Premier League action returned on Boxing Day as the English top flight continued through its difficult festive period. Manchester City looked to arrest its poor run of form in the early kickoff against visiting Everton, while Chelsea hoped to keep pressure on Liverpool in the title race in a home tie against visiting Fulham in a London Derby. Elsewhere, Aston Villa and Newcastle locked horns at Villa Park as both looked to pressure the top-four, in form Nottingham Forest looked to pounce on a struggling Tottenham while remaining in the Champions League places, and bottom-sitting Southampton looked to end their slide against West Ham on the South Coast. Bournemouth's unexpected push for the European places would see them welcome Crystal Palace to Vitality Stadium to round out the fixtures before two critical evening clashes. Manchester United traveled to a Wolves outfit benefitting from a new manager bump, and Liverpool hosted Leicester City at Anfield to continue their push for a debut season title under Arne Slot. Here's how it all went down across the country. What happened? 📝 Pep Guardiola's Man City could not find three points at the Etihad against recent draw specialists Everton, extending their winless run in the Premier League to four after a frustrating 1-1 scoreline at full time. Chelsea slipped up in their pursuit of a Premier League title after going 1-0 up at home against Fulham, only to see the Cottagers storm back with a 2-1 win thanks to an equalizer from Harry Wilson, and late Rodrigo Muniz winner in stoppage-time. 82 - Chelsea have lost a Premier League game they were leading as late as the 82nd minute for the first time since October 1999, when they were ahead until the 83rd minute against Arsenal but lost 3-2 with Kanu scoring a hat-trick. Memories. — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) Newcastle put ten-man Aston Villa to the sword at St. James' Park in a resounding 3-0 win on Tyneside, with Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, and Joelinton all finding the back of the net. A dream season continues after Nottingham Forest piled on the misery for Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou, with Forest banking a 1-0 win at home against a Spurs side who ended the day with ten men after a red card in stoppage time. The horror on the South Coast has yet to be arrested after Southampton were bested 1-0 at St. Mary's by visiting West Ham United, with Jarrod Bowen finding the lone goal in the tie. Bournemouth and Crystal Palace played out a nil-nil draw, with the Cherries guaranteed to end matchday 18 in the top six. Vítor Pereira is already making waves after a 2-0 win over ten-man Manchester United, becoming the first Wolves manager since 1977 to secure wins in his first two top-flight fixtures. Goals from Matheus Cunha and Hwang Hee-chan sealed the points after Bruno Fernandes was sent off just after the break. 5 - Since Rúben Amorim's first game in charge of Manchester United in November, only Southampton (6) have lost more games among Premier League sides in all competitions than their five. Teething. — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) Liverpool once again produced their title credentials to close out Boxing Day with a 3-1 comeback win over visiting Leicester City. André Ayew had set the Foxes off early with a goal in the 6th minute, but strikes just on either side of the interval from Cody Gakpo and Curtis Jones sealed all three points for the Reds before Mohamed Salah put the final touches on proceedings. Player of the Day 🔥 Former Arsenal starlet Alex Iwobi may have gifted a late present to his former employers after a sensational display from the Nigerian international aided in Fulham's 2-1 upset win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Alex Iwobi for Fulham vs. Chelsea: ◉ Most passes in final third (23) ◉ Most duels won (8) ◉ Most successful take-ons (4) ◉ Most chances created (4) ◉ Most fouls won (3) — Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) Playing arguably the best football of his career since his move to Craven Cottage, Iwobi produced an all-action display in the London Derby to give the Blues a moment of pause on their potential title march, leaving the door open for the Gunners to climb up to second in the table should the win against Ipswich tomorrow. Stat of the Day 📊 Football is a funny old game, and sometimes, the gods set out to teach you a lesson in humility. For Manchester City star Erling Haaland, that lesson has been a rather harsh one surrounding the club's massive slump in form under Pep Guardiola as the season trods on. Since the club's 1-1 draw against Arsenal earlier this campaign, the Norwegian goalscoring machine has broken down in front of goal, while missing 11 clear-cut chances along the way. Since Manchester City's 2-2 draw with Arsenal, Erling Haaland has missed more clear-cut goalscoring opportunities (11) than any other Premier League player. 🫠 Stay humble, eh? — WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) If City are to get back to their best at least guarantee Champions League football next season, Haaland may have to humble himself just enough to re-fire himself in the new year. What this means Liverpool head into Sunday with a seven-point clear over Chelsea as things stand, with Arsenal now capable of jumping up to second depending on their result tomorrow. How does that look, Liverpool fans? 