This week starts with a Downtown bar crawl, celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah (and Festivus!) and ends with a free showing of the delightful film “Inside Out 2”: Sunday, Dec. 22 Let’s get rowdy: Head Downtown for “Rowdy Rudolph’s Seven Tiny Bars of Christmas,” 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today. Tavern on 6th, 5712 Sixth Ave., and Rustic Road, 5706 Sixth Ave., are hosting the bar crawl party. Tickets cost $35, including a wristband, one drink ticket, a beer koozie and a bag of goodies. If you bring two cans of food, you will get another free drink ticket, good at either Tavern on 6th or Rustic Road. The other bar crawl stops are Church & Market, 701 56th St., Public Brewing Company, 628 58th St., The Apis Hotel and Restaurant, 614 56th St., 58 Below, 504 58th St., and Hold My Beer, 621 56th St. Each location hosts different activities, along with a scavenger hunt and an after-party in the loft of Rustic. Last call for lights on the farm: The Jerry Smith Farm, 7150 18th St. in Somers, has brought back its holiday lights display. The Holiday Light Walk includes s’more kits, fire pits and shopping in the Country Store. Open 5-9 p.m. today. Admission is $8; free for children age 2 and younger. For more details, go to jerrysmithfarm.com . “Pageant” life: The musical version of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is on stage for one more performance, 2 p.m. today at the Racine Theatre Guild, 2519 Northwestern Ave. Tickets are $17-$22 at racinetheatre.org . Monday, Dec. 23 “A holiday for the rest of us”: Dec. 23 is Festivus , a holiday introduced to the world in an episode of “Seinfeld,” is celebrated with an aluminum pole (unadorned) instead of a Christmas tree, a meatloaf dinner and the Airing of Grievances, where each person at the dinner table recounts how the world has disappointed them. Kenosha’s Union Park Tavern , 4520 Eighth Ave., hosts a Festivus celebration starting at 5 p.m. Monday. After the meatloaf dinner, events include the Airing of Grievances at 6:30 p.m., plus an Elaine Dance Off, “spare a square” and a paper airplane toss. New this year: A “Seinfeld” cast look-alike contest. There will also be a raffle benefiting Women & Children’s Horizons. Tuesday, Dec. 24 Hurry! Dec. 24 is Last-Minute Shoppers Day. If you fall into this category, remember: There’s no shame in doing all your Christmas shopping at the gas station. Those tiny bottles of 5-Hour Energy make perfect stocking stuffers. Blades of glory: It’s Christmas Eve — and you know what that means! (We’re not sure what we mean, either, but we just get excited for Christmas!) The day before Christmas is a great time to take a break from wrapping gifts and check out the City of Kenosha’s ice skating rink. The rink is in Veterans Memorial Park outside City Hall, at 52nd Street and the harbor. It’s open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Skating is free. It’s still a “Wonderful Life”: Even after 75-plus years, we can’t get enough of the classic Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Jimmy Stewart stars as George Bailey, who discovers a new appreciation for his small-town life. Every time you watch this movie, an angel gets its wings. “It’s a Wonderful Life” airs at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve on NBC. Wednesday, Dec. 25 Holiday mashup: Dec. 25 is Christmas Day and, this year, it’s also the start of Hanukkah , as the eight-day Festival of Lights begins. “Chrismukkah” doesn’t happen often (the next time is 2035), so celebrate it big time! The reel world: You’ll likely be staying home today, opening presents and fiddling around with that guitar Santa brought you, but if you do want to venture outside, head to a theater. Lots of people go to the movies on Christmas Day — if only to avoid having to clean up the scattered tinsel and wrapping paper. New movies playing in theaters include Disney’s “Lion King” prequel “Mufasa,” the video game adaptation “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” the Bob Dylan bio-pic “A Complete Unknown” and the twisted Nicole Kidman drama “Babygirl.” Thursday, Dec. 26 Sweet stuff: Dec. 26 is Candy Cane Day , so munch on the sweet sticks while you plan your day-after-Christmas shopping. Let’s get some half-off wrapping paper for Christmas 2025! Get your jam on: If you’re looking for live music tonight, The Rhythm Dogs Blues Jam starts at 8 p.m. at Union Park Tavern, 4520 Eighth Ave. It’s free, and everyone is welcome. Hit the high seas with Santa: The Lake Geneva Cruise Line has extended the boating season with its Santa Cruise . Passengers take 40-minute narrated boat rides, motoring past lighted displays on the shore as they travel to the “North Pole.” Cruises depart from Gage Marina — the winter home of the Geneva Lake Cruise Line’s fleet — in Williams Bay. Cruises run Dec. 26-30. To book a cruise, go to santacruiselakegeneva.com or call 262-248-6206. Friday, Dec. 27 A wild time: Dec. 27 is Visit the Zoo Day, and you’re in luck! The Milwaukee County Zoo offers FREE admission during “Frosty Free Week.” Everyone gets in free admission Dec. 26-30. Note: Parking, concession and attraction rates still apply. For more details, go to milwaukeezoo.org . Grab some popcorn: Today’s Brown Bag Movie is “Inside Out 2,” being screened noon to 2 p.m. at the Northside Library, 1500 27th Ave. Everyone is invited to “bring your lunch or some movie snacks to eat while you watch this family film.” Admission is free. Making magic: Still didn’t get your fill of Christmas lights? Head to “Magic at Muni,” a free holiday lights display at Kenosha’s Washington Park Municipal Golf Course, 2205 Washington Road. Visitors stroll through a 1/3-mile loop filled with lights and holiday scenes. The clubhouse is open, with snacks and beverages (and indoor restrooms!). Open 4-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday, through Dec. 29. Admission is free. Saturday, Dec. 28 Shuffle the deck: Dec. 28 is Card Playing Day. We sense a mean game of Old Maid is in your future. Can we still call it “old maid”? Isn’t that outdated — and offensive? Oh, deer: As in: reindeer! You can book a holiday tour at the Paris Deer Park , 800 180th Ave. in Union Grove, featuring visits with their reindeer. The tour includes a tour of the heated barn, a cup of animal feed and photo opportunities. We can’t promise any of the reindeer have a bright, shiny nose ... but they are adorable. Tours are offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday, through Dec. 29. To book a tour, go to parisdeerpark.com . There’s no place like gnome: Pringle Nature Center, 9800 160th Ave. in Bristol Woods County Park, is hosting its annual “Holiday Gnome Hunt” all month long. Participants who find the gnomes hiding on the trails by the end of December can enter for a chance to win a free 2025 Pringle Nature Center family membership. For details, go to pringlenc.org . Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Features/GO Kenosha {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Furthermore, TSMC's success in securing orders exceeding the 3nm process demonstrates the trust and confidence that leading tech companies have in the chipmaker's capabilities. The partnership between TSMC and its customers is a testament to the company's reliability, quality, and track record of delivering best-in-class semiconductor solutions.
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Aneesah Morrow had 20 points and 18 rebounds as No. 6 LSU rallied to an 83-61 victory over Albany on Sunday. Mikaylah Williams added 18 points, Flau’Jae Johnson had 15 points and nine rebounds for the Tigers (15-0), who tied their second-best start in school history. Morrow had a double-double – 10 points and 10 rebounds – in LSU’s 25-2 game-closing run. Albany missed its last 11 shots, failing to hit a field goal in the game’s final 8:42. Kaci Donovan scored 15 of her team-high 17 points for UAlbany (10-3). Lilly Phillips and Kayla Cooper had 14 each. Albany: The Great Danes, concerned that almost 30 of LSU’s 93.3 points per game came off fast breaks, conceded getting offensive rebounds in favor of quickly dropping back on defense. In the first half when Albany led 38-34 at the break, it had just one offensive rebound, but only allowed seven fast break points. LSU: Against the three best teams the Tigers have faced so far – a one-loss Washington and Stanford and a two-loss Albany – they have trailed at the end of the first quarter and halftime. LSU had six turnovers in its first 12 possessions against Albany followed by the Great Danes hitting their last 5 of 7 field goals in the first quarter for a 25-16 lead. Williams and Morrow produced steals that turned into their assists to Johnson for a pair of fastbreak layups to start a 25-2 run in the game’s final 7:41 that took the Tigers from a 1-point deficit to the 22-point victory. LSU won despite hitting just 1 of its 13 3-point attempts. Albany opens America East Conference play at home on Thursday vs. Vermont. LSU’s SEC opener is Thursday at Arkansas. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketballAs the pressure mounted, the Argentinian defender soon found himself in a downward spiral, his once confident and assured demeanor giving way to uncertainty and doubt. His performances became increasingly error-prone, his decision-making questionable, and his impact on the team diminishing with each passing game.
