mnl168/ph Apple Inc. stock underperforms Tuesday when compared to competitors despite daily gainsFROM looking like just another expensive flop to one of the best goalkeepers in the Prem. It has been some year for Andre Onana , arguably Manchester United’s most improved player. Advertisement 4 Andre Onana has stepped up his game after a difficult debut season at Man Utd 4 Onana kept out Liam Delap on several occasions on Sunday 4 Onana became the subject of scrutiny after several high profile howlers last season In fact, Onana is leading the race for the Golden Glove with five clean sheets in 12 Prem games this season,. This is one more than Liverpool’s Alisson , Everton’s Jordan Pickford , Arsenal’s David Raya and Nottingham Forest stopper Matz Sels . Although Onana, 28, saw Ipswich’s Omari Hutchinson find a way past him to level in Sunday’s 1-1 draw, Ruben Amorim would have been staring at defeat in his first game as United boss but for his keeper. The Cameroonian made two brilliant saves to deny Liam Delap. Advertisement READ MORE ON MAN UTD NOT SO KEANE Ipswich fan 'offered out' by Roy Keane reveals what he said to raging pundit At one time you only needed to get it on target to beat Onana, signed in a £47.2million deal. He arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2023 with a big reputation having just reached the Champions League final with Inter Milan , losing 1-0 to Manchester City . But eyebrows were already being raised in pre-season when he called out former skipper Harry Maguire after conceding a goal in a friendly with Borussia Dortmund in Las Vegas . United were quickly looking like they had gambled and lost, having let David de Gea leave when his deal ran out. Advertisement Most read in Football HISTORY MAKER Ex-Scotland women coach 'lands key role at Prem club' working with MALE stars PLAN BINNED Rangers hero loses appeal to open pub outside Ibrox after rejected plans EUR ON Brendan Rodgers explains Celtic's Champions League 'trampoline effect' TOP OF THE CHARTS SPFL has TEN players tied for top scorer - with club having THREE on list FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS In Onana’s first outing at Old Trafford in a pre-season game against French club Lens he was lobbed from 50 yards. Then in the opening match of that Prem season he was very lucky not to concede a late penalty after clearing out Wolves’ Sasa Kalajdzic. Man Utd player ratings vs Ipswich The next month Onana allowed a weak shot from Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane to crawl under him in a 4-3 Champions League defeat in Germany . Advertisement He was recruited for his distribution skills as well as his shot-stopping but a hospital pass to Casemiro led to a red card for the Brazilian in a 3-2 home defeat to Galatasaray . He conceded two savable free-kicks in the 3-3 return against the Turkish side, having let another shot squirm under his body against Brentford . Onana admitted he found the switch to a different country, league and team a problem at first. But United fans would eventually see why Erik ten Hag signed his former Ajax No 1. Advertisement By the end of his debut campaign he had made more saves than any other keeper in the Premier League with 149. United are a lowly 12th now after the Portman Road draw but Onana boasts the most league shut-outs. 4 Onana has the most clean sheets in the Prem this season as United sit 12th He looks more like an athlete than when he arrived and has grown into someone United can rely on. Advertisement Onana has been achieving things off the field, too — yesterday the international players’ union Fifpro gave him the Player Impact Award. That is for setting up the Andre Onana Foundation, which provides free medical care and surgeries for underprivileged children and adults in his native Cameroon and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa . Doctors have performed more than 1,200 operations since 2021. The foundation also provides schools for orphans. Advertisement Onana said: “The foundation means a lot to me. It makes me see things differently. Read more on the Scottish Sun REY-LY EXCITING US pop superstar announces first Scots show in almost 10 years BALLSED UP Lorraine apologises on air for using phrase she 'didn't know' was a swear word “You see people who have nothing, yet they look happier than people who have everything. “They didn’t want to be in that position but destiny made it that way and they are making the best out of that situation.” Man Utd ratings vs Ipswich as Onana saves Amorim from embarrassment in first game as boss MANCHESTER UNITED began the Ruben Amorim era with a 1-1 draw away at Ipswich. Marcus Rashford needed just 81 seconds to put the Red Devils in front at Portman Road, tapping home an Amad Diallo cross. But Ipswich hit back when Omari Hutchinson's strike flew in via a deflection off Noussair Mazraoui. And it was the newly-promoted side who looked likelier to get a winner in the