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fb777 bet login Lululemon Athletica earnings beat by $0.16, revenue topped estimatesSAN RAMON, Calif., Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CooperCompanies (Nasdaq: COO), a leading global medical device company, today announced financial results for its fiscal fourth quarter and full year ended October 31, 2024. Fourth quarter 2024 revenue of $1,018.4 million, up 10%, or up 7% organically. Fiscal year 2024 revenue of $3.9 billion, up 8%, or up 8% organically. Fourth quarter 2024 GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.58, up 38%. Fiscal 2024 GAAP diluted EPS of $1.96, up 33%. Fourth quarter 2024 non-GAAP diluted EPS of $1.04, up 19%. Fiscal 2024 non-GAAP diluted EPS of $3.69, up 15%. See "Reconciliation of Selected GAAP Results to Non-GAAP Results" below. Commenting on the results, Al White, Cooper's President and CEO said, "Fiscal 2024 was a great year for Cooper having achieved record consolidated revenues, including record CooperVision revenues, record CooperSurgical revenues and record non-GAAP EPS. We look forward to continued success in fiscal 2025 and thank all of our employees for driving these results." Fourth Quarter Operating Results Revenue of $1,018.4 million, up 10% from last year’s fourth quarter, up 9% in constant currency, up 7% organically. Gross margin of 67% compared with 65% in last year’s fourth quarter driven by price and efficiency gains. On a non-GAAP basis, gross margin was similar to last year at 67%. Operating margin of 19% compared with 15% in last year’s fourth quarter driven by SG&A expense leverage and stronger gross margins. On a non-GAAP basis, operating margin was 26%, up from 24% last year. Interest expense of $27.0 million compared with $26.3 million in last year's fourth quarter. On a non-GAAP basis, interest expense was $25.6 million, down from $26.4 million. Cash provided by operations of $268.1 million offset by capital expenditures of $139.9 million resulted in free cash flow of $128.2 million. Fourth Quarter CooperVision (CVI) Revenue Revenue of $676.4 million, up 9% from last year’s fourth quarter, up 8% in constant currency, up 8% organically. Revenue by category: Revenue by geography: Fourth Quarter CooperSurgical (CSI) Revenue Revenue of $342.0 million, up 12% from last year's fourth quarter, up 12% in constant currency, up 5% organically. Revenue by category: Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Results Revenue of $3,895.4 million, up 8% from fiscal 2023, up 9% in constant currency, up 8% organically. CVI revenue of $2,609.4 million, up 8% from fiscal 2023, up 8% in constant currency, up 9% organically, and CSI revenue $1,286.0 million, up 10% from fiscal 2023, up 11% in constant currency, up 5% organically. Gross margin of 67% compared with 66% in fiscal 2023. Non-GAAP gross margin was 67% compared with 66% in fiscal 2023. Operating margin of 18% compared with 15% in fiscal 2023. Non-GAAP operating margin was 25% compared with 24% in fiscal 2023. Cash provided by operations of $709.3 million offset by capital expenditures of $421.2 million resulted in free cash flow of $288.1 million. Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Guidance The Company initiated its fiscal year 2025 financial guidance. Details are summarized as follows: Fiscal 2025 total revenue of $4,080 - $4,158 million (organic growth of 6% to 8%) CVI revenue of $2,733 - $2,786 million (organic growth of 6.5% to 8.5%) CSI revenue of $1,347 - $1,372 million (organic growth of 4% to 6%) Fiscal 2025 non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $3.92 - $4.02 Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share guidance excludes amortization and impairment of intangible assets, and certain income or gains and charges or expenses including acquisition and integration costs which we may incur as part of our continuing operations. With respect to the Company’s guidance expectations, the Company has not reconciled non-GAAP diluted earnings per share guidance to GAAP diluted earnings per share due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting acquisition-related, integration and restructuring charges and expenses, which are reconciling items between the non-GAAP and GAAP measures. Due to the unknown effect, timing and potential significance of such charges and expenses that impact GAAP diluted earnings per share, the Company is not able to provide such guidance. Reconciliation of Selected GAAP Results to Non-GAAP Results To supplement our financial results and guidance presented on a GAAP basis, we provide non-GAAP measures such as non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, as well as constant currency and organic revenue growth because we believe they are helpful for the investors to understand our consolidated operating results. Management uses supplemental non-GAAP financial measures internally to understand, manage and evaluate our business, to make operating decisions, and to plan and forecast for future periods. The non-GAAP measures exclude costs which we generally would not have otherwise incurred in the periods presented as a part of our continuing operations. We provide further details of the non-GAAP adjustments made to arrive at our non-GAAP measures in the GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations below. Our non-GAAP financial results and guidance are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP measures and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. To present constant currency revenue growth, current period revenue for entities reporting in currencies other than the United States dollar are converted into United States dollars at the average foreign exchange rates for the corresponding period in the prior year. To present organic revenue growth, we excluded the effect of foreign currency fluctuations and the impact of any acquisitions, divestitures and discontinuations that occurred in the comparable period. We define the non-GAAP measure of free cash flow as cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. We believe free cash flow is useful for investors as an additional measure of liquidity because it represents cash that is available to grow the business, make strategic acquisitions, repay debt, or buyback common stock. Management uses free cash flow internally to understand, manage, make operating decisions and evaluate our business. In addition, we use free cash flow to help plan and forecast future periods. Investors should consider non-GAAP financial measures in addition to, and not as replacements for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. EPS, amounts and percentages may not sum or recalculate due to rounding. (1) Charges include the direct effects of acquisition accounting, such as amortization of inventory fair value step-up, professional services fees, regulatory fees and changes in fair value of contingent considerations, and items related to integrating acquired businesses, such as redundant personnel costs for transitional employees, other acquired employee related costs, and integration-related professional services, manufacturing integration costs, legal entity rationalization and other integration-related activities. The acquisition and integration-related charges in fiscal 2024 were primarily related to the Cook Medical acquisition and integration expenses. The acquisition and integration-related charges in fiscal 2023 were primarily related to the Generate acquisition and integration expenses. Charges included $2.9 million and $8.4 million related to redundant personnel costs for transitional employees, $0.7 million and $4.5 million of professional services fees, $1.4 million and $1.4 million of manufacturing integration costs, $1.5 million and 1.5 million of inventory fair value step-up amortization, and $0.7 million and $4.1 million of other acquisition and integration-related activities in the three and twelve months ended October 31, 2024, respectively. The twelve months ended October 31, 2024 also