gba 007 S.Korea political upheaval shows global democracy's fragility - and resilienceNEW YORK (AP) — 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.”The "Three Ones of Winter" proverb refers to three specific indicators that are believed to forecast the severity of the upcoming winter season. These indicators are the first snowfall, the length of the first snowfall, and the direction of the first snowfall. According to traditional beliefs, these factors can give important clues about what to expect in terms of temperature and weather conditions in the coming months.

The NFL requires players to speak to the media, but it doesn’t put them under oath. So, the beep-beep-beep that reporters heard while Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was answering their questions after Sunday’s blowout victory over the lifeless Giants likely was an equipment truck backing up and not Mayfield lying while hooked up to a polygraph. But let’s concede that Mayfield — as part of a gang that committed aggravated assault on the Giants — would not make a credible witness. The Bucs were called for four penalties, but perjury wasn’t one of them, though it could have been. After his acrobatic touchdown run with 12 seconds remaining in the first half, Mayfield mimicked the Italian purse celebration that Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito made famous last season. After the extra point, the Bucs held a 23-0 at the half. And at MetLife, where the Giants are now 0-6 this season, it’s called halftime because when it’s over, it’s time for at least half of the crowd to leave. And Mayfield didn’t just flash the gesture, he did it over and over and over. He clearly was sticking it to the Giants and their suffering fans. After the game, however, he made puppy-dog eyes at the media with a “Who? Me?” act while insisting he wasn’t trolling DeVito and the Giants with the gesture, he was merely paying homage — to a third-string quarterback who was 3-for-5 for 31 yards at that point, while directing an offense that was being out-gained 290 yards to 45. Yeah, that’s it: He was worshipping DeVito — which makes about as much sense as Brian Daboll’s first-half play-calling, which didn’t include the Giants’ top offensive weapon, now-pissed-off receiver Malik Nabers . “It was a tribute,” Mayfield said. “New York fans love Tommy here, so we were giving them something they like.” How do you say “B.S.” in Italian? When pressed, Mayfield wouldn’t even admit that the celebration had been planned. “Most of the time, I don’t know what I’m going to do, so there’s spontaneous stuff,” he said. “That was just spontaneous.” Well, then, several teammates picked it up quickly and ad-libbed with him. Look, Florida Man, this is New Jersey: We can spot a conspiracy. Mayfield — who is the model for any draft-bust quarterback who wants to resurrect his career: We’re looking at you, Daniel Jones — was 24-for-30 for 294 yards without a TD pass or an interception as the slowly-getting-healthy Bucs improved to 5-6. He rushed four times for 29 yards, including the 10-yard scoring run that basically ended the game — with 30 minutes still remaining. On a second-and-goal from the 10, Mayfield avoided pressure and sprinted for the end zone. He was hit by Cor’Dale Flott low and Dru Phillips high around the 2-yard line, and went airborne as he crossed the goal line. The ball came loose when he hit the turf, but he had control of it when he entered the end zone. As Mayfield jumped to his feet, his teammates surrounded him to celebrate and, as Mayfield made the DeVito gesture, several joined him — evidence that the stunt had been planned. As quarterbacks do after almost every game, the two met on the field to chat. Maybe Mayfield apologized. As a guy who’s been through several painful seasons, maybe he empathized. Or maybe he asked for the DeVito family’s chicken cutlets recipe. “Are you Italian, by any chance?” Mayfield was asked by the media after the game. “Well, I’ve never taken a 23andMe,” he said, “so ...” After mocking their favorite son — in a swamp where, legend has it, many met their demise — Italians probably don’t want anything to do with Mayfield. In other words: Fuhgeddaboudit. MORE GIANTS COVERAGE Giants sound like they’re done with coach Brian Daboll Giants veterans offer damning assessment of Brian Daboll: ‘I don’t think everybody is giving 100%’ Fire Brian Daboll? ‘Soft’ Giants are making that decision easy for owner John Mara | Politi Buccaneers were ‘definitely surprised’ Giants started QB Tommy DeVito Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.

A Drone Crash During a Performance: Cai Guoqiang Urges People Not to Take It Home. A Regrettable Ending with No Injuries.

