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Sometimes the wait for summer to arrive feels like you're living out the beginning scene of High School Musical 2, looking at the school clock get bigger and bigger like it's mocking you, while you're chanting, "Summer" over and over. Dramatic, we know, but seriously, summer is full of good vibes and vacation time. Summer is synonymous with no school, family time and beaches. Lots of beaches. But when is the first day of summer in 2026,anyway?

While you can go on vacation any time during the year, there's just something about a summer getaway. And summer backyard hangs and summer nights. It might be hot and sweaty, but it's a season so many people look forward to. So, read on to see when summer starts and what it has to do with the summer solstice.

Related: Um, What Exactly Is the Spring Equinox and What Happens During It? (Asking for a Friend)

What Day Is the Start of Summer 2026?

The first day of summer this year is Sunday, June 21, 2026, per the Almanac. That also happens to be the summer solstice, a.k.a. the start of summer.

Is the First Day of Summer Always the Same?

Before we get into what the summer solstice is, you might be wondering: Does summer always start on the same date in June? No, it doesn't, and the same goes for all the seasons. As the Almanac's website reported, the Sun and Earth don't follow the same Gregorian calendar that most of us use.

While our 12-month calendar is meant to coincide with the number of days it takes for the Earth to orbit the Sun, it's not exact. Because there are leap days and other discrepancies, our calendar is slightly off year-to-year, meaning that the days of the solstices and equinoxes are around the same date yearly, but not always the same.

What Is the Summer Solstice?

Photo by Stokpic/Canva

So why does it matter where the Sun's at in Earth's orbit anyway? Why can't the summer solstice just be a set date like Earth Day or Christmas? What even happens during the summer solstice?

As the Almanac reported, the summer solstice "occurs when the Sun reaches its highest and northernmost points in the sky." This starts summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere (where the Sun is at its lowest point).

This means that the summer solstice usually happens between June 20 and June 22. Because our calendar isn't exact year over year, as we said before, the day when the Sun is at this very specific point in the sky is going to change a little bit.

What Actually Happens on the Summer Solstice?

As Britannica reported, due to where the Sun is during the summer solstice, it "maximizes the hours of daylight in the hemisphere where it occurs," meaning that it's the longest day of the year. This means that leading up to the first day of summer, our days are getting longer. And then after this day, our days start to get shorter and shorter until the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year. Like most astronomical things, the seasons are very cyclical.

When Is the Summer Solstice in 2026?

The summer solstice is on Sunday, June 21, 2026. As TimeandDate reported, it'll take place at 4:24 a.m. ET.

When Does Summer End in 2026?

While meteorologically, summer starts on June 1 and ends on Aug. 31 (because fall begins on Sept. 1 for them), astronomically, summer ends when fall begins on the fall equinox. So this year, summer ends on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026 (the first day of fall is Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026).

Related: All of the Fall FAQs—When Does Fall Officially Start? And What Happens During the Fall Equinox?

How Is the Summer Solstice Celebrated? @lucianabelviso

#stonehenge #summersolstice #druid #druids #ritual #celebration #fyp #wicca #pagan #somoteitbe🌛🌕🌜 #solstice2022

♬ original sound - Luciana Belviso-Smith

Obviously, the Gregorian calendar wasn't always used and didn't always exist, so people used to just rely on the Sun and its changing patterns year-round. This not only created ancient traditions that some people still celebrate today, but it also created monuments to track the Sun's position.

One of these monuments is Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, whose sarsen stones "still align with the Sun's movements," per Smithsonian Magazine. As they report, people travel the world to see Stonehenge on the summer solstice because of this and stay up all night to see the Sun set and rise.

Another summer solstice celebration is Midsummer Fests, and no, we're not talking about the Florence Pugh-led movie, Midsommar, although that is an example of a midsummer fest. But non-murderous midsummer celebrations have roots dating back to ancient Germanic, Slav and Celtic tribes who would celebrate in pagan tradition with bonfires, according to TimeandDate. But as Britannica reported, Scandinavian people are synonymous with Midsummer. It's a holiday that marked the halfway point of their harvest season and landed on the summer solstice.

These Midsummer traditions then led to Christian versions as the religion spread, taking the pagan celebration and infusing it with Christianity. This turned into Midsummer celebrations that also honored St. John the Baptist's feast day and involved bonfires, fireworks and the Maypole.

In terms of modern ways to celebrate the summer solstice and the beginning of summer, there are Midsummer celebrations all over the world you can attend (even though they definitely don't look like the 1500s traditions). On top of traveling to historic places like Stonehenge, you can hold your own Midsummer fest with a bonfire and good times. Plus, per Smithsonian Magazine, different places have their own traditions, like in Fairbanks, Alaska, where people watch a baseball game that starts at 10 p.m. on June 21 every year because it's daylight until past midnight.