included $0.7 million regulatory fees. Charges included $7.5 million and $21.9 million related to redundant personnel costs for transitional employees, $6.5 million and $16.2 million of professional services fees, $2.9 million and $6.5 million of manufacturing integration costs, $3.1 million and $5.0 million of legal entity rationalization costs, $0.9 million and $2.7 million regulatory fees, and $0.6 million and $5.0 million in other acquisition and integration-related activities, in the three and twelve months ended October 31, 2023, respectively. (2) Charges include costs related to product line exits such as inventory write-offs, site closure costs, contract termination costs and specifically-identified long-lived asset write-offs. Charges included $2.3 million of write-offs of long-lived assets and $1.7 million of other costs related to product line exits in the twelve months October 31, 2024. No charge related to product line exits was incurred in the three months ended October 31, 2024. Charges included $3.4 million and $7.9 million of site closure costs related to the exit of the lens care business, $0.4 million and $1.1 million of other costs related to product line exits in the three and twelve months ended October 31, 2023, respectively. The fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 also included $9.8 million of intangible assets impairment charge associated with the discontinuation of certain products. (3) Charges represent incremental costs of complying with the new European Union (E.U.) medical device regulations for previously registered products and primarily include charges for contractors supporting the project and other direct third-party expenses. We consider these costs to be limited to a specific time period. (4) Charges represent the costs associated with initiatives to increase efficiencies across the organization and optimize our overall cost structure, including changes to our IT infrastructure and operations, employee severance costs, legal entity and other business reorganizations, write-offs or impairments of certain long-lived assets associated with the business optimization activities. Charges included $1.5 million and $10.6 million of employee severance costs, $1.0 million and $4.1 million related to changes to our IT infrastructure and operation, and $0.4 million and $2.9 million of legal entity and other business reorganizations costs, in the three and twelve months ended October 31, 2024, respectively. The twelve months ended October 31, 2024 also included $0.7 million of other optimization costs. Charges included $1.4 million and $11.3 million of employee severance costs, $1.4 million and $1.9 million of legal entity and other business reorganizations costs, and $0.3 million and $5.9 million related to changes to our IT infrastructure and operations, partially offset by $0.2 million and $0.4 million of other items in the three and twelve months ended October 31, 2023, respectively. (5) Amount represents an accrual for probable payment of a termination fee in connection with an asset purchase agreement in the second quarter of 2023, which was paid in August 2023. (6) Amount represents the release the contingent consideration liability associated with SightGlass Vision's regulatory approval milestone in the first quarter of 2023. (7) Charges include certain business disruptions from natural causes, litigation matters and other items that are not part of ordinary operations. The adjustments to arrive at non-GAAP net income also include gains and losses on minority interest investments and accretion of interest attributable to acquisition installment payables. Charges included $1.5 million and $5.9 million of gains and losses on minority interest investments, $1.4 million and $5.5 million of accretion of interest attributable to acquisition installments payable, $0.6 million and $1.5 million related to legal matters in the three and twelve months ended October 31, 2024, respectively. Charges included $1.6 million and $6.3 million of gains and losses on minority interest investments, and $1.3 million and $4.6 million related to legal matters in the three and twelve months ended October 31, 2023, respectively. The twelve months ended October 31, 2023 also included $1.1 million of other items. (8) In fiscal 2021, the Company transferred its CooperVision intellectual property and goodwill to its UK subsidiary. As a result, we recorded a deferred tax asset equal to approximately $2.0 billion as a one-time tax benefit in accordance with U.S. GAAP in fiscal 2021 as subsequently adjusted for changes in UK tax law. The non-GAAP adjustments reflect the ongoing net deferred tax benefit from tax amortization each period under UK tax law. Audio Webcast and Conference Call The Company will host an audio webcast today for the public, investors, analysts and news media to discuss its fourth quarter results and current corporate developments. The audio webcast will be broadcast live on CooperCompanies' website, www.investor.coopercos.com , at approximately 5:00 PM ET. It will also be available for replay on CooperCompanies' website, www.investor.coopercos.com . Alternatively, you can dial in to the conference call at 800-715-9871; conference ID 2026064. About CooperCompanies CooperCompanies (Nasdaq: COO) is a leading global medical device company focused on improving lives one person at a time. The Company operates through two business units, CooperVision and CooperSurgical. CooperVision is a trusted leader in the contact lens industry, improving the vision of millions of people every day. CooperSurgical is a leading fertility and women's health company dedicated to assisting women, babies and families at the healthcare moments that matter most. Headquartered in San Ramon, CA, CooperCompanies ("Cooper") has a workforce of more than 16,000 with products sold in over 130 countries. For more information, please visit www.coopercos.com. Forward-Looking Statements This earnings release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements relating to guidance, plans, prospects, goals, strategies, future actions, events or performance and other statements of which are other than statements of historical fact, including our fiscal year 2025 financial guidance are forward looking. In addition, all statements regarding anticipated growth in our revenues, anticipated effects of any product recalls, anticipated market conditions, planned product launches, restructuring or business transition expectations, regulatory plans, and expected results of operations and integration of any acquisition are forward-looking. To identify these statements look for words like "believes," "outlook," "probable," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "could," "seeks," "intends," "plans," "estimates" or "anticipates" and similar words or phrases. Forward-looking statements necessarily depend on assumptions, data or methods that may be incorrect or imprecise and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause our actual results and future actions to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements are: adverse changes in the global or regional general business, political and economic conditions including the impact of continuing uncertainty and instability of certain countries, man-made or natural disasters and pandemic conditions, that could adversely affect our global markets, and the potential adverse economic impact and related uncertainty caused by these items; the impact of international conflicts and the global response to international conflicts on the global and local economy, financial markets, energy markets, currency rates and our ability to supply product to, or through, affected countries; our substantial and expanding international operations and the challenges of managing an organization spread throughout multiple countries and complying with a variety of legal, compliance and regulatory requirements; foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate fluctuations including the risk of fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies or interest rates that would decrease our net sales and earnings; our existing and future variable rate indebtedness and associated interest expense is impacted by rate increases, which could adversely affect our financial health or limit our ability to borrow additional funds; changes in tax laws, examinations by tax authorities, and changes in our geographic composition of income; acquisition-related adverse effects including the failure to successfully achieve the anticipated net sales, margins and earnings benefits of acquisitions, integration delays or costs and the requirement to record significant adjustments to the preliminary fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed within the measurement period, required regulatory approvals for an acquisition not being obtained or being delayed or subject to conditions that are not anticipated, adverse impacts of changes to accounting controls and reporting procedures, contingent liabilities or indemnification obligations, increased leverage and lack of access to available financing (including financing for the acquisition or refinancing of debt owed by us on a timely basis and on reasonable terms); compliance costs and potential liability in connection with U.S. and foreign laws and health care regulations pertaining to privacy and security of personal information such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the U.S. and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements in Europe, including but not limited to those resulting from data security breaches; a major disruption in the operations of our manufacturing, accounting and financial reporting, research and development, distribution facilities or raw material supply chain due to challenges associated with integration of acquisitions, man-made or natural disasters, pandemic conditions, cybersecurity incidents or other causes; a major disruption in the operations of our manufacturing, accounting and financial reporting, research and development or distribution facilities due to the failure to perform by third-party vendors, including cloud computing providers or other technological problems, including any related to our information systems maintenance, enhancements or new system deployments, integrations or upgrades; a successful cybersecurity attack which could interrupt or disrupt our information technology systems, or those of our third-party service providers, or cause the loss of confidential or protected data; market consolidation of large customers globally through mergers or acquisitions resulting in a larger proportion or concentration of our business being derived from fewer customers; disruptions in supplies of raw materials, particularly components used to manufacture our silicone hydrogel lenses; new U.S. and foreign government laws and regulations, and changes in existing laws, regulations and enforcement guidance, which affect areas of our operations including, but not limited to, those affecting the health care industry, including the contact lens industry specifically and the medical device or pharmaceutical industries generally, including but not limited to the EU Medical Devices Regulation (MDR), and the EU In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (IVDR); legal costs, insurance expenses, settlement costs and the risk of an adverse decision, prohibitive injunction or settlement related to product liability, patent infringement, contractual disputes, or other litigation; limitations on sales following product introductions due to poor market acceptance; new competitors, product innovations or technologies, including but not limited to, technological advances by competitors, new products and patents attained by competitors, and competitors' expansion through acquisitions; reduced sales, loss of customers, reputational harm and costs and expenses, including from claims and litigation related to product recalls and warning letters; failure to receive, or delays in receiving, regulatory approvals or certifications for products; failure of our customers and end users to obtain adequate coverage and reimbursement from third-party payers for our products and services; the requirement to provide for a significant liability or to write off, or accelerate depreciation on, a significant asset, including goodwill, other intangible assets and idle manufacturing facilities and equipment; the success of our research and development activities and other start-up projects; dilution to earnings per share from acquisitions or issuing stock; impact and costs incurred from changes in accounting standards and policies; risks related to environmental laws and requirements applicable to our facilities, products or manufacturing processes, including evolving regulations regarding the use of hazardous substances or chemicals in our products; risks related to environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) issues, including those related to regulatory and disclosure requirements, climate change and sustainability; and other events described in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the “Business”, “Risk Factors” and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024, as such Risk Factors may be updated in annual and quarterly filings. We caution investors that forward-looking statements reflect our analysis only on their stated date. We disclaim any intent to update them except as required by law. Contact: Kim Duncan Vice President, Investor Relations and Risk Management 925-460-3663 ir@cooperco.com THE COOPER COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation Constant Currency Revenue Growth and Organic Revenue Growth Net Sales

Dana Hull | (TNS) Bloomberg News Jared Birchall, Elon Musk’s money manager and the head of his family office, is listed as the chief executive officer. Jehn Balajadia, a longtime Musk aide who has worked at SpaceX and the Boring Co., is named as an official contact. Related Articles National Politics | Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus National Politics | Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing ‘hurried’ House action National Politics | A history of the Panama Canal — and why Trump can’t take it back on his own National Politics | President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peak National Politics | Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug use But they’re not connected to Musk’s new technology venture, or the political operation that’s endeared him to Donald Trump. Instead, they’re tied to the billionaire’s new Montessori school outside Bastrop, Texas, called Ad Astra, according to documents filed with state authorities and obtained via a Texas Public Information Act request. The world’s richest person oversees an overlapping empire of six companies — or seven, if you include his political action committee. Alongside rockets, electric cars, brain implants, social media and the next Trump administration, he is increasingly focused on education, spanning preschool to college. One part of his endeavor was revealed last year, when Bloomberg News reported that his foundation had set aside roughly $100 million to create a technology-focused primary and secondary school in Austin, with eventual plans for a university. An additional $137 million in cash and stock was allotted last year, according to the most recent tax filing for the Musk Foundation. Ad Astra is closer to fruition. The state documents show Texas authorities issued an initial permit last month, clearing the way for the center to operate with as many as 21 pupils. Ad Astra’s website says it’s “currently open to all children ages 3 to 9.” The school’s account on X includes job postings for an assistant teacher for preschool and kindergarten and an assistant teacher for students ages 6 to 9. To run the school, Ad Astra is partnering with a company that has experience with billionaires: Xplor Education, which developed Hala Kahiki Montessori school in Lanai, Hawaii, the island 