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Hoda Kotb Reunites With Ex Joel Schiffman for Daughters’ Major Milestone
Former Today host Hoda Kotb reunited with her ex-fiancé, Joel Schiffman, for their daughters’ major milestone.
On Tuesday, Sept. 8, the mom of two took to Instagram with a trio of photos featuring herself, Schiffman, and their two kids, Haley, 9, and Hope, 7.
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“It’s here! First day of school💥,” Kotb, 62, captioned her update. “4th and 2nd grade! Whaaaatttt?”
In the featured image, Haley and Hope crossed a street between Kotb and Schiffman, as all four of them faced away from the camera. A second shot featured the journalist with both arms raised above her head while walking with the other three. Meanwhile, a third snap showed all four family members smiling and posing for the camera in front of (presumably) Kotb’s home.
View this post on InstagramIn the comments, the Today alum’s followers praised Kotb and her ex, with one Instagram user sharing, “I love this co-parenting situation so much ❤️❤️❤️.”
Another wrote, “So glad dad is in the picture.”
A different follower pointed out, “I love this. Memories will fill your heart. And, I love you parenting together.”
Meanwhile, yet another Instagram user commented, “Hope the girls have a wonderful school year!! ❤️.”
View this post on InstagramAlthough Kotb and Schiffman announced that they had parted ways in 2022, they have remained committed to co-parenting their daughters. She even posted a sweet shout-out for her ex on his birthday, calling him the “best dad” on Instagram. The couple started dating in 2013, announced their engagement in 2019, and publicly split in January 2022.
Kotb and Schiffman adopted Haley in 2017 and Hope in 2019.
1972 Joni Mitchell Song Ranks Among the Most Beloved End-of-Summer Songs
Before it became a quiet favorite among fans, Joni Mitchell’s “Urge for Going” captured the feeling of being pulled between seasons and the bittersweet realization that time is constantly moving forward, even when you’d really like it to stay in place.
Though widely associated with her early ’70s era, the song actually dates back to 1965, when Mitchell first wrote it during a transitional period in her life.
Inspired by cold Canadian winters and a longing for escape, the track reflects a deeply personal desire for change, both physical and emotional.
It was first recorded by her friend Tom Rush in 1967, eventually catching the attention of George Hamilton IV, with the country cover soaring to No. 7 on the country charts, marking the first time Mitchell had chart success as a songwriter, per Rolling Stone.
“With the help of Mr. Chet Atkins … they came up with a song that was a version of my song with a narration and all sorts of wonderful things in it. And I really enjoyed it,” she said, introducing the tune to a Gerde’s Folk City crowd.
Her version was originally recorded for Blue in 1971, but it was left off the final tracklist.
It was officially released in 1972, finally reaching listeners as the B-side to “You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio,” tied to her album For the Roses. It was also included in her 1996 compilation, Hits.
“Urge for Going” wasn’t a chart-topping hit like her other commercial songs.
Chart success was never the point, though, as the song showcases her brilliant songwriting, using the changing seasons as a metaphor for the inevitability of change.
“Urge for Going” focuses on summer fading, with lines that evoke changing leaves, cooling air and the quiet ache of leaving something behind, with lyrics like, “I’d like to call back summertime and have her stay for just another month or so / But she’s got the urge for going so I guess she’ll have to go.”
Its reflective tone makes it a natural fit for listening as we bid summer farewell in late August and early September, even ranking among Ultimate Classic Rock’s “40 end of summer songs” list. It even topped Rolling Stone’s list of the “50 essential” Joni Mitchell songs.
Over the decades, it has become a cult favorite, resurfacing in live performance and seasonal playlists.
'Wheel of Fortune' Announces Season 44 Switch-Up in Game Format
Wheel of Fortune just announced a switch-up to its game format for Season 44 that will hopefully result in its contestants going home with even more money.
On Tuesday, Sept. 8, hosts Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White revealed the addition of a round called “Fortune Frenzy” to the popular game show during a segment that premiered on Good Morning America.
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“This is exciting. A lot of people say, ‘How do you get more games into this show?’” Seacrest, 51, explained, of Fortune Frenzy. “It’s not a long show, so we’re squeezing more gameplay into the show with a rapid-fire game that we just started to have, which I love, giving away $1,000 for every puzzle they solve.”
So, how does it work? At the beginning of each episode, contestants will have a chance to win $1 grand each time they can quickly — and correctly — solve a series of puzzles before a timer runs out. The sprint round aims to add even more puzzles solved per episode. Not to mention, contestants get even more chances to earn prize money.
In the category “Season Premiere,” one contestant correctly guessed, “It’s Great To Be Back!”
Seacrest continued, “I think it shakes off the nerves off the contestants at the top. Because they’re so excited. The adrenaline is pumping and rushing, and they’ve got to focus right into playing the game—and I noticed that when we did some of the first episodes.”
White, 69, added, “Yes, there’s nothing else to think about but ‘solve that puzzle.’ It’s gotta be quick. So they have nothing else on their mind but solving.”
View this post on InstagramWheel of Fortune Season 44 premieres on Monday, Sept. 14. (Check local listings for the start time.)
What do you think of the addition of Fortune Frenzy to Wheel of Fortune?
