Ex-NFL tight end and Super Bowl winner Rob Gronkowski revealed that he walked into a forgotten $600,000 investment in Apple stock that he entirely forgotten about for nearly a decade. The former New England Patriots tight end made the initial investment of $69,000 in 2014.

Gronkowski was making his mark as one of the NFL’s premier tight ends at the time and came across advice from an unlikely financial advisor in a contractor working on his Massachusetts home. Gronk had just signed a six-year, $54 million extension with the Patriots but was still relatively unfamiliar with investing.

“I’d never been involved in stocks. I really didn’t know how stocks worked. So I was like, ‘Alright, let me do this,” Gronkowski shared in a recent interview with Fortune. I’m going to go big.'” Gronk put down $69,000 in Apple stock, forecasting his financial outlook for life after the NFL. Fast forward to today, and that initial investment has multiplied nearly ninefold, bringing its total value to over $600k.

Despite the significant sum involved, Gronkowski admitted he completely forgot about the stock. He focused on amassing football accolades, including Pro Bowl appearances and Super Bowl victories. As he grew to become an icon on the field, his Apple investment quietly grew in the background.

It wasn’t until recently that Gronkowski checked in on the investment and discovered his remarkable return. “To this date, I have over $600,000 of Apple stock,” he said, laughing about how clueless he was then. “Having no idea what I was doing but just listening to the man who built my house here in New England.”

When Gronkowski bought Apple stock in 2014, shares were trading at $24.58. Nearly a decade later, those same shares are worth $243.07.

Apple’s overall valuation also skyrocketed in that period. At the end of 2014, the company was worth $578.29 billion. Today, Apple is valued at $3.551 trillion, becoming the first company to cross the $1 trillion mark in 2018. The company saw a 972 percent increase in stock price after the original iPhone’s release in 2007.

Dustin Johnson has joined forces with the face of Saudi Arabian golf after the former PGA Tour star was announced as an ambassador for Golf Saudi on Thursday.

Johnson is in action in the Middle East as one of a number of LIV Golf stars competing in the PIF Saudi International, and following Thursday’s second round the former major champion’s appointment was confirmed by Golf Saudi. “We are honored to have Dustin taking on this role,” said Noah Alireza, CEO of Golf Saudi.

“Which will be at the heart of our ambition to grow golf in Saudi Arabia and deliver our dream of seeing a Saudi champion in the future.

“Our Saudi pro-golfers – a record five of whom are competing in the PIF Saudi International this week – and our National Development team will be learning year-round and hands-on from one of the very best to ever play the game. Of course, we’ll work with DJ to co-innovate on the future of golf, leaning on his unrivaled expertise and knowledge of the game to get more Saudis playing golf.”

As part of the role, it was confirmed that Johnson – who joined the Saudi-funded LIV Golf setup in 2022 – will take charge of year-round coaching of some of the country’s top golf talent. Commending the American – who is a two-time Saudi International winner – on the back of his appointment, Alireza continued: “Dustin was our debut PIF Saudi International champion back in 2019 and has been a huge supporter of our goals in golf ever since.

“We are delighted to strengthen that relationship and look forward to backing DJ as he continues to compete for the biggest titles in golf.” As part of the deal, Johnson will wear Golf Saudi apparel whilst out on the course to go alongside his 4Aces branding.

“Golf Saudi is doing such a great job of promoting the game of golf and trying to get more people involved, Johnson said in a statement. Me now being a Golf Saudi ambassador I’m very proud to be a part of that and I really want to help grow the game in Saudi.

The Kansas City Chiefs have announced that Travis Kelce has been nominated for a prestigious NFL award as the tight end has a chance to add to his legacy.

It was announced that Kelce is the Chiefs’ selection for the Walter Peyton NFL Man of the Year Award. The accolade is the league’s most prestigious honor with the achievement recognizing players who have created a positive effect beyond the game as well as their contribution on the field

Kelce is one of 32 nominees, with each club getting a selection. The Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt explained the franchise’s decision as he lauded Kelce’s work through his various programs and foundations as a true role model. “Over the past 12 years, Travis Kelce has grown into one of the most dynamic individuals in all of football, both on and off the field,” Hunt said.

