USC’s Juju Watkins shared an emotional message with her team after the Trojans’ 78-64 loss to UConn in the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight on Monday.
After suffering a season-ending torn ACL in her right knee a mere five minutes into USC’s second-round win over Mississippi State, Watkins expressed her gratitude for the support fans and teammates showed her.
“Thank you all for the incredible love and support. Seeing all your messages has meant the world to me — y’all have given me so much hope,” she posted on her Instagram Story. “I wish I could have been out there battling, but I couldn’t be prouder of the fight we’ve fought together. Thank you all.”
USC, a No. 1 seed, ended its season with the loss to UConn, who advanced to their 24th Final Four. Led by Paige Bueckers, the Huskies are set to face UCLA next.
Watkins was instrumental in securing USC’s No. 1 seed, having averaged 24.6 points per game. Her injury occurred during a fast break when she was fouled and fell awkwardly, ultimately requiring surgery.
In an interview with ESPN, USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb acknowledged the uncertainty of next season without Watkins.
“Those aren’t conversations for right now, but I do think we will dive into how do we stay an elite team regardless of those circumstances?,” she said. “We will have time to figure out how to be great, even if JuJu isn’t out there.”
However, Gottlieb had no doubt of Watkins’ eventual return.
“But I have no doubt that her comeback’s going to be legendary, and I have no doubt that the strength of the program is not in doubt, and I think we proved that,” she said.
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While not as well-known as The North Face or Patagonia, Prana has been cranking out great outdoorsy apparel that adventurers love. It’s the brand behind the Stretch Zion, one of our favorite pairs of pants for hiking, and right now, REI has a fantastic deal on another pair of the brand’s best-in-class bottoms: a stretchy but durable pair of trail joggers for nearly 30% off.
Prana Discovery Trail Joggers are just $67 right now, $28 less than the $95 sticker price. No reviews exist at REI, but we found some on Prana’s website, and all but one of the dozen rankings is five stars, with shoppers there saying they “fit perfectly” and are “extremely comfortable and reasonably breathable.” REI has them in sizes small through XXL in a solid dark brown color.
Prana Discovery Trail Joggers in Clay, $67 (was $95) at REI
If you were to ask if they’re great exercise joggers or great hiking pants, the answer would be yes. That’s because the 87% recycled polyester and 13% elastane blended fabric has the moisture-wicking and stretchy properties necessary for both kinds of activities. There’s also an adjustable waistband drawcord for a secure fit and a zippered pocket for a secure carry.
“I bought these to wear in the Ecuadorian Amazon to keep bugs off of me and not be too hot,” wrote one particularly adventurous reviewer. “These are perfect for my needs—ankle fitted, light weight, color. Not the listed purpose, but I couldn’t find ‘Jungle pants for bug defense and looking good while covered in Amazonian mud.’”
Another reviewer shared that “these pants are extremely comfortable and quite breathable.” That makes them “great for hiking in warm weather.” They added that these pants “seem to be reasonably durable for how thin they are,” an important factor as one of the worst times and places to rip your pants is in the middle of a hike.
REI has listed this particular color of the Prana Discovery Trail Joggers as discontinued, so there’s not going to be a restock. That likely means that if you miss this deal, you miss these pants. To avert that tragedy, pick up a pair today.
Jack Black appeared on Jimmy Fallon’s The Tonight Show on March 31 to hype his new film, A Minecraft Movie. In the process of making a rather grand entrance, Black ended with a move he seemingly did not plan in advance. His pants fell down, but he made the most of the entertaining moment.
Black’s entrance and wardrobe malfunction were highlighted on The Tonight Show’sInstagram page. The actor made his way from the back of the auditorium, through the audience, to Fallon’s desk while delivering an enthusiastic guitar solo.
He stopped by the band’s spot on stage to jam for a second, and as he made his way to Fallon’s desk, eagle-eyed viewers could see that his pants were slipping down.
