Mortgage Rates Drop Nationally, But Stall in Duluth National average mortgage rates have declined for three consecutive weeks, marking a shift in the housing market, yet Duluth remains an exception where rates have not seen similar reductions. According to the Associated Press, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage average has fallen to 6.23%, down from 6.3% the previous week. In contrast, Duluth’s mortgage rates have remained stable, reflecting unique local conditions that differentiate the city from the broader national trend. The disparity in rates has sparked interest among real estate professionals and potential homebuyers, who are now examining the factors influencing Duluth’s market. Bell Bank, a local financial institution, attributed the stagnation in rates to a limited supply of housing options in the area. A spokesperson for the bank explained, “While our local market is steady, rates are driven by broader economic conditions beyond any one area. Nationally, we’ve seen lower average interest rates each of the last three weeks. Locally, interest rates play a role in the housing market, but a shortage of a wide variety of housing options in and around Duluth also is a major factor.” This shortage, the bank suggests, has created a situation where rate fluctuations have less impact on local buyers compared to other regions. For first-time homebuyers in Duluth, the real estate landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. Realtor Scott Buckingham of Messina & Associates Real Estate emphasized the importance of aligning home purchases with personal and family needs. “The biggest thing is to be comfortable with what price comes along the home and be honest with yourself and your family about it,” Buckingham said.#associated_press #bell_bank #messina_associates_real_estate #scott_buckingham #duluth
Dianna Russini Resigns from The Athletic Amid Media Controversy Dianna Russini, a prominent NFL reporter for The Athletic, has resigned from the outlet, citing the escalating media frenzy surrounding a recent Page Six story and her unwillingness to endure a public inquiry that she claims has already damaged her reputation. The resignation, announced on April 14, 2026, follows a series of events that have drawn significant attention to her career and the broader implications of media scrutiny in sports journalism. Russini submitted her resignation letter to The Athletic on Tuesday, as reported by Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press. In the letter, she emphasized her commitment to her work, stating, “I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published.” She acknowledged The Athletic’s support during the initial stages of the controversy, noting that the outlet “expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism.” However, she criticized the subsequent media environment, describing it as a “self-feeding speculation” that “is simply unmoored from the facts.” The controversy began with the publication of a Page Six story that alleged Russini had engaged in unethical behavior related to her reporting. While the details of the story remain undisclosed, Russini’s resignation letter suggests that the incident sparked a media firestorm, with commentators across various platforms amplifying unverified claims. She argued that the investigation into the matter, which The Athletic was reportedly conducting, had become a public spectacle, with repeated leaks fueling further speculation. “This media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete,” she wrote.#page_six #the_athletic #dianna_russini #associated_press #rob_maaddi
Jannik Sinner Reclaims World No. 1 Ranking with Monte-Carlo Masters Victory Jannik Sinner secured his return to the world No. 1 ranking by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the Monte-Carlo Masters final on Sunday. The 24-year-old Italian overcame challenging conditions to claim a 7-6 (5), 6-3 victory, marking their first clay-court showdown since the 2024 French Open final, where Alcaraz had triumphed in five sets. The win extended Sinner’s winning streak at the Masters 1000 tournament to 22 matches and narrowed his head-to-head record against Alcaraz to 10-7. The match unfolded under difficult weather conditions, with swirling winds in Monaco complicating both players’ efforts. Sinner, who had been ranked No. 1 since November, maintained his composure to edge out Alcaraz, who had held the top spot since late 2023. The victory propelled Sinner to a 110-point lead in the new rankings released Monday, while Alcaraz dropped to second. Sinner emphasized the significance of the win, stating, “Getting back to No. 1 means a lot to me. At the same time, as I always say, the ranking is secondary. I’m very happy to win at least one big trophy on this surface. I haven’t done it before, so it means a lot to me.” He also highlighted the importance of preparing for upcoming Grand Slam tournaments, noting, “Right now, I’m focusing more on those than on the ranking. But waking up again as No. 1 is pretty nice.” The match began with Alcaraz taking an early 2-0 lead in the first set, capitalizing on Sinner’s struggles with his first serve. Alcaraz converted his first break point in the second game, showcasing two powerful forehands as Sinner faced difficulties. However, Sinner’s resilience shone through as he broke Alcaraz’s serve in the fifth game, forcing the Spaniard to survive break points in the fifth and ninth games.#tennis #jannik_sinner #carlos_alcaraz #associated_press #monte_carlo_masters
