Why Takeda (TAK) Is One of the Most Profitable Pharmaceutical Stocks Right Now?Host Hotels & Resorts Announces Fourth Quarter Dividend and Special Dividend on Common Stock

(The Center Square) – The U.S. Government Accountability Office says leadership is needed to fully define quantum threat mitigation strategy. A new report released by the agency emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive federal leadership to address the emerging cybersecurity risks posed by quantum computing, warning that without prompt and coordinated action, adversarial nations might exploit quantum technology to undermine national security. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

CINCINNATI , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP ) has promoted Matthew Hijuelos to vice president of distribution, effective Jan. 1 . He will oversee the team responsible for managing distribution across numerous Scripps platforms – including cable, satellite and virtual carriers as well as multicast spectrum. Hijuelos currently serves as senior director of media distribution for Scripps and is responsible for the strategy, development and execution of multiplatform distribution and monetization partnerships across Scripps' national networks, local TV stations, sports and original programming. In this role, he has led Scripps' streaming distribution efforts and has helped grow the company's annual connected TV advertising revenue. "Matt is a respected media and business leader with a track record for successfully managing complex distribution negotiations," said Jason Combs , Scripps chief financial officer. "His experience, extensive industry relationships and understanding of our business make him the right person to lead our distribution team." Hijuelos has been with Scripps since 2021. He joined the company as part of its acquisition of ION, where he served as vice president of business distribution, leading OTT strategy, partnerships, technology, monetization and analytics for the ION networks. He previously spent nearly 20 years with Akamai Technologies, the cloud computing company, where he held several leadership positions focused on business development. Hijuelos began his career as a business analyst at JP Morgan and also worked as a management consultant for KPMG. He has a bachelor's of business administration degree from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Hijuelos, based in New York , replaces Robin Davis , who is retiring from Scripps at the end of the year. Media contact: Becca McCarter , (513) 410-2425, [email protected] About Scripps The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP ) is a diversified media company focused on creating a better-informed world. As one of the nation's largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations in 40+ markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with national news outlets Scripps News and Court TV and popular entertainment brands ION, ION Plus, ION Mystery, Bounce, Grit and Laff. Scripps is the nation's largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee . Founded in 1878, Scripps' long-time motto is: "Give light and the people will find their own way." Scripps in the news Scripps press releases SOURCE The E.W. Scripps Company

124 Dems oppose historically bipartisan defense bill over restrictions on transgender treatments for minorsHegseth meets with moderate Sen. Collins as he lobbies for key votes in the Senate

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In an initiative poised to transform healthcare management, IKS Health has announced a strategic partnership with Western Washington Medical Group (WWMG), a leading multi-specialty healthcare organization in Washington State. The partnership is designed to streamline revenue cycle processes, thus enabling WWMG to concentrate more on patient care and reduce administrative demands. With IKS Health's expertise and advanced technological solutions, WWMG aims to elevate patient access and the overall patient experience. The collaboration signifies a pivotal step in optimizing care delivery, ensuring healthcare practitioners can dedicate more resources and time directly to patient interactions. Dr. David Russian, CEO of WWMG, emphasized that this alliance will significantly enhance their revenue operations and patient care outreach. Sachin K. Gupta, CEO of IKS Health, stated that they are committed to providing tailored solutions that empower healthcare organizations to meet modern operational challenges sustainably while retaining their independence. (With inputs from agencies.)None

WASHINGTON — The House passed a $895 billion measure Wednesday that authorizes a 1% increase in defense spending this fiscal year and would give a double-digit pay raise to about half of the enlisted service members in the military. The bill is traditionally strongly bipartisan, but some Democratic lawmakers opposed the inclusion of a ban on transgender medical treatments for children of military members if such treatment could result in sterilization. The bill passed by a vote of 281-140 and next moves to the Senate, where lawmakers sought a bigger boost in defense spending than the current measure allows. The Pentagon and the surrounding area is seen Jan. 26, 2020, from the air in Washington. Lawmakers are touting the bill's 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% increase for others as key to improving the quality of life for those serving in the U.S. military. Those serving as junior enlisted personnel are in pay grades that generally track with their first enlistment term. Lawmakers said service member pay failed to remain competitive with the private sector, forcing many military families to rely on food