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Wayfair’s 100% Cotton Waffle Blanket Is a ‘Breathable’ Layer for Transitional Weather, Now 50% Off

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 1:45pm

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We’re in that tricky stretch between summer and fall when the weather can’t seem to make up its mind. Mornings and evenings may feel noticeably cooler, while afternoons can still bring plenty of heat, making it surprisingly difficult to figure out what to do with your bedding. A comforter can feel too warm and bulky, but a sheet set alone may leave you wishing for just a little more weight. That’s where a lightweight blanket comes in handy, giving you an easy extra layer when you need it without feeling overly heavy or trapping too much heat.

One high-quality option is the Madison Park 100% Cotton Waffle Weave Blanket. Right now, it’s on sale for 54% off at Wayfair, bringing the price down from $115 to just $53 for the queen-sized khaki colorway. Although most Labor Day sales are over, this is still a notable discount on a popular blanket, especially if you’re looking to update your bedding for the changing seasons.

Madison Park 100% Cotton Waffle Weave Blanket, From $53 (was $115) at Wayfair 

Courtesy of Wayfair

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The blanket comes in twin, queen, and king sizes, so you can find an option that fits your bed perfectly. There are also eight colors to choose from: light blue, dark gray, light gray, indigo, ivory, khaki, olive green, and white. The range makes it easy to find a shade that works with your existing bedroom decor, whether you prefer soft neutrals or something with a little more color. Just keep in mind that discounts vary slightly depending on the size and color you choose.

Made from ultra-soft and breathable 100% cotton, the blanket has a waffle weave that adds subtle texture and dimension to your bedding. The tightly woven construction is designed to resist pilling and shrinkage through regular wash cycles, helping it maintain its look over time. It’s also certified Oeko-Tex Standard 100, meaning it has been tested for harmful substances, and it’s machine washable for easy everyday care.

Related: Amazon’s ‘Luxurious’ Fleece Throw Makes Fall Evenings on the Couch So Much Cozier for Just $9

Its lightweight construction makes this blanket especially useful year-round. During warmer months, you can use it as a standalone layer when you want a little extra coverage without the heaviness of a comforter. When temperatures drop, it can be layered underneath or over other bedding to add warmth without requiring you to completely switch out your setup.

This popular blanket has over 600 five-star reviews. One shopper wrote, “The fabric is soft, breathable, and very comfortable, making it perfect for year-round use. It feels lightweight while still providing just the right amount of warmth for a good night’s sleep.” Another reviewer shared, “I am beyond thrilled with the quality of these blankets. They wash up beautifully and look exquisite on the beds!”

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For a versatile bedding layer you’ll be able to reach for year-round, the Madison Park 100% Cotton Waffle Weave Blanket is a reliable choice, especially as temperatures begin to shift this fall. Its breathable cotton construction, textured design, range of colors, and easy care instructions make it a useful addition to any bedroom. And with Wayfair’s current 54% discount, you can pick up the queen-sized khaki option for just $53 and save over $60.

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The 4 Birth Dates That Thrive Solo

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 1:39pm

If you were born on the 1st, 7th, 17th, or 20th, solo living isn’t something you’re eager to compromise on. In your own company, you often access your best work, your clearest thinking, and your most meaning. While you are certainly meant to have close relationships and social play time, you know that you often channel your greatest ideas, clarity, and sense of self through moments of intentional solitude to recharge and reframe.

Born on the 1st: The Independent Trailblazer

Aligned with the numerology of 1, the number of self-leadership and pioneering spirit, people born on these dates don’t just tolerate flying solo. In fact, they excel at it. As natural innovators who trust their instincts, they set their own pace. All in all, this birth date rarely feels the need to check in with others before making a move.

In numerology, the number 1 embodies energy centered on self-reliance. You’re the kind of person who starts projects, launches ideas, and builds things from the ground up. Collaboration can feel like a loss to your highest visions. Working alone, you operate at your peak: focused, decisive, and answerable only to yourself. Whether it’s a career path, a creative endeavor, or simply how you spend your weekend, you know what works for you—and you don’t need validation to keep going.

Your strength here is undeniable: independence makes you resilient, resourceful, and genuinely capable of handling what life throws at you. Solo success isn’t just possible for you. It’s your default setting.

Born on the 7th: The Spiritual Hermit

These dates carry the reflective power of the number 7, often called the “hermit number” in numerology. People born on these dates have a natural magnetism to solitude, not out of loneliness, but out of necessity. Your mind works best in quiet. Your spirit recharges in silence.

This birth date makes philosophical thinkers, spiritual seekers, and natural analysts. You need time alone to process, to wonder, to understand. Group settings can feel exhausting because you’re absorbing everyone else’s energy, trying to keep up with surface-level conversation when you’re really in the depths of something bigger. Solo time is your medicine.

Numerologists view the energy of 7 as carrying a spiritual edge. Whether you’re meditating, researching, creating, or simply being, you’re tapping into something transcendent when you’re alone. This is when your intuition sharpens, your creativity flows, and your sense of purpose becomes crystal clear. What you discover in your solitude creates ripple effects that positively elevate all other areas of your life.

NEXT: What Your Birthstone Reveals About Your Personality

Born on the 17th: The Powerfully Productive

Governed by Saturn, the planet of discipline and structure, people born on the 17th are hyper-independent and fiercely productive on their own terms. Alone, your standards are high, your focus is sharp, and your work speaks for itself. Often, you take on too much responsibility tending to the needs of others. In solitude, you can finally focus on what you need.

With their birth date reducing to 8, your numerological energy is all about building something solid and lasting. You thrive with clear goals, defined boundaries, and total control over your environment. Collaboration often means give-and-take. When you work solo, you can operate at full capacity: no meetings to derail your flow, no consensus-building to slow you down, just you and the practical work that matters.

Your superpower is turning solitude into productivity. While others might feel isolated, you feel empowered. You’re always up to the challenge of proving to yourself—and the world—what you’re capable of.

MORE: The 3 Birth Months With Pure Hearts, According to Astrology

Born on the 20th: The Empath Who Needs Space

People born on the 20th are deeply receptive and sensitive to others’ emotions. This gift makes you a wonderful friend, partner, and ally. But it also means you absorb everyone else’s energy like a psychic sponge. Solitude isn’t selfish for you—it’s emotional regulation, survival, and restorative healing.

You need regular retreat time to reset, to shed what isn’t yours, and to remember who you are beneath everyone else’s expectations and emotions. Your solo time is self-care. In your solitude, you regain clarity, recharge your compassion, and rebuild your boundaries. When you honor this need, you come back to the world more present, more grounded, and more genuinely available to the people you love.

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1977 'Saturday Night Fever' Songs, Switched Between the Bee Gees and Yvonne Elliman at the Last Minute, Both Hit No. 1

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 1:39pm

Yvonne Elliman was supposed to record “If I Can’t Have You.” Wait. No. That’s the point. She was supposed to record “How Deep Is Your Love.” That was the plan for the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack in 1977. The Bee Gees would get “If I Can’t Have You.” Then, producer Robert Stigwood changed his mind. He decided “How Deep Is Your Love” was a better fit for the Bee Gees. Elliman got “If I Can’t Have You” instead. “How Deep Is Your Love” became the first No. 1 from the album. “If I Can’t Have You” became the fourth. Both hit No. 1. The switch worked better than the original plan. And the song Yvonne Elliman almost didn’t record turned out to be the only No. 1 of her career.

Blank Archives / Getty Images

Here’s what made Stigwood’s position so unusual. He wasn’t just the producer of Saturday Night Fever. He was also the Bee Gees’ manager. He’d already produced Jesus Christ Superstar. He was one of the most powerful figures in 1970s entertainment, and this was not his first rodeo. He was making a call about which of his own acts got which song on a soundtrack he was producing. That’s not generosity. That’s a manager with very specific ideas about what suited each of his artists and the authority to act on them.

He heard something in “How Deep Is Your Love” that needed the Bee Gees specifically. He heard something in “If I Can’t Have You” that needed Elliman’s raw directness. He moved the songs accordingly. He didn’t ask anyone’s permission.