While the police may have intended to reassure the public by using the term "shelter," it is evident that the choice of words was ill-advised and potentially harmful. In cases of missing persons, it is crucial to convey the seriousness of the situation and the need for urgent action. By downplaying the urgency of the student's disappearance, the police may have inadvertently hindered the search efforts and risked compromising the student's safety.Title: Guiyang: New Policies Ignite the Market, Boosting Demand for Upgrading and Sales
Wild first season in expanded Big 12 comes down to final weekendYIN Ziwei, known for his versatile acting skills and captivating on-screen presence, is set to bring his unique charm and talent to the film's ensemble cast. His involvement in "The Accidental Killing 3" is seen as a significant coup for the production team, further elevating the star-studded lineup and raising the film's profile to new heights.
For many across the Middle East, the came as a relief: the first major sign of progress in the region since war began more than a year ago. But for Palestinians in Gaza and families of hostages held in the territory, the only to inaugurate a newer, grimmer period of the conflict there. For them, it marked yet another missed opportunity to end fighting that has stretched on for nearly 14 months. Palestinians had hoped that any ceasefire deal with Hezbollah would include a truce in Gaza as well. The families of people kidnapped when in October 2023, meanwhile, wanted part of the agreement to include returning their loved ones. Instead, the ceasefire was . “We feel this is a missed opportunity to tie in the hostages in this agreement that was signed today,” said Ruby Chen, whose son, Itay Chen, was taken hostage from an Israeli military base and has been declared dead. As much as they were intertwined, the two wars have been very different. In Lebanon, Israel said its aim was to drive Hezbollah back from the countries’ shared border and end the militant group’s barrages into northern Israel. The ceasefire is intended to do that. In Gaza, Israel’s goals . Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been resolute in insisting that Hamas must be completely destroyed and Israel must retain lasting control over parts of the territory. Months of talks have failed to get Netanyahu to back down from those demands — or to convince Hamas to release hostages under those terms. For Palestinians in Gaza, that means continuing misery under an Israeli campaign that has and driven almost the entire population from their homes. Hundreds of thousands while living in squalid tent cities as the second winter of the war brings cold rains and flooding. ”They agree to a ceasefire in one place and not in the other? Have mercy on the children, the elderly and the women,” said Ahlam Abu Shalabi, living in tent in central Gaza. “Now it is winter, and all the people are drowning.” Palestinians feel resigned to continued war The war between Israel and Hamas began on Oct. 7, 2023, when militants attacked Israel from Gaza, killing around 1,200 people and taking some 250 hostage. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has rained devastation on the Palestinian territory, killing over 44,000 people, according to local health officials. The officials, who do not distinguish between civilians and fighters in their count, say over half of the dead are women and children. Hezbollah began firing into Israel a day after Hamas’ attack in solidarity with the Palestinian militant group. The two sides have exchanged near-daily barrages since. Moving thousands of troops to its northern border, Israel ramped up bombardment of southern Lebanon and launched a ground invasion there two months ago, . Palestinians now fear Israel’s military can return its full focus to Gaza — a point that Netanyahu made as he announced the ceasefire in Lebanon on Tuesday. “The pressure will be more on Gaza,” said Mamdouh Younis, a displaced man in a central Gaza tent camp. Netanyahu, he said, can now exploit the fact that “Gaza has become alone, far from all the arenas that were supporting it, especially the Lebanon front.” Israeli troops are already engaged in , where a two-month offensive has cut off most aid and caused experts to warn . Strikes all over the territory regularly kill dozens. In signing onto the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah reversed its long-held position that it wouldn’t stop its barrages across the border unless Israel