Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
Hawaii State Budget Finalized, Avoids Major Cuts to Key Services

Hawaii State Budget Finalized, Avoids Major Cuts to Key Services

Hawaii's $20.3 billion state budget has been finalized, passing its last committee late Thursday night. Initially, lawmakers faced a significant budget shortfall due to lost federal funding, prompting cuts across most departments by eliminating vacant positions. However, these reductions are not expected to impact operations. The Department of Budget and Finance experienced the largest cut at $33 million, but overall, the cuts were less severe than initially proposed by the Senate. The Department of Health's cut was reduced from $25 million to $4.5 million. The budget includes allocations for environmental projects funded by the state's new Green Fee, as well as capital improvement projects like $58 million for Wahiawā Dam improvements and $446 million for school repairs.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Hawaii's Bill to Limit Corporate Election Spending Faces Last-Minute Challenges

Hawaii's Bill to Limit Corporate Election Spending Faces Last-Minute Challenges

A bill in Hawaii aimed at limiting corporate 'dark money' in elections has encountered a last-minute obstacle in the state legislature. Senate Bill 2471, which seeks to redefine and limit the powers of corporations and similar entities in election spending, now has differing drafts between the House and Senate. The House's version proposes limiting donations to political action committees (PACs) to $6,000 per election cycle, a move intended to sidestep potential legal challenges based on free speech rights established by the Citizens United ruling. The state Attorney General's office opposes the measure, citing its likely indefensibility in court. The bill's original language aimed to challenge existing legal precedents, but the House's amendments may weaken its effectiveness.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Teen's Self-Diagnosis of Stroke Highlights Importance of Early Detection

Teen's Self-Diagnosis of Stroke Highlights Importance of Early Detection

Gretl Talbot, an 18-year-old high school senior from Utah, successfully self-diagnosed her own stroke symptoms, which led to a life-saving medical intervention. After experiencing numbness in her right hand, Talbot, who had recently completed a certified nursing assistant course, recognized the signs of a stroke. She used the FAST acronym—facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and time to call 911—to confirm her suspicions. Her quick action resulted in immediate medical attention, where she was administered medication to dissolve blood clots. Further tests revealed a congenital heart defect, a hole in her heart, which likely caused the stroke. Talbot had previously consulted doctors about her heart concerns, but they were dismissed as anxiety. Her story underscores the critical need for awareness and education about stroke symptoms, especially in young individuals.
1Weather 1Weather
Widespread Drought Threatens Homes Across the U.S.

Widespread Drought Threatens Homes Across the U.S.

The United States is currently experiencing significant drought conditions, affecting over 60% of the country. This situation is nearly as severe as the most widespread drought of the century, which occurred in 2012. According to the Washington Post, states such as Colorado, Utah, Georgia, Florida, and southern Texas are among the most impacted. The Southeast region, from Virginia to Alabama, is almost entirely abnormally dry, with nearly half of the area in extreme drought. In Texas, the worst drought conditions are found from Northeast Texas to the lower Valley, with 21.23% of the state in extreme drought. The drought is also severe in Northwest Colorado to eastern Utah, ranging from severe to exceptional levels. These conditions are expected to have significant impacts on property values and maintenance costs for homeowners.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Congress and Utah Collaborate on Great Salt Lake Restoration Amid Environmental Concerns

Congress and Utah Collaborate on Great Salt Lake Restoration Amid Environmental Concerns

The Great Salt Lake in Utah, the largest saline lake in the United States, is experiencing significant ecological challenges due to decreasing water levels and increased salinity. Over the past two decades, water levels have dropped primarily because of reduced inflows, drought, and rising temperatures, which have led to greater evaporation. This situation has prompted both state and federal efforts to restore the lake. Utah has established the Office of the Great Salt Lake Commissioner and released a strategic plan to balance ecological, economic, and societal interests. The state has also implemented regulations to maintain water flows and conserve water. On the federal level, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has allocated $50 million to support water conservation and ecosystem restoration. The Trump Administration has requested $1 billion for a comprehensive federal restoration program. These efforts aim to address the economic, environmental, and health impacts of the lake's declining water levels.
Trendline Trendline
May Day Celebrations in Hawaii: A Tradition of Lei and Hula