Related: Jaclyn Smith, 80, Reveals ‘Charlie’s Angels’ Secret Pay Gap, On-Set Cocaine and One Co-Star’s Hawaiian Threesome Proposition

“How Deep Is Your Love” is slow and hovering. It doesn’t land so much as float — the harmonized falsetto drifting over a descending chord progression that feels like it’s falling gently and never quite hitting the ground. It’s one of the most immediately recognizable sounds in 1970s pop.

It’s hard to hear it now and imagine Yvonne Elliman singing it. It sounds so specifically like the Bee Gees that the original assignment feels almost impossible to picture. Stigwood heard that before anyone else did. “How Deep Is Your Love” hit No. 1 first and became the opening salvo of Saturday Night Fever‘s extraordinary commercial run.

Then came “If I Can’t Have You.” The fourth No. 1 from the album. The first one not by the Bee Gees. There’s something vulnerable about Elliman’s version. The Bee Gees would have made it gleaming and precise. She made it sound like something that needed to be said. That difference is the entire song. It was her biggest hit and her only No. 1. Nothing she recorded before or after even came close. The song Robert Stigwood handed her almost by accident turned out to be the defining moment of her recording career.

The Switch That Worked for Everyone

Stigwood was right on both counts. “How Deep Is Your Love” needed the Bee Gees. “If I Can’t Have You” needed Elliman. Before Michael Jackson‘s Thriller came along, the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack was the best-selling album in music history. It sold more than 40 million copies worldwide. Four songs from that one album hit No. 1. The switch was the first domino. The Bee Gees were extraordinary writers for other artists throughout this era — they wrote for Frankie Valli, Dolly Parton, Dionne Warwick, and Samantha Sang. But the Saturday Night Fever switch is the most extraordinary example because it benefited both artists simultaneously, and neither song would have been as good with the other artist.

CBS Photo Archive / Getty Images

Saturday Night Fever turns 49 in December 2026. Both songs are still streaming. The switch still sounds like the right call. Some last-minute decisions are better than anything planned. Stigwood made two of them simultaneously.

The 1970s were full of moments like this. Tommy James kept a song he’d promised away and gave Alive ‘N Kickin‘ a consolation prize that went gold. Robert Stigwood moved two songs between two artists, and both landed at No. 1. Some people just know where songs belong.

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1967 Monkees Hit, Still Performed by Micky Dolenz, Was Supposed to Be Another Band’s Next Single

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 1:30pm

In 1967, The Monkees had a hit with “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone,” and 60 years later it remains one of the band’s most beloved and best-known tracks. But the song had originally been intended for another band.

Months before Micky Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones released the song as the Monkees, Paul Revere & the Raiders had already recorded it, expecting it to become the next single on their album Midnight Ride. Instead, the Raiders’ version sat unreleased as a single while The Monkees version went on to become a Billboard Top 20 hit.

So how did this happen?

Written by the songwriter team Bobby Hart and Tommy Boyce, “Steppin’ Stone”  had indeed been intended for the Raiders and was written specifically for the Idaho-based garage rock band known for the hit ”Just Like Me.” It had a heavier sound than most Monkees music and seemed well-suited for the Raiders.

In an interview with Medium, Hart recalled, “We wanted to write something for the group — they were hot. And they did record it, but they never released it as a single.”

Hart explained that with the Raiders pausing the song, when he and Boyce were hired to produce The Monkees’ records they decided, “Let’s have The Monkees do this one, too.”

The Monkees version became an accidental hit when it was released as a B-side to “I’m a Believer.” It also sounded very similar to the Paul Revere & the Raiders version—and for good reason.

Speaking with Sundazed, Raiders lead singer Mark Lindsay recalled that producer Terry Melcher had asked songwriters to send the Raiders songs that mirrored the style of the Kinks and the Rolling Stones.

“And we got ‘Steppin’ Stone,’ which we cut right after ‘Just Like Me,’” he shared. “We were ready to release ‘Steppin’ Stone.’ and [the song] ‘Kicks’ came in the mail, so we liked that a lot. We cut that, and I remember Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, we saw them at Whisky a Go Go, and they said, ‘When’s ‘Steppin’ Stone’ comin’ out?’ and Terry said, ‘Well, you know, we got this new record in ‘Kicks’ we just cut, we’re gonna release that, and ‘Steppin’ Stone’ will be our next single.’”

RELATED: The Monkees ‘Best Song of All Time’ Became a No. 1 Hit  Twice

“Of course, this really infuriated Tommy and Bobby,” Lindsay continued. “So they took our ‘Steppin’ Stone’ acetate that we’d cut – and gave them a copy of – over to The Monkees and said, ‘Here’s a demo of our new song.’ That’s why if you listen to The Monkees’ version, Micky’s doing all my ad-libs, it’s very close to the Raiders’ version, because they thought that was the demo.”

Paul Revere & the Raiders had a big hit with “Kicks,” so it all worked out for both bands. And 60 years later, both songs remain classic rock favorites, with Dolenz still performing “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” on his 60 Years of The Monkees tour in 2026.

Related: 1966 Monkees Hit, Written by Carole King, Was Reimagined by a Major ’70s TV Star

'Saturday Night Live' Loses Cast Member Martin Herlihy After Five Years at the Show

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 1:25pm

After half a decade at NBC’s flagship sketch comedy series, cast member Martin Herlihy is officially leaving Saturday Night Live, Deadline has confirmed.

Herlihy first joined SNL back in 2021 as a member of the comedy troupe Please Don’t Destroy, joining fellow members Ben Marshall and John Higgins on the show.

Appearing on the series for a total of four seasons together, Please Don’t Destroy’s contribution to SNL eventually ended when Marshall was promoted to regular cast member and Higgins exited the series to pursue other projects.

Upon Higgins’ exit, Herlihy elected to stay on with the show as a writer, occasionally appearing on-screen in a variety of sketches.

Prior to Herlihy, fans of SNL were shocked to learn that longtime cast member Chloe Fineman would similarly be leaving the show after its fifty-first season earlier this year. Fineman had originally joined SNL its 2019, eventually being promoted to repertory status in 2021.

As of yet, it’s not clear what Marshall’s status on the show is, but it’s expected that he remain on as a regular cast member heading into SNL‘s newest season. If this occurs, he will remain the only member of Please Don’t Destroy to actively be a part of SNL.

Aside from their work on Saturday Night Live, Please Don’t Destroy has run a viral YouTube video series which helped bring up their initial exposure to mainstream comedy fans. Their video format was later used in a number of remote sketches for SNL, taking advantage of the trio’s abilities to craft strange, laugh-out-loud shorts.

Aside from their comedy shorts and stand-up comedy careers, the three also worked together to write and star in the 2023 comedy film, Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain. Co-starring Bowen Yang, Meg Stalter and Conan O’Brien, the film earned mixed reviews from critics.

Sam's Club's Bubble Stoneware Plates Bring a 'Whimsical and Luxurious' Touch to Any Table

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 1:15pm

Sam’s Club has quietly become a bit of a secret hideout for the kind of kitchen and dining finds that make you stop mid-scroll and think, “How cute is that?”  Beyond the bulk snacks and household staples, the warehouse regularly tucks away playful tableware that can make an everyday meal feel a little more special. Case in point—these adorable Member’s Mark Bubble Stoneware Appetizer Plates.

The four-piece set is basically a tiny party for your table. Each 8.5-inch stoneware plate has a whimsical, donut-inspired shape with softly raised edges, giving the dishes a bubbly silhouette that feels retro, playful and surprisingly polished. The hand-printed designs include stripes and gingham checks, so no two plates look exactly alike.

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Member’s Mark 4-Piece Bubble Stoneware Appetizer Plates, $19.99 at Sam’s Club

Sam's Club

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And while the pink and red combination caught my attention, the set also comes in blue and yellow, an equally adorable color blend.

The pink-and-red version, in particular, feels tailor-made for holiday entertaining. Think of a festive Christmas spread where the rosy tones bring a playful pop of color alongside classic holiday decor. They could even make a cute addition to a birthday table when you want something more fun than traditional white appetizer plates and a little more elevated than disposable options.

Of course, you don’t have to save these beauties for a special occasion. Given they’re made from stoneware, they’re designed for everyday use, too, and can hold everything from fruit and pastries to dips, sliders, desserts and other small bites. The glossy material is dishwasher-, microwave- and freezer-safe, making the plates as practical as they are photogenic.

