Isaiah Wong is back in the NBA, this time with the Charlotte Hornets. Wong was signed Monday to a two-way contract. The Indiana Pacers draft pick had spent the season with the Utah Jazz’s G League affiliate. Wong has played one career NBA game, on April 1 for the Pacers, who chose him with the 55th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. The Bonner & Prendergast grad and 2018 Daily Times Boys Basketball Player of the Year spent four seasons at the University of Miami. Wong, 23, has seven starts for the Salt Lake City Stars in the G League. He’s averaging 26.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game. He’s coming off a 41-point game on Nov. 20. Wong is shooting 47.2 percent from the field and 42.1 percent from 3-point range this season. The 6-3, 185-pound guard has played 52 G League games in his career, averaging 17.2 points per game. He’ll wear No. 21 for the Hornets. Injuries have hit the Hornets hard, with four of their six double-figures scorers this season on the shelf, many for much longer than just Tuesday’s visit from the 76ers. Forward Grant Williams is out of the season with a torn ACL. Leading scorer LaMelo Ball, who is averaging 31.1 points per game and hit the Sixers for 38 last month, is out for at least two weeks with a calf strain. Tre Mann’s back injury will keep him out on the order of weeks, and Miles Bridges is out Tuesday with a knee issue. The Hornets will need to find sources of offense for the foreseeable future, and Wong is a possible answer on that front.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking at the Greek Investment Conference in London, emphasized Greece’s progress but noted it lags behind countries like Ireland and Portugal due to historical political challenges. He outlined a vision for Greece to become a modern European leader in areas where it has a natural advantage, citing successful projects like the Thessaloniki metro as symbols of future progress. Mitsotakis stressed the need for fiscal stability, productive investments and technological advancements, particularly in AI, while ensuring public engagement and shared benefits from growth. He acknowledged inflation’s impact on wages and tax relief but expressed optimism for the coming years. Mitsotakis highlighted Greece’s ambition to be one of Europe’s seven “AI factories.” The country aims to attract AI scientists, foster startups and benefit from centralized data management for AI applications in healthcare and climate. Greece is developing its first supercomputer and positioning itself as a hub for data centers powered by renewable energy, said the prime minister. On environmental policy, Greece has reduced emissions by 45% since 2005 and produces over half its electricity from renewable sources. Mitsotakis emphasized balancing green initiatives with industrial competitiveness, urging the EU to lower energy costs for businesses and consumers. Mitsotakis advocated for stricter action against human trafficking networks and a controlled approach to legal migration. He also stressed Greece’s role as a stabilizing force in a turbulent region, pointing to its geopolitical partnerships, including strong ties with the US. The prime minister celebrated 2024 as a record-breaking year for tourism, reinforcing optimism about Greece’s economic trajectory.NEW YORK (AP) — Technology stocks are pulling Wall Street toward another record amid mixed trading on Monday. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% in afternoon trading after closing its best month of the year at an all-time high . The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 86 points, or 0.2%, with a little more than an hour remaining in trading, while the Nasdaq composite was 0.9% higher. Super Micro Computer, a stock that’s been on an AI-driven roller coaster, soared 31.1% to lead the market. Following accusations of misconduct and the resignation of its public auditor , the maker of servers used in artificial-intelligence technology said an investigation found no evidence of misconduct by its management or by the company's board. It also said it doesn’t expect to restate its past financials and that it will find a new chief financial officer, appoint a general counsel and make other moves to strengthen its governance. Big Tech stocks also helped prop up the market. Gains of 1.8% for Microsoft and 2.9% for Meta Platforms were the two strongest forces pushing upward on the S&P 500. Intel was another propellant during the morning, but it lost an early gain to fall 1.1% after the chip company said CEO Pat Gelsinger has retired and stepped down from the board. Intel is looking for Gelsinger’s replacement, and its chair said it’s “committed to restoring investor confidence.” Intel recently lost its spot in the Dow Jones Industrial Average to Nvidia, which has skyrocketed in Wall Street's frenzy around AI. Stellantis, meanwhile, skidded following the