AP Trending SummaryBrief at 9:18 p.m. ESTPSG beats Toulouse 3-0 and Akliouche double gives Monaco home win over Brest
PRIME Minister James Marape officially opened the centenary celebrations for Bougainville Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Mission on Boxing Day at Rumba in Central Bougainville. This centenary marked an incredible milestone of unwavering faith, community and mission in Bougainville since 1924 and celebrations in Bougainville were planned to be begin this month December 18 in Lavelai, Buin, where the first missionaries arrived from the Solomon Islands, then to Inus, which is accessible to the Atolls where the missionaries travelled to establish the church and then back to Rumba. Celebrations in Rumba began on December 26 with a march past and guard of honour accorded to the Prime Minister by the SDA youths of Bougainville. Marape in making his speech at the ceremony congratulated the Bougainville SDA Mission for reaching its’ 100 years of establishing the mission and called on Christians to acknowledge the past and celebrate the achievement but not to forget the reason for the celebration. “It is important that we come together to celebrate the work of the church and say thank you but lest we forget, we have to look at the reason why we exist and that is the promise of eternal life,” he said. “100 years is a long time, and along the way we had many that helped to bring the church this far, but we must not lose focus on the bigger picture and that is eternal life,”Marape said. Prime Minister Marape arrived in Bougainville on Thursday December 26 and participated in the historic commemoration of the SDA Church’s 100th Year Anniversary, celebrating a century of service and community engagement in Bougainville. The event, which marked the church’s establishment in 1924, drew thousands of attendees, including church leaders, local dignitaries, and church members from all over the country. Upon his arrival at Aropa Airport in Kieta, PM Marape was greeted with a warm welcome, highlighted by an impressive police guard of honour. The ceremonial inspection showcased the discipline and dedication of the AROB Police Force, symbolising the region’s commitment to peace and security as it celebrates this significant milestone. Mr Marape expressed gratitude for the contributions of the SDA Church to the social, educational, and health sectors in Bougainville. “Today, we not only celebrate a century of faith but also a century of service that has uplifted countless lives in our communities,” he stated. “The SDA Church has played an integral role in fostering unity, resilience, and hope among our people, especially during challenging times,” PM Marape said. The anniversary celebrations featured a series of events, including a special church service, cultural performances, and community outreach programs aimed at promoting health and education. The Prime Minister delivered a keynote address during the main event, reflecting on the church’s impact and the importance of collaboration between government and faith-based organisations in achieving sustainable development goals. Local leaders and representatives from the SDA Church also expressed their enthusiasm for the event. “We are honoured to have the Prime Minister join us in this momentous occasion,” said Pastor Mathias Foxsy, President of the Bougainville Mission. “This anniversary is not just a celebration of our past; it is a commitment to our future as we continue to serve our communities with love and compassion.” The commemoration also included discussions on the role of faith in promoting peace and reconciliation in Bougainville, a region that has experienced its share of challenges over the years. The SDA Church has been a beacon of hope, advocating for harmony and understanding among diverse communities. As the celebrations unfolded, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries engaged with local residents, sharing stories and experiences that highlight the enduring spirit of Bougainville. The event strengthened community ties and inspired future generations to uphold the values of service and faith.