May Day Celebrations in Hawaii: A Tradition of Lei and Hula

May Day Celebrations in Hawaii: A Tradition of Lei and Hula
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Utah Court Grants Mutual Protective Orders to Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen Amid Domestic Dispute

Utah Court Grants Mutual Protective Orders to Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen Amid Domestic Dispute

A Utah judge has issued mutual protective orders for Taylor Frankie Paul, a star of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' and her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. The decision follows domestic violence charges and allegations between the two, who appeared in a Salt Lake City courtroom. The protective orders require both parties to maintain a distance of 100 feet from each other. The court also addressed the custody of their 2-year-old son, with further decisions pending. The case has drawn attention due to a leaked video showing Paul in a physical altercation with Mortensen, which led to the cancellation of her appearance on 'The Bachelorette.' Jessi Draper, another star of 'Mormon Wives,' claimed Mortensen leaked the video to TMZ to embarrass Paul.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Hawaii Public Radio Joins National Campaign to Boost Public Media Support

Hawaii Public Radio Joins National Campaign to Boost Public Media Support

Hawaii Public Radio (HPR) is participating in Public Media Giving Days, a national campaign organized by NPR, PBS, Greater Public, and the CDP. This initiative, taking place on May 1 and 2, aims to encourage public broadcasting consumers to support and spread awareness about the impact of public radio and television. HPR, along with over 100 other stations, is calling on listeners to contribute financially, as listener donations are the primary funding source for the station. The campaign highlights the importance of public media in providing fact-based journalism and diverse programming. HPR is also engaging its audience through social media, inviting them to share their experiences and appreciation for the station using the hashtag #PMGD2026.
Trendline Trendline
Hawaii Public Radio Highlights May Day Traditions and Cultural Significance

Hawaii Public Radio Highlights May Day Traditions and Cultural Significance

Hawaii Public Radio Highlights May Day Traditions and Cultural Significance
AP News AP News
‘Mormon Wives’ star Taylor Frankie Paul and ex-partner ordered to stay 100 feet apart

‘Mormon Wives’ star Taylor Frankie Paul and ex-partner ordered to stay 100 feet apart

Taylor Frankie Paul, a reality TV star from “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” and the father of her 2-year-old son were ordered Thursday to stay 100 feet (30 meters) away from each other for the next three years as a Utah court commissioner continues to assess custody plans for the child
1Weather 1Weather
Discounted Appliances Offered to Flood-Affected Residents in Hawaii

Discounted Appliances Offered to Flood-Affected Residents in Hawaii

Residents affected by the recent Kona low storms in Hawaii have an opportunity to purchase new appliances at reduced prices through a program initiated by Hawaiʻi Energy. This initiative, in collaboration with PHAD Home Appliance, aims to support flood victims by offering discounted rates on essential household items such as dryers, washing machines, refrigerators, and freezers. Prices for these appliances range from $250 to $400, depending on the type and size. The program is designed to alleviate the financial burden on those who have lost their belongings due to the floods, allowing them to focus on rebuilding their lives. Over 300 Hawaiʻi Energy customers have already expressed a need for new appliances following the storms.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Hawaii Legislature Proposes Phasing Out Renewable Energy Tax Credit by 2031

Hawaii Legislature Proposes Phasing Out Renewable Energy Tax Credit by 2031

The Hawaii Senate and House money committees have reached a compromise on a measure that will impact the state's income tax plan and several popular tax credits, including the Renewable Energy Tax Credit. This proposal is part of a broader effort to address a projected $400 million financial shortfall by 2032 due to cuts in federal funding. The measure will phase out the Renewable Energy Tax Credit, which is primarily used for rooftop solar installations. The proposal caps the amount the state can spend on this credit at $40 million for four years, with a complete phase-out by 2031. Additionally, the measure introduces a new tax bracket for millionaire households and continues to increase the standard deduction, which will be nearly six times higher by 2031 compared to 2024.