“He’s a three-time Super Bowl Champion, a nine- time Pro Bowler and one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. He’s also a tremendous leader, a role model for young people in Kansas City and an inspiration to football fans around the world.

“Through his new Ignition Lab, the growing Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation and his partnership with Operation Breakthrough, Travis has impacted the lives of thousands of young people in the Kansas City region and beyond.

Hunt continued: “Very few athletes in the history of the game have balanced the same level of team success, individual accolades and community engagement. The Chiefs organization and the Kansas City community are proud to have Travis as the club’s nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.”

Kelce reacted to his nomination by revealing his pride in going up for the award. “I’m truly honored to be nominated as the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. This organization and this city mean so much to me and to have the Chiefs nominate me again is special,” Kelce said.

“Growing up in Cleveland Heights with supportive family and friends, I know the power of having people in your corner. It’s been incredible to be able to work towards providing that same support and inspiration to kids through Eighty-Seven & Running and our work with Operation Breakthrough and the Ignition Lab.

“To see the inaugural class from the Ignition Lab getting ready to graduate is so special and something that I’ll cherish forever. I know how valuable hope and purpose is in those high school years, and these kids have really seized the opportunity.

A recent press release has ignited speculation online that Hillary Clinton, who was a presidential candidate for the Democrats in 2016, may consider running again in 2028.

On Wednesday, Clinton fueled speculation about a presidential campaign by announcing that she and her spouse, former President Bill Clinton, will be speaking at the Clinton Presidential Center in celebration of its 20-year anniversary.

The press release stated: “The Clintons will reflect on the significant and impactful work of public service – ranging from achieving peace, prosperity, and progress during the Clinton administration to helping millions through the initiatives of the Clinton Foundation, encouraging future leaders via the Clinton School, and enhancing understanding of the work carried out during the Clinton Administration through the Clinton Presidential Library & Museum.”

“Hillary Clinton is reportedly considering a run for the presidency in 2028. Personally, I doubt it will happen, especially with JD Vance in the mix. Besides, the idea of President Vance sounds much more appealing,” another user posted.

One user on X mentioned that since Clinton will be in her 80s by 2028, the likelihood of her attempting to run is slim. “Hillary Clinton will be 81 in 2028, and people think she’s going to campaign for president? Cut the nonsense,” they tweeted.

Clinton has not yet made any public statement regarding these rumors, but she has shown no signs of planning another run.

Christian McCaffrey sustained a torn PCL during the San Francisco 49ers’ 35-10 defeat against the Buffalo Bills in Week 13. This injury is projected to keep him out for approximately six weeks, likely ending his 2024 NFL season.

For the first time, McCaffrey spoke about his latest injury in a statement shared on social media on Wednesday. He reflected on the “humbling” aspects of playing football and recognized that 2024 hasn’t been a good year for him.

“To me, football is the greatest game on Earth,” the 28-year-old expressed on Instagram. “I appreciate how it reveals your true self without uttering a single word. It can elevate you or break you, and it can change quickly. It’s humbling in many wonderful ways. You can do everything right yet still come up short. (That’s) life, and that’s football. It’s a relentless test of will, and those who keep persevering usually gain from their endurance. This wasn’t my year, and sometimes it feels like trouble comes in waves.”

Indeed, 2024 was not a favorable year for McCaffrey. He encountered a challenging start to the season, grappling with Achilles tendinitis in both legs, which caused him to miss the first eight games with San Francisco.

Finally making his return to the field in Week 10, McCaffrey didn’t display his usual explosive self. He was unable to exceed 79 rushing yards in any single game and did not score any touchdowns during his four starts.

During Week 13, it appeared that McCaffrey was finally finding his rhythm. He started strong against the Bills, accumulating 58 yards on his initial six carries, but his right knee hit the ground hard in the second quarter after being tackled. A few plays later, McCaffrey slid down on a straightforward handoff. He limped off the field and did not return to the game, ultimately receiving a diagnosis of a potentially season-ending injury.