🔝 — Premier League (@premierleague) Nottingham Forest temporarily sits third after their win over Tottenham, Newcastle United moves up to fifth while level on points with Bournemouth in sixth, both of whom now sit ahead of Manchester City in seventh. Fulham are up to eighth after leapfrogging Aston Villa (9th), while Spurs, West Ham, Manchester United, and Crystal Palace all remain in the bottom half of the table. Wolves are officially out of the bottom three thanks to their win, while all three promoted clubs now find themselves in the relegation places. What they said 🗣 Manchester City manager remained in a defiant mood despite the frustrating result against the Toffees, claiming "The team played really good. I don't know how many shots we had on goal. They scored a goal at the end." "We were very patient. We make crosses and crosses. I think we were very patient." PEP 💬 The team played really good. I don't know how many shots we had on goal. They score a goal at the end. We were very patient. We make crosses and crosses. I think we were patient. That’s the momentum of the season and run we are in. It takes more time to make it work. — Manchester City (@ManCity) was far from happy with VAR after seeing Jhon Durán questionably sent off during Villa's 3-0 defeat at Newcastle, stating "I can accept maybe the other team asking for a red card, okay. But VAR please, and confirm it because the punishment now is three matches." took to his media duties after Chelsea's late defeat against Fulham and offered a pointed answer regarding the unexpected absence of Noni Madueke, stating only that it was a "technical decision" that saw the England winger completely out of the squad. Manchester United boss looked for the positives after the Red Devils fell to a 2-0 defeat at Wolves. "I think the good thing is we were near the goal, even with 10 men. That is a good thing, but we lost. It’s so tough to win games in this league with 11 men. With 10 men, it’s more difficult. We have to focus on that.” What's next? 👀 A mid-table clash between Brighton and Brentford could prove to be entertaining as Fabian Hürzeler locks horns with Thomas Frank at the Amex before Arsenal hopes to climb into second place as Mikel Arteta's Gunners look to secure all three points against visiting Ipswich. 📸 PAUL ELLIS - AFP or licensorsSteelers QB Wilson is spreading the wealth on offenseNone

Knight stops 20 shots, Florida rolls past Carolina 6-0 for 2nd win over 'Canes in as many days

Marc-Andre Fleury’s game still blooms in new Wild roleWASHINGTON (AP) — An imprisoned far-right extremist group leader who was the top target of the federal investigation of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol balked at answering a prosecutor's questions about the attack when he testified on Thursday at the trial of a police officer accused of leaking him confidential information. A federal judge warned former Proud Boys national chairman Enrique Tarrio that he could face consequences, including an order holding him in contempt of court, if he continued to refuse to answer the prosecutor's questions. Tarrio completed his testimony without incurring any sanctions from the judge. Tarrio, who is serving a 22-year prison sentence for a plot to keep Donald Trump in the White House after the 2020 election, waived his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination when he agreed to testify as a defense witness at the bench trial of retired Metropolitan Police Department Lt. Shane Lamond. “What that means is you have to answer all the questions. You don't get to pick and choose,” U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson told Tarrio after he initially refused to answer whether Proud Boys were at the Capitol on Jan. 6. Dozens of Proud Boys, including Tarrio, are among the 1,500 people who have been charged with federal crimes related to the Capitol siege. A jury convicted Tarrio and three lieutenants of seditious conspiracy and other crimes last year after a months-long trial in the same courthouse where Lamond is on trial this week. Tarrio complained that the prosecutor, Rebecca Ross, shouldn't have “free reign” to ask him questions about Jan. 6. Lamond is on trial for charges that he lied about providing Tarrio with confidential information about a police investigation of Proud Boys who burned a Black Lives Matter banner in December 2020. “This case is not a Jan. 6 case,” he told the judge, arguing that he didn't “completely” waive his Fifth Amendment rights. “There is not a half of a Fifth Amendment privilege,” the judge responded. When Tarrio told her, “We'll agree to disagree,” the judge chuckled and replied, “Well, I'll just say, ‘You’re not in charge.'” Tarrio was the first witness to testify for Lamond's defense against charges that he obstructed justice and made false statements about his communications with Tarrio. The judge will decide the case against Lamond after hearing testimony without a jury. On Monday, the judge said Tarrio was waiting for the outcome of last month’s presidential election before deciding whether to testify at Lamond’s trial. President-elect Trump, who repeatedly has vowed to pardon people convicted of Capitol riot charges, suggested he would consider pardoning Tarrio. Tarrio