5jili Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen returns to a tournament after a dispute over jeans is resolved NEW YORK (AP) — Top ranked chess player Magnus Carlsen is headed back to the World Blitz Championship on Monday. That's 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. The International Chess Federation president said in a statement Sunday that he’d let World Blitz Championship tournament officials consider allowing “appropriate jeans” with a jacket, as well as other "minor deviations” from the dress code. Carlsen quit the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships on Friday. He said Sunday he would play — and wear jeans — in the World Blitz Championship. 'Sonic 3' and 'Mufasa' battle for No. 1 at the holiday box office Two family films are dominating the holiday box office, with “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” winning the three-day weekend over “Mufasa” by a blue hair. According to studio estimates Sunday, the Sonic movie earned $38 million, while “Mufasa” brought in $37.1 million from theaters in the U.S. and Canada. The R-rated horror “Nosferatu” placed third with an unexpectedly strong $21.2 million. Thanksgiving release holdovers “Wicked” and “Moana 2” rounded out the top five. Christmas Day had several big film openings, including the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown,” the Nicole Kidman erotic drama “Babygirl” and the boxing drama “The Fire Inside.” Charles Shyer, ‘Father of the Bride’ and ‘Baby Boom’ filmmaker, dies at 83 An Oscar-nominated writer and filmmaker known for classic comedies like “Private Benjamin,” “Baby Boom” and “Father of the Bride," Charles Shyer has died. He was 83. On Sunday his daughter Hallie Meyers-Shyer told The Associated Press that he died Friday in Los Angeles. No cause was disclosed. Born in Los Angeles in 1941 to a filmmaker father, Shyer's big breakthrough came with co-writing “Private Benjamin” for which he and Nancy Meyers received an Oscar nomination. He and Nancy Meyers were frequent collaborators through their nearly 20-year marriage, including on the remake of “The Parent Trap," starring Lindsay Lohan. LeBron James at 40: A milestone birthday arrives Monday for the NBA's all-time scoring leader When LeBron James broke another NBA record earlier this month, the one for most regular-season minutes played in a career, his Los Angeles Lakers teammates handled the moment in typical locker room fashion. They made fun of him. Dubbed The Kid from Akron, with a limitless future, James is now the 40-year-old from Los Angeles with wisps of gray in his beard, his milestone birthday coming Monday, one that will make him the first player in NBA history to play in his teens, 20s, 30s and 40s. He has stood and excelled in the spotlight his entire career. Belgium will ban sales of disposable e-cigarettes in a first for the EU BRUSSELS (AP) — Belgium will ban the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes as of Jan. 1 on health and environmental grounds in a groundbreaking move for European Union nations. Health minister Frank Vandenbroucke tells The Associated Press that the inexpensive e-cigarettes have turned into a health threat since they are an easy way for teenagers to be drawn into smoking and get hooked on nicotine. Australia outlawed the sale of “vapes” outside pharmacies earlier this year in some of the world’s toughest restrictions on electronic cigarettes. Now Belgium is leading the EU drive. Belgium's minister wants tougher tobacco measures in the 27-nation bloc. Charles Dolan, HBO and Cablevision founder, dies at 98 Charles F. Dolan, who founded some of the most prominent U.S. media companies including Home Box