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Disney Channel’s Halloween classic movie franchise is in the works to return, with Halloweentown 5 in early development. Fans of the original movies are all asking for one main actor to return.

The Wrap announced exclusively that writers Lily Houghton and Ryan Koehn are developing a script for the potential new installment on Disney Channel and Disney+. Details of what’s in the works in terms of storyline and possible release are under wraps. After news broke of a new possible installment, fans were excited to see the beloved Halloween franchise return, but with one major request in order to make it work.

“If Kimberly J. Brown isn’t it, we don’t want it,” said a fan on X.

Die-hard fans all seem to be on the same page, as many commented that the fifth installment would need to bring back Brown in her original role as Marnie Piper. The actor played the role of the young teen learning of her witch heritage in the 1998 original film written by Paul Bernbaum, Jon Cooksey, Ali Matheson, and directed by Dwayne Dunham.

Brown became a Disney Channel icon in the role and reprised the character for the following two sequels: Halloween II: Kalabar’s Revenge and Halloweentown High. To the surprise of fans, Brown was recast for the fourth installment, Return to Halloweentown, and replaced by Sara Paxton.

It was reported at the time that Brown’s departure wasn’t her decision, but one made by Disney, as they wanted a younger actor. It was also reported that Disney and Brown’s team couldn’t come to a fair financial and creative agreement. Brown has spoken about the recasting for several years, revealing she was available to reprise the role and was never given a clear reason for the recasting.

With news of a Halloweentown 5, the fans want Brown to return in her original role, or else.

“Disney better bring back Marnie, or we’re reporting this witchcraft to the authorities,” said one fan.

“Just bring Kimberly J. Brown back as Marnie and let us relive our childhood one more time,” added another.

One fan commented, “Bring back the og marnie (and her mama) or we will revolt… and throw in Twitches 3 while we’re at it!”

A fan even commented that Brown has always been open to bringing back the franchise, saying, “Omg!!!’ We need the original actors back for this one. Kimberly had some fantastic ideas for the series if it ever went forward. She definitely needs to be a part of the writing and/or directing. Trust me, this can be HUUUUGE.”

Brown once commented on where Marnie would be if there were a new film and explained that the character could be teaching a new generation of witches. Another suggestion was Marnie running for mayor in Halloweentown.

“We would all love to do another one. Disney knows I’m down to do another one. I’ve been telling fans to tell Disney that they would watch it if it came out. The ball is in Disney’s court,” she said to E! News.

The new installment will have to address the absence of Agatha Cromwell, iconically played by Debbie Reynolds in all four films, as the actor died in 2016. Judith Hog is still active as an actor and played the role of Marnie’s mom, Gwen, alongside Joey Zimmerman as Dylan and Emily Roeske as Sophie. The cast, besides Brown, reprised their roles until the last film in 2006.

Related: Jenna Ortega Plans Big Career Decision After ‘Wednesday’: ‘I Want to Leave Time for New Things’

Fans are celebrating 100 years of Winnie the Pooh all month long this October.

October 14 was the iconic character’s official birthday, and timed to the milestone were a number of product releases by certain big-name brands — including one that played a major role in millennials’ childhoods…

Chances are you grew up with Beanie Babies if you’re part of said generation. Maybe you owned the coveted Princess Diana plush toy or the classic Patti the Platypus.

And now, the 1990s brand known as Ty has returned to the spotlight with a nostalgic collection of Winnie the Pooh toys, “straight from the Hundred Acre Wood.”

Both Beanie Babies and Beanie Bouncers are featured in this licensed character plush collection, offering adorable designs for fans of all ages. Check out the new line of products below.

(Ty)

As Ty advocates on its website, the possibilities for your kids’ screen-free joy with a Winnie the Pooh plush are endless:

• Roll around a Pooh bouncer after a make-believe “hunny” eating session
• Cherish an Eeyore beanie for comfort on a hard day
• Pick up a Tigger bouncer that will bounce around the room
• Snuggle a Piglet plush for reassurance at bedtime

As fans well know, Winnie the Pooh began as a series of children’s books written by A.A. Milne in the 1920s, inspired by his son Christopher Robin and his beloved stuffed animals.

In the 1960s, Disney brought the beloved stories to the screen, introducing generations to Pooh and his woodland friends through animated adventures. Because these characters are so revered, Winnie the Pooh stuffed animals have been fan-favorites for decades.

Winnie the Pooh’s 100th Birthday Gave Parents Another Perfect Gift Idea This Holiday Season

Also this month,  JAKKS Pacific unveiled a Deluxe Feature Winnie the Pooh Birthday Celebration Doll, as teased below via social media.

“A birthday surprise filled with Disney magic,” reads the brand’s recent Instagram carousel’s caption. “Meet the NEW Disney Darlings Magical Birthday Surprises Winnie the Pooh Doll, featuring magical lights, adorable baby sounds and a special Tigger surprise.”

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Find out more here.

Two of the biggest stars joined forces on stage to honor Dolly Parton on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. Kristin Chenoweth and Carly Pearce shared the stage at Belmont University’s Fisher Center in Nashville, Tennessee, to perform a duet version of the late country music icon’s timeless hit “9 to 5.” 

The performance was all part of CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, a two-hour television special that aired live on ABC and Disney+. The event honored the late country music icon, who died on Aug. 25, 2026, at age 80, following a reported brief battle with cancer. Proceeds from the event were designated to benefit Parton’s Imagination Library. 

Along with Chenoweth and Pearce, the star-studded event featured a lineup of performers and special guests, including Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Ashley McBryde, Little Big Town, Lady A, Lainey Wilson, Kelsea Ballerini, Darius Rucker, Zac Brown, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, and more. 

During their performance, Chenoweth and Pearce brought vibrant energy to the stage, encouraging the audience to move along to the classic. Pearce took the first verse while wearing a white babydoll dress with fluffy feather-trimmed cuffs. She and Chenoweth, who sported a mini dress adorned with tassels and fringe, then blended their vocals in harmony throughout the chorus.

The Broadway superstar and actress took on the second verse as the duo delivered their own rendition of the beloved hit. The stage shimmered with colorful lights and featured a giant spinning disco ball, a cityscape backdrop, butterfly decorations flanking the performers, a full backup band and an abundance of floral arrangements. 

Written by Parton and produced by Gregg Perry, “9 to 5” captures the frustrations of working hard to make ends meet while struggling against an unfair system. Despite its upbeat tempo, the song’s lyrics convey the exhaustion and dissatisfaction of workers who feel trapped in a cycle of labor with little reward.

Parton wrote “9 to 5” for the 1980 comedy film of the same name, in which she also starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. Released as a single in November 1980, the song became a major hit, topping the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart before reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts the following month. Additionally, the song was previously fan-voted as one of the Grand Ole Opry “100 Country’s Greatest Songs” list.  

“9 to 5” remains one of Parton’s most beloved recordings, cementing her legacy as a celebrated singer-songwriter whose music continues to resonate with audiences across generations.

Related: 1971 Timeless Classic, Ranked Among the ‘Greatest Country Songs of All Time,’ Revisited by Ashley McBryde in Tribute to Dolly Parton

An ingredient that has become familiar in the wellness world for its use in gut-health supplements is getting a new role in the bathroom cabinet.

Bovine colostrum, the nutrient-rich first milk produced by cows after giving birth, is the star ingredient in le lait, a new milky toner from skincare brand dubose.

Launched October 20, the product is designed to be the first step in a skincare routine, applied after cleansing and before serums and moisturizers. The formula is designed to help calm visible redness, support the skin’s defenses against external stressors, limit acne-causing bacteria, and prepare skin for the products applied afterward.