Related: Celebrate the Official Start of Summer With These 50 Summer Solstice Quotes

Whitechapel, the heavy metal band, announced an exciting update for fans.

Fronted by Phil Bozeman, along with lead guitarist Ben Savage, rhythm guitarist Alex Wade, guitarist Zach Householder, bassist Gabe Crisp and drummer Brandon Zackey, the band took to social media to unveil the special news to fans.

In an Instagram update, the "Hymns in Dissonance" hitmaker proudly announced its upcoming North American tour this fall in celebration of its 20th anniversary.

According to the band, the highly anticipated event kicks off on Nov. 11 in Atlanta and will cover major cities such as Toronto, Denver, Seattle, Baltimore, Dallas and Anaheim among others before concluding in Pelham, Tennessee, in December.

The 26-date run will also feature deathcore bands Chelsea Grin, The Acacia Strain and rising group Netherwalker as special guests on selected dates.

Phil Bozeman of the American extreme metal band Whitechapel performs on stage at La Riviera on October 18, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.

Mariano Regidor/WireImage

“When we started this band in 2006, we would have never thought 20 years later that we would be here, and now we are setting out on our biggest headlining tour to date. Joining us will be our friends who need no introduction, @chelseagrinofficial and @theacaciastrain, as well as deathcore up-and-comers @netherwalkerofficial,” the caption reads.

View this post on Instagram Whitechapel’s 20th Anniversary Tour Dates:

Nov. 11 – Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle

Nov. 13 – Buena Vista, FL @ House of Blues

Nov. 14 – North Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues

Nov. 16 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore Charlotte

Nov. 17 – McKees Rocks, PA @ Roxian Theatre

Nov. 19 – Baltimore, MD @ Nevermore Hall

Nov. 20 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom

Nov. 21 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium

Nov. 22 – Montreal, QC @ MTELUS

Nov. 24 – Toronto, ON @ HISTORY

Nov. 25 – Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre

Nov. 28 – Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre

Nov. 29 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Fillmore

Dec. 1 – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre

Dec. 3 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Union Event Center

Dec. 4 – Boise, ID @ Treefort Music Hall

Dec. 5 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo

Dec. 7 – Sacramento, CA @ Channel 24

Dec. 8 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues

Dec. 9 – Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren

Dec. 11 – San Antonio, TX @ The Aztec Theatre

Dec. 12 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom

Dec. 13 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues

Dec. 14 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues

Dec. 16 – Cincinnati, OH @ The Andrew J. Brady Music Center

Dec. 18 – Pelham, TN @ The Caverns

The two-month run will mark a special milestone for the band as Whitechapel has evolved from an underground favorite into one of heavy metal's most commercially successful bands.

Related: '70s Rock Band, Formed as Iconic Supergroup, Released One of the ‘Greatest Albums’ of All Time

Sally Field thought she was going to "pass out" on her first date with Burt Reynolds.

The Oscar-winning actress, 79, spoke candidly on the latest episode of TCM's Talking Pictures podcast about the nerve-racking start of her relationship with her Smokey and the Bandit co-star, who died in 2018 at the age of 82.

Field recalled initially getting a call from Reynolds as he sussed her out as a potential Smokey and the Bandit co-star, which "shocked" the young actress, as she was best known at the time for starring in ABC's teen sitcomGidget and the TV movie Sybil.

"I was so shocked that he would call me, and I thought, 'He couldn't have seen Sybil, because boy, I look really like a very mentally ill person in it,'" Field remembered. "And he said, 'No, I hadn't seen it. I just always liked you in Gidget.'"

Field agreed to meet Reynolds for a date, but admitted she was "so nervous" she feared she would "pass out."

"I hadn't really ever been on any dates," the Remarkably Bright Creatures star explained. "I started when I was 18 in television, and the whole world of that ilk was swept away from me."

When the time for their date came, Field said she felt completely out of her depth, as Reynolds' bodyguard had to be the one to knock on her door.

"I went down, and I remember just sort of being a fool, a clown. I only know how to be a clown when I'm nervous," she recalled, adding that the evening was "all a blur" due to her nerves. "Like, what was I doing there? I didn't know. I had learned how to be an actor, but I didn't know how to do that. I didn't know how to be that girl."

Field and Reynolds would go on to have a tumultuous five-year relationship starting in 1976, and today, the Steel Magnolias star remembers him as a "wonderful, but incredibly complicated" man.

The pageantry of the monarchy took to the streets of London this weekend, but for some, the illusion didn’t hold.

