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Halloween lovers aren’t waiting until October anymore. Thanks to the rise of Summerween, autumn has officially crept into the summer months, with themed movie nights, backyard parties, neon pink and orange-and-black decor, and early shopping hauls taking over social media months ahead of fall. If you’re looking to give your outdoor space a subtle spooky touch without covering your lawn in pumpkins, Amazon has an adorable find that’s right on theme. 

The Bshine Cat Solar Light Yard Stake is currently available for just $30. Equal parts whimsical and functional, it’s an understated way to embrace the Summerween trend while adding a decorative accent to flower beds, walkways, and planters that can be left out year-round.

Courtesy of Amazon

Dubbed as “sturdy” and “adorable” by shoppers, this whimsical black cat brings personality to your outdoor space during the day and a “bright” glow after dark. Measuring 20.8 inches tall and 12 inches wide, the silhouette features a curious cat sitting upright with one paw extended, holding a hanging lantern that measures 4.7 inches high by 3 inches wide. 

Instead of a solid silhouette, the cat’s body is decorated with intricate floral and leafy cutout details that resemble delicate paper-cut artwork, giving the design a lighter, more decorative feel. The lantern hangs from a short chain beneath the raised paw, moving when the breeze picks up, while the sturdy ground stake makes it easy to nestle into flower beds, planters, pathways, or landscaped borders.

The built-in solar panel charges throughout the day, then automatically turns the LED lantern on at dusk and off at sunrise with no outlets, batteries, or wiring required. Once fully charged, the light provides 8 to 10 hours of illumination, casting a warm glow that’s perfect for welcoming guests or adding ambiance to al fresco dinners. 

Made with weather-resistant materials that can withstand “pouring rain and windy conditions” as well as snow and heat according to shoppers, it’s designed to stay outdoors season after season. Whether you pair it with colorful blooms in the spring, lush greenery in the summer, pumpkins and mums in the fall, or leave it on display year-round, this charming cat adds a playful finishing touch that’s sure to delight gardeners, cat lovers, and anyone who appreciates a little whimsy in their life. 

Related: Amazon’s Modern Minimalist Nightstand Set With Built-In Storage Bins Is a Steal at Just $27

If you’re already counting down to spooky season, the $30 Bshine Cat Solar Light Yard Stake is an easy way to hint at Halloween without going full-on haunt in August. Shop it while it’s still in stock at Amazon!

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Be prepared to channel your favorite Disney Villain’s wild side with a new Pandora and Disney drop inspired by furr-ocious baddies. Here’s a first look at the collection, which features Scar from The Lion King, Lucifer from Cinderella, and Lotso from Toy Story 3. Plus, for the first time, the jewelry brand enhances its charms with its first-ever scented piece.

Related: From Lotso to Lilypad: ‘Toy Story’ Villains, Ranked

See the new Disney Villains drop here first, as these three fan-favorite twisted toons get their moment to shine.

Courtesy of: Pandora

• Scar (The Lion King): The gold and black royal colors on the hardware and mane give a darkly commanding presence.
• Lucifer (Cinderella): Mice beware! This mischievous cat embodies the sassy feline.
• Lotso (Toy Story 3): A wickedly charming piece that features the duplicitous teddy with a nostalgic strawberry scent. A first for Pandora!

Courtesy of: Pandora

Launching in time for Halloween, this devious trio headlines the spooky season sparkle for Pandora’s seasonal drop.

Additionally, they join the recently released The Nightmare Before Christmas line, which is such a throwback to Tim Burton and Henry Selick’s beloved twisted holiday tale, with gorgeous rings and festively spooky charms. The rings are particularly romantic, as they embody Jack and Sally’s eternal love. And you can definitely get ready to go from Pumpkin King season to Sandy Claws in a bracelet stack for a fall-to-winter look.

This year’s spooky season charms are chillingly cute for Disney fans of any age, whether you’re dressing up for Halloween time at Disneyland or Walt Disney World, or just putting together your planned fall outfits of the day.

The collaboration has so much to choose from, including a Stitch pumpkin that features the adorable alien from Lilo and Stitch in a perfectly adorable costume. Build your spooky stacks with your favorite Disney icons by shopping the collection online at Pandora.net when the villains drop goes live on Thursday, August 27.

For years, rumors have continued to circulate that Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey might be more than friends, with some (including the actors themselves) speculating that they might indeed be brothers.

As detailed by E! News, both actors have shared their own thoughts about the matter, hinting they might be related through a tongue-in-cheek reference from McConaughey’s mother, Mary Kathlene McConaughey.

As Harrelson once recalled, Mary hinted as much to the actor after the two had known each other for close to three decades.

“She told me, ‘I knew your father,’ like, you know, with the ellipses, ‘I knew… your father,’” Harrelson said. “So, I’m thinking, ‘Well, that’s weird that she’s never told me this [in] 25 years.’”

Per Harrelson’s story, Mary (whom Harrelson referred to as “MaMac”) was “feeling good” following a healthy indulgence in her Kendall-Jackson wine, apparently prompting her to allude to a potential relationship with Harrelson’s father decades prior.

“She tells me [that information], and I’m thinking, ‘Well, what’s behind this story?’” the Zombieland star said. “And then I find out they weren’t just friends — there was a little more to it.”

At the same time, McConaughey himself has similarly wondered about his connection to Harrelson, even referencing the fateful trip that saw his mother hint at a potential past romance with Harrelson’s father.

“In Greece a few years ago, we’re sitting around talking about how close we are and our families,” McConaughey said in 2023. “And my mom is there, and she says, ‘Woody, I knew your dad.’ Everyone was aware of the ellipses that my mom left after ‘knew.’ It was a loaded K-N-E-W.”

