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.”By Political Reporter- The state media released the title of Auxillia Mnangagwa, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Tourism and Hospitality Management thesis title, after pressure from the public. Auxilia got the PhD on Thursday at Midlands State University (MSU), which she was given by his husband, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who serves as the Chancellor of all state universities. The thesis, titled has ignited widespread criticism and comparisons to the notorious PhD scandal involving Grace Mugabe. Critics have questioned the legitimacy of Auxillia’s academic credentials, noting the absence of public records indicating her completion of a bachelor’s degree—a fundamental requirement for postgraduate studies. The episode evokes memories of 2014 when the University of Zimbabwe controversially awarded former First Lady Grace Mugabe a PhD in Sociology. That degree became synonymous with academic fraud after her dissertation was found missing from university archives. Many viewed the move as a ploy to bolster her political image. Similarly, Auxillia’s PhD has drawn sharp scrutiny. While state media claims she holds a degree from Switzerland and a master’s degree from MSU, critics dismiss these as a convenient cover for nepotism. The timing and circumstances of her academic achievement have fueled suspicions of political influence, with detractors labelling it a calculated propaganda stunt rather than a legitimate scholarly accomplishment. Observers have expressed concerns about the deep politicization of Zimbabwe’s academic institutions. Under Mnangagwa’s leadership, state universities have been accused of prioritizing loyalty over merit, using degrees as tools to reward political allies and enhance public profiles. Auxillia’s PhD overshadowed other significant achievements at the ceremony, including that of renowned artist Albert Nyathi, who earned a Master of Philosophy in Ethnomusicology. Instead of celebrating academic milestones, discussions were dominated by the First Lady’s controversial accolade. This latest scandal has further eroded confidence in Zimbabwe’s higher education system, with citizens questioning the integrity of academic processes. Critics argue that such blatant abuses of power undermine the value of genuine academic achievements, leaving the nation’s universities mired in controversy and distrust.

Luke Humphries defeats Luke Littler to retain Players Championship Finals title

At the formal meeting of the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (the “CCC”) on December 17, 2024, the CCC introduced proposed rules to govern cannabis consumption lounges. It has long been understood that, as the adult use cannabis market matured, the CCC would revisit the sparse regulations governing social consumption lounges and develop a licensure process. Below is a summary of the three proposed license types and the draft regulations, which are open for comment from stakeholders until 5 p.m. EST on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Following this initial comment period the proposed regulations will be published to solicit public comment. All capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the proposed Adult-Use Regulations (935 CMR 500.002), which are available here . License Types The following licenses will be exclusively available to Social Equity Businesses, Social Equity Program Participants, Certified Economic Empowerment Priority Applicants, Microbusinesses, and Craft Marijuana Cooperatives for an initial period of 60 months, an extension of the current exclusivity period of 36 months. Key Components of Proposed Regulations The application and renewal fees are as follows: Supplemental: $1,500 / $5,000 Event Organizer: $1,500 / $10,000 Hospitality: $1,000 / $5,000 Similar to other license types issued by the CCC, no person or entity may be in direct or indirect control over more than three licenses in any single category of social consumption establishment licenses. The Non-Cannabis Business hosting a Hospitality Licensee may charge a fee or rent to the Hospitality Licensee, but may not contract for a percentage of sales or profit. Social Consumption Establishments may White Label, Repackage, Transfer, and Waste, Wholesale and Warehouse Finished Marijuana or Marijuana Products acquired from a Marijuana Establishment. The Social Consumption Establishment must separately obtain all licenses, permits, and approvals for food handling and register with the Department of Revenue to remit cannabis related taxes. Event Organizer Licensees are required to enter into a Host Community Agreement (“HCA”) with the municipality where its principal place of business is located. An HCA is not required for Hospitality Licensees. Retailers may sell cannabis products at Temporary Consumption Events, but the Event Organizer Licensee must provide a list of Retailers to the CCC at least fourteen14 days prior to the event.

