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Driver Seth Quintero and co-driver Andrew Short compete during the first stage of the Dakar Rally in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

De Mévius wins Dakar Rally stage one with amputee Baumel

The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 9:50 AM CST

YANBU, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Belgian driver Guillaume de Mévius came through under the radar to win stage one of the Dakar Rally on Sunday.

De Mevius’ tracking beacon went silent for a large portion of the 305-kilometer loop around Yanbu and he unexpectedly won the stage by 40 seconds from five-time champion Nasser Al Attiyah.

The stage win was also a triumph for de Mévius' navigator Mathieu Baumel, whose right leg was amputated almost a year ago when he was hit by a car while offering roadside assistance in his native France. Baumel is wearing a prosthetic leg. He helped Al Attiyah win four Dakars and paired with de Mévius at last year's Dakar for the first time.

Edgar Canet won the motorbike stage after Ross Branch was penalized six minutes for speeding and was dropped from first place to seventh.

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Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon receives a knighthood from New Zealand

Steve Mcmorran, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon receives a knighthood from New Zealand

Steve Mcmorran, The Associated Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon was awarded a knighthood Wednesday in New Zealand's New Year honors list.

“I’ve been called a lot of things, but I never thought that ‘Sir’ was going to be one of them," Dixon said. "That was kind of crazy. Totally out of the blue ... You automatically go back to the start like the first time driving a go-kart and then all the rest of the memories happened at warp speed.”

Scott Ronald Glyndwr Dixon, now a Knight Commander of the New Zealand Order of Merit, was born in Australia to New Zealand-born parents who later returned to live in Auckland.

Dixon, who won the Indianapolis 500 in 2008, received the knighthood for services to motor sport. He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2024.

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Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025

FILE - Scott Dixon celebrates winning the IndyCar Detroit Grand Prix auto race in Detroit, Sunday, June 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)
FILE - Scott Dixon celebrates winning the IndyCar Detroit Grand Prix auto race in Detroit, Sunday, June 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)

Father of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin dies after house fire, mother critically injured

Gary D. Robertson And Adrian Sainz, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Father of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin dies after house fire, mother critically injured

Gary D. Robertson And Adrian Sainz, The Associated Press 3 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The father of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin died and his mother was critically injured after a weekend fire heavily damaged the North Carolina home where they lived, officials said Monday.

Firefighters arrived Sunday night at a two-story home near Stanley that was mostly engulfed in fire, with flames showing through the attic, the Gaston County Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services said in a news release.

Dennis Hamlin, 75, and Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, were found outside the home, suffering from catastrophic injuries, officials said. Dennis Hamlin later died from his injuries at a hospital, officials said.

Mary Lou Hamlin was taken to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem, where she was being treated Monday, officials said.

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Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025

FILE - Denny Hamlin looks on prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)
FILE - Denny Hamlin looks on prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)

NASCAR’s Brad Keselowski breaks leg in skiing accident, expected to recover for Daytona 500

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

NASCAR’s Brad Keselowski breaks leg in skiing accident, expected to recover for Daytona 500

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 3 minute read Friday, Dec. 19, 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski, a former series champion who is now co-owner of RFK Racing, broke his right leg while on a ski trip, the team announced Friday.

Keselowski underwent surgery Thursday and doctors have told him to expect a quick recovery that will have him back for the season-opening Daytona 500 in February. He is winless in 16 starts in the showcase race as he enters the final years of his driving career.

“Life has a way of reminding you to slow down,” Keselowski posted on social media with photos of him in the hospital surrounded by his wife and children, an image of the break, and video of him using a walker. “Grateful for my family by my side, an excellent medical team, and the ability to take a few steps forward today. Focused on Daytona. Bonus — I'm now bionic!”

Keselowski did not reveal the extent of his injury, or what bones are broken.

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Friday, Dec. 19, 2025

FILE - Brad Keselowski is introduced to fans prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, May 25, 2025, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)
FILE - Brad Keselowski is introduced to fans prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, May 25, 2025, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)

NASCAR mourns the loss of Greg Biffle, family in tragic plane crash in North Carolina

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

NASCAR mourns the loss of Greg Biffle, family in tragic plane crash in North Carolina

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 6 minute read Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Greg Biffle was picked by NASCAR as one of its top 75 drivers in history. He was a Hall of Fame nominee for the stock car series and he drove for 18 years at the top of the sport.