Interestingly, the story between the two frequent co-stars will provide the backbone to the upcoming TV series Brothers, which will see the two actors play fictionalized versions of themselves who discover they are actually brothers.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 20 years since ’30 Rock’ premiered on NBC, starring Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin.

And now, the stars of the show are set to reunite for one-night only to celebrate this anniversary while also raising money for an incredible cause.

Cast members and special guests will host an event on Oct 11 at Radio City Music Hall in New York, with Fey, Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski, and Jack McBrayer already set to attend, Variety reports.

“Listen up tens, a five is speaking! Please join us to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the show Tom Shales once said ‘needs a better premise and funnier dialogue… and most of all a more commanding performer in the starring role,’” Fey said in a statement.

Presale for tickets will begin on Aug. 26 at 10 am ET, and general sales will begin on Aug. 27 at 10 am ET.

The event will benefit The Boys and Girls Club of Harlem.

“We’re honored to be named the charitable partner for this celebration,” Shaba R. Keys, president & CEO of The Boys and Girls Club of Harlem, said. “All net proceeds go directly toward the after-school, academic, and career programs that help more than 2,000 Harlem young people each year chart a path to their own futures—and we’re grateful to be part of a night this special.”

The hit show first premiered on NBC in 2006 and ended in 2013, spanning nearly 140 episodes. The premise centered on the writers and cast of the show “TGS,” which was a spoof of the hit sketch show “SNL.” Fey portrayed the head writer Liz Lemon, while Baldwin played NBC executive Jack Donaghy. Throughout its run, the show won 16 Emmy Awards, including three for outstanding comedy series and two for outstanding writing for a comedy series.

Today, the iHeartRadio Music Festival announced a handful of additional headliners for its upcoming concert event, and the diverse roster is bound to please music fans across genres. Officially joining the lineup are ’90s rock band Smashing Pumpkins, R&B star Ciara, and country singer Stella Lefty.

The organization released the news update on Tuesday, Aug. 25. “The iHeartRadio Music Festival will once again include one-of-a-kind collaborations and surprise performances,” a press release sent directly to Parade shared of the event presented by Capital One.

Smashing Pumpkins is known for popular ’90s alternative rock staples like “1979,” “Bullet with Butterfly Wings,” “Today,” “Tonight, Tonight,” and “Disarm.” They were originally formed in Chicago in 1988 by lead vocalist and guitarist Billy Corgan, guitarist James Iha, bassist D’arcy Wretzky, and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. In addition to a spot at the music festival, they kick off their The Bats in a Cage Tour on Sept. 30 in Columbus, Ohio, wrapping up on Nov. 12 in Inglewood, Calif.

Related: Folk Rock Star, Daughter of the King of Pop Michael Jackson, Announces First-Ever Move Amid 2026 Tour

Ciara first entered the scene two decades ago as an R&B singer and dancer with hip-hop flair. She released her breakout project, the 5x platinum debut album, Goodies (2004), at just 19 years old—and hasn’t stopped since. The Grammy winner, known affectionately as the First Lady of Crunk&B, has delivered hit tracks like “1,2 Step,” “Ride,” “Like a Boy,” “Oh,” “Body Party,” “Level Up,” and more.

Meanwhile, Stella Lefty is riding a wave of hype at the moment, continuing to build momentum from her recent breakthrough hit, “Boston,” rounding out the Top 5 of all country songs on the Billboard Hot 100—a first in the chart’s history. The rising starlet is also set to make her Grand Ole Opry debut next month.

The newly announced talents join the festival’s setlist alongside previously announced performers BTS, Benson Boone, Cardi B, Goo Goo Dolls, Kenny Chesney, Lainey Wilson, LE SSERAFIM, Major Lazer, Muse, Snoop Dogg, Weezer, and Zara Larsson.

Ryan Seacrest has been tapped to host the fan-favorite event, which will be held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Friday, Sept. 18 and Saturday, Sept. 19. For those unable to attend in person, fans can still tune into the action during the iHeartRadio Music Festival via streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

Next, ’90s Rock Band Announces 2026 Tour News 31 Years After No. 1 Hit

No matter your lifestyle, there’s always going to be a moment when you need a quick fix for hunger. The thing is, sometimes that fix comes in the form of a fast-food menu, which can quickly lead to spending more money than you initially intended. 

That’s where Sam’s Club saves the day with freezer staples like Member’s Mark Southern Style Chicken Sandwiches. Popping back up in select warehouses now, this eight-pack of juicy chicken sandwiches retails for just $14.27 and serves as a convenient hunger fix that doesn’t require you to open up a delivery app or step out your door.

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🍗 These Member’s Mark Southern Style Chicken Sandwiches are at Sam’s Club! Each sandwich comes with a breaded chicken breast fillet with rib meat, packing in 26g of protein, and it’s fully cooked so it’s great for the air fryer. 🥪 The pack comes with 8 individually wrapped sandwiches, and the chicken is raised with no antibiotics ever! 🍟 ($14.27) #samsclub #samsclubfinds #chickensandwich

Spotted by @samsclubfavorites and quickly shared online to spread the news, Member’s Mark Southern Style Chicken Sandwiches come from a popular lineup of easy mealtime favorites, packing eight individually wrapped 6.7-ounce chicken sandwiches into one box for $14. 

Made with chicken raised without antibiotics, these tasty sandwiches serve as a reliable freezer staple that’s fully cooked and ready to pop in the air fryer. Whether you need a quick fix for lunch, a snack to hold you over till later in the day or an easy base for a larger family meal, each sandwich offers 26 grams of protein and more than enough reason to skip the drive-thru for restaurant-quality meals at home.