As the Trooping the Colour carriage rolled past the crowds on June 13, the traditional cheers were momentarily drowned in a sea of bright yellow placards. The internet watched Kate Middleton, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louiswatch a crowd that booed the monarchy while holding protest signs. The reaction across the internet, particularly on platforms like Reddit, was visceral. “The fact that there is a princess (or whatever she is) in a literal carriage riding around with her kids in 2026 is bizarre. abolish the monarchy.”

The contrast between the monarchy and the cost-of-living crisis is too sharp for some royal watchers. But the real anger this weekend was directed at the adults of The Firm. Social media watchers felt the organization used the kids as ‘human shields’ against criticism that set the internet on fire.

“There were anti monarchy protesters at the last trooping event too. It's completely on William and Cate for parading the kids as child shields. They could've easily left them at home the same way Edward and his wife left theirs at home. It's not like they are lacking any nannies. Or servants.”

Kate Middleton looking angry and the kids looking completely uncomfortable and confused, getting booed during trooping the colour. If looks could kill. Princess Kate didn't like that. pic.twitter.com/5Vz1ymbhf6

— Nina (@ShakeLS) June 13, 2026

Royal watchers feel the palace relies on the young royals to soften its image. But the royal critics aren't buying the fairytale anymore. “Excellent. More. How do you bring a child into this life and explain to them they are chosen by god and will be working from the moment they are born. Their lives are not their own. They are public dolls. I wonder how the monarchy explain it to them and i wonder how other 'lesser' nobles see it and explain it to their kids Too. 'We are simply better than everyone' lmao So then when those kids are faced with a public who shouts 'not my king' i wonder how that changes what they think. How do the parents explain that contradiction? 'We are simply better than them, they just don't know it or believe it' lmao.”

Over on X, one user put it bluntly about the Princess of Wales' reaction: "If looks could kill. Princess Kate didn't like that." Another user agreed that the situation seemed awkward, "Charlotte looks like she wants to cry and Louis looks confused. Why subject your kids to this?" Over on Reddit, commenters thought the weight of being born into a life of duty and obligation hangs heavy over the whole spectacle.  “Think of how small Prince Harry was when he had to be watched by the world walking behind his mum's coffin while strangers literally screamed at him. Think of how Diana wanted to cancel her wedding when she found out Charles loved Camilla but felt she couldn't because a million commemorative tea towels had already been printed. Harry and William clearly wanting to be everyday members of the military but not allowed. Charles packed off to a physically and emotionally freezing boarding school and bullied relentlessly. The whole thing is weird [...] for the individuals simultaneously elevated and scrutinised, told they're special but permitted very little autonomy.”

Some think the conversation hasn’t shifted, it’s changed completely. Commenters say the public tolerance for another expensive coronation after that of King Charles' is virtually zero. Others think William has a bit of Diana’s leftover stardust which might keep him afloat, but say that the younger generation has no tolerance for the the grandeur of the monarchy.

“The royals should be embarrassed at this point. Taking everyone’s money to fund their lifestyle. It’s a scam. They are literally “famous” and “important” because of their bloodline, not anything they did on their own. I’d feel uncomfortable if I were them.”

According to social media critics, Prince George might want to start looking at university brochures. He likely won't ever see the inside of Westminster Abbey with a crown on his head.

A New York Times Modern Love essay turned memoir is now heading to Netflix—with Gwyneth Paltrow set to play Belle Burden. And as the project takes another surprising turn, Burden is opening up about the casting and why she says Paltrow is a perfect match.

Beyond the uncanny resemblance, Burden said the 53-year-old actress immediately connected with Strangers, which chronicles the sudden breakdown of her marriage during the early COVID-19 lockdown.

“We met in person, and we also met over Zoom, and I just think she's wonderful,” Burden recently told E! News. “She really understood the book, she really connected with it emotionally, and I think she'll take great care of it.” 

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She added, reflecting on how Paltrow has only just returned to acting. “I think it's so exciting that she's returning to acting,” Burden said. “I thought she was amazing in Marty Supreme, so I'm really excited about her playing the part. It's a great honor, really. I can't quite believe that she is playing me.”

Burden also reflected on how the journey from essay to film is truly a long, strange trip. “After it came out, two editors contacted me and said, ‘This should be a book,’” she recounted after her Modern Love essay was released, but a friend's reaction was, “‘Well, you're not going to do that. The Modern Love is enough, right? You're stopping now.’” 

But she pushed back. “I was like, ‘No, actually, I'm going to write a book. I have so much more to say,’” Burden said. “And I realized in that moment that I really, really wanted to write a book—a full-length piece about this experience.”