As Black arrived at Fallon’s desk, his pants fully fell to his ankles. The actor’s boxers were visible for a brief moment before he was able to recover from the wardrobe misfunction.
Black pulled his pants back up and continued his energetic entrance without missing a beat. He even did some additional rocker moves before sitting down to chat with Fallon.
Fallon noted that Black brought “the heat” and lots of energy for his entrance. Black quipped, “I didn’t bring a belt. That’s what I didn’t bring.”
Five Below is a beloved shopping spot for many Americans who like to find items that are usually priced under $5. The chain of specialty discount stores was founded in 2002 by Tom Vellios and David Schlessinger and is headquartered in Philadelphia. While the chain often appeals to tweens and teens, people of all ages can usually find something to like at the spot.
Now, Five Below has made a major announcement, and it should make regular shoppers happy.
In a new report about the company’s 2024 earnings, Five Below dropped the news that they’ll open an impressive 150 new stores this year.
“We entered the holiday period with the goal of showcasing more newness with key trend-right, value product, while also improving our operational execution and in-store experience. We were very encouraged to see early positive results from our teams’ efforts and are excited to build on this in 2025 with [CEO Winnie Park] at the helm,” the company’s COO, Ken Bull, said.
It’s worth noting that the same report showed that Five Below had a rough holiday season, with the company’s comparable sales down by 3% year-over-year in the fourth quarter. But, the company did well enough to warrant opening the new shops. Five Below actually opened 22 new stores during the fourth quarter.
Five Below has yet to announce the locations for their new stories, but according to their official website, more than 30 stores have already opened in January 2025.
Don’t be surprised if you see a few items priced above $5 at the new stores. During the company’s latest earnings call, Park said the store plans to go back to its main focus at whole $1 to $5 price points and “raising the bar on adding value to our highly edited assortment of product above $5.”
If you’re a home mixologist, you probably have a few bottles that are both indispensable and also often overlooked. They’re the kind of spirits, liqueurs, and ingredients that you always have on hand, but you don’t really spend much time thinking about.
In my almost two decades of writing about alcohol, I’ve learned that while you need a good stable of whiskeys, rums, gins, tequilas, and other spirits, your home bar isn’t complete without things like triple sec, curaçao, benedictine, and of course the highly underrated Irish cream. The latter is what we’re most concerned about today.
Whether you enjoy it as an indulgent, creamy after-dinner drink, mixed into a mug of coffee for a boozy, warming treat, or even poured over vanilla ice cream, Irish cream is a sometimes forgotten but always loved liqueur that deserves a little time in the proverbial sun.
You likely know what Irish cream looks like and even what it tastes like, but what else is there to know about it? The time is right to take a deep dive into this velvety, sweet liqueur. Keep scrolling to learn about how it’s made, its history, and see some of our favorite brands.
What Is Irish Cream?
In the simplest terms, irish cream is a cream liqueur made from a blend of Irish whiskey, cream, and additional ingredients and flavors depending on the brand. It’s known for its slightly boozy, creamy mouthfeel and rich, sweet flavors of vanilla, cream, chocolate, and just a hint of warming Irish whiskey.
While your favorite bottle of Irish whiskey is likely around 40 percent ABV or more, Irish cream is typically much lower. It’s often between 15–17 percent ABV.
There are a few different ways to make Irish cream. The most common way is by distilling and aging Irish whiskey and then combining it with cream. But that’s not the end of the process as that would simply make creamy whiskey without much substance. Irish cream makers add things like sugar, vanilla beans, cocoa nibs, spices, and other added flavors.
How to Make Irish Cream Yourself
If you don’t have a lot of free time, your best bet is purchasing a bottle of Baileys or another popular Irish cream. But if you want to make it yourself, you can.
First you need a bottle of well-made Irish whiskey. Don’t go too cheap or your end product won’t be as flavorful and complex as you’d like. Next, you’ll need heavy cream, vanilla extract, condensed milk, and cocoa powder.