Related: Trader Joe’s Limited-Time $4 Breakfast Staple Is a Must-Try Addition to Your End-of-Summer Grocery List

So what do you get inside the box? Each sandwich features a juicy breaded chicken breast fillet with rib meat served on a bakery-style bun. And since they are fully cooked before being frozen, they can be ready to eat in minutes using the microwave for a quick, satisfying hunger fix. But if you want to take them to the next level, about 20 minutes in the oven or 15 minutes in the air fryer will turn these juicy sandwiches into a crispy, tender, restaurant-style meal with minimal effort.

Best of all, these sandwiches are super easy to upgrade, begging to be dressed with fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles, your favorite cheese or a dash of hot sauce. Serve them alongside a fresh salad, creamy mac and cheese or crispy waffle fries, and you have an easy mealtime upgrade that’s just as good as, if not better than, your favorite fast food joint.

Keep your eyes peeled in-store for this affordable freezer deal. Just keep in mind that it’s not yet available online, so you might have to do a little research before heading to your local club. And while you’re there, look out for Member’s Mark 10-Inch Cherry Lattice Pie and Member’s Mark Beef Pot Roast for more tasty bites.

Related: I Tried a Reddit-Famous 1960s Pumpkin Bread Recipe—and I Totally Understand the Hype Now

For nearly six decades, Noël Godin had an unusual way of making his feelings about powerful and famous people known: He threw pies in their faces.

The Belgian writer, critic, actor and self-described anarchist became internationally famous after ambushing Bill Gates with a cream pie in Brussels in 1998.

But Gates was just one of many public figures targeted by Godin, who turned the humble pastry into his signature form of protest.

Godin died Sunday, Aug. 23, at age 80, his partner, Sylvie Broodthaers, confirmed to the Belga news agency. He was a resident of Brussels and was born in Liège, Belgium.

Godin began his unusual campaign in 1969, when he targeted French novelist and filmmaker Marguerite Duras. Over the following decades, his list of targets grew to include some of the biggest names in entertainment, politics and culture.

Among them were filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard, singer Patrick Bruel, journalist Patrick Poivre d’Arvor, French politician Nicolas Sarkozy and philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy, whom Godin or his accomplices targeted at least seven times.

He operated under the flamboyant pseudonym Georges Le Gloupier, and the attacks became known in French as entartage, essentially the art of pieing someone.

Godin presented the practice as a form of harmless disrespect aimed at people he considered pompous or overly self-important. He said the pies were soft and designed not to cause physical injury, and his inspiration came from sources ranging from the Marx Brothers and Wile E. Coyote to the radical politics of the 1960s.

In other words, Godin wasn’t trying to hurt his victims.

He wanted to knock them off their pedestals.

Godin’s most famous target was Gates, 70.

On Feb. 4, 1998, Gates was in Brussels for meetings with Belgian business and government leaders when Godin and members of his group ambushed him.

Gates was hit in the face with a cream pie, leaving his glasses and suit covered in the dessert. Police arrested two people in connection with the incident, and Microsoft confirmed that Godin was responsible for the pie attack.

The incident quickly became an international spectacle.

Television networks reportedly competed for photographs of Gates covered in cream, with some offering thousands of dollars for the images.

And Gates, to his credit, apparently didn’t respond with the fury one might expect from one of the world’s most powerful businessmen.

A Microsoft spokeswoman said Gates was surprised but handled the incident with some grace. His biggest complaint, she said, was that the pie wasn’t very tasty.

For Godin, the Gates attack was something of a career highlight.

The stranger Godin’s career became, the more seriously he appeared to take the philosophy behind it.

In a 1998 interview with First Monday, Godin was described as a Belgian author who had made Gates the 25th famous victim of his pie-throwing campaign. His targets weren’t selected at random: He focused on people he believed represented power, celebrity or self-importance.

His methods were deliberately theatrical.

The attacks involved accomplices, elaborate planning and quick escapes. Godin’s followers reportedly adopted the same playful spirit, using the cry “Gloup! Gloup! Gloup!” as part of the performances.

He also wrote about his philosophy in books, including Crème et châtiment: mémoire d’un entarteur, a memoir about his life as a pie thrower.

That combination of performance art, political protest and slapstick made Godin difficult to categorize.

Godin’s career stretched well beyond the 1998 Gates incident.

His victims included people from the worlds of cinema, politics, television and philosophy. Godard was among those targeted, while Lévy became one of Godin’s most frequent victims.

The attacks sometimes became almost a running joke.

Lévy, 77, was reportedly pied multiple times, while Godin’s antics became so well known around European cultural events that the prospect of being targeted by him was part of the spectacle itself. A 2011 Guardian retrospective described Godin as someone who had transformed the custard pie into a political art form.

And he kept going.

One of his final reported targets was Michael O’Leary, the chief executive of Ryanair, whom Godin said he pied outside the European Commission in Brussels in September 2023.

By then, Godin had been throwing pies at public figures for more than 50 years.

RELATED: Sean Connery Birthday: Remembering the ‘James Bond’ Legend

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

While summer is technically winding down, shoppers likely still have plenty of time to wear their favorite pairs of sandals before the weather gets too chilly. If you’re on the hunt for sandals that you can wear for the rest of the warm season and beyond, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style. Right now, you can get this pair of Clarks sporty sandals for nearly 40% off at Macy’s. Women of all ages found the “durable” shoes “great for traveling.” 

The Clarks Cloudsteppers Mira Bay Strappy Sport Sandals are on sale now for $51. You can shop them in stone, denim blue, and gray/green colorways, all of which are both chic and versatile. Each pair is available in sizes 5 to 12, with half sizes available. Choose between a medium or a wide width. Shoppers happily reported they fit true to size. 

Courtesy of Macy's

These sandals are a sporty take on the iconic Clarks Cloudsteppers. The round-toe shoe features straps with Velcro closures for a customized fit. With a 1.5-inch heel, you get a bit of height and added heel support. “I’m on my feet for six hours at work, and these are comfy and perfect for office attire,” one shopper said. 