Burden also noted that while the raw wounds were still there, enough time had passed so she had a better perspective. “I think I started writing at exactly the right point, because I had some distance from it to have some perspective,” she shared. “But I also was close enough that I could feel the emotions and remember the details and the sort of texture of that time.” 

She also shared how she was able to write about her family with abandon. “I think the hardest part of it really is to write without fear and not think so much about how individual people are going to receive it—especially people who are in the book—and worry about that later,” she remarked. “So, I really tried to put fear aside, and it was emotional—the whole process was emotional—but I also enjoyed it.”

Robert De Niromade a surprise appearance at Sunday’s “Rise Up, Sing Out” concert for the First Amendment in New York City, and he certainly had something to say. 

It looks like De Niro has something in common withDonald Trump: They both want to make America great again. But in very different ways. During a passionate speech, the legendary actor shared, “For most of my life, I did love this country. The United States of America welcomed my immigrant ancestors and gave me, my family, and my fellow citizens such rich opportunities and extraordinary freedoms. I want to love my country again. I want my country back.”

Organized and headlined byJane Fonda, the star-studded event for free speech featured Bette Midler, Patti Smith, Julia Roberts, Sasha Allen, Joy Reid, Rufus Wainwright, and a surprise by Academy Award winner, De Niro.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 14: Jane Fonda speaks onstage during the Committee for the First Amendment Concert on June 14, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for the Committee for the First Amendment)

The actor got a laugh and a rousing chorus of applause when he took the stage, opening with, “And welcome to all of you who couldn’t get tickets to the White House cage fight.” 

De Niro continued, explaining, “I’m devoted to our Constitution's First Amendment. All parts of it, not just the free speech part. That said, I’m pretty close to being a free speech absolutist. Even speech I don’t like, and there’s plenty of that around, so when I hear something I don’t like, I use my own free speech to respond.”

Never one to shy away from saying what’s on his mind, the outspoken critic of the president added, “When I hear Trump say, as he did a few days ago, ‘I don’t think about Americans’ financial situations, not even a little bit.” I say, ‘Shut the f*** up’.” Booming cheers broke out as fans stood to applaud the actor. “On Wednesday, Trump said, ‘I love the inflation.’ Now say it with me, ‘Shut the f*** up!’.” And as De Niro requested, the audience joined him, echoing the harsh words in a defiant chant.

De Niro bashed Trump and his presidency, saying, “The phrase ‘we all love our country’ stuck in my throat. Because our country isn’t so lovable right now. I hate to say it, but loving our country is starting to sound like an abused spouse saying they love their abuser. I can’t love a country that starts stupid and inhumane wars, killing thousands of innocents and indirectly causing the deaths and suffering of millions more. I can’t love a country that takes healthcare away from millions of people and uses that money to enrich their pals in the Trump-Epstein class.”

But De Niro didn’t end there: “I can’t love a country that sends masked militias to shoot citizens in the streets, torture our neighbors, and separate families. I can’t love a country that’s led by a racist, misogynist, xenophobic tyrant. And let me just say it—I can’t love a country that’s led by Donald Trump and his sycophant Congress.”

Following the event, fans took to social media praising De Niro’s words with comments (on Reddit) such as, “Well said!” and, “My heroes, in no particular order: The Boss, Robert De Niro, Neil Young. They’ve lived their convictions. They don’t make excuses, they don’t trust frauds.” 

Others commented on a TikTok video showcasing the actor’s speech, saying, “Robert De Niro is a star in so many ways! Great asset to our country,” and, “No one could have said it better than Mr. Robert De Niro! 100.”

In 1981, Ellen Travolta made her debut on Happy Days, playing Louisa Arcola, the mother of Scott Baio’s Chachi, for five episodes. Travolta also played the character in the short-lived Joanie Loves Chachi spinoff, where she was married to Arnold’s Drive-In owner Al Delvecchio (Al Molinaro).

Travolta, 86, recently reunited with Baio on The Scott Baio Podcast, where they looked back on their days as a TV mother and son.

Travolta told Baio she didn’t even have to audition for the part. “They were aware of me,” she said of the show’s producers. “They called me and said, ‘We would like to have you come in and play Scott Baio's mother.’ I didn't read or anything. …So, I came in and guested as your mother.“

The episode, titled “Hello, Mrs. Arcola,” aired on Feb. 24, 1981, on ABC and featured a funny storyline about Chachi inviting his then-girlfriend Joanie (Erin Moran) over for dinner to meet his eccentric and sometimes embarrassing family.

“I was certainly [nervous],” Travolta recalled of her debut on the hit comedy series. “I did that, and it was a big success, that first time I did.”