Next: Pat Sajak Turns Heads With Bold Style Switch-Up After Wheel of Fortune Retirement
3 Lindsay Clancy Jurors Say Male Holdout Admitted Reasonable Doubt but Still Refused Not-Guilty Verdict
Three jurors from Lindsay Clancy‘s murder trial are breaking their silence, and their account paints a picture of a jury room pushed to its breaking point.
The trio spoke with NBC affiliate WBTS on Tuesday, September 8, in Boston, days after Lindsay’s case ended in a mistrial — following allegations that one juror refused to follow the judge’s instructions on reasonable doubt. Among them was the foreperson, who had written the note alerting the court that one juror expressed doubt but wouldn’t budge on a verdict.
Lindsay stood trial in the high-profile Massachusetts case after strangling her three young children, Cora, Dawson and Callan, to death in January 2023.
She shared the children with her then-husband, Patrick Clancy, who has since divorced her and remarried Dr. Rachel Danis.
Patrick Clancy, Lindsay Clancy(Photos by David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
She sought an insanity defense, arguing she had undiagnosed postpartum psychosis and didn’t know right from wrong at the time.
The three female jurors, whose names remain sealed for 14 days under an order signed by Judge William Sullivan, described mounting frustration with the lone holdout on the panel.
View this post on Instagram“He admitted he had reasonable doubt and I started filling out the forms, I was so excited,” the foreperson said.
She recalled his response: “But I’m still not going to say that she’s not guilty by reason of insanity.”
The jury had five options to decide Lindsay’ fate, ranging from first-degree murder to manslaughter, or acquittal by reason of insanity.
Deliberations grew so heated that six alternate jurors waiting outside could hear the shouting through the walls, according to the jurors. As per NBC News, there was reportedly name-calling as well, though the group leaned on each other throughout the week of deliberations, sharing laughs, hugging, and encouraging self-care between arguments.
One juror called the holdout “arrogant.”
“He really did not take anything that anybody said,” she said, adding that he pressed the group with questions about Lindsay’s prescribed medications.
Jurors reviewed toxicology reports and records from South Shore Hospital, where Lindsay was treated after her suicide attempt following the killings.
Another juror revealed that some panel members were nurses. “We read to him on numerous occasions the definition of reasonable doubt from Judge Sullivan’s instructions,” one juror said, noting he eventually requested the judge come in and read it himself.
“He had the hardest time getting off the fact that Lindsay viciously killed her children,” she claimed. Jurors worked through roughly 300 exhibits following five weeks of testimony, often standing and pacing the room because, as one juror put it, “you just couldn’t sit anymore.”
Lindsay’s case remains unresolved after the mistrial. Prosecutors have not yet said whether they will retry her, and she remains at Tewksbury State Hospital ahead of a September 29 court hearing, according to The New York Times.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline here.
Figure Skating Legend Who Captivated Fans at the 1998 and 2002 Winter Olympics Reflects on One of Her Proudest Performances of All Time
Michelle Kwan is one of the most celebrated ice skaters in the history of Team USA, but at 10 years old, the graceful skating sensation was already showing signs that she would become one of figure skating’s most influential stars. In a 1990 performance, at just 10 years old, Kwan nailed her first triple toe combination, a moment she now calls one of her proudest moments on the ice.
In a post shared to social media, Michelle Kwan, 46, writes, “Nailing my triple toe combo at the end of my program — one of my proudest moments as a 10-year-old!” alongside video of the young athlete nailing the iconic moment. Already, the young athlete shows the grace, poise, and unflappable athleticism that would become signature elements of future Michelle Kwan performances.
View this post on InstagramIn response, fans are calling her a “graceful” and “magical princess.” Even at 10, she was just that.
Michelle Kwan’s 1990 Performance Shows Her Early Talent View this post on InstagramKwan’s post is more than a skate down memory lane, or even a nostalgic glimpse at a future champion. It offers an early look at the precision, determination, and confidence that would define Kwan’s remarkable career.
A skater who would go on to win five World Championships, nine U.S. Championships, and two Olympic medals, including a silver at the 1998 Nagano Games and a bronze at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, Kwan went from a daring 10-year-old nailing her first triple toe combination to an iconic skater who would effortlessly guide her way into the hearts of all who watched her.
Michelle Kwan’s Impact on Figure SkatingMichelle Kwan went on to become one of the most recognizable American figure skaters of her generation, helping bring the sport to a broader audience and inspiring generations of young skaters.
But seeing her execute a difficult combination with such confidence and ease at such a young age makes her later success feel less like a surprise and more like a part of a journey that was already underway.
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'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Coming to an End: Report
After 24 years, Jimmy Kimmel Live! is reportedly coming to an end.
According to Page Six, the longtime late-night host will give his final monologue in May 2027 as sources claim “his contract is not getting extended.”
The news comes after Kimmel signed a one-year contract extension in December, after previously claiming he would end the show in 2026.
“I think this is my final contract, I hate to even say it, because everyone’s laughing at me now — each time I think that, and then it turns out to be not the case,” Kimmel told the Los Angeles Times in February 2024. “I still have a little more than two years left on my contract, and that seems pretty good, that seems like enough.”
He ultimately announced his one-year extension via Instagram in December, writing, “I am pleased to announce another no-talent year!”