second half. Here is how SunSport's Charlie Wyett saw the performances of the Man Utd players... ANDRE ONANA - 7/10 United’s best player. Two key stops to deny Liam Delap but no chance for the deflected Omari Hutchinson goal. Then delivered an 87th minute save to keep out an effort from Conor Chaplin. NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI - 5 Slotted in on the right of the three-man defence but unfortunate with the deflection for the goal. MATTHIJS DE LIGT - 5 Has been suspect this season and will probably be better suited to a back three although still given a tough time by Delap. JONNY EVANS - 5 The 36-year-old was targeted by Ipswich for his lack of pace and no surprise he was replaced. AMAD DIALLO - 6 Did incredibly well to bomb past Jens Cajuste and deliver the cross for Rashford’s early goal but offered little else. CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN - 5 Some nice touches going forward but too lightweight in this position in front of the back three. CASEMIRO - 4 Lucky to start ahead of Manuel Ugarte and was really poor. Struggled throughout before being subbed and could maybe have got a block to the Hutchinson shot. DIOGO DALOT - 5 Not suited to left wing-back although stayed there when Luke Shaw arrived because the English international replaced Evans in the back three. BRUNO FERNANDES - 5 Some of his link-up play was fine but United need a captain who can inspire this team and Fernandes is not the man. Sent a free-kick flashing past the post with 12 minutes left. ALEJANDRO GARNACHO - 5 Twice called over by Ruben Amorim in the first half for instructions. Denied by a decent save from Aro Muric 50 seconds into the second half. MARCUS RASHFORD - 6 Criticised for his basketball trip to New York so to score after 80 seconds was two fingers up at his critics - but did not offer much after that. Subs Ugarte (for Casemiro 56 mins) - 6 Shaw (for Evans 56 mins) - 6 Hojlund (for Rashford 67 mins) - 5 Zirkzee ( for Eriksen 67 mins) - 5 Mount (for Garnacho 87 mins) - 5

Colorado hands No. 2 UConn second straight loss in Maui

Paycom to Present at the Barclays Global Technology Conference

Yolo County law enforcement officers conducted compliance checks and address verifications on more than 300 registered sex offenders last week, finding most in compliance with the terms of their release. Called “Operation Vigilance,” the program began 15 years ago with the goal of protecting Yolo County citizens by ensuring that county residents who must register as sex offenders are complying with all laws and applicable parole or probation directives. More than 60 law-enforcement personnel from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Yolo County Probation Department, Woodland Parole Unit, California Department of Justice, U.S. Courts Federal Probation, Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, Yolo County Sheriff’s Office, and the Davis, Woodland, Winters and West Sacramento police departments participated in the joint operation, with support from the Yolo County IT GIS Division. Law-enforcement personnel went to the residence on file of every registered sex offender with a physical address in Yolo County. Many of the individuals required to register had prior convictions for rape, child molestation or possession of child pornography. About five percent of the county’s registered sex offenders were found to be out of compliance with their registration requirements, which will result in additional investigation by law enforcement. Four offenders on parole were arrested for various violations. A unique aspect of Operation Vigilance is that during the home visits, forensic examiners search the registrants’ computers, smartphones and other digital storage devices for potential violations. Computer forensic investigators from the Yolo County DA’s High Technology Unit and examiners from other participating agencies worked together to conduct these specialized searches. Additionally, the CDCR provided eight K-9 officers with canines trained specifically to detect electronics to enhance these searches. During the operation, 92 electronic devices were searched, with another 16 electronic items were seized for further forensic examination. “Operation Vigilance is an example of Yolo County law enforcement’s commitment to collaboration,” Yolo County Sheriff Tom Lopez said. “I am proud of the dedicated group of professionals who carried out this mission in an effort to keep our communities safe.” Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig praised the efforts of Yolo County law enforcement agencies who continuously monitor these individuals. “We conducted a compliance check of 100 percent of the sex offenders that have a permanent address, and the good news is that 95 percent were in compliance,” Reisig said. “Operation Vigilance continues to serve as an additional deterrent to those who must register as sex offenders who may be prone to re-offend.”