98% owned by Oracle Corp. founder Larry Ellison. Ad Astra sits on a highway outside Bastrop, a bedroom community about 30 miles from Austin and part of a region that’s home to several of Musk’s businesses. On a visit during a recent weekday morning, there was a single Toyota Prius in the parking lot and no one answered the door at the white building with a gray metal roof. The school’s main entrance was blocked by a gate, and there was no sign of any children on the grounds. But what information there is about Ad Astra makes it sound like a fairly typical, if high-end, Montessori preschool. The proposed schedule includes “thematic, STEM-based activities and projects” as well as outdoor play and nap time. A sample snack calendar features carrots and hummus. While Birchall’s and Balajadia’s names appear in the application, it isn’t clear that they’ll have substantive roles at the school once it’s operational. Musk, Birchall and Balajadia didn’t respond to emailed questions. A phone call and email to the school went unanswered. Access to high quality, affordable childcare is a huge issue for working parents across the country, and tends to be an especially vexing problem in rural areas like Bastrop. Many families live in “childcare deserts” where there is either not a facility or there isn’t an available slot. Opening Ad Astra gives Musk a chance to showcase his vision for education, and his support for the hands-on learning and problem solving that are a hallmark of his industrial companies. His public comments about learning frequently overlap with cultural concerns popular among conservatives and the Make America Great Again crowd, often focusing on what he sees as young minds being indoctrinated by teachers spewing left-wing propaganda. He has railed against diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and in August posted that “a lot of schools are teaching white boys to hate themselves.” Musk’s educational interests dovetail with his new role as Trump’s “first buddy.” The billionaire has pitched a role for himself that he — and now the incoming Trump administration — call “DOGE,” or the Department of Government Efficiency. Though it’s not an actual department, DOGE now posts on X, the social media platform that Musk owns. “The Department of Education spent over $1 billion promoting DEI in America’s schools,” the account posted Dec. 12. Back in Texas, Bastrop is quickly becoming a key Musk point of interest. The Boring Co., his tunneling venture, is based in an unincorporated area there. Across the road, SpaceX produces Starlink satellites at a 500,000-square-foot (46,000-square-meter) facility. Nearby, X is constructing a building for trust and safety workers. Musk employees, as well as the general public, can grab snacks at the Boring Bodega, a convenience store housed within Musk’s Hyperloop Plaza, which also contains a bar, candy shop and hair salon. Ad Astra is just a five-minute drive away. It seems to have been designed with the children of Musk’s employees — if not Musk’s own offspring — in mind. Musk has fathered at least 12 children, six of them in the last five years. “Ad Astra’s mission is to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in the next generation of problem solvers and builders,” reads the school’s website. A job posting on the website of the Montessori Institute of North Texas says “While their parents support the breakthroughs that expand the realm of human possibility, their children will grow into the next generation of innovators in a way that only authentic Montessori can provide.” The school has hired an executive director, according to documents Bloomberg obtained from Texas Health and Human Services. Ad Astra is located on 40 acres of land, according to the documents, which said a 4,000-square-foot house would be remodeled for the preschool. It isn’t uncommon for entrepreneurs to take an interest in education, according to Bill Gormley, a professor emeritus at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University who studies early childhood education. Charles Butt, the chairman of the Texas-based H-E-B grocery chain, has made public education a focus of his philanthropy. Along with other business and community leaders, Butt founded “Raise Your Hand Texas,” which advocates on school funding, teacher workforce and retention issues and fully funding pre-kindergarten. “Musk is not the only entrepreneur to recognize the value of preschool for Texas workers,” Gormley said. “A lot of politicians and business people get enthusiastic about education in general — and preschool in particular — because they salivate at the prospect of a better workforce.” Musk spent much of October actively campaigning for Trump’s presidential effort, becoming the most prolific donor of the election cycle. He poured at least $274 million into political groups in 2024, including $238 million to America PAC, the political action committee he founded. While the vast majority of money raised by America PAC came from Musk himself, it also had support from other donors. Betsy DeVos, who served as education secretary in Trump’s first term, donated $250,000, federal filings show. The Department of Education is already in the new administration’s cross hairs. Trump campaigned on the idea of disbanding the department and dismantling diversity initiatives, and he has also taken aim at transgender rights. “Rather than indoctrinating young people with inappropriate racial, sexual, and political material, which is what we’re doing now, our schools must be totally refocused to prepare our children to succeed in the world of work,” Trump wrote in Agenda 47, his campaign platform. Musk has three children with the musician Grimes and three with Shivon Zilis, who in the past was actively involved at Neuralink, his brain machine interface company. All are under the age of five. Musk took X, his son with Grimes, with him on a recent trip to Capitol Hill. After his visit, he shared a graphic that showed the growth of administrators in America’s public schools since 2000. Musk is a fan of hands-on education. During a Tesla earnings call in 2018, he talked about the need for more electricians as the electric-car maker scaled up the energy side of its business. On the Joe Rogan podcast in 2020, Musk said that “too many smart people go into finance and law.” “I have a lot of respect for people who work with their hands and we need electricians and plumbers and carpenters,” Musk said while campaigning for Trump in Pennsylvania in October. “That’s a lot more important than having incremental political science majors.” Ad Astra’s website says the cost of tuition will be initially subsidized, but in future years “tuition will be in line with local private schools that include an extended day program.” “I do think we need significant reform in education,” Musk said at a separate Trump campaign event. “The priority should be to teach kids skills that they will find useful later in life, and to leave any sort of social propaganda out of the classroom.” With assistance from Sophie Alexander and Kara Carlson. ©2024 Bloomberg News. Visit at bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Is the political and cultural tide turning? We certainly hope so, especially if it means bringing back sanity with regards to law enforcement and public safety. For years -- in the name of 'equity' and 'criminal justice reform' -- Lefties have let violent criminals with looooong records out of prison again and again. This turnstile brand of justice leads to more crime, more innocent victims, and a decline in quality of life because businesses leave, people move, and cities are left to the whims of criminals. Many times, those criminals are also mentally ill. That's not an excuse for their behavior, but it's another reason why government has an obligation -- one it's failed to fulfill -- to protect innocent citizens. But people are getting fed up and a lot of the country shifted to the Right this last election because of the Left's soft-on-crime policies. For all