Related: 9 Items To Buy From the Sam’s Club Produce Section (and 2 To Skip)

There’s also something just so unexpected about the shape. These aren’t your standard small plates that disappear into the background. The rounded “bubble” edge gives them enough personality to become part of the table decor themselves.

In fact, one Sam’s Club shopper described the plates as “whimsical and luxurious,” praising their substantial feel, elegant bubble edge and mismatched designs. And at $19.98 for the set of four, they’re an easy way to give your table a little extra character in your dining space.

So, if you’re heading to Sam’s Club for the usual haul, it may be worth taking a detour through the tabletop section. Your next favorite tablescape find could be hiding there.

Related: Everyone Is Excited About These 23 Sam’s Club Finds for September

1951 Country Ballad, Written by Hank Williams, Helped Another Artist Make Grand Ole Opry History 16 Years Later

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 1:10pm

In 1967, Charley Pride made history as the first Black singer to perform on the Grand Ole Opry—and Hank Williams‘ 1951 classic country ballad, “I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You)” was the first song he chose for his debut.

Introduced by country music legend Ernest Tubb, when Pride took the stage at the iconic Nashville venue on Jan. 7, 1967, he opened with his barotone vocals over the Williams classic tune. (He later released his own rendition on his 1980 album, There’s a Little Bit of Hank in Me.) Following the well-known number, he sang his own track, “The Snakes Come Out at Night.”

The 1951 country ballad tells the story of a lost love, and captures the deep emotions of seeing a former partner and realizing that strong feelings remain. The track, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard country singles chart, has long been considered a “profound” song about heartbreak. Among several other country stars, Linda Ronstadt also covered the hit on her 1974 album Heart Like a Wheel, earning the singer the 1976 Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female.

“I was so nervous, I don’t know how I got through those two songs,” Pride reportedly said later of the historic performance, per uDiscoverMusic. “It’s hard to remember that far back because it’s been a while, but I can remember how nervous I was, that I can tell you. It was something.”

Ryman Auditorium celebrated the occasion in a 2022 Facebook post, noting that Pride’s “boots and suit are proudly displayed on our daytime tour!”

Pride is recognized as the first Black mainstream country breakout star, known for such hits as “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’,” a massive pop-country crossover smash, “She’s Too Good to Be True,” “Just Between You and Me,” “All I Have to Offer You (Is Me)”, his very first No. 1 single, “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone”, “Someone Loves You Honey,” “I’m Just Me,” “Amazing Love,” and many more.

Over the course of his groundbreaking career, he ultimately scored a whopping 29 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart between 1969 and 1983, and 12 No. 1s on Top Country Albums. The trailblazer became RCA Records’ top-selling solo performer behind Elvis Presley.

In addition to becoming the first Black star inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, he entered the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000, with the organization hailing him “country music’s first Black superstar” who “captivated audiences” and “broke racial and cultural barriers.”

“A 2020 recipient of the Country Music Association’s Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, Pride was an inspiration to generations of performers, a model of quiet dignity and artful fortitude,” the Nashville-based entity added.

Before making his official foray into music, Pride was a professional baseball player with the Negro league in the 1950s.

The music legend died on Dec. 12, 2020, in Dallas, Tex. at age 86.

Next, 1969 Folk Song, Written by a 21-Year-Old Bob Dylan, Is Still a Powerful Hit 57 Years Later

Aldi's Charming New 6-Piece Comforter Set Is a Pretty Autumn Refresh for Your Bedroom

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 1:10pm

If you want to quickly upgrade your bedroom for fall, swap out your bedding. It is the easiest way to give your space a whole new look without making a huge financial investment or spending a lot of time redesigning the whole room. If you love a floral print comforter, this new six-piece set at Aldi is just up your alley.

Kirkton House’s new six-piece comforter set is a pretty autumn refresh for your bedroom. It comes with six pieces total, including one comforter, two pillow shams, one coverlet and two quilted shams, giving you everything you need to switch up your space for fall. It is also available in king and full/queen sizes, both of which retail for $39.99.

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Kirkton House 6PC Comforter and Coverlet, King, Floral, $39.99 at Aldi

Aldi

This beautiful comforter set features a charming floral print pattern on the comforter and pillow shams in shades of white, green and orange. The coverlet and quilted pillow shams are a pretty sage green. Together, the complete set is perfect for transitioning from summer to fall, as the various layers can be added and removed as needed. You can sleep with just the coverlet on warmer nights or layer it on top with the comforter when it begins to cool down.

Related: Aldi’s 100% Cotton 2-Pack Kitchen Towel Set Is Autumnal Perfection

While this comforter and coverlet set doesn’t come with any sheets, Aldi has you covered there too with three crisp options from Kirkton House: white stripes, gray diamond and gray stripes. Any of these will coordinate beautifully with the comforter and coverlet set and retail for $14.99.

You can find this new autumnal bedding at select Aldi stores right now as part of the German grocer’s current rotation of weekly Aldi Finds, products that rotate in and out every Wednesday. These specials are limited edition and only available while supplies last. You can shop ’em in the center aisles.

If you are interested in other Aldi Finds, be sure to check out these beautiful silver-toned Halloween candy dishes, which are equal parts cute and chic, or this cozy knee pillow that is a game changer for side sleepers.

Related: Costco’s Rustic 3-Tier Rolling Storage Cart Is Functional and Stylish

1993 Fox Series, Ranked Among ‘Best TV Sitcoms of All Time,’ Still Holds Up 33 Years Later

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 1:09pm

There are some sitcoms so good that their impact lasts for decades. That is the case for Living Single, a beloved ’90s sitcom that is still popular over three decades after its release.

In 2021, Rolling Stone released its picks for the 100 best sitcoms of all time, compiling a list stacked with some of the most entertaining works in television history. Ranked among beloved shows like ABC’s 2009 hit Modern Family at No. 84 and 1977’s Soap at No. 87, Fox’s 1993 comedy Living Single claimed the No. 86 spot.

Living Single premiered on Fox on August 22, 1993, quickly becoming a major television hit. During its debut season, the show ranked No. 1 among Black audiences and became the fourth most-watched show on the network. The pilot episode alone famously pulled in a staggering 15.1 million viewers, a triumphant performance that set the tone for its five-season run.

American rapper and actress Queen Latifah, American actress Kim Fields and American actress Erika Alexander attend a Fox Television event for their sitcom ‘Living Single’, circa 1993.

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

Created by Yvette Lee Bowser, Living Single follows six young African-American friends—Khadijah James (Queen Latifah), Synclaire James (Kim Coles), Regine Hunter (Kim Fields), Maxine Shaw (Erika Alexander), Kyle Barker (T.C. Carson) and Overton Wakefield (John Henton)—as they navigate their careers and relationships in Brooklyn, New York.

The sitcom presented a perfect blend of sharp comedy and the real-world complexities of interpersonal relationships. Its prominent themes of female empowerment, Black identity and young adulthood were revolutionary for TV at the time, deeply resonating with a wide-ranging audience.

“For me, it began with the realization that if this industry was really only going to cater to and embrace white people, and white men in particular, and have them in positions of power behind the scenes,” Bowser said in a 2018 interview with The Atlantic, “I wasn’t gonna be here for long. So that was my impetus for getting into the world of development and creation of shows about us.”

Thirty-three years after its premiere, Living Single remains one of those timeless TV classics that can bridge the gap between generations. Today, the series continues to connect with modern demographics through digital services, maintaining an active streaming presence on Hulu and Disney+.

Related: 1997 Russell Crowe Movie, Ranked Among ‘Best Movies of All Time,’ Has a 99% Rotten Tomatoes Score

Every 'Survivor' Twist is On the Table for Season 51 — Here Are the 7 That Must Come Back

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 1:06pm

As has been disclosed many times in the lead-up to Survivor 51, the upcoming season of the hit CBS reality series will kick off a brand-new era for the show. But the “open era” will serve as more of an open-book test. As Jeff Probst narrates in a trailer for the season, “For the first time ever, our entire history, every advantage, every idol, every twist we’ve ever done. Fifty seasons of Survivor is in play.”