banks and government assistance programs to put food on the table. The bill also provides significant new resources for child care and housing. "No service member should have to live in squalid conditions and no military family should have to rely on food stamps to feed their children, but that's exactly what many of our service members are experiencing, especially the junior enlisted," said Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. "This bill goes a long way to fixing that." The bill sets key Pentagon policy that lawmakers will attempt to fund through a follow-up appropriations bill. The overall spending tracks the numbers established in a 2023 agreement that then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., reached with President Joe Biden to increase the nation's borrowing authority and avoid a federal default in exchange for spending restraints. Many senators wanted to increase defense spending about $25 billion above what was called for in that agreement, but those efforts failed. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who is expected to serve as the next chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the overall spending level was a "tremendous loss for our national defense," though he agreed with many provisions in the bill. "We need to make a generational investment to deter the Axis of Aggressors. I will not cease work with my congressional colleagues, the Trump administration, and others until we achieve it," Wicker said. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., speaks with reporters Nov. 21 on Capitol Hill in Washington. House Republicans don't want to go above the McCarthy-Biden agreement for defense spending and are looking to go way below it for many nondefense programs. They are also focused on cultural issues. The bill prohibits funding for teaching critical race theory in the military and prohibits TRICARE health plans from covering gender dysphoria treatment for children under 18 if that treatment could result in sterilization. Rep. Adam Smith of Washington state, the ranking Democratic member of the House Armed Services Committee, said minors dealing with gender dysphoria is a "very real problem." He said the treatments available, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy, proved effective at helping young people dealing with suicidal thoughts, anxiety and depression. "These treatments changed their lives and in many cases saved their lives," Smith said. "And in this bill, we decided we're going to bar service members' children from having access to that." Smith said the number of minors in service member families receiving transgender medical care extends into the thousands. He could have supported a study asking medical experts to determine whether such treatments are too often used, but a ban on health insurance coverage went too far. He said Speaker Mike Johnson's office insisted on the ban and said the provision "taints an otherwise excellent piece of legislation." Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, called the ban a step in the right direction, saying, "I think these questions need to be pulled out of the debate of defense, so we can get back to the business of defending the United States of America without having to deal with social engineering debates." Smith said he agrees with Roy that lawmakers should be focused on the military and not on cultural conflicts, "and yet, here it is in this bill." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., responds to reporters Dec. 6 during his weekly news conference at the Capitol in Washington. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, said his team did not tell Democrats how to vote on the bill. "There's a lot of positive things in the National Defense Authorization Act that were negotiated in a bipartisan way, and there are some troubling provisions in a few areas as well," Jeffries said. The defense policy bill also looks to strengthen deterrence against China. It calls for investing $15.6 billion to build military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The Biden administration requested about $10 billion. On Israel, the bill, among other things, includes an expansion of U.S. joint military exercises with Israel and a prohibition on the Pentagon citing casualty data from Hamas. The defense policy bill is one of the final measures that lawmakers view as a must-pass before making way for a new Congress in January. Rising threats from debt collectors against members of the U.S. armed forces are undermining national security, according to data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a federal watchdog that protects consumer rights. To manage the impact of financial stress on individual performance, the Defense Department dedicates precious resources to improving financial literacy, so service members know the dangers of notorious no-credit-check loans. “The financial well-being of service members and their families is one of the Department’s top priorities,” said Andrew Cohen, the director of financial readiness in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon. But debt collectors are gaining ground. Last quarter, debt collection complaints by U.S. military service members increased 24% , and attempts to collect on “debts not owed” surged 40%. Complaints by service members against debt collectors for deceptive practices ballooned from 1,360 in the fourth quarter of 2023 to 1,833 in the first quarter of 2024. “There’s a connection between the financial readiness and the readiness of a service member to perform their duty,” said Jim Rice, Assistant Director, Office of Servicemember Affairs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Laws exist to protect the