his faults, New York Mayor Eric Adams seems to finally be reading the political winds: Mayor Adams calls for the 'involuntary removal' of people who are 'a danger to others' on the streets https://t.co/1KHdwv6lEs More from Fox News: New York City Mayor Eric Adams stood by his calls for the involuntary commitment of mentally ill homeless people on CNN Thursday. "The Situation Room" host Wolf Blitzer asked Adams about a recent deadly stabbing in his city that killed three people. Adams said the news "shattered [his] heart" and was even more frustrated after learning the suspect was Ramon Rivera, a homeless man with a history of mental health issues and prior arrests. In response, Adams told Blitzer that he had called for efforts to perform the "involuntary removal" of homeless people with severe mental health illnesses. Reports show that a majority of crime in NYC is committed by a few hundred repeat offenders. This notion we can't take them off the streets is, and always has been, ludicrous. This revolving-door 'justice' also caused the deaths of three New Yorkers at the hands of one of those dangerous people (as Adams mentioned above). You mean like enforcing laws passed allowing involuntary removal for breaking laws? Novel idea😂 All we ask is for government to enforce the laws. Regardless of the racial background of the offenders. He’s going full MAGA! Will Trump pardon him? He's in some serious legal trouble, so maybe he's angling for a pardon. Or maybe he's fed up with the Democrats who threw him under the bus (this writer contends if he wasn't a vocal critic of the Biden-Harris immigration policy, he wouldn't be facing those criminal charges). I'm convinced Mayor Adams has been popping a couple of red pills on the side 😂 So are we. I think it’s about time Mayor Adams finally acknowledged the dangers on our streets, but let’s not ignore the fact that it took far too long to get here. For years, New Yorkers have been living in fear, dealing with rising crime, lawlessness, and streets overtaken by those who... People shouldn't have to live in fear because their government fails to jail criminals. About freaking time https://t.co/ER0nheFK2N Yep. New decision https://t.co/MFhgwHSLfR A welcome one. You need to remove @ManhattanDA https://t.co/VqJ79K7CdZ This would be a gutsy move. I totally agree with Mayor Adams for the “involuntary removal “of people who are a danger to others on the streets. I was just talking about this to my husband last month. https://t.co/aW6BDCe2Ut MAGA -- Make Asylums Great Again, too. He's starting to sound sensible. https://t.co/cU3OC3Z8uR Let's hope it sticks.More than 10 million people empowered so far through the 34 by 34 initiative ATLANTA , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Enterprises today announced that it has empowered 10.6 million people to live more prosperous lives since 2020, a significant milestone in its 34 by 34 social impact initiative . This achievement represents a wide range of efforts across Cox and its businesses, Cox Communications and Cox Automotive. Cox is committed to solving business problems that also remove obstacles present in communities and society at large, from bridging the digital divide to addressing social equity and environmental sustainability challenges. "Cox is a company of innovators, changemakers and believers of being part of something bigger than ourselves," said Maury Wolfe , vice president of Corporate Responsibility and Social Impact at Cox Enterprises. "To drive our 34 by 34 social impact initiative forward, employees across our businesses have led countless acts of volunteering and community engagement, from cleaning up waterways and building outdoor learning labs to mentoring students. We're humbled to see the ripple effect throughout our communities." 34 by 34 focuses on six key pathways to create positive change: technology access, access to lifelong education, employment skills, social equity, environmental sustainability, and good health. These pathways provide a holistic approach to empowering individuals and communities. Key examples of Cox's business and employee volunteering impact include: Visit Cox34by34.com to see stories of our impact and watch this video to learn more about the 34 by 34 initiative. About Cox Enterprises Cox Enterprises is dedicated to empowering people to build a better future for the next generation. Cox is a leader in the broadband, automotive, and media industries, as well as a leading investment platform with strategic positions in emerging technologies driving the future of agriculture, renewable energy, healthtech, and public sector software. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia , Cox is a global company with $23 billion in annual revenues and a proud history spanning more than 125 years. To learn more about Cox and its commitment to its people, planet and communities, visit coxenterprises.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cox-enterprises-nearing-one-third-of-its-ambitious-goal-to-empower-34-million-people-to-live-more-prosperous-lives-by-2034-302324319.html SOURCE Cox Enterprises

“We will never give up the fight for our democracy, for the rule of law, for equal justice, and for the sacred idea that every one of us, no matter who we are or where we start out, has certain fundamental rights and freedoms that must be respected and upheld,” Vice President Kamala Harris, concession speech, Nov. 6. The recent election here in Churchill County and Nevada had some interesting results. Former President Donald Trump won the state, 728,858 votes to Vice President Kamala Harris’s 682,966. Nationwide, Trump won by 2.6 million votes, not the landslide he claims. That is less than the 2.9 million votes Hillary Clinton got over Trump in the popular vote in the 2016 election. In 2020, President Joe Biden got 7 million more votes than Trump, much closer to a landslide. What was unexpected but welcomed by Democrats was the win by Democratic incumbent Sen. Jacky Rosen over Republican challenger Sam Brown. Rosen received 701,105 votes to 677,046 for Brown. Thousands of Nevadans who voted for Trump then voted for Rosen or “None of these candidates.” Brown faced a lot of opposition from the Nevada State Republican Party. His changing positions on the issues, such as Yucca Mountain and abortion, didn’t help. His views on abortion were especially confusing. He claimed to be against abortion in most circumstances, but his wife’s campaign commercial seemed to show the opposite. She talked about her unexpected pregnancy and subsequent abortion, before she met Brown. Amy Larsen was 24, unmarried and in the military, an adult with a secure job. When she discovered she was pregnant, she had an abortion at 51⁄2 weeks, far too early to know if there were problems with the baby or any danger to her health. This was a totally elective abortion, which was her right. She then met and married Sam Brown. She talked about his comfort and compassion. What is confusing and hypocritical is that she and Brown now want to prevent other women from having the choice she had. This showcases one of the fundamental principles of the modern Republican Party – hypocrisy. This isn’t new, but it’s still rather mind-boggling. In line with their rejection of Brown, Nevadans approved ballot Question 6, which would amend the state constitution to create a fundamental right to an abortion. Churchill County voted 6,575 to 6,204 against Question 6, but statewide, the vote was 876,104 to 489,241 in favor, an overwhelming endorsement of reproductive rights. This was the first vote on this issue, so it will have to be approved again in 2026 to become part of the Nevada Constitution. Another controversial initiative, Question 3, promoted an open primary election and ranked choice voting. The open primary, often called a “Jungle Primary,” would list every candidate for an office regardless of party affiliation. People would then choose their preferred candidate from this very long list. The top five candidates would then proceed to the general