was sentenced to more than five months in jail for burning the banner that was stolen in December 2020 from a historic Black church in downtown Washington, and for bringing two high-capacity firearm magazines into the district. Tarrio was arrested in Washington two days before the Jan. 6 siege. The Miami resident wasn’t at the Capitol when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the building and interrupted the congressional certification of Biden’s 2020 electoral victory. During the trial's opening statements on Monday, a prosecutor said Lamond was a “Proud Boys sympathizer” who warned Tarrio about his impending arrest for the banner’s destruction and later lied to investigators about their communications. Police officers who investigated the banner’s destruction testified that it would have helped them to know that Tarrio had privately confessed to Lamond that he burned the banner. The Proud Boys leader also publicly admitted on social media and on a podcast that he had burned the banner. Tarrio testified on Thursday that he didn’t confess to Lamond or receive any confidential information from him. Tarrio said he came to Washington two days before Jan. 6 because he wanted to be arrested for the banner burning but released in time to attend then-President Trump’s Jan. 6 “Stop the Steal” rally. “I wanted to get this over with,” Tarrio said. He also said he thought that his arrest before the rally would help “put up a circus tent" and generate publicity for his group's message. “I wanted to show what the Department of Justice was, and I was dedicated to that cause with everything in me,” he said. Lamond, who met Tarrio in 2019, had supervised the intelligence branch of the police department’s Homeland Security Bureau. He was responsible for monitoring groups like the Proud Boys when they came to Washington. Lamond’s indictment accuses him of lying to and misleading federal investigators when they questioned him in June 2021 about his contacts with Tarrio. Lamond, of Stafford, Virginia, was arrested in May 2023. He retired from the police department that same month.

Adams puts up 21, CSU Northridge defeats Montana State 72-69 in OTSarah McBride says transgender bathroom bans at Capitol are 'attempt to misdirect' from big issues

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ twin daughters, Jessie and D’Lila Combs, put on a united front over the weekend, attending their high school senior night amidst ongoing legal troubles surrounding their father. The 17-year-olds shared a snapshot on Instagram, beaming in blue-and-white cheerleading uniforms paired with “senior” sashes and tiaras, marking a milestone moment in their young lives. The photo, captioned simply “Senior Night,” showed the twins holding pink pom-poms as they posed on the sidelines of a football game. Their celebratory post was a bright spot in what has otherwise been a difficult few months for the Combs family. Just days earlier, Jessie and D’Lila appeared in a Manhattan courtroom for their father’s third bail hearing . Sean, 55, who remains in custody at a Brooklyn detention center, blew kisses to his daughters and other family members present in the gallery. A judge is expected to decide on his bail within the coming week. The twins have carried on with their senior year activities, determined to find normalcy amid the challenges. Last month, they attended their homecoming, dressed in matching orange off-the-shoulder gowns and bronze heels. Their poised appearances have garnered admiration from fans, who have praised their strength. The sisters also took time earlier this month to honor the memory of their late mother, Kim Porter, who died unexpectedly in 2018. In a heartfelt Instagram tribute marking six years since her passing, they wrote, “We think about you every single second of the day. We love and miss you so much words can’t even explain.” Kim, who shared four children with Sean, was a central figure in their lives, and her absence is deeply felt. Sean, a father of seven, has always been vocal about his pride in his children. Along with Jessie and D’Lila, he shares Quincy, 33, Justin, 30, Christian, 26, Chance, 18, and Love, 2. Despite the serious allegations he faces, his children have publicly stood by him. In October, Sean’s six eldest children attended a court hearing where a May 2025 trial date was set. Following the proceedings, they released a statement defending their father, calling the allegations against him “absurd.” “Many have judged both him and us based on accusations, conspiracy theories, and false narratives that have spiraled into absurdity on social media,” they wrote. “We stand united, supporting you every step of the way. We hold onto the truth, knowing it will prevail, and nothing will break the strength of our family.” Sean’s children have remained a constant source of support during his legal battle, sharing moments of connection with him even from afar. On his birthday, Nov. 4, they called to celebrate with him, a touching exchange that highlighted their close bond. “I just want to say that I’m proud of y’all, especially the girls. I mean, all y’all, just for being strong,” Sean told his kids during the call. The music mogul, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, has maintained his innocence as his legal team prepares for the upcoming trial.