Office Inc. and Cablevision Systems Corp., has died at age 98. Newsday reports that a statement issued Saturday by his family says Dolan died of natural causes. Dolan’s legacy in cable broadcasting includes founding HBO in 1972, Cablevision in 1973 and the American Movie Classics television station in 1984. He also launched News 12 in New York City, the first U.S. 24-hour cable channel for local news. Dolan also held controlling stakes in companies that owned Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers. Snoop's game: Snoop Dogg thrills the crowd in the bowl that bears his name TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Miami of Ohio beat Colorado State in the Arizona Bowl, but Snoop Dogg was the main attraction. The Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl presented by Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop was much a spectacle as a football game. Snoop Dogg seemed to be everywhere all at once, from a pregame tailgate to the postgame trophy presentation. Snoop Dog donned a headset on Colorado State's sideline, spent some time in the broadcast and even led both marching bands as conductor during their halftime performance. Snoop Dogg saved the best for last, rolling out in a light green, lowrider Chevy Impala with gold rims and accents, the shiny Arizona Bowl trophy in his hand as fans screamed his name. Mavs star Luka Doncic is latest pro athlete whose home was burglarized, business manager says DALLAS (AP) — Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks is the latest professional athlete whose home has been burglarized. The star guard’s business manager tells multiple media outlets there was a break-in at Doncic’s home Friday night. Lara Beth Seager says nobody was home, and Doncic filed a police report. The Dallas Morning News reports that jewelry valued at about $30,000 was stolen. Doncic is the sixth known pro athlete in the U.S. whose home was burglarized since October. Star NFL quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City and Joe Burrow of Cincinnati are among them. The NFL and NBA have issued security alerts to players over the break-ins. Victor Wembanyama plays 1-on-1 chess with fans in New York Victor Wembanyama went to a park in New York City and played 1-on-1 with fans on Saturday. He even lost a couple of games. Not in basketball, though. Wemby was playing chess. Before the San Antonio Spurs left New York for a flight to Minnesota, Wembanyama put out the call on social media: “Who wants to meet me at the SW corner of Washington Square park to play chess? Im there,” Wembanyama wrote. It was 9:36 a.m. And people began showing up almost immediately. Norwegian chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen quits a tournament in a dispute over jeans NEW YORK (AP) — The International Chess Federation says top ranked player Magnus Carlsen has left the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships after refusing to change out of the jeans he wore to the competition. The federation said Friday that its regulations include a dress code that bars participants from wearing jeans at the event. The Norwegian chess grandmaster says he accepted a $200 fine but refused to change his pants out of principle before leaving the competition in New York. The federation said the dress code is designed to ensure professionalism and fairness for all participants.In the recent NBA game between the Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers, Nikola Jokic put on an incredible performance by scoring an astonishing 104 points in just two games. While this feat may seem impressive on the surface, it has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike.

