Back in its second-quarter earnings report in August, Target ( TGT 2.81% ) gave investors hope that it was finally turning the corner. Since the pandemic began to wind down, the retailer has struggled with inflation, weak consumer discretionary spending , and an increase in theft. However, Target's shares plunged on Wednesday after its latest update indicated that the recovery trend didn't last, and the company is still struggling on both sides of the income statement. Comparable sales rose 0.3% in the quarter as traffic was up 2.4%, but its average transaction fell. The company's sales shifted to the digital channel, with digital comps up 10.8%, but in-store comparable sales fell 1.9%. Overall revenue rose 1.1% to $25.7 billion, which missed the consensus of $25.9 billion. The retailer continued to face margin pressure as gross margin fell from 27.4% to 27.2%, due to higher inventory levels and increased fulfillment and supply chain costs. Management stocked up on and rerouted inventory ahead of the October port strike, which should be a one-time headwind. Higher wages and benefits led to an increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses from 20.9% to 21.4%; as a result, operating margin fell from 5.2% to 4.6%. That led to a decline in earnings per share (EPS) from $2.10 to $1.85, which badly missed estimates of $2.30. Target also offered disappointing guidance for the key holiday quarter: It sees flat comparable sales growth and earnings per share of $1.85 to $2.45, which was well below the consensus of $2.64. It also cut its full-year EPS guidance from $9.00-$9.70 to $8.30-$8.90. What's ailing Target The company trotted out familiar excuses. Management said that "We encountered some unique challenges and cost pressures that impacted our bottom-line performance"; on the earnings call, it said that consumers are continuing to be selective about spending, and patiently waiting for deals. However, Target's struggles came as rival Walmart continued to dominate. Walmart captured comparable-sales growth of 5% in its third quarter at U.S. stores, driven by its core grocery business. It trimmed inventory in the third quarter and was able to increase gross margin, driving overall profitability. Walmart also reported mid-single-digit deflation in its general merchandise category, showing that it's lowering prices across its product range. And it called out market-share gains across all income cohorts, a sign that it's taking market share from Target, among other retailers. Target did have some bright spots, including 6% comparable-sales growth in beauty, and double-digit growth in Drive Up and same-day delivery. But overall, inventory challenges, consumer sluggishness, and competitive weakness continued to weigh on the business. Can Target bounce back? While Target stock deserves to be down sharply on the news and had fallen 21% as of early Wednesday afternoon, there are some reasons it could bounce back sooner than you think. Target has a lot of operating leverage in its business model, and a modest improvement in gross margin can lead to a surge in operating profits. First, better inventory management might have enabled the company to expand gross margin to 29%, an improvement of 180 basis points. Those gains would flow directly down to operating margin, which was just 4.6%. If its operating margin was instead 6.4% -- 180 basis points higher, and within Target's historical guidance for an operating margin of at least 6% -- operating income would have jumped 39%, a huge difference. Getting there isn't as hard as it looks, especially as management expects categories that have been under pressure, like home, to eventually recover. Second, shares are cheap compared to those of peers like Walmart: Target now trades at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 14 based on this year's EPS estimates. Of course, the company needs to make some fundamental improvements before investors can capitalize on the discounted valuation, but the opportunity is there. After the third-quarter update, however, a recovery in the stock looks even further away.
EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. has been placed on injured reserve after hurting his hamstring Sunday in a 30-27 overtime victory over the Chicago Bears. The move announced Tuesday means that Pace must miss at least the Vikings next four games. The Vikings also activated outside linebacker Gabriel Murphy from injured reserve and signed linebacker Jamin Davis off the Green Bay Packers practice squad. Pace, 23, had started each of the Vikings nine games this season. The 2023 undrafted free agent from Cincinnati had 56 tackles — including six for loss — and three sacks. Murphy, 24, signed with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent this spring. He was placed on injured reserve Aug. 27. Davis had joined the Packers practice squad Oct. 29 after getting released by the Washington Commanders a week earlier. Washington selected him out of Kentucky with the 19th overall pick in the 2021 draft. The 25-year-old Davis has 282 tackles, seven sacks, one interception, two forced fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles in his NFL career. He led the Commanders with a career-high 104 tackles in 2022. The Vikings (9-2) host the Arizona Cardinals (6-5) on Sunday. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLPakistan's security forces have launched a sweeping midnight raid on supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan who had stormed the capital demanding his release,, with hundreds arrested amidst chaotic scenes. Login or signup to continue reading Thousands of protesters had earlier gathered on Tuesday in the centre of Islamabad after a convoy, led by Khan's wife, broke through several lines of security all the way to the edge of the city's highly fortified red zone. The red zone, guarded by army soldiers, houses the country's most important offices and buildings, including the parliament and an enclave of foreign missions. At least six people, including four paramilitary soldiers, were killed before the Tuesday night raid was launched. Local broadcasters Geo News and ARY both reported that a massive raid was launched by security forces amidst a pitch-dark central Islamabad, where lights had been turned off and a barrage of teargas was fired. The protest gathering was almost completely dispersed, they reported. Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), said they planned on staging a sit-in in the red zone until the release of Khan, who has been in jail since August last year. One of the protesters was shot dead and the other was run over by a vehicle, Bukhari said. Authorities did not respond to a query seeking to confirm the deaths and Reuters could not independently verify the information. "It is not a peaceful protest. It is extremism," Sharif said in a statement, aimed at achieving "evil political designs". Sharif said the violence was driving the law enforcement agencies to the "limits of restraint". Amnesty International said the government must fully protect the rights of protesters and immediately rescind "shoot-on-sight" orders that it said gave undue and excessive powers to the military. Earlier, in a post on X from jail, Khan, 72, said his message to his supporters was to fight till the end. "We will not back down until our demands are met," he said, accusing security forces of firing on peaceful party workers. The violence erupted at the end of a march led by Khan's wife Bushra Bibi and his key aide Ali Amin Gandapur that arrived in Islamabad early on Tuesday. Reuters reporters saw some of the marchers ransack vehicles and set a police kiosk on fire. They also attacked and wounded journalists at two separate locations, people from two media houses told Reuters. The protest march, which Khan has described as the "final call", is one of many his party has held to seek his release since he was jailed in August last year. PTI supporters last marched on Islamabad in October, sparking days of clashes with police in which one officer was killed, but this week's protest is bigger in size and more violent, authorities said. They said the protesters were now armed with tear gas launchers, steel rods, slingshots and sticks and were setting fire to trees and grass as they marched. Reuters witnesses heard firing around the protests, although it was not clear who was responsible. Voted out of power by parliament in 2022 after he fell out with Pakistan's powerful military, Khan faces charges ranging from corruption to instigation of violence, all of which he and his party deny. Candidates backed by Khan's party won the most seats in a parliamentary election in February, but a coalition cobbled together and led by Sharif took power. Khan and the PTI say the polls were rigged following a military-backed crackdown to keep him out of power. The army has denied charges of election manipulation. Australian Associated Press DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Get the latest property and development news here. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. 