ends the war in Gaza. “This could have a psychological impact, as it will further entrench the understanding that Palestinians in Gaza are alone in resisting against their occupiers,” said Tariq Kenney Shawa, a U.S. policy fellow at Al-Shabaka, a Palestinian think tank. Hamas may dig its heels in It also leaves Hamas — its capabilities already severely damaged by Israel’s offensive — to fight alone. Hamas official Osama Hamdan appeared to accept Hezbollah’s new position in an interview Monday. “Any announcement of a ceasefire is welcome. Hezbollah has stood by our people and made significant sacrifices,” Hamdan told the Lebanese broadcaster Al-Mayadeen, which is seen as politically allied with Hezbollah. Khalil Sayegh, a Palestinian analyst, said the ceasefire could make Hamas even less popular in Gaza, by proving the failure of its gambit that its attack on Israel would rally other militant groups to the fight. “It’s a moment where we can see the Hamas messaging become weaker and weaker, as they struggle to justify their strategy to the public,” said Sayegh. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday that the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire could help force Hamas to the negotiating table because it would show the group that the “cavalry is not on the way.” But Hamas experts predicted that it would only dig in both on the battlefield and in talks. Hamas has insisted it will only release all the hostages in return for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. “I expect Hamas will continue using guerrilla warfare to confront Israeli forces in Gaza as long as they remain,” said Shawa. Hostage families lose hope Dozens of Israelis thronged a major highway in Tel Aviv on Tuesday night, protesting for the return of the hostages as the country waited to hear if a ceasefire in Lebanon had been agreed. Around 100 people taken hostage are still held in Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Most of the other hostages seized by Hamas were released during a ceasefire last year. Ricardo Grichener, the uncle of 23-year-old hostage Omer Wenkert, said the ceasefire with Hezbollah showed how the Israeli government was openly disregarding the hostages. Even though Israel has inflicted greater damage on Hamas in Gaza than on Hezbollah in Lebanon, he said “the decision to postpone a deal in Gaza and release the hostages is not based on the same military success criteria.” The most recent effort to wind down the war stalled in October. U.S. President Joe Biden said Tuesday he would begin a renewed push, but his administration is now in its waning days after the reelection of former President Donald Trump. “This ceasefire doesn’t concern our hostages. I believe that Netanyahu forgot about them, and he just wants to keep fighting in Gaza,” said Ifat Kalderon, clutching a photo of her cousin, Ofer Kalderon, who is a hostage and a father to four. “Ofer yesterday had his 54th birthday. His second birthday in Gaza,” she said. “It’s unbelievable that he’s still there.”Hawke’s Bay: Orchardist Greig Taylor says technology is aiding his water-saving methods
EXCLUSIVE Gisele Bundchen, 44, puts her bump on display in skimpy bikini during beach day with Joaquim Valente Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com By CHRISTINE RENDON FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 19:06 GMT, 29 December 2024 | Updated: 19:18 GMT, 29 December 2024 e-mail View comments Gisele Bundchen put her baby bump on display as she enjoyed a beach day with her boyfriend Joaquim Valente and family on Christmas Eve. The beauty, 44, was spotted frolicking in the water in a skimpy bikini as she continued enjoying the holiday season in gorgeous Costa Rica. Bundchen and Joaquim are expecting their first child together, but it is baby number three in total for the model. Gisele looked absolutely incredible as she basked in the sunshine in her skimpy swimsuit. She looked content as she strode across the beachside barefoot, at one point joined by a dog who trekked dutifully by her side. The stunner waded out about calf-deep into the ocean, chatting with Joaquim and her family. Gisele Bundchen put her baby bump on display as she enjoyed a beach day with her boyfriend Joaquim Valente and family on Christmas Eve The beauty, 44, was spotted frolicking in the water in a skimpy bikini as she continued enjoying the holiday season in paradise Joaquim, going shirtless but also rocking swimming trunks, remained close by Joaquim, going