election, regardless of party. Since Question 3 was first approved in 2022, it would have become law if passed in 2024. However, it was defeated 731,794 to 639,067. Nevada’s normal primary election process will continue. Question 7 was another controversial issue. This law would require photo ID for in-person voting or the inclusion of personal information, such as a Social Security number, on mail-in ballots. This measure was overwhelmingly approved by Nevada voters, 1,029,608 to 376,179. This will need to be voted on again in 2026 to become law. Much of the opposition was based on the fact that this is a solution in search of a problem, since voter fraud is basically non-existent in Nevada. If this is approved a second time, the hope is it won’t disenfranchise people who may not have the required identification. We’ll have to see. Nevada’s results illustrate a nationwide phenomenon this election. “Exit polls showed that the more attention voters paid to political news, the more likely they were to vote for Harris, by wide margins. Harris +13 for voters who paid a great deal or a lot of attention. Trump +23 for voters who paid little or none at all. In a double-blind poll conducted in October, voters preferred Harris’s policies to Trump’s when they weren’t told whose policies were whose.” (Dan Rather, Team Steady, Nov. 11) Nevadans chose Trump but showed they agreed more with Harris’s positions. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, reflect on what she said. These are the principles we must fight to uphold over the next four years. Jeanette Strong, whose column appears every other week, is a Nevada Press Foundation award-winning columnist. She may be reached at news@lahontanvalleynews.com.None

PITTSBURGH – Five Pitt football players were named to the 2024 all-Atlantic Coast Conference teams. Desmond Reid was a first-team selection as an all-purpose back and return specialist. The Panthers' other first-team pick was linebacker Kyle Louis, whose 150 voting points were the highest of any linebacker on the all-ACC team and 18 more than the second-highest vote getter. Safety Donovan McMillon was named to the second team, while linebacker Rasheem Biles and placekicker Ben Sauls were third-team honorees. Reid averaged 150.9 all-purpose yards per game to rank sixth nationally. Reid additionally averaged an ACC-best 12.3 yards per punt return, which ranked ninth in the country. Louis established himself as one of college football's most productive defenders regardless of position. He has compiled 96 tackles, 15.5 stops for loss, seven sacks, four interceptions and a forced fumble. The last Football Bowl Subdivision player to achieve that stat line was Utah consensus All-America linebacker Devin Lloyd in 2021. McMillon collected a team-high 108 tackles this season. He had 105 stops in 2023. McMillon is the first Pitt player to achieve consecutive 100-tackle seasons since linebacker Scott McKillop in 2007-08. Biles has totaled 77 tackles, 14.5 stops for loss, 5.5 sacks and an interception that was returned for a touchdown against Syracuse. His average of 1.3 tackles for loss per game ranks 10th nationally. Sauls has a team-high 95 points, converting 18 of 21 field goals and each of his 41 extra-point tries. Sauls leads the nation with three made field goals of 55-plus yards. His five field goals of 50-plus yards is a Pitt season record, while his 58-yarder matches the longest in school annals (tied with Alex Kessman in 2020). Panthers receiving all-ACC honorable mention recognition were running back Reid, tight end Gavin Bartholomew, defensive tackle Nick James and wide receiver Konata Mumpfield. (c)2024 The Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, Pa.) Visit The Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, Pa.) at www.tribune-democrat.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Best TV of 2024: 10 new series stand out in a sea of streaming choices

John Smith was a councillor for years, serving as deputy leader of the local authority and also as the borough's mayor for the 2002/03 term. He was first elected to represent Church ward in 1994 and went on to serve Redvales from 1999 until he stood down in 2015. He also held the positions of cabinet member for finance, chair of the healthier communities scrutiny committee, chair of Bury East area board and was a member of the Greater Manchester joint health overview and scrutiny committee. As mayor, he was supported by his wife Stella as his mayoress. The roles were swapped in 2015/2016, when Stella became mayor and he was her consort. Former councillor and mayor John Smith with his wife Stella during her mayoral year (Image: Bury Council) A former teacher and a parishioner of Guardian Angels RC Church, died on Monday (December 23). He and Stella have four grown-up children, including Cllr Lucy Smith, the council’s cabinet member for children and young people. Bury Town Hall's flag is flying at half-mast in memory of Mr Smith. Council leader, Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, said: “John was a true giant on the Bury political scene. "His contribution to public service was immense, as mayor and deputy leader of the council, and he was hugely respected across the board by the many people he knew and helped. "He will be sorely missed, and our deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones.” READ NEXT > The big plans that could change the face of Bury in 2025 and beyond READ NEXT > Funding confirmed for gardens revamp project Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to the Bury Times morning newsletter as well as our breaking news alerts Serving Bury mayor, Cllr Khalid Hussain, added: “I and Carol (mayoress Carol Bernstein) are saddened to learn of the passing of John Smith, former councillor and past mayor of Bury. “John’s dedication to public service and commitment to our community have left a lasting impact. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”

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Dana Hull | (TNS) Bloomberg News Jared Birchall, Elon Musk’s money manager and the head of his family office, is listed as the chief executive officer. Jehn Balajadia, a longtime Musk aide who has worked at SpaceX and the Boring Co., is named as an official contact. Related Articles National Politics | Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus National Politics | Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing ‘hurried’ House action National Politics | A history of the Panama Canal — and why Trump can’t take it back on his own National Politics | President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peak National Politics | Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug use But they’re not connected to Musk’s new technology venture, or the political operation that’s endeared him to Donald Trump. Instead, they’re tied to the billionaire’s new Montessori school outside Bastrop, Texas, called Ad Astra, according to documents filed with state authorities and obtained via a Texas Public Information Act request. The world’s richest person oversees an overlapping empire of six companies — or seven, if you include his political action committee. Alongside rockets, electric cars, brain implants, social media and the next Trump administration, he is increasingly focused on education, spanning preschool to college. One part of his endeavor was revealed last year, when Bloomberg News reported that his foundation had set aside roughly $100 million to create a technology-focused primary and secondary school in Austin, with eventual plans for a university. An additional $137 million in cash and stock was allotted last year, according to the most recent tax filing for the Musk Foundation. Ad Astra is closer to fruition. The state documents show Texas authorities issued an initial permit last month, clearing the way for the center to operate with as many as 21 pupils. Ad Astra’s website says it’s “currently open to all children ages 3 to 9.” The school’s account on X includes job postings for an