“Top stories and breaking news from Hawaii, across the nation, and around the world.”
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Accessed on 02 January 2026, 1619 UTC.
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Russ Roberts (https://hawaiinewsjournal.com).
Friday, January 2, 2026 71°Today’s Paper
Breaking News
Get the latest top stories and breaking news today from Hawaii, across the nation and around the world.
Rainbow Wahine drop to 0-3 in Big West
UC Riverside sophomore guard Hannah Wickstrom scored a carer-high 36 points and the Highlanders closed the game on a 10-2 run to defeat Hawaii 65-58 tonight at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. Read more
2 people killed in New Year’s Day crashes on Kauai, Oahu
Hawaii recorded 129 traffic fatalities in 2025, up 32% from a year earlier, making it the deadliest year on island roads since 2007. Read more
UH men’s basketball team inundates UC Riverside
The Hawaii men’s basketball team dominated all phases and places in today’s 88-45 rout of UC Riverside at SRC Arena in Riverside, Calif. Read more
At least 5 people injured, 2 arrested in fireworks-related incidents on Oahu
The injuries and arrests come at a time of step-up enforcement and new state and county laws regulating the use of illegal fireworks in the aftermath of last New Year’s Eve tragedy that killed six people in Aliamanu. Read more
In hearing transcript, Jack Smith defends decision to indict Trump
In the interview, Smith sought to undermine the narrative that the president was an innocent figure persecuted by partisans who weaponized federal law enforcement — a core belief among many Trump supporters. Read more
AI, corporate profits, Fed rate cuts key to 2026 U.S. stock market
The bull market for U.S. stocks that started in October 2022 has been propelled by AI optimism, interest rate cuts and the economy continuing to grow despite fears of a recession. Read more
Coast Guard searches for survivors after more boat strikes
The Coast Guard it was notified by the Pentagon on Tuesday that there were “mariners in distress” — people in the water — in an unspecified area of the Pacific Ocean. Read more
About 40 dead, 115 injured in fire at Swiss ski resort bar
The cause of the blaze, which was initially reported as an explosion, remains unclear but authorities said it appeared to be an accident rather than an attack. Read more
DOCARE recruiting for 53 more conservation officers
DOCARE enforces state laws and rules at state parks, historical sites, forest reserves, conservation districts, boat harbors and state shorelines, among other areas. Read more
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‘Zootopia 2’ breaks record to become top-grossing Disney animation film
The animated sequel is the fifth Walt Disney Animation Studios film to cross $1 billion globally, grossing around $1.46 billion at the box office after its strong Thanksgiving weekend opening. Read more
Paradise Cove Luau bids farewell; items up for auction
The 10.85-acre property is slated for redevelopment by Cove Campbell Kobayashi LLC into a new, scaled-down retail and dining complex. Read more
DLNR to increase patrols to deter illegal Christmas tree bonfires
Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officers will be patrolling the sandbar and other areas during the New Year’s holiday to enforce the law and protect the environment, DLNR said in a news release. Read more
Ukraine, E.U. officials dismiss alleged attack on Putin residence
U.S. national security officials have found Ukraine did not target Putin or one of his residences in a drone strike, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Read more
State warns of phishing via fake government websites
The state Office of Enterprise Technology Services says these sites may appear legitimate and often use “AI-native services” as a lure to encourage users to enter their data. Read more
Man, 70s, serious after being struck by car at intersection
Honolulu Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene at South Beretania and Keeaumoku streets at 11:57 a.m. Tuesday. Read more
Trump Media unveils plan to distribute new cryptocurrency to shareholders
Shares of the company linked to President Donald Trump, which operates his social media platform Truth Social, were last up 5% in early trading. Read more
U.S. stocks clinch double-digit annual gains, capping a stellar year
The three major U.S. stock indexes were modestly lower, content to drift along just below record highs and bask in robust, double-digit annual gains. Read more
U.S. judge blocks Trump move to end protected status for some migrants
Thompson cited statements by Republican President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem portraying immigrants as criminals and a drain on U.S. society. Read more
World begins to bid goodbye to 2025 with fireworks and icy plunges
As Wednesday turned to Thursday, people around the world said goodbye to a sometimes challenging 2025 and expressed hopes for the new year to come. Read more
Flu cases rise across U.S. as holiday travel fuels spread
Estimates released on Tuesday showed at least 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths so far this season, while experts warned the numbers are likely to keep rising. Read more
Gaza aid groups face suspensions under new Israeli rules
Israeli officials say the new rules are meant to prevent militants from infiltrating aid groups, and they require humanitarian groups to submit lists of their Palestinian employees for review, among other information. Read more
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