If his season is indeed concluded, McCaffrey will end 2024 with a total of 202 rushing yards on 50 carries without any touchdowns. He also contributed 15 receptions for 146 yards, making his overall total of 348 scrimmage yards and games played a career low for the eight-year veteran.

Nonetheless, McCaffrey is determined not to let this disappointing season affect him. Instead, he’s channeling this experience into motivation to return stronger in 2025.

“You can indulge in self-pity and listen to the negativity, or you can stay the course,” McCaffrey mentioned in his post. “I am thankful for all the support from my circle, and I assure you I will train harder and smarter than ever to come back even better. I love my teammates, I cherish the (49ers), and I have a passion for football. God’s plans are never missed. Onward.”

A Facebook video from November 26 (direct link, archive link) seemingly features Vice President Kamala Harris speaking in a slow manner with noticeable dark circles under her eyes.

The caption of the post states, “Kamala Harris is not handling her loss well.”

Similar claims have circulated on X.

More details from the Fact-Check Team: Our research and claim verification process | Email newsletter | Facebook page

Our assessment: Altered
The footage has been modified to slow down Harris’ speech and to add dark bags under her eyes. The original clip presents the vice president speaking and appearing normally.

The video of Harris exhibiting slurred speech has been edited.
Harris published the original video on YouTube on November 26, almost three weeks after her defeat in the election to President-elect Donald Trump.

In the complete 13-minute video, which also featured comments from her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Harris addressed her supporters about the significance of continuing to advocate for their beliefs despite the defeat. She spoke at a regular pace and did not show any visible dark circles under her eyes.

Fact-check: Fabricated post from the Harris campaign alleges “racism and bigotry.”

The Democratic National Committee also posted the unedited version of the Facebook clip on X on the same day.

The individual who shared the post informed USA TODAY that they knew the video was altered when they uploaded it.

A young boy, aged 8, tragically passed away in Arizona after being struck by a large concrete statue that fell at a historic hotel, according to authorities.

Emergency responders arrived at the Arizona Biltmore resort on November 27 at approximately 9 a.m. following reports of an injured child at the hotel situated northeast of downtown Phoenix.

The boy was quickly taken to a local hospital, where he was declared dead the following day. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office identified complications from blunt force trauma to the head as the main cause of death.

Capt. Todd Keller of the Phoenix Fire Department stated that a section of the concrete statue fell on the boy, causing a head injury. The cause of the statue’s fall and whether the child was accompanied by a parent or guardian remain unknown. Authorities indicated that foul play was not suspected.

“We are profoundly saddened by the incident that transpired at the hotel earlier this morning,” the hotel conveyed in a statement to The Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network. “The safety and security of our guests is our highest priority, and our thoughts are with the family affected by the events of today.”

Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation: ‘We are deeply saddened’ The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, which aims to preserve Wright’s legacy and educate the public on the architect’s influence, expressed sorrow over the child’s death at the Arizona Biltmore, a venue inspired by Wright’s design.

“The news regarding the child’s death at the Biltmore is extremely heartbreaking,” stated Henry Hendrix, chief marketing officer for the foundation, in a statement. “We are truly saddened by this tragic incident, and our deepest sympathies go out to the family during this incredibly challenging time.”

The Arizona Biltmore, constructed in 1929, is often referred to as “The Jewel of the Desert” and boasts a rich and storied history.

“Please understand that we share in the grief of this moment and hold everyone impacted close in our thoughts as they face this unimaginable loss,” the statement added.

The statue that struck the boy was a representation of a “sprite,” symbolizing a mythical creature intended to guard the land. As indicated on the Arizona Biltmore’s website, the property features 19 sprite statues.

Hendrix noted in his statement that the sprites at the Biltmore are replicas of designs from Wright’s Midway Gardens project in Chicago, which was built in 1914 and torn down in 1929. The statues present at the Biltmore were crafted in the mid-1980s and donated to the Biltmore in 1988. They are not classified as historic artifacts and do not fall under the category of historic preservation.