mission readiness of U.S. troops from being compromised by threats and intimidation, but debt collectors appear to be violating them at an alarming pace. “If they’re threatening to call your commander or get your security clearance revoked, that’s illegal,” says Deborah Olvera, financial readiness manager at Wounded Warriors Project, and a military spouse who’s been harassed herself by a collection agency that tried to extort money from her for a debt she didn’t owe. But after she requested the name of the original creditor, she never heard from them again. “The financial well-being of service members and their families is one of the Department’s top priorities.” —Andrew Cohen, Director of Financial Readiness at the Pentagon Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, it’s illegal for debt collectors to threaten to contact your boss or have you arrested because it violates your financial privacy. The FDCPA also prohibits debt collectors from making false, deceptive, or misleading representations in connection with the collection of a debt, even for borrowers with bad credit scores. But according to the data, debt collectors are increasingly ignoring those rules. “Debt collection continues to be one of the top consumer complaint categories,” said a spokesperson at the Federal Trade Commission. The commission released a report earlier this year revealing that consumers were scammed $10 billion in 2023, a new benchmark for fraud losses. In his book Debt: The First 5,000 Years, David Graeber argues that debt often creates a relationship that can feel more oppressive than systems of hierarchy, like slavery or caste systems because it starts by presuming equality between the debtor and the creditor. When the debtor falls into arrears, that equality is then destroyed. This sense of betrayal and the subsequent imbalance of power leads to widespread resentment toward lenders. Photo Credit: Olena Yakobchuk / Shutterstock The debt collector reportedly harassing military service members most was Resurgent Capital Services, a subsidiary of collection giant Sherman Financial Group. The company tacks on accrued interest and junk fees and tries to collect on debts purchased for pennies on the dollar from cable companies, hospitals, and credit card companies, among others. Sherman Financial Group is run by billionaire Benjamin Navarro, who has a reported net worth of $1.5 billion, according to Forbes. Sherman Financial also owns subprime lender Credit One Bank and LVNV Funding, which outsource collections to Resurgent Capital. According to CFPB data, the second worst offender is CL Holdings, the parent company of debt-buyer Jefferson Capital Systems. The company has also been named in numerous complaints to the Better Business Bureau for alleged violations of the FDCPA, such as failing to properly validate debts or update credit reports with accurate information. Under the leadership of CEO David Burton, Jefferson Capital Systems is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CompuCredit Corporation, which markets subprime credit cards under the names Aspire, Majestic, and others. The third most referenced debt collector is publicly traded Portfolio Recovery Associates [NASDAQ: PRAA], which was forced to pay $27 million in penalties for making false representations about debts, initiating lawsuits without proper documentation, and other violations. Portfolio Recovery Associates is run by CEO Vikram Atal. Fourth place for alleged worst offender goes to Encore Capital Group [NASDAQ ECPG], which was required to pay $42 million in consumer refunds and a $10 million penalty for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Encore collects under its subsidiary Midland Credit Management Group. These debt collectors all operate under a veritable shell game of company and brand names, almost none of which are disclosed on their websites, sending consumers on a wild goose chase to try and figure out how they’re related to each other. But despite their attempts to hide their tracks behind a smoke screen of subsidiaries, a leopard can’t change its spots, and the CFPB complaint database makes it harder for them to try. Photo Credit: Bumble Dee / Shutterstock Although widely considered a consumer-friendly state, complaints spiked most in California, which saw a 188% increase in complaints filed from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. California is home to 157,367 military personnel, making it the most populous state for active-duty service members. The second-largest increase in debt collection complaints was in Texas, which saw a 66% jump from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. The U.S. Department of Defense reports 111,005 service members stationed in the Lone Star State, which is the third-most populous state for active-duty military. The rising trends do not correlate to the number of military personnel by state. Complaints against debt collectors in Virginia, the second most populous state with 126,145 active duty personnel, decreased by 29% in the same quarter-over-quarter period. And complaints filed quarter-over-quarter in North Carolina, the fifth most populous state with 91,077 military personnel, decreased by 3% in the same period. The third largest percentage increase in debt collection complaints was from service members stationed in Maryland, where alleged harassment reports jumped 112% from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. Maryland ranks number 12 with just 28,059 active duty service members. Fourth place goes to Ohio – the 28th most populous active-duty state – where complaints doubled, followed by Arizona – the 15th most populous military state – where complaints were up 70% in the same quarter-over-quarter