AP Sports SummaryBrief at 5:44 p.m. ESTWith the world distracted by conflicts elsewhere, the Syrian civil war flares up again
AP News Summary at 3:58 p.m. ESTAnother local Methodist church will soon take up new residence. Ignite Church, a growing congregation in the Lewis Run community, announced its pending purchase of the historic Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church at 35 Lafayette Ave. Representatives said the acquisition marks a significant milestone for the church, which has experienced rapid growth since its launch in the fall of 2023. Ignite began as a Bible study in the living room of Pastor Greg and Nancy Newkirk. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to purchase this beautiful building,” said Greg Newkirk. “This will allow us to expand our ministry and better serve our community. We believe this is a divine appointment and are excited to see what God has in store for us.” As The Era has previously reported, a special Mass was held in 2023 to deconsecrate Our Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. The services moved the building from sacred to secular use, so it could be sold. Still, parishioners there might be relieved to learn the building will remain a place of worship, albeit in a different tradition. Ignite Church, which currently meets at the Lewis Run Volunteer Fire Hall at 46 Main St., has seen a steady increase in attendance. It averages around 30 people per worship experience, held Sunday mornings at 10 o’clock. The church’s highest attendance to date was 40 people Nov. 17, leaders said. Each week the church meets for what is considered to be a “worship experience,” as opposed to a service, and that includes music, a message, children’s activities, prayer and fellowship. The new church building will provide ample space for worship, fellowship and children’s ministry, leaders said, adding the congregation plans to use the space to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for people of all ages. “Our vision is to be a place of love, hope, healing, and belonging in Jesus Christ,” said Ignite Church Deacon Alex Davis. “We believe that this new space will help us to fulfill that vision and make a positive impact on our community.” Ignite Church is part of the Free Methodist Church, a Protestant Christian denomination founded in 1860. The church is known for its emphasis on personal holiness, social justice and missions. For more information, visit ignitechurchlr.onechurchsoftware.com .
US stocks experience mixed fortunes on quiet day of trading
Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus WASHINGTON (AP) — A powerful government panel has failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of a nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel of Japan to purchase U.S. Steel. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States on Monday sent its long-awaited report to President Joe Biden, a longtime opponent of the deal. Some federal agencies represented on the panel were skeptical that allowing a Japanese company to buy an American-owned steelmaker would create national security risks. That's according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. Both Biden and President-elect Donald Trump opposed the merger and vowed to block it. Nippon Steel says it is confident the deal will go ahead. Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Survey: Small businesses are feeling more optimistic about the economy after the election A survey shows small business owners are feeling more optimistic about the economy following the election. The National Federation of Independent Businesses’ Small Business Optimism Index rose by eight points in November to 101.7, its highest reading since June 2021. The Uncertainty Index declined 12 points in November to 98, following October’s pre-election record high of 110. NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said small business owners became more certain about future business conditions following the presidential election, breaking a nearly three-year streak of record high uncertainty. The survey also showed that more owners are also hoping 2025 will be a good time to grow. Heavy travel day off to a rough start after American Airlines briefly grounds all flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue just as the Christmas travel season kicks into overdrive and winter weather is threatening more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. American flights were cleared to fly by federal regulators about one hour after a national ground stop order was issued by federal regulators Tuesday. The American groundings couldn’t come at a worse time for the millions of travelers expected to fly over the next 10 days. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 40 million passengers over the holidays and through January 2. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. Stock market today: Wall Street holds near breakeven ahead of Christmas Stock indexes are edging higher in morning trading on Wall Street as gains for some Big Tech stocks make up for weakness elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 was up 0.4% Tuesday. Chip company Broadcom was again helping to pull the index higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite was up 0.7%. American Airlines fell 1.2% after the airline briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue. Treasury yields rose. U.S. markets will close at 1 p.m. Eastern and stay closed Wednesday for Christmas. An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a repudiation of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship and a protest against inflation. It came despite low unemployment and steady growth under the Biden administration. What lies ahead for the economy under Trump? Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics spoke recently to The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. American consumers feeling less confident in December, Conference Board says American consumers are feeling less confident in December, a business research group says. The Conference Board said Monday that its consumer confidence index fell back in December to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Consumers had been feeling increasingly confident in recent months. The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. The measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market tumbled more than a dozen points to 81.1. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future. Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week Stocks closed higher on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Honda's U.S.-listed shares rose sharply after the company said it was in talks about a combination with Nissan in a deal that could also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market.