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Mumbai Police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Bollywood actor Sharad Kapoor for allegedly molesting a 32-year-old woman. The case has been registered under Sections 74, 75, and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Khar Police Station. Allegations Against the Actor The woman, in her complaint, alleged that Kapoor invited her to his residence on November 26, 2024, to discuss a film project. Upon arrival, she claimed Kapoor behaved inappropriately, called her into his bedroom, and touched her without consent. She further alleged that he sent her lewd messages and a voice note on WhatsApp following the incident. According to police officials, the complainant had initially come into contact with Kapoor through Facebook and later communicated with him via video calls. She stated that Kapoor’s actions caused her significant distress and prompted her to seek legal action. An FIR was filed on November 27, 2024. The police have recorded the victim’s statement, and Kapoor has been summoned for questioning. Investigations into the matter are ongoing. Sharad Kapoor, who debuted in Bollywood with Mera Pyara Bharat in 1994, is best known for his roles in films such as Josh, Lakshya, and LOC Kargil. He has predominantly played supporting and antagonistic roles in the industry. His recent work includes a role in the political drama Jai Ho starring Salman Khan. As of now, Kapoor has not issued any official statement regarding the allegations. Further developments in the case are awaited as the investigation continues. ALSO READ: AP Dhillon Arrives In Mumbai Ahead Of Brownprint India Tour
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While federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has taken aim at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this week — calling him too "weak" to engage with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump — Ontario Premier Doug Ford won’t go there. "I'm not going to get involved in the federal politics between Mr. Poilievre and the prime minister," Ford told CTV's Question Period host Vassy Kapelos, in an exclusive Canadian interview airing Sunday. They can jump in the ring, battle it out and see who wins." Ford added that in Canada, "democracy is always going to reign," and that it's "going to be up to the people of Canada to decide who they want to be their next prime minister." The premier's comments came before Trudeau's surprise trip to West Palm Beach, Fla., on Friday evening, to meet with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Trump's bombshell announcement on social media this week, that on day one of his presidency he'll implement 25 per cent tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico, set off alarm bells across the country. It also prompted an emergency meeting between the federal government and the premiers, after which Ford — who is also the current chair of the Council of the Federation of Canada's premiers — said in a statement that during the talks he "stressed that the federal government has been slow to react and is stuck on its back foot." Trump threatened the tariffs will remain in place "until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!" Poilievre, meanwhile, is pointing fingers at Trudeau, laying the blame for the tariffs threat at his feet. "He's lost control of our borders, he's lost control of immigration, he's lost control of spending, and with that erratic performance, we now see that he's lost control of himself," Poilievre said of Trudeau in the House of Commons this week. "No wonder foreign leaders believe they can walk all over him, they see him as a weak and competent leader who does not even have the support of his own caucus," he continued. "Why won't he put the country first for a change? Allow a carbon tax election, so Canadians can have a prime minister who will protect this country." When asked by Kapelos whether, putting aside Poilievre's characterization, he believes the Canadian government can negotiate with Trump from a position of strength, Ford said "strength comes from unity." "With all the premiers, we have to stand as Team Canada," he said. "We have to put our political stripes aside and do what's best for everyone in the country, not for one political stripe or the other, because we have multiple political stripes in the federation." Alberta Premier Danielle Smith signalled an unwillingness this week to denounce Trump's tariffs, refusing to say in an interview on CTV News Channel's Power Play whether she believes the move is justified. However, she said Canada should address Trump's border concerns in the next two months before he's back in the White House. When pressed on how firmly Ford believes a united front is possible — especially when factoring his comments about the federal government being on the "back foot," coupled with Smith's stance on the issue — he said he does. "I believe so," he said. "But we have to get the federal government moving. We have to hold them accountable." "And we're going to do that, but we're going to do it collaboratively," he added. "We're going to work with them. We're going to support them any way we can to make sure we secure the border." Ford in his interview also discussed the premiers' united front to the federal government in pushing for it to meet its NATO defence spending commitments sooner than planned, and the need for more resources at the border. You can watch Ford's full interview on CTV's Question Period on Sunday at 11ET/8PT on CTV and CTV News Channel. With files from CTV News' Supervising Producer Stephanie HaThompson-Herro fight leads to ejections of multiple players and coaches in Heat's victory in HoustonNational Lacrosse League launches investigation after player engages in postgame fight with fans