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Colostrum is best known for its nutritional properties when consumed, but dubose founder and CEO Elle Dubose Moe sees potential for the ingredient in topical skincare, too.

“Colostrum has been everywhere for your gut, but heavily overlooked in the skincare category due to how difficult it is to formulate with and source,” Moe said in a statement to Parade. “le lait is colostrum for your face. It’s the step that strengthens, prepares, and protects your skin so it can effectively handle and benefit from what you put on after it”.

The formula combines bovine colostrum with Modukine, a milk-derived active ingredient that the brand says helps reduce skin inflammation, and a calming peptide duo. The combination is intended to shield, calm, clear and prep skin in one step, according to the brand.

The launch also marks the return of a product that almost made its debut in 2024, but was pulled by Moe just days prior to the launch over a manufacturing error.

“Selling the imperfect product was never an option for me. I knew this formula was going to change the industry, and in order to do that, it needed to be right,” Moe told Parade.

The result? A product that has been in formulation for more than five years and met its launch day goals in just eight minutes, a detail Moe calls “proof” that it was worth the wait.

“This launch means a lot to me because for once this isn’t something entirely new to our community or to our team, it is finishing something that we started many years ago,” she said “Customers have been asking for it for over 2 years, and now it’s finally on their shelves.”

Le lait is designed for use both morning and night and comes in a 30mL bottle that retails for $92, and joins other dubose skincare products including barrier baume, re-du serum, and re-glow finishing balm.

Celebrity pregnancies can be hard to hide but for Hilary Swank, who announced she was pregnant with her third child at 52 earlier this month, it was cake walk keeping her bun in the oven under wraps.

According to Entertainment Weekly, the Million Dollar Baby actress credits her community with helping her hide her pregnancy.

“I live in a very small town,” Swank explained on Thursday’s episode of the “Question Everything” podcast. “It’s a town I grew up in, and everyone there has been so just respectful of my privacy and it hasn’t leaked.”

The 52 year old said it was so easy to hide her pregnancy, she didn’t need to take special measures to do so, even when she was away from home.

“Clearly, I don’t stay at home all the time,” she said. “I was working up until about 17 weeks pregnant, so no one really knew on set either.”

Swank held off on announcing her pregnancy because, “I’m a pretty private person, and there was no reason to really, I don’t know, say anything.” According to Just Jared, she added, “And then we passed this wonderful diaper bill, and I wanted to show up here, and so I was like, ‘Well, hello everybody and meet the baby in my belly.’”

Swank also shared an animation of her family confirming the news. But the announcement was met with some backlash regarding her pregnancy at 52, which she recently opened up about on The Drew Barrymore Show.

“This was the right time for me,” Swank said on the Oct. 20 episode, per Entertainment Weekly. “Not everything happens in our own time. We have ideas for timelines for ourselves, and getting pregnant isn’t always in our own timeline, right?”

She added, “You can hope and pray for certain things, and things happen when they’re supposed to happen. I was very excited, and it was a good time for me because I feel like I had this career that was a ‘baby’ of mine that I really wanted to give to and devote my time to and not share. And now I can totally devote [myself] to my children.”

Mercury retrograde starts October 24, 2026, and this one has a twist: Mercury backtracks in Scorpio, coinciding with an ongoing Venus retrograde.

If you’ve ever wondered what Mercury retrograde actually is, and why people blame it for delayed travel and miscommunication, here’s a plain-language guide, plus everything specific to this autumn’s retrograde.

What Is Mercury Retrograde?

Mercury retrograde is the period when the planet Mercury appears to move backward through the zodiac as seen from Earth. In astrology, Mercury rules communication, thinking, technology, travel, and everyday logistics. So when it seems to reverse course, astrologers read it as a time to slow down, double-check, and revisit unfinished business.

According to spiritual expert Jamie Inglett, the author of Crystal Creed: The Ultimate Guide to Crystal Healing, this transit isn’t quite as destructive as its buzzy reputation alludes to. She views Mercury retrograde as “less as a cosmic wrecking ball and more as a spotlight on cracks that were already there”.

This retrograde cycle happens about three to four times a year and lasts roughly three weeks each time. Far from rare, this transit is like a recurring seasonal checkpoint and reset.

When Is Mercury Retrograde in October 2026?

Mercury stations retrograde on October 24, 2026, at 20° Scorpio. It stations direct on November 13, 2026, at 5° Scorpio.

Here’s the full timeline, including the shadow periods:

• October 4: Mercury enters its pre-retrograde shadow
• October 24: Mercury turns retrograde in Scorpio
• November 4: Mercury meets the Sun in Scorpio (the cazimi, a clarifying reset point mid-retrograde)
• November 13: Mercury turns direct in Scorpio, entering its post-shadow period
• November 30: Mercury leaves its post-retrograde shadow

What Are the Mercury Retrograde Shadow Periods?

Astrologers don’t think of Mercury retrograde as an on-and-off switch. The “shadow” is the stretch before and after, when Mercury travels over the same zodiac degrees it will cover (or has already covered) during the retrograde itself.

The pre-shadow is when Mercury retrograde’s themes start to surface, and little hints appear. The post-shadow is the integration phase, when you act on what you learned. That’s why many people say a retrograde feels sticky for a few weeks after it officially ends.

Counting both the pre- and post- shadow periods, the Autumn Scorpio Mercury retrograde cycle runs from early October through late November 2026.

Autumn 2026 Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio

Scorpio is the sign of secrets, intimacy, shared resources, power, and transformation. It’s not surface-level. So instead of the classic “my email didn’t send” retrograde, expect this one to nudge you toward the soulful conversations you’ve been avoiding and the intense feelings you’ve been downplaying. Secrets you’ve been keeping to yourself ultimately spill out, paving the way for cathartic truth.

Venus Is Retrograde, Too

Venus, the planet of love, money, and values, turned retrograde on October 3 and stays retrograde until about November 13, the same day Mercury turns direct. Venus backs out of Scorpio and into Libra on October 25, 2026.

Two personal planets retrograde at once is a big deal for relationships and finances. Mercury digs into what you’ve been contemplating, and Venus asks what you truly value. If an ex pops up, an old money conversation resurfaces, or you suddenly rethink a commitment, that’s the kind of storyline astrologers expect this season.

What Does Mercury Retrograde Mean in Astrology?

Astrologers have long treated retrograde planets as operating under some strain. Rather than expressing their energy outward and smoothly, retrograde planets turn inward and ask for review. Mercury retrograde is the version most people recognize because Mercury governs what we touch every day: texts, emails, schedules, commutes, contracts, and how we think things through.

The practical takeaway isn’t that everything will go wrong. Everything simply requires and deserves a second look or chance. The re- words are your cheat sheet: review, revise, reconsider, reconnect, rest.

What Mercury Retrograde Affects

Astrologers commonly point to a few areas of life when Mercury is retrograde:

• Communication: Mixed signals, crossed wires, texts that land wrong, and old conversations resurfacing.
• Technology: Glitches, forgotten passwords, and devices acting up (back up your files!).
• Travel: Delays, changed plans, and missed connections.
• Contracts and big decisions: Fine print that needs a second read, and terms that change after the fact.
• Reconnections: People from your past showing up in your inbox, your DMs, or your dreams.

What to Expect From Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio

Because this retrograde stays in Scorpio, the themes are deeper than usual. Here’s what astrologers say to watch for:
Secrets and hidden information coming to light. Something you didn’t know, or didn’t want to know, can come out.
Money you share. Joint accounts, debts, splitting bills, and anything tied to another person’s finances may need a closer look.
Emotional honesty. Scorpio doesn’t do small talk. Heavy conversations are more likely, and more necessary.
Intimacy and trust. Relationships may feel more intense, and you may reassess who you let in.
Letting go. Old habits, grudges, and stories you tell about yourself are ready to be released.