Mexico Travel Advisory as Royal Caribbean Suspends Cruises to Manzanillo Amid Rising Crime Concerns

CHICAGO -- Six days after missing an open streaking toward the end zone in Minnesota, rookie quarterback took advantage of a second chance at the same play. Nearing halftime of Chicago's Week 16 matchup with the , Williams saw Allen throw a head fake and execute the same double move to create separation. This time, Williams didn't hesitate. He lasered a pass that Allen caught in stride for a 45-yard touchdown. It was one of Williams' best throws of the season despite the Bears suffering their ninth straight loss. That has been the narrative of Williams' season in general: individual growth set against the backdrop of team dysfunction and failure. Consider that despite the second-longest losing streak in franchise history, Williams has set an NFL record for the most passes (326) without an interception by a rookie QB, and if he continues on this pace, he'll end up with third-most passing yards in Bears history. "Keep swinging," coach Thomas Brown said of Williams' approach. "Shooters shoot, and he definitely shoots, which I appreciate. So I'm going to give him opportunities to shoot." Against the Lions, Williams recorded his fourth game with at least 300 passing yards and two passing touchdowns. It ties the mark set by in 2018 for the most such games in a single season by a Bears QB over the past 20 years. Williams accomplished that after putting two first-half fumbles behind him to lead three scoring drives on a day when the Bears' offense looked the best it had in weeks. Their 14 first-half points were the most since a Week 6 win over Jacksonville. In recent weeks, Williams has accumulated the majority of his passing production while playing from behind. While Williams was quick to admit he doesn't put much stock in his stats, the type of growth the rookie is exhibiting in a lost season isn't lost on his teammates. "You have moral wins, moral victories," Allen said. "It's good to score. "Obviously, just being able to be productive on offense, getting better, Caleb being able to get more reps, seeing different things on defense and ultimately just being able to get better throughout the season [is important]." Through 15 games, Williams has thrown for 3,271 yards, sixth most in a single season in franchise history. If he continues his season average of 218.1 passing yards over Chicago's next two games against Seattle (8:15 p.m. ET Thursday, Prime Video) and Green Bay (Jan. 5), he'll finish with roughly 3,707 yards. Williams might not erase the Bears' notoriety as the only NFL franchise to never have a 4,000-yard passer or a QB who passed for 30 touchdowns, but considering he has changed offensive coordinators and head coaches midseason while being sacked a league-high 60 times, his transition to the NFL has included unique obstacles. "There's no question that this guy is talented," Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said last week. "I remember standing on the sideline last game [against the Bears on Nov. 28] and you can hear the ball whistle by you. "He's got quite a fastball, has some creativity to him, can extend plays and is accurate down the field as well." Johnson, who is one of the hottest names this coaching cycle, is expected to be pursued by the Bears. And the presence of Williams is perhaps the most attractive aspect of the job. In fact, Williams has played some of his best football in front of Johnson. In two games against Detroit, Williams has 681 passing yards, five touchdown passes and no interceptions. According to NFL Research, Williams has lost nine starts in which he hasn't thrown an interception, which is the most such losses in a single season since 1950. His 326 passes without turning the ball over is 100 attempts more than the previous rookie streak held by the Arizona Cardinals' (211). The New York Jets' has the overall record at 402. There are specific areas where Williams has demonstrated the most growth. In Week 16, the rookie had his best game as a downfield passer, going 6-of-8 for 160 yards and a touchdown on throws of 15-plus air yards. He routinely got the ball into the hands of his playmakers, throwing a career-high 286 yards to his wide receivers. Allen (694 receiving yards), (826) and (701) form the only group of wide receivers to be in the top 50 in receiving yards. And with a heavy dose of play-action against the Lions, Brown's playcalling has aided the quarterback in matching a career-high with 12 play-action pass attempts in which he threw for 109 yards and a touchdown. All of that has added up to a season never experienced by a rookie quarterback in Chicago. And with two weeks remaining, Williams is taking aim at cleaning up the details. When asked for specific areas he has focused on improving before heading into the offseason, the quarterback zeroed in on several issues. "Fumbles that I've had for 2-3 weeks now, I think turnovers, they're obviously a part of the game, but trying to eliminate those only helps our chances of winning," said Williams, who has lost four fumbles on the season. "Being able to just keep being efficient, the most that I can, and that doesn't just mean when I throw the football. That's with all the alerts, the time, the play clock, making sure cadence and things like that, helping offensive linemen out, whatever the case may be."Booker may have fallen from grace, but his story is far from over. The choice is his – will he remain mired in mediocrity, or will he rise up and reclaim his destiny? Only time will tell.The ruling addressed a lawsuit filed by Dario and Shujen Politella against Windham Southeast School District and state officials over the mistaken vaccination of their child against COVID-19 in 2021, when he was 6 years old. A lower court had dismissed the original complaint, as well as an amended version. An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was filed on Nov. 19. But the ruling by Vermont's high court is not as far-reaching as some online have claimed. In reality, it concluded that anyone protected under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, or PREP, Act is immune to state lawsuits. Here's a closer look at the facts. CLAIM: The Vermont Supreme Court ruled that schools can vaccinate children against their parents' wishes. THE FACTS: The claim stems from a July 26 ruling by the Vermont Supreme Court, which found that anyone protected by the PREP Act is immune to state lawsuits, including the officials named in the Politella's suit. The ruling does not authorize schools to vaccinate children at their discretion. According to the lawsuit, the Politella's son — referred to as L.P. — was given one dose of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination clinic held at Academy School in Brattleboro even though his father, Dario, told the school's assistant principal a few days before that his son was not to receive a vaccination. In what officials described as a mistake, L.P. was removed from class and had a “handwritten label” put on his shirt with the name and date of birth of another student, L.K., who had already been vaccinated that day. L.P. was then vaccinated. Ultimately, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that officials involved in the case could not be sued. “We conclude that the PREP Act immunizes every defendant in this case and this fact alone is enough to dismiss the case,” the Vermont Supreme Court's ruling reads. “We conclude that when the federal PREP Act immunizes a defendant, the PREP Act bars all state-law claims against that defendant as a matter of law.” The PREP Act , enacted by Congress in 2005, authorizes the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to issue a declaration in the event of a public health emergency providing immunity from liability for activities related to medical countermeasures, such as the administration of a vaccine, except in cases of “willful misconduct" that result in “death or serious physical injury.” A declaration against COVID-19 was issued on March 17, 2020. It is set to expire on Dec. 31. Federals suits claiming willful misconduct are filed in Washington. Social media users described the Vermont Supreme Court's ruling as having consequences beyond what it actually says. “The Vermont Supreme Court has ruled that schools can force-vaccinate children for Covid against the wishes of their parents,” reads one X post that had been liked and shared approximately 16,600 times as of Tuesday. “The high court ruled on a case involving a 6-year-old boy who was forced to take a Covid mRNA injection by his school. However, his family had explicitly stated that they didn't want their child to receive the ‘vaccines.’” Other users alleged that the ruling gives schools permission to give students any vaccine without parental consent, not just ones for COVID-19. Rod Smolla, president of the Vermont Law and Graduate School and an expert on constitutional law, told The Associated Press that the ruling “merely holds that the federal statute at issue, the PREP Act, preempts state lawsuits in cases in which officials mistakenly administer a vaccination without consent.” “Nothing in the Vermont Supreme Court opinion states that school officials can vaccinate a child against the instructions of the parent,” he wrote in an email. Asked whether the claims spreading online have any merit, Ronald Ferrara, an attorney representing the Politellas, told the AP that although the ruling doesn't say schools can vaccinate students regardless of parental consent, officials could interpret it to mean that they could get away with doing so under the PREP Act, at least when it comes to COVID-19 vaccines. He explained that the U.S. Supreme Court appeal seeks to clarify whether the Vermont Supreme Court interpreted the PREP Act beyond what Congress intended. “The Politella’s fundamental liberty interest to decide whether their son should receive elective medical treatment was denied by agents of the State and School,” he wrote in an email to the AP. “The Vermont Court misconstrues the scope of PREP Act immunity (which is conditioned upon informed consent for medical treatments unapproved by FDA), to cover this denial of rights and its underlying battery.” Ferrara added that he was not aware of the claims spreading online, but that he “can understand how lay people may conflate the court's mistaken grant of immunity for misconduct as tantamount to blessing such misconduct.” — Find AP Fact Checks here: https://apnews.com/APFactCheck .