Kimmel found himself in hot water last fall after the death of Charlie Kirk in September 2025. ABC pulled the plug on Jimmy Kimmel Live! after receiving pressure from network owners for comments made by the host that were deemed controversial.
“I just saw it as distortion on the part of some of the right-wing media networks, and I aimed to correct it,” he said upon his return one week later.
While a spokesperson for ABC Entertainment told Page Six that the “information is inaccurate,” adding, “any reports about the future of the show at this point are purely speculative,” Kimmel previously hinted at a move to Italy.
The new season of Jimmy Kimmel Live! kicks off Tuesday on ABC.
The 3 Birth Months With Pure Hearts
There are people born with pure hearts—the kind of goodness that can’t be manufactured or learned. And according to astrology, these souls are most likely to be born in February, April, or September.
Which Birth Months Have Pure, Pure Hearts?Check for your birth month.
February: The EmpathFebruary-borns are old souls who feel everything. Ruled by Aquarius’s humanitarian impulse or Pisces’s boundless compassion, these sympathize beyond the norm. They instantly feel what others feel with intuitive precision. When they come across another who is hurting, they clock it instinctively.
What makes those born in February pure of heart is that they act on that empathy without hesitation. They show up. They listen without fixing. They remember the small details of your struggles and loop back to check on you weeks later. They’re not performing kindness. Rather, they’re living it. A February-born person will give you the shirt off their back not because they want credit, but because they genuinely can’t stand the thought of you being cold.
Many gravitate toward February babies because being around them feels safe. These are the friends who won’t judge you, the family members who see you at your worst and love you anyway, the coworkers who somehow know exactly what you need to hear.
RELATE?: The 3 Birth Months Entering Their Luckiest Era This Autumn
April: The Gentle OptimistApril-borns carry either Aries’s courageous spirit or Taurus’s grounded stability. Their pure heart leads them to believe in people’s potential even when evidence suggests otherwise. As eternal hype-men, they see the best in you. Sometimes, before you see it in yourself.
What’s pure about an April heart is their passionate consistency. They’re not kind only when it’s convenient or when someone has earned it—they’re kind by default. To an April person, everyone deserves a chance or the benefit of the doubt. They move through the world assuming the best of people, and somehow, that faith often becomes self-fulfilling.
April babies radiate a warmth that’s almost palpable. While they can be direct, their intensity is more endearing than intimidating to the right people. They make you feel seen and worthy just by being in their presence. Celebrating your wins as if they were your own, this birth month holds space for your loved one’s failures without shame. Their pure heart is their greatest strength and sometimes their greatest vulnerability. They believe so deeply in humanity that betrayal cuts them deeper than most.
MORE: How You’re Meant to Succeed, Based on Your Birth Date
September: The Quiet HealerSeptember babies, carrying Virgo’s service-oriented nature or Libra’s justice-seeking determination, carry a pure heart that expresses itself through doing. They’re not flashy about their goodness. This birth month quietly shows up, improves things, and helps without a fuss.
A September-born person notices what needs to be done and does it. They anticipate your needs before you voice them. They organize the meal train, remember everyone’s birthday, and fix things without being asked. Their purity of heart lives in the details, in the consistency, in the unglamorous work of actually caring for their people.
Most of all, their hearts are so pure that they expect nothing in return. They serve not for recognition but because service is how they love. They understand that true devotion is rarely about grand gestures. They show up, day after day, with gentleness and intention.
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Le Creuset Is Celebrating 60 Years of This Iconic Fandom With a 'Bold' New Collection
Star Trek has done something few pop-culture juggernauts can claim: It has boldly gone where generations of fans have gone before. Since the original series debuted in 1966, the franchise has become far more than a TV show. It’s a cultural shorthand, a sci-fi touchstone and, for plenty of devoted Trekkies, practically a way of life. Its influence can be spotted everywhere from technology and fashion to language, with “Beam me up, Scotty” becoming part of the cultural lexicon.
While the Enterprise crew has changed over the decades, the fandom has hardly slowed down. Parents introduce their kids to the franchise, kids grow up to introduce it to their own kids, and everyone debates which captain reigns supreme at the dinner table. So, naturally, it was only a matter of time before Star Trek teamed up with a kitchen icon.
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In honor of the franchise’s 60th anniversary, Le Creuset is giving fans a chance to bring a little Starfleet flair to their stovetops with a limited-edition collection that’s ready to make any meal feel just a little more out of this world. (I promise I’ll stop with the bad space jokes now.)
The Star Trek Collection Enterprise Round Dutch Oven is just one of 10 different pieces included in the collection. Retailing for $500 at LeCreuset.com, it comes in the elegant French Grey colorway shown above. Of course, if you already own a Le Creuset Dutch Oven but really want to add that Star Trek spin, the brand is also selling Star Trek Collection Starfleet Delta Knobs for $50, so you can swap out the existing knob on what you have at home.
What Else Is Included in Le Creuset’s Star Trek Collection?Aside from the Dutch oven and Starfleet Delta Knob, there’s also the Gorn Mini Cocotte in Pearlized Bamboo Green, of course. That retails for $60. Other smaller items include the super fun Live Long & Prosper Spoon Rest ($55), Star Trek Collection “Communi-Grater” ($68) and Live Long & Prosper Oven Mitt ($40).