As the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) season progresses, the competition has been heating up with unexpected results and thrilling matchups. In the latest round of games, Beijing's loss has caused them to drop from the top spot in the rankings, while Shandong pulled off a surprising upset. Qingdao's last-minute victory over Jiangsu added to the excitement, leaving fans on the edge of their seats as the battle for supremacy continues.

Drone sightings leadSimilarly, Manchester City, who have been considered title contenders for several seasons, have also experienced a dip in form. Despite possessing a talented squad and a world-class manager in Pep Guardiola, City have struggled to find their rhythm on the pitch. Their recent draw and loss in consecutive matches have seen their title odds drop to 8%.In conclusion, Son Heung-Min's importance to both Tottenham Hotspur and the South Korean national team cannot be understated. His skill, leadership, and positive influence make him a truly exceptional player, and his resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to his character. With the support of legends like Hong Myung-Bo and the unwavering support of his fans, Son's future in football looks bright. Whether he is lighting up the Premier League or representing his country on the international stage, Son Heung-Min will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences and inspire a new generation of football fans.

Officials with the federal department leading the widespread deployment of a national electric vehicle charging infrastructure project express hope that the program will continue under the new Donald Trump administration, but offered little assurances. “It’s been a really great office, and I certainly think it will continue. But we’ll see,” remarked Linda Bailey, program manager for technical assistance at the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, speaking of the work of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program (NEVI), funded with $7.5 billion from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to help build thousands of EV charging ports along major corridors. Bailey was speaking Thursday on a panel discussion hosted by Veloz, a Sacramento-based EV policy and advocacy group. The IIJA is a signature piece of the President Joseph Biden administration’s domestic agenda. The $1.2 trillion legislation received bipartisan support in Congress, and is aimed at modernizing the nation’s long-neglected infrastructure. A companion piece of legislation known as the Inflation Reduction Act has been investing billions of dollars into initiatives to address climate change, and reorienting the nation’s economy toward the technologies of tomorrow. That legislation passed with virtually no Republican support, and the president-elect has signaled his distaste for key pieces of it, like extending tax credits toward the purchase of electric vehicles. “I really can’t comment, unfortunately, on what the new administration will do,” Bailey said, when asked about the future of the tax credit. “I will say that continuity is really important for businesses in terms of tax planning. And the changes in the tax code could just change peoples’ plans, in general.” Among consumers, she noted, “there’s a lot of momentum, overall” for EVs. President-elect Donald Trump could not unilaterally remove the tax credit, since it is part of the Inflation Reduction Act, which would require congressional action to amend the law. That glass half-full outlook may do little to calm fears among EV advocates. Trump has picked Chris Wright, an oil and gas executive to lead the U.S. Department of Energy, and has put forward Sean Duffy, a former Republican Congressman from Wisconsin, and a host of Fox Business, to lead the Department of Transportation. “Changes in administrations may bring changes in priorities. This is a natural part of our democratic process. The Joint Office will continue to address priorities across the departments of Energy and Transportation,” , executive director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, said during the panel. Klein devoted most of his comments to the office’s accomplishments during the last three years. Much of the planning and design phase for the hundreds of high-speed charging stations developed as part of the NEVI program is done, and stations are now beginning to go online, serving drivers. Some 39 charging sites are now active in 12 states, with another 10 under construction, said Steve Birkett, an electrification consultant at Plug and Play EV, which produces educational media for EV drivers. “Construction is really starting to accelerate,” Birkett said during the panel. “There are [openings] so often, every day.” The NEVI program operates as a formula program of the federal government, and sends funding directly to states. So far, all 50 states; Washington, D.C.; and Puerto Rico have submitted and received approval on two rounds of EV charging plans under NEVI, unlocking nearly $2.5 billion in formula funding to be used toward the construction of high-speed charging stations, Klein said. To date, 47 states have received approval on their third state plan, to tap an addition $726 million for Fiscal Year 2025 funding. Because of the way the program is structured, it’s not easy to claw back money once it’s been apportioned, officials said. “I don’t believe formula funding like this has been rescinded in the past,” Bailey said. “I’ll just say that. There’s no guarantee. Anything can change, of course. “I don’t know that anyone will want to kind of take that back, out of the state’s hands, out of the private sector’s hands,” she added. “I would expect steady progress, barring something that has really never happened before, which is that apportionments that already went to states being changed.”Rafael's retirement marks the end of an era for the Brazilian defender, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of football fans around the world. His passion for the game and his never-say-die attitude on the pitch made him a true warrior of the game.

Felony, financial fraud top rise in 2024 first half criminal casesLooking ahead, Ma underscored the pivotal role that AI is set to play in shaping the future of industries across the board. He expressed his belief that AI will not only drive greater efficiency and productivity but also lead to unprecedented levels of innovation and disruption. Ma emphasized the need for businesses to embrace AI technologies and adapt to the changing dynamics of the digital economy in order to stay competitive in the global marketplace.

Unlocking shared value for our global energy transition: 3 proven models for LSM-ASM collaboration

Title: "6 First-Prize Winners in Grand Lotto! Fortunes Shine on Six Cities with Over 56.22 Million in Total Prize Money"

NVIDIA, known for its innovative GPUs that power a wide range of devices from gaming computers to data centers, has built a reputation for technological excellence and market leadership. As the industry continues to evolve and competition intensifies, it is not uncommon for successful companies like NVIDIA to face scrutiny and regulatory challenges. In response to the antitrust investigation, NVIDIA has maintained a firm stance, stating that it will address any concerns raised by regulatory authorities with transparency and cooperation.Dore Copper Announces Shareholder Approval of Plan of Arrangement with Cygnus MetalsHugel and Medica join forces to boost botulinum toxin sales in Middle East, North Africa