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The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) newly launched “Walang Gutom Kitchen” in Pasay City will remain operational during select holidays to continue its mission of providing meals to those in need. “Our Walang Gutom Kitchen will continue to provide food on Dec. 24, 30, and 31 which are holidays. It will also continue to operate on Dec. 26 to 29 which are regular days,” DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao. However, she clarified that the kitchen will be closed on Dec. 25, 2024, and Jan. 1, 2025. “The Walang Gutom Kitchen is open to all families and individuals in street situations and those experiencing involuntary hunger,” Dumlao said. The kitchen was established to address involuntary hunger and reduce food wastage by turning surplus food donated by hotels, restaurants, and organizations into hot, nutritious meals. Dumlao pointed out that the food provided is not “pagpag” or discarded foods, but fresh, healthy, and delicious meals. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian also called for more food donations from restaurants and fast food chains, and individuals who are willing to volunteer at the Walang Gutom Kitchen “We encourage organizations and individuals who want to help fight hunger to visit the Walang Gutom Kitchen at the Nasdake Building in Pasay City and become volunteer servers for the day," he said. “First and foremost, we want to combat hunger. But where will we get the food? Since this soup kitchen also serves as a food bank, hotels, restaurants, and fast food chains drop off their surplus or uneaten food here,” he explained. “Rather than throwing it away and wasting it, now they have a place to donate it. The DSWD will distribute and serve it to our fellow citizens experiencing hunger—families living on the streets, individuals, and children facing temporary hunger,” he added.The Boston Red Sox continued to rebuild their pitching staff, acquiring left-hander Jovani Morán on Tuesday from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for catcher and infielder Mickey Gasper. The 27-year-old Morán appeared in 79 games as a reliever for the Twins from 2021 to 2023, posting a 4.15 ERA, striking out 112 with 52 walks and holding opponents to a .208 batting average. He missed all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery. He originally was chosen in the seventh round of the 2015 draft. In Gasper, the Twins are getting a 29-year-old who made his major league debut last season and appeared in 13 games with Boston. The switch-hitter was selected by the New York Yankees in the 27th round of the 2018 draft. He was picked by Boston in the minor league portion of the 2023 Rule 5 Draft. The Red Sox and Twins both currently have 39 players on their 40-man rosters. ___ AP MLB: The Associated PressAustralian shares fall as banks and miners drag
United States women’s head coach Emma Hayes admitted she initially grappled with how best to behave during ‘God Save The King’ ahead of her side’s goalless draw with England in their Wembley friendly. The billing of London-born former Chelsea boss Hayes against England’s Dutch manager Sarina Wiegman – arguably the best two bosses in the women’s game – had generated more buzz in the build-up than the players on the pitch, despite it being a rare encounter between the two top-ranked sides in the world. Hayes enjoyed her return to familiar shores but felt the US lacked the “killer piece” after they looked the likelier side to make the breakthrough. Asked what was going through her mind during the national anthem, Hayes said: “I was definitely mouthing (it), and Naomi (Girma) and Lynn (Williams) could see that I was struggling with where to be and all that. “I got to the end of the anthems and I thought, ‘that’s so ridiculous. I’m proud to be English and I’m proud of our national anthem, and I’m also really proud to coach America’. “Two things are possible all at once. I don’t want to fuel a nationalist debate around it. The realities are both countries are really dear to me for lots of reasons, and I’m really proud to represent both of them.” The Lionesses did not register a shot on target in the first half but grew into the game in the second. Hayes, who left Chelsea after 12 trophy-packed years this summer, said: “I’ve been privileged to coach a lot of top-level games, including here, so there’s a familiarity to being here for me. “It’s not new to me, and because of that there was a whole sense of I’m coming back to a place I know. I have a really healthy perspective, and I want to have a really healthy perspective on my profession. “I give everything I possibly can for a team that I really, really enjoy coaching, and I thrive, not just under pressure, but I like these opportunities, I like being in these situations. They bring out the best in me. Hayes had travelled to London without her entire Olympic gold medal-winning ‘Triple Espresso’ forward line of Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Smith, all nursing niggling injuries. Before the match, the 48-year-old was spotted chatting with Wiegman and her US men’s counterpart, fellow ex-Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, who was also in attendance. England were also missing a number of key attackers for the friendly including Lauren Hemp, Lauren James and Ella Toone, all ruled out with injury. Wiegman brushed aside suggestions from some pundits that her side were content to settle for a draw. She said: “I think we were really defending as a team, very strong. We got momentum in the second half, we did better, and of course both teams went for the win. “So many things happened in this game, also in front of the goal, so I don’t think it was boring. “We wanted to go for the win, but it was such a high-intensity game, you have to deal with a very good opponent, so you can’t just say, ‘Now we’re going to go and score that goal’. “We tried, of course, to do that. We didn’t slow down to keep it 0-0. I think that was just how the game went.”High-Converting Loan Affiliate Programs: Top Payday and Personal Referral Options