Libra Daily Horoscope Today, December 27, 2024 predicts career growth
NonePrime Minister leads tributes to former US president Jimmy Carter
Fiji Met inks deal with HK Observatory to enhance weather reporting capabilities
Becoming a resident of South Dakota is easy. Some say too easyUS stocks experience mixed fortunes on quiet day of trading
Former College Quarterback Tommy Lazzaro Dead At 27 After Hunting AccidentMADRID (AP) — Getafe scored twice in three minutes midway through the second half to beat struggling Valladolid 2-0 and record only its second win in La Liga on Friday. The victory ended Getafe’s five-game winless run and lifted it into 15th place in the 20-team standings. Valladolid remained second to last. In the buildup to the match, Getafe sporting director Rubén Reyes described the game as a final but his team was lucky not to go behind as Valladolid created more of the early chances. However, the home side took control in the 69th minute when substitute Álvaro Rodríguez got the opener. Three minutes later, man of the match Allan Nyom made it 2-0. “There’s been a lot of games where we’ve run and fought but lost or drawn,” Nyom, the veteran Cameroon full back, said. “A game that reflects the effort we’ve put in in training is very welcome.” Adding to Valladolid’s woes, coach Paulo Pezzolano was sent off before halftime. The Uruguayan has the league’s worst disciplinary record, with seven yellow cards before Friday’s red. ___ AP soccer: The Associated Press
India's former prime minister Manmohan Singh, architect of economic reforms, dies at 92
The Lions suffered two sickening stoppage-time blows on Boxing Day as they lost 2-0 to Vietnam in the first leg of the Asean Championship semi-finals at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Dec 26. Post-match, Singapore coach Tsutomu Ogura felt his team were unlucky but needed to improve in terms of stamina, focus and consistency, after they conceded a debatable 101st-minute penalty, before what looked to be a 104th-minute knockout punch. In the group stage, they also let in two goals in added time to lose 4-2 against defending champions Thailand, although they held on outstandingly to draw 0-0 in Malaysia to qualify for the last four. The 58-year-old Japanese said: “Football is not only 90 minutes, I always tell the players. Football is 90 minutes plus injury time. In this kind of situation, we saw the difference between Singapore and Vietnam. “Sometimes we are lucky, sometimes we are unlucky. “This is football, we need luck, but we also need more hard work. Okay, we conceded an unfortunate penalty, but we didn’t need to concede another goal, so this is our fault. Singapore-Vietnam matches to be screened at CCs “But this game is finished. Today we made it difficult for Vietnam, and they beat us. It will be a difficult game in Hanoi too, so why can’t we do the same against them? We will now prepare for the ‘second half’ in Hanoi.” After a resolute display in regulation time, the match turned on a couple of controversial video assistant referee (VAR) decisions. Following sustained pressure in the second half, Singapore had a penalty claim in the 80th minute rejected by the VAR and South Korean referee Kim Woo-sung after Ho Tan Tai looked to have hauled down Faris Ramli in the box. While he declined to comment further about the incident in the mixed zone, Singapore skipper Hariss Harun agreed his team were robbed and should have had a penalty. The VAR then correctly chalked off a goal from Vietnam as Rafaelson’s superb goal on the turn was voided for handball in the 88th minute, with Vietnam coach Kim Sang-sik booked for his protests. Then came the visitors’ breakthrough in added time. Lions goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud and Shakir Hamzah failed to deal with a cross from the left, and after the VAR adjudged the defender to have handled the ball in the box, Nguyen Tien Linh successfully dispatched the resulting spot kick. Three minutes later, Nguyen Hoang Duc’s corner was flicked on by Pham Xuan Manh for Brazil-born Rafaelson to help his adopted country bring a two-goal advantage to the second leg at the Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho on Dec 29, with the away-goals rule not in effect. Kim acknowledged that some decisions were “unfortunate” for both teams. The 48-year-old South Korean added: “We had trouble adapting to this new environment with the weather and artificial pitch. The first half was very difficult for us to play out what we planned. But through tactical changes and appropriate substitutions, we were able to play out the game well to the last minute. “There will be more hardships and it will be tougher from now on. Hopefully, we can prepare our team mentally for a better match.” The first leg was played at Jalan Besar as a late schedule change meant the National Stadium was unavailable for the game and the rest of the tournament, also known as the Mitsubishi Electric Cup, having already been booked for concerts during this period. With 5,233 noisy fans turning the compact 6,000-seater arena into a sea of red, the hosts played up the feel-good vibes before kick-off by parading members of the 1998 Tiger Cup winning team onto the pitch and launching into a rousing rendition of Kit Chan’s Home. They also paid tribute to former Lion Adam Swandi, who recently announced his retirement due to a heart condition. But it was the visitors and their 300 Ultras Vietnam fans who had something to cheer about when Dinh Thanh Binh had the ball in the net after 10 minutes, only for the goal to be overruled for offside. Rafaelson then rattled the bar with a bicycle kick from an offside position 10 minutes later. Yet, for all their individual quality, world No. 114 Vietnam set up with a cautious-looking back five and never really settled on the artificial pitch. Meanwhile, the 160th-ranked Lions had suffered a late setback with Japanese-born playmaker Kyoga Nakamura sharing on social media platform X earlier in the afternoon that he would not be able to play in the first leg. It was originally thought that no players from either team were suspended, as none were sent off or accumulated two yellow cards in the group stage, according to statistics from the Asean Football Federation’s tournament website. However, it was confirmed at the match coordination meeting that Nakamura was indeed booked in the 0-0 draw in Malaysia, and would be suspended as this was his second yellow card following an earlier caution in the 4-2 home loss to Thailand. Ultimately, the local-born Lions stepped up, with much-maligned Lionel Tan winning his individual battle against the highly rated Rafaelson, and Safuwan Baharudin leading by example in defence and attack. Impressively, Ogura’s men went for the kill after the break by bringing on Taufik Suparno and Faris for Glenn Kweh and Ryhan Stewart respectively and were so nearly rewarded. Singapore could have pinched a win to snap their 26-year winless streak against their rivals, after Taufik stole the ball from Do Duy Manh, only to see his goal-bound shot tipped over by Nguyen Dinh Trieu in the 68th minute, before the late drama unfolded to leave the Lions’ hopes of a fifth Asean Cup final hanging by a thread. We go again in 3 days pic.twitter.com/nqv9IWHS6r A post shared by FAS (@fasingapore)
Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat sent to restaurants nationwide. Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli, which can cause life-threatening infections. No illnesses have been reported outside of Minnesota. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.”
Eagles look to clinch NFC East title while Cowboys hope to play spoiler