shirtless but also rocking swimming trunks, remained close by. Bundchen was first linked to Valente in June 2023, a year after her divorce from Tom Brady, with whom she shares son Benjamin, 15, and daughter Vivian, 12, with. Bundchen was previously married to NFL alum Tom Brady, whom she wed in 2009 and divorced in 2022. Along with Benjamin and Vivian, the football player is also father to son, Jack, 17, whom he shares with ex Bridget Moynahan. Read More Pregnant Gisele Bundchen, 44, shows off baby bump on family trip to Costa Rica In October, Bundchen's pregnancy news was revealed - leaving her ex, Brady, 'stunned' by the revelation. Last month in November, Tom notably shared a cryptic quote about 'failing' and 'coming short' in the wake of Gisele's pregnancy bombshell. The quote was from former President Theodore Roosevelt and was seen on a card that the NFL star held up in a social media photo. And during the 2024 Fortune Global Forum in New York City, he also admitted that he 'screwed up a lot as a parent.' A source recently told DailyMail.com that Brady has been struggling to date as he moves on from the 'sting' of Bundchen's new romance. Gisele looked absolutely incredible as she basked in the sunshine in her skimpy swimsuit. She was joined by a furry friend at one point Bundchen waded calf-deep into the water 'Tom would love to date more but he is busy and very focused on his first year of being a commentator. It is easier to be single right now.' The former NFL star notably signed a ten-year Fox deal - worth $375 million - back in September. 'At first, everything stings. Her getting pregnant, her hanging out with Joaquim, her moving on. But then he snaps out of it and remains busy, knows that his life is pretty good and to worry about things he can't control is a waste of time.' The insider added, 'He could complain but what's the point. He got the best out of the relationship with Gisele until it fell apart, now it's not his problem anymore. He will be fine.' A source recently told DailyMail.com how Gisele and Joaquim broke the pregnancy news to Brady. Bundchen was first linked to Valente in June 2023, a year after her divorce from Tom Brady, with whom she shares son Benjamin, 15, and daughter Vivian, 12, with She chatted with her family The runway star walked barefoot across the coast The model informed Tom that she was expecting her first child with Valente shortly after telling their children because she wanted him to hear it from her first - rather than through media reports. 'Gisele and Joaquim were not planning to have a child together. This was unexpected. Joaquim has always wanted a family, so she is happy to be able to give this to him.' 'She knew that he would be a great father when her kids started taking classes with him. He is patient, playful and so understanding,' the insider stated. Both Benjamin and Vivian are 'absolutely thrilled' over the big news, the source also shared. Gisele and Valente first started dating last year in June, but Tom Brady 'never imagined' that the model would have a child with Joaquim, per Page Six. Her pregnancy was not on his 'radar' and the news had left him, 'stunned, to say the least.' A source told Us Weekly in October that both Benjamin and Vivian 'really like' Joaquim and added he has been 'living at [Bundchen's] house in Miami for while.' Bundchen was previously married to NFL alum Tom Brady, whom she wed in 2009 and divorced in 2022 A source told Us Weekly in October that both Benjamin and Vivian 'really like' Joaquim and added he has been 'living at [Bundchen's] house in Miami for while' After the pregnancy news came to light, a separate insider told People that Gisele is 'excited to embrace this new chapter openly.' The beauty has since 'received many positive messages and congratulations' and had initially wanted to keep her pregnancy 'private for as long as she could, doing so was starting to be a challenge.' Bundchen 'feels good' and is doing 'pilates and other exercises that will help with birth, too.' The source further told the outlet that Gisele has 'always taken amazing care of herself' and 'eats healthy and meditates as well.' Bundchen is also taking 'a step back from work to focus on her pregnancy.' Gisele Bundchen Tom Brady Share or comment on this article: Gisele Bundchen, 44, puts her bump on display in skimpy bikini during beach day with Joaquim Valente e-mail Add commentAllar puts critics on mute, keeps winning for Penn State4. Best Esports Team: Team Liquid
