German Baumkuchen 'tree cake' survived a disaster and world wars to become a Japanese favorite
NINOSHIMA, Japan (AP) — Baumkuchen originated in Germany but has become a wildly popular sweet in Japan, where a prisoner of war on a small western island started making the treat that has thrived in its new homeland. Today, the confectionery known as tree cake because of the resemblance to a trunk with rings is considered a symbol of longevity and prosperity in Japan. Baumkuchen festivals are regularly held. At an outdoor welcome center on Ninoshima island near Hiroshima, visitors learn how prisoner of war Karl Juchheim baked the first batch of Baumkuchen more than a century ago.
Disney reaches new deal with YouTube TV, ending a blackout that lasted over two weeks
NEW YORK (AP) — Disney and YouTube TV have reached a new deal to bring channels like ABC and ESPN back to the Google-owned livestreaming platform. The agreement ends a blackout for customers that dragged on for about two weeks. Both sides say that restoration has already begun. Disney content went dark on YouTube TV the night of Oct. 30 after the two sides failed to reach a new licensing deal. YouTube TV subscribers were left without Disney channels on the platform — notably disrupting coverage of top college football matchups and professional sports games, among other news and entertainment offerings. Other Disney-owned content removed from YouTube TV included channels like NatGeo, FX, Freeform, SEC Network, ACC Network and more.
Reaching 67 points is creating a '6-7' frenzy at college basketball games across the country
NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Oklahoma coach Jennie Baranczyk hears the popular catchphrase “6-7” all the time at home, possibly more often than please and thank you. Getting an earful of it at a women’s basketball game, well, that was new for the mother of three. Baranczyk and the sixth-ranked Sooners became the latest college team to send fans into a frenzy when they hit 67 points in an 89-61 victory against North Alabama on Friday. Hundreds of students on a field trip screamed their approval along with the ubiquitous phrase and juggled their hands up and down to mimic a video that went viral earlier this year.
With one touch, they vanish. Meet the delicate, icy wonders called frost flowers
The first major blast of wintry weather in the U.S. this week brought snow, frigid temperatures and in some places something a little more magical: Frost flowers. Made of thin ribbons of ice that extend out in intricate patterns when frozen water breaks through the slits of certain types of plant stems, the icy blooms can disintegrate with a single touch and only appear for hours at a time. They are found most often in the Eastern half of the U.S., especially in the upper half of the country where hard freezes are more common. The patterns resemble clouds of cotton candy or spun glass.
Former world heavyweight boxing champion Joseph Parker failed drug test, promoter says
LONDON (AP) — Queensberry Promotions says former world heavyweight boxing champion Joseph Parker failed a drug test on the day of his loss to Fabio Wardley. British fighter Wardley stopped his opponent from New Zealand in the 11th round at the O2 Arena in London on Oct. 25. It was a fight to determine who would become WBO mandatory challenger to undisputed world champion Oleksandr Usyk. Parker became the WBO champion in 2016 when he beat Andy Ruiz Jr. on a majority decision. He then lost the title to Anthony Joshua in March 2018 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon announces his surprise retirement at age 59
NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart CEO Doug McMillon is planning to retire early next year and his successor has been named. The company made the surprise announcement on Friday about McMillion stepping down on Jan. 31. John Furner, the head of Walmart’s U.S. operations, will take over the next day. Walmart shares fell 3% immediately in premarket trading after the news of the unexpected leadership change. Unlike Amazon’s Jeff Bezos or Tesla’s Elon Musk, McMillon isn’t a household name. But he played a key role in the U.S. economy. Walmart’s performance is a barometer of consumer spending given its size. The company maintains that more than 150 million customers shop on its website or in its stores every week.
Kai Trump shoots 13-over 83 in LPGA Tour debut, leaving her last in 108-player field
BELLEAIR, Fla. (AP) — Kai Trump shot a 13-over 83 on Thursday in her LPGA Tour debut in The Annika, leaving President Donald Trump’s granddaughter last in the 108-player field. In breezy afternoon conditions at Pelican Golf Club, the high school senior bogeyed the first four holes and finished the birdie-less round with nine bogeys and two double bogeys. The University of Miami recruit is playing on a sponsor exemption. Haeran Ryu led the tournament at 6-under 64, also playing in the afternoon.
Doritos and Cheetos dial back the bright orange in new versions without artificial ingredients
Doritos and Cheetos are getting a makeover. PepsiCo said on Thursday that it’s launching toned-down versions of its bright orange snacks that won't have any artificial colors or flavors. Doritos and Cheetos Simply NKD ae set to hit store shelves on Dec. 1. It’s part of a broader shift underway at PepsiCo, which announced in April that it would accelerate a planned transition to using natural colors in its foods and beverages. Dye-free doesn’t mean Doritos and Cheetos Simply NKD will be colorless. Instead, they’re just a lighter color, like a tortilla chip. PepsiCo launched its Simply line in 2002, but unlike the new Doritos and Cheetos, those chips aren't designed to taste like the originals.
Relic from the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is returned, plus $600,000 from Michigan
DETROIT (AP) — The state of Michigan has agreed to return a life ring from the famous Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck to its owner. The rare relic had become a key part of a settlement in a lawsuit that had nothing to do with the Edmund Fitzgerald. State police backed away from the initial deal after The Associated Press reported on it in October. Larry Orr says he will get the life ring back — and Michigan will still pay $600,000 to settle his federal lawsuit over police misconduct. The misconduct case had no connection to what Orr found on shore after the ship sank in Lake Superior in 1975.
Former NFL player Antonio Brown released from Miami jail to await attempted murder trial
MIAMI (AP) — Former NFL star Antonio Brown has been released from a Miami jail a day after pleading not guilty to second-degree attempted murder. The 37-year-old Brown is accused of firing shots after a celebrity boxing match in Miami on May 16. Brown left the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with his attorney, Mark Eiglarsh, after a judge set his bail at $25,000 and ordered him to wear a GPS ankle monitor while awaiting trial. He could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors had argued for pretrial detention, citing his resources to flee.