'Happy Days' cast members in 'Hello, Mrs. Arcola.'

Photo by ABC Photo Archives on Getty Images

Travolta was feeling more confident when she was invited for a subsequent appearance on the show months later. But she received a director’s note that was a little harsh.

“I came back, and then they picked me up,” she said. “I was going to be kind of a semi-regular, right? And we did the show, rehearsed it, and [director] Jerry Paris said to me, ‘What happened to you? You're not funny anymore.’"

“I knew he had put all the rest of them in therapy, but I thought, ‘Wow, what's going to happen to me? What's going to happen to me?’” she added of the legendary director's blunt critique. “So anyway, I didn't know what to do. Of course, we filmed it and it was funny, but then later I asked him about that, many years later. He said, ‘I would never say that to [an actor].’”

RELATED: ‘Happy Days’ Guest Star’s 1978 Debut Changed Everything

Jerry Paris pulled out all the stops to get the perfect cut

Baio and Travolta both agreed that Paris, who died in 1986, was a great guy and a “brilliant” director who helmed nearly every episode of Happy Days. But Baio noted that Paris could turn at the drop of a hat.

“He had some kind of issue where he would just turn. And mean, mean as a rattlesnake,” Baio recalled. “And you know, you didn't know what the hell was going on, but he would say things in front of the audience to actors, and I'd sit there go, ‘Is this man out of his mind?’”

Travolta also recalled Paris once rejecting a child actress who was brought in to say two lines, telling her, “I don't want you. …I want the other girl."

Baio chimed in to add that there was another time that Paris insulted a child actress who had trouble playing a scene in which she was supposed to look sad.

“She doesn't look sad,” Baio shared. “Jerry cuts, and he says, ‘Okay, I need a close-up of the girl looking sad.’ And he says, ‘Come on, honey. Look sad. Look sad.’ … And I see him now getting steamed. And he goes, ‘Honey, think of how fat you are. Think of how ugly you are.’ And the girl just [cried]. And he goes, ‘Cut! Print it.’”

Baio clarified that while Paris would sometimes say some crazy things, he was usually “sweet and fun.”

“And I loved him,” he added. The actor also noted that the first episode Travolta appeared on was the only time that Paris was nominated for an Emmy Award for Happy Days.

There’s no doubt that Paris was beloved by the Happy Days cast. Co-star Don Most once told the Pop Goes the Culture podcast that his character, Ralph Malph, was partly based on Paris. “Jerry was a funny guy and a wonderful director, and he loved to be on and be the comic,” Most said. “And  I think a lot of Ralph’s personality came from Jerry.”

The actor even stole his character’s famous “I still got it” catchphrase from Paris.

RELATED: Henry Winkler Addresses Rumors That ‘Laverne & Shirley’ Stars Were a ‘Nightmare’

Jerry Paris once explained his directorial methods

Paris, who started as an actor, playing Jerry the dentist on The Dick Van Dyke Show, was encouraged to become a director by Carl Reiner. It turned out to be the perfect career move.

"As a director, you can participate in all the colorful things you couldn't do as a supporting actor," Paris once said, per MeTV. "If I have a skill, it's an ability to see the end of the road. I know how to get around problems.”

He further explained in a TV interview with Good Day! host Eileen Prose, “When you do comedy every week, you try to do the kind of a suddenness, I call it the creativeness from the actor, and that the camera people should sit down and watch. Then they can understand what we're doing. Not come in at the last second and just say, ‘I want to close up here or a two-shot here and a three here.'"

Paris also compared actors to children playing in a sandbox.

"If you're not unhappy and throw sand at each other, you can have a good time," he said. "And then the director can jump in in the middle of a scene while we're rehearsing with Henry Winkler and Ronny Howard and Marion Ross… and then I can jump in right in the scene and say, ‘Listen, I got a better idea if you just did this, now say the line that way to each other and then look away, maybe it'll work. And they do it, and we get a laugh out of the line.”

Related: Ellen Travolta Explains Why ‘Joanie Loves Chachi’ Failed 43 Years Ago

Beloved ABC New York anchor Bill Ritter shared an emotional final broadcast with the audience of ABC7's Eyewitness News as he made a "very personal" announcement about his health.

The 76-year-old journalist, who first joined the New York station in 1999, revealed during the 6 p.m. broadcast on Friday, June 12, that while he had already moved from the 11 p.m. time slot to spend more time with his family, that time had become "even more important" as of late.

"But spending more time with my family has now become even more important, because my life has taken a turn," Ritter said. "After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer's."

He continued, "This is called early-stage Alzheimer's, and they say the treatments I'm getting are keeping it at bay, at least for now. But there is no guarantee here, because there's no cure yet for Alzheimer's. So, unless someone finds an amazing cure and really soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor."