period. Photo Credit: PeopleImages.com - Yuri A / Shutterstock In 2007, Congress passed the Military Lending Act to cap the cost of credit to a 36% annual percentage rate, inclusive of junk fees and late charges, for active duty military service members. That rate is still considerably higher than average credit card rates, which range from 8% for borrowers with excellent credit scores to as high as 36% for borrowers with bad credit. But lenders still get hauled into court for violating the MLA. Don Hankey, the billionaire subprime auto lender who funded Donald Trump’s $175 million appeal bond , is among those violators. His company, Westlake Financial, which markets high-interest car loans for bad credit, has been sued twice by the Department of Justice for harassing military service members. In 2017, the DoJ alleged Hankey’s Westlake Financial illegally repossessed at least 70 vehicles owned by military service members. Westlake Financial paid $700,000 to settle the charges. In 2022, Westlake Financial paid $250,000 for allegedly cheating U.S. troops out of interest rates they were legally entitled to. Westlake Financial continues to receive complaints from military service members alleging abusive debt collection practices on its no-credit-check loans. A steady year-over-year increase in the number of complaints filed against Westlake Financial continued from 2020 to 2023. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau data shows a 13% increase in the number of complaints against the company from 2020 to 2021, a 28% increase from 2021 to 2022, and a torrential 119% surge from 2022 to 2023. The numbers suggest systemic complaint-handling processes and inadequate customer service resources. Photo Credit: Cynthia Shirk / Shutterstock On May 16, 2024, a deceptively named predatory lending industry front group dubbed the Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSA) lost a legal attempt to defund the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. In an effort to deprive Americans of essential consumer protections, the lobby group argued that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s funding structure was unconstitutional. But the Supreme Court denied its claim. In a 7-2 ruling, the Court held that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s funding structure is indeed constitutional. That means the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau cannot be defunded, but it does not mean the agency cannot be defanged. The New York Times suggested that Hankey’s incentive to finance Trump’s $175 million bond could have been a reciprocity pledge to neuter the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau if Trump wins the upcoming U.S. presidential election. If Trump wins a second term, he could replace Consumer Financial Protection Bureau director Rohit Chopra, an American consumer advocate, with a predatory lending advocate. In 2020, the Trump Administration secured a Supreme Court ruling that made it easier for the president to fire the head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The ruling struck down previous restrictions on when a president can fire the bureau’s director. Like other federal agencies, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has also been confronted for overstepping its bounds, pushing too far, and acting unfairly against entities it regulates. Photo Credit: Lux Blue / Shutterstock Seasonality and rising interest rates do not explain the increase in debt collection complaints from service members. The surge in complaints is not tied to predictable seasonal fluctuations or changes in interest rates. The increase in debt collection complaints by service members may point to underlying systemic issues, such as aggressive and predatory debt collection practices that exploit the unique financial vulnerabilities of service members, who face frequent relocations and deployments. Debt Complaints by Service Members The 24% spike in debt collection complaints exhibits no correlation to fluctuations in interest rates. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Pandemic stimulus checks were also not a factor. COVID-19 relief benefit checks went through three major rounds during the pandemic. The final round of Economic Impact Payments went out in March 2021 . To better understand the rising trend of debt collection complaints, we calculated the increase in the total number of complaints and the percentage increase quarter-over-quarter. For example, New Jersey has the second largest percentage increase in complaints quarter-over-quarter, but the total number of complaints increased by just 16. The data for this study was sourced from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) complaint database. The dataset specifically targeted complaints filed by U.S. military service members, identified using the tag “Servicemember” within Q4 2023 and Q1 2024. Readers can find the detailed research methodology underlying this news story in the accompanying section here . For complete results, see U.S. Troops Face Mounting Threats from Predatory Debt Collectors on BadCredit.org . Homelessness reached record levels in 2023, as rents and home prices continued to rise in most of the U.S. One group was particularly impacted: people who have served in the U.S. military. "This time last year, we knew the nation was facing a deadly public health crisis," Jeff Olivet, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, said in a statement about the 2023 numbers. He said the latest homelessness estimates from the Department of Housing and Urban Development "confirms the depth of the crisis." At least 35,000 veterans were experiencing homelessness in 2023, according to HUD. While