The soft, foam cushion makes them “lightweight” and “comfortable” to wear all day long, according to shoppers. The breathable shoes feature a thermoplastic rubber outsole for added traction, while the EVA footbed makes them “supportive.” Whether you’re running errands or running on the beach, these sandals are perfect for spring and summer. 

Shoppers said it “feels like you are walking on a cloud” when wearing the sandals. They didn’t experience any blisters or pain when walking on trips to the zoo, while hiking, or on vacation. 

“The straps don’t rub, and the cushion makes them easy to wear all day,” one customer said. “They look cute with casual outfits and are perfect for summer.” 

Related: Macy’s ‘Gorgeous’ 60%-Off Fall Birthstone Earrings Are a Personalized Way to ‘Look Like a Million Bucks’

These are must-have shoes for spring and summer. Snag the Clarks Cloudsteppers Mira Bay Strappy Sport Sandals for just $51 at Macy’s before your preferred size and hue sell out. 

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week. 

Wynonna Judd is opening up about the father she never knew and a heartbreaking discovery she made only after it was too late to ask him the questions she’d carried for decades.

The country music legend released a deeply personal new song, “Girl Who Could Sing,” on Aug. 25, the latest track from her upcoming solo album The Hard Truth, arriving Oct. 2 via ANTI- Records.

Written by Judd with her husband Cactus Moser, Clara Calaway, Melissa Forrette and Brant Colella, “Girl Who Could Sing” takes the form of a letter to Judd’s late biological father, whom she never had the opportunity to meet.

But it was what his family discovered after his death that helped inspire the song: a drawer filled with newspaper articles and clippings about Judd and her career that he had saved.

“I was 30 years old when I learned the truth, that the man I called ‘Dad’ my entire life, was not my biological father,” Judd said in a statement accompanying the song’s release. “It changed everything I thought I knew about who I was.”

Judd has previously spoken about learning as an adult that Michael Ciminella, whom she grew up believing was her father, was not her biological father.

But “Girl Who Could Sing” explores what happened after that revelation and the relationship Judd never had the chance to pursue.

“By the time I was ready to meet him, he was gone,” she said. “I never got to hear his voice, look him in the eyes, or ask him why. I’ll carry those unanswered questions with me for the rest of my life.”

Related: Country Music Legend Announces 2026 Tour With Special Guest

The discovery that her father had apparently been following her extraordinary career from afar only left Judd with more questions.

In the song, she wonders whether he ever attended one of her concerts and whether some of the qualities that helped make her a star came from him. She also confronts the circumstances that kept them apart.

The accompanying music video makes that history tangible, with Judd holding the actual press clippings her father had saved.

For Judd, perhaps the most painful question became the one that ultimately gave the song its title.

“‘Was I ever really your daughter, or just a girl who could sing?’ is the question that hurts the most—because I’ll never get to hear his answer,” she said.

Rather than finding a neat resolution to a relationship that never had the opportunity to begin, Judd said music became her way of living with what she will never know.

“What do you do with the questions you’ll never have answers to?” she continued. “My answer is simple… I sing about it.”

The intensely personal subject matter continues a theme running throughout The Hard Truth, an album Judd has described as containing some of the most honest music she has ever made.

The Hard Truth marks a significant first in Judd’s decades-long career: The songs include her first-ever album co-writes.

The record looks backward and forward at the forces that have shaped her life. Its first half explores Judd’s complicated relationship with her late mother and Judds bandmate, Naomi Judd, as well as her struggle to establish an identity of her own. The latter half turns toward the life Judd has built for herself.

Moser produced the album, which also features appearances from Patterson Hood, Iron & Wine and The War and Treaty.

“We started with nothing but a feeling and emotion and ended up with an entire album that captures Wynonna’s story with a level of honesty she’s never experienced in her career,” Moser said of making the record.

“Girl Who Could Sing” follows previously released tracks including “Kentucky Queen” and “Am I Missing Out.”

Judd will take the new music on the road this fall. After appearances at AmericanaFest and a run of Kentucky performances that includes two nights at the Paramount Arts Center in her hometown of Ashland, The Hard Truth Tour begins Oct. 8 in New York City.

More than four decades after she first found fame alongside her mother as one half of The Judds, Judd is using her latest chapter to tell parts of her story she has never put into songs before. With “Girl Who Could Sing,” that means addressing a relationship she never had and questions for which, as she acknowledges, there can no longer be answers.

Related: Country Music Legend Calls Meeting Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever Team ‘Absolute Dream’

Every SNL cast member has their personal favorite hosts, many of whom were an utter pleasure to work alongside when it came time to filming.

Conversely, more than a few cast members from the hit NBC sketch show have shared glimpses into certain less-than-glamorous hosts from the show’s past.

In 2024, Bowen Yang, the breakout SNL sensation who worked on the series from 2018 until 2025, specifically called out an unnamed SNL host who made “multiple cast members cry” on the days leading up to SNL‘s filming.

Appearing on an episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Yang discussed the “terrible” experience of working with this unnamed host.

“This man who… this person, this host made multiple cast members cry on Wednesday before the table-read, because he hated the ideas,” Yang explained.

While Yang didn’t name any names when it came to the specific host in question, many have speculated that the celebrity was none other than Elon Musk, who appeared in a poorly received episode of Saturday Night Live on May 8, 2021.

Perhaps the biggest piece of evidence pointing to this theory is the fact that Chloe Fineman, another prominent SNL talent in the early 2020s, personally called out Musk for making her cry in the days leading up to the show.

“OK, I just saw some news article about Elon Musk being like butt-hurt about SNL and his impression, but I’m, like, you’re clearly watching the show. Like, what are you talking about?” Fineman said in 2024 (via Variety). “And I’m like, you know what? I’m gonna come out and say at long last that I’m the cast member that he made cry. And he’s the host that made someone cry. Maybe there’s others.”