To make it at home, all you need to do is add the heavy cream and cocoa powder to a bowl and stir until they’re completely combined. Next add, the whiskey, condensed milk, and vanilla extract and stir or blend until everything is evenly combined.
If it isn’t to your liking, you can add more of any of the ingredients. Like it boozier? Just add more whiskey. Pour it into a bottle or mason jar, add a cap, and put it into your refrigerator until you need it.
Does Irish Cream Need to Be Refrigerated?
When you purchase milk, chances are you tuck it right into your refrigerator when you get home from the market. The same goes for creamer, cheese, butter, and pretty much anything dairy-based.
Baileys doesn’t require refrigeration, but if you want it to be consistently creamy and flavorful for longer, you should store it in a cold place like the fridge.
Always check the label on any Irish cream to see if it requires refrigeration. Better yet, just keep it all in the fridge. That way, you’ll be more likely to remember to add some to your weekend cup of coffee.
Best Irish Cream Brands
Now that you’ve learned a little bit about Irish cream, it’s time to find some to add to your home bar. Below, you’ll find three of our favorites. One of the picks is a classic that you definitely already know. The other two are underrated gems that absolutely deserve a spot on your bar cart. Keep scrolling to see them all.
Baileys Irish Cream
Baileys Irish Cream is the best known Irish cream brand on the market.
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No Irish cream list is complete without the including of Baileys. This 17 percent ABV cream liqueur has been crafted for sipping and mixing since 1974. There’s a reason it’s the most well-known Irish cream brand.
The cream, cocoa, and Irish whiskey-based liqueur is known for its flavor profile of vanilla beans, chocolate fudge, nutty sweetness, and whiskey as well as its indulgent, creamy mouthfeel. It’s the perfect addition to a boring cup of coffee or a cocktail like a white Russian.
Coole Swan Irish Cream
Coole Swan Irish Cream was meticulously crafted through 231 recipe attempts.
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The folks at Coole Swan say that it took 231 attempts to come up with the recipe for this award-winning Irish cream. The perfect combination of whiskey, chocolate, and cream, it’s made in County Cavan, Ireland.
It’s not messing around. This is some creamy, sweet, and sublime stuff thanks to the use of double cream, Irish whiskey, Madagascan vanilla, and Belgian white chocolate in the recipe. Who wouldn’t want to add a little of this their morning coffee on a cold day?
Five Farms Irish Cream
Five Farms Irish Cream is farm to table, so you know the cream is fresh.
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With a name like Five Farms Irish Cream, you should have a pretty good idea about what you’re in for. This farm-to-table liqueur gets its name because the cream is sourced completely from five family-owned farms in County Cork, Ireland.
This creamy, flavorful Irish cream is made in single batches using fresh cream within 48 hours of collection and triple distilled Irish whiskey. The highly decorated Irish cream is known for its flavors of vanilla beans, butterscotch, toasted coconuts, and maple candy.
Irish Cream Bottom Line
Don’t let Irish cream get lost in the cocktail shuffle. Buy some or make your own. Mix it into your coffee at an early morning football tailgate on a frigid day. Use it in a white Russian, mudslide, muddy water, or as a rich, creamy after dinner digestif. You won’t regret it.
Sydney Sweeney is officially back on the market after it was confirmed that not only is her wedding to Jonathan Davino called off, but their seven-year relationship is over. The 27-year-old actress isn’t hiding from the press though — she made a splash at CinemaCon on April 1.
The Euphoria star stunned on the red carpet, wearing an outfit that resembled a contemporary wedding dress. The silver-white corset and skirt hugged her curves with its form-fitting silhouette. Even though she isn’t walking down the aisle with Davino this spring, she can still own a red carpet looking like a bride.
The former duo’s relationship had been “rocky for a long time,” per People, and Sweeney was ready to put her career in the top position.
Sydney Sweeney attends CinemaCon 2025 – The State of the Industry and Lionsgate Presentation at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace during CinemaCon, the official convention of Cinema United, on April 1, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“She’s exactly where she wants to be. Most people would feel overwhelmed by her working schedule this year, but not Syd. She’s all about working right now and very excited about all her projects,” the insider shared. “What did make her overwhelmed though was her relationship and her wedding. She didn’t feel right about it.”