Luke Humphries defeats Luke Littler to retain Players Championship Finals title

Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus WASHINGTON (AP) — A powerful government panel has failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of a nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel of Japan to purchase U.S. Steel. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States on Monday sent its long-awaited report to President Joe Biden, a longtime opponent of the deal. Some federal agencies represented on the panel were skeptical that allowing a Japanese company to buy an American-owned steelmaker would create national security risks. That's according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. Both Biden and President-elect Donald Trump opposed the merger and vowed to block it. Nippon Steel says it is confident the deal will go ahead. Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Survey: Small businesses are feeling more optimistic about the economy after the election A survey shows small business owners are feeling more optimistic about the economy following the election. The National Federation of Independent Businesses’ Small Business Optimism Index rose by eight points in November to 101.7, its highest reading since June 2021. The Uncertainty Index declined 12 points in November to 98, following October’s pre-election record high of 110. NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said small business owners became more certain about future business conditions following the presidential election, breaking a nearly three-year streak of record high uncertainty. The survey also showed that more owners are also hoping 2025 will be a good time to grow. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by vendor technology in its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. Stock market today: Wall Street rallies ahead of Christmas Stocks closed higher on Wall Street ahead of the Christmas holiday, led by gains in Big Tech stocks. The S&P 500 added 1.1% Tuesday. Trading closed early ahead of the holiday. Tech companies including Apple, Amazon and chip company Broadcom helped pull the market higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.9%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.3%. American Airlines shook off an early loss and ended mostly higher after the airline briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue. Treasury yields held steady in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury was little changed at 4.59% An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a repudiation of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship and a protest against inflation. It came despite low unemployment and steady growth under the Biden administration. What lies ahead for the economy under Trump? Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics spoke recently to The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. American consumers feeling less confident in December, Conference Board says American consumers are feeling less confident in December, a business research group says. The Conference Board said Monday that its consumer confidence index fell back in December to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Consumers had been feeling increasingly confident in recent months. The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. The measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market tumbled more than a dozen points to 81.1. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future. Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week Stocks closed higher on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Honda's U.S.-listed shares rose sharply after the company said it was in talks about a combination with Nissan in a deal that could also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market.A 25-per-cent U.S. tariff on Canadian goods would be “devastating” for the province’s lumber and forestry industries, British Columbia Premier David Eby said Wednesday ahead of a meeting with fellow premiers and the prime minister. Eby participated in the virtual meeting to discuss U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s threat to impose the tariffs unless Canada and Mexico stop illegal border crossings and prevent illicit drugs from entering the United States. After the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said unity among provinces and the federal government is critical at this moment, but a statement from Ontario Premier Doug Ford accused the federal government of being flat footed in the face of Trump’s threat. Eby said before the meeting that the lumber and forestry sectors are already strained by a recent increase in duties amid the ongoing U.S.-Canada dispute over softwood lumber. The tariffs are “unjustified,” and they would hurt Americans as much as they would Canadians, Eby said after the first meeting of his new cabinet in Victoria. “It’s going to result in more-expensive wood for building homes and building things in the United States. (It) doesn’t make any sense,” he said. B.C. is a source of natural gas, wood products, minerals and other products that U.S. businesses depend on, Eby said, and the tariff would hinder jobs and opportunities in the province while making “life more expensive for Americans.” The premier said he believes B.C. has a strong case to make for the tariff being “badly placed” if Trump’s priority is to reduce costs for Americans. The tariffs would be paid by U.S. importers of Canadian products, potentially driving down demand. Eby and officials in Ottawa have called for a united front dealing with Trump’s tariff plan, which the president-elect announced on social media on Monday. Eby said B.C. officials had repeatedly raised concerns with Ottawa over organized crime and illicit drugs, such as fentanyl, in relation to border security. “It’s a priority for us. It has been for a while, we’ve written to Ottawa about it.” But Eby said it “doesn’t justify the tariffs.” The premier said Trump’s tariff plan “doesn’t make economic sense,” and it’s not necessary to address the serious issues at the border. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Quebec Premier François Legault have both said Trump’s concerns about the border are legitimate and need to be addressed. Legault said Wednesday that Ottawa shouldn’t try to deny that there’s a problem and instead present a plan to reassure Trump that Canada’s border is secure. Eby said he believes the premiers are “unified” when it comes to the tariff threat. “There are 13 of us plus the prime minister. It’s a big group of people with different political perspectives, but on this issue of ensuring that we’re protecting the people in our country from these unjustified tariffs, I believe we’re completely in line on that question.” Eby said he planned to meet with business and labour groups in B.C. to discuss the strategy to protect B.C. jobs and families. The premier also said B.C. has to “redouble” its efforts to diversity its trading partners and recalled a trade mission to the Asia Pacific region in 2023. “In Korea, in Japan, Singapore, these are really important relationships for British Columbia, and they will provide some buffer for us in moments like this.” Eby said B.C. is not in the same position as Quebec or Ontario in terms of the potential impact of the tariff, but the province is still exposed. “These unjustified tariffs do threaten the prosperity and security of many families in our province. So I’m going to make sure that we’re advocating strongly at the team Canada level to respond to this, (as a) unified front across Canada.” Eby also told reporters the first day of the next legislative session will be Feb. 18 when the Throne Speech is delivered. The NDP government would deliver a budget that reflects B.C. residents’ priorities around affordability, health care, economic growth and public safety, he said. Eby’s office said budget day would be March 4. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 27, 2024.