“I was like, I’m not gonna say anything. But I’m like, no, if you’re gonna go on your platform and be rude, like, guess what?” Fineman continued, apparently referencing Yang’s comments and directly addressing Musk. “You made I, Chloe Fineman, burst into tears because I stayed up all night writing the sketch. I was so excited, I came in, I asked if you had any questions and you stared at me like you were firing me from Tesla and were like, ‘It’s not funny.’”

For fans of The Sandlot, seeing Patrick Renna back on a baseball field alongside many of his former co-stars might sound like the sequel they’ve been waiting more than 30 years to see. But Renna wants to make one thing very clear: Dugout Dads is not a Sandlot sequel—and he thinks that’s exactly how it should be.

“I think any remake is a mistake, personally,” Renna — who played Hamilton “Ham” Porter in the 1993 classic — tells Parade ahead of the Dugout Dads series premiere. “How do you live up to something that’s meant so much to people?”

Instead, Dugout Dads gives Renna and his former Sandlot co-stars a chance to reunite while telling an entirely new story.

The upcoming comedy follows a group of parents navigating the increasingly intense world of Little League baseball, with Boy Meets World alum Danielle Fishel starring as Renna’s wife.

Fishel — who joked that she’s “collecting nostalgia-based projects like Infinity Stones” – seemingly agreed with Renna’s hot take.

“I feel like one of the mistakes that Girl Meets World made was leaning too far into Boy Meets World‘s history and not leaning into the new characters enough,” she told Parade. “Thankfully, Patrick, right from the beginning, was like, ‘This is a new project with new characters.'”

And while Dugout Dads isn’t part of The Sandlot universe, Renna says that doesn’t mean fans won’t recognize some familiar energy when the cast gets back together.

“There’s no Sandlot [intellectual property] in it. [But] we don’t hide from it,” he said of the upcoming series that reunites the Sandlot’s Chauncey Leopardi (Squints), Tom Guiry (Smalls), Brandon Quintin Adams (Kenny), Marty York (Yeah-Yeah), Grant Gelt (Bertram), Victor DiMattia (Timmy), Shane Obedzinski (Repeat), and Wil Horneff (Phillips).

Renna added, “We make a few little jokes at it, a few little Easter eggs that I think people will enjoy. But I think they’ll just love seeing us on the baseball field. And the final episode has a real cool, nostalgic moment that I think people will love.”

Dugout Dads premieres Wednesday, August 26, on YouTube.

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

If you’re looking for a quick way to upgrade your front porch for spooky season, your doormat is the easiest place to start. Of course, Anthropologie gets it and is selling two hauntingly charming doormats right now that are perfect for this time of year. That said, they are pretty enough to use any time, honestly, and many customers say they do!

Anthropologie’s Mystic Coir Printed Doormats are way too cute to pass up. Available in two magical styles, including a Navy Witch (pictured below) and Plum Cat, these colorful doormats add a touch of mystical whimsy to your front porch just in time for spooky season. That said, these doormats can be used year-round if witchy vibes are your thing! For dimensions, these measure 18 inches by 30 inches.

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Anthropologie

Made from 100 percent coir, these are perfect outdoor doormats, built to last and ideal for trapping dirt and other debris before you walk in the front door. Each doormat features a vibrant array of colors that feel perfect for fall.

Related: Costco Is Selling ‘Flattering and Comfortable’ Levi’s High-Rise Jeans That Are Too Cute to Pass Up

Shoppers love these mystical doormats, giving them an average rating of 4.9 stars on Anthropologie.com.

“I bought this as a house warming gift for a friend and had planned to get one for myself as well, but it sold out. And with good reason! It’s wicked cute! Hopefully, it will come back next year!!!” wrote one fan in a five-star review on Anthro’s website.

“Elegant and polished,” said another shopper in a five-star review on Anthropologie.com. “The Mystic Cat Plum Coir Printed Doormat is both beautiful and practical. The size is generous, the coir feels durable, and the print is even more stunning in person than online! What I love most is that it isn’t limited to Halloween decor. It’s a chic way to add a touch of mysticism year-round. If you enjoy unique pieces that blend style and function, this doormat is a perfect choice. 100% recommend!!”

You can find these charming doormats on Anthropologie.com. The Navy Witch retails for $48. The Plum Cat style is currently on sale for $33.60 for a limited time.

Related: Aldi’s 3-in-1 Charger Is a Game Changer for Frequent Travelers

Before high-tech magnetic launches, inversions, and multi-story steel hypercoasters took over the modern theme park skyline, amusement park thrills were built entirely out of timber, gravity, and pure engineering swagger.

At Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania, one of the country’s most storied wooden thrill rides is officially reaching a rare milestone. Comet, the oldest continuously operating roller coaster at Pennsylvania’s largest theme park, marks its 80th anniversary in 2026, standing as an enduring symbol of golden-age American amusement history.

Related: A Beloved Theme Park Ride Is Closing for Good—And Fans Have Just Weeks Left to Ride It

MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images / Contributor via Getty

First opened to the public in late May 1946, Comet holds a unique place in park lore as the very last roller coaster personally commissioned by founder Milton S. Hershey before his passing in 1945.

Built by the legendary Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC) and designed by PTC president Herbert P. Schmeck, the modified double out-and-back coaster utilized a staggering 248,919 feet of lumber. At the time of its debut, Comet was actually the largest roller coaster in the entire United States.

While parkgoers today recognize the ride by its bright white wooden scaffolding, it was originally painted green at Mr. Hershey’s personal request so it would blend seamlessly into the surrounding countryside. Over the decades, it evolved into an official American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) Roller Coaster Landmark, earning national recognition for its historic preservation and architectural significance.