NEW YORK, Nov. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of PACS Group Inc. (NYSE: PACS): (i) common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus (collectively, the “Registration Statement”) in connection with the Company’s April 11, 2024 initial public offering ("IPO"); (ii) securities between April 11, 2024 and November 5, 2024, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”); and/or (iii) common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus issued in connection with the Company’s September 2024 secondary public offering (“SPO”). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 13, 2025. SO WHAT: If you purchased PACS common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the IPO and/or securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the PACS class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=30617 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 13, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, in the Registration Statement and throughout the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) PACS engaged in a “scheme” to submit false Medicare claims which “drove more than 100% of PACS’ operating and net income from 2020 – 2023”; (2) PACS engaged in a “scheme” to “bill thousands of unnecessary respiratory and sensory integration therapies to Medicare”; (3) PACS engaged in a scheme to falsify documentation related to licensure and staffing; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants’ positive statements about PACS’ business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the PACS class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=30617 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. ------------------------------- Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.comSeveral low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia tenders in the Asia-Pacific region are expected to provide crucial insights into the readiness for clean fuel trades in 2025, as well as the pace of the energy transition toward an anticipated commercial stage around 2030, experts said. The year is also expected to see early-stage projects begin construction to meet their production timelines around 2026-27, but new project announcements may slow down amid inflationary pressures and a lack of investments, the experts added. “We are in the process of going from theory to implementation,” Anri Nakamura, associate director at S&P Global Commodity Insights, said. “In 2025, we expect to see a progression of what is already in motion, but we will probably not see an explosion of new announcements as we did in the early years.” According to Nakamura, Japan is expected to support one or two business plans from large low-carbon hydrogen/ammonia import projects, along with several smaller domestic projects, under its contract for difference scheme, which is part of its Yen 3 trillion ($20 billion) funding plan for clean fuels, by mid-year or earlier. Meanwhile, South Korea’s Clean Hydrogen Production Standard plan, under which the first tender for 6.5 TWh of hydrogen power generation was largely undersubscribed in 2024, could be retendered for the unbid capacity with adjustments to the terms in order to attract more bids, Nakamura said. Elsewhere, incentive plans for low-carbon hydrogen development, such as Australia’s A$4 billion ($2.56 billion) Hydrogen Headstart and India’s Rupees 174.90 billion ($2.06 billion) Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition, are expected to see new rounds of tenders. The Singapore Energy Market Authority’s request for proposal for two new hydrogen-ready combined cycle gas turbine generating units with a 1.2-GW capacity is expected to see announcements by December and March 31, 2025. “In Asia, we anticipate further advancements in low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia markets, with strong potential demand in countries such as Singapore, Japan and South Korea,” Navjit Gill, country head for India at Gentari, told Commodity Insights. As a prospective bidder in global tenders, Gill said that the governments’ incentive plans “are crucial to launching this early-stage industry and ensuring stability for both developers and buyers.” A spate of project cancellations and readjustments to original strategies is expected in 2025, particularly in Australia. However, more projects are advancing compared to those that have been canceled or remain inactive, industry members said. Commodity Insights’ Hydrogen Production Assets database showed that 131 projects are in the advanced planning or construction stages, representing 3.57 million tons/year of renewable or low-carbon hydrogen, while 15 have been canceled or are on hold, representing 1.39 million tons/year. “The growth expectations of earlier years were clearly outsized. What we will see in 2025 is the progress of projects according to more realistic timelines,” InterContinental Energy CEO Alexander Tancock and Head of Australia Isaac Hinton told Commodity Insights. While InterContinental’s 50-GW Western Green Energy Hub and the 26-GW Australian Renewable Energy Hub (in partnership with BP) in Western Australia are long-gestation