Yet for all the races and the handful of memorable wins, he is perhaps best remembered for his selfless and tireless work helping others as a helicopter pilot supplying aid a year ago in the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene.

Biffle loved flying and he was in the air again Thursday, aboard a small jet that crashed at the Statesville airport north of Charlotte, authorities said. He was believed to be among seven people killed, including his wife and two children. He was 55. 

“This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words,” said a joint statement released on behalf of the victims. "Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives were centered around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma. Emma was a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people. Ryder was an active, curious and infinitely joyful child.”

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Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025

FILE - Greg Biffle smiles along pit row during qualifying for Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Friday, Aug. 31, 2012, in Hampton, Ga. (AP Photo/David Tulis, File)
FILE - Greg Biffle smiles along pit row during qualifying for Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Friday, Aug. 31, 2012, in Hampton, Ga. (AP Photo/David Tulis, File)

Portugal to host F1 in 2027 and 2028 replacing Dutch GP

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Portugal to host F1 in 2027 and 2028 replacing Dutch GP

The Associated Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025

PARIS (AP) — Portugal will return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2027 and 2028, replacing the Dutch Grand Prix.

The Algarve International Circuit near Portimão previously hosted F1 in 2020 and 2021 during the coronavirus pandemic.

The two-year deal brings the series back to Portugal after a six-year absence.

“The circuit delivers on-track excitement from the first corner to the checkered flag, and its energy lifts fans out of their seats," F1 president Stefano Domenicali said on Tuesday. "I look forward to working together again to ensure that Portimão returns to the calendar in emphatic style.”

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Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025

FILE - Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain jumps out of his car after his record breaking 92nd win at the Formula One Portuguese Grand Prix at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimao, Portugal, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020. (Jorge Guerrero, Pool via AP, File)
FILE - Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain jumps out of his car after his record breaking 92nd win at the Formula One Portuguese Grand Prix at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimao, Portugal, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020. (Jorge Guerrero, Pool via AP, File)

New ownership group takes over Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanvile, Ont.

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

New ownership group takes over Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanvile, Ont.

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025

BOWMANVILLE - Canadian Tire Motorsport Park has been purchased by a new ownership group.

The new group is led by Peter Thomson with Chris Pfaff and Alek Krstajic as partners.

CTMP is a multi-track motorsport facility outside Bowmanville, Ont., that opened in 1961.

“Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is a place with deep heritage and a loyal community," said Pfaff in a statement. "Our team is proud to be its next steward. We’re committed to respecting everything that makes CTMP special today, while building the foundation for an elevated experience in the years ahead."

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Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, a multi-track motorsport facility about 100 km east of Toronto, has been purchased by a new ownership group. An aerial view of the CTMP event centre is seen in an undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - CTMP (Mandatory Credit)
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, a multi-track motorsport facility about 100 km east of Toronto, has been purchased by a new ownership group. An aerial view of the CTMP event centre is seen in an undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - CTMP (Mandatory Credit)

F1 teams and FIA sign new Concorde Agreement to govern the sport

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

F1 teams and FIA sign new Concorde Agreement to govern the sport

The Associated Press 2 minute read Friday, Dec. 12, 2025

LONDON (AP) — Formula 1, its teams and the FIA governing body have signed a new Concorde Agreement to govern how the sport is run through 2030.

The new governance agreement announced Friday was signed by all 11 teams, including Cadillac, which is heading into its first season in 2026.

No details were made public but the FIA signaled it would be able to “invest further in improved race regulation, race direction, stewarding and technical expertise for the benefit of the championship."

The announcement came on the same day that FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem was re-elected unopposed for a new four-year term. The commercial part of the new agreement was already signed in March.

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Friday, Dec. 12, 2025

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car followed by McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain during the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car followed by McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain during the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem re-elected unopposed after rivals dispute rules

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem re-elected unopposed after rivals dispute rules

The Associated Press 2 minute read Friday, Dec. 12, 2025

PARIS (AP) — Mohammed Ben Sulayem was re-elected unopposed Friday as president of auto racing governing body the FIA, after a campaign overshadowed by allegations from his rivals that election rules unfairly kept them off the ballot.

Ben Sulayem's new four-year term, rubber-stamped at the FIA general assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, continues a tenure that has included disagreements with Formula 1 drivers and a high rate of staff turnover at the governing body.

“Thank you to all our FIA members for voting in remarkable numbers and placing your trust in me once again," the former rally driver from the United Arab Emirates said in a statement. “We have overcome many obstacles but here today, together, we are stronger than ever.”