Personally, though, I’d go all in on the Star Trek Collection Galileo Shuttlecraft Rectangular Covered Casserole, a $150 1.7-quart dish made of the finest stoneware (and an amazing amount of nostalgia).
Unlike Star Trek’s popularity, this collection isn’t forever, so get your hands on the pieces you absolutely have to have before they vanish for good.
Related: Costco’s 5-Piece Stoneware Floral Baker Set Is Full of Farmhouse Charm
1967 Pink Floyd Track Is Named One of the 'Best Songs About Cats' by Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone just released a new ranking of the top 30 songs about cats — yes, cats — and one of Pink Floyd‘s songs surprisingly made the cut.
On Monday, Sept. 7, the music publication unveiled its list of the 30 Best Songs About Cats, ranking tracks from a range of musical genres that use cats or feline imagery as a central theme in their lyrics.
Placed at No. 11 on the list was none other than Pink Floyd’s eerie psychedelic rock track “Lucifer Sam,” which appeared on the band’s 1967 debut studio album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn.
Written by co-founder Syd Barrett, the quirky and mysterious track is believed to have been inspired by his real-life Siamese cat, Sam. Barrett seemingly refers to the titular subject in the first line of the song, when he introduces, “Lucifer Sam, Siam cat.”
In the second verse, Barrett mentions to another subject, “Jennifer Gentle,” who is described as a witch. Fans have long speculated that the Jennifer in the song referred to Barrett’s former girlfriend Jenny Spires, though he never confirmed that.
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“Lucifer Sam” ranked in the No. 11 spot on Rolling Stone‘s list of the best cat songs, which also featured hits from Prince, Taylor Swift, Elton John, The Cure, David Bowie, Beyoncé, The Grateful Dead and more.
Top 10 Best Songs About Cats, According to Rolling Stone:- The Cure “The Lovecats”
- Al Stewart “Year of the Cat”
- Squeeze “Cool for Cats”
- Elton John “Honky Cat”
- The Stray Cats “Stray Cat Strut”
- The Grateful Dead “China Cat Sunflower”
- Beyoncé “Kitty Cat”
- David Bowie “Cat People Putting Out Fire”
- The Coasters “Three Cool Cats”
- Father John Misty “Goodbye Mr. Blue”
1984 Pop Ballad, Written for a Comedy Film, Scored Stevie Wonder His Only Solo UK No. 1 Hit 42 Years Ago
Forty-two years ago today, Stevie Wonder was No. 1 in Britain with “I Just Called to Say I Love You.” He has been there on his own exactly once.
A legend who has sold more than 100 million albums has two UK No. 1 singles in his whole career, and one of them is a duet.
America and Britain Never Agreed About HimIn the United States he is one of the most successful chart artists who has ever lived. Ten No. 1 hits, 63 songs on the Hot 100, 28 of them top 10. The first of those came in 1963, off a live record billed to “The 12 Year Old Genius.”
In Britain the record is two. “Ebony and Ivory,” his 1982 duet with Paul McCartney, spent three weeks at the top. Then this one, in 1984, spent six.
It Took the Top Spot From George MichaelThe song entered the UK chart on Aug. 25, 1984 and reached No. 1 the following week, pushing George Michael‘s “Careless Whisper” down to No. 2. On the chart dated Sept. 8 the two were still stacked that way, Wonder first, Michael second.
It stayed at No. 1 for six weeks and on the chart for 39.
Then It Won an OscarWonder wrote both the music and the lyric for the 1984 film The Woman in Red, and the Academy handed it Best Original Song the following spring. Prince took Original Song Score the same night, for Purple Rain.
America took longer to come around than Britain did. The single did not reach No. 1 on the Hot 100 until Oct. 13, five weeks after it was already sitting on top in Britain, and it held there three weeks.
Next: 1973 Song by the Prince of Motown Was a No. 1 Hit on 2 Charts, 53 Years Ago Today
Florida's Peppa Pig Theme Park Will Hold 'Peppa's Halloween Party' on Weekends in October
If a trip to Central Florida’s theme parks is in store for your family this October, you just might want to make a stop at Peppa Pig Theme Park to celebrate Halloween with Peppa, George, and friends.
‘Peppa’s Halloween Party’ at Peppa Pig Theme ParkPeppa’s Halloween Party is family-friendly, included with theme park admission, and offers trick-or-treating, seasonal food and beverage options, and the chance to meet Peppa and George in their Halloween costumes. Geared towards toddlers and preschoolers, the event also includes a candy bag kids can use to stop for sweet treats at stations around the park. And, in addition to posing for photos with a costumed Peppa and George, Halloween episodes of “Peppa Pig” will be playing in the park’s cinema area, an air-conditioned theater that’s ideal for a mid-day rest.
Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida is located near Legoland Florida in Winter Haven, about 45 miles from Orlando. Designed with preschool-aged kids in mind, the theme park is filled with pint-sized rides, shows, character meet-and-greets, and more Peppa-themed fun that’s perfect for fans of the cartoon. Families can also eat at Miss Rabbit’s Diner, a restaurant that serves everything from grilled cheeses to pizza, as well as Muddy Puddle Milkshakes that are the perfect treat after a day running around the theme park.