Of course, we expect a fair number of variables that have essentially become constants in the Survivor equation to come into play in the open era, including hidden immunity idols, tribe swaps, and the occasional journey or two. But, with nothing but time until Season 51 kicks off, we decided to undergo a thought experiment. If truly every twist is up for grabs, what are a handful that we want to see make a return? The list runs the gamut, from old-school elements that haven’t appeared on the beach in years to a one-and-done advantage used in the new era.

Ahead of Survivor 51‘s two-hour premiere on Wednesday, Sept. 23, here are several (and yes, in this case, we do mean seven) twists that we want to see in the show’s open era.


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7 Twists We Need to See in Survivor 51 Idols hidden at challenges Kelley Wentworth grabs an idol during the first Immunity Challenge of ‘Survivor: Cambodia’

Screenshot courtesy of CBS

After being introduced all the way back in Season 11, the hidden immunity idol has evolved to become one of the most important parts of the Survivor ecosystem. Over the years, we’ve seen dozens of these Tribal Council totems, saving bottom-feeders from certain doom, helping create some of the biggest moves in the show’s history, and sometimes, if we’re lucky, a combination of the two.

When it comes to the actual “hidden” component of the hidden immunity idol, we’ve seen a wide variety of housing for it. It started as a denizen of Exile Island. More commonly, it resides at the tribe camps, somewhere in the jungle, waiting to be taken. The new era complicated idols by turning them into “Beware Advantages,” only activating their power once the finder accomplished some sort of risky maneuver. But there’s one particular location that has, surprisingly, only been used a few times in Survivor history, considering how much of a centerpiece it is to every episode.

Survivor: Cambodia introduced a twist on the idol from the very first episode, hiding them in the middle of the set during a challenge. Now, to acquire the game-changing advantage, it’s not about sneaking away from camp, saying a phrase, or collecting beads. Instead, in the heat of competition, you have to put yourself in the line of fire, sticking your neck out to reach into the set and grab it in the hopes of not getting caught. The concept had one hell of a debut as Kelley Wentworth grabbed an idol in the premiere, which paved the way for her to nullify a record number of votes in one of the most epic idol plays in Survivor history. Despite how climactic the moment was, we’ve surprisingly seen sparing uses of it, as challenge idols have only been used in Seasons 34 and 37.

To be Frank (not Garrison), I have no idea why we haven’t seen more idols hidden in challenges. It’s a highly visible representation of the risk/reward aspect of Survivor, awarding players who are bold enough to grab something hiding in plain sight. Even if the hunt goes haywire, imagine the drama that emerges when a person gets caught grabbing the idol by their tribe members? Or another person spots it, and the two fight for it while their tribe is simultaneously trying to win a challenge? Hiding idols at challenges are, in a way, the ultimate Beware Advantage, trying to pull yourself away from some of the most public elements of the game to acquire private power.

Half-idols Rick Devens is given two halves of an idol on ‘Survivor: Edge of Extinction’

Screenshot courtesy of CBS

We’ll stay on the idol train for this next one, though we’re now going to one of its variants. Of course, with the idol in the Survivor bloodstream for so long, we’ve seen plenty of versions of it, ones that can be played before and after the vote, and even a recently introduced “boomerang idol” that, in theory, serves as the ultimate “return to sender.” But Season 35 brought about a unique version of the idol that, to function, requires cooperation among competitors.

In three seasons, we’ve seen an idol be split in half, mandated to be divided up between two players. Only when the halves unite can the idol actually become usable. The rub: If a person is given a half of the idol, they are by no means required to return it. While in the past we’ve always seen two become one, the concept of half-idols is fertile ground for plenty of drama and story. What if two allies each have a part, but neither wants to give full power to the other? What if people from opposite sides of the game hold them, giving them the initiative to work together — or at least make the other person believe that’s the case? Introducing idol halves into the game is almost a microcosm of Survivor itself, as, to accelerate, you have to rely on someone who, in theory, is an obstacle between you and the million-dollar prize.

Related: Every ‘Survivor’ Winner: Full List of Champions From All Seasons

Choose Your Champion Cody Assenmacher fills out the ‘Choose Your Champion’ advantage in ‘Survivor 43’

Screenshot courtesy of CBS

Survivor production went hard on innovation in the new era. From Seasons 41-50, we saw a veritable treasure trove of brand-new idols and advantages, from amulets to birdcages to hourglasses. And, among the catalog of twists seen in the past five years, there’s one we’re surprised we only saw once, considering how it brings a unique amount of social awareness and strategy to the physical portion of the game.

The “Choose Your Champion” advantage gives one player the ability to predict ahead of time who they think will win the next Immunity Challenge. If they’re correct, they are also immune from the vote. While introduced formally in Survivor 43, this concept actually originated back in Season 39, when Lauren Ashley Beck would be rewarded with an idol if she accurately backed the winning horse. Interestingly, after making her pick, Lauren spent the rest of her time before the challenge reverse-engineering the outcome. She convinced friend and foe alike to step out of the upcoming endurance challenge, especially if food was being offered. Sure enough, a breakfast spread was put on the table, the majority of the players bowed out, the player in question won, and Lauren received her own sumptuous treat with an idol now in her bag.

Admittedly, the results behind “Choose Your Champion’s” use in Season 43 led to an overcluttered round. As it turns out, that particular Immunity Challenge made Survivor history, as Owen Knight and Karla Cruz Godoy outlasted the tide in the infamous “Last Gasp,” giving them both immunity by default. Cody Assenmacher, who found the advantage, had picked Owen, also giving him immunity and effectively making half of the Final Seven safe. Additionally, Cody’s choice wasn’t revealed until Tribal Council, which took him off the table as a target, since nobody knew if plotting against him would be for naught. Essentially, Cody already had implicit immunity before he actually got the necklace later that night. 

So, if this were to return, ideally the advantage would be used when there are more people in the game, or the holder would reveal who they picked right after the challenge finished. Still, the concept of trying to pick the winner to earn your own safety is intriguing, especially for those who don’t necessarily specialize in challenges. Instead, they can flex their social strategy muscles, as we saw with Lauren, utilizing their relationships to try to rig the outcome and earn a nice necklace for their troubles.

Challenge disadvantages Keith Sowell finds a challenge disadvantage on ‘Survivor; Edge of Extinction’

Screenshot courtesy of Paramount

Over the years, we’ve seen a number of players win advantages in individual Immunity Challenges. And, in a couple of cases, that acquisition was the difference between a snuffed torch and a million-dollar check. Interestingly, though, we have only seen a couple of specific cases of the other side of that coin: Getting the power to give someone a disadvantage in a challenge. Actually, if you look back across 50 seasons of Survivor, this has happened a whopping one time, as a power was found on the Edge of Extinction in Season 38 and used against eventual winner Chris Underwood in the first competition to return to the game.

What tickles our brain more, actually, is having challenge disadvantages used not after the merge, but before it. In Survivor 49, one tribe won the power to burden another for the next Immunity Challenge, and they decided to use it to try to hamper their biggest competition. Granted, the disadvantage simply amounted to doing the challenge with extra weight, and that still wasn’t enough to overcome the dead weight that was that season’s “disaster tribe.” But, in theory, a premerge challenge disadvantage could be used to help even the playing field, preventing the runaway train that can appear when one tribe has all the momentum and the other spends the first half of the game in freefall. Not to mention, it serves as the perfect conduit to transfer some good old-fashioned bad blood between the players.

Tribe camp raid Sandra Diaz-Twine tears the tarp off the Morgan tribe’s shelter during a camp raid in ‘Survivor: Pearl Islands’

Screenshot courtesy of Paramount

Is it clear at this point that we love twists that cause inter-tribal drama? First introduced as a one-off reward back in Survivor: Marquesas, the tribe raid became a full-out feature in the pirate-themed Pearl Islands, as every premerge episode featured someone crossing over to the other beach to pilfer an item from the opposition’s camp. The far-from-conjugal visit only deepened the rivalry between tribes and, of course, created great TV along the way. We saw the Morgan tribe try and fail to hide their greatest assets from their opposition, eventual winner Sandra Diaz-Twine outright rip a tarp off of a shelter, and Jonny FairPlay gloat to the others that his tribe had thrown a previous Immunity Challenge. 