that's about half of what it was in 2009—when the organization began collecting data—things have plateaued in recent years despite active efforts to get that number to zero. Although they make up just 6.6% of the total homeless population, veterans are more likely to be at risk of homelessness than Americans overall. Of every 10,000 Americans, 20 were experiencing homelessness. Of veterans living in the United States, that number jumps to 22, HUD data shows. Complicated by bureaucracy, family dynamics, and prejudice, the path from serving in the military to homelessness is a long one. According to a 2022 study by Yale School of Medicine researchers, homelessness typically occurs within four years of leaving the military, as veterans must contend with the harsh reality of finding a job in a world where employers struggle to see how skills on the battlefield transfer to a corporate environment. These days, veterans also deal with historically high rent and home prices, which causes many to rely on family generosity while figuring out a game plan. Stacker examined academic studies, analyzed government data, and spoke with members of the Biden administration, experts, and former members of the armed forces to see the struggles members of the military face when leaving the armed forces. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers transition assistance to the roughly 250,000 service members who leave each year. However, those programs can be burdensome and complex to navigate, especially for those who don't have a plan for post-military life. Only a small portion of veterans have jobs lined up when they leave, according to 2019 Pew Research. Many also choose to live with relatives until they get on their feet, which can be longer than anticipated. Some former service members are unsure what kind of career they'd like to pursue and may have to get further education or training, Carl Castro, director of the Military and Veteran Programs at the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California, told Stacker. "It takes years for that kind of transition," Castro said. Many have trouble finding a job after leaving the service, even if they are qualified. Some employers carry misconceptions about those who have served. A 2020 analysis from the journal Human Resource Management Review found that some veterans face hiring discrimination due to negative stereotypes that lead hiring managers to write them off as a poor culture fit. Underemployment, or working low-wage jobs below their skill level, is also an issue. While the unemployment rate for veterans was 3% in March 2024, a study released by Penn State at the end of 2023 found three years after leaving the service, 61% of veterans said they were underemployed because of perceived skill mismatches . This phenomenon can have long-term economic effects, and eventually, that frustration can boil over, strain relationships, and potentially lead to housing instability. Working, especially a low-wage job, is not protection against homelessness. A 2021 study from the University of Chicago found half of people living in homeless shelters and 2 in 5 unsheltered people were employed, full or part-time. For veterans, housing costs certainly play a role, but those who leave the military also face systemic barriers. "It's worrying there are people that continue to fall through the cracks," said Jeanette Yih Harvie, a research associate at Syracuse University's D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families. Just under a quarter of adults experiencing homelessness have a severe mental illness , according to 2022 HUD survey data. They are also likely to have chronic illnesses but are unable to maintain preventative care, which only exacerbates these problems. Veterans facing homelessness are more likely to have experienced trauma , either before or after joining the military, according to Yale researchers who analyzed the 2019-2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. Childhood trauma was among the most significant commonalities among vets who become homeless. Substance use disorder is also widespread and can indicate an undiagnosed mental illness . Racial and ethnic disparities are at play, too. A 2023 study in the Journal of Psychiatric Research showed that Hispanic and Black veterans were more likely to screen positive for PTSD, and Hispanic veterans were more likely to report having suicidal ideation. Overall, access to mental health care has improved in the last decade or so. In December 2023, the VA announced it would open nine additional counseling centers. However, the stigma of getting help remains, especially after years of being conditioned to be self-reliant and pull oneself up by their bootstraps. That help, in the form of public policy, is slowly working to catch up to the need. In 2023, the Biden administration invested millions into research programs and studies on suicide prevention by the VA office in addition to a proposed $16 billion to improve quality and lower-cost mental health care services for veterans. And, in February of this year, HUD and the VA announced they would give up to $14 million in vouchers to public housing agencies for veterans experiencing homelessness. The program would also offer case management and other services. Still, with a culture that pushes people to keep going, it can be challenging for servicemembers to take advantage of these opportunities, Harvie said. "When you've been doing that for the last 15 or 20 years, it's difficult to stop and say, 'I'm the person that needs help.'" Story editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is eager to play again after spending the team's bye week thinking about a recent loss to the Eagles.