By Kemberley Washington, CPA, Bankrate.com (TNS) As the end of the year approaches, now’s the time to start preparing for filing your 2024 tax return in 2025. When it comes to tax strategies, generally Dec. 31 is the deadline to make changes that might lower your tax bill. One major exception is the deadline for contributing to a Roth or traditional IRA : You have until April 15, 2025, to make a contribution to a Roth or traditional IRA for tax year 2024. If you qualify for deductible IRA contributions , then a contribution to your traditional IRA can reduce your taxable income for 2024. Here are tips and strategies to prepare now for the 2025 tax-filing deadline. If you had significant changes in your life in 2024 — maybe you got married or divorced, started your own business, or had to claim unemployment benefits — your taxes may be more complicated. As a result, you might need to hire a certified public accountant (CPA), enrolled agent (EA) or other tax professional to prepare and file your taxes. If you decide to hire someone, it’s best to start planning for that sooner rather than later. Waiting until the calendar flips to April could cost you. The average fee for a professional to prepare and file a simple Form 1040 tax return, with no itemized deductions, is about $220, according to a survey by the National Society of Accountants in 2020-2021, the most recent data available. But that amount rises quickly for more complex returns, and varies depending on where you live. For example, a Form 1040 with itemized deductions costs an average of $432 in states on the Pacific Coast, compared with $285 in New England. No matter where you live, prices usually rise as the tax deadline approaches, so it’s smart to start searching for a tax pro soon. If you’re uncomfortable doing your taxes on your own and can’t afford a CPA, enrolled agent or other tax pro, or to pay for tax software , there are free options to consider. The IRS currently offers three ways to prepare your taxes for free: •With the IRS Free File program, the IRS partners with for-profit tax-software companies that offer free tax-prep software to eligible taxpayers so they can file their federal tax returns for free. Some taxpayers may also qualify for a free state tax filing, depending on the software provider. In January, the IRS will announce the income limit to qualify for the program for the 2025 tax season (for filing 2024 tax returns). For the 2024 tax season (2023 tax returns), taxpayers’ adjusted gross income (AGI) couldn’t exceed $79,000. •The IRS also offers its Direct File program, a free tool that allows you to file your federal income tax return directly with the IRS at no cost. The program supports simple tax returns and is available only in certain states. Check to see if you qualify here. •Another free-filing option is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. IRS-certified volunteers offer free basic tax preparation in person to people who earn less than $67,000 a year, are disabled or whose English is limited. The IRS has an online location tool for hundreds of free tax preparation sites in the U.S. (the locator tool is updated from February through April). Some VITA sites also offer online tax-prep assistance. Now is a good time to create an IRS online account. If you want to see your Form 1040 from last year, or you’re missing a prior year Form W-2 or mortgage interest statement, you can find your documents using this free tax tool. Another benefit of creating an IRS online account is that it allows you to quickly obtain your prior year’s tax information without sitting on the phone for hours with an IRS representative, says Carl Johnson, a certified public accountant in New Orleans. An IRS online account also lets you view your account balance and payment history for each year. You can also create a payment plan to settle your federal income tax debt within minutes. If you’re 73 years old and have enjoyed watching your 401(k) or IRA grow tax-free without touching it, remember that the IRS is going to want its share each year. That means you’ll have to make withdrawals — and pay income tax. If you turned 73 in 2024, plan to take your required minimum distribution (RMD) at the latest by April 1, 2025. Read this IRS bulletin for more information. The amount of your RMDs is based on your age and the year-end values of your retirement accounts. A Roth IRA has two big tax advantages over a traditional IRA : Qualified withdrawals are not considered income for federal (and usually state) tax purposes, and you don’t have to take distributions from a Roth every year once you reach age 73. Converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA may save you money in the long run. Just know that when you convert an IRA to a Roth, it’s considered taxable income, which will raise your tax bill for that year. Generally, it’s best to convert to a Roth IRA when you’re in a low-income year. As tax season approaches, many people start receiving phone calls, emails and texts from entities claiming to be the IRS. Be wary, and understand that these are scams. Typically, the IRS will mail you a notice before using any other method of communication to notify you concerning issues with your tax return. The IRS won’t reach out via social media or text messaging. Relatedly, the IRS warns taxpayers to be careful when choosing a tax preparer. Taking time to vet your tax preparer is crucial to protect yourself from tax scams and fraud. Before hiring a tax professional, search that person’s name in the IRS database of federal tax return preparers