assistant teacher for preschool and kindergarten and an assistant teacher for students ages 6 to 9. To run the school, Ad Astra is partnering with a company that has experience with billionaires: Xplor Education, which developed Hala Kahiki Montessori school in Lanai, Hawaii, the island 98% owned by Oracle Corp. founder Larry Ellison. Ad Astra sits on a highway outside Bastrop, a bedroom community about 30 miles from Austin and part of a region that’s home to several of Musk’s businesses. On a visit during a recent weekday morning, there was a single Toyota Prius in the parking lot and no one answered the door at the white building with a gray metal roof. The school’s main entrance was blocked by a gate, and there was no sign of any children on the grounds. But what information there is about Ad Astra makes it sound like a fairly typical, if high-end, Montessori preschool. The proposed schedule includes “thematic, STEM-based activities and projects” as well as outdoor play and nap time. A sample snack calendar features carrots and hummus. While Birchall’s and Balajadia’s names appear in the application, it isn’t clear that they’ll have substantive roles at the school once it’s operational. Musk, Birchall and Balajadia didn’t respond to emailed questions. A phone call and email to the school went unanswered. Access to high quality, affordable childcare is a huge issue for working parents across the country, and tends to be an especially vexing problem in rural areas like Bastrop. Many families live in “childcare deserts” where there is either not a facility or there isn’t an available slot. Opening Ad Astra gives Musk a chance to showcase his vision for education, and his support for the hands-on learning and problem solving that are a hallmark of his industrial companies. His public comments about learning frequently overlap with cultural concerns popular among conservatives and the Make America Great Again crowd, often focusing on what he sees as young minds being indoctrinated by teachers spewing left-wing propaganda. He has railed against diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and in August posted that “a lot of schools are teaching white boys to hate themselves.” Musk’s educational interests dovetail with his new role as Trump’s “first buddy.” The billionaire has pitched a role for himself that he — and now the incoming Trump administration — call “DOGE,” or the Department of Government Efficiency. Though it’s not an actual department, DOGE now posts on X, the social media platform that Musk owns. “The Department of Education spent over $1 billion promoting DEI in America’s schools,” the account posted Dec. 12. Back in Texas, Bastrop is quickly becoming a key Musk point of interest. The Boring Co., his tunneling venture, is based in an unincorporated area there. Across the road, SpaceX produces Starlink satellites at a 500,000-square-foot (46,000-square-meter) facility. Nearby, X is constructing a building for trust and safety workers. Musk employees, as well as the general public, can grab snacks at the Boring Bodega, a convenience store housed within Musk’s Hyperloop Plaza, which also contains a bar, candy shop and hair salon. Ad Astra is just a five-minute drive away. It seems to have been designed with the children of Musk’s employees — if not Musk’s own offspring — in mind. Musk has fathered at least 12 children, six of them in the last five years. “Ad Astra’s mission is to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in the next generation of problem solvers and builders,” reads the school’s website. A job posting on the website of the Montessori Institute of North Texas says “While their parents support the breakthroughs that expand the realm of human possibility, their children will grow into the next generation of innovators in a way that only authentic Montessori can provide.” The school has hired an executive director, according to documents Bloomberg obtained from Texas Health and Human Services. Ad Astra is located on 40 acres of land, according to the documents, which said a 4,000-square-foot house would be remodeled for the preschool. It isn’t uncommon for entrepreneurs to take an interest in education, according to Bill Gormley, a professor emeritus at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University who studies early childhood education. Charles Butt, the chairman of the Texas-based H-E-B grocery chain, has made public education a focus of his philanthropy. Along with other business and community leaders, Butt founded “Raise Your Hand Texas,” which advocates on school funding, teacher workforce and retention issues and fully funding pre-kindergarten. “Musk is not the only entrepreneur to recognize the value of preschool for Texas workers,” Gormley said. “A lot of politicians and business people get enthusiastic about education in general — and preschool in particular — because they salivate at the prospect of a better workforce.” Musk spent much of October actively campaigning for Trump’s presidential effort, becoming the most prolific donor of the election cycle. He poured at least $274 million into political groups in 2024, including $238 million to America PAC, the political action committee he founded. While the vast majority of money raised by America PAC came from Musk himself, it also had support from other donors. Betsy DeVos, who served as education secretary in Trump’s first term, donated $250,000, federal filings show. The Department of Education is already in the new administration’s cross hairs. Trump campaigned on the idea of disbanding the department and dismantling diversity initiatives, and he has also taken aim at transgender rights. “Rather than indoctrinating young people with inappropriate racial, sexual, and political material, which is what we’re doing now, our schools must be totally refocused to prepare our children to succeed in the world of work,” Trump wrote in Agenda 47, his campaign platform. Musk has three children with the musician Grimes and three with Shivon Zilis, who in the past was actively involved at Neuralink, his brain machine interface company. All are under the age of five. Musk took X, his son with Grimes, with him on a recent trip to Capitol Hill. After his visit, he shared a graphic that showed the growth of administrators in America’s public schools since 2000. Musk is a fan of hands-on education. During a Tesla earnings call in 2018, he talked about the need for more electricians as the electric-car maker scaled up the energy side of its business. On the Joe Rogan podcast in 2020, Musk said that “too many smart people go into finance and law.” “I have a lot of respect for people who work with their hands and we need electricians and plumbers and carpenters,” Musk said while campaigning for Trump in Pennsylvania in October. “That’s a lot more important than having incremental political science majors.” Ad Astra’s website says the cost of tuition will be initially subsidized, but in future years “tuition will be in line with local private schools that include an extended day program.” “I do think we need significant reform in education,” Musk said at a separate Trump campaign event. “The priority should be to teach kids skills that they will find useful later in life, and to leave any sort of social propaganda out of the classroom.” With assistance from Sophie Alexander and Kara Carlson. ©2024 Bloomberg News. Visit at bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.NEW DELHI: The Adani Group, that operates airports in seven cities, including Mumbai and is building a greenfield one at Navi Mumbai, is expanding its presence in the aviation space. It is acquiring India's biggest private sector MRO (maintenance, repair & overhaul) player Air Works for an enterprise value of Rs 400 crore. Adani Defence Systems & Technologies has signed an agreement to buy 85.8% stake in Air Works, which does line maintenance, heavy checks, among others for its Indian and global customers. Ready to Master Stock Valuation? ET’s Workshop is just around the corner!