eBook Market: Comprehensive Analysis of Top Global Companies, Business Insights, Emerging Opportunities, Regional Overview, Strategic Approaches, and Size Forecast Through 2031Guwahati: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), under the aegis of the ministry of science and technology and the ministry of earth sciences, on Saturday inaugurated the 10th edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF) at IIT-Guwahati. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union minister of state for science & technology Jitendra Singh and Meghalaya’s CM Conrad Sangma were present during the inauguration ceremony. Arunachal Pradesh minister Dasanglu Pul and Assam’s minister for science & technology Keshab Mahanta too attended the event. The event is being organised with Vijnana Bharathi, with CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, serving as the nodal institute. The fest, which will conclude on December 3, is expected to host more than 8,000 delegates, researchers and prominent scientific organisations, alongside 10,000 students from educational institutions, encouraging cross-disciplinary partnerships. “This festival would not be possible without the unwavering support of the Honorable PM. IISF stands as a grand celebration of scientific innovation and collaboration, featuring numerous innovations catering to a diverse audience. It showcases India’s remarkable achievements, such as Chandrayaan-2 , and includes a science expo that highlights cutting-edge research and technology,” said Sarma. We also published the following articles recently Sarma, Conrad inaugurates IISF at IIT-Guwahati The 10th India International Science Festival (IISF) was inaugurated at IIT-Guwahati by CSIR, under the ministries of science & technology and earth sciences. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union minister Jitendra Singh, and Meghalaya's CM Conrad Sangma attended. The event, organized with Vijnana Bharathi, aims to showcase scientific achievements and innovations, highlighting initiatives like Chandrayaan-2. IIT Guwahati to host Indias largest science festival from November 30 India International Science Festival (IISF) 2024 will be held at IIT Guwahati from November 30 to December 4. This event, themed 'Transforming India into an S&T driven Global Manufacturing Hub', aims to promote India's scientific achievements and foster collaboration. Hosted by CSIR, it will feature various thematic events to engage both scientific professionals and the general public. Science of Gemstone Vibrations: Exploring Crystals from a Scientific Perspective Gemstones and crystals are admired for their beauty and believed to have healing powers. Crystals can vibrate in precise frequencies due to their atomic structure, a property useful in technology. While scientific proof about their health benefits is limited, belief in their effects can lead to mood improvement or stress reduction, demonstrating the placebo effect.

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Littler, who won the Grand Slam of Darts last week, hit checkouts of 170, 164 and 136 as he threatened to overturn an early deficit, but Humphries held his nerve to win the last three legs. “I’m really, really proud of that one to be honest,” Humphries told Sky Sports. FOR THE SECOND TIME 🏆🏆 Luke Humphries retains his 2024 Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals title, beating Luke Littler 11-7 in the final. pic.twitter.com/QUhxvSbGeu — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) November 24, 2024 “I didn’t feel myself this week playing-wise, I felt like I was a dart behind in a lot of the scenarios but there’s something that Luke does to you. He really drives me, makes me want to be a better player and I enjoy playing him. “He let me in really early in that first session to go 4-1 up, I never looked back and I’m proud that I didn’t take my foot off the gas. These big games are what I live for. “Luke is a special talent and he was right – I said to him I’ve got to get these (titles) early before he wins them all. “I’d love to be up here and hitting 105 averages like Luke is all the time but he’s a different calibre, he’s probably the best player in the world right now but there’s something about me that never gives up. “This is a great way to go into the worlds.” HUMPHRIES GOES BACK-TO-BACK! 🏆 Luke Humphries retains his Players Championship Finals title! Cool Hand puts on an absolute clinic to defeat Luke Littler 11-7 in an epic final! 📺 https://t.co/AmuG0PMn18 #PCF2024 | Final pic.twitter.com/nZDWPUVjWE — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) November 24, 2024 Littler, who lost the world championship final to Humphries last year, said: “It was tough, missed a few doubles and if you don’t take chances early on, it’s a lot to come back. “I hit the 170 and the 164 but just didn’t have enough in the end. “It’s been a good past two weeks. I just can’t wait to go home, chill out, obviously practice at home for the worlds. That’s it now, leading up to the big one.”It’s...... time! Time to decorate your Christmas tree , bake some gingerbread cookies, and of course, welcome a special Elf on the Shelf into your home. Whether you’re adding another Scout Elf to your family this winter, or you’re completely new to the Elf game, it’s important to know the dos and don’ts that come along with having one of Santa’s adorable helpers under your roof. That’s why we compiled a list of the most important Elf on the Shelf rules so you won’t have any trouble adjusting to your holiday houseguest. From details surrounding the date your Elf will