The FIA said Ben Sulayem's presidency had seen stronger finances and ”greater transparency, accountability and professional standards."

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Friday, Dec. 12, 2025

FILE - Mohammed Ben Sulayem. FIA President visits the starting grid before the Qatar Formula One Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit in Lusail, Qatar, on Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic, File)
FILE - Mohammed Ben Sulayem. FIA President visits the starting grid before the Qatar Formula One Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit in Lusail, Qatar, on Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic, File)

The family ties at the heart of NASCAR were highlighted throughout the trial

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

The family ties at the heart of NASCAR were highlighted throughout the trial

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 4 minute read Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The theme of family ties in motorsports was woven through Michael Jordan's federal antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, with witness after witness testifying to their emotional connections to the top motorsports series in the United States.

It began on the opening day when three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin broke down in tears talking about his dying father introducing him to racing and financially leveraging the entire family to help his son make it to NASCAR.

Next came Jordan himself, a basketball Hall of Famer who was raised going on family weekend vacations to NASCAR races across the South with his father, a fan of Richard Petty. So began a love affair that led him to partner with Hamlin to launch 23XI Racing in 2021.

Bob Jenkins formed Front Row Motorsports after falling in love with NASCAR as a teenager in East Tennessee, and he's hoped to hand the team down to his four sons.

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Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025

FILE - CEO and Chairman of NASCAR Jim France, right, along with the Executive Vice President of NASCAR Lesa Kennedy announce the Landmark Award to Edsel Ford II the Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Charlotte, N.C. Jan. 31, 2020. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File)
FILE - CEO and Chairman of NASCAR Jim France, right, along with the Executive Vice President of NASCAR Lesa Kennedy announce the Landmark Award to Edsel Ford II the Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Charlotte, N.C. Jan. 31, 2020. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File)

NASCAR settles federal antitrust lawsuit filed by two of its teams, including one co-owned by NBA great Michael Jordan

The Associated Press 1 minute read Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR settles federal antitrust lawsuit filed by two of its teams, including one co-owned by NBA great Michael Jordan.

NASCAR settles federal antitrust case, gives all teams the permanent charters they wanted

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

NASCAR settles federal antitrust case, gives all teams the permanent charters they wanted

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 6 minute read Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Michael Jordan and NASCAR chairman Jim France stood side-by-side on the steps of a federal courthouse as if they were old friends following a stunning settlement Thursday of a bruising antitrust case in which the Basketball Hall of Famer was the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit accusing the top racing series in the United States of being a monopolistic bully.

The duo was flanked by three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin and Curtis Polk, the co-owners of 23XI Racing with Jordan, Front Row Motorsports owner Bob Jenkins and over a dozen lawyers as they celebrated the end to an eight-day trial that ultimately led NASCAR to cave and grant all its teams the permanent charters they wanted.

“Like two competitors, obviously we tried to get as much done in each other’s favor,” Jordan said, towering over the 81-year-old France. “I’ve said this from Day 1: The only way this sport is going to grow is we have to find some synergy between the two entities. I think we’ve gotten to that point, unfortunately it took 16 months to get here, but I think level heads have gotten us to this point where we can actually work together and grow this sport. I am very proud about that and I think Jim feels the same.”

France concurred.

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Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025

FILE - CEO and Chairman of NASCAR Jim France, right, along with the Executive Vice President of NASCAR Lesa Kennedy announce the Landmark Award to Edsel Ford II the Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Charlotte, N.C. Jan. 31, 2020. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File)
FILE - CEO and Chairman of NASCAR Jim France, right, along with the Executive Vice President of NASCAR Lesa Kennedy announce the Landmark Award to Edsel Ford II the Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Charlotte, N.C. Jan. 31, 2020. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File)

NASCAR chairman Jim France stands firm on charter stance, citing parents’ advice

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 7 minute read Preview

NASCAR chairman Jim France stands firm on charter stance, citing parents’ advice

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 7 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR Chairman Jim France had a stronger second day of testimony Wednesday as the final witness called by Michael Jordan’s side in the federal antitrust lawsuit against the racing series, explaining that advice from his late parents helped shape his stance against granting teams permanent charters in the new revenue-sharing model.

NASCAR attorney Christopher Yates opened the eighth day of the trial by asking the soft-spoken France how old he is — 81 — and if he wears hearing aids — he does — as he walked France through a background that included working for the family business in various roles since high school and following a stint serving in Vietnam.