Outside of that premerge-long pillaging, we’ve only seen the camp raids pop up sparingly across Survivor history. It made a surprising return in the new era, where we saw versions that both took away an item and gave an advantage to a person from the opposing tribe. And that tweak shows the actually limitless possibilities that this twist can provide. Producers can make the raid as simple as grabbing a few things in front of their rivals’ faces, something that is sure to simultaneously stoke the flames and poke the bear. But, if they want to bring a game element into camp life, they can provide the envoy an idol clue or advantage, something to help broker cross-tribal bonds long before the castaways share a beach together.

Related: I Watch TV for a Living—These Are the 21 New and Returning Shows I Can’t Wait to See This Fall

Tribe schoolyard pick The ‘Survivor: Gabon’ castaways ahead of the tribe swap, determined by a schoolyard pick

Screenshot courtesy of CBS

For many castaways, your chances of winning can increase or decrease merely from the people you start the game with. And, for the vast majority of Survivor seasons, it’s been up to the producers to pick the tribes, hoping to simultaneously balance challenge skill while also putting together the personalities that could create the most interesting dynamics. At times, we’ve also seen people be divided by gender, age, race, and the natural rivalry of heroes, healers, and hustlers. 

But, very rarely, the power to pick the tribes lies in the hands of the players. Twice, in Thailand and Gabon, the oldest contestants were immediately thrust into the role of village elder, choosing how the season would be divided up. Once, in Fiji, the power was consolidated even more in the hands of only one person, as they had the singular ability to create both groups. More often, the schoolyard pick gets trotted out during the inevitable tribe swap, setting off a chain where people have to choose essentially strangers from other beaches to suddenly become their new teammates.

Now, don’t get us wrong. We completely understand why producers would not be jumping at the opportunity to give themselves less power, simply hoping that the players themselves can balance things out to create an exciting premerge. But the other option, determining tribes by random draw, is not a foolproof method either. In fact, for every brilliant configuration worked out by the winds of fate, there have been people who go from a position of power to the bottom with the draw of a buff, becoming, as Survivor fans like to put it, “swap screwed.” In a perfect world, our version of the schoolyard pick would actually resemble the way the first switch was done in Gabon, with the tribe members ranking themselves, then each group’s number one kicking off the draft. That’s a way to not only let the players choose who from their opposition they want to play with (and, perhaps more importantly, which people from their old tribe they don’t), but it also gives the castaways a perspective into how they’re perceived by others, possibly giving them the match to light the whole game on fire.

One World (L-R) Kat Edorsson, Alicia Rosa, and Leif Manson share the same beach as part of the ‘One World’ twist in ‘Survivor: One World’

Courtesy of CBS

We close with a twist so big, it was the theme of an entire Survivor season! While we’ve seen two tribes live on one beach in fits and starts over the years, Season 24, One World, made it the topic du jour. For the first third of the game, everyone lived in the same space, despite still competing against one another as tribes. And the dynamic of residing alongside your bitter rivals caused drama from the jump. The first day, the men’s tribe successfully made fire, and the women unsuccessfully tried to negotiate for the flame. When they refused, the ladies resorted to a variety of different tactics, from offering to weave palm fronds in exchange to even sneaking into the other camp under cover of night in an attempt to steal an ember.

While the One World twist certainly led to some moments of heated rivalry between the two camps from a survival aspect, it actually deepened the strategy as well. During this phase, idols had to be given to somebody on the other tribe. This helped lay the foundation for cross-tribal alliances to form supernaturally early, as, rather than waiting until challenges to chat and broker deals with the other group, you could just take a stroll down the beach. The twist could theoretically jumpstart a power player’s game, giving them ample opportunity to make deals before they even share the same buff. Or it could sink someone’s season, being seen as fraternizing with the enemy in broad daylight.

It’s not a hot take to say that One World itself is regarded as one of the worst seasons in Survivor history. And it seems like, aside from a handful of returnees, production has chosen to leave everything with it back in 2012. But, in our opinion, the baby shouldn’t necessarily be thrown out with the aqua dump water. The One World twist is an incredibly intriguing concept, creating a natural animosity between tribes while also providing opportunities for people to make connections that could take them deep into the game. Considering how fluid the modern-day Survivor game can be, the open era is the perfect time to reopen the case for living on the same beach.

Related: ‘Survivor 51’ Cast Revealed: Meet the 21 New Contestants — Including a Former WWE Superstar and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star

Target's 'Sturdy' and 'Beautiful' 5-Tier Baker's Rack Is a Kitchen's Space-Saving Dream

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 1:05pm

One thing I can never have enough of in my kitchen is storage. Currently, every cabinet and shelf in the place is working overtime to corral pots, pans, tableware and pantry items. It’s kind of ridiculous. With no real space for a kitchen island to maximize my storage options, I’ve been looking for vertical options that feel compact but can still hold a lot of stuff.

Baker’s racks are great for this sort of thing. These are just freestanding shelving units that give you extra storage without taking up a ton of floor space. Traditionally, they were used in kitchens to hold cooling baked goods, but these days you can use one for pretty much anything—displaying dishes, organizing pots and pans, storing cookbooks or even creating a little coffee station. Think of it as part storage, part display shelf and a handy way to make use of an empty wall or corner.

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LauKingdom 5-Tier Baker’s Rack, $105.99 (originally $211.98) at Target

LauKingdom Five-Tier Baker’s Rack

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Target’s LauKingdom Five-Tier Baker’s Rack is the perfect example of what this kind of storage piece can do. Not only does it offer more surfaces to organize kitchen essentials, but it also gives you a small work surface if you choose to use it that way.

Here’s a breakdown of what this baker’s rack can do: It provides multiple tiers of storage for everything from bakeware to ingredient jars while making good use of vertical space. The adjustable shelves are especially handy, since you can move them around to make room for a tall blender, bulky pot or whatever else you need to stash. And while it’s practical, it doesn’t look purely utilitarian—the clean, neutral design works with everything from farmhouse to contemporary kitchens.

Related: IKEA Is Selling a Vibrant 3-Piece Stoneware Set That Has Shoppers Going Back for Seconds

But most importantly, Target shoppers who’ve purchased this rack say it’s incredibly sturdy.

“I liked that the boards are sturdier than I thought they were going to be,” said a customer in their review. “Great buy.”

Others praise its aesthetic.

“Beautiful stand,” another reviewer wrote. “Perfect addition to my kitchen.”

Not to get all car salesman on you, but you also can’t beat the current price. Target has this piece marked down by 50 percent. That means you’re getting the baker’s rack for $105.99 rather than its full price of $211.98. Currently, the store has the black and brown or white and black colorways in stock, so choose yours before they sell out.

Related: Costco Is Selling a Sleek Appliance From a Fan-Favorite Brand That Brings Retro Charm to Any Kitchen

1979 Hit, Ranked Among 'Greatest Classic Rock Songs' of All Time, Was Part of Iconic Tom Cruise Moment

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 1:03pm

Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band’s “Old Time Rock & Roll” became much more than a 1979 hit after it appeared in the 1983 movie Risky Business

The song became closely linked to one of Tom Cruise’s most famous scenes, in which his character, Joel Goodsen, dances and lip-syncs in his underwear after being left home alone.

The scene helped give the Bob Seger classic a second life. Although “Old Time Rock & Roll” had already reached No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979, its use in Risky Business helped turn the song into one of the best-known staples of classic rock radio.

Photo of Bob Seger in 1970.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

The song was originally recorded for Seger’s 1978 album Stranger in Town and released as a single in 1979. It later earned several honors that showed its lasting place in American music. It was named one of the Songs of the Century in 2001 and ranked No. 100 on the American Film Institute’s 100 Years…100 Songs list in 2004.

It was also ranked No. 2 in the Amusement & Music Operators Association’s 1996 survey of the Top 40 Jukebox Singles of All Time.

The connection between “Old Time Rock & Roll” and Tom Cruise began with Risky Business, the 1983 movie that starred Cruise as Joel Goodsen.

After Joel’s parents leave him home alone, the song starts playing, per Songfacts. Cruise’s character slides into the room, dances across the floor and lip-syncs to the music while wearing only a shirt, sunglasses and underwear.

The simple movie moment became one of the most recognizable scenes connected to a rock song. It also gave “Old Time Rock & Roll” a much bigger audience several years after its original release.

The song was re-released in 1983 following its appearance in Risky Business. It reached No. 48 on the Billboard Hot 100 during that later run.