Their 14-year age gap might have also contributed to their differences. The media outlet’s source pointed out that “she’s not ready to settle down” because of her career opportunities. In addition to promoting The Housemaid with co-stars Brandon Sklenar and Amanda Seyfried at CinemaCon, Sweeney also has another season of Euphoria ahead and the Christy Martin project.
As for those Glen Powell dating rumors, his mother squashed the story, telling the Daily Mail that the gossip was “silly” because “they’re definitely not together.”
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A good-quality duffel bag is about as handy as they come, offering versatility for weekend travel and gym visits. Materials like nylon and canvas can be affordable but solid fabric options, but for the stylish gent, a leather bag is a must. While these bags tend to run well north of a few hundred dollars, if you can find the right deal—like this one from Nordstrom Rack that’s half off—it’s well worth pulling the trigger.
The David King and Co Extra Large Multi-Pocket Leather Duffel Bag is on sale for just $170 right now at Nordstrom Rack, a 50% discount on its normal price of $340. This sleek-looking bag is the perfect choice for weekend travel, and its “rich leather,” as one shopper called it, gives it an elevated look for a timeless appeal. Other shoppers seem to agree, as it has amassed 60 five-star ratings, which is an impressive number at the Rack. It’s available in black, chocolate, and tan, but at this price, the supply might sell through fast.
David King and Co Extra Large Multi-Pocket Leather Duffel Bag in Black, $170 (was $340) at Nordstrom Rack
While it may be called an “extra-large” duffel, this is more appropriately sized as a weekender bag. It has 23-by-12-by-12.5-inch dimensions and an adjustable strap, making it the ideal overnight getaway bag for long weekend trips. It’s crafted using premium soft and supple leather that is perfectly broken-in. The barrel-shaped silhouette gives you ample storage, while it has a zippered pocket on the outside and two separate zippered pockets on the ends of the bag.
“Perfect size—I use it for weekend travel and the gym,” said one shopper. “I can easily fit two pairs of shoes, a toiletry bag, a towel, and a change of clothes with lots of leftover room. I’ve put three full outfits, a toiletry bag, and sneakers along with snacks and a bottle of drink, and it holds up very well. Love the extra side pockets for chargers and medicines, too.”
David King and Co Extra Large Multi-Pocket Leather Duffel Bag in Tan, $170 (was $340) at Nordstrom Rack
“It’s a handsome leather duffel bag, and well made,” said another buyer, noting it’s “a nice bag for a three to four day casual trip.” Another shopper said it’s “sleek and practical,” calling it the “perfect weekend bag” because of its ” deep pockets, and many of them.”
With a phenomenal half-off price on a leather duffel bag, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option. Make sure you don’t miss this opportunity and grab yourself a David King and Co Extra Large Multi-Pocket Leather Duffel Bag before it sells out.
Hailee Steinfeld has her fiancé, NFL star Josh Allen, by her side for support as she does appearances to hype her new movie, Sinners. The couple was spotted at a premiere event for the film in Mexico, and he snuck in a sweet kiss during a quick moment when he saw an opportunity.
A video went viral online showing the brief kiss Allen gave Steinfeld as he helped her into a vehicle. Just as Steinfeld went to open the door to the vehicle herself, Allen rushed over. He placed one hand on Steinfeld’s back and pulled the door open with his other hand.
Steinfeld smiled at her fiancé and puckered up, then he leaned in to give her a quick kiss on the lips. After that, Allen guided her into the vehicle and watched as she got situated before shutting the door.
— best of hailee steinfeld (@archiveshailees) April 1, 2025
The video was not a high quality one, but fans did not care. The brief clip spread across X, formerly Twitter, and other online websites as soon as it emerged. Fans of Steinfeld and Allen could not get enough of it.
