Sarah Latifa had feared that her Christian community in Syria may struggle to celebrate its first Christmas since Islamist-led rebels toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad earlier this month. But at a church in Damascus's historic centre, surrounded by some 500 faithful who were singing psalms on Christmas Eve on Tuesday, she could breathe a sigh of relief. "It wasn't easy to come together in the current circumstances and to joyfully pray, but thank God, we did it," Latifa told AFP at mass at the capital's Syriac Orthodox cathedral of Saint George. Syria's rulers who toppled Assad's government on December 8 have since sought to assure religious and ethnic minorities that their rights would be upheld. But for some in the Christian community of several hundred thousands, the promises made by the new Islamist leadership have done little to soothe their fears in a country scarred by years of civil war. Hundreds took to the streets of Damascus on Tuesday to demand their rights be respected, after a Christmas tree was set ablaze in a town in central Syria. A video on social media showed hooded fighters setting fire to the tree in the Christian-majority town of Suqaylabiyah, near Hama. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said they were foreign jihadists. A local religious leader from Syria's victorious Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) condemned the torching. At the Saint George Cathedral, Latifa said that even though the road towards a new Syria may seem "tumultuous or uncertain", the future can be better "if we walk hand in hand". - 'We don't belong' - Before the war began in 2011, Syria was home to about one million Christians, or about five percent of the population, according to analyst Fabrice Balanche. Now, he told AFP, only up to 300,000 of them are still in the country. Assad, who hails from the Alawite minority and ruled with an iron fist, had long presented himself as a protector of minority groups in Syria, whose population is majority Sunni Muslim. The new administration appointed by HTS -- a group which is rooted in Syria's branch of Al-Qaeda -- has adopted an inclusive discourse, seeking to reassure groups in the multi-confessional and multi-ethnic country. In this transformed political landscape, Syrian Christians are determined to make their voices heard. In an overnight protest over the Christmas tree burning, Georges, who only gave his first name, condemned "sectarianism" and "injustice against Christians". "If we're not allowed to live our Christian faith in our country, as we used to, then we don't belong here anymore," he said. In his first sermon in Damascus since Assad's fall, John X, the Greek Orthodox patriarch of Antioch, expressed his hope that a new constitution would be drawn up with the participation of "all parts of the Syrian mosaic". - 'Afraid of the unknown' - In Bab Touma, a Christian-majority neighbourhood of Damascus, carols rang out from a cafe which was festively decorated and lit, and fitted with a Christmas tree. Owner Yamen Basmar, 45, said that some people "are afraid" of the new situation. "Many come to ask me whether I still sell alcohol, or if we still organise events," he said. "In reality, nothing has changed," Basmar stressed, even though he said sales have gone down by 50 percent because "people are afraid anyway". Last Christmas, "we closed at 3:00 am. Now we close at 11:00 pm," Basmar said. One Damascus restaurant held a Christmas party, attended by dozens of people, Christians and Muslims alike. "The party was really nice, not what we had imagined," said 42-year-old Emma Siufji. "As Christians this year, we're afraid of the unknown." Her only wish this holiday season, Siufji told AFP, was that no Syrian would have to leave the country, as happened to millions during the war. "No one would want to be forced to leave." (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the worldGrandmother shut out of Christmas celebrations

NO. 20 TEXAS A&M 81, RUTGERS 77

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 woman $250K in sexual assault case, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has found that mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor sexually assaulted a woman in a hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The Dublin jury awarded the woman more than $250,000 for her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her on Dec. 9, 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified he never forced her to do anything and that the woman had fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. The jury found for the woman on Friday. At least 15 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 15 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 160,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat this week after Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, which can cause life-threatening infections. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. 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. 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.” Shohei Ohtani wins third MVP award, first in NL. Aaron Judge earns second AL honor in 3 seasons NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani won his third Most Valuable Player Award and first in the National League, and Aaron Judge earned his second American League honor on Thursday. Ohtani was a unanimous MVP for the third time, receiving all 30 first-place votes and 420 points in voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was second with 263 points and Arizona second baseman Ketel Marte third with 229. Judge was a unanimous pick for the first time. Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. got all 30 second-place votes for 270 points, and Yankees outfielder Juan Soto was third with 21 third-place votes and 229 points.McDermott, AFC East-leading Bills refreshed coming out of bye week, and looking ahead to host 49ers