Referee David Coote will not appeal against termination of contractSaferWatch Elevates Executive Protection with 24/7/365 Monitoring, Live Communication, and Direct Law Enforcement Connectivity( MENAFN - Investor Brand Network) Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (NYSE: BABA) has sold off its Chinese department store chain Intime and the transaction is set to cost the conglomerate $1.3 billion in losses. Chinese media reports say that Alibaba's decision to divest Intime is part of a company-wide effort to overhaul its entire business portfolio and focus on just e-commerce. Last month, Alibaba unveiled a strategy that would see the... Read More>> About ChineseWire ChineseWire (“CW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on promising China-based companies that are listed in North America. It is one of 60+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers : (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries ; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets ; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact ; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers ; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions . With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, CW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today's market, CW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. CW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge. For more information, please visit Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the ChineseWire website applicable to all content provided by CW, wherever published or re-published: /Disclaimer ChineseWire Los Angeles, CA 310.299.1717 Office [email protected] ChineseWire is powered by IBN MENAFN23122024000224011066ID1109025674 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Defending the run has been one of the Green Bay Packers’ weaknesses over the last several years. Not so much lately, though. Green Bay limited San Francisco to 16 carries for 44 yards in a 38-10 rout of the 49ers on Nov. 24, with two-time All-Pro Christian McCaffrey gaining 31 yards on 11 attempts. Four nights later, the Packers beat Miami 30-17 by holding the Dolphins to 39 yards on 14 carries. It was the first time since 1995 — and only the second time since 1950 — that the Packers had allowed fewer than 45 yards rushing in back-to-back games within the same season. “I think we’re playing harder and harder each week,” first-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley said. “And that’s how you play good defense.” That defense needs to be at its best Thursday as the Packers (9-3) close a stretch of three games in 12 days by visiting the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions (12-1), who have the NFL’s highest-scoring offense thanks in part to a rushing attack featuring the speedy Jahmyr Gibbs and the physical David Montgomery. “Gibbs is a great running back,” defensive lineman Kenny Clark said. “I really think the offense really starts with him, honestly. He can do everything — receive, in-and-out runner, can do stretch, duo plays. We’ve got to have all hands on deck with Gibbs. And then Montgomery, he’s a great complement to him. He can do everything, also.” The Lions were the first team since the 1975 Miami Dolphins to rush for at least 100 yards and a touchdown in each of their first 11 games. The streak ended on Thanksgiving when the Lions rushed for 194 yards but didn’t have a touchdown on the ground in a 23-20 victory over the Chicago Bears. Green Bay outrushed Detroit 138-124 in the Packers’ 24-14 loss to the Lions on Nov. 3 at Lambeau Field. Montgomery rushed for 73 yards while Gibbs ran for 65 yards and a touchdown. Gibbs has 973 yards this season, which ranks fourth in the NFL. Montgomery ran for a combined 192 yards and four touchdowns in the Lions’ two games against the Packers last season. Green Bay’s run defense has come a long way since. The Packers have allowed 106.6 yards rushing per game this season, which ranks eighth in the league. The Packers haven’t closed a season in the top 10 in run defense since 2016 and have finished outside the top 20 in four of the last six years, including 26th in 2022 and 28th in 2023. “I think Haf’s doing a good job of mixing up the fronts and some of the coverages, but really it’s ultimately about tackling, swarming, getting many hats to the football,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “And our guys have really embraced that style of play.” The Packers are yielding 4.2 yards per carry to rank seventh in the league after finishing 22nd or worst in that category each of the last three seasons. They haven’t closed a season ranked in the top 10 in yards allowed per carry since 2017. Hafley says the improvement starts up front. “The interior part of our D-line has done such a good job these last few games,” Hafley said. “They really have. They’re hard to block. They’re staying in their gaps. They’re tearing off of blocks, and it’s the same thing with those defensive ends. They’re setting edges, they’re forcing the ball back inside, they’re getting off blocks and then we’re tackling and we’re running to the ball and there’s multiple people to the ball. “And when you turn on our tape right now and when you freeze it, you see that. You see a lot of guys around the football. And then you’re not afraid, right? Like if I have an open-field tackle and I know eight other guys are coming, I’m going to take my shot because I know if I miss, it’s going to be, ‘Bang, bang, bang,’ we’ve got three or four other guys there, and we’re starting to play faster.” Green Bay's defense has the Lions’ attention. “They’ve been playing well,” Detroit coach Dan Campbell said. “I mean, they have, really, all season, and nothing has changed.” ___ AP Sports Writer Larry Lage contributed to this report. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Steve Megargee, The Associated Press

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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (left) and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken attend a UN Security Council Session on Artificial Intelligence at the UN headquarters in New York on December 19, 2024. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP) A massacre of more than 200 people in Haiti this month followed a gang-ordered manhunt that saw victims, many of them elderly, pulled from their homes and shot or killed with machetes, the United Nations (UN) said Monday. The victims were suspected of involvement in voodoo and accused by a gang leader of poisoning his child, with the suspects taken to a “training center” where many were dismembered or burned after being killed. A civil society organization had said at the time that the gang leader was convinced his son’s illness was caused by followers of the religion. “On the evening of December 6, (Micanor Altes) ordered the members of his gang — around 300 — to carry out a brutal ‘manhunt,'” said the report, authored jointly by the UN office in Haiti, BINUH and the UN Human Rights Commissioner (OCHR). “They stormed into about ten alleys of the (Port-au-Prince) neighborhood and forcibly dragged the victims out of their homes,” it noted. In the days that followed, the gang returned to the neighborhood, abducting adherents from a voodoo temple, targeting individuals suspected of tipping off local media and slaughtering people seeking to escape. Some of the bodies “were then burned with gasoline, or dismembered and dumped into the sea,” the report concluded. A total of 134 men and 73 women were killed in total over six days, the report said. A mosaic of violent gangs control most of the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince. The impoverished Caribbean country has been mired for decades by political instability, made worse in recent years by gangs that have grown in strength and organizational sophistication. Despite a Kenyan-led police support mission, backed by the United States and UN, violence has continued to soar. “According to BINUH and OHCHR, since January 2024, more than 5,358 people have been killed and 2,155 injured,” the report said. “This brings the total number of people killed or injured in Haiti to at least 17,248 since the beginning of 2022.” The UN Security Council “strongly condemned the continued destabilizing criminal activities of armed gangs and stressed the need for the international community to redouble its efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the population.” A spokeswoman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said “these crimes touched the very foundation of Haitian society, targeting the most vulnerable populations.” Voodoo was brought to Haiti by African slaves and is a mainstay of the country’s culture. It was banned during French colonial rule and only recognized as an official religion by the Haitian government in 2003. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . While it incorporates elements of other religious beliefs, including Catholicism, voodoo has been historically attacked by other religions.