arrive, to hiding spots you may find them in, to info on what your Elf’s job is while he or she is there, and what rule you must NEVER break—there are so many things you need to be aware of. So, make sure you check the list twice and don’t skip over anything. If you do, it could result in your Elf losing their powers, and you definitely don’t want that to happen. Related: 50 Best Elf on the Shelf Memes to Crack You Up This Holiday Season 11 Elf on the Shelf Rules Every Parent Should Know Keep reading to see the 11 rules every parent should know about Elf on the Shelf and get red-y to join in on the fun! Trust us, having an Elf running around your place this year may take a little bit of adjusting, but it will make your Christmas more magical and memorable than it’s ever been. 1. There’s No Set Date for Your Elf to Appear Just because your child’s friend has an Elf who made their way down from the North Pole on a certain day, doesn’t mean yours will show up on that same day, too. In fact, an Elf can make their first appearance whenever they want to. (Well, within a certain period that is.) According to the Official Elf on the Shelf website , "Elf Return Week" is between November 24 to December 1, so your kiddos should expect them to arrive around then. However, sometimes, Elves will come before or after those dates as well. So, if yours is "fashionably late," don't worry—it’s completely normal. Just remember that no matter when they decide to drop in—it’ll usually be done in a big and extravagant way to ensure everyone is aware that they are there. Related: Incoming! 'Elf on the Shelf' Is Coming Back, and Here Are the 42 Best Arrival Ideas 2. He/She Needs a Name Once your Scout Elf arrives, he or she needs a name, otherwise, they won’t be granted their magic. When choosing a name, don’t just pick anything. Make sure it’s as cute, mischievous and fun as they are. You can draw inspiration from holiday treats, a Christmas movie or come up with a moniker that has a winter and whimsical vibe. Something like Twinkle, Sugarplum, Buddy or Snowy are a few of our favorites. However, there are endless possibilities! So gather your family and cast your votes so your Elf gets a name you all love. Related: We've Made Our List and Checked It Twice—120 of the Best Elf on the Shelf Names 3. Elves Must Constantly Move Around Your Home When your Scout Elf comes down from the North Pole, don’t be alarmed if you have to hunt around for them. They have playful personalities (and sometimes can even be a little naughty), so they like to wander around your home and pop up in different rooms each day. And since there are no rules on where they can or can’t appear, it means there is no nook or cranny that is off-limits. Your kiddos may find them building an igloo in the freezer, swinging from your dining room’s chandelier, stringing ribbons from wall to wall in a hallway, making a snow angel in flour on your kitchen table , hiding out in a Christmas stocking, or even taking Barbie’s pink convertible for a ride. The possibilities are endless! 4. Elves Can’t Move During the Day It’s important to know that Elves don’t move from place to place in your house throughout the day. There’s only one time when they’re allowed to move: at night. So if the sun is still shining and your kids are still awake, your Elf will patiently wait until your littles go to bed to switch up their location. Why? Elves never want to move if there’s a possibility a little kid can catch them doing so. During the day, they stay still and carefully watch how every kid in your house behaves. 5. Each Night Elves Report Back to Santa Every night, when your kids are fast asleep, your family’s Elf reports back to Santa. That’s why your kids will want to make sure they are being extra good during the day, so they stay on the nice list. 6. Elves Can Only Move at Night When your Elf returns at night after reporting to Santa, they don’t like being in the spot they previously were. Instead, they like finding entirely new hiding places. 7. Elves Always Have a Good Reason if They Don’t Move If your child wakes up and notices that your family Elf seems to be in the same spot they were in the day before, let them know that there are several reasons why that might be. It could be because your Elf ate way too many cookies when they went back to the North Pole and when they flew back, they instantly fell asleep in the same spot. Another reason may be that your Elf wanted to play a trick on everyone. They knew you would look for them everywhere else in your house first, so they thought it’d be funny if they just stayed put to see how long it’d take you to find them. Or, it could be because when your Elf was reporting to Santa, they might have also had to complete some special tasks there that took longer than they expected, which meant they didn’t have enough time when they returned to surprise everyone with their new hiding location. Related: 50 Elf Jokes for Kids To Make You Laugh and Appreciate Santa's Little Helpers This Christmas 8. Elves Cannot Be Touched Among all the Elf rules, this one is considered to be the most important one. Why? Elves are very fragile and sensitive to touch. Therefore, if someone touches them, it causes them to lose their magical powers, which means they can no longer communicate with Santa. There’s only one exception to the rule. Parents can touch them when they help their Elf move to a new hiding location. Otherwise, it’s a big no-no. So, even if there’s an Elf emergency and you or your child feels the urge to grab your Elf, don’t do it. Instead, if something happens, like your Elf falls onto the ground or your pet gets hold of them, resist grabbing your Elf with your bare hands. In those cases, you need to get creative and use something like a potholder or tongs to rescue your Elf with. 9. An Elf’s Magical Powers Can Be Restored Try not to panic if someone in your family accidentally touches your Elf. The good news is, their powers won’t be gone forever if you do one of these three things: 1. Contact Santa Getting in touch with Santa is the first way an Elf’s magic can be restored. And while that may sound difficult, it’s actually not as hard as you might think. Just grab a pen and paper and write him an apology note saying sorry for accidentally touching your Elf. Then by the next day, your Elf will have regained their Christmas magic. 