Despite his decision to step back from broadcasting, Ritter will stay on at ABC 7 NY as the station digs "deeper into the rising tide of Alzheimer's and other similar diseases."

Ritter is no "stranger" to Alzheimer's, as his father also suffered from the disease when he died in 1998, and the ABC personality has long been "active in the fight to stop Alzheimer's."

At the end of his emotional farewell, Ritter said, "I am going to so miss reporting the news to all of you, with the truth and with facts, no matter where they fall. It has been my honor to do just that. But for now, I wish you health and peace. Let's take care of each other."

Ritter first began his career in broadcasting at Los Angeles' KTTV and KCAL, as well as San Diego's KNSD. In 1993, he joined ABC as a Good Morning AmericaSundayco-anchor before moving to ABC 7 NY's Eyewitness News in 1999.

If you’ve spent any time planning a Walt Disney World vacation over the last few years, you know that meeting your favorite characters usually requires a lot of strategy. Between refreshing the My Disney Experience app or standing in a switchback queue for forty-five minutes, traditional meet-and-greets are undoubtedly magical—but they require careful planning to balance with your ride itinerary. But right now, a beautifully reimagined corner of Disney’s Hollywood Studios is completely flipping the script, and park purists are officially calling it the absolute best character experience on property.

The excitement is centered directly in the newly refreshed Walt Disney Studios Courtyard (the area long known to nostalgic guests as the Animation Courtyard). The entire zone has been undergoing a massive, highly anticipated glow-up that breathes fresh life into a classic studio-lot theme modeled after Disney's actual Burbank studios—complete with a towering Sorcerer Mickey Hat now crowning the main building.

Related: I Ditched My iPhone for a ’90s-Style Disney Vacation—And My Kids Actually Loved It

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While the park recently debuted a gorgeous new open-air look along the main thoroughfares, clever design touches like "Pluto's Corner," and a popular new snack kiosk featuring a collectible Chip 'n' Dale sipper, the biggest pieces of the puzzle are still safely under wraps behind construction walls. It’s a total, thoughtful reimagining of a classic space that already feels incredibly charming, making it a perfect morning or afternoon destination for families and lifelong fans alike.

While those major indoor attractions are still putting on the finishing touches, guests have a limited-time opportunity to experience the area’s biggest draw out in the open. Right now, Disney is utilizing the open-air plaza for an entirely new style of character interactions. According to a recent report by the theme park insiders at WDWMAGIC, the area "has quickly become one of the best spots at Walt Disney World for character interactions, with multiple characters now relocated to the new space and roaming freely throughout the area."

"What makes this different from a standard character meet-and-greet is the format. There are no queues," the WDWMAGIC staff highlights. "Characters move freely through the courtyard, stopping to interact with guests as they go."

Instead of waiting behind rope barriers, you might find Rapunzel or Mulan hanging out on the grassy areas, casually reading stories to groups of children, or playing impromptu games. Meanwhile, Disney icons like Pluto, Goofy, Donald Duck and Chip 'n' Dale weave directly through the plaza all day long. As the insiders note, "It feels less like a formal meet-and-greet and more like stumbling across characters going about their day on a studio lot—which fits the area's theming perfectly." On busier afternoons, you can find up to five characters out simultaneously, with their appearance windows easily trackable right on your phone.

Related: 15 Free Things You Can Do at Walt Disney World Without Entering the Parks

It’s also an incredibly efficient spot to build into your itinerary if you’re traveling with little ones or looking to maximize your afternoon. The courtyard is a literal one-stop shop for entertainment, pulling double duty as the home of the Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! stage show (which runs eight times daily), while the highly anticipated The Little Mermaid—A Musical Adventure is just a short stroll away inside the neighboring Studio Theater. Pairing the world-class live theater with the interactive character lot covers a massive, high-value chunk of your park day without forcing you to hike across the entirey of Hollywood Studios.

If you want to experience this old-school, spontaneous magic for yourself, you’ll want to book your park days sooner rather than later. The free-roaming setup is a temporary treat tied to the final phase of the neighborhood's construction. Later this summer, the neighboring facility will officially reopen as "The Magic of Disney Animation"—featuring a brand-new indoor theater experience, an animation academy, and "Drawn to Wonderland," a massive, air-conditioned indoor playground inspired by legendary Disney illustrator Mary Blair’s original Alice in Wonderland concepts.

Because of these upcoming grand openings, the outdoor fun has a hard expiration date. "When the building opens, some of these character interactions will move indoors to the Off the Page! meet-and-greet area," the WDWMAGIC team warns. "At that point, the format will shift back to a more traditional setup with dedicated spaces for each character."