The highest expression of Scorpio energy is deep transformation, emotional mastery, surrender, trust, vulnerability, healing, and finding true power within rather than trying to control what’s outside of us. So it’s all up to us (on how we experience this Mercury retrograde). We’re the creators.

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What to Do During Mercury Retrograde

You don’t have to put your life entirely on hold. A few good habits go a long way.

• Double-check everything. Dates, addresses, attachments, and who’s on the cc line.
• Back up your devices. Tech glitches bring headaches.
• Build in buffer time. Leave early, expect delays.
• Finish what you started. Complete old projects, clear your inbox, and tie up loose ends.
• Have the conversation. If something has been sitting unsaid, a retrograde in Scorpio is a good time to bring it up calmly and honestly.
• Journal. Scorpio loves a deep dive, and writing is one of the easiest ways to process what’s rising to the surface.
• Reconnect on purpose. If someone from your past comes to mind, you get to decide whether to reach out.

What to Avoid During Mercury Retrograde

Astrologers usually suggest caution, not paralysis. If you can wait until after November 13 (or after the post-shadow wraps up), consider holding off on:

• Signing major contracts without a thorough read-through
• Buying big-ticket tech items or electronics
• Launching something brand new, like a business or a product
• Sending a heated text or email in the moment
• Making impulsive decisions about relationships or money

If you can’t wait, slow down, read everything twice, and get it in writing.

Which Zodiac Signs Feel Autumn 2026’s Scorpio Mercury Retrograde the Most?

• Scorpio, since the retrograde is entirely in your sign.
• Gemini and Virgo, the two signs ruled by Mercury.
• Libra, thanks to the Venus retrograde backing into your sign

Pro tip: To see how Mercury retrograde will affect you, look at which house in your astrological birth chart Scorpio rules. That’s the area of life this retrograde is most likely to spotlight.

When Does Autumn’s Mercury Retrograde End?

Mercury turns direct on November 13, 2026. It doesn’t snap back to normal speed right away, though. It needs until about November 29 to clear its post-retrograde shadow. Give yourself a couple of weeks before launching something big, and take time to process what came up during the retrograde.

When Is the Next Mercury Retrograde?

This will be the final Mercury retrograde of 2026. Mercury retrograde returns in 2027 on the following dates:

• February 9 to March 3 in Pisces and Aquarius
• June 10 to July 4 in Cancer and Gemini
• October 7 to 28 in Scorpio and Libra

UP NEXT:

Your kidneys probably aren’t an organ you think too much about—unless you’ve ever had a kidney stone. Kidney stones can be extremely painful. Some say that they’re even more excruciating than childbirth.

What even is a kidney stone? “Kidney stones form when certain substances in the urine become concentrated enough that they begin to form crystals. Over time, those crystals can grow into stones,” explains Dr. Graham Bobo, MD, a urologist with LCMC Health. 

Dr. Shiv Patel, MD, a urologist with AAUrology, says that the most common type of kidney stone is calcium oxalate stones, which form when oxalate from foods like spinach, nuts and chocolate binds with calcium in the urine. There is another type of kidney stone, uric acid stones, that Dr. Patel says are most common in dehydrated people, those who eat a lot of animal protein or have conditions like gout or diabetes.

Related: A Nephrologist Says Kidney Trouble Can Show Up as a Change in How Your Food Tastes

“If I had to point to the single biggest common denominator across almost every stone type, it’s not drinking enough water. Concentrated urine is really what allows these minerals to crystallize in the first place,” Dr. Patel says.

While staying hydrated is key for kidney health, there’s one drink in particular that increases the risk of kidney stones when consumed in excess.  

Related: Nephrologists Warn That Kidney Disease Is a ‘Silent Killer’—This Is the #1 Daily Habit That Causes Damage

Who Is Most Likely to Get Kidney Stones?

Some people are at higher risk for kidney stones than others. Both urologists say that men are more likely to get them than women, though this gap is narrowing. As with most other health conditions, Dr. Patel says that family history plays a role too; if a parent or sibling is prone to kidney stones, your risk is higher. “If you’ve had a kidney stone yourself, you’re also more likely to have another one in the future,” Dr. Bobo adds.

Where you live also impacts how likely you are to get kidney stones. “People living in hot, humid regions tend to run a higher risk simply because they lose more fluid through sweat and are more prone to being chronically under-hydrated,” Dr. Patel says.

As you likely expect, diet, lifestyle habits and having any underlying health conditions all play a role too. Both doctors say that obesity, diets high in sodium and animal protein and conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or gout can all contribute to stone formation. 

As previously mentioned, not drinking enough water can also increase the risk of kidney stones. “People who don’t drink enough water, sweat heavily, exercise frequently or work in hot environments can be particularly susceptible,” Dr. Bobo says. 

Related: The ‘Healthy’ Habit That’s Silently Damaging Your Kidneys

What Does a Kidney Stone Feel Like?

Contrary to what most people think, it’s possible to have a kidney stone and not even know it. Dr. Patel says that stones that stay in the kidney itself generally don’t have any symptoms and are only found incidentally on imaging for other issues.

It’s when kidney stones migrate to the bladder that they cause a great deal of pain. “[The pain] is often sudden, severe and comes in waves, usually starting in your back or side and sometimes moving down toward your groin as the stone travels. You may also have nausea or a persistent urge to urinate more often or more urgently than usual,” Dr. Patel says. 

If you are experiencing fever or chills alongside this type of pain, Dr. Bobo says it’s important to see a doctor ASAP because it could mean the kidney is infected.

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The Surprising Drink That Can Increase the Risk of Kidney Stones

As previously mentioned, staying hydrated is important for avoiding kidney stones. But what you drink matters. If you primarily drink iced tea instead of water, you could be putting yourself at risk for kidney stones.

“Black tea, which is the base of most iced tea, is relatively high in oxalate, and oxalate is one of the key building blocks of the most common type of kidney stone,” Dr. Patel explains. If you’re capping your iced tea intake at two glasses a day, then you’re in the clear. But if you’re drinking it excessively, he says this increases the risk of kidney stones. This is because drinking a lot of iced tea causes the oxalate to build up, which can lead to the formation of calcium oxalate stones. 

Both urologists say that drinking sweetened or unsweetened iced tea in excess is associated with this risk. This is because it isn’t the sugar that can cause kidney stones; it’s the oxalate in the black tea itself. 

While it’s important to be aware of the connection between iced tea and kidney stones, both doctors emphasize that this risk only exists when black tea is consumed excessively. In fact, many scientific studies show that drinking black tea in moderation can help decrease the risk of kidney stones.

One easy way to reduce your risk of kidney stones while enjoying your iced tea is to add lemon to your glass. Both doctors explain that this is because the citrate in lemon helps bind calcium in the urine, making it less available to combine with oxalate and form calcium oxalate crystals.

Besides iced tea, Dr. Patel says that grapefruit juice is another surprising drink that can increase the risk of kidney stones when consumed in excess. “Several large studies have linked regular grapefruit juice consumption to a meaningfully higher risk of kidney stones, for reasons we don’t fully understand,” he says. 

As long as you have a balanced diet and aren’t consuming anything in excess, both doctors say you don’t have to worry about what you’re drinking giving you a kidney stone. It’s another clear example of how moderation is key. 