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ATLANTA (AP) — Deliberations are underway in Atlanta after a year of testimony in the gang and racketeering trial that originally included the rapper Young Thug. Jurors are considering whether to convict Shannon Stillwell and Deamonte Kendrick, who raps as Yak Gotti, on gang, murder, drug and gun charges. The original indictment charged 28 people with conspiring to violate Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Opening statements in the trial for six of those defendants happened a year ago . Four of them, including Young Thug, pleaded guilty last month. The rapper was freed on probation. Stillwell and Kendrick rejected plea deals after more than a week of negotiations, and their lawyers chose not to present evidence or witnesses. Both seemed to be in good spirits Tuesday morning after closings wrapped the previous night. Kendrick was chatting and laughing with Stillwell and his lawyers before the jury arrived for instructions. Kendrick and Stillwell were charged in the 2015 killing of Donovan Thomas Jr., also known as “Big Nut,” in an Atlanta barbershop. Prosecutors painted Stillwell and Kendrick as members of a violent street gang called Young Slime Life, or YSL, co-founded in 2012 by Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams. During closings on Monday, they pointed to tattoos, song lyrics and social media posts they said proved members, including Stillwell, admitted to killing people in rival gangs. Prosecutors say Thomas was in a rival gang. Stillwell was also charged in the 2022 killing of Shymel Drinks, which prosecutors said was in retaliation for the killing of two YSL associates days earlier. Defense attorneys Doug Weinstein and Max Schardt said the state presented unreliable witnesses, weak evidence and cherry-picked lyrics and social media posts to push a false narrative about Stillwell, Kendrick and the members of YSL. Schardt, Stillwell's attorney, reminded the jury that alleged YSL affiliates said during the trial that they had lied to police. Law enforcement played a “sick game” by promising they would escape long prison sentences if they said what police wanted them to say, Schardt said. He theorized that one of those witnesses could have killed Thomas. The truth is that their clients were just trying to escape poverty through music, Schardt said. “As a whole, we know the struggles that these communities have had,” Schardt said. “A sad, tacit acceptance that it’s either rap, prison or death.” Young Thug’s record label is also known as YSL, an acronym of Young Stoner Life. Kendrick was featured on two popular songs from the label’s compilation album Slime Language 2, “Take It to Trial" and “Slatty," which prosecutors presented as evidence in the trial. Weinstein, Kendrick’s defense attorney, said during closings it was wrong for prosecutors to target the defendants for their music and lyrics. Prosecutor Simone Hylton disagreed, and said surveillance footage and phone evidence supported her case. “They have the audacity to think they can just brag about killing somebody and nobody’s gonna hold them accountable,” Hylton said. The trial had more than its fair share of delays. Jury selection took nearly 10 months , and Stillwell was stabbed last year at the Fulton County jail, which paused trial proceedings. Judge Paige Reese Whitaker took over after Fulton County Superior Court Chief Judge Ural Glanville was removed from the case in July because he had a meeting with prosecutors and a state witness without defense attorneys present. Whitaker often lost patience with prosecutors over moves such as not sharing evidence with defense attorneys, once accusing them of “poor lawyering.” But the trial sped up under her watch. In October, four defendants, including Young Thug , pleaded guilty, with the rapper entering a non-negotiated or “blind” plea, meaning he didn't have a deal worked out with prosecutors. Nine people charged in the indictment, including rapper Gunna , accepted plea deals before the trial began. Charges against 12 others are pending. Prosecutors dropped charges against one defendant after he was convicted of murder in an unrelated case. Kramon is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Kramon on X: @charlottekramonIran said on Sunday that it would hold nuclear talks in the coming days with the three European countries that initiated a censure resolution against it adopted by the UN's atomic watchdog. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the meeting of the deputy foreign ministers of Iran, France, Germany and the United Kingdom would take place on Friday, without specifying a venue. "A range of regional and international issues and topics, including the issues of Palestine and Lebanon, as well as the nuclear issue, will be discussed," the spokesman said in a foreign ministry statement. Baghaei described the upcoming meeting as a continuation of talks held with the countries in September on the sidelines of the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. On Thursday, the 35-nation board of governors of the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) adopted a resolution denouncing Iran for what it called a lack of cooperation. The move came as tensions ran high over Iran's atomic programme, which critics fear is aimed at developing a nuclear weapon -- something Tehran has repeatedly denied. In response to the resolution, Iran announced it was launching a "series of new and advanced centrifuges". Centrifuges enrich uranium transformed into gas by rotating it at very high speed, increasing the proportion of fissile isotope material (U-235). "We will substantially increase the enrichment capacity with the utilisation of different types of advanced machines," Behrouz Kamalvandi, Iran's atomic energy organisation spokesman, told state TV. The country, however, also said it planned to continue its "technical and safeguards cooperation with the IAEA". During a recent visit to Tehran by IAEA head Rafael Grossi, Iran agreed to the agency's demand to cap its sensitive stock of near weapons-grade uranium enriched up to 60 percent purity. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in power since July and a supporter of dialogue with Western countries, has said he wants to remove "doubts and ambiguities" about his country's nuclear programme. In 2015, Iran and world powers reached an agreement that saw the easing of international sanctions on Tehran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme. But the United States unilaterally withdrew from the accord in 2018 under then-president Donald Trump and reimposed biting economic sanctions, which prompted Iran to begin rolling back on its own commitments. On Sunday afternoon, the United Kingdom confirmed the upcoming meeting between Iran and the three European countries. "We remain committed to taking every diplomatic step to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, including through snapback if necessary," London's Foreign Office said. The 2015 deal contains a "snapback" mechanism that can be triggered in case of "significant non-performance" of commitments by Iran, allowing many sanctions to be reimposed. Ali Vaez, an Iran expert with the International Crisis Group think tank, told AFP that Friday's meeting was set to happen earlier, but "those plans were derailed as a result of Iran-Israel tensions" over the Gaza war. Though the parties will be meeting "without knowing what the incoming Trump administration wants to do", Vaez said that "after a lose-lose cycle of mutual escalation, now both sides are back to realising that engagement might be the least costly option." Tehran has since 2021 decreased its cooperation with the IAEA by deactivating surveillance devices monitoring the nuclear programme and barring UN inspectors. At the same time, it has increased its stockpiles of enriched uranium and the level of enrichment to 60 percent. That level is close, according to the IAEA, to the 90 percent-plus threshold required for a nuclear warhead, and substantially higher than the 3.67 percent limit it agreed to in 2015. pdm/smw/ami
Saint Bonaventure defeats Bryant 85-70, Bonnies 6-0 for first time since 1969-70 season
NoneNo. 5 UCLA snaps No. 1 South Carolina's 43-game win streakLISBON, Portugal (AP) — Arsenal defender Gabriel kept Viktor Gyokeres quiet — then had the audacity to steal the in-demand Sporting Lisbon striker's trademark goal celebration. After heading in Arsenal's third first-half goal in the Champions League on Tuesday, Gabriel linked the fingers of his hands and placed them over his eyes, before laughing with his teammates. It was most likely a dig at Gyokeres, the Sweden striker who has quickly become one of European soccer's hottest properties . That is how Gyokeres celebrates his goals — and he has scored plenty of those this season. Gyokeres has scored 24 goals for Sporting in all competitions and was coming off netting four for Sweden in a Nations League match against Azerbaijan. Earlier in the first half, Gabriel had enjoyed tackling and dispossessing Gyokeres near the Arsenal area — waving both his arms in a gesture to the crowd. Gabriel's goal made it 3-0 to Arsenal at halftime and the English team went on to win 5-1, with Gyokeres failing to score. He did hit the post with a shot late in the game, however — after Gabriel had gone off with an injury. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
WINNIPEG — Kyle Walters doesn’t believe losing a third consecutive Grey Cup means the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ roster should be blown up. The CFL club’s general manager told reporters at his year-end availability Tuesday that reaching a fifth straight championship game by overcoming lots of injuries was a big accomplishment. Even before Winnipeg’s recent 41-24 Grey Cup loss to the Toronto Argonauts, Walters said he was looking forward to next season. “I was excited for next year based on what I'm looking at, compared to years past, where we've got more young guys that have contributed that are under contract," he said. "We've got more young players in the building. So, the idea of, ‘This is the end of the road. The team is in a free-for-all downward,’ I don’t think is accurate. "We have a good group of guys and we were in a one-point (Grey Cup) game with 10 minutes left ... before things went downhill.” The Blue Bombers started the season 0-4, moved to 2-6 and finished 11-7 to claim the West Division title. Star receiver Dalton Schoen, veteran linebacker Adam Bighill and backup quarterback Chris Streveler all suffered season-ending injuries and are pending free agents. Negotiating with the team’s 27 unsigned players could be impacted by moves across the league among coaches, personnel staff and players such as quarterbacks, Walters said. The Bombers have given permission for offensive coordinator Buck Pierce to speak to the B.C. Lions and Edmonton Elks about those teams’ vacant head-coaching jobs, he said. Walters also revealed the Ottawa Redblacks were given the go-ahead to talk to Richie Hall about their defensive coordinator vacancy. Hall was a Winnipeg defensive assistant this season after Jordan Younger took over from him as defensive coordinator. Walters said the Bombers received permission to speak to Lions offensive coordinator Jordan Maksymic in case Pierce leaves. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have already been given the OK to talk to Winnipeg assistant general managers Danny McManus and Ted Goveia about the Ticats’ GM opening. “You're hesitant to have too much conversation with people who may not be in the organization next year, so it's just been me and (head coach) Mike (O’Shea) in this moment huddled together and talking about next year,” Walters said. He said an NFL team had asked Tuesday morning to work out one Blue Bomber, but he didn’t reveal the player’s name in case he wasn’t aware of the request yet. The Blue Bombers won the Grey Cup in 2019 and ’21, but lost 28-24 to the Montreal Alouettes last year and 24-23 to Toronto in 2022. Winnipeg re-signed placekicker Sergio Castillo last week. Walters said he’d like to have deals done with three or four main players before the end of the year. The team has some up-and-coming young players inked for next year, and injuries gave others valuable experience on both sides of the ball, Walters said. Receivers such as rookie Ontaria Wilson (1,026 yards receiving in 18 games) and Keric Wheatfall (273 yards in seven games) are signed through next season. “The experience that they got was invaluable,” Walters said. Re-signing players who missed time because of injuries can get tricky. “Organizationally, can we approach (their agents) and say, 'Well, your guy was hurt, he should come back for less money?’” Walters said. “Generally, they don't view it like that. They view that they'll be back 100 per cent.” One question mark is the backup to starting quarterback Zach Collaros, who suffered a deep cut to the index finger of his throwing hand late in the third quarter of the Grey Cup. Collaros got five stitches and numbing agent applied to his finger. He returned with a bandage on it, but admitted he had a hard time gripping the ball. “We'll have to find out who our offensive coordinator is first,” Walters said when asked who might be Collaros’s backup. Terry Wilson, who briefly replaced Collaros in the Grey Cup, and Jake Dolegala are signed for next year. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. Judy Owen, The Canadian Press
Hosting for the holidays comes with both joys and stresses. It's so lovely to have a home full of people enjoying themselves and appreciating all your efforts, but getting your house ready, looking at its best, and prepping any food or drinks can feel overwhelming. And those few hours before guests arrive can be a bit stressful. So with wanting to avoid that last-minute panic, I asked interior designers what small, quick, and easy tweaks they make to their own homes to ensure it's ready for guests to arrive. We aren't talking cleaning or decluttering here, this is the nice bit that comes after, when you want to just make little tweaks around your home to make it super comfortable and welcoming. All of these lovely holiday hosting tips can be implemented in the days or even hours before you start hosting and most involve using things you probably already have too. 1. Light candles and arrange flowers 'If you’re hosting this holiday season and want to refresh your space quickly before guests arrive, there are a few effortless yet impactful things I do to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. First, give your home a quick tidy-up –vacuum, dust, and wipe down surfaces. A clean space feels instantly refreshed, and the best part is that it’s both simple and free,' says designer Becky Shea . 'Next, set the mood with candles. Start burning them about an hour before your guests arrive so the fragrance has time to work its magic. I like to place one candle in the entryway to greet guests with a warm welcome and another in the dining or living room to carry the ambiance throughout the home,' she adds. 'Lastly, never underestimate the charm of fresh flowers. A thoughtfully arranged bouquet on a coffee table, dining table, or even your kitchen counter brings life, beauty, and an effortless elegance to your space. These small touches create a cozy and memorable experience that will make your guests feel truly at home.' 2. Bring in some greenery for last minute lovely decor If you are after some last-minute Christmas decor greenery is your go-to. Florists will likely have plenty of beautiful evergreens in stock at this time of year, but if you can forage from your backyard even better. It's such a quick and easy way to make your home feel instantly festive. Designer Marie Flanigan explains, 'Decorating for the holiday season is about creating warmth and magic in every corner of the home. I love to bring in natural accents – like sprigs of pine, fresh eucalyptus, mandarins, and bowls of pinecones to add texture and fragrance.' 