A 7-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed his 2-year-old brother inside a vehicle parked at a shopping center in California, according to officials.

On Monday, shortly before 4 p.m. local time, the boy unintentionally shot his sibling in the parking area of a shopping center located in Rancho Cucamonga, California, about 45 miles east of Los Angeles, as reported by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

“During the investigation, deputies found that the victim and his 7-year-old brother were inside a truck when the 7-year-old discovered a firearm in the glove compartment, leading to the tragic shooting,” the department stated in a written release.

Emergency responders quickly transported the injured toddler to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, officials indicated.

California school shooting: Two kindergarteners in ‘extremely critical condition.’

Investigation ongoing
Additional details, such as who was supervising the children at the time and the ownership of the firearm, remain unclear as the investigation was still at an early stage on Tuesday morning.

“The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division arrived and took over the inquiry,” the Sheriff’s Department reported. “A report will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for evaluation.”

Those with information have been encouraged to reach out to the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904. Information can also be submitted anonymously to the We-Tip hotline at 800-892-7463.

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Misdemeanor or felony charges in California
In California, if a gun owner keeps a loaded weapon accessible and a minor under their care gains access to it, the owner may face misdemeanor or felony charges if the child uses it and it results in someone else’s death, or brings it to a public place, according to the California Attorney General’s office.

Legal actions could be pursued against the gun owner “unless the firearm was stored in a locked container or secured with a locking device to prevent it from being fired temporarily.”

How frequently do accidental shootings take place?
In 2023, nearly 4% of all firearm-related deaths were due to accidental injuries and fatalities, according to the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. Approximately 67% of unintentional firearm deaths involved handguns.

“Individuals residing in the U.S. are four times more likely to die from an unintentional firearm injury compared to residents of other high-income nations,” the department stated.

Series of accidental shootings
The day after the 7-year-old accidentally shot his brother, a 3-year-old accidentally shot and injured their 1-year-old sibling in North Carolina “with a firearm that had been kept in the home,” the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office reported in a release, according to The Star, which is part of the USA TODAY Network.

The toddler involved in this incident is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital and is anticipated to fully recover.

Will Taylor Swift perform every track from her studio albums before the Eras Tour concludes on Sunday in Vancouver, Canada? Will she invite special guests to join her? Will she include “You’re On Your Own, Kid” in her set one more time?

“Welcome to the acoustic part of the show,” Swift smiles, addressing a full house every evening of the tour.

Fans watching the livestream set timers, and dedicated followers receive notifications for when the acoustic segment starts. Each performance is unique, and most of them generate news coverage (I’ve written about 89 of them). Swift plays one song or mashup on the guitar and another on the piano.

Taylor Swift took the stage in Amsterdam on July 4.
Complete acoustic set list: Taylor Swift surprises her audience with additional songs at every Eras Tour show. Here are all the tracks she has performed thus far.

Occasionally, she’ll announce a new rerecorded album like “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” in Nashville or “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” in Inglewood, California. At times, she features surprise guests such as Sabrina Carpenter in New Orleans or Gracie Abrams in Toronto. Several songs convey a message to the audience, like during her last concert in America in Indianapolis when she fused “Cornelia Street” and “The Bolter” to form the line, “I don’t want to lose you / I hope it never ends / but she was leaving / and it felt like freedom.”

Among Swift’s eleven studio albums, six songs remain unperformed: “That’s When” and “Bye Bye Baby” from “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)”; “Girl At Home,” “Ronan,” and “Forever Winter” from “Red (Taylor’s Version)”; and “Soon You’ll Get Better” from “Lover.”

Considering she averages four songs per performance and has three remaining shows in Canada, the Eras Tour leader might not showcase every track before the confetti comes down on the audience in BC Place on Sunday. This is particularly true since she has mentioned one song she intends to keep off her live setlist.