The scene became so popular that it was copied and referenced many times. The song later appeared in television shows including The Nanny, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Growing Pains, Northern Exposure, South Park, Scrubs and The Flash.

It was also used in Stranger Things, where Steve Harrington briefly sang it, and it appeared in the teaser trailer for Garfield: The Movie.

The famous movie moment was even used as the basis for Guitar Hero: World Tour commercials. Those ads featured celebrities and athletes lip-syncing to the song while playing the video game’s instruments.

The song also returned in another Risky Business reference in the television series 9-1-1.

“Old Time Rock & Roll” has an unusual writing history. George Jackson and Thomas E. Jones III wrote the song, while Bob Seger later said he rewrote the verses but did not take a songwriting credit.

The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section sent Seger a demo while he was working on Stranger in Town. Seger liked the song and worked on it for his album.

In a 2006 interview, per uDiscover Music, Seger explained his decision not to seek writing credit.

“That was the dumbest thing I ever did.”

Seger said he rewrote every verse except the chorus but did not ask for credit. Because he was not credited, he also did not control the song’s copyright.

There has been a disagreement over how much of the song Seger rewrote. Seger maintained that he changed the verses, while George Stephenson of Malaco Records said the song was truly George Jackson’s and that Jackson had tapes to support his claim.

The recording itself brought together musicians from different groups. Seger handled the lead vocal, while members of the Silver Bullet Band and Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section played on the track. Alto Reed contributed saxophone, David Hood played bass, Roger Hawkins played drums and percussion and Randy McCormick played piano. Howie McDonald provided the guitar solo.

The song was recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, Alabama, and Sound Suite Studios in Detroit.

The song also became a major part of Seger’s live performances. The live version on the 1981 album Nine Tonight featured a grittier arrangement, with guitar replacing the original piano opening and a prominent saxophone solo from Alto Reed.

Related: 1976 Soft Rock Song, Recorded in Muscle Shoals, Became a Career-Defining No. 1 Hit

Walmart's Mid-Century Modern Sideboard Cabinet Can Give You the Coffee Bar of Your Dreams for Less Than $100

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 1:01pm

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It’s not difficult for a home to look messy and cluttered, especially when you have more decor pieces, trinkets, and miscellaneous items than storage space. Instead of going the minimalist route and tossing out things you no longer need, consider adding some storage furniture. You should look for pieces that are just as decorative as they are functional, working to declutter your living space while elevating the aesthetic. Walmart carries a ton of stylish bookcases, cabinets, and consoles at budget-friendly prices, and this Yocwo Accent Sideboard Cabinet is one of our favorite finds. 

Right now is the best time to snag this sideboard because it’s currently on sale for up to 55% off. Normally retailing for $200, it’s now marked down to just $91 in a walnut brown color, accented with decorative arches on the doors filled with vertical lines, giving it a mid-century modern vibe. This style also comes in a black hue, which is currently on sale for $100. You can also score this sideboard in another style, featuring four etched arches nested within each other, which are also available in walnut brown and black. Those normally retail for $180 and are currently on sale for $98 and $100, respectively. 

Yocwo Accent Sideboard Cabinet, From $91 (was $200) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Equipped with a two-door cabinet, this sideboard conceals everything inside to reduce visual clutter. The interior compartment has an adjustable shelf that you can position at three different heights. The spacious interior offers plenty of space to meet your organizational needs, whether you use it to store pantry goods, dinnerware, linens, or books. 

This sideboard boasts a roomy countertop that can hold up to 66 pounds, which is sturdy enough for a coffee maker or espresso machine if you’re planning to create a coffee station. You can also use the countertop to display plants and decor pieces, or store your keys and other on-the-go essentials. 

Made of medium-density fiberboard, this piece has an exposed woodgrain finish that gives it a rustic appearance. It has a raw and natural feel, lending itself to the farmhouse aesthetic. Boasting clean lines with curved edges, the decorative arch design and the gold knobs on the cabinet doors also give it a mid-century modern look. “I love the look of this cabinet,” one Walmart shopper raved, adding that the design “reminds me of my childhood in the ’70s.”

Yocwo Accent Sideboard Cabinet, From $91 (was $200) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Sleek and compact, this sideboard measures 31.5 inches wide, 13.8 inches deep, and 29.5 inches tall. It gives your home additional storage options without taking up too much floor space. 

The bottom of the sideboard has a 4.5-inch-tall vertical clearance, offering just enough space so you can easily vacuum underneath.

You can place this sideboard anywhere you see fit, including the dining room, kitchen, living room, entryway, or bathroom. Thanks to its chic yet streamlined design, it’ll effortlessly complement your existing decor and furniture. 

While this sideboard is already stable and sturdy, you can install the included anti-tip kit for additional security. It’ll secure the cabinet to the wall and prevent it from toppling over, giving you peace of mind, especially if you have kids or pets.

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Related: Walmart’s Bestselling 3-Tier End Table Is ‘Great for Storage,’ and It’s Still on Sale Post-Labor Day

Whether you need to declutter your space or want to create the coffee bar of your dreams, be sure to check out the Yocwo Accent Sideboard Cabinet at Walmart while it’s still on sale for as low as $91!

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Christian McCaffrey's Net Worth in 2026 Could Motivate Anyone To Make a Comeback

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 1:00pm

Christian McCaffrey is one of the stars of the San Francisco 49ers’ offense and had an incredible 2023 season that built him a massive net worth and earned him the Offensive Player of the Year Award (he also finished third in MVP voting). Unfortunately, McCaffrey appeared in only four games in the 2024 season due to multiple injuries. But the superstar running back, who signed a record-setting contract extension with the 49ers after playing in Super Bowl LVIII, has vowed to make a comeback.

Football is the greatest game on the planet to me. I love that you can find out exactly who you are without ever saying a word,” McCaffrey wrote on Instagram in December 2024 after suffering a knee injury that ended his season. “It lifts you up and breaks you down and it can happen fast. It’s humbling in the best ways. You can do everything right and still fail. That’s life and that’s football. It’s a constant test of wills and those who just keep going tend to reap the benefits of their perseverance.”

He continued: “This wasn’t my year, and sometimes when it rains, it pours. You can feel sorry for yourself and listen to the birds, or you can hold the line. I’m grateful for the support of everyone in my corner and promise I’ll work smarter and harder than ever to come back better from this.”

McCaffrey is under contract with the 49ers through the 2027 season, so he has plenty of time to prove himself all over again. Here’s a look at where he got his start and how much he’s making as an NFL running back.

Related: Everything To Know About Patrick Mahomes’ Wife Brittany Mahomes

Who is Christian McCaffrey’s dad?

Unsurprisingly, McCaffrey is not the only athletic wonder in his family. His dad is Ed McCaffrey, a former NFL wide receiver who played for the New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos in the ‘90s and early 2000s.

His dad is also no stranger to the big game. The elder McCaffrey won three Super Bowls—one with Steve Young’s 49ers and two with John Elway’s Broncos. After his final Super Bowl win in 1999, a two-year-old Christian McCaffrey could be seen sprinting across the confetti-laden field to congratulate Ed.

Now, Christian McCaffrey is carrying on his dad’s legacy with a team they both know well. “Even though I didn’t grow up in San Francisco, it feels like home to me,” Christian told The Athletic. “All the names that are in our building are the same names that I remember my dad would say, and it’s just the next generation of them. It is really cool to be able to go to work with all of those guys, knowing that we’re cut from the same cloth.”

Where did Christian McCaffrey go to college?

McCaffrey played college football at Stanford University, where he still holds a few records. These include the NCAA individual record for most all-purpose yards in a season, with 3,864, and most all-purpose plays in a season, with 434.

What is Christian McCaffrey’s net worth in 2026?

Christian McCaffrey has an estimated net worth of $40 million in 2026, according to Celebrity Net Worth. While this doesn’t make him one of the richest NFL players, he is among the richest running backs (and currently the second-highest-paid RB in the league after Saquon Barkley). He reset the RB market in June 2024 when he signed a two-year contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers worth $38 million.

Is Christian McCaffrey the highest-paid running back in the NFL?

Although every contract is structured differently, McCaffrey is considered the second highest-paid running back in the NFL with a contract average per year (APY) of $19 million. He’s behind Saquon Barkley ($20.6 million), and he’s followed by De’von Achane ($16 million per year).