'A few well-placed touches, like garlands draped over a mantle or clusters of simple ornaments, bring such an elegant nod to Christmas without overwhelming the space. It’s these organic, thoughtful layers that make a home feel both festive and beautifully inviting for the season. I also love to surprise by decorating unexpected spaces, like adding small Christmas trees on a stairwell landing, wrapping magnolia leaves around pendant lights, or tying a bow on a wall sconce for that extra touch of seasonal charm.' 3. Dim the lights 'Once the obvious and requisite tidying has been accomplished, I like to add a few quick touches to my home before guests arrive to make it feel extra welcoming and, if I'm being honest, fancy,' says designer Bethany Adams . 'I'll light a scented candle in the entry, powder room , and kitchen and add decorative tapers to the dining table and living room mantle. Fresh flowers (if I had time to stop at the grocery store that day) in a vase dress up my entry and coffee table, but if not, I'll pop out to the backyard or alley and clip a few branches for an easy and stunning arrangement. Finally, dimming the lights is the quickest and easiest way to set a welcoming mood.' 4. Get your welcome set up ready 'When I'm expecting guests, I always like to make sure I'm 100 percent prepared to offer a tasty refreshment, so I take a little time to stock my bar cart with spirits, wines, upscale soft drinks, garnishes, and festive glassware,' advises Kathy Kuo . 'I also place a few scented candles around my home to make sure guests are greeted with a warm and inviting scent and take a moment to fill my vases with seasonal blooms. These are super-simple actions that you can do less than 24 hours before guests arrive and they make such a meaningful impact.' 5. Focus on the senses 'Create a scented experience,' is designer Jennifer Walter . 'Scents influence how we feel in a space and infusing a bit of pine by way of a candle or diffuser instantly transports the senses to the outdoors.' 'Touches of seasonal decor can make a home feel festive and cozy. You don’t need to go overboard – just a few accents like a full-bodied wreath on the front door or garland draped over the fireplace mantel and stair railing can go a long way.' 'We also love an assortment of candle sticks on tabletops with candles in the colors of the season. A hand-tied velvet ribbon around the base adds a bit of luxury and texture as well.' 6. Get a simmer pot going Alyssa Terpstras creative director of Coco & Jack thinks it's key to think about the senses too and she recommends 'A simmer pot to fill the home with a cozy and welcoming scent and light a wood burning fire and plenty of candles.' She also advises making some small but effective additions to your decor – 'Tie ribbons from light fixtures and chairs for a pretty detail and add garland around doorways and evergreen centerpieces to your tables. Finally, dot around bowls of chocolate for guests to enjoy and play a Christmas playlist.' So many designers have mentioned the importance of candles when creating a welcoming home and taper candles have a certain elegance to them that works on a table and a mantel. If you prefer a diffuser to candles, this one from McGee & Co. has a fresh yet cozy scent of citrus and birch. Pop on your entryway console for an instant hit of festive scent when guests enter your home. This realistic garland has such an organic look to it. The way it hangs so naturally gives the look you have just gone and foliage these pine branches from your backyard. The key takeaway I am getting from this is I need plenty of candles and should start collecting some flowers and greenery. But really the key to a welcoming home during the holidays is all about that relaxed feel, so give yourself some time before guests arrive to take a breath, make a few small, lovely tweaks but ensure you are feeling at ease yourself before guests arrive.FRANKLIN — It’s time for the annual Festival of Trees in Franklin on Dec. 6-8. As Franklin Opera House awaits renovations to its home in Soldiers Memorial Hall, this year's Festival will be next door at Franklin Public Library, 310 Central St. The Festival will take place on Friday, Dec. 6, 4-8 p.m. (in conjunction with the Downtown Holiday Stroll); Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission to this event is free. Decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, stockings, gift baskets, and other item(s) will be raffled off. Concessions will be sold as well and all proceeds benefit the Franklin Opera House. More than 30 donors and many volunteers from in and around Franklin are contributing to making the Festival a success — business owners, neighbors, members of Franklin Opera House, and other local organizations. Also happening the same weekend, FHS Players present “A Christmas Carol: The Musical.” After visiting the Festival of Trees meander up to Franklin Middle School to take in a show depicting this classic Christmas tale of love, compassion, and the importance of friends and family. A portion of ticket sales will go to Franklin Opera House renovations. More information, visit FOHNH.org .