Explosion at Valero Refinery Near Texas Coast Forces Shelter-in-Place Orders A major explosion at the Valero oil refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, sent towering plumes of smoke into the air on Monday, prompting officials to issue shelter-in-place orders for nearby residents. The incident occurred near the Texas coast, approximately 90 miles east of Houston. According to Port Arthur Mayor Charlotte M. Moses, no injuries were reported, though firefighters were working to extinguish the flames. "There's been an explosion, yes, but we're OK; everybody's OK," Moses said, urging residents on the west side of the city to remain indoors until emergency crews deemed the area safe. The refinery, which processes about 435,000 barrels of oil daily, is a key facility in the region. Valero’s website states the plant refines heavy sour crude oil into products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. The explosion has raised concerns about the safety of industrial operations in the area, particularly amid ongoing volatility in global oil markets. The incident occurred amid a surge in gas prices, driven by uncertainty over the global oil supply due to tensions involving Iran. While the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, some social media accounts linked the event to alleged sabotage by Iran-linked groups. However, officials have not confirmed these claims. Emergency responders, including the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, arrived at the scene with air monitoring equipment to assess the situation. State Representative Christian Manuel advised residents to stay indoors, limit outdoor activity, and close windows and doors to avoid exposure to potential hazardous emissions.#associated_press #valero_refinery #port_arthur_texas #charlotte_moses #texas_commission_on_environmental_quality
Audi Crooks plays for Iowa State — and for all those who’ve been told their body is too big Audi Crooks, a standout player for Iowa State, has carved out a remarkable collegiate career despite facing persistent scrutiny over her body size. In the past week alone, she has been named second-team All-American by The Associated Press and the U.S. Basketball Writers Association, and she’s a semifinalist for the Naismith Trophy Women’s College Player of the Year. These accolades are well-earned, as Crooks, the second-leading scorer in college women’s basketball, has dominated the court this season. She averages 25.5 points per game, shooting nearly 65% from the floor, while grabbing 7.8 rebounds and scoring double figures in 97 consecutive games. She also became the fastest in Big 12 women’s basketball history to score 2,000 points, solidifying her status as a generational talent. Now, she leads her 8th-seeded Cyclones into the NCAA women’s basketball tournament. Yet, despite her extraordinary performance, Crooks has become a focal point for cultural debates about body size in sports. Critics often fixate on her physical appearance, despite the fact that basketball is a sport where size is an advantage. Crooks, who stands 6-foot-3, has faced accusations of being “out of shape” and of not taking her “conditioning” seriously, even as her on-court success speaks volumes. A particularly contentious Reddit thread criticized her for allegedly contributing to Iowa State’s early exit from the Big 12 Tournament. Such body-shaming is not unique to Crooks; it is a recurring issue for athletes who defy narrow stereotypes about how an athlete’s body should look. Serena Williams, for example, spent much of her tennis career being called “fat” and “unfit” after surgery and a drop in her rankings.#iowa_state #associated_press #audi_crooks #us_basketball_writers_association #naismith_trophy
An unprecedented surge of extreme heat is sweeping across the United States this week and into the following days, shattering monthly temperature records by significant margins. While the most severe impacts are felt by those directly exposed to the heat, visual data and charts illustrate the vast scale of this extreme weather event. The record-breaking temperatures are already breaking previous norms, with California and Arizona experiencing daily highs exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in March—a dramatic departure from the typical range, which is usually at least 30 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius) lower during this month. These temperatures mark a major deviation from historical patterns, highlighting the intensity of the current heatwave. The phenomenon is not confined to just two states. According to an analysis by the Associated Press, roughly a quarter of March heat records at 400 weather stations across the U.S. may be tied or broken this month. While these readings have not yet been officially verified by the National Weather Service, initial temperature data from dozens of U.S. cities clearly indicate a trend of extreme warmth. The heatwave is expected to persist for several weeks, with the National Weather Service forecasting clusters of potentially record-breaking temperatures concentrated in the West. The hottest conditions are likely to be centered in Southwestern states such as Arizona, which, while accustomed to desert heat, typically experiences such extremes only during summer months. Southern California is projected to see the highest temperatures, with Palm Springs recording a daily high of 107 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius) on Thursday. This surpasses the previous March record of 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) set in 1966.#california #national_weather_service #arizona #associated_press #world_weather_attribution
Alabama's Labaron Philon named third-team All-American by the AP Alabama guard Labaron Philon was honored with a third-team All-American designation by the Associated Press for the 2025-26 season. The Crimson Tide’s leading scorer earned the recognition, marking a significant achievement in his sophomore campaign. Philon, who averages 21.7 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game, has been a standout performer for Alabama. His shooting efficiency is notable, with a 50.9% field goal percentage, 40.2% from beyond the arc, and a 78.7% free-throw accuracy. The guard has consistently contributed to the team’s success, scoring 20 or more points in 19 of his 30 appearances. Philon’s selection places him among the top players in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), as he is one of three SEC representatives on the AP All-America Team. Alongside him are Arkansas’ Darius Acuff, who earned a first-team spot, and Florida’s Thomas Haugh, also named to the third team. This recognition highlights the strength of the SEC in collegiate basketball, with multiple players receiving national acclaim. The AP All-America Team is one of four major consensus lists, alongside selections from the National Association of Basketball Coaches, Sporting News, and the United States Basketball Writers Association. While the AP’s selection process is one of the most respected, it is not the only avenue for players to gain recognition. Sporting News also named Philon a third-team All-American, further validating his impact on the court. The 2025-26 AP All-America Team includes a diverse group of players from across the nation. Notable selections include Cameron Boozer of Duke, AJ Dybantsa from BYU, and Darius Acuff of Arkansas.#alabama #associated_press #labaron_philon #secon #ap_all_american_team