Related: 8 Things You Can’t Miss At America’s Best Theme Parks This Summer

Nestled in The Hollow section of the park right alongside Spring Creek, Comet serves as a quintessential rite of passage for young riders stepping up to their first major coaster.

As theme park enthusiast Michael Burkes shared in the Hersheypark Connoisseurs group: “I want to give a GREAT BIG SHOUT OUT to an attraction that has stood the test of time. It will celebrate its 80th season in 2026. Happy Birthyear to the Comet! The coaster opened in 1946 and for many patrons who visited Hershey, this was their first big rollercoaster ride. Congrats goes to the Comet and here’s hoping you will be around for many years to come!”

The ride kicks off with a 96-foot climb up the classic chain lift hill before plunging riders down a steep 47-degree drop. Reaching top speeds of 50 miles per hour across 3,360 feet of track, the train sweeps through a 180-degree turn with panoramic views of the park before diving into a series of twisting turns and its signature finale: a run of rapid, airtime-packed bunny hills that lift riders right out of their seats.

After dark, the coaster transforms into one of the park’s prettiest sights, outlined by a glittering trail of chaser lights running along the entire length of the wooden frame.

While the layout remains true to its 1946 roots, Hersheypark has kept the classic feeling fresh for new generations. In 2024, the park introduced custom three-tone blue trains with a glittering metal flake finish, along with an updated logo paying homage to the ride’s 1970s aesthetic.

Eight decades later, even as theme parks race toward taller and faster record-breakers, Comet proves that a beautifully designed wooden coaster never goes out of style.

Related: America’s Oldest Operating Amusement Park Has Wooden Coasters, Nostalgic Charm, and the Best Funnel Cake You’ll Ever Eat

“Cherish” was a soft rock song that was released by The Association in 1966. The song rose all the way to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed in the position for three weeks.

Terry Kirman told HuffPost that the band was forced to shorten the song to get it played on the radio. Kirkman explained, “In the 60s, the general guideline for the maximum playtime of a song to ever get on Top 40 AM radio was around two minutes and 15 seconds. Two snappy verses and a short bridge — maybe a little instrumental riff — then a repeated verse or chorus before wrapping it up. But the way I intended ‘Cherish’ to be sung ran a full minute or longer than that, somewhere around 3:40.”

He continued, “The song was so long that not only did we speed up the tempo — we sped the actual recording up after we recorded it as well. And when that still wasn’t quite fast enough, our producers then lied about the play time on the label by about 20 full seconds. God only knows what must have gone through the minds of all those tightly formatted Top 40 radio programmers trying to figure out where they’d gone wrong.”

Kirkman also spoke about the fact that this has become a popular wedding song. “Another strange aspect of the ‘Cherish’ story—one that has particularly baffled me—was that it became such a huge favorite for weddings,” he said. “Couples by the thousands called it ‘their song,’ in spite of the fact it is so very much about love lost, not victorious love. But who knows? Maybe it was that stirring youth march tempo that did them in.”

Related: 1972 Song, Written in the Car by Harry Nilsson After a Hawaiian Vacation, Charted for Months

The Association had a few more hits over the years, including “Windy” and “Never My Love.” In 2003, the band was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. The members of the band also received Rock Justice Awards in 2019.

Kirkman died in 2023 at the age of 83.

Alison Arngrim had some of the most memorable scenes on Little House on the Prairie, playing bratty Nellie Olsen from 1974 to 1981 on the beloved NBC historical drama. But the young actress was not on set when one of the show’s biggest guest stars of all time set foot in Walnut Grove 50 years ago.

Speaking with People magazine in August 2026, Arngrim, 64, recalled missing the Sept. 27, 1976, Little House episode “The Collection,” which featured country music legends Johnny Cash and his wife June Carter Cash.

The “Ring of Fire” singer played Caleb Hodgekiss in the famous Season 3 premiere, an ex-convict turned preacher who plans to rob the church-going townspeople when he steps in for the ailing Reverend Alden (Dabbs Greer). Carter Cash played his wife, Mattie Hodgekiss, in the classic TV episode.

“He plays a really terrible person who then sees the error of his ways and is totally redeemed, because he hangs out around us for a few days and we sort him out,” Arngrim said of Cash, before noting that she wasn’t actually in the episode.

“I’m rarely jealous, but I’m truly jealous that I am not in that episode, because I wanted to meet Johnny Cash so badly,” Arngrim told the outlet.

Cash and his wife were invited to guest star on Little House on the Prairie by series star and executive producer Michael Landon, according to Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder on the show).

“Michael met Johnny at a party and invited him to come onto the program. The episode was written just for them,” Butler shared of the country music couple.

Other cast members were mesmerized by Cash’s cameo. Speaking with Closer Weekly in 2020, Karen Grassle, who starred as Caroline “Ma” Ingalls on the long-running series, called working with Cash her “top showbiz moment.”

 “I had been listening to his music since I was a kid!” she said.

NBC / Getty Images

Cash did sing in the Little House episode, performing the folk rock classic “Back Jack David” as his character rides into town.

Cash died in 2003 at age 71, less than four months after the death of his wife at 73.

Fifty years after the legendary couple’s Little House on the Prairie episode, cast members will reunite at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville to celebrate the anniversary and meet with fans from September 11 through 13.

Related: 1976 ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Episode, Aired During America’s Bicentennial, Ranked Among ‘Best Fourth of July TV Episodes of All Time’

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While warm temperatures are still holding steady, we’re not too far off from sweatpants and joggers season. If you’re looking to expand your comfy fall wardrobe on a budget before the weather gets too cold for shorts, then these joggers are worth a look, especially since they’re currently 40% off. 

The $25 WQD Wide-Leg Joggers are down to $15 at Walmart. All six available color options for these bestselling joggers are going for the same price as well, so you’ll score an excellent deal no matter what. 