NASCAR, the largest motorsports series in the United States, was founded in 1948 by Bill France Sr. and remains privately owned by the Florida-based France family. Jim France said he was raised with two core principles passed down from his parents.

His mother, credited with helping her husband build NASCAR from nothing, told her two sons to always pay their bills. Bill France Sr. advised them to “do what you say you're going to do.”

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Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025

NASCAR chairman Jim France enters federal court in Charlotte, N.C., on Wednesday Dec 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Jenna Fryer)
NASCAR chairman Jim France enters federal court in Charlotte, N.C., on Wednesday Dec 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Jenna Fryer)

Max Verstappen pays tribute as Red Bull adviser and mentor Helmut Marko retires at 82

James Ellingworth, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Max Verstappen pays tribute as Red Bull adviser and mentor Helmut Marko retires at 82

James Ellingworth, The Associated Press 3 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025

Red Bull's influential auto racing adviser Helmut Marko is retiring from his role at the age of 82, ending a 20-year stint in which he helped Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen develop into four-time Formula 1 champions.

Marko was a key figure who prepared Verstappen to become the youngest driver in F1 history when he made his debut aged just 17 in 2015, and the pair have been close ever since.

“Thank you, Helmut,” Verstappen wrote on Instagram. “We've achieved everything we ever dreamed of together. I'm forever grateful for your belief in me."

Marko's departure leaves Red Bull without the two main guiding personalities from its 2005 entry into F1 after longtime team principal Christian Horner was ousted in July and replaced by Laurent Mekies. Another key figure, car design great Adrian Newey, left Red Bull earlier this year and will head up Aston Martin in 2026.

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Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025

Former driver Helmut Marko talks with Red Bull driver Max Verstappen during the first qualifying session at the Lusail International Circuit ahead of the Qatar Formula One Grand Prix, in Lusail, Qatar, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
Former driver Helmut Marko talks with Red Bull driver Max Verstappen during the first qualifying session at the Lusail International Circuit ahead of the Qatar Formula One Grand Prix, in Lusail, Qatar, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

NASCAR chairman refuses to budge on team charters in testimony during Michael Jordan’s lawsuit

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 7 minute read Preview

NASCAR chairman refuses to budge on team charters in testimony during Michael Jordan’s lawsuit

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 7 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR Chairman Jim France testified Tuesday in Michael Jordan’s federal antitrust lawsuit against his family that he still has not changed his mind on granting teams permanent charters, and evidence showed he entered negotiations on a new revenue-sharing agreement determined to thwart teams’ efforts for a better deal from the stock car series.

France was the final witness called by attorneys for Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports on the seventh day of the trial. Those race teams have accused NASCAR of being a monopolistic bully that engages in anticompetitive business practices.

Also called Tuesday was Hall of Fame team owner Richard Childress, who testified that he only signed the 2025 revenue-sharing agreement because refusing to do so would have put Richard Childress Racing out of business.

NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps testified to the frustrating two-plus years of negotiations between the top motorsports series in the United States and its race teams. The plaintiffs introduced several documents detailing communication between NASCAR executives that showed France was stubbornly opposed to granting teams permanent charters throughout the process.

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Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025

Michael Jordan arrives in the Western District of North Carolina on Monday Dec 1, 2025 for the start of the antitrust trial between 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jenna Fryer)
Michael Jordan arrives in the Western District of North Carolina on Monday Dec 1, 2025 for the start of the antitrust trial between 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jenna Fryer)

Lewis Hamilton’s dream Formula 1 move to Ferrari results in a nightmare first season

Jerome Pugmire, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Lewis Hamilton’s dream Formula 1 move to Ferrari results in a nightmare first season

Jerome Pugmire, The Associated Press 4 minute read Monday, Dec. 8, 2025

PARIS (AP) — Lewis Hamilton's dream move to Ferrari resulted in a nightmare first season.

The 40-year-old British driver's quest to win a record-breaking eighth Formula 1 title with his new team failed dismally, with Hamilton not even getting on the podium in a Grand Prix race.

Matters became so frustrating that at one point Hamilton suggested Ferrari should replace him with another driver.

Australian driver Jack Brabham was 40 when he won the F1 title in 1966, but Hamilton fell well short of matching that feat.

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Monday, Dec. 8, 2025

Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain reacts after the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)
Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain reacts after the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

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