Over the past few years, governments at various levels have introduced a series of tax incentives and benefits aimed at stimulating home purchases and addressing affordability issues. These measures include reductions in property transaction taxes, exemptions for first-time homebuyers, and deductions on mortgage interest payments. The overall goal has been to make homeownership more accessible and affordable for a wider range of individuals, thereby boosting demand and investment in the real estate sector.In conclusion, the Taiwan authorities are closely monitoring the PLA's activities in the Taiwan Strait with a watchful eye and a firm commitment to safeguarding Taiwan's security and sovereignty. The recent uptick in mainland Chinese ships' activities near Taiwan serves as a stark reminder of the fragile and complex nature of cross-strait relations, highlighting the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and strategic communication to prevent any unintended consequences and maintain peace and stability in the region.In conclusion, the H40 Ultra floor scrubber represents a new era in cleaning technology. With its unparalleled cleaning power, advanced features, and user-friendly design, this machine sets a new standard for efficiency and performance in the cleaning industry. Whether you operate a commercial facility, warehouse, or industrial plant, the H40 Ultra is the ultimate solution for achieving pristine floors and maintaining a clean and sanitary environment. Experience the future of cleaning with the H40 Ultra - the ultimate cleaning companion for businesses seeking excellence in cleanliness.PDP: Reps coalition alleges plot to retain Damagum as Ag chair