When Is ‘Peppa’s Halloween Party’ at Peppa Pig Theme Park?The not-so-spooky festivities take place on weekends throughout October, including Oct. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, and during Halloween weekend on Oct. 31. And, since Legoland Florida is next door to Peppa Pig Theme Park, it’s a great time to also take advantage of Brick or Treat, Legoland’s Halloween programming that includes Halloween shows, interactions with Lego Halloween monsters, and more, and is also included with theme park admission.
Sandra Bullock on Adopting Son Amid the Jesse James Cheating Scandal: ‘A Really Dark Time in My Life'
Sandra Bullock is opening up about adopting her son Louis in the wake of the cheating scandal that caused the end of her marriage to Jesse James.
Bullock, 62, won America’s heart with films like Speed and While You Were Sleeping. She eventually earned an Academy Award for her role in The Blind Side, in which she played Leigh Anne Tuohy, who took in a homeless Black teen. She’s continued her reign in Hollywood in the following years, anchoring Ocean’s 8 and Bird Box. Now back with Practical Magic 2 alongside Nicole Kidman, Bullock is opening up about one of the most difficult times in her life.
In a new interview with friend Jennifer Aniston for Interview Magazine, Bullock spoke about filming Gravity, which came as she was dealing with the aftermath of the cheating scandal caused by her then-husband, Jesse James.
“The one film that was the most meaningful to me, because it was paralleling where I was, was Gravity. It was during a really dark time in my life. I was raising and protecting a little smurf while I was trying to grieve, trying to get out of it,” said Bullock, referencing the adoption of her son Louis, which was occurring as she was navigating the grief of her split from James.
“He came at the very end of 2009,” said Bullock of her son, to which Aniston replied, “Boy, honey.”
“I was just cleaning out the closet, and I found these hockey bags for stuffing clothes in for travel. Child Protective Services, do not come after me, but when the poop hit the fan for me, when, we know what that is, I realized I had to get out of the house because the paparazzi were going to descend, and no one knew I had a newborn,” said Bullock. “So I put him in his car carrier, put it in the hockey bag, and zipped the hockey bag around him. Then I carried the hockey bag to the car, as though I was just carrying any random hockey bag.”
What Happened With Jesse James?In March 2010, Bullock discovered that James, the founder of West Coast Choppers, was cheating on her, PEOPLE reported. Several women had come forward alleging affairs, and James ultimately went to rehab. Though the couple had married in 2005, they finalized their divorce by 2010.
Related: Sandra Bullock Makes Rare Comment on Dating Since Partner Bryan Randall’s Death
Ready to Try the Bubble Letter Necklace Trend? Anthropologie's Crystal Version Is Just $30
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Accessories don’t need to be huge to make a statement. In fact, it’s often the most subtle accents that leave the most memorable mark on a look. That’s definitely the case with the Crystal Initial Pendant Necklace, a striking little piece from Anthropologie that’s charming, elegant, casual, and dressy all at once.
It’s also an amazing deal, reduced from its usual $48 to just $30 right now. The pretty piece strikes just the right tone, adding a little shine to your everyday looks without being too flashy or overdone. The bubble-shaped initial stands out on its own, but the addition of gleaming crystals elevates the pendant significantly.
Crystal Initial Pendant Necklace, $30 (was $48) at Anthropologie Shop at AnthropologieWhile many “bubbly” accessories exude a youthful vibe, this necklace leans more polished thanks to the gleaming stones and sturdy box chain. Finished in 14-karat gold plating, it has a simple clasp closure for easy wear and removal. The effect is both delicate and substantial, so you can feel just as comfortable wearing it to the office as on a night out.
At 16.5 inches long, it’s a suitable length for everyday wear, hitting right around the collarbone. It also has a 3-inch extender, so anyone who prefers a little more length can easily adjust the piece. Whether you’re wearing a blouse, a turtleneck, or a tank top, you’ll instantly level up your look with this distinctive necklace.
Initial pendants also make adorable gift ideas — and this one is particularly unique because it’s so luxe. It’ll dress up something simple, like jeans and a T-shirt. It’ll just as effectively complement a more formal look, like a night-out dress or a tailored jacket and flowing pants. Prefer a layered look? This makes the perfect addition to any stack. The fact that it’s so personal only adds to its appeal.
Shop More Deals- Teardrop Crystal Stud Earrings, $25 (was $38) at Anthropologie
- Crystal Triad Ring, $20 (was $38) at Anthropologie
- Resin Bangles Set of 3, $30 (was $48) at Anthropologie
Related: Anthropologie Has Stunning Heirloom-Inspired Glass Drop Earrings on Sale for $25
Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful surprise for someone in your life or you’re treating yourself to some new jewelry, the Crystal Initial Pendant Necklace is sure to earn a permanent place in any collection. Snag it now while your initial of choice is on sale at Anthropologie.
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'South Park' Teases a New Season with a New Name — Off the Back of Its Emmys Win
It’s sometimes hard to believe that South Park will premiere its 29th season later this month. Of course, each season is shorter than the likes of animated comedies like The Simpsons and Bob’s Burgers, but it is one of the most politically charged animated comedies on TV, so for many, it will be a surprise that it hasn’t been canceled.