In June 2024, McCaffrey signed a two-year contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers worth $38 million.

Related: Joe Burrow’s Net Worth Shows He’s Making Benjamins From the Bengals

How long was McCaffrey with the Panthers?

McCaffrey was selected as the eighth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers and ended up playing there for five-and-a-half seasons.

He was successful for the Panthers, even signing a four-year contract extension in 2020 worth $64 million. But in 2022, Carolina decided it needed more cap space and draft picks to rebuild its struggling team, so the Panthers traded McCaffrey to the 49ers midway through the season.

How did the 49ers get McCaffrey? Christian McCaffrey was traded to the 49ers in 2022.

Photo by Icon Sportswire on Getty Images

In October 2022, the 49ers traded the Panthers four draft picks for McCaffrey—2023 second, third and fourth-round picks, and a 2024 fifth-round pick. McCaffrey had already restructured his deal with the Panthers earlier in the year, lowering his base salary below $1 million and making him an affordable acquisition for teams who had their eye on him.

“Kyle and I both felt like Christian’s a guy who can unlock this offense,” 49ers general manager John Lynch told ESPN in January 2023. “We were already really good. But this could be a difference-maker.”

What is Christian McCaffrey’s contract with the 49ers?

In June 2024, McCaffrey signed a two-year contract extension with the 49ers through the 2027 season worth $19 million per year. The deal pays McCaffrey an additional $8 million over what he was scheduled to make in 2024 and 2025. It also adds $24 million in guaranteed money. Overall, McCaffrey is set to earn $62.2 million from 2024 through the 2027 season. He earned $16.205 million in 2025.

Before the extension, McCaffrey’s contract was restructured to free up cap space, which lowered his base salary to $1.08 million, but the rest came in the form of a $10.7 million signing bonus.

What does McCaffrey make on endorsement deals?

McCaffrey was making about $3 million per year on endorsement deals by 2024, according to a previous Forbes report, although this number has very likely gone up since then. He’s inked deals with brands such as Nike, Bose, Pepsi and USAA.

How long is Christian McCaffrey’s 49ers contract?

McCaffrey’s current contract with the 49ers goes through the 2027 season.

What did McCaffrey sell his house for?

McCaffrey, who used to play for the Carolina Panthers, owned a mansion in Charlotte, North Carolina, until early 2024, when he decided to sell. The property has six bedrooms and seven and a half bathrooms, and includes 500 feet of lakefront complete with a boat dock. He listed it for a stunning $12.5 million.

Did McCaffrey get a bonus for the Super Bowl?

McCaffrey stood to earn an extra $164,000 if the 49ers won Super Bowl LVIII in 2024, and he was due a $89,000 bonus if they lost, according to Bleacher Report. The Niners lost, so McCaffrey likely pocketed the smaller bonus.

Is Christian McCaffrey married?

Yes! Christian McCaffrey is currently married to former Miss Universe, Olivia Culpo. The pair tied the knot in 2024.

Related: Josh Allen’s Net Worth in 2026 Is a Lot of (Dollar) Bills

Reese Witherspoon’s Daughter Ava Is Her Mom’s Twin in Sweet Birthday Photo

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 12:43pm

Reese Witherspoon is celebrating her daughter Ava Phillippe with a birthday message filled with pride, love, and a reminder to keep shining.

The actress marked Ava’s 27th birthday on Wednesday, September 9, by sharing photos on Instagram alongside a heartfelt tribute to her eldest child. “Happy birthday to my sweet girl Ava! Infinitely creative, thoughtful and hilarious. Keep shining your beautiful light, my girl. I love you! 💖✨” Reese wrote.

While the message focused on the person Ava has become, the photos quickly had friends and fans talking about something else—just how much the mother and daughter resemble each other.

Reese, 50, made her admiration for Ava clear, describing her as “Infinitely creative, thoughtful and hilarious.”

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Her tribute also offered a glimpse at their close mother-daughter relationship. Reese ended the message by encouraging Ava to “Keep shining your beautiful light,” then added, “I love you!”

The post quickly drew thousands of reactions and birthday wishes.

Why Are Fans Calling Reese Witherspoon and Ava ‘Twins’? Reese Witherspoon (R) and daughter Ava Elizabeth Phillippe

(Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

The resemblance dominated the comments. Food Network personality Candace Nelson declared, “TWINS! Happy birthday ❤️❤️❤️,” while another commenter wrote, “Copy, paste 💕.”

One fan added, “Omg she looks so much like you Reese 😭😭😭😭😭😍😍❤️❤️❤️.” Another chimed in and wrote: “I was very very confused for like 5 seconds.”

A fan wrote: “You really gave birth to yourself ….wow 🔥.” Several of Reese’s famous friends joined the celebration. Mindy Kaling wrote, “Happy birthday, Ava!!!” while Julianne Moore added, “Happy birthday Ava!”

The Tisch family account joined in with, “forever twins!! happy birthday @avaphillippe 🤍🤍🤍.”

Not everyone saw only Reese in Ava. One commented wrote, “She’s a copy of her dad!!” Another added, “I see a lot of her father, Ryan, in her as well.”

Witherspoon shares Ava and Deacon Phillippe, 22, with ex-husband Ryan Phillippe. The former couple met as young actors and later starred together in the 1999 cult favorite Cruel Intentions. They married that year, welcomed Ava in September 1999 and Deacon in 2003, and separated in 2006 after seven years of marriage, according to US Weekly.

Ava later attended the University of California, Berkeley, and began exploring work in fashion and entertainment.

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She made her modeling debut in Rodarte’s 2018 fall lookbook and has since worked with Draper James, Ivy Park, Aerie, and Pat McGrath Labs, as per Elle.

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More recently, Ava has moved into acting. She made her screen debut in Doctor Odyssey in 2025 and is also set to play the title role in Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me

Panera Is Giving Away Free Limited-Edition Claw Clips on Sept. 10—Here’s How to Get One

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 12:41pm

A visit to Panera may mean comforting bowls of soup, crisp salads, and tasty lattes, but we all know the real star of a visit to the restaurant chain is the bread. Baguettes, bread bowls, bagels, and muffins—Panera has it all, and the elevated fast food spot holds a special place in the hearts of carb-lovers for good reason.

The arrival of fall is an especially good time to visit Panera. After all, nothing says autumn like steamy bread bowls filled with soup or pumpkin-flavored coffees in hand-warming cups. Dubbed “Panera season” by the chain, there’s even a special promotion headed to Panera cafes to celebrate.

How To Get Panera’s Free Claw Clip on Sept. 10

According to an Instagram post by Panera, on Sept. 10, the first 21 customers to visit each participating Panera location will receive a free claw clip with the purchase of an Energy Refresher or a Fresca. But there’s a catch: The free claw clip promotion at Panera doesn’t apply to mobile or drive-through orders. In order to receive a free claw clip, you must enter a Panera cafe and place an order in-person with a cashier.

The first 21 customers to order a qualifying drink at Panera on Sept. 10 will receive a free hair clip.

Panera

Bad news first: Once a participating location runs out of its 21 limited-edition claw clips, you’re out of luck. The good news is, there are plenty of drinks to choose from that are worth sipping even if you miss out on snagging a hair clip. The chain’s Energy Refreshers come in Tropical Mango-Pineapple, Island Mango, Dragonfruit Sunset, and Passionfruit Paradise flavors, and its Frescas are available in either Strawberry Basil Lemonade or Cherry Lime varieties.

What the Limited-Edition Claw Clips Look Like

There are three different claw clips available during this Panera promotion. First up is the bread claw clip, inspired by Panera’s iconic baguette and perfect for the carb-lover. There are also two fruit-inspired claw clips included in the promotion, one strawberry hair clip and one cherry. A Panera spokesperson told Parade these fruity hair accessories are each a nod to the flavors of Fresca that are on Panera’s menu, Cherry Lime and Strawberry Basil Lemonade.

What Else Is New at Panera This Fall?

Earlier this month, Panera launched a cozy menu of fall foods, like Three-Cheese Lasagna Soup, Chocolate Chip Bagels, and the Harvest Medley Salad, made with crunchy pumpkin seeds and dried beet strips. Other fall treats available for a limited time at the cafe chain include Cinnamon Croissant Bites and Autumn Squash Soup.