‘Ronan’
In 2021, on the re-released version of “Red,” Swift included Track 21: “Ronan.” The song conveys a type of heartbreak that no parent should endure: losing a child.

“I never imagined ‘Ronan’ would appear on one of her albums,” Maya Thompson shares, “so receiving that call was just, I feel like I’m still in a moment of disbelief from it all. I think I’ll stay in a state of awe about that for life.”

Maya Thompson (left of center), with her sons Liam and Quinn, daughter Poppy, and husband Woody, takes a photo backstage with Taylor Swift after the Glendale, Arizona concert during her 1989 Tour in August 2015. That evening, Swift performed “Ronan” for only the second time, a song honoring Thompson’s 3-year-old son who passed away from cancer.
Thompson documented the journey of losing her 3-year-old son Ronald to neuroblastoma in May 2011. Swift discovered the grieving mother’s blog and crafted a song, using direct quotes from Thompson’s writings for the 4:26 track. During a Stand Up to Cancer telethon in 2012, Swift delivered a moving rendition of the song.

“I’m deeply honored that she decided to include it on such a significant album,” Thompson expresses, “and the fact that the song holds such value for her while she continually honors his memory and everything he stood for means everything to a mourning mother like me.”

Thompson will be attending one of the last shows in Vancouver and predicts that Swift would want her present if “Ronan” is selected as a surprise song.

“I’m not sure. I trust her judgment,” she says. “I think about it from the angle of concern for Taylor. … How is she doing? Will this be something she can handle? That being said, I would absolutely love it.”

‘Soon You’ll Get Better’
In March 2019, just five months prior to the release of Swift’s seventh album “Lover,” she shared 30 lessons she had learned in Elle magazine. Number 24 mentioned in part, “Both of my parents have faced cancer, and my mom is currently battling it again. It has taught me that there are significant problems and then there’s everything else. My mom’s cancer is a significant issue.”

Taylor Swift (L) accepts the 50th Anniversary Milestone Award from Andrea Swift onstage during the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards on April 19, 2015, in Arlington, Texas.
Taylor Swift and my daughter: How 18 years of music formed the backdrop of our relationship.

During a YouTube live session with fans, Swift spoke about Track 12, “Soon You’ll Get Better,” an emotionally charged song featuring The Chicks that reflects on her mother, Andrea, being frequently hospitalized due to cancer.

“We as a family made the decision to include this on the album,” she stated in the livestream, “and it’s something I hold a lot of pride in, but it’s genuinely challenging. I can’t perform it. It’s difficult for me to cope with that song. You’ll understand what I mean soon.”

The artist emphasized the weight of the song during a SiriusXM Town Hall Q&A with fans.

“That’s a song I’m uncertain I’ll ever perform live,” she said. “It’s just really tough for me. Writing it was challenging. Singing it is hard. Even listening to it is difficult for me, but there are times when music encompasses that. Sometimes it’s not only about pleasant experiences.”

In 2020, Swift delivered a poignant performance of the song during the live broadcast of Global Citizen’s “One World: Together at Home” benefit concert aimed at supporting healthcare workers and the World Health Organization.

‘Forever Winter’ and ‘Girl At Home’
The two remaining songs from “Red (Taylor’s Version)” present markedly different themes. “Forever Winter” tells the story of a friend grappling with a profoundly dark and depressive period and the struggle to provide support as circumstances worsen. Swift expresses, “If I were standing in your apartment / I’d take that bomb in your head and diffuse it / I’d tell you I love you even in your bleakest moments / And please don’t leave.”

In “Girl At Home,” Swift employs dance club synths to narrate the experience of being flirted with by a man who has a girlfriend at home. Swift expressed to Yahoo! News in October 2014, “There’s a song named ‘Girl at Home,’ which discusses a guy with a girlfriend, and I found it revolting that he was hitting on other women.”

‘That’s When’ and ‘Bye Bye Baby’
The two unreleased tracks from “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” that she hasn’t performed are “That’s When” and “Bye Bye Baby.” “That’s When” features a collaboration with country artist Keith Urban. He recounted to Ellen DeGeneres how he received a text from Swift while he was enjoying some mall food.