Up Next:

Related: Doctors Say This Popular Cold-Season Supplement May Raise Your Kidney Stone Risk

Sources

• Dr. Graham Bobo, MD, urologist with LCMC Health.
• Dr. Shiv Patel, MD, urologist with AAUrology.
• Liu, Y., Bi, S., Li, H., et al. (2022). Association between tea intake and hospitalized nephrolithiasis in Chinese adults: A case-control study. Frontiers in Nutrition. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1014491.
• Barghouthy, Y. and Somani, B. K. (2021). Role of Citrus Fruit Juices in Prevention of Kidney Stone Disease (KSD): A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 13(11):4117.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard has shared a new statement following the death of her boyfriend, Ken Urker, who died on his birthday earlier this month. 

Blanchard recently updated a Change.org petition she launched shortly after Urker’s death on October 1. Titled “Support Kenan’s Law: Fight Online Harassment,” the petition calls for social media platforms to do more to address online harassment campaigns.

In the petition, Blanchard, 35, alleged that Urker had faced repeated harassment on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Reddit. She hopes “Kenan’s Law” will lead social media companies to better identify when multiple accounts and posts are being used to target someone. 

“I cannot change what happened to Ken … But I know what we experienced before his death,” she wrote. “I know what it felt like to report content we believed constituted harassment and repeatedly be told there was ‘no violation.'”

Earlier this week, Blanchard updated the petition with a statement about Urker’s death, writing that she did not believe he died by suicide.

“Ken recently passed away, official cause of death is pending toxicology results. However, we do know with 100% certainty that it was not suicide,” the petition reads. 

The reality star also recalled seeing Urker engage with negative content about himself, including critical comments and videos featuring hurtful remarks. 

“I often found Ken reading negative comments, watching videos that featured commentary that was hateful, slander and demeaning. This had a profound negative impact on his mental health,” she wrote.

On October 1, Urker was found unresponsive at a home in Louisiana and later pronounced dead. “We’re told Gypsy texted Ken ‘Happy Birthday’ but did not get a response,” TMZ reported at the time. “Our sources tell us Gypsy’s brother Dylan later discovered Ken in the home.”

Blanchard and Urker shared a daughter, Aurora Raina, who was born in December 2024. 

Brad Paisley joined Sierra Hill to perform “When I Get Where I’m Going,” the duet he originally recorded in 2005 with Dolly Parton on Wednesday, Oct. 21, during CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton.

Hill filled in for the late Parton.

“It’s really hard to believe that this song, which I did with her, is now about her,” Paisley said on the Wednesday, Oct. 21 episode of Rolling Stone‘s “Nashville Now” podcast.

The song was featured on his 2005 album Time Well Wasted. The track hit No. 1 on the Billboard “Hot Country Songs” chart.

For the video, they held up photos of lost loved ones. While Paisley chose his Aunt Rita, Parton picked her “pappy.”

Her husband, Carl Dean, joined her for the video shoot, but decided to wait in the car.

“Carl Dean, her husband, was just so happy to be in the shadows,” the “Whiskey Lullaby” singer said on the podcast. “She was in here a while. We walked around and talked in the house and had a great day. And she went out to get in the car, and I see him waving. He didn’t even come in! He was just so happy to drive her around. And she got in the car, and she drove away.”

Securing Parton’s participation was a big win for Paisley.

Dave Hogan / Getty Images

“Dolly would do anything she believed in,” Paisley said. “When I cut [‘When I Get Where I’m Going’], I said, ‘I’m cutting this, but I need something that takes it into the angelic realm,’ and so I sent it to Dolly and said, ‘Would you sing this with me?’ She wrote back, ‘Absolutely.'”

Parton and Dean were married since 1966.

Dean died in 2025 at age 82; Parton died Aug. 25 at age 80.

The tribute concert also featured Ella Langley, Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Lady A, Little Big Town, Zac Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, Hootie and The Blowfish’s Darius Rucker and Kristin Chenoweth, who performed Parton’s songs at Nashville’s Belmont University.

The special, which aired on ABC, Disney+, and Hulu, raised $1 million to benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Salma Hayek is a proud mom, showing off stunning photos of her daughter, Valentina Pinault, in the latest issue of UK magazine Tatler.

“Ladies and gentleman [sic], the baby that came out of my womb! Now this gorgeous goddess is on the cover of @tatlermagazine,” she wrote. “What makes me the proudest about you, Valentina, is that you are kind, thoughtful, caring, hilarious, and so much fun to be around.”

Valentina, 19, whom Hayek shares with husband François-Henri Pinault, starred on the cover with English rugby player Henry Pollock. While she stunned in multiple solo shots inside the issue, the magazine headlined the two as “The ‘It’ Girl Student and the English Star,’ as the daughter of the actress currently goes to school in London.

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Photos shared by Hayek show Pinault wearing ensembles by Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga, while she posed in what looked like rooms fit for royalty.

The article in the issue delved into Pinault’s life in London, where she shared her favorite shopping and nightlife spots. However, she also touched on how she’s navigated life with famous parents. (François-Henri is the chairman of Kering’s board of directors, the holding company for major fashion brands like Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Yves Saint Laurent.)

“Growing up with parents who are public figures gave me an idea of what I don’t want in my head,” she said while discussing how she approaches social media. “I don’t mind people seeing what I’m doing, but I don’t like the idea of people being able to comment on what I’m doing, or keeping track of [it].”

Related: Salma Hayek Shares Her $1,000 Skincare Routine — and the One Thing She Does for Free

And while she may pick and choose what she posts on social, Valentina says the same applies to fashion shows, explaining that the high-end presentations can be “daunting” and she prefers to go with her half-sister, Mathilde Pinault.

“When I get sat next to her, it’s so much easier because I can get really awkward and really quiet and kind of weird, but my sister’s more of a social butterfly, and she does it a lot more than me,” she said. “I love it when I can go with my family.”

While Valentina doesn’t model regularly, she previously appeared on the cover of Vogue Mexico in 2022 alongside Hayek.

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Meghan Markle’s family history has been a subject of public interest since her relationship with Prince Harry brought her into the British royal family’s spotlight, but behind the headlines is a family tree that includes a close relationship with her mother, a long-running estrangement from her father, and complicated ties to her two paternal half-siblings.

The Duchess of Sussex, who was born Rachel Meghan Markle in Los Angeles on August 4, 1981, is the only child of Doria Ragland and Thomas Markle Sr. Her parents divorced when she was young, and her father also has two older children from his first marriage, making them Meghan’s half-sister and half-brother.

Over the years, Meghan’s relationships with some of her relatives have become the subject of extensive media coverage, particularly in the lead-up to her 2018 wedding to Harry. More recently, new allegations involving her father have brought the family back into the headlines.

Here’s what to know about Meghan Markle’s parents, siblings, children and complicated family history.

Who Are Meghan Markle’s Parents?

Meghan’s parents are Doria Ragland and Thomas Markle Sr. They met while working in television in California and married in 1979, and welcomed Meghan in 1981. The pair divorced in 1987, when Meghan was about 6 years old.

“It was the late Seventies when my parents met, my dad was a lighting director for a soap opera and my mom was a temp at the studio. I like to think he was drawn to her sweet eyes and her Afro, plus their shared love of antiques. Whatever it was, they married and had me,” Meghan wrote in a 2015 essay for Elle.

Her Mother, Doria Ragland

Doria Ragland has remained one of the most consistent presences in Meghan’s life. She is a social worker who has also worked as a yoga instructor, and she has largely kept a low public profile.

Ragland attended Meghan and Harry’s wedding at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018. She was the only member of Meghan’s immediate family to attend the ceremony, after Thomas Sr. withdrew because of health concerns and the controversy surrounding staged paparazzi photographs.