Now, creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone have made an announcement that is a complete shock to many. South Park will no longer be known by that name. The creators have announced a name change, inspired by President Donald Trump.
South Park is now South America. The duo made the announcement on social media, with an “America” sticker over the word “Park” on the wooden sign. The two men shared that not only was it inspired by Trump’s renaming of everything “America,” but it was “inspired by the bravery and patriotism of Apple and Google.” They went on to “thank our parent company Paramount — a Skydance Capitulation,” a nod to Skydance recently taking over Paramount.
View this post on InstagramAfter initially changing the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” with many companies changing the name on their online maps, Trump recently changed the name of Lake Ontario to “Lake America” due to ongoing issues with Canada. There have been recent comments from him about looking to rename an ocean.
The news comes just ahead of South Park Season 29 premiering on Sept. 16, 2026. On Paramount+, the title of the show remains the same, suggesting that this is just a bit of fun. Everyone knows that the creators enjoy poking fun at political happenings, even if they would like to step away from it all now and then.
This follows South Park taking home the 2026 Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program. The win came most specifically for the July 2025 episode titled “Sermon on the ‘Mount,” which mocked Trump and his connection to Jeffrey Epstein. It would mark the start of Season 27, gaining backlash from many Trump supporters.
View this post on InstagramThe social media team for the series couldn’t help but share a photo of Trump holding the Emmy trophy with “You finally got your Emmy” written above him. It’s a nod to Trump being nominated but never winning an Emmy for The Apprentice.
South Park Season 29 will initially return on Sept. 16, but it will then take a week off and air on Sept. 30. Fans are used to the on-off scheduling of the series, as it’s often dictated by the post-production process. Despite this, Comedy Central has renewed the series through to 2029.
Actor Returns to Work After Near-Paralyzing Health Crisis and Personal Turmoil
Quinton Aaron has a new project that hits close to home. The Blind Side star is returning to work since his health crisis earlier this year.
TMZ reports he has landed his own vertical microdrama based on true events from his life. Much of the story will center on his relationship drama, which unraveled during his stay in the hospital amid his recovery.
Filming has yet to begin, but the project is in development and will start filming soon. The project will be 60 episodes. Each will be about two to three minutes in length. The project will run on Atwist, which is a new vertical platform working with Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat and Upscale Productions.
Aaron will act in the series, though the outlet reports he is still deciding whether he wants to play the character inspired by himself or act in another capacity. He landed the role through his manager, who reportedly has a connection to the production company. It marks his return to acting since he landed in the ICU this year.
Aaron suffered a spinal stroke, which occurs when blood flow to the spinal cord is blocked or interrupted, depriving nerve tissues of vital oxygen and nutrients. He was placed on life support before a miraculous recovery, which included getting his tracheal tube removed and regaining his ability to speak, walk, and do basic daily tasks.
While hospitalized, his family learned that his wife, Margarita DeLeon was still legally married to a man she’d married in 1992. She “married” the actor in December 2024, with Aaron later revealing publicly that he was misled and believed that DeLeon was divorced when they began dating.
Aaron and DeLeon have since split. “We would’ve never spoken if I knew she was married,” he told Us Weekly in an interview. “I’m not the type of person that messes with married women. She kept telling me she was divorced for 10-plus years.”
“[I have not spoken with her] since the day we went to the hospital,” he explained in the interview. “There were times I remember seeing her in the room, but I was in and out of consciousness, and I didn’t speak to her because I was intubated. I don’t need to speak to her ever again,” he added, noting that because she was still legally married, their marriage was void.
“Thankfully, the marriage was voided,” he said. “I didn’t need to annul it because we weren’t legally married. I dodged a bullet there.”
Heath Ledger Film Was Just Named the 'Best Romantic Movie in Film History'
Despite being released over two decades ago, Brokeback Mountain, which was nominated for Best Picture at the 2006 Oscars, is still receiving recognition for its caliber in the romance genre.
Collider recently released a ranking of the “10 Best Romantic Movies in Film History,” which spotlighted films like The Princess Bride (1987), Roman Holiday (1953), and Moulin Rouge! (2001). The publication named Brokeback Mountain, which stars Heath Ledger as Ennis Del Mar and Jake Gyllenhaal as Jack Twist, the “best romantic movie in film history.”
The Ang Lee-directed film, which is an adaptation of Annie Proulx‘s 1997 short story, holds a score of 88 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and 87 on Metacritic.
Heath Ledger Shared Why He Was Drawn to the ‘Brokeback Mountain’ ScriptLedger, who died in 2008 at the age of 28, discussed taking on the role of Ennis in a 2005 interview on Charlie Rose. The actor explained that he was drawn to the film’s script because it was unique and “a story of forbidden love.”
‘I mean, I remember when I first read the script, I put it down, and I had a lump in my throat. It really affected me, and I was excited to have the possibility of making this purely because I felt like it was a story that had never been put to screen,” explained Ledger during the 2005 interview.
In addition, Ledger described Ennis as “a character of potential.” He then explained that the film is about “what [Ennis] doesn’t allow himself in life.”
“My character was basically figuring out why he had this inability to love and to express,” said Ledger, who snagged an Oscar nomination for playing the ranch hand.
