-19 and announced 35 new cases.
Council passes county’s own 3% TAT
LIHU‘E — A 3% transient accommodation tax levied by the county will soon be applied throughout the tourism industry.
Island enters shearwater fallout season
LIHU‘E — Seabird fallout season, when fledglings risk potentially-fatal disorientation caused by artificial lights, began Sept. 15, and will run through Dec. 15.
VOICES: COVID on Kaua‘i and your medical care providers
The undersigned medical care providers have spent much of our professional lives caring for the families of Kaua‘i. We are writing this letter to the Kaua‘i community and, in particular, to our first responders (especially firefighters and lifeguards) and to the parents of our school students. You have come to us for medical care for years, please trust us now as we face our greatest healthcare threat.
Obituaries for Thursday, September 16, 2021
• Conchita Guillermo • Marcus Kamakani Reis-Vierra • Dolores Villaflor Alpeche • Kenneth Kauionalani Shintani • Steven Donald Pringle