to avoid dishonest “professionals.” “Taxpayers should check the tax professional’s credentials,” Johnson says. Tax pros without credentials “may take questionable positions without any degree of scrutiny or fear of losing their access to the profession,” Johnson says. Taxpayers who don’t file a tax return and owe a tax bill, or who file but don’t pay their tax bill on time, risk severe penalties. The IRS can even seize assets if necessary. Respond quickly if the IRS has been sending you letters because it found an error on your return or claims you owe back taxes. Typically, the IRS will send you a notice if you have a balance due, changes were made to your tax return, or the agency needs additional information. “If you ignore a collection letter from the IRS, you may face wage garnishments, liens, bank levies, and other adverse action. And in some cases, the amount due may increase for failure to respond,” Johnson says. Keep in mind the IRS does offer installment plans and other payment plans. Make copies of your correspondence and use only the U.S. Postal Service, the postmark from which is your proof of timeliness when responding. But whatever you do, don’t ignore the IRS because this may cause more issues in the future. ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs win at the buzzer again, topping Panthers 30-27 on Shrader's field goal - The Associated Press

Despite concerns over Saudi Arabia's human rights record, football's governing body has voiced confidence the kingdom can host the 2034 World Cup. Amnesty International called the FIFA report an "astonishing whitewash." FIFA, the world's governing football body, released a report Saturday on Saudi Arabia 's bid to host the 2034 World Cup . Saudi Arabia is the only nation seeking to host the tournament in 2034, and one whose de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is chummy with FIFA President Gianni Infantino . FIFA's report gave Saudi Arabia high marks, while assessing the kingdom's bid as presenting "low" environmental and "medium" human rights risks . Late last year, Saudi Arabia submitted its bid to host the 2034 tournament (which was only open to Asia and Oceania nations) — while Morocco, Spain and Portugal submitted a joint bid for 2030, with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay also each slated to host one game during the centenary edition of the tournament. The fate of Saudi Arabia's bid , as well as that of the 2030 hosts, will be known on December 11, when a virtual meeting of FIFA's 211 national football associations takes place. Why is Saudi Arabia investing billions in sports? To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Saudi bid presents 'strong all-round proposition' The Saudi bid, according to FIFA, "presents a very strong all-round proposition, reflected in the results of the technical evaluation, which assesses the proposed infrastructure (both sporting and general) as well as its commercial potential." FIFA highlighted the "substantial hospitality footprint proposed" by Saudi Arabian organizers as another potential revenue stream . Despite past evidence, the FIFA report voiced hope the tournament could prompt a turnaround in Saudi Arabia's repressive society, "in terms of human rights, the undertaking involved in implementing the various measures... particularly in certain areas, could involve significant effort and time." "It is important to note that the bid involves significant opportunities for positive human rights impact," continued FIFA, "There is good potential that the tournament could serve as a catalyst for some of the ongoing and future reforms and contribute to positive human rights outcomes for people in Saudi Arabia and the region that go beyond the scope of the tournament itself." Saudi Arabia has worked hard to shake negative headlines about its human rights abuses and even its state-sanctioned killing of political rivals , for instance, by investing massive amounts of oil cash into sporting events like Formula One races, tennis tournaments and even a new, professional golf league — in a phenomenon known as "sportswashing." Despite those investments and much international attention, Saudi society has yet to experience the arrival of a new era of human rights and liberalization. Saudi guards accused of killing Ethiopian migrants To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Amnesty International denounces FIFA report as 'astonishing whitewash' Human rights organization Amnesty International blasted Saturday's report releasing a statement denouncing it as an "astonishing whitewash." "FIFA's evaluation of Saudi Arabia's World Cup is an astonishing whitewash of the country's atrocious human rights record," Amnesty's head of labor rights and sport Steve Cockburn said. "The sports body has decided to ignore the clear evidence of worker exploitation, legalized discrimination and severe repression, and press ahead with a predetermined decision." "At every stage of the process," continued the statement, "FIFA has ensured that nothing would stand in the way of Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup and it has effectively discarded its human rights policies to achieve this end." Rights groups have regularly highlighted Saudi Arabia's myriad abuses, including mass executions and allegations of torture, pointing out that free expression, too, is severely restricted — with some people receiving lengthy jail terms over critical social media posts. js/wd (AFP, AP, dpa, Reuters)