He went on to say that he soon realized Ennis’ quiet nature was due to his internal struggles as he grappled with his love for Jack.
“He was battling himself, battling his genetic structure, battling the generations before him. His father and his father’s father and their opinions. And their fears ultimately were so deeply embedded into the soul of this man that it restricted him from ever expressing,” said the actor.
1972 Rock Song, Lasting Nearly 23 Minutes, Was Inspired by the Bible
Fifty-four years ago, rock band Genesis released “Supper’s Ready”—a sprawling track spanning over twenty minutes that drew direct inspiration from biblical imagery.
Released on September 15, 1972, as the centerpiece of their fourth studio album, Foxtrot, “Supper’s Ready” became a progressive rock landmark. Because it was never issued as a commercial single, it did not appear on mainstream Billboard charts. However, it quickly garnered widespread acclaim among devoted progressive rock fans, who widely consider the track to be the ultimate rock epic.
“Supper’s Ready” was co-written by all five members of Genesis: Tony Banks, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett and Mike Rutherford. Clocking in at 22 minutes and 54 seconds, the song took up nearly the entire second side of the original vinyl record.
Drummer Chester Thompson, bassist Mike Rutherford, guitarist Daryl Stuermer, keyboard player Tony Banks and drummer/singer Phil Collin of the English rock group Genesis, in New York, circa 1978.The initial spark for the track originated during a strange supernatural encounter that front-man Peter Gabriel and his wife, Jill, reportedly experienced. During a stay at her parents’ house, Gabriel claimed his wife was possessed by an entity, inspiring him to write a song exploring themes of spiritual warfare and the conflict between good and evil.
The composition pulls heavily from the Bible, making distinct allusions to the Book of Revelation. Its vivid imagery includes references to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb described in Revelation 19:6–9, as well as the apocalyptic trials and ultimate redemption.
Despite its enduring popularity, guitarist Steve Hackett admitted that he initially doubted the song’s commercial viability, believing its length and complex lyrical content would deter listeners:
“I thought, no one’s gonna buy this, because it’s too long. The references are too far-flung. It’s totally ambiguous,” he said. “I thought the first time [Charisma Records chief] Tony Stratton-Smith heard it he was gonna say: ‘Sorry, boys, game’s up, contract’s canceled, you’ll be hearing from our lawyers.’”
Over five decades since its release, “Supper’s Ready” remains a fundamental masterpiece of the progressive rock genre. In the digital era, the track continues to reach listeners around the world, accumulating over 8.9 million streams on Spotify.
Walmart’s ‘Beautiful’ $24 Scalloped Bamboo Wood 4-Piece Cutting Board Set Triples as Kitchen Decor and Serveware
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The most frequent kitchen task? Chopping. Between dicing onions, slicing fruit, mincing herbs, and prepping vegetables, getting the ingredients ready can feel like 75% of the work before anything even hits the oven. Cutting boards spend a lot of time on the countertop as a result, so why shouldn’t they be just as pretty as the dishes and cookware you’ve carefully picked out?
Fortunately, functional doesn’t have to mean boring. The Kikcoin 4-Piece Bamboo Cutting Board Set is currently 49% off with a Walmart flash deal, dropping its usual $47 price to just $24. With three boards and one display rack included, that works out to just $6 per piece for a set that can handle everyday prep work, double as serveware, and looks pretty enough to leave out on your countertop.
Kikcoin 4-Piece Bamboo Cutting Board Set, $24 (was $47) at Walmart Shop at WalmartWith three different sizes included, there’s a cutting board for just about every prep job. The largest measures 15.4 by 10.2 inches, offering plenty of room to chop vegetables, slice meat, or tackle several ingredients at once for larger meals. The 11.8-by-7.9-inch medium board suits everyday dinners, while the petite 8.7-by-5.9-inch option is convenient for slicing a lemon, chopping a handful of herbs, or cutting up fruit. Each board is also 0.6 inches thick and has handles built into the sides, making it easy to carry freshly prepped ingredients from the counter to the stove or table.
The boards are made from natural bamboo that’s been deeply carbonized to help prevent cracking, warping, and lingering food odors over time. A juice groove runs around the perimeter to catch liquids from juicy produce and meats before they reach the countertop, while the smooth surface is designed to be gentle on knife blades. Even storage has been thoughtfully considered: The fourth piece in the set is a matching bamboo rack that keeps all three boards standing neatly upright. Besides looking much tidier than a precarious stack, the setup allows air to circulate around the boards after washing so they can dry more efficiently.
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Scalloped edges make this set particularly useful once the prep work is finished. Rather than looking like standard chopping boards, the wavy silhouettes are polished enough to double as serving pieces for cheese and crackers, charcuterie, fruit, pastries, or appetizers. Bring one directly from the kitchen to the table, then return it to the coordinating rack when the gathering is over.
Walmart shoppers adored this “super cute” and “absolutely beautiful” set, calling it “the perfect complement to any kitchen style.” Even lined up together parked against a backsplash, the varying sizes and natural bamboo finish give them a decorative quality that’s pretty enough to leave on display.
