Community News
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 · Honolulu County
Hawaii Lawmakers Vote on Bill Slashing Solar Tax Credits Amid Budget Crisis
Hawaii's Legislature is advancing SB 3125, which would cap and phase out the state's key solar tax credit by 2029 to fund tax relief for low-income residents amid a $3 billion deficit. Solar industry leaders warn the move could halt new projects and jeopardize jobs, clashing with the state's 2045 clean energy mandate. As votes loom, the fate of Hawaii's rooftop solar boom hangs in the balance.
Maui Wildfire Funds Flow: Millions Aid Lahaina Recovery
Nearly two years after the devastating Lahaina fires, recovery funds are reaching wildfire survivors across Maui with direct payments, grants and case management support. From victim compensation to mental health initiatives, state and federal efforts are accelerating rebuilding for thousands displaced. Here's the latest on disbursements bringing hope to Hawaii's West Side.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Hawaii OKs Tax Credits, Fast-Track Permits for Oahu, Maui Housing
The Hawaii Legislature approved a bill Wednesday expanding low-income housing tax credits and streamlining permits for developers on Oahu and Maui, targeting the islands' severe shortages. Amid waitlists stretching years and rents soaring past affordability, the measure aims to unlock thousands of units. Initially reported by Honolulu Civil Beat, the legislation now heads to the governor.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
President Trump Comments on U.S. Response to Iran
President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that continued reciprocal strikes with Iran could force the United States to return to war. These remarks cap a weekend of escalating tensions threatening peace efforts between the countries.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Khamenei's Sons Attend Funeral Amidst Speculation on Succession
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's sons appeared at his funeral in Iran. Their presence occurs amid ongoing discussions regarding the choice of the next supreme leader. Iran has previously asserted its control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
UN Agency Halts Ship Evacuations in Strait of Hormuz After Vessel Attack
A United Nations agency paused ship evacuations through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. This decision followed a report from the British military indicating a vessel was hit by a projectile off Oman's coast. Several tankers had recently used a UN-backed route.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Poll Indicates Divided Perspectives on National Identity Ahead of 250th Anniversary
A new poll reveals a perception among many Americans that the nation has moved away from its founding ideals. The survey also indicates some respondents consider violence potentially necessary for national course correction.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Supreme Court Allows Revival of Trump-Era Asylum Restriction
The Supreme Court has acted in a 6-3 vote, overturning a lower court's decision. This action permits the re-implementation of an immigration policy from the Trump administration that restricts the number of asylum seekers processed daily.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Supreme Court Allows End to Protections for Haitian, Syrian Nationals
The Supreme Court on Thursday permitted the federal government to end Temporary Protected Status for citizens of Haiti and Syria. The 6-3 decision overturned lower court rulings that had blocked the Trump administration's termination of these designations. The ruling impacts individuals who had been allowed to remain in the U.S. due to unsafe conditions in their home countries.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Supreme Court Prepares to Issue Key Decisions by Term's End
The Supreme Court will deliver several significant rulings before the conclusion of its 2026 term. These decisions include cases concerning birthright citizenship and the President's power to dismiss Federal Reserve governors.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Supreme Court Justices Express Divergent Views on Asylum Policy Case
During a Supreme Court session, Justice Sonia Sotomayor read a dissenting opinion regarding a case on expedited asylum proceedings. Justice Samuel Alito visibly reacted during her delivery of the dissent.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Supreme Court Allows End to Protective Status for Haitian, Syrian Immigrants
The Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to proceed with ending Temporary Protected Status for individuals from Haiti and Syria. This ruling could affect numerous immigrants who have lived in the United States for several years.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Judge Blocks USPS Proposal Regarding Voter List Requirement
A federal judge has issued an order blocking proposals from the U.S. Postal Service. These proposals included not delivering ballots in states that did not provide voter lists to the federal government.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
House Conservatives Block Procedural Vote, Triggering Early Recess
A procedural vote failed on the House floor, initiated by a faction of Republican lawmakers. This action suspended legislative proceedings, leading to an early start to the July 4 recess. The vote specifically targeted a rule to advance the National Defense Authorization Act.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Senate Republicans Alter Votes on Iran War Powers Measure