announcement of its CEO’s departure . Carlos Tavares steps down after nearly four years in the top spot of the automaker, which owns car brands like Jeep, Citroën and Ram, amid an ongoing struggle with slumping sales and an inventory backlog at dealerships. The world’s fourth-largest automaker’s stock fell 6.3% in Milan. The majority of stocks in the S&P 500 likewise fell, including California utility PG&E. It dropped 3.7% after saying it would sell $2.4 billion of stock and preferred shares to raise cash. Retailers were mixed amid what’s expected to be the best Cyber Monday on record and coming off Black Friday . Target, which recently gave a forecast for the holiday season that left investors discouraged , fell 1.6%. Walmart , which gave a more optimistic forecast, rose 0.3%. Amazon, which looks to benefit from online sales from Cyber Monday, climbed 1.3%. The stock market largely took Donald Trump’s latest threat on tariffs in stride. The president-elect on Saturday threatened 100% tariffs against a group of developing economies if they act to undermine the U.S. dollar. Trump said he wants the group, headlined by Brazil, Russia, India and China, to promise it won’t create a new currency or otherwise try to undercut the U.S. dollar. The dollar has long been the currency of choice for global trade. Speculation has also been around a long time that other currencies could knock it off its mantle, but no contender has come close. The U.S. dollar’s value rose Monday against several other currencies, but one of its strongest moves likely had less to do with the tariff threats. The euro fell amid a political battle in Paris over the French government’s budget . The euro sank 0.7% against the U.S. dollar and broke below $1.05. In the bond market, Treasury yields gave up early gains to hold relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury climbed above 4.23% during the morning before falling back to 4.19%. That was just above its level of 4.18% late Friday. A report in the morning showed the U.S. manufacturing sector contracted again last month, but not by as much as economists expected. This upcoming week will bring several big updates on the job market, including the October job openings report, weekly unemployment benefits data and the all-important November jobs report. They could steer the next moves for Federal Reserve, which recently began pulling interest rates lower to give support to the economy. Economists expect Friday's headliner report to show U.S. employers accelerated their hiring in November, coming off October's lackluster growth that was hampered by damaging hurricanes and strikes. “We now find ourselves in the middle of this Goldilocks zone, where economic health supports earnings growth while remaining weak enough to justify potential Fed rate cuts,” according to Mark Hackett, chief of investment research at Nationwide. In financial markets abroad, Chinese stocks led gains worldwide as monthly surveys showed improving conditions for manufacturing, partly driven by a surge in orders ahead of Trump’s inauguration next month. Both official and private sector surveys of factory managers showed strong new orders and export orders, possibly partly linked to efforts by importers in the U.S. to beat potential tariff hikes by Trump once he takes office. Indexes rose 0.7% in Hong Kong and 1.1% in Shanghai. AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.
Saturday, December 28, 2024 Hawaii’s pristine beaches are a magnet for travelers worldwide, but they’re also susceptible to the raw power of nature. On Friday, high surf warnings led to the closure of numerous beaches across Kauai and Hawaii Island, affecting both local residents and the influx of tourists drawn to the islands’ scenic beauty. These measures were implemented to ensure public safety as the Pacific Ocean unleashed waves of remarkable magnitude, creating hazardous conditions along the shores. The picturesque north shore of Kauai, renowned for its serene beaches and dramatic landscapes, is under a high surf warning. Beaches from Ka‘aka‘aniu Beach, also known as Larsen’s Beach in Moloa‘a, to Kē‘ē Beach along the Na Pali Coast are closed to the public. Authorities have emphasized the importance of avoiding these areas as entering the water poses severe risks, including injury or death. For the latest travel news, travel updates and travel deals, airline news, cruise news, technology updates, travel alerts, weather reports, insider’ insights, exclusive interviews, subscribe now to the daily TTW newsletter . The closures have not deterred the bravery and diligence of lifeguards, who are working tirelessly to prevent accidents. Nearly 3,500 preventative actions were carried out on Friday alone, highlighting the severity of the conditions. Visitors are strongly advised to adhere to warnings and stay clear of the shorebreak. On Hawaii Island, beaches such as Kahalu‘u, Magic