'90s Legends Will Be the First Rock Band to Receive MTV Honor in 23 Years

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 12:40pm

’90s rock legends Nirvana are once again cementing their place in music history. This time, they’re becoming the first rock band in over two decades to receive a major honor from MTV.

MTV has officially chosen Nirvana as the Video Vanguard Award recipient for the 2026 Video Music Awards.

The award will be presented on Sept. 27 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

The trio, behind massive hits like “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” will be the first band to receive the honor since Duran Duran in 2003, highlighting just how rare the acknowledgment is.

And they will be the first band to get the award after it disbanded since The Beatles, Billboard reports.

During the announcement, MTV noted, “This day in 1992, Nirvana took to the VMAs stage for the first time — shaping music, culture and MTV forever.”

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Nirvana will be the ninth band in history to achieve the Video Vanguard status. In addition to The Beatles and Duran Duran, Bon Jovi was honored in 1991, Guns N’Roses in 1992, The Rolling Stones in 1994, R.E.M in 1995, Beastie Boys in 1998 and U2 in 2001.

Nirvana isn’t new to the MTV stage, having previously won Best Alternative Video at the VMAs for three years in a row, starting with “Smells Like Teen Spirit” in 1992, “In Bloom” in 1993 and “Heart-Shaped Box” in 1994.

The groundbreaking band, formed in 1987 by the late Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic—and also featuring Dave Grohl on drums—rose to fame in the early 1990s and helped define a generation with their raw sound and anti-establishment beliefs.

Surprisingly, Nirvana never reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 6 with “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” The grunge band had 2 No.1 hits on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart, with “Smells Like Teen Spirit” in 1991 and “Come As You Are” in 1992. 

Now, more than 30 years after their breakout success, their influence and legacy continue to resonate in a major way, with their catalog of hits remaining staples of rock radio and streaming playlists.

Cobain died by suicide on April 5, 1994. Grohl went on to front the Foo Fighters.




Disneyland Shuts Down Indiana Jones Attraction for Significant Refurbishments: 'What Could Be More Delightful?'

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 12:37pm

According to Inside the Magic, Disney’s flagship theme park Disneyland has officially shut down its beloved Indiana Jones Adventure attraction for significant refurbishments.

The park’s long-running attraction began its closure on September 8, with various signs posted around the ride hinting at the updates to come. “Attention! Not Offering Tours Today” one sign reads. “Coming Soon! Temple Tours Will Begin Again This Fall,” declares another.

Perhaps the most lengthiest sign posted around the ride came with the following teaser, “Coming soon! Join me on a most splendid tour of the Temple of the Forbidden Eye, with an opportunity to partake in the Fabled Blessings of Mara: eternal youth, great wealth, or a glimpse into the future. What could be more delightful? Tours begin in Fall of 1935!”

Opening in March 1995, Indiana Jones Adventure takes riders on a rip-roaring adventure straight out of a full-fledged Indiana Jones film.

Like the various movies that make up the George Lucas-created movie series, the ride follows the daredevil archaeologist Indiana Jones as he ventures into the heart of a supernatural temple in India, forcing him to confront powers and forces beyond his wildest comprehension.

Based on the success of the first ride, the Indiana Jones Adventure attraction has seen several sister rides pop up across the globe. A nearly identical version of the ride can be found at Disney TokyoSea, while an entirely new Indiana Jones attraction is set to open in Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom in the immediate future.

Over the past few years, Disney’s Imagineers have regularly tinkered with maintenance issues on the original version of the ride, including restoring its cinematic preshow, improving the mid-ridge bridge effect and updating the attraction’s iconic rolling boulder sequence.

As of yet, it’s not currently known when the ride will reopen to the general public.

Which 'DWTS' Duo Has Best Chance of Winning? Odds Are in Their Favor -- and Stacked Against Another Pair

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 12:37pm

Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars hasn’t even premiered yet, but odds-makers are already predicting who will win — and who will get sent home early on.

On Wednesday, September 9, The Action Network, which analyzes sports betting, prediction markets, and casino gaming odds, revealed early predictions for how things will shake out among the newly-announced cast of season 35, ranking the likelihood of each new duo to take home the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.

Who’s Most Likely to Win ‘DWTS’ Season 35?

According to The Action Network, the duo most likely to win season 35 is Grey’s Anatomy actor Harry Shum Jr. and his pro partner, Jenna Johnson. The duo’s odds of winning are +376, with an implied probability of winning at 21 percent.

The newly announced DWTS celebrity cast and professional dancer couples, includes Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson, seen in this September 2026 publicity photo.

Photo by José Alvarado, Jr. for ABC

Shum’s background in dance likely plays a big part in this prediction; before co-starring on Glee, he worked as a backup dancer for Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey and more, per ABC. He has insisted, however, that learning how to ballroom dance is a whole different ballgame. Johnson, meanwhile, has won two seasons of DWTS — with Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon in season 26 and with reality star Joey Graziadei in season 33.

If Shum and Johnson don’t win, though, The Action Network says the next most likely duos to take home the trophy are Olympic Gold Medalist figure skater Amber Glenn with pro Pasha Pashkov, or The Rookie actress Jenna Dewan, who’s another former backup dancer, and her pro partner Val Chmerkovskiy. Glenn and Pashkov have +455 odds, while Dewan and Chmerkovskiy are at +488.

Who Will Go Home First on ‘DWTS’ Season 35? Giada DeLaurentiis and Alan Bersten are paired up for season 35 of DWTS, but the odds are stacked against them.

Photo by José Alvarado, Jr. for ABC

As for the duos who may not get very far in the competition, The Action Network says odds are not in Giada DeLaurentiis’ favor. The Emmy Award-winning chef, known best for her 12-season Food Network show, Everyday Italian, and her pro partner, Alan Bersten, have +100 odds — an implied probability of 50 percent — of getting sent home in the first week.

De Laurentiis has already suffered her first injury, revealing in a September 6 video that she “busted my toe,” which was black and blue. Bersten did, however, upload a new video on September 8 that showed her continuing to rehearse.

If the duo does happen to survive the first week, the duo with the next highest probability of getting the boot, per The Action Network, are Conner Leavitt, husband to Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt, and his dance partner, Adele Zaikman.

Dancing with the Stars kicks off with a two-night premiere on Tuesday, Sept. 15, and Wednesday, Sept 16, at 8 p.m. on ABC and Disney+. It streams the next day on Hulu.

Why This 'Days of Our Lives' Fan Favorite Was Caught Off Guard by Her Daytime Emmy Nod

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 12:35pm

Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless star Stacy Haiduk is opening up about her recent Daytime Emmy nomination and sharing her excitement for the upcoming event.

The actress recently spoke with Markos Papadatos for True Hollywood Talk, where they discussed her return to The Young and the Restless, where she plays Patty Williams, as well as her advice to future generations of actors and a nod to her former co-star Alice Halsey.

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Reflecting on her nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama, Haiduk shared, “I am very grateful for that. I was not expecting it.”

The actress continued to explain how thankful she has been for the Peacock soap opera, adding, “This has been a really, really good ride and a good journey, and I’m really grateful for it.”

Reflecting on the storyline that led to her nomination, Haiduk shared, “It was the dynamic between Kristen and her daughter. It was really special.” The actress added that “The writers did me well there!”

Haiduk portrays Kristen Blake DiMera on the Peacock soap opera, taking over from former daytime icon Eileen Davidson in 2018. The actress has portrayed the role on and off ever since.

During her most recent downtime period on the soap, as Days of Our Lives rested her character, Haiduk has returned to fellow Sony soap opera The Young and the Restless as Patty Williams, a character she has played off and on since her debut in 2009.

Co-headwriter Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford recently teased what was to come for Haiduk’s character with TV Insider’s Stephanie Sloan. During the conversation, the writers revealed that Kristen will be returning to the soap this fall, and teased that she won’t be returning alone, hinting at an exciting twist for the Peacock streaming soap opera.

The Daytime Emmys air on October 30, 2026, with the award show being streamed exclusively on the Emmy platform, TheEmmys.com.

Days of Our Lives airs weekdays on Peacock while The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS and streams weeknights on Paramount+.

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