Republican senators changed their positions on an Iran war powers resolution Wednesday. The shift occurred hours after a Capitol meeting that included a discussion with President Donald Trump about the resolution. Senators had previously expressed opposition to military conflict.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Trump Delays Housing Bill Signing, Demands Vote on SAVE Act
President Trump has postponed signing a housing bill, despite its passage through Congress with veto-proof majorities. He aims to leverage the bill's signing to secure action on the SAVE Act. This move mirrors a previous strategy concerning intelligence legislation.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Proposed Housing Legislation Aims to Address Affordability
A bipartisan housing bill, characterized as a significant federal housing policy overhaul, aims to simplify construction processes and lower building costs. The legislation does not propose new government expenditures. Former HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan discussed its potential impact.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Senate Republicans Reject War Powers Resolution Following White House Meeting
Senate Republicans voted against a war powers resolution Wednesday evening. This move followed a meeting where President Donald Trump addressed Republican senators regarding their support for the measure.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Senate Republicans Alter Stance on Presidential War Powers
Senate Republicans reversed their position on limiting presidential war powers just hours after a meeting with President Donald Trump. This change occurred after the president had critiqued members of his party concerning the prior vote.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Proposed Legislation Targets Practices Aimed at Changing Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity
Government officials announced a proposed Bill designed to address practices intended to modify an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. The new legislation includes provisions for jail time and monetary fines without upper limits.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Supreme Court Considers Final Petitions Before Summer Recess
The Supreme Court convened for its final conference ahead of the summer recess, reviewing 30 petitions, including 10 new relists. Cases under consideration include challenges to age-based firearm restrictions, the scope of judicial contempt powers, and religious freedom in zoning disputes. The court also revisited cases related to appeal waivers and state-level pork production laws.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Abortion Access Changes Across US Following Dobbs Decision
A patchwork of state laws began to emerge after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022. This decision shifted authority over abortion access to individual states. Differing regulations have since taken effect nationwide.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Supreme Court Considers Birthright Citizenship as Administration Implements Migration Changes
The Supreme Court is currently reviewing an administration effort regarding birthright citizenship. This action falls within a broader context of measures implemented by the White House concerning immigration policies.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Federal Judge Blocks Portions of Trump's Mail-In Voting Order
A federal judge in Boston has blocked specific provisions of an executive order issued by former President Trump. The order aimed to impose limitations on voting by mail. Officials anticipate an appeal of the decision.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Trump Recommends Congressional Action on Birthright Citizenship After Supreme Court Ruling
President Donald Trump stated Congress should pass a law addressing birthright citizenship. This recommendation followed a Supreme Court ruling on one of his administration's initiatives.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Chief Justice Roberts Adjusts Role Amid Supreme Court Shifts
Chief Justice John Roberts has navigated different institutional roles on the Supreme Court over the past eight years. His approach has evolved, particularly following changes in the court's composition, where he has at times sought to moderate or influence the conservative majority's decisions.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Iran Issues Warning to Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz
Iran's military command has directed all oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz to use designated routes. Officials stated non-compliance could provoke a 'forceful response'. The strait serves as a critical passage for global energy shipments.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Review Led by Sir Stephen Timms Examines Disability Benefits System
Sir Stephen Timms, a Member of Parliament and lead of a benefit review, stated that the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system for England and Wales requires changes. This review focuses on the current structure and delivery of disability benefits. Timms' comments indicate an ongoing evaluation of their suitability.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Trump Addresses NATO Summit From Turkey
President Donald Trump spoke at the NATO summit on Wednesday. He discussed the alliance and its collective efforts.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
U.S.-Iran Hostilities Cease Amid Iran's Leadership Transition, TPS Work Permit Concerns Emerge, Mississippi Death Probe Continues
A cessation in hostilities between the U.S. and Iran coincided with the funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader. Meanwhile, individuals with Temporary Protected Status near the expiration of their work permits, and an investigation into a Mississippi teenager's death progresses.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026