For now, the open-air, unscripted courtyard experience is a refreshing, nostalgic reminder of what makes the parks so special in the first place—and it’s absolutely worth taking advantage of before the summer season wraps up.

Related: 10 Cool Ways to Beat the Heat at Disney World This Summer

Turns out Leslie Knope was one creative pivot away from battling a centuries-old curse. Widow's Bay creator Katie Dippold revealed that her hit Apple TV+ horror-comedy originally started as a Parks & Recreation spec script. Still, the Pawnee version was so joke-heavy that she isn't even sure she would've tuned in herself.

Widow’s Bay is basically Pawnee if the town’s biggest headache wasn’t Lil’ Sebastian’s memorial service, but an island crawling with supernatural horrors.

And instead of Knope’s relentless civic sunshine, you’ve got Matthew Rhys’ mayor as her dark alternate timeline—like Knope if her color-coded binders of optimism slowly got replaced by a centuries-old curse and the creeping realization that no amount of public service can save the town. Add in a deeply drawn ensemble of misfit locals, and the series lands somewhere between the earnest heart of Parks and Recreation and a full-throated, creeping horror story with teeth.

“I wrote it as a spec script for Parks & Recreation, but that version was much jokier,” she recently told Deadline. “It was more comedic, and I think it gave a good idea of my sense of humor. But I don’t know that I would have watched that show, because I think it could have felt more like a spoof, and as a horror fan, I just wanna be immersed into the island.”

In the quirkiest, most Knope-iest way, Dippold explained how she wanted to actually feel the isolation of being on a New England island that she wanted to "feel like I could go explore this island and find all the little nooks and crannies and terrifying little spots. That’s my dream, but I’m strange. So, that’s sort of how it started.”

She continued: “I would say the initial spark is a feeling I’ve been trying to capture ever since childhood—I always talk about going to this boardwalk in New Jersey in Long Branch. Once a summer, I would go with my family, and when I say I was way too young for it, I mean I was like 6, and this place was lawless and terrifying. But I loved it. I was just so giddy, the anticipation of going in, and I would scream and I would laugh."

Dippold added, “And then once we left, I’d run out screaming, but then I would immediately want to go back in again. It was almost kind of a dangerous excitement. I used to get into all sorts of antics when I was young, me and my friends going to check out the abandoned house and then running off, and I just love that feeling because you’re so scared, but you’re laughing so hard, and I just wanted to get that feeling on television. So, that’s sort of where it started."

The Widow's Bay Season 1 finale is available to stream on Wednesday, June 17, on Apple TV+.

The McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys, airing on Bravo and Peacock, is a real-life soap opera that immediately draws you in, with beautiful natural landscapes that serve as the backdrop for plenty of not-so-beautiful tension and conflict. Some critics have compared the show to Yellowstone—but I would describe it as more like Orange County Choppers, except with horses instead of motorcycles. Think lots of drama—involving both the family and the family business—but also plenty of tight sibling bonds and a fair share of laughs.

The reality show—now on its third season—revolves around the McBee family, owners of McBee Farm & Cattle Co. in Gallatin, Missouri. The family name also appears on several other affiliated brands, including McBee Meat Company and McBee’s Coffee N Carwash.  

The first season was dominated by two main storylines: Patriarch Steve McBee’s complicated romantic life and the company’s precarious financial situation. The latter of which the family hoped to solve by pursuing a major venture capital investment that ultimately failed to materialize.

In the second season, Steve McBee doesn’t appear on-screen—he is presumably focused on his legal issues, having pleaded guilty to federal crop insurance fraud in November 2024. But his romantic entanglements (and the fallout from them) still get plenty of attention. And financial stress continues to be a major worry, with son Steven McBee, Jr. mentioning a looming $6 million debt that could put the farm in jeopardy.

On the personal front, the four McBee brothers get into plenty of squabbles among themselves but circle the wagons if an outsider dares to come after one of their own—as Steven Jr.’s now ex-girlfriend Calah Jackson found out during a confrontation with Cole McBee during last week’s episode.  

The third season preview shows continuing financial and legal troubles, as well as more drama within the personal relationships of the family members, and even a mystery pregnancy test.

Want to get up to speed on the McBee family tree? Here are the main players you need to know.

Related: ‘RHOC’s Shannon Beador Reveals Which Moment From the Show Made Her Cry for Months (Exclusive)

Steve McBee

Not an official member of the cast for the current season, the patriarch founded the family farm with a purchase of 300 acres in the late 1990s. He and his ex-wife Kristi were married for 28 years and had four children before getting divorced due in large part, according to Kristi, to Steve’s infidelities. After the company faced some setbacks, he stepped away from his leadership role (a decision we now know happened around the same time as his plea in the criminal case). He is currently serving a two-year prison sentence at the Federal Prison Camp in Yankton, South Dakota.