Someone else shared the video on X and wrote, “Josh Allen rushing over to Hailee Steinfeld at the Sinners premiere in Mexico, kissing her, and showing how proud he is– AW, such a lovely couple!”
“They are a wonderful couple,” commented a TikTok user in response to the kiss video.
Morgan Wallen seems to have personally moved on from the drama surrounding his abrupt exit at the end of last week’s episode of Saturday Night Live, but viewers have not.
Details about Wallen’s musical guest stint on the show continue to emerge, and one new report makes it sound as if the country music star was there to perform his two songs and his two songs only.
According to Variety, Wallen was meant to be featured in the musical digital short “Big Dumb Line,” about the peculiar New York City pastime of regularly waiting in slow-moving lines to experience a one-of-a-kind food or collaboration that rarely lives up to the hype (see: the cronut).
Toward the end of the song, there’s a bridge that was performed by surprise guest Joe Jonas, much to the audience’s delight. But inside sources told Variety that the writers had written the part for Wallen, who declined to participate. The outlet reported that “NBC could not be reached for comment” on the story.
While Wallen has remained tight-lipped amidst all the speculation surrounding his SNL appearance, unnamed sources within his camp told Variety that the “I’m the Problem” singer actually had no problem with Saturday Night Live. Viewers and even SNL cast members sensed there may have been an issue when the singer abruptly left the stage before the credits finished rolling during the evening’s goodnights.
Shortly after his departure from Studio 8H, Wallen posted a photo of a waiting plane to Instagram, which he captioned “Get me to God’s country,” which many interpreted as a subtle dig at New York City. Again, unnamed sources within Wallen’s team insisted that he had a great time performing on the show and that his quick exit was pre-planned.
Variety spoke with a guest who attended Saturday’s dress rehearsal, who confirmed that Wallen left the stage earlier in the night during rehearsal just as he did when the show was airing.
Former boxing world champion Tevin Farmer has shared a deeply personal health struggle for the first time.
The former IBF super-featherweight champion and recent WBC interim lightweight title belt contender shared on Monday that he has Tourette’s Syndrome. Farmer, 34, said he felt compelled to share the news following “concern” about his “tick.”
“I’ve kept this private for a long time but I see the concern and speculation about my tick. I have Tourette’s Syndrome,” Farmer tweeted. “I’ve dealt with it all my life. No neurological issues, so no need to worry. I’m still out here putting belt to a**! There you go, the rabbit’s out of the hat.”
He followed up with a tweet adding, “Just an FYI. I’m not going anywhere. I will be 2X Champion and that will be part of my legacy. I’m a DOG, ain’t [no] quit in me. NOW YOU KNOW.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, Tourette’s Syndrome is described as a medical disorder characterized by involuntary movements or sounds called tics. He also shared the news on Instagram and wrote in his caption, “With God by my side, I’ve been able to face every battle, even ones I never spoke about.”
He added that he’s choosing to share his personal struggle because it doesn’t “define” him and “it’s part of my testimony.” He thanked his fiancée, family and those who support him.
Farmer’s revelation came one day after his 135-pound rematch with William Zepeda on Saturday in Cancun, Mexico. It appeared as if Zepeda was going to cruise to a victory. At one point, it seemed as if the referee was about to stop the fight. Farmer looked discombobulated and defenseless before he miraculously kept himself in the fight thanks to punishing left uppercuts, particularly in Round 6.
Farmer, the American southpaw, gave a valiant effort despite a left hand injury. The electric fight went the distance, but the judges gave Zepeda a majority decision win. While one judge scored it 114–114, the two other judges gave the nod to Zepeda, 116–112, and 115–113, respectively.
Farmer’s record dropped 33–8–1 while Mexico’s Zepeda remains undefeated with a 32–0 record and on track to challenge Shakur Stevenson for the WBC lightweight belt. After the loss, Farmer claimed he was robbed.
“Hell of a fight Saturday,” he tweeted. “Zepeda did not beat me. The judges did. It’s crazy to say, but I’m kind of used to it.”