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Aneesah Morrow had 20 points and 18 rebounds as No. 6 LSU rallied to an 83-61 victory over Albany on Sunday. Mikaylah Williams added 18 points, Flau’Jae Johnson had 15 points and nine rebounds for the Tigers (15-0), who tied their second-best start in school history. Morrow had a double-double – 10 points and 10 rebounds – in LSU’s 25-2 game-closing run. Albany missed its last 11 shots, failing to hit a field goal in the game’s final 8:42. Kaci Donovan scored 15 of her team-high 17 points for UAlbany (10-3). Lilly Phillips and Kayla Cooper had 14 each. Takeaways Albany: The Great Danes, concerned that almost 30 of LSU’s 93.3 points per game came off fast breaks, conceded getting offensive rebounds in favor of quickly dropping back on defense. In the first half when Albany led 38-34 at the break, it had just one offensive rebound, but only allowed seven fast break points. LSU: Against the three best teams the Tigers have faced so far – a one-loss Washington and Stanford and a two-loss Albany – they have trailed at the end of the first quarter and halftime. LSU had six turnovers in its first 12 possessions against Albany followed by the Great Danes hitting their last 5 of 7 field goals in the first quarter for a 25-16 lead. Key moment Williams and Morrow produced steals that turned into their assists to Johnson for a pair of fastbreak layups to start a 25-2 run in the game’s final 7:41 that took the Tigers from a 1-point deficit to the 22-point victory. Key stat LSU won despite hitting just 1 of its 13 3-point attempts. Up next Albany opens America East Conference play at home on Thursday vs. Vermont. LSU’s SEC opener is Thursday at Arkansas. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers have traded guard D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets for forward Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton. The Lakers also sent forward Maxwell Lewis and three second-round draft picks to Brooklyn on Sunday. Russell averaged a career-low 12.4 points for the Lakers this season in a diminished role under new coach JJ Redick, who had vowed to unlock the point guard's formidable offensive game. Instead, Russell was removed from the starting lineup early in the season, and he struggled to make a consistent impact as a reserve, with his shooting percentages declining significantly. The 6-foot-7 Finney-Smith isn't a top scorer, but he is a steady 3-and-D wing who fills an obvious need for the Lakers. Los Angeles has had inconsistent wing play and has lacked an effective defender at the key position during the long-term injury absence of Jarred Vanderbilt , who hasn't played since Feb. 1. Finney-Smith averaged 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds this season for the Nets, who acquired him from Dallas in the February 2023 in the trade of Kyrie Irving. Finney-Smith has been limited to five games this month by a sprained ankle and a bruised calf, but the 31-year-old played 27 minutes against San Antonio on Friday. Redick and Finney-Smith were teammates with the Mavericks during the 2020-21 season, and Redick has expressed admiration for Finney-Smith's hard-nosed game. Milton is joining his sixth NBA team in less than two years, including his third trade in 11 months. He is averaging 7.4 points and 2.4 assists per game this season as a Nets reserve. Russell is being traded by the Lakers to the Nets for the second time in his career. He also made the move in 2017 after spending his first two NBA seasons with Los Angeles, which drafted him in 2015. Russell earned the only All-Star selection of his career during his two seasons in Brooklyn. Russell has been traded five times in the past 7 1/2 years. The 10-year pro excelled for the Lakers during their run to the 2023 Western Conference finals after returning to the team in February of that season, although he got benched during that final playoff series against Denver. Russell remained a fairly consistent scorer last year while setting a new franchise record for 3-pointers made in a season, but his career-long problems with offensive inconsistency and defensive ability kept him out of Redick's plans this year. With Russell's departure, Gabe Vincent is the only true point guard left in the Lakers' rotation, although LeBron James often fills the role of initiating their offense. The Lakers (18-13) have won five of six heading into their visit from Cleveland on New Year's Eve. The trade continues a roster restructuring by the Nets, who traded former Lakers point guard Dennis Schröder to Golden State two weeks ago. Schröder was Brooklyn's third-leading scorer, while Finney-Smith was its fourth-leading scorer. The Nets have been one of the NBA's lowest-scoring teams this season, so Russell should have plenty of chances to make an offensive impact. Brooklyn has lost three of four heading into its road game against Orlando on Sunday. Russell's $18.7 million contract expires this summer, while Finney-Smith has a $15.