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Top-ranked chess player Magnus Carlsen is headed back to the World Blitz Championship on Monday after its governing body agreed to loosen a dress code that got him fined and denied a late-round game in another tournament for refusing to change out of jeans . Lamenting the contretemps, International Chess Federation President Arkady Dvorkovich said in a statement Sunday that he'd let World Blitz Championship tournament officials consider allowing "appropriate jeans" with a jacket, and other "elegant minor deviations" from the dress code. He said Carlsen's stand — which culminated in his quitting the tournament Friday — highlighted a need for more discussion "to ensure that our rules and their application reflect the evolving nature of chess as a global and accessible sport." Carlsen, meanwhile, said in a video posted Sunday on social media that he would play — and wear jeans — in the World Blitz Championship when it begins Monday. "I think the situation was badly mishandled on their side," the 34-year-old Norwegian grandmaster said. But he added that he loves playing blitz — a fast-paced form of chess — and wanted fans to be able to watch, and that he was encouraged by his discussions with the federation after Friday's showdown. "I think we sort of all want the same thing," he suggested in the video on his Take Take Take chess app's YouTube channel. "We want the players to be comfortable, sure, but also relatively presentable." The events began when Carlsen wore jeans and a sportcoat Friday to the Rapid World Championship, which is separate from but held in conjunction with the blitz event. The chess federation said Friday that longstanding rules prohibit jeans at those tournaments, and players are lodged nearby to make sartorial switch-ups easy if needed. An official fined Carlsen $200 and asked him to change pants, but he refused and wasn't paired for a ninth-round game, the federation said at the time. The organization noted that another grandmaster, Ian Nepomniachtchi, was fined earlier in the day for wearing sports shoes, changed and continued to play. Carlsen has said that he offered to wear something else the next day, but officials were unyielding. He said "it became a bit of a matter of principle," so he quit the rapid and blitz championships. In the video posted Sunday, he questioned whether he had indeed broken a rule and said changing clothes would have needlessly interrupted his concentration between games. He called the punishment "unbelievably harsh." "Of course, I could have changed. Obviously, I didn't want to," he said, and "I stand by that." ChessPARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain retained a six-point lead at the top of Ligue 1 after a labored 3-0 home win over Toulouse on Friday. The defending champion dominated the first half but it took until the 35th minute to open the scoring. Young Portuguese midfielder João Neves spun to meet a cross from the right and struck a superb half volley from just outside the box. Lucas Beraldo got a second with six minutes remaining when he pounced on loose ball and fired home. Vitinha made it 3-0 in stoppage time when he showed fine footwork inside the box to finish off a quick counterattack. The scoreline was harsh on Toulouse, which came into the game in a more even second half. Only Vitinha’s last-gasp tackle stopped Zakaria Aboukhlal from equalizing after 69 minutes and then Shavy Babicka blazed over from close range a minute later when he should have hit the target. The win was a confidence boost for Luis Enrique’s side ahead of next Tuesday’s Champions League encounter at Bayern Munich. PSG lies in 25th place in the 36-team Champions League table with one win in four matches and outside the playoff spots. The win came immediately after second-placed Monaco beaten Brest 3-2 to briefly close the gap at the top to three points. Brest, which faces Barcelona next week in the Champions League, turned in another inconsistent French league performance and not the sparkling form it has shown in Europe. Brest has struggled in Ligue 1, where it remains 12th, but shone with three wins from four in its first ever Champions League campaign. It was behind after just five minutes on Friday when Maghnes Akliouche scored with a superb airborne volley, and 2-0 down after 24 minutes thanks to Aleksandr Golovin. The Russian striker seized on a poor pass just outside the Brest penalty area and his low shot was perfectly placed to sneak in off the post and give him his first goal in nine league appearances. On-loan Brighton striker Abdallah Sima used his 1.88-meter frame to outjump the Monaco defense four minutes into the second half and cut the deficit but Akliouche restored Monaco’s two-goal cushion when he brilliantly finished a quick counterattack in stoppage time. Ludovic Ajorque got a second for Brest in the sixth minute of added time but it was not enough in a second half most notable for the red card shown to Brest coach Éric Roy. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
The Republican Party is gearing up for an ambitious first 100 days, as they regain power with President-elect Donald Trump in the White House. Their extensive agenda includes renewing $4 trillion in GOP tax cuts, a hallmark of Trump's first term and a bid to shape his domestic legacy. Key issues up for debate include the renewal of expiring tax cuts, limits on food stamps, and rollbacks of green energy initiatives, all pivotal to Trump's renewed agenda. The discussions aim to address America's income inequality, alongside economic and government size concerns, amidst rising federal deficits. The GOP's plan to extend Trump's tax cuts is at the heart of their legislative focus, as Republicans outline strategies to advance their financial policies. These proposals may challenge longstanding Democratic priorities, testing the feasibility of implementing their ambitious package with minimal budgetary offsets. (With inputs from agencies.)Katahdin Bankshares Corp. announces quarterly dividend