Related: Aldi’s Portable Charcuterie Board Rivals a Popular Crate & Barrel Style Nearly 3x the Price
From chopping carrots to arranging cheese, these scalloped boards make the everyday jobs look a little more polished. Shop the Kikcoin 4-Piece Bamboo Cutting Board Set while it’s on sale for $24 at Walmart!
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BJ's is Bringing a 5-Course Oktoberfest Dinner With Beer Pairings to Its Restaurants for One Night Only
The Oktoberfest celebration isn’t just for the month of October. The 2026 Official Munich Oktoberfest kicks off on Sept. 19, and BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse is getting in on the action even earlier with a five-course Oktoberfest dinner, complete with beer pairings.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse Oktoberfest Beer DinnerOn Monday, Sept. 14, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse will host a five-course beer dinner at restaurants around the country. With each course paired with some of the world’s best Oktoberfest-style lagers and Bavarian-style wheat beers, the menu is made up of dishes like pretzels with beer cheese and chicken in a savory lemon-butter sauce. And, of course, part of the evening’s beer offerings will include BJ’s signature Harvest Hefeweizen and the chain’s award-winning Oktoberfest.
And yes, the meal includes one of BJ’s famed Pizookie dessert cookies, complete with its very own beer pairing.
The Menu at BJ’s Oktoberfest Beer DinnerThe dinner, which takes place at 6:30 p.m. at participating BJ’s restaurants, costs $45 per person if you pre-pay in advance online or $50 per person at the door. Here’s what’s on the menu:
- Welcome beer: Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier
- Course One: BJ’s Harvest Hefeweizen and Big Twist Pretzel with BJ’s Beer Cheese
- Course Two: Hacker Pschorr Oktoberfest Märzen with Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Course 3: Schneider Weisse with Wedge Starter Salad
- Palate Cleanser: Sam Adams Oktoberfest Beer
- Course 4: BJ’s Oktoberfest with Sal’s Brewhouse Chicken
- Course 5: Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest with Strawberry Shortcake Pizookie
What’s more, if you miss September’s beer dinner, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse hosts a beer dinner every single month, always complete with delicious items from the restaurant’s menu and themed beer pairings. To sign up for BJ’s Oktoberfest beer dinner or any other month’s event, simply head to the chain’s website and purchase tickets in advance for a $5 discount off the admission cost.
Ella Langley Leads Country Music to Historic First During Her Record-Setting Year
Ella Langley’s record-setting 2026 just added another historic achievement.
Billboard revealed its final Songs of the Summer ranking for 2026, and Langley’s smash hit “Choosin’ Texas” officially finishes the season at No. 1.
But Langley’s victory is also part of something country music has never accomplished before.
For the first time in the history of Billboard’s Songs of the Summer ranking, country songs hold all three of the top spots on the season-ending list.
“Choosin’ Texas” finishes at No. 1, followed by Taylor Swift’s “I Knew It, I Knew You” at No. 2 and Langley’s “Be Her” at No. 3.
That gives Langley two of the three biggest songs of summer 2026 while helping country music reach another unprecedented Billboard milestone.
Billboard’s Songs of the Summer chart measures songs based on their cumulative performance on the Billboard Hot 100 from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This year’s ranking encompasses charts dated June 6 through Sept. 12.
And “Choosin’ Texas” was nearly impossible to catch.
The song has now spent 21 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100, including 11 consecutive weeks since July 4. During the summer tracking period, it also led all songs with 407 million official U.S. streams and 124,000 downloads sold, according to Luminate.
Langley’s “Be Her,” meanwhile, peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100 and remained in the Top 10 every week between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
The historic Songs of the Summer finish comes just weeks after Langley helped country music achieve another Billboard first. In August, the singer led country music to a Billboard first that had never happened before, when country songs swept the entire Top 5 of the Hot 100. Just days later, Langley’s record-setting year continued with three major MusicRow Awards nominations, including Female Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.
Related: Country Star’s New Hit Was Just Named One of the Best Songs of 2026
There’s another unusual piece of history behind Langley’s summer domination.
“Choosin’ Texas” was released in October 2025, making it a rare example of a song released the previous year going on to become Billboard’s No. 1 Song of the Summer.
In fact, according to Billboard, it is the first season-ending Songs of the Summer No. 1 in 30 years to have actually debuted on the Hot 100 during the previous year.
The last song to accomplish that was Los Del Rio’s “Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix),” which debuted on the Hot 100 in September 1995 before becoming the biggest song of summer 1996.
Langley’s latest achievement continues an extraordinary year for the Alabama native.
Her sophomore album Dandelion debuted at No. 1 earlier this year, while “Choosin’ Texas” has rewritten multiple chart records. Langley also won seven ACM Awards, including Female Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Single of the Year.
And country music’s historic summer provides another sign of just how dramatically the genre’s presence on the Hot 100 has grown.
Country songs finished at Nos. 1 and 2 on Billboard’s Songs of the Summer ranking in both 2023 and 2024, while Morgan Wallen claimed Nos. 2, 3 and 4 in 2025.
In 2026, the genre finally completed the sweep.
And with “Choosin’ Texas” at No. 1 and “Be Her” at No. 3, Langley ended the summer with two of its three biggest songs.
Related: Ella Langley’s Record-Setting Year Continues With 3 Major Award Nominations