Courtesy of Walmart

Crafted from a soft and breathable polyester blend, these joggers have a relaxed, wide-leg silhouette that moves with you, making them a great choice for yoga, lounging, or running errands. The high-rise elastic waistband and adjustable drawstring give you a secure fit, and the side pockets keep essentials close at hand. The pants are finished with two bold white stripes down the legs, giving them a retro look and offering more style options compared to traditional joggers. 

Even though these joggers have a bit of extra fabric due to the wide-leg design, they aren’t super heavy: “They’re not thick and heavy, they are just right in the fabric weight!” That wide-leg look also adds to the style, and one shopper said it “gives them a relaxed and stylish look, and they’re surprisingly flattering without being too clingy.” The retro vibe is something a lot of other reviewers really enjoyed about these joggers, harkening back to the ‘70s. 

They’re also “great sweatpants for working out and hiking!” according to another shopper, and multiple others talked about the versatility of these joggers. Another shopper said they have a perfect relaxed fit that still looks cute enough to wear out for a coffee run. If you just plan on lounging, these joggers are great for that as well, thanks to the elastic waistband and soft fabric construction. 

Related: Walmart’s Adjustable $31 Mini Cabinet Squeezes Extra Storage Into Cramped Bathrooms and Laundry Rooms 

Simple yet versatile and stylish, the WQD Wide-Leg Joggers are available now for just $15. Flash deals like this tend to end pretty quickly, so you should consider picking up a pair that fits while you still can. 

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

For decades, shoppers have routinely gravitated towards the simple flavors and homely texture of a classic Pillsbury baked good.

Whether you’re partial to a limited-edition Halloween-themed cookie or an equally delicious moist cake mix, Pillsbury has managed to give shoppers the ultimate sweet treats time and time again with their expansive lineup of baked goods.

While all of these treats are already terrific in their own right, Pillsbury has just given fans another reason to head to their nearest grocery store aisle with the release of their two new oven-ready pastries.

According to a new press release shared with us over email, Pillsbury has just unveiled their brand-new Butter Grants! Croissant and Chocolate Grands! Croissants to their permanent lineup.

Made with 48 individual layers for the ultimate flaky consistency fans expect from a worthwhile croissant, the Butter Grands! Croissants feature notes of real butter, while the Chocolate Grands! Croissants draw on the sinfully sweet flavor profile of real Belgian cocoa.

As the name suggests, both pastries also help significantly shorten wait times to ensure consumers can bite into their fresh-baked pastries that much sooner, rather than having too spend too much time cobbling the croissants together from scratch.

“Making croissants from scratch sounds amazing in theory…but as you know, there’s also a lot of rolling, shaping, time and patience involved,” the company’s press release read.

“That’s why Pillsbury is taking care of the prep with the debut of NEW Butter Grands! Croissants and Chocolate Grands! Croissants, two freezer-to-oven options joining the brand’s permanent lineup,” Pillsbury continued. “Perfectly pre-shaped and ready to bake with no thawing required, they give croissant lovers an easy way to enjoy a bakery-inspired treat and create a little more joy around the table.”

Arriving to nationwide stores on August 23, the two new croissants have already found a welcome place in Pillsbury’s lineup, providing shoppers with yet another unforgettable pastry that’s both delicious and easily baked in ovens.

For decades, KISS built its reputation on spectacle, from elaborate costumes and iconic makeup to pyrotechnics and larger-than-life concerts.

But if the legendary rock band ever wants to return to the stage in its traditional form, there’s now someone outside the group who gets a say.

Gene Simmons revealed in a new interview that KISS cannot simply decide to perform live again without permission from Pophouse, the entertainment company that acquired the rights to the band’s name, music, publishing and iconic makeup.

The revelation comes as Simmons celebrates his 77th birthday on Aug. 25, and nearly three years after KISS played what was billed as its final concert at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Dec. 2, 2023.

For fans who have learned never to say never when it comes to KISS, Simmons’ explanation offers a surprising look at what happens when a legendary band’s most recognizable assets become part of a larger entertainment empire.

Simmons discussed KISS’ future during a recent interview with Detroit classic rock station WCSX while explaining why he has continued performing with his own band.

“KISS was actually sold; the makeup and the tunes and the publishing and all that,” Simmons said, according to a transcript published by BlabberMouth. He described Pophouse as the band’s partner in its future, with plans for a movie, animated projects, a theme park and an avatar show.

Then came the part that may surprise KISS fans.

“But that also means that KISS can’t play live without Pophouse’s permission,” Simmons said, explaining that the company owns the makeup and other elements associated with the band.

The distinction is important. It doesn’t mean KISS is legally forbidden from ever appearing onstage again. Rather, Simmons says a traditional KISS performance involving the band’s trademark identity and assets would require approval from Pophouse.

And KISS isn’t exactly disappearing.

The band has announced a 2026 KISS Kruise event in Las Vegas featuring Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer. The event is being presented as the only place fans can see KISS live in 2026, making it a particularly unusual chapter in the band’s post-End of the Road era.

The arrangement with Pophouse means KISS’ future may look considerably different from the decades of arena tours that made the band famous.

Pophouse, which is also behind ABBA’s successful avatar production, has been working with KISS on a broader entertainment strategy. One of the biggest pieces is KISS Forever, an avatar show planned for Las Vegas in 2028. The project was discussed by Simmons, Stanley, longtime manager Doc McGhee and Pophouse CEO Jessica Koravos at Pollstar Live! earlier this year.

Simmons also pointed to a movie currently being cast, along with animated projects and a potential theme park.

The approach makes sense for a group whose image has always been almost as valuable as its music. The KISS logo, face paint, costumes and characters have become instantly recognizable pieces of pop culture, and Pophouse’s plans aim to keep those elements alive for future generations.

There is, however, one thing Simmons has no intention of giving up: the stage.