Her Father, Thomas Markle Sr.

Thomas Markle Sr. is a retired television lighting director who worked on productions including General Hospital and Married… With Children. Meghan has previously credited her father with encouraging her ambitions and helping her navigate her biracial identity while growing up in Los Angeles, but their relationship has deteriorated over the last decade.

In 2018, Thomas Sr. acknowledged arranging staged paparazzi photographs of himself ahead of the wedding. He subsequently withdrew from the ceremony, citing health concerns after suffering a heart attack.

The relationship has remained estranged since that period.

In December 2025, Meghan reportedly reached out to her father after he underwent a major amputation.

In October 2026, following reports that Thomas was being investigated for possession of child pornography due to materials that were allegedly found by Thomas Sr.’s son, Thomas Markle Jr., Meghan said, “I hope it can now be understood that, despite certain media publications’ distortion over the years, any distance from my father and my choice to not allow him to have contact with our children, was for one reason: to protect them. I trusted that the authorities were doing the same for other families. Although the breadth of what has now been uncovered is more sickening than one could ever imagine, my sincerest hope is that justice will be fully served and that the priority remains the safety and protection of innocent children.”

Does Meghan Markle Have Siblings?

Meghan has two older paternal half-siblings, Samantha Markle and Thomas Markle Jr., from her father’s first marriage to Roslyn Loveless.

Her Half-Sister, Samantha Markle

Samantha Markle, who has also used the surname Grant, is Meghan’s older half-sister. Samantha has spoken publicly about Meghan and their relationship, particularly since Meghan became engaged to Harry. Samantha was not invited to the royal wedding in 2018. She has also been involved in legal disputes connected to statements made about Meghan, including a defamation case that was dismissed by a U.S. federal judge in 2023.

Her Half-Brother, Thomas Markle Jr.

Thomas Markle Jr. is Meghan’s older half-brother and the son of Thomas Sr. and Roslyn Loveless. He drew attention in the lead-up to Meghan and Harry’s wedding in 2018 after a letter he wrote warning Harry against marrying Meghan went public. He did not attend the wedding.

In October 2026, Thomas Jr. found the spotlight again, alleging that he discovered illegal sexual-abuse material involving children at his father’s former home in Cebu, Philippines, and reported the discovery to authorities. Those allegations remain subject to investigation, and Thomas Sr. has denied them.

It’s always good to keep tabs on purchased lottery tickets, as a player from Mount Airy discovered a winning Mega Millions ticket in his car’s sun visor that he had forgotten all about.

According to the Maryland Lottery website, the Mount Airy player wasn’t new to purchasing Powerball and Mega Millions lottery tickets. He often bought a ticket when the jackpot reached an exponentially large amount. It was reported that he purchased a Mega Millions ticket on a whim on Oct. 2 at the 7-Eleven at 1610 Ridgeside Drive in Mount Airy. 

After making his purchase, he slipped the ticket into the sun visor of his car and continued on with his day. It wasn’t until two weeks later that the MegaMillion jackpot had reached a jackpot at an annuity value for the Oct. 23 drawing at $433 million, and a one-time payment of $178.6 million that he noticed.

The man was getting gas when the ticket he purchased at the start of the month fell from the car visor into his lap. He wasn’t expecting much for a weeks-old ticket and used the Maryland Lottery app to check if there were any winning numbers. To his surprise, it was.

The Mega Millions ticket was a winner for $30,000, with the man having confirmed the winnings back at the 7-Eleven he originally purchased it from.

“It if was 600 bucks, great,” he said, reflecting on the fact that a forgotten ticket led to a multi figure win.

When he learned he had won $30,000, he immediately returned home to tell his roommate, who had just woken up from a nap. He told his roommate he had some news, and the roommate “sat up so fast” and asked what it was.

The Mount Airy winner claimed his earnings on Oct. 21 at the Lottery headquarters in Baltimore. His roommate offered to drive him, as he prefers to stay off the highways. What will he do with the money? He plans to save it in case of emergencies and treat his roommate to a nice dinner. As the parents of two dogs, he also plans to spoil them.

In the month of October, there have been multiple lottery wins across the country. A $20 North Carolina ticket led to a $2 million payday, a Georgia ticket scratch-off led to $1 million, and an Ohio Powerball led to a $2 million winning ticket.

Related: Liev Schreiber Tears Into Reporter on Red Carpet for New Apple TV Series: ‘It’s Not a Soundbite’

Country music has lost one of its most distinctive voices, and Ronnie Milsap is remembering a time when hearing only a few notes on the radio was enough to know exactly who was singing.

John Anderson, the Country Music Hall of Famer behind hits including “Swingin’,” “Seminole Wind” and “Straight Tequila Night,” died peacefully in his sleep at his Tennessee home on Oct. 21. He was 71.

Following Anderson’s death, Milsap shared a heartfelt tribute to his fellow country star, remembering both his unmistakable sound and their friendship.

“There’s only ONE John Anderson!” Milsap wrote. “I’m thinking back to a time in radio, when you could tell immediately who was singing; was it Waylon, Merle, Johnny, me or John Anderson?”

Milsap continued, “His voice was so distinguishable, his delivery so honest, just like his friendship! I’m proud to have known John, I loved him and his music. He will be missed!”

It was a sentiment that resonated with country fans, many of whom used Milsap’s tribute to reminisce about an era when singers including Anderson, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash could seemingly be identified before the DJ ever announced their names.

“That is spot on, so many country singers today have a cookie cutter sound, can’t tell one from the other,” one fan commented, adding, “God Bless the original sounds of country music!”

Another fan expanded the list to the women who dominated country radio, naming Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Anne Murray, Tanya Tucker, Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle, Tammy Wynette, Barbara Mandrell, Janie Fricke, Wynonna Judd and Reba McEntire among the singers whose voices were immediately recognizable.

“When John Anderson sang a song it had been sung,” another fan wrote. “He had a unique voice like yourself Ronnie.”

Anderson’s singular voice helped make him one of country music’s defining artists for nearly five decades. Born in Florida in 1954, he moved to Nashville after high school and eventually signed with Warner Bros. Records in the 1970s.

His breakthrough years produced songs including “Wild and Blue,” “Black Sheep” and “Swingin’,” the latter of which earned Anderson the CMA Award for Single of the Year in 1983. He enjoyed another major career surge in the early 1990s with hits including “Straight Tequila Night,” “Seminole Wind” and “Money in the Bank.”

Related: On This Day Over 3 Decades Ago, a Country Legend Scored His 40th—and Final—No. 1 Hit

Anderson was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2024.

The Country Music Hall of Fame remembered Anderson after his death as a “one-of-a-kind song stylist,” a description remarkably similar to Milsap’s recollection of a singer who could never be mistaken for anyone else.

“John Anderson was a one-of-a-kind song stylist who proved that fresh innovations were best born from time-honored traditions,” said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Whether he borrowed inspiration from Lefty Frizzell’s vocal bends or the Florida swamp land, he brought dynamic distinction and creative soul to a world that needed to hear his voice. In 1981, John famously gave life to Billy Joe Shaver’s lyric, ‘I’m just an old chunk of coal, but I’ll be a diamond someday.’ He was already a diamond then, and a diamond he always will be.”

For some fans, however, Anderson’s death also served as another painful reminder of how many of the artists who provided the soundtrack to their lives are disappearing.

One fan had a request for Milsap after reading his tribute.

“Could we bubble wrap you, Willie, Tanya, George, Alan, Hank and a few more?” the commenter wrote. “It’s so sad watching all the legends that I grew up with passing away.”

