LOCAL

» Matson Navigation Co. said Tuesday it will raise shipping rates from the mainland to Hawaii by an average of 5.6 percent beginning Jan. 1 in response to surging operating costs. The state’s largest shipper said it will also increase terminal handling charges by up to $50 per container.

» The University of Hawaii reported to Honolulu police that it received an anonymous letter Nov. 3 containing allegations that unspecified players had engaged in point-shaving. The Honolulu Police Department said Tuesday "there is not enough information to open a criminal investigation."

» The Abercrombie administration said it intends to tighten eligibility and reduce benefits in the state’s Quest health plan for the needy, changes that will eliminate 3,000 of 282,000 beneficiaries and cut $150 million in spending.

» The former business manager of Waipahu High School pleaded guilty Monday to stealing $499,769 from the school under a plea agreement that could give him as little as 18 months in prison if he pays all the money back by May 2012.

» In its final Western Athletic Conference match, Hawaii won its 13th WAC women’s volleyball title Wednesday. The Wahine move to the Big West Conference next year.

MAINLAND

» Congress’ supercommittee conceded defeat Monday in its quest to conquer a government debt that stands at a staggering $15 trillion, unable to overcome divisions over taxes and spending. Republicans and Democrats alike pointed fingers of blame, maneuvering for political advantage in advance of 2012 elections less than a year away.

» Holiday travel got off to a soggy start in parts of the country Wednesday as millions of Americans unfazed by costlier gas and airfares set out for Thanksgiving celebrations, but few major problems were reported. About 42.5 million people are expected to travel during the holiday.

WORLD

» Russia threatened Wednesday to deploy missiles to target the U.S. missile shield in Europe if Washington fails to assuage Moscow’s concerns about its plans, a harsh warning that reflected deep cracks in U.S.-Russian ties. President Dmitry Medvedev said he still hopes for a deal with the U.S. on missile defense, but he accused Washington and its NATO allies of ignoring Russia’s worries.

» Yemen’s autocratic leader agreed Wednesday to step down after months of demonstrations against his rule, pleasing the U.S. and its regional allies who feared that collapsing security in the impoverished nation was allowing al-Qaida to step up operations in the country.

» The U.S. increased pressure Friday on Egypt’s military rulers to hand over power to civilian leaders, as tens of thousands of protesters jammed Cairo’s Tahrir Square. The protesters say they will not leave the iconic square until the military rulers step down.