“I was at the shopping mall doing my Christmas shopping when I got a message from Taylor saying, ‘I have a couple of songs I’d like you to sing on, do you want to listen to them?’ and I replied, ‘Sure.'” She shared “That’s When” and “We Were Happy” with him.

“Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” is yet another re-recorded album by Taylor Swift released in 2021.
“Bye Bye Baby” could serve as a poignant concluding line for the last acoustic segment of the Eras Tour, although its theme revolves around departing from unreciprocated love and embracing hope for the future amidst uncertainty.

Other songs
“I’m not sure if any of the unreleased tracks are likely to be performed,” remarks Kayla Wong, a devoted fan who meticulously tracks statistics related to the superstar. Her Instagram account, @headfirstfearless, monitors the numbers behind the most frequently played acoustic songs. “The most probable outcome is her returning with major fan favorites.”

Wong highlights that the top five songs Swift has included in her acoustic set are:

11 times: “You’re On You’re Own, Kid”
Nine times: “Maroon”
Seven times: “Out of the Woods”
Six times: “Clean”
Six times: “Death By A Thousand Cuts”
“I wouldn’t be shocked if she performs ‘You’re On Your Own, Kid’ one more time on the final night,” Wong suggests. “I also believe ‘Long Live’ will be part of the lineup.”

Taylor Swift is set to perform in Amsterdam on July 5.
And you thought you were a fan: Check out the Taylor Swift-themed Christmas House in Naperville, Illinois.

When considering the odds, Wong notes that “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” and “Red (Taylor’s Version)” feature the most surprise songs, each performed at least four times. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind Swift could invite special guests, make announcements, or surprise the audience with songs like “This Is What You Came For” on June 14 in Liverpool or “Crazier” on June 8 in Edinburgh.

In her official Eras Tour book, the artist stated, “It takes a significant amount of practice to perfect the mashups, but when the audience goes wild as I shift into a new song, it makes all the preparation truly worthwhile.”

Drew Barrymore is surprising people alongside Ariana Grande.

The talk show presenter invited the “Wicked” star onto her program to chat about the successful movie musical, during which she presented the singer with a heartfelt gift — the original wand of Glinda from the beloved 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz.”

Grande will portray Glinda opposite Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba in “Wicked,” the record-breaking film version of the acclaimed Broadway show.

Barrymore mentioned that the wand had once belonged to the Smithsonian before being passed into private ownership, but was loaned to “The Drew Barrymore Show.”

Are you excited about ‘Wicked’? Here’s the latest on the Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo film.

Need a moment to unwind? Try the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

The thoughtful gesture left the pop star momentarily speechless until she regained her composure. “Are you joking right now?” Grande then humorously walked off carrying the wand: “Thanks, everyone, it’s been great.”

Grande and Erivo have been candid about their emotional experiences during the press tour for “Wicked,” describing the filmmaking journey as “transformative.”

Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good in the “Wicked” movie musical.
“Some folks think we need to be committed. People believe we should be locked away,” Grande shared with Buzzfeed UK last month.

“We have counselors. This is alright. We’re just incredibly happy,” added Erivo. Grande further stated: “We’re okay. We’re simply thankful to people.”

From left, Margaret Hamilton, Judy Garland, and Billie Burke in “The Wizard of Oz,” 1939, Turner Ent. Co.
Last month, “Wicked” opened with $114 million in the U.S. and Canada and $164.2 million worldwide, setting a record for a film adapted from a Broadway musical, and achieving one of the highest-grossing second weekends in history.

It marked the best opening weekend for a movie derived from a Broadway musical, surpassing the global debut of Universal’s 2012 film “Les Miserables,” according to the studio.

With “Gladiator II,” an unofficial double feature affectionately dubbed “Glicked” by fans, the films collectively earned $169.5 million at domestic theaters, contributing to a total weekend box office of $201.9 million. This represents the highest-grossing weekend in North America since the July release of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” based on Comscore data.