In addition to the financial implications, the potential sale of Rashford would also open up opportunities for United to strengthen their squad with new signings. With the transfer market becoming more competitive and player valuations reaching record levels, having the flexibility to invest in new talent is crucial for a club of United's stature.The recent revelation of another secret meeting at Goldman Sachs, one of the world's largest investment banks, has once again sparked speculation about the impending announcement of a second round of stimulus policies. The closed-door meeting, held shortly after the Economic Work Conference, has raised eyebrows and fueled rumors that a significant policy shift may be on the horizon.Singapore companies ‘slightly optimistic’ about next 6 months, after exiting sales contraction phase in Q3: survey

In conclusion, the case of the former elite university graduates who sold national secrets serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of betrayal and the importance of upholding the highest standards of integrity and loyalty to one's country. It is a stark reminder that national security is a sacred trust that must be protected at all costs.The superstar player’s determination is unwavering. Despite the setbacks and challenges he has faced, he remains resolute in his commitment to the team and the fans. His return to the starting lineup is not just a comeback – it is a statement. A statement that he is back, stronger and more determined than ever before.

Former President Jimmy Carter was remembered for his leadership and commitment to public service following his death. Carter died on Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100. RELATED STORY | Former President Jimmy Carter dies at age 100 Jimmy Carter Tributes President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden: Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian. Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe. Donald and Melania Trump: I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History. The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers. Bill and Hillary Clinton: Hillary and I mourn the passing of Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others—until the very end. Statement from President Clinton and Secretary Clinton on the Passing of President Jimmy Carter pic.twitter.com/1Ejol6yjav — Angel Ureña (@angelurena) December 29, 2024 Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer: President Carter's faith in the American people and his belief in the power of kindness and humility leave a strong legacy. He taught us that the strength of a leader lies not in rhetoric but in action, not in personal gain but in service to others. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell: President Carter served during times of tension and uncertainty, both at home and abroad. But his calm spirit and deep faith seemed unshakeable. Jimmy Carter served as our commander-in-chief for four years, but he served as the beloved, unassuming Sunday school teacher at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia for forty. And his humble devotion leaves us little doubt which of those two important roles he prized the most. U.S. Sen. Jon Osoff (D-GA): Among his lifetime of service and countless accomplishments, President Carter will be remembered for his commitment to democracy and human rights, his enduring faith, his philanthropic leadership, and his deep love of family U.S. Sen. Rafael Warnock (D-GA): President Carter was one of my heroes. His leadership was driven by love, his life’s project grounded in compassion and a commitment to human dignity. For those of us who have the privilege of representing our communities in elected office, Jimmy Carter is a shining example of what it means to make your faith come alive through the noble work of public service. U.S. Sen. John Thun (R-SD): President Carter dedicated his life to serving the people of Georgia and our great country – as a naval officer, a governor, and as the 39th President of the United States. From peanut farming to the presidency and every step in between, his wife Rosalynn was by his side. House Speaker Mike Johnson Because of his work in brokering the Camp David Accords and his advocacy with Habitat for Humanity, the world is a more peaceful place, and more Americans have a place to call home. No one can deny that President Carter led an extraordinary life of service to his country. May he rest in peace.

At the dawn of a new trading day in the A-Share market, a remarkable wave of optimism swept through as more than 5000 stocks opened with gains, painting the stock tickers in shades of green and setting the stage for a bullish session ahead. This surge in the market not only caught the attention of seasoned investors but also sparked enthusiasm among new entrants looking to capitalize on the positive momentum.Penn State notes: James Franklin names Nick Saban as potential commissioner

The construction of the new metro line represents a significant investment in Beijing's future. By connecting the city subcenter to other parts of Beijing, the line will help alleviate traffic congestion, reduce pollution, and improve the overall quality of life for residents. In addition, the project is expected to spur economic growth and attract new businesses and residents to the area.Small businesses need the right kind of incentives to succeed

The destruction of all Syrian air defense bases represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Syria. The two countries have a long history of hostilities, with territorial disputes and security concerns driving much of the tension between them.The seizure of emergency martial law documents has added a new layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation. These documents are believed to contain sensitive information regarding national security protocols, crisis management procedures, and military response strategies in the event of a major emergency or threat to the country's security.