Another expressed the same sentiment a little differently, telling Milsap to “make sure you stick around a long time.”

“Some of us are still here,” the fan wrote, “and don’t want to be stuck without some legends with good tunes!”

Related: Blake Shelton, Keith Urban and More to Honor a Country Legend at the Grand Ole Opry

As the temperatures drop, Netflix’s library of new content is only heating up! This weekend offers an interesting handful of shows, running the gamut from an Emmy-nominated comedy to a fascinating reality show to a stand-up special from one of the biggest podcasters today. Here are three notable shows available on Netflix this weekend (Oct. 23-25).



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New on Netflix This Weekend (Oct. 23–25, 2026) Nobody Wants This Season 3 Adam Brody as Noah, Kristen Bell as Joanne in ‘Nobody Wants This’

Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2026

The hit rom-com series Nobody Wants This returns for its third season, bringing a whole new set of delicious complications for Noah (Adam Brody) and Joanne (Kristen Bell). The Emmy-nominated series follows the ongoing dynamic between an agnostic podcast host and an unconventional rabbi, continuing to explore their relationship as they navigate personal and professional hurdles. With Joanne and Noah taking the next step at the end of Season 2 and moving in together, will they successfully transition to cohabiting, or could this serve as a major fork in the road? Fans of romantic comedies and character-driven relationship stories can stream all of Season 3 right now!

Related: ‘Nobody Wants This’ Season 3 Is So Much Better Than Season 2—But It Still Can’t Touch Season 1

The New Stanford Prison Experiment The cast of ‘The New Stanford Prison Experiment’

Courtesy of Netflix

Reality TV as a genre is all about watching people seeking power, and seeing what they do once they have their hands on it. And that can be traced off-screen all the way back to 1971, as the Stanford Prison Experiment saw the true brutality that can emerge when one group is given dominion over another. Netflix is really hitting the comparison on the nose with its newest unscripted series, The New Stanford Prison Experiment. The six-episode show puts 30 people from different backgrounds inside a real correctional facility. Eight are chosen as guards, and the other 22 as prisoners. What unfolds is a true test as to whether the group with the numbers advantage can overcome the systemic power dynamics, or if the few but mighty will continue to hold power.

Related: ‘Survivor,’ ‘Big Brother’ and ‘Amazing Race’ Hosts Admit Reality TV Isn’t What It Used to Be

Theo Von: I’m Doing Fine Theo Von at NBC’s “Opry 100: A Live Celebration” held at The Grand Ole Opry House on March 19, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee

Photo by Variety on Getty Images

Having been on the comedy circuit for over a quarter of a century, Theo Von has risen to prominence in the past few years to become one of the most popular podcasters today. But he’s headed outside of the studio and onto the stage with a mic in hand for his new special, Theo Von: I’m Doing Fine. The TV-MA-rated release features the comedian delivering his signature observational humor and storytelling in a single-sitting performance.

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

Kendra Wilkinson is looking back at her time with Collin Gosselin and his siblings after the release of his memoir, which claims he was abused as a child.

The 41-year-old television personality and real estate agent spent time with the Jon & Kate Plus 8 stars during a 2013 episode of Celebrity Wife Swap.

A fan asked Wilkinson, “Did you notice anything about Collin when you visited the Celebrity Wife Swap episode?” via Instagram on Thursday, October 22.

The Girl Next Door star swapped places with Kate Gosselin, taking over the maternal role for her eight children. She recalled that although it was a “long time ago,” Colin stood out. “I remember he leaned on me a little,” she said.

Wilkinson continued that she “did feel bad and awkward filming at times,” but this actually brought her closer to the family, according to Us Weekly.

“There was a moment [when] I gathered the kids and I told them to run from the cameras into the woods,” she recalled. “We all ran away. [It] was a moment I’ll never forget.”

Kate filled in for Wilkinson, who was married to former NFL wide receiver Hank Baskett at the time, with whom she shares a son, Hank.

The former Playboy model remembered the moment she found out she was swapping with the Gosselins.

“Finding out that I was switching with her with eight kids — I wanted to run!” Wilkinson admitted. “I wasn’t necessarily thinking about the domestic side of things — and trust me, I needed a lot of help with that.”

She described her and Kate as “complete polar opposites,” sharing that Kate “believes that pretty much one minute away from your kids is something you’ll regret. I believe the opposite, that you sometimes have to spend time away from your kids to be happy.”

While they may be different, Wilkinson felt that she gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of family, adding, “you only get this moment once with your kid.”

Netflix’s popular romcom series Nobody Wants This just returned with Season 3 this week, but now, creator of the show Erin Foster is finding herself at the center of controversy after she made comments about her opposing viewpoints with star of the series Adam Brody.

Specifically, Brody, who plays Joanne’s (Kristen Bell) love interest Noah in Nobody Wants This, has previously expressed support for Palestine and the Free Palestine movement, saying, per Variety, “Put me down as thinking it’s a genocide…Put me down as wanting a free Palestine. It’s awful that it’s taken so much death and misery, but it does feel like it’s reaching a breaking point that it should have a while ago.”

In a recent interview, however, Foster made it clear that she does not agree with Brody’s stance. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, she said, “You know, it’s complicated. I think our work environment, our set is very similar to dinner tables around the world where people are having debate and discussion and disagreeing…While I love Adam, I also disagree with him. And that’s okay.”

Foster continued in the same interview, “I think that as the creator of the show, all I can say is that I want our Jewish fans to know that I see you and I hear you and I understand how you feel. And the show has always been and always will be a love letter to Judaism. That is why I made this show. It’s because of how beautiful of an experience I’ve had becoming Jewish and being a Jewish person, and sitting here right now at this time in the world where there is almost zero positive representation of Jewish people, I think it’s so important to have that.”

Fans of the show don’t necessarily seem aligned on the notion that this disagreement is “okay,” though. In response to Variety’s X post about Foster’s statement, for example, there are a number of comments expressing outrage, with one commenter writing, “It’s not ok to support people committing genocide, or anything even genocide-adjacent,” and another saying, “Well she’s bagged another season no doubt, hope it was worth it.”

Yet another comment reads, “Oooof. That’s the end of that show.” With the latter, however, it’s not clear whether the commenter is agreeing with Brody or Foster, and there are comments on both sides in response to this post.

Foxes have a reputation for being clever, sneaky and difficult to spot. Whether they’re slipping through a forest or exploring a suburban backyard, these bushy-tailed animals seem to have a talent for staying just out of sight.

That mysterious behavior has helped shape their place in folklore, where foxes frequently appear as quick-thinking tricksters. It has also given them one of the more unusual collective nouns in the animal kingdom.

But unlike wolves, which famously travel in packs, foxes generally prefer to hunt alone. So what do you call a group of foxes when they do gather? As it turns out, there’s more than one correct answer.

Related: What Do You Call a Group of Otters? The Names Explained

What Is a Group of Foxes Called?

A group of foxes is called a skulk or a leash. Both are traditional collective nouns, although “skulk” is perhaps the more memorable of the two.

The National Wildlife Federation, for example, used “skulk” when describing a family of gray foxes living near an office complex in California. The term is especially appropriate given foxes’ reputation for moving quietly and avoiding attention.

A leash of foxes is another established expression, historically associated with a group of three animals. In everyday language, however, people are more likely to say “a group of foxes” or “a family of foxes.”

Why Is a Group of Foxes Called a Skulk? Red fox kit “skulking” in rocks

MriyaWildlife / Getty Images

The word “skulk” is closely connected to secretive behavior.