Manmohan Singh, the 'forgotten hero' in the controversial 2008 nuclear deal? Here's how he worked towards improving Indo-US relationsBOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored the Celtics’ first 15 points on five consecutive 3-pointers and finished with 29 points, before Boston withstood a late charge to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 107-105 on Sunday. Jayson Tatum added 26 points and eight rebounds to help Boston post a season-high fifth straight victory. Anthony Edwards had 28 points and nine rebounds for Minnesota, which has lost five of its last seven. Julius Randle added 23 points, and Rudy Gobert finished with 10 points and 20 rebounds, his eighth double-double of the season. Minnesota got within 55-54 early in the third quarter, before a 14-0 run by Boston. The spurt featured four 3s by the Celtics, including two by Tatum. The lead grew to 79-60 with 4:26 to play in the period. But the Timberwolves chipped it all the way down in the fourth, getting within 107-105 with 34 seconds left on a driving layup by Randle. Timberwolves: Minnesota will be looking to for some wins at home, after dropping four of its last five on the road. Celtics: The Celtics have struggled at home at times this season but improved to 6-2 at the Garden. The Timberwolves had the ball with 7.1 seconds and a chance to win. Edwards got the inbounds and tried to drive on Brown. But he was cut off, and the ball swung to Naz Reid, who failed to get off a 3 as time expired. Boston assisted on 25 of its 37 made field goals. The Timberwolves host Houston in NBA Cup play on Tuesday, beginning a four-game homestand. The Celtics host the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night. AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nbaMILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo was available for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Washington Wizards Saturday night after missing one game with swelling in his left knee. Antetokounmpo sat out the Bucks' 106-103 NBA Cup victory at Miami on Tuesday. The two-time MVP had been listed as probable with tendinopathy in his right patellar tendon. “He's good,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said before the game. Antetokounmpo entered Saturday as the league's leading scorer at 32.4 points per game. He ranked fifth in rebounds (11.9) and 20th in assists (6.4). AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Stock market today: Stocks waver in thin trading after US markets reopen following a holiday pauseStocks wavered on Wall Street in afternoon trading Thursday, as gains in tech companies and retailers helped temper losses elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 was down less than 0.1% after drifting between small gains and losses. The benchmark index is coming off a three-day winning streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 6 points, or less than 0.1%, as of 1:52 p.m. Eastern time. The Nasdaq composite was down less than 0.1%. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened after the Christmas holiday. Chip company Broadcom rose 2.9%, Micron Technology was up 1% and Adobe gained 0.8%. While tech stocks overall were in the green, some heavyweights were a drag on the market. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, slipped 0.1%. Meta Platforms fell 0.7%, Amazon was down 0.6%, and Netflix gave up 1.1%. Tesla was among the biggest decliners in the S&P 500, down 1.9%. Health care stocks helped lift the market. CVS Health rose 1.7% and Walgreens Boots Alliance rose 3% for the biggest gain among S&P 500 stocks. Several retailers also gained ground. Target rose 2.8%, Best Buy was up 2.2% and Dollar Tree gained 2.7%. Retailers are hoping for a solid sales this holiday season, and the day after Christmas traditionally ranks among the top 10 biggest shopping days of the year, as consumers go online or rush to stores to cash in gift cards and raid bargain bins. U.S.-listed shares in Honda and Nissan rose 4% and 16%, respectively. The Japanese automakers announced earlier this week that the two companies are in talks to combine. Traders got a labor market update. U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week , though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years, the Labor Department reported. Treasury yields turned mostly lower in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.57% from 4.59% late Tuesday. Major European markets were closed, as well as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Trading was expected to be subdued this week with a thin slate of economic data on the calendar. Still, U.S. markets have historically gotten a boost at year’s end despite lower trading volumes. The last five trading days of each year, plus the first two in the new year, have brought an average gain of 1.3% since 1950. So far this month, the U.S. stock market has lost some of its gains since President-elect Donald Trump’s win on Election Day, which raised hopes for faster economic growth and more lax regulations that would boost corporate profits. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Even so, the U.S. market remains on pace to deliver strong returns for 2024. The benchmark S&P 500 is up roughly 26% so far this year and remains near its most recent all-time high it set earlier this month — its latest of 57 record highs this year. Wall Street has several economic reports to look forward to next week, including updates on pending home sales and home prices, a report on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity. AP Business Writers Elaine Kurtenbach and Matt Ott contributed.