In the world of football, the value of players can fluctuate greatly based on their performance, age, injuries, and other factors. One such player who has experienced a tremendous downfall in his market value is the former Barcelona superstar who was once valued at a staggering 60 million euros. However, due to a series of unfortunate events and a decline in form, his value has plummeted to almost zero. This significant decrease in his market worth has shocked the footballing world and has left many wondering what went wrong for the once highly sought-after player.MUST WATCH: Rodri Delivers Ballon d'Or to Man City Fans Ahead of Spurs ClashThe New England Patriots added another "Worst Loss of the Season" nominee Saturday as they were blown out by the Los Angeles Chargers in front of their home crowd , 40-7. Just about everything that could go wrong, did go wrong for the Patriots in the embarrassing defeat. In what NBC Sports Boston's Patriots insider Tom E. Curran labeled an "unprofessional" performance , New England allowed L.A. to score on seven consecutive possessions. The Chargers cruised to victory while dominating the time of possession battle, 40:34 to 19:26. The dismal showing culminated in boos and "Fire Mayo" chants from the Gillette Stadium crowd as the Patriots fell to 3-13. Other than their updated 2025 draft position , there were hardly any positives to take away from Saturday's game. That was reflected in the latest "Stock Watch" with Curran and fellow Pats insider Phil Perry. The duo broke down their "Stock Up, Stock Down" picks in the latest edition of the Patriots Talk Podcast . 🔊 Patriots Talk Podcast: Disastrous day for Patriots puts need for change back on front burner | Listen & Subscribe | Watch on YouTube Cole Strange, OL Curran: "Cole Strange gets a Stock Down for the early snap." Patriots offensive line Perry: "Can we give it to the entire Patriots offensive line? It just felt like Maye was under duress -- it felt like maybe the game where Drake Maye got the most punishment that he has absorbed all season, which is saying something." CB Jonathan Jones and S Kyle Dugger Perry: "On the scene for a lot of Ladd McConkey yards and a Ladd McConkey touchdown where he ran by Jonathan Jones and Kyle Dugger. Can we just add Kyle Dugger as sort of an addendum to the Jonathan Jones Stock Down? Because that was -- you're the free safety on the play, you can't be flat-footed and just have the guy run right by you." Patriots coaching staff Perry: "We have to put the coaches in there. Across the board." The Patriots fans at Gillette Stadium Curran: "Salute to the 38,000 fans who showed up."

Towana Looney donated a kidney to her mother in 1999 only for the remaining one to fail years later due to pregnancy complications. Now, the 53-year-old from Alabama has become the latest recipient of a gene-edited pig kidney - and is currently the only living person in the world with an animal organ transplant, says New York's NYU Langone hospital. "I'm overjoyed, I'm blessed to have received this gift, this second chance at life," Looney said weeks after the procedure. Xenotransplantation - transplanting organs from one species to another - has long been a tantalizing yet elusive scientific goal. Early experiments on primates faltered, but recent advances in gene editing and immune-system management have brought the dream closer to reality. Pigs have emerged as the ideal donors: they grow quickly, produce large litters and are already part of the human food supply. Advocates hope this approach can help address the severe organ shortage in the United States, where more than 100,000 people are waiting for transplants, including over 90,000 in need of kidneys. Looney had been living with dialysis since December 2016 - eight grueling years. High blood pressure caused by preeclampsia had taken its toll, leaving her with chronic kidney disease. Despite receiving priority on transplant waiting lists as a living donor, her search for a compatible kidney was a frustrating dead end. Her unusually high levels of harmful antibodies made rejection almost inevitable, and as her body lost viable blood vessels to support dialysis, her health declined. Out of options, Looney applied to join a clinical trial for pig kidney transplants and finally underwent the seven-hour surgery on November 25. Asked how she felt afterward, Looney's joy was infectious. "I'm full of energy, I've got an appetite ... and of course, I can go to the bathroom. I haven't been going in eight years!" she laughed. Jayme Locke, a surgeon on the transplant team, described the results with awe. "The kidney functioned essentially exactly like a kidney from a living donor," she said, adding that Looney's husband saw a rosiness in her cheeks for the first time in years. "That is the miracle of transplantation." Looney's surgery is the third time a gene-edited pig kidney has been transplanted into a human who is not brain dead. Rick Slayman, the first recipient, died in May, two months after his procedure at Massachusetts General Hospital. The second, Lisa Pisano, initially showed signs of recovery following her surgery at NYU Langone, but the organ had to be removed after 47 days, and she passed away in July. Looney, however, was not terminally ill before the transplant, noted Robert Montgomery, who led the surgery. Each case, he emphasized, provides critical lessons for refining the techniques. The kidney was provided by biotech company Revivicor, which breeds genetically modified herds in Virginia. A Massachusetts-based company, eGenesis, provided the kidney for Slayman. Looney's organ has 10 genetic edits to improve compatibility with the human body - an advance over Revivicor's earlier efforts that used kidneys with a single gene edit and included the pig's thymus gland to help train the host's immune system and prevent rejection. Montgomery, a pioneer in the field who performed the world's first gene-edited pig organ transplant in a brain-dead patient in 2021, said both methods are likely to enter clinical trials "probably by this time next year, or even sooner." "This is a watershed moment for the future of transplantation," said Kevin Longino, head of the National Kidney Foundation. The nonprofit's polling shows that patients and families favor faster clinical trial progress, believing the risk of inaction outweighs the uncertainties of xenotransplantation. Looney was discharged on December 6 to a nearby New York City apartment. Though her high antibody levels remain a concern, doctors are monitoring her closely using wearable technology and are trying a novel drug regimen to prevent rejection. Periodic hospital visits may still be required, but the team remains optimistic she can return home in three months. AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSEJoe Mazzulla reveals blunt view on upcoming tough Celtics schedule