projects slated for commissioning around 2030, early starters moving into construction will also be tested on their ability to kick-start their plans in 2025. “Construction of the Whyalla Hydrogen Power Plant is expected to start in early 2025, with the facility scheduled to begin operating in 2026,” Sam Crafter, CEO of the Office of Hydrogen Power South Australia, told Commodity Insights. The ambitious Whyalla project, comprising a 250-MW electrolyzer, a 200-MW hydrogen-fueled power plant and storage, has tie-ups with future users GFG Alliance and Zero Petroleum, which could benefit from the project’s timely commissioning. Additionally, as a hydrogen-to-power project involving new technology, it will be closely watched for successful completion. Indian developer AM Green, which is developing a 1-million-ton renewable ammonia project in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, where Gentari is also involved, must start construction in 2025 to meet its production forecast for 2026. At stake are its future deliveries to Yara, Keppel and Uniper, all of which have purchase agreements with the company. While technological advancements, large investments in new capacities, rising competition among developers and policy frameworks in major nations like the US will be key factors in determining the cost outlook, a downward trajectory is most likely to be seen in 2025, the experts said. “Globally, high costs are already subsiding as COVID-related supply shocks ease, and overinvestment in electrolysis capacity is leading to a glut of equipment,” Tancock and Hinton said. “This will allow costs to fall and a more balanced supply/demand equilibrium to be established.” The market’s readiness to adopt renewable fuels, along with tangible results from advancing projects, will also be closely monitored to gauge the pricing outlook, Nakamura said. “... The outlooks of the prices will come down, though it is just nowhere near $2/kg for renewable hydrogen,” she said. Platts, part of Commodity Insights, assessed South Australian hydrogen produced via alkaline electrolysis (including capital expenditures) at $5.32/kg on Dec. 9, nearly three times higher than a month ago. Platts assessed Japanese hydrogen produced via alkaline electrolysis (including capex) at $5.44/kg on Dec. 10, up 7.08% month over month. Source:

Personalisation and humanisation have emerged as the two fundamental pillars that underpin a successful customer experience (CX) strategy. As retailers strive to create memorable and engaging experiences for their customers, understanding the core elements that contribute to effective personalisation has become increasingly crucial. This is especially critical as retailers now enter into peak shopping season globally, with the likes of Black Friday and the festive season approaching. Core elements of successful personalisation Personalisation within CX begins with a deep understanding of the customer. It's essential for retailers to identify who the customer is, their preferences, and their behaviours. This foundational knowledge allows them to tailor their services and offerings to meet individual needs effectively. However, personalisation is not just about knowing the customer; it's also about ensuring consistency across all channels. This omnichannel approach means that whether a customer interacts with a website, a social media page, or a mobile app, the experience remains seamless and uniform. The digital and physical CX should mirror each other, reinforcing the brand persona and values at every touchpoint. Another critical aspect is customer support. Personalisation extends beyond product sales or brand engagement; it encompasses how customers are supported throughout their journey. Effective customer support ensures that the personalisation process is complete, providing a holistic and satisfying experience for the customer. To determine the... Staff Writer

Underwear ads, the KHive and roasted Tom Brady: the big winners and losers of 2024Major retailers in UK and Ireland pull products associated with Conor McGregor

Chicago Loses Another Financial Firm as Peak6 Moves HQ to Austin

Tooth Filling Materials Market Set for Exceptional Growth in the Forecast 2024-2032ROANOKE, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 27, 2024-- Luna Innovations Incorporated (Nasdaq: LUNA) (the “Company”), a global leader in advanced fiber optic-based technology, today announced that, Pamela Coe, a member of the Board of Directors (the “Board”), will be retiring from the Luna board effective today. Ms. Coe was elected to the Board in May 2021 for a three-year term. “We are very grateful for Pam's notable contributions and leadership throughout her time on the Board,” said Barry Phelps, Chairman of the Board of the Company. “Her expertise, focus and commitment have been instrumental in guiding Luna. We wish Pam all the best in her future endeavors.” About Luna Luna Innovations Incorporated ( www.lunainc.com ) is a leader in optical technology, providing unique capabilities in high-performance, fiber optic-based, test products for the telecommunications industry and distributed fiber optic-based sensing for a