Geno Auriemma apologizes for tense exchange with Dawn Staley after UConn loss
PHOENIX (AP) — UConn coach Geno Auriemma has apologized for his actions during a heated exchange with Dawn Staley at the end of the Huskies’ loss to South Carolina in the women’s Final Four. A visibly upset Auriemma went over to Staley in the final seconds of South Carolina’s 62-48 victory on Friday night and appeared to chastise her. Coaches from both teams had to separate them. When the game finally ended, Auriemma walked off the court to the locker room without going back to shake hands with anyone from South Carolina.
Housing market trends favor home shoppers, but Iran war clouds the outlook for mortgage rates
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The economic fallout from the war with Iran is driving up the cost of buying a home, even as other housing market trends in many parts of the country favor home shoppers this spring. Mortgage rates, which had been trending lower heading into this year, have been rising as the conflict stokes inflation fears. That threatens to put a damper on home sales during what’s traditionally the busiest time of the year for the housing market. At the same time, home shoppers who can afford to buy this spring are likely to benefit from more properties on the market and lower prices than a year ago in many metro areas.
Raw dairy farm recalls some cheese products as FDA investigates E. coli outbreak
WASHINGTON (AP) — A California producer of raw milk and cheese products is recalling some of its products under pressure from federal officials. Raw Farm said Thursday it is voluntarily recalling more than a half-dozen varieties of its cheddar cheese made from raw milk. Previously the company had refused repeated requests from the Food and Drug Administration to issue a recall. The FDA is conducting an inspection of the company's facilities after identifying multiple cases of E. coli food poisoning tied to the firm's products. Raw Farm said in a statement that FDA has not detected the bacteria in its products. The company said it issued the recall “under protest.”
United Airlines raises bag fees amid rising fuel costs and introduces tiered premium fares
United Airlines is raising checked bag fees starting Friday. The move comes as higher fuel costs ripple through the airline industry. Most travelers flying within the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Latin America will now pay $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for a second. That's $10 more than before the Iran war started Feb. 28. United says it’s their first baggage fee increase in two years. Some customers like loyalty members will still get a free bag. JetBlue also raised fees this week. Airlines say rising crude oil prices are pushing up operating costs. United on Friday also announced a pricing change coming this month for its front cabins. Three new tiers will offer different perks for premium passengers, similar to economy.
Surprise! Zendaya wears something blue, after the old, new and borrowed
NEW YORK (AP) — First she wore something old. Then new, then borrowed — and now blue. Zendaya showed up at her New York premiere for “The Drama” in a dazzling blue Schiaparelli couture ball gown, completing a bridal tease she'd begun weeks ago. The fashion reveals have accompanied Zendaya's promotional tour for “The Drama,” in which she co-stars with Robert Pattinson as a couple whose wedding plans go seriously awry following a dark revelation. The film, which has attracted controversy and mixed reviews, opens Friday in theaters.
Hailee Steinfeld says she and Bills quarterback Josh Allen have welcomed a baby girl
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and actor and singer Hailee Steinfeld are proud parents of a baby girl. Steinfeld announced Thursday in her newsletter that their daughter has been born without sharing any further specifics on the date or the baby’s name. She wrote they are grateful, blessed and savoring the early moments. Steinfeld is coming off a year in which she earned acclaim for her role in the movie “Sinners.” Allen and Steinfeld married last May and announced in the same newsletter in December that they were expecting their first child.
McDonald's tries a simpler approach with its new McValue menu
McDonald’s is simplifying its value menu strategy. Starting on April 21, the fast-food giant’s budget-focused McValue menu will have 10 items that each cost under $3. They include hash browns, a small order of fries, a Sausage McMuffin and a McDouble burger. The standardized selection will replace the McValue offer that lets customers choose from a limited array of $1 items if they purchase a regular-priced item. McDonald’s is also introducing a $4 Meal Deal at breakfast. Value menus are designed to offer customers more affordable options, even as fast-food companies also bring out higher-priced items. Taco Bell launched a 10-item Luxe Value Menu in January, when Wendy's revamped its Biggie Deals.
A priceless ancient golden helmet stolen from a Dutch museum is recovered
ASSEN, Netherlands (AP) — Dutch authorities have recovered a priceless ancient golden helmet from Romania stolen last year from a museum in the Netherlands. Under police guard, prosecutors unveiled the 2,500-year-old Cotofenesti helmet during a press conference in the eastern Dutch city of Assen on Thursday. The helmet, considered a cultural icon of Romania, was on loan to the Drents Museum when it was nabbed more than a year ago. The theft sent shock waves through the art world.
Megan Thee Stallion takes 2 Broadway shows off after illness during 'Moulin Rouge!'
NEW YORK (AP) — Megan Thee Stallion was rushed to the hospital after feeling very ill onstage during "Moulin Rouge! The Musical" on Broadway. She later explained on social media that she had been pushing herself too hard. An understudy stepped in Tuesday night, allowing the show to continue. Megan announced she would take Wednesday's performances off to rest and recuperate. She plans to return Thursday, feeling stronger and ready. Megan made her Broadway debut last week as Harold Zidler in the show, which is set to close in July after a seven-year run.
Quadruple amputee cornhole player acted in self-defense when shooting car passenger, lawyer says
LA PLATA, Md. (AP) — A Maryland judge has denied bail to a quadruple amputee professional cornhole player accused of fatally shooting a passenger in his Tesla last month. District Court Judge ordered Dayton James Webber to remain jailed without bail during a hearing by videoconference Wednesday. An attorney for Webber says his client acted in self-defense when he fatally shot 27-year-old Bradrick Michael Wells, and that he expects “a lengthy trial” to prove it. The 27-year-old Webber, whose arms and legs were amputated at 10 months old to save his life from a disease, is charged with murder and other counts. He hasn't entered a plea and is due back in court May 6.