Drew Lock marveled at the number that defined Giants great Eli Manning’s durability the same way Manning’s teammates once did. Lock will make his fourth start of the season at quarterback Sunday against the Colts. Since benching and releasing Daniel Jones , the Giants have started (in order) Tommy DeVito, Lock twice, DeVito and now Lock for a second straight game. During that time, DeVito dealt with a forearm injury and a concussion, while Lock dealt with injuries to an elbow, heel and shoulder after a hip pointer earlier in the season. So, yes, it is pretty remarkable Manning once started 210 straight regular-season games for the Giants (before a one-game benching in 2017) and never missed a game due to injury in his 16-year NFL career. “That’s tough to do on any team, any position, especially the quarterback spot,” Lock said. “He was playing a couple extra [playoff] games at the end of the year too, so add those into there, that’s impressive.” Lock said Monday’s MRI on his throwing shoulder was done as a precaution. “Right hand, right shoulder, if it feels just anything, ‘Hey, let’s go get this looked at just to make sure everything’s all right,’ ” Lock said. “It came back good, so rocking and rolling.” Head coach Brian Daboll is sticking with Lock after he threw two pick-sixes against the Falcons rather than turning to the less-experienced DeVito as a developmental situation. “Try to get two weeks of the same cadence, same play caller in the huddle,” Daboll said. C John Michael Schmitz was in a walking boot, which means another offensive line reshuffle could be in store. If Schmitz can’t play, the Giants could slide over RG Greg Van Roten to snap and insert OG Aaron Stinnie, though Stinnie missed last week’s game and has yet to clear the concussion protocol. Another option is to activate C Austin Schlottmann from injured reserve. Schlottman suffered a broken leg in the first practice after surviving cut day and spent six weeks getting around the facility on a scooter. He has been back at practice since Dec. 11. “It’s been a long year,” Schlotttman said, “so it would mean something to get back in a game or two and finish it out that way.” Schlottman snapped to Lock during the quarterback’s NFL debut in 2019. The Giants are staring at the possibility of becoming the NFL’s first team to go 0-9 at home. It only became possible in the 17-game schedule era (since 2021). “You definitely don’t want to have lowlights,” OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux said. “This year hasn’t gone as planned, but continuing to give it our best and making sure we go out and try to get a win.” Sunday’s game is the Giants’ last one at MetLife Stadium before before finishing the season at Philadelphia. In addition to Schmitz, RB Tyrone Tracy Jr., WR Malik Nabers, CB Dru Phillips, LB Micah McFadden, CB Greg Stroman Jr., S Raheem Layne and DT Corey Durden did not practice. Layne suffered a season-ending torn meniscus in his knee during his season debut, per The Athletic. It was his first game after suffering a torn ACL last season.

The final four teams in the Major League Soccer playoffs will wind down to two during the conference finals on Saturday night. hosts the in the at 7:30 p.m. will host the in the at 10:30 p.m. Which teams will represent their conference in the final of the MLS Cup Playoffs on Dec. 7? The Orlando City vs. New York Red Bulls game will stream on on . According to , here are the odds after regulation: Orlando City (-120), New York Red Bulls (+310), tie (+260). The over/under is set at 2.5 goals. Orlando City has reached the postseason in each of coach Óscar Pareja’s five seasons, but this is the club’s first appearance in the Eastern Conference final. The club hopes to win its second trophy in franchise history, after . Orlando City beat Atlanta United in the second round, after advancing past Charlotte FC in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs. The New York Red Bulls have only reached the MLS Cup final once ( ), and have reached the MLS Cup playoffs in 15 straight seasons. They have won three Supporters’ Shield titles, but the MLS Cup has eluded the franchise. After upsetting the defending MLS Cup champion in Round 1, the Red Bulls took out their Hudson River Derby rival, , . The LA Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders game will stream on on . According to , here are the odds after regulation: LA Galaxy (-115), Seattle Sounders (+280), tie (+260). The over/under is set at 2.5 goals. No club has hoisted more MLS Cup trophies than the Galaxy, who have won five league titles. Their last, however, was in 2014. The Galaxy have scored a record 15 goals in three playoff games, beating Minnesota 6-2 in the semifinals after cruising past Colorado in the first round. Seattle hopes to win its third MLS Cup title (2016 and 2019). It overcame a 10-game unbeaten streak against LAFC to beat the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference 2-1 in the conference semifinals last week. The Sounders owned the league's top defense, allowing just 35 goals during the regular season. According to , here are the odds for winning the league championship: (+135), (+175), (+400) and (+500). The winners of this weekend's conference final games will play in MLS Cup on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. ET (on FOX and Apple TV). The Western Conference teams finished higher in the standings than the remaining Eastern Conference teams. So, the winner between L.A. Galaxy and Seattle will host either Orlando or New York Red Bulls in the MLS Cup final.