Steven McBee, Jr. Steven McBee, Jr. (Stephanie Diani/Bravo)

Stephanie Diani/Bravo

The oldest of the four brothers, Steven has taken over the company leadership role in the wake of his father’s departure. He might look familiar to reality TV fans because this isn’t his first (reality) rodeo. He appeared in Joe Millionaire: For Richer or Poorer back in 2022, and that’s where he met Calah Jackson, who became his on-again, off-again girlfriend.

Jesse McBee Jesse McBee (Stephanie Diani/Bravo)

Stephanie Diani/Bravo

Dubbed “the pretty boy” by his brothers, Jesse oversees the company’s construction operations. He married his high school sweetheart, Alli Ventresca, in October 2024 and the couple welcomed daughter Summer in April 2025.  

Cole McBee Cole McBee (Stephanie Diani/Bravo)

Stephanie Diani/Bravo

The “wild child” of the four, Cole focuses on overseeing in-field farming operations. He and fiancee Kacie Adkisonwelcomed daughter Blair in December 2024 and are currently expecting their second child.

Brayden McBee Brayden McBee (Stephanie Diani/Bravo)

Stephanie Diani/Bravo

The youngest of the brothers, Brayden lived primarily with his mother after his parents’ divorce and has said he didn’t have as close of a relationship with his father as his brothers did. He works on the farm and appeared on the show only sporadically in the first season, but has a more visible role in Season 2.

Galyna Saltkovska Galyna Saltkovska (Stephanie Diani/Bravo)

Stephanie Diani/Bravo

The company CFO, Galyna was dating Steve McBee in Season 1, but the relationship imploded when she discovered he was also seeing other women. She continues to work for the family business.

Kristi McBee Kristi McBee (Stephanie Diani/Bravo)

Mother of the four sons, who jokingly refer to her as “Mama McBee,” Kristi is the president of a successful communications company and is also known as the peacemaker of the group. Kristi shies away from the limelight, doesn’t have public social media accounts, and didn’t appear much on-screen in Season 1. But she had a more visible role in Season 2, perhaps feeling the need to fill in the on-screen parental hole left by Steve’s absence from the show.

Calah Jackson Calah Jackson (Stephanie Diani/Bravo)

Stephanie Diani/Bravo

Calah and Steven Jr. seem to have had a drama-filled relationship marked by frequent break-ups and make-ups.

Alli Ventresca McBee Alli Ventresca (Stephanie Diani/Bravo)

Stephanie Diani/Bravo

Now married to Jesse McBee, the nurse practitioner celebrated her 30th birthday by becoming a mom to daughter Summer in April 2025.

Kacie Adkison Kacie Adkinson (Stephanie Diani/Bravo)

Kacie has experienced some emotional and, at times, tearful moments with boyfriend Cole McBee over the course of the show so far, and the couple became parents to daughter Blair in December 2024. She is currently pregnant with their second child.

Related: Everything We Know About 'Next Gen NYC' Season 2

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A great lounge set should be comfortable, cute enough to wear out, and affordable — and Walmart shoppers say this Wiholl Two-Piece Lounge Short Set delivers on all three. If you've been searching for easy, stylish casual pieces for summer, this two-piece set is worth considering. 

Right now, this Walmart lounge set is marked down to as low as $17, down from $29. It comes in eight colors, including striped, black, red, royal blue, and beige. Shoppers are praising the set for being “comfortable” and offering “trendy” color options, with one so impressed they told other shoppers they had to “add to cart now.” 

Wiholl Two Piece Lounge Short Set, $17 (was $29) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

For days when you want to feel comfortable but still look put-together, this matching two-piece set is an easy pick. The soft polyester-rayon-spandex fabric feels lightweight and breathable, and shoppers say it's "super comfortable" to wear throughout the day. Contrast trim along the neckline, sleeves, and shorts gives it a cool retro-sporty feel. The shorts also have side pockets for essentials such as phones, keys, or sunglasses. 

Shoppers love how easy this set is to style.  Wear it with trendy sneakers for travel days, running errands, or weekend activities, or pair it with simple sandals for a relaxed vacation-ready outfit. 

Related: Amazon’s $14 2-Piece Pleated Pajama Set Is 'Soft as Butter' and 'Airy' Enough for Warm Summer Nights

Walmart reviewers are especially impressed with the comfort. One shopper said it's "very comfortable to wear all day," while another called it "super chic and