AP News Summary at 1:06 p.m. EST

The performance of the 6-time Champions League winner in recent matches has been nothing short of awe-inspiring, leaving fans and pundits alike singing their praises. Their flawless execution, unwavering determination, and sheer talent on the pitch have set them apart as a force to be reckoned with in European football.joannagaines/Instagram (2) is sharing the Christmas spirit! On Wednesday, Dec. 25, the HGTV star, 46, shared an of her festive decorations inside and outside her Texas farmhouse. " 'Twas the night before Christmas," she wrote in the caption. joannagaines/Instagram The video is set to the sound of reading the iconic poem mentioned in the caption — written by Clement Clarke Moore. The reading is featured on the album. Related: Gaines begins her video with a pan of the outside of her house, the roof of which is neatly decorated with white string lights. The clip also shows Christmas trees and a wreath lining the path to the door. joannagaines/Instagram She followed the outdoor clip with videos of the holiday decor inside her house, which included an abundance of wintery cabins, greenery along the banister of her staircase, and a checkerboard with two deer. Gaines hung stockings on her brick fireplace, decorated with a bundle of greenery and a garland of dried orange slices in Gaines' videos. joannagaines/Instagram The video also shows other decorative items, such as Gaines' DIY red and green gingham wall divider, a Christmas tree covered in elegant mushroom ornaments, and wreath-adorned several doors. Related: The Magnolia co-founder also shared a video of her holiday eats, including a clip with a countertop covered in flour, a bowl with rising dough, and a cake stand covered with macaroons. joannagaines/Instagram Gaines recently spoke with PEOPLE about her , in which she said her family’s holiday traditions are changing now that her kids are going off to college. She and her husband , 50, have five children: sons Drake, 19, Duke, 16, and Crew, 6, and daughters Ella, 18, and Emmie, 14. Dan Steinberg/Invision for the Television Academy/AP "As they're getting older, Christmas day looks slower than it used to," Gaines told PEOPLE. "We stay in our pajamas all day long, and someone usually pulls out a puzzle or board game that we all gather around." The co-host added that the Christmas holiday tends to be more "spontaneous" these days. "We make hot cocoa and drive around town to look at lights with Christmas music playing in the background," she said. However, Gaines said her family's holiday still revolves "around food." "The kids know that Christmas morning means mama's cinnamon rolls and hash brown casserole," she shared. Read the original article onCongratulations to the Honda rider for a stellar performance and a well-deserved championship win in the liter class. As the ARRC season draws to a close, the spirit of competition, sportsmanship, and passion for motorcycle racing will continue to inspire riders and fans alike, driving the sport to new heights of excellence and excitement.UCF, LSU face off with improved focus in mind

Title: Rediscovering Joy in Beijing: António's Journey back to PortugalIn terms of specific policy recommendations, participants proposed measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises, boost domestic consumption, and enhance the efficiency of resource allocation. They also highlighted the importance of investing in education, healthcare, and social welfare to ensure a more inclusive and equitable society.