According to Merriam-Webster, to skulk means to move or hide in a stealthy manner, often to avoid being noticed. That description fits the traditional image of a fox slipping through tall grass or quietly approaching its prey.

Foxes have long been associated with cunning in European folklore and literature. Stories often portray them as resourceful tricksters capable of outsmarting larger or stronger animals.

Although the exact history of “skulk” as a collective noun is difficult to establish, its connection to the animal’s secretive reputation makes the expression easy to remember.

Interestingly, foxes aren’t necessarily sneaking around because they’re mischievous. Their cautious behavior helps them avoid predators, approach prey and survive in environments shared with humans.

Why Is a Group of Foxes Also Called a Leash?

“Leash” is another traditional collective noun associated with foxes.

Historically, the word could describe a set of three hunting animals, particularly hounds, and it was also applied to certain wild animals, including foxes. The term reflects the influence of hunting vocabulary on English animal group names.

Unlike “skulk,” which suggests an animal’s behavior, “leash” is connected more closely to the language of hunting and animal handling. Today, the expression is primarily encountered in collective-noun lists, trivia and discussions of traditional English terminology.

Are There Other Names for a Group of Foxes?

Although skulk and leash are the best-known expressions, a few other terms appear in collections of animal group names.

• An earth of foxes: An older expression connected to the underground dens where foxes shelter and raise their young.
• A troop of foxes: A less-established collective noun occasionally included in animal vocabulary lists.
• A family of foxes: A practical description for related adults and their offspring.

Of these, “earth” has a particularly interesting connection to fox behavior. In traditional British hunting terminology, a fox’s underground den is called an earth.

Do Foxes Actually Live in Groups? Fennec fox

Hazmi Aniq / 500px / Getty Images

Although foxes have several collective nouns, many species spend much of their time alone.

According to the University of Michigan’s Animal Diversity Web, red foxes are generally solitary and don’t form packs like wolves. However, that doesn’t mean they never socialize.

During breeding season, foxes establish family groups that typically include adult parents and their young. Both parents may help provide food and protection for their offspring.

Some red fox populations also have more complex social arrangements. A breeding pair may share a territory with additional adult foxes, sometimes older offspring that remain with the family.

Social behavior varies among species. Fennec foxes, for example, can live in family groups containing as many as 10 individuals, according to Animal Diversity Web.

So while foxes are often described as solitary, their family relationships can be surprisingly complex.

Related: Which Baby Animal Matches You, Based on Birth Month

What Are the 12 Types of Foxes?

There are 12 generally recognized species of true foxes in the genus Vulpes, found in habitats ranging from Arctic tundra to deserts and grasslands. These include:

1. Red fox: The world’s most widespread fox species.
2. Arctic fox: Known for its thick, insulating fur.
3. Fennec fox: A tiny desert fox with oversized ears.
4. Kit fox: A small fox native to North American deserts.
5. Swift fox: A fast-moving species found in North American grasslands.
6. Corsac fox: Native to the steppes of Central Asia.
7. Bengal fox: Also called the Indian fox.
8. Blanford’s fox: A small fox adapted to rocky terrain.
9. Rüppell’s fox: Found in deserts of North Africa and the Middle East.
10. Tibetan fox: Recognizable by its square-looking face.
11. Cape fox: A small species native to southern Africa.
12. Pale fox: Found in Africa’s semiarid Sahel region.

These true foxes belong to the genus Vulpes. Other foxes, including gray foxes and bat-eared foxes, belong to different genera.

What Is a Baby Fox Called? Baby red fox kit

KrystynRadek / 500px / Getty Images

A baby fox is called a kit, cub or pup. A group of baby foxes born together is called a litter. Female foxes are known as vixens, while males are sometimes called dog foxes.

According to National Geographic, red foxes typically give birth to litters of two to 12 young, although litter sizes vary. Newborn kits are helpless and depend on their parents for warmth, food and protection.

As they grow, young foxes begin exploring outside the den, playing with their siblings and practicing behaviors they’ll eventually need for hunting. Many red fox kits become independent during their first autumn.

Related: If You See a Fox, Here’s the True, Unexpected Significance of Them Appearing in Your Life

7 Fascinating Facts About Foxes

There’s much more to foxes than their clever reputation. These adaptable animals have several remarkable characteristics.

1. Foxes Are Related to Dogs

Foxes belong to the family Canidae, which also includes wolves, coyotes and domestic dogs. However, their relatively small size, pointed ears and flexible hunting behavior give them a distinctive appearance.

2. Foxes Can Live in Cities

Red foxes thrive in forests, grasslands, farmland and urban neighborhoods. They’re remarkably adaptable and can find food and shelter in parks, gardens and other developed areas.

3. Foxes Are Omnivores

Although foxes are skilled hunters, they don’t eat only meat. Their diets can include rodents, rabbits, birds, insects, berries and other plant foods. This flexibility helps them survive in different habitats.

4. Foxes Use Their Tails for More Than Balance

A fox’s bushy tail, sometimes called a brush, helps with balance and communication. Red foxes also use their tails as insulation, curling them around their bodies to conserve warmth in cold weather.

5. Some Foxes Can Climb Trees

Gray foxes are unusual among canids because they’re capable climbers. Their curved claws help them climb tree trunks to escape danger, rest or search for food.

6. Foxes Communicate Through Sounds and Scents

Foxes produce a variety of vocalizations, including barks, yips and screams. They also use scent marking to communicate territorial boundaries and other information to nearby foxes.

7. Not All Foxes Have Red Fur

Despite the familiar image of a reddish-orange fox, these animals come in several colors. Red foxes can have silver, black or other coat variations, while Arctic foxes may develop white winter coats that help them blend into snowy surroundings.

What’s the Difference Between a Skulk and a Pack of Foxes?

Ling Zhang / 500px / Getty Images

A skulk is a traditional collective noun for foxes, while a pack generally suggests animals that live or hunt together as an organized group.

Wolves are famous for their family-based packs and cooperative hunting. Foxes, by contrast, usually hunt independently, even when they share a territory with relatives.

For that reason, “skulk” or “family group” is generally more appropriate than “pack” when describing foxes.

Why the Name Skulk of Foxes Makes Sense

Few collective nouns capture an animal’s reputation quite as effectively as “a skulk of foxes.” The word evokes the quiet movements, watchful behavior and resourcefulness that have made foxes familiar characters in stories around the world.

And while foxes don’t usually gather in large groups, their relationships with mates and offspring reveal a more social side than their solitary reputation might suggest.

Whether you call them a skulk, a leash or simply a family, these clever animals have earned their distinctive place in the English language.

Related: What Do You Call a Group of Owls?

This article was drafted with the assistance of AI and thoroughly reviewed, edited and fact-checked by Parade editors. See our complete AI Policy.

We all have a talent or life skill that comes naturally to us. Maybe your friends turn to you for advice because you keep everyone organized, or you can always find something positive in a difficult situation. In astrology, these positive traits aren’t random. They’re often gifts that help us move through life. While everyone finds their own meaning and path in their own unique way, each birth month is commonly tied to an overall soul purpose.

The Soul Purpose of Each Birth Month in Astrology January: Your Soul Purpose Is to Build a Lasting Legacy

January-born people often feel called to build something that lasts. Whether it’s a career, a family, or a lifelong goal, they’re happiest when they build a solid foundation others can depend on. They don’t mind taking the long road if it leads somewhere meaningful. As a disciplined Capricorn or an imaginative Aquarius, you’re driven by legacy and steady determination.