multitude of industries. Luna’s business model is designed to accelerate the process of bringing new and innovative technologies to market. Forward-Looking Statement The statements in this release that are not historical facts constitute “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements include expectations regarding the Company’s continuing operations, results from operations and strategic alternatives. Management cautions the reader that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to a number of both known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and actual results, performance, and/or achievements of the Company may differ materially from the future results, performance, and/or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors. These factors include, without limitation, risks set forth in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, as well as in subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Such filings are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and on Luna’s website at www.lunainc.com . The statements made in this release are based on information available to Luna as of the date of this release and Luna undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this release. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241227000518/en/ CONTACT: Investor Contact: Allison Woody Luna Innovations Incorporated Phone: 540.769.8465 Email:woodya@lunainc.com KEYWORD: VIRGINIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY NANOTECHNOLOGY OTHER TECHNOLOGY TELECOMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE OTHER DEFENSE SOURCE: Luna Innovations Incorporated Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/27/2024 04:40 PM/DISC: 12/27/2024 04:40 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241227000518/en

NoneH.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), attended the 2024 graduation ceremony of Dubai Medical University, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The ceremony included the graduation of two new cohorts comprising 220 female students who completed various undergraduate and graduate programmes. This year, Dubai Medical University celebrates four decades since its founding. Over this period, it has undergone significant transformations, from a college offering specialised medical courses to a leading institution in the medical education sector. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed has been a pillar of support for the university, which has several firsts to its name, including becoming the first academic institution in the region to adopt Artificial Intelligence technologies. This move aligns with the university's efforts to keep pace with the rapid technological advancements taking place globally. Speaking on the occasion, Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Medical University, recalled the historic transformation witnessed by the university as envisioned by its founder, the late Haji Saeed Lootah. That vision, he said, is embodied by the institution’s leadership, helping it chart an exceptional academic record spanning nearly half a century. Continuing its journey of leadership and excellence, the university continues to shape healthcare professionals endowed with high levels of expertise and human values, offering healthcare of the highest standards, he said, adding that the university’s vision aligns perfectly with the vision of UAE’s leadership to achieve leadership in diverse spheres. The graduation ceremony was attended by members of the Board of Trustees of the Saeed Ahmed Lootah Charity Foundation and faculty members of Dubai Medical University. The graduating students pledged loyalty and utmost dedication to their country and its leadership. Held under the theme ‘The Mother,’ the event spotlighted the vital role of mothers in shaping strong societies and communities by motivating and enabling their children to contribute positively to the advancement of humanity. Follow Emirates 24|7 onFetal Doppler Market Analysis: Growth Trends and Projections to Surpass USD 488.3 Mn by 2034ATLANTA — On Jan. 18 and 19 the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! will be held at State Farm Arena in advance of the College Football Playoff national championship on Jan. 20. The star-studded lineup was announced Thursday at a news conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Performances will include Lil Wayne and GloRilla on Saturday; and Camila Cabello, Myles Smith and Knox on Sunday. On game day, the Allstate Championship Tailgate, taking place just outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Home Depot Backyard, will feature country acts on the Capital One Music Stage, including global superstar Kane Brown and iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke. The concerts are just two of the festivities visiting fans can enjoy in the days leading up to the big game. The fan experience for both ticket holders and the general public has been a focus for event planners. All weekend long, an estimated 100,000 people from across the country are expected to attend fan events preceding kickoff. “It will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to