AP Announces 2025-26 Women’s College Basketball All-America Teams The Associated Press has released its All-America selections for the 2025-26 women’s college basketball season, highlighting standout performers across the nation. The teams include players who excelled in regular-season play and conference tournaments, with detailed statistics reflecting their contributions. Sarah Strong of the University of Connecticut led the first team with 18.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and a 60.1% field goal shooting percentage. Her performance earned her 31 first-place votes and 155 total points, marking a unanimous selection. Mikayla Blakes of Vanderbilt followed closely with 27 points, 4.4 assists, and a 45.8% field goal percentage, securing 29 votes and 151 points. Lauren Betts from UCLA also made the first team with 16.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and a 56.2% shooting efficiency, matching Blakes’ vote count. Madison Booker of Texas contributed 18.9 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting 51.6% from the field, earning 17 votes and 127 points. Azzi Fudd of UConn, a senior, added 17.7 points and 3.0 rebounds, with a 48.9% shooting accuracy, securing 14 votes and 121 points. Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame, with 25.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, finished with 15 votes and 116 points. Joyce Edwards of South Carolina, who averaged 19.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and a 58.7% field goal percentage, received 7 votes and 103 points. Olivia Miles of TCU, with 19.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists, also earned 7 votes and 99 points. Audi Crooks of Iowa State, a junior, dominated with 25.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and a 64.7% shooting percentage, securing 2 votes and 63 points. Jaloni Cambridge of Ohio State, averaging 22.8 points and 4.6 assists, added 2 votes and 61 points. Olivia Olson of Michigan, with 19.2 points and 6.#ucla #texas #university_of_connecticut #vanderbilt #associated_press
Daniel Biss projected to win Democratic primary for Illinois' 9th Congressional District seat Daniel Biss is expected to secure the Democratic nomination for the U.S. House race in Illinois' 9th Congressional District, according to the Associated Press. The race, which covers northern Chicago and parts of the northwest suburbs, has been one of the most competitive in the state in recent years. This congressional seat has been open for the first time in 26 years following the retirement of long-serving Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. Biss, a former Illinois state senator, is also endorsed by Schakowsky, who announced her decision to step down from office. The Democratic primary featured 15 candidates vying for the nomination, including former journalist Kat Abughazaleh, current state Senator Laura Fine, and gun control advocate Phil Andrew. Abughazaleh, in particular, raised significant funds to support her campaign, enabling her to run television advertisements. The Republican nomination for the seat is projected to go to John Elleson, according to the Associated Press. Elleson’s victory in the GOP primary marks a key development in the race, as the 9th District remains a closely contested area with a diverse electorate. The primary election results highlight the intense competition within the Democratic Party for the opportunity to challenge the Republican incumbent in the general election. Schakowsky’s retirement has created a significant opening, drawing attention to the district’s political dynamics and the candidates’ ability to mobilize support in a region with shifting demographics and voter priorities. The outcome of the Democratic primary will shape the trajectory of the congressional race, as the nominee will face Elleson in November.#associated_press #jan_schakowsky #daniel_biss #illinois_9th_congressional_district #john_elleson
Costco Recalls Meal Kit Over Salmonella Concerns Costco has issued a recall for a meal kit containing Meatloaf with Mashed Yukon Potatoes and Glaze due to potential salmonella contamination. The recall notice stated that the product, identified by Item #30783, is being recalled because an ingredient supplier, Griffith Foods Inc., has initiated a recall of an ingredient used in the meal. The supplier cited the potential for contamination with Salmonella, prompting Costco to take action. The affected meal kits have sell-by dates ranging from March 5 to March 16. These products were distributed to Costco locations across 26 states, including California, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Customers who purchased the meal kit are advised not to consume it and are encouraged to return it for a full refund. Costco expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by the recall. The company emphasized that no illnesses have been reported as a result of the recalled product. Salmonella infections can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, headache, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These symptoms typically appear six hours to six days after infection and usually last four to seven days. The CDC also noted that infections can be particularly severe in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems, who may require hospitalization. Costco’s recall notice serves as a precautionary measure to ensure consumer safety, highlighting the importance of adhering to food safety guidelines. The Associated Press contributed to this report.#costco #cdc #salmonella #griffith_foods_inc #associated_press