After KISS’ farewell tour, Simmons launched the Gene Simmons Band, allowing him to continue performing without relying on the KISS brand.

“I can’t stay off the stage,” Simmons said in the aforementioned interview. “I love it too much.”

For Simmons, performing isn’t simply a job. He compared the experience to creating something you’re proud of and then wanting other people to experience it, too.

His solo band is scheduled to continue touring throughout 2026, with dates extending into December.

That gives Simmons a way to keep doing what he loves while KISS enters an entirely different phase of its existence.

The band may no longer have complete control over whether it can simply put on the makeup, step onto a stage and play a traditional KISS concert. But if Simmons is right, the end of the road may not mean the end of KISS at all.

It could just mean the beginning of a very different kind of KISS.

RELATED: Yungblud Shares Cryptic Voice Note After Breaking His Leg and Facing More Health Setbacks

Harry Nilsson released the novelty song “Coconut” in 1972. It remained on the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks, peaking at No. 8.

According to SongFacts, Nilsson wrote the word “coconut” on a matchbook when he was on vacation in Hawaii, thinking it would work well in a song. When he returned home, he found the matchbook while he was driving and wrote the song in his car.

Originally, Nilsson was going to sing the entire song in his regular voice. However, producer Richard Perry changed his mind. “He played it for the first time on guitar, and he sang it straight through with no changes at all,” he said in the documentary Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin’ About Him). “I thought to myself, ‘This song has the potential to be like a little animated cartoon.’ There are at least three different characters. So I said, ‘Why don’t you try using different voices?’ He responded to that immediately and gave this marvelous theatrical performance that has made the song a classic.”

The song was included in a number of movies and shows over the years, including The Muppet Show, Reservoir Dogs, Practical Magic, and House. It also appeared in the popular video game, Alan Wake.

Related: 1973 Rock Hit Was Written by the Lead Singer Before He Was Fired by the Band and Fired by Van Halen

Nilsson had several more hits throughout his career, including “Without You,” “Everybody’s Talkin’” and “Jump Into the Fire.” Rolling Stone ranked him as one of “The 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time” in 2012.

Nilsson died in 1994 at the age of 52. To this day, he is remembered as an excellent singer and songwriter. Peter Frampton told Uncut, “We forget that he influenced The Beatles, for Christ’s sake, with him stacking his vocals and writing these unbelievably great songs. We knew how talented he was. All the musicians had his records.”

Related: 1973 Glam Rock Song, From a Band David Bowie Stopped From Breaking Up, Was a Radio Favorite

Van Dyke Parks added, “He was the smartest person I ever met in the music business. He was operating at the highest creative level imaginable. I wouldn’t call him a musical genius – I’d just call him a genius. And by the way, I haven’t met any others. He redefined what a song could do, with incredible intimacy: beautiful and consoling and illuminating and clear.”

For cruise lovers who prioritize sleek architectural design, world-class culinary programs, and unhurried sea days, Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series completely redefined the modern luxury cruise experience.

Now, the line is preparing for its most expansive European deployment to date. As part of its newly unveiled 2028–2029 global schedule, Celebrity Beyond will officially return to Europe for the first time since 2023, anchoring a historic lineup that places four Edge Series ships across the continent simultaneously.

If you are already mapping out future milestone vacations, here is why Celebrity Beyond’s European comeback deserves a top spot on your travel radar.

Related: Celebrity Cruises Just Announced Its 2028–2029 Lineup—Complete With a Brand-New Ireland Stop and Gorgeous New Poolside Restaurants

Celebrity Cruises

When Celebrity Beyond sails into European waters in 2028, it will showcase a suite of brand-new onboard venues debuting during its late-2026 fleet renewal:

• The Celebrity Pool Club: An elevated open-air retreat featuring two fresh casual dining concepts—Orange Peel Bar & Grille and Tacos del Sol.
• Bora: A new dedicated al fresco restaurant celebrating fresh, ingredient-driven Mediterranean flavors against sweeping ocean backdrops.

These additions build on the ship’s signature architectural highlights, including its outward-facing Sunset Bar designed by Nate Berkus and the multi-deck Resort Deck.

Related: A First Look at Celebrity Xcel, the Cruise Line’s Most Inspired Ship Yet

Departing from Southampton, England, Celebrity Beyond will operate 7- to 14-night Northern Europe journeys designed to showcase some of the world’s most dramatic coastlines.

The standout sailing of the season is a bucket-list 14-night voyage that combines Iceland and Norway in a single seamless trip. Guests will call on four distinct Icelandic ports—Reykjavik, Isafjordur, Akureyri, and Seydisfjordur—before crossing the North Sea to glide through Norway’s breathtaking fjords with stops in Geiranger, Alesund, Flam, Nordfjordeid, and Bergen.

Related: Why Everyone Is Swapping the Mediterranean for a ‘Coolcation’ Cruise This Summer

Celebrity Beyond will be joined across Europe by sister ships Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity Ascent, and Celebrity Apex, offering a massive variety of regional routes:

• British Isles & Scandinavia: Celebrity Apex will debut Celebrity’s first-ever port call in Galway, Ireland, alongside 12-night voyages through Stockholm, Tallinn, and Copenhagen.
• Sun-Drenched Mediterranean: Celebrity Xcel and Celebrity Ascent will sail 7- to 11-night routes across Spain, the French Riviera, Italy, Greece, and Turkey.
• Year-Round & Shoulder Season: Celebrity Infinity will offer year-round sailings featuring overnight stops in Alexandria, Egypt, and crowd-free autumn voyages through Santorini and Ephesus.

Bookings for Celebrity’s 2028 European season officially open on August 25, 2026, making now the ideal time to lock in prime stateroom locations and key transatlantic flight positioning.

Related: Celebrity Cruises Just Dropped a Major Look Inside the Reimagined Celebrity Reflection