Sands, and Mahukona Wharf are closed under directives from the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency. The closures reflect the dangerous nature of the surf, which has the potential to overwhelm even experienced swimmers and surfers. Despite the closures, the allure of massive waves continues to draw hundreds of visitors, particularly to Oahu’s North Shore. The spectacular sight has left many in awe, including tourists like Kunta Nagda from Texas, who described the waves as an unforgettable experience. For others, like Stephanie Shields of Ohio, seeing the ocean’s raw power firsthand has been a transformative experience. The high surf has also been a boon for Hawaii’s surf contests. Following the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, which captivated audiences with extraordinary waves, the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout in Memory of Duke Kanahamoku is set to hold its opening ceremony at Pipeline on Saturday. Organizers and participants are expressing gratitude for the exceptional surf conditions, attributing the waves to the Hawaiian god of water, Kanaloa. For the latest travel news, travel updates and travel deals, airline news, cruise news, technology updates, travel alerts, weather reports, insider’ insights, exclusive interviews, subscribe now to the daily TTW newsletter . For locals, these events are more than just competitions; they are deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and spirituality. Witnessing the massive waves is not only a thrill but also an opportunity to honor the ocean’s majesty and its significance in Hawaiian heritage. As of Friday night, the National Weather Service reported that high surf warnings remain in effect for the north- and west-facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai, as well as the north-facing shores of Maui and west-facing shores of Hawaii Island. These warnings are expected to continue until at least 6 a.m. Saturday. These forecasts underscore the dangers of entering the water during such conditions. The combination of powerful waves, strong currents, and unpredictable surges can endanger even those standing on the shoreline. For the latest travel news, travel updates and travel deals, airline news, cruise news, technology updates, travel alerts, weather reports, insider’ insights, exclusive interviews, subscribe now to the daily TTW newsletter . The dangers posed by these high surf conditions extend beyond the water. Beachgoers are warned to exercise extreme caution as large breaking waves can sweep across beaches, coastal benches, and lava flows. This can lead to significant impacts on coastal properties, roadways, and other infrastructure. For many tourists, the high surf presents a rare opportunity to witness the Pacific Ocean’s untamed beauty. “You hear about it, but until you’re here and see it firsthand, it’s a totally different story,” said one visitor, encapsulating the awe shared by many. While the closures and warnings are vital for safety, they also contribute to a deeper appreciation of Hawaii’s natural power. For the latest travel news, travel updates and travel deals, airline news, cruise news, technology updates, travel alerts, weather reports, insider’ insights, exclusive interviews, subscribe now to the daily TTW newsletter . Hawaii’s high surf warnings highlight the delicate balance between nature’s majesty and its dangers. As beach closures and safety measures take precedence, both locals and visitors are reminded of the respect and caution required to coexist with the ocean’s immense power. For those fortunate enough to witness these waves, the experience is unforgettable, blending wonder with the sobering reality of nature’s might. Travelers to Hawaii in such conditions should prioritize safety while cherishing the unique memories created by the awe-inspiring Pacific Ocean. Read Travel Industry News in 104 different regional platforms Get our daily dose of news, by subscribing to our newsletters. Subscribe here . Watch Travel And Tour World Interviews here . 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Ocugen Inc. stock falls Thursday, underperforms marketThe study, released Tuesday by the Brennan Center for Justice, looked at 21 states with federally recognized tribal lands that have a population of at least 5,000 and where more than 20% of residents identify as American Indian or Alaska Native. Researchers found that between 2012 and 2022, voter participation in federal elections was 7 percentage points lower in midterms and 15 percentage points lower in presidential elections than among those living off tribal lands in the same states. Earlier studies show voter turnout for communities of color is higher in areas where their ethnic group is the majority, but the latest research found that turnout was the lowest on tribal lands that have a high concentration of Native Americans, the