come together to sample what college football is all about, and you don’t have to have a ticket to the game to be a part of it,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP in a press release. “We’ve worked closely with the Atlanta Football Host Committee to develop fan-friendly events that thousands will enjoy come January.” On Saturday, Jan. 18, Playoff Fan Central will open at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free, family-friendly experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. That day, fans can also attend Media Day, presented by Great Clips, which will feature one-hour sessions with student-athletes and coaches from each of the College Football Playoff national championship participating teams. ESPN and social media giants X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will be taping live broadcasts from the event. On Sunday, Jan. 19, the Trophy Trot, both a 5K and 10K race, will wind its way through the streets of downtown Atlanta. Each Trophy Trot participant will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s medal. Participants can register at atlantatrackclub.org . On Sunday evening, the Georgia Aquarium will host the Taste of the Championship dining event, which offers attendees the opportunity to indulge in food and drink prepared by local Atlanta chefs. This premium experience serves as an elevated exploration of local cuisine on the eve of the national championship. Tickets to the Taste of the Championship event are available on etix.com . Atlanta is the first city ever to repeat as host for the CFP national championship. The playoff was previously held in Atlanta in 2018. “We are honored to be the first city to repeat as host for the CFP national championship and look forward to welcoming college football fans from around the country in January,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “This event gives us another opportunity to showcase our incredible city.” The College Football Playoff is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games — the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. This year’s quarterfinals will take place on Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025, while the semifinals will be Jan. 9-10, 2025. The CFP national championship will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com . Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Furious Laura Loomer warns 'Trump will get impeached' due to Elon Musk scandal

Columbia, a perennial football loser, wins Ivy League title for first time since 1961None

Virginia’s comprehensive approach to tackling the challenge of the deadly drug fentanyl has resulted in a 23% decline in fentanyl overdose deaths, Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Tuesday. That’s a sharper drop than the national average of 14.5%, he said. But, he added, “it’s nowhere near good enough.” Youngkin Margo Wagner Virginia will continue to push a multipronged approach to the epidemic of fentanyl abuse and death, Youngkin said. “That starts with interdicting and arresting the drug trade itself. Our most recent operation, which ran for 47 days, saw us seize over 550 pounds of fentanyl — that’s enough to kill every Virginian eight times over. And we have to continue this,” he said. One form of help came with legislation this year sponsored by state Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg, that makes it a crime punishable by up to five years in prison to possess or sell a device to make pills out of illegal drugs, except for manufacturers with permits. “It’s incredibly important for us to hold the distribution and the manufacturing of these of drugs laced with fentanyl accountable,” Youngkin said, adding: “I am not happy that we have not been able to pass a full charge of felony homicide for someone who, in fact, manufactures and distributes fentanyl that results in a death, and we will go back again” in the 2025 General Assembly session. Murder charge for overdose bill to come before Virginia lawmakers again State Sen. Ryan McDougle, R-Hanover, has filed Senate Bill 746 , under which selling hard drugs that turn out to be a fatal dose would be considered felony homicide — basically, accidentally causing death while engaged in a crime. The legislation has been a priority for Youngkin, who was visibly infuriated with a committee that rejected the idea in 2023. Youngkin highlighted the measure as a priority in his State of the Commonwealth speeches in 2023 and 2024. A statewide education push, led by first lady Suzanne Youngkin’s “It only takes one” campaign, highlights the point that one pill can kill a person — and that sometimes, one person’s attention and care, perhaps a parent, a teacher or coach, can keep another from resorting to a potentially deadly pill. “And then finally, we have had a massive push to equip people with both the skills and the supplies to revive someone who is suffering from an overdose, and the Naloxone supply has been comprehensive, but we need to continue to do this,” Youngkin said. He said he believes President-elect Donald Trump’s border security policies will be a big help going forward.