2. Use Cinnamon This way may be messy, but it’ll work! If you have cinnamon in your cabinet, sprinkle some next to your Elf. The spice acts like a vitamin for Elves and will give him or her the strength to make it back to the North Pole, so Elf doctors can tend to them. The next day, your Elf will return to your home completely healthy and full of magic. 3. Sing The last way you can get your Elf’s magic back is by singing them a Christmas carol . By the time you hit your last note, you and your family will have created enough Christmas cheer for your Elf to recover its magic. 10. Elves Cannot Talk to Humans While Elves love visiting your home each year, one rule they must follow is to never speak to humans. So tell your children not to take it personally if your family’s Elf is extra quiet when they ask them a question or tell them what you want for Christmas. Just know that Elves enjoy listening to you, even though they don’t ever reply, and that they make sure to pass along any gift ideas to Santa that someone tells them. 11. Elves Must Leave on Christmas Eve On December 24, before the clock strikes midnight, your Elf has to return to the North Pole. By that time, they have already let Santa know which kids belong on the nice list and which ones belong on the naughty list, as well as what presents everyone in your house has asked for, so their job is basically done. That’s why all Elves are required to fly back to the North Pole on that date each year. Up Next: Related: 85 Creative Elf on the Shelf Ideas To Get You Through the Holiday SeasonWASHINGTON — Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Defense Department, said he had a “wonderful conversation” with Maine Sen. Susan Collins on Wednesday as he pushed to win enough votes for confirmation. He said he will not back down after allegations of excessive drinking and sexual misconduct. Related Articles National Politics | Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell. It’ll be a first for him National Politics | The Trump and Biden teams insist they’re working hand in glove on foreign crises National Politics | ‘You don’t know what’s next.’ International students scramble ahead of Trump inauguration National Politics | Trump is threatening to raise tariffs again. Here’s how China plans to fight back National Politics | Trump won’t be able to save the struggling US beef industry Collins said after the hourlong meeting that she questioned Hegseth about the allegations amid reports of drinking and the revelation that he made a settlement payment after being accused of a sexual assault that he denies. She said she had a “good, substantive” discussion with Hegseth and “covered a wide range of topics,” including sexual assault in the military, Ukraine and NATO. But she said she would wait until a hearing, and notably a background check, to make a decision. “I asked virtually every question under the sun,” Collins told reporters as she left her office after the meeting. “I pressed him both on his position on military issues as well as the allegations against him, so I don’t think there was anything that we did not cover.” The meeting with Collins was closely watched as she is seen as more likely than most of her Republican Senate colleagues to vote against some of Trump’s Cabinet picks. She and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a fellow moderate Republican, did not shy from opposing Trump in his first term when they wanted to do so and sometimes supported President Joe Biden’s nominees for the judicial and executive branches. And Hegseth, an infantry combat veteran and former “Fox & Friends” weekend host, is working to gain as many votes as he can as some senators have expressed concerns about his personal history and lack of management experience. “I’m certainly not going to assume anything about where the senator stands,” Hegseth said as he left Collins’ office. “This is a process that we respect and appreciate. And we hope, in time, overall, when we get through that committee and to the floor that we can earn her support.” Hegseth met with Murkowski on Tuesday. He has also been meeting repeatedly with Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, a military veteran who has said she is a survivor of sexual assault and has spent time in the Senate working on improving how attacks are reported and prosecuted within the ranks. On Monday, Ernst said after a meeting with him that he had committed to selecting a senior official to prioritize those goals. Republicans will have a 53-49 majority next year, meaning Trump cannot lose more than three votes on any of his nominees. It is so far unclear whether Hegseth will have enough support, but Trump has stepped up his pressure on senators in the last week. “Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!” Trump posted on his social media platform last week.