Brennan Center said. “There’s something more intensely happening in Native American communities on tribal land,” said Chelsea Jones, a researcher on the study. Jones said the study suggests some barriers may be insurmountable in predominately Native communities due to a lack of adequate polling places or access to early and mail-in ballots. Many residents on tribal lands have nontraditional addresses, meaning they don't have street names or house numbers, making mail-in voting even more difficult. As a result, many Native American voters rely on P.O. boxes, but the study notes that several jurisdictions will not mail ballots to P.O. boxes. Long distances to the polls that do exist on tribal lands and little to no public transportation creates additional hurdles for Native American voters. In far-flung Alaska Native villages, polling places sometimes simply don't open if there's no one available to run an election, and severe weather can make absentee voting unreliable, The Associated Press reported last month. “When you think about people who live on tribal lands having to go 30, 60, 100 miles (up to 160 kilometers) to cast a ballot, that is an extremely limiting predicament to be in," Jones said. "These are really, truly severe barriers.” Additionally, Jones said they found Native American voters were denied the ability to vote using their tribal IDs in several places, including in states where that is legally allowed. All of these roadblocks to the ballot can create a sense of distrust in the system, which could contribute to lower turnout, Jones said. The Brennan Center study also highlights on ongoing issue when it comes to understanding how or why Native Americans vote: a lack of good data. “There are immense data inequities when it comes to studying Native American communities, especially as it pertains to politics," Jones said. Native American communities are often overlooked when it comes to polling data and sometimes when they are included those studies do not reflect broader trends for Indigenous voters, said Stephanie Fryberg, the director of the Research for Indigenous Social Action & Equity Center, which studies systemic inequalities faced by Indigenous people. “Generally speaking, polling is not well positioned to do a good job for Indian Country,” said Fryberg, who is also a professor of psychology at Northwestern University. “There are ideas that are held up as the gold standard about how polling works that don’t work for Indian Country because of where we live, because of how difficult it is to connect to people in our community.” Fryberg, a member of the Tulalip Tribes in Washington state, was one of several Indigenous researchers who denounced a recent exit poll conducted by Edison Research that found 65% of Native American voters who participated said they voted for Donald Trump. The poll only surveyed 229 self-identified Native Americans, a sample size that she said is too small for an accurate reading, and none of the jurisdictions in the poll were on tribal lands. “Right there, you’re already eliminating a powerful perspective,” Fryberg said. The Indigenous Journalists Association labelled that polling data as “highly misleading and irresponsible,” saying it has led “to widespread misinformation.” In a statement to the Associated Press, Edison Research acknowledged that the polling size is small, but said the "goal of the survey is to represent the national electorate and to have enough data to also examine large demographic and geographic subgroups." The survey has a potential sampling margin of error of plus or minus 9%, according to the statement. “Based on all of these factors, this data point from our survey should not be taken as a definitive word on the American Indian vote,” the statement reads. Native Americans are not just part of an ethnic group, they also have political identities that come with being citizens of sovereign nations. Fryberg said allowing those surveyed to self-identify as Native Americans, without follow-up questions about tribal membership and specific Indigenous populations, means that data cannot accurately capture voting trends for those communities. Both Fryberg and Jones said that in order to create better data on and opportunities for Native Americans to vote, researchers and lawmakers would have to meet the specific needs of Indigenous communities. Jones said passage of the Native American Voting Rights Act, a bill that has stalled in Congress, would ensure equitable in-person voting options in every precinct on tribal lands. “This is not an issue that we see across the country,” Jones said. “It’s very specific to tribal lands. So we need provisions that address that uniquely.” This story has been updated to correct the name of the Tulalip Tribes. Graham Lee Brewer is an Oklahoma City-based member of the AP's Race and Ethnicity team.
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