NEW YORK (AP) — Having waited 63 years for an Ivy League football title, Columbia had to stand by for another 40 minutes. The Lions had beaten Cornell 17-9 but needed a Harvard loss against Yale to secure a share of first place on the season's final day. So Columbia players retreated to their locker room on a hill a few hundred feet from Wien Stadium to watch the game in Boston on TV as a few hundred fans remained and gazed at the gold-and-orange foliage of Inwood Hill Park glowing in Saturday's afternoon sun. When Yale recovered onside kick with seconds left to ensure a 34-29 Harvard defeat, players let out a scream and streamed back onto the field to celebrate, smoke cigars, lift a trophy and sing “Roar, Lion, Roar” with family and friends. Who would have thunk it? “You had the realization of, oh, I’m a champion, which is something that hasn’t been said here in a while,” co-captain CJ Brown said. Harvard dropped into a tie with Columbia and Dartmouth at 5-2, the first time three teams shared the title since 1982 — the conference doesn't use tiebreakers. “It was nerve-wracking, for sure, but definitely exciting because that's something that not a lot of people have experienced, especially here," running back Joey Giorgi said. There have been several top players at Columbia — Sid Luckman, Marty Domres, Marcellus Wiley among them — but the school is perhaps better known for owners such as the New England Patriots' Robert Kraft and former Cleveland Browns head Al Lerner. Columbia's only previous championship in 1961 also was shared with Harvard. That Lions team was coached by Buff Donelli, a former Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Rams coach who scored for the Americans in soccer's 1934 World Cup. Columbia set a then Division I-AA record with 44 consecutive losses from 1983-88, a mark broken by Prairie View’s 80 in a row from 1989-98. Since 1971, the Lions’ only seasons with winning records until now were 1994, 1996, 2017, 2018, 2021 and 2022. Al Bagnoli, who won nine Ivy titles in 23 years at Penn, couldn't manage one at Columbia from 2015-22. He quit six weeks before the 2023 opener, citing health, and was replaced on an interim basis by Mark Fabish, his offensive coordinator. Jon Poppe, now 39, was hired last December after working as a Bagnoli assistant at Columbia from 2015-17 between stints at Harvard from 2011-14 and 2017-22, plus one season as a head coach at Division III Union College. He led the Lions to a 7-3 record overall, their most wins in a coach's first season since George F. Sanford's team went 9-3 in 1899. Poppe had wife Anna and 7-year-old daughter with him in the locker room watching the countdown to the title. “Sixty-three years of whatever into now,” he said. “Just seeing a lot of that history myself, personally. This is a hugely — a feeling of elation, seeing my dad on the field, a lot of emotional things with that.” Before a crowd of 4,224, quarterback Caleb Sanchez's 1-yard touchdown run put Columbia ahead in the second quarter. Giorgi's 1-yard TD run opened a 14-3 lead in the third and Hugo Merry added a 25-yard field goal in the fourth, overcoming three field goals by Alan Zhao. Giorgi rushed for 165 yards and finished his career with 2,112, second in school history. He and Brown missed what would have been their freshman season in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Given Columbia's athletic history — the most successful sport is fencing — it is not an obvious football destination. “I saw the dedication, whether it resulted in wins or losses,” Brown said. “I saw their dedication to the product that they put out on the field and also the athletic department, the facilities that we had here, the busses on schedule and stuff, I was like, OK, they care about their athletes. People here want to win and it doesn’t matter what’s happened in the past, it matters what we’re going to do now.” Poppe cited a mindset. “You get 10 opportunities, unlike other sports, it is a grind to play this sport and prepare the way we do just for 10,” he said. As the final whistle sounded in Boston, Brown noted an unusual initial reaction in the locker room. “It was like kind of awe when they recovered the kick,” he said. “It was a lot quieter than you would think it would be, but you could feel the joy and the elation.” They accomplished what more than six decades of their predecessors had failed to. As the players headed out, Poppe had a final word. “Day off tomorrow,” he said. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football