February: Your Soul Purpose Is to Inspire Others With Fresh Ideas

February-born people often find purpose in bringing fresh ideas into the world. They ask different questions, see possibilities others miss, and encourage people to look beyond what’s familiar. Their originality inspires those around them. As an inventive Aquarius or a compassionate Pisces, you balance creativity with genuine understanding. Innovation courses through your cosmic DNA.

March: Your Soul Purpose Is to Make the World More Compassionate

Those born in March seem to have a gift for lifting others without even realizing it. Through their kind words, listening ear, or simply showing up when someone needs support, they leave a lasting impression. Their purpose often lies in reminding others that compassion still matters. Born under a gentle Pisces spirit or a fearless Aries energy, you combine empathy with quiet courage.

April: Your Soul Purpose Is to Inspire Others to Take Action

Born in April? You aren’t afraid to get things started. This birth month loves taking action, trying new things, and encouraging others to stop waiting for the “perfect” moment. With an adventurous Aries or a dependable Taurus personality, you inspire others through passionate, instinctual resourcefulness. Their confidence often gives others the push they need.

May: Your Soul Purpose Is to Create Stability and Trust

Some people make life feel a little steadier, and that’s often true of May-born individuals. Embodying grounded Taurus or curious Gemini, you blend dependability with an open mind. These people value loyalty, keep their promises, and create security for the people closest to them. These simple qualities make a bigger difference than they realize.

June: Your Soul Purpose Is to Bring People Together

People born in June have a talent for bringing people together. They enjoy good conversations, meaningful friendships, and helping others feel included. Attuned as a lively Gemini or a caring Cancer, you build connections wherever life takes you. Whether hosting a family gathering or catching up with an old friend, they make people feel like they belong.

July: Your Soul Purpose Is to Make Others Feel Safe and Loved

July-born people often have a protective nature. Whether you’re a nurturing Cancer or a confident Leo, your generous heart is one of your greatest strengths. They look after the people they love, remember the little things, and have a knack for making others feel safe during difficult times. Their purpose often shows itself through quiet acts of kindness.

August: Your Soul Purpose Is to Help Others Believe in Themselves

Guided by either a bold Leo or a hardworking Virgo, this birth month combines confidence with determination. August-borns naturally encourage others to believe in themselves. Their enthusiasm, confidence, and willingness to dream big can be contagious. Even when they don’t realize it, they often motivate the people around them to aim a little higher.

September: Your Soul Purpose Is to Bring Clarity and Solve Problems

This birth month notice details, solve problems, and see practical solutions that others tend to overlook. September-borns have an innate gift for bringing order to confusion. People appreciate having them around when life becomes complicated. As an analytical Virgo or a balanced Libra, you value fairness and thoughtful decisions.

October: Your Soul Purpose Is to Create Harmony and Meaningful Connections

Either a graceful Libra or a passionate Scorpio, you value meaningful relationships built on trust. October-born people often find their purpose in creating that harmony. They’re good at helping people understand one another, smoothing over disagreements, and reminding everyone that kindness goes a long way.

November: Your Soul Purpose Is to Turn Challenges Into Wisdom

November-born people aren’t afraid to face life’s difficult moments. They grow from challenges, learn from dark experiences, and often become a source of strength for others going through similar situations. Their quiet resilience quietly inspires hope. With an intense Scorpio or an adventurous Sagittarius personality, you meet challenges with courage and honesty.

December: Your Soul Purpose Is to Inspire Others to Embrace Life

Born when the Sun was in adventurous Sagittarius or determined Capricorn, you combine optimism with the drive to make positive change. December-borns naturally brighten a room. They bring optimism, humor, and a sense of adventure that reminds others not to take life too seriously. Their purpose is often found in helping people look forward to tomorrow.

It’s been 65 years since The Dick Van Dyke Show premiered and Larry Mathews, who played Ritchie Petrie, is reflecting on his experience growing up on the iconic sitcom and revealing which memento he took from the set that’s become his “prized possession.”

According to People, the 71-year-old actor opened up about the keepsake while appearing on an episode of Tripping Over the Ottoman, a fan podcast looking back at The Dick Van Dyke Show hosted by sitcom historian and archivist David Van Deusen. 

“Probably my most prized possession, and/or thing I own from the show, is that poster,” Mathews said.

The actor was referring to the “WANTED” poster featuring a photo of The Dick Van Dyke Show creator Carl Reiner dressed as the on-the-run cowboy “Big Bad Brady” in a season 5 episode. 

The episode follows Rob Petrie (Dick Van Dyke) and his coworkers who are transported to a fictional sheriff’s office where Rob meets Deputy Sheriff Buddy Sorrell (Morey Amsterdam). Van Deusen explained that the script describes Buddy throwing darts at “WANTED” posters, including Mathews’ keepsake, though the moment isn’t shown on screen. Mathews confirmed the prop’s “authenticity,” sharing that it still has the original dart holes from filming.

The 71 year old said that he keeps the poster, which he’s had since the show ended in 1966, in a frame with museum glass in his living room. 

As for how he got the poster, Mathews explained his mother went to The Dick Van Dyke Show propmaster Glenn Ross at the sitcom’s wrap party and asked if they could keep the poster. Ross agreed and Mathews’ mother came up with a way to make the memento even more special. 

“‘Go around to everybody in the room and have everybody from this show sign this poster,’” Mathews recalled his mother saying after handing him a pen. “So, that poster is signed by every cast and crew member of The Dick Van Dyke Show that was at that party that day.”

Mathews managed to get the show’s cast, crew and extras to sign the poster, but he later realized that one signature was missing from his then-new keepsake: his own. He explained that, at 10 years old, he “didn’t think” to include his signature while collecting everyone else’s.

The 71-year-old hopes that, when the poster eventually lands in a museum, he can take it out of its frame and add his own signature.

Natalie Nunn is returning the Halloween costume favor to North West.

After the 13-year-old daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West dressed up as the Baddies star, Nunn posted her own transformation into North, turning the two costumes into a playful back-and-forth.

In an Instagram Reel posted Thursday, Oct. 22, Nunn first appears in a Baddies T-shirt, black bob and “CEO Baddies” chain—the look North had copied. The clip then cuts to Nunn waking up as North, complete with bright blue hair in pigtails, a graphic T-shirt, spiked jewelry and long black nails. She lip-syncs to North’s song “Piercing on my Hand” and laughs at the end of the video. Nunn captioned it, “Uno reverse 🔄 @northwest.”

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Fans loved the epic response.

“I lied…YOU WON HALLOWEEN😭🤣,” one person said.

“The acting when you transformed ate 😂🔥 lol,” another wrote.

A third wrote, “Props for understanding the assignment and knowing it’s neverrrr that serious.”

North even responded, writing a simple, “omg.”

Kardashian chimed in with a “Too good!!!!!! 🩵”

READ MORE: The Kardashians Face Backlash Over ‘Weird’ Season 8 Intro

North had shared her Nunn costume on TikTok the day before. She wore a black bob wig, a “CEO Baddies” chain and a prosthetic chin, then lip-synced to Nicki Minaj’s verse about Nunn on Lil Uzi Vert’s “Endless Fashion.” If you’re unfamiliar, the lyrics are: “Even if my name was Natalie Nunn, these b* still couldn’t chin-check me.” Nunn seemed to welcome the teen’s tribute, reposting her video and promising to get her a Baddies chain.

The costume swap comes after North’s look got fans talking online, with the exaggerated chin becoming a standout. Nunn has spoken out about her side-profile in 2023, responding on an Instagram Live, “Shout-out to Nicki for the shout-out. I already told y’all this chin was, like, literally international,” she said. “This chin has been making noise for years, and I love it here. And I hope if Nicki does a music video that I could be in it.”