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season. Lewis was the Lakers' second-round pick in 2023, but he played in just 41 games over the past two seasons while shuttling to the G League. AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA
NoneInvestors can appreciate that putting money to work in the stock market and having a very long-term mindset can end up resulting in truly remarkable results. This makes investing something I believe all people should at least learn the basics of. While the overall market has climbed over time, there have been certain businesses that have been massive winners. In fact, there's one dominant retail stock that has generated a monster total return of 3,330,000% (as of Dec. 18) since its initial public offering in September 1981. That means a $10,000 investment made just over four decades ago would be worth an astonishing $333 million today. You don't want to miss this company. Perhaps it deserves a closer look right now. Boring is beautiful It's quite amazing to think that Home Depot ( HD 1.97% ) has been able to put up such a fantastic performance. I'm sure most readers would've assumed the business in question had exposure to the technology sector. However, the world's leading home improvement chain has taken care of its shareholders by operating a simple business model, which is to sell tools, supplies, and equipment to both DIY and professional customers via a network of physical stores. That playbook hasn't really changed. About 30 years ago in fiscal 1993, Home Depot generated $9.2 billion in total sales. And it had 264 stores in operation. The management team in those days understood quickly that the correct strategy was to invest aggressively to rapidly expand the footprint across the country. These days, there are 2,345 Home Depot locations in all, with 2,024 in the U.S. and its territories, 182 in Canada, and 139 in Mexico. What's more, the company claims that 90% of the population in this country is within 10 miles of a Home Depot. That broad reach is hard to overstate. Of course, it's not a shocker that all of that growth has resulted in a dominant retail enterprise. In the last 12 months, Home Depot reported $155 billion in revenue, astronomically higher than in fiscal 1993. And the business posted almost $15 billion in net income in the last year. Capital returns Home Depot's financial position these days affords it the ability to return copious amounts of cash back to shareholders. The company paid out $6.7 billion in dividends in the last nine months. The dividend yield is just over 2.3% right now. Even more impressive is the fact that the quarterly payout has increased 281% in the past decade. Management also focuses on share repurchases. In the past five years, the diluted outstanding share count has shrunk by 9.2%. This raises the ownership stake of existing investors. Keep Home Depot on your radar While Home Depot's historical track record of growth is undeniable, the company is facing a difficult reality today. Tighter macro conditions in recent years, particularly higher interest rates and inflationary pressures, have discouraged consumers from taking on renovation projects. This helps explain why same-store sales dipped 3.2% in fiscal 2023, with the expectation that they will decline 2.5% in the current fiscal year. However, Home Depot does benefit from some favorable industry tailwinds. The median age of a home in the U.S. has steadily increased over time. Older houses understandably need more repairs and upgrades. Additionally, the U.S. continues to face a substantial housing inventory shortage. Low housing supply incentivizes people not to move, instead investing in renovations at their current dwellings. At a high level, I think it's safe to assume that the overall housing and home improvement industry will continue to be critical parts of the economy decades from now. Investors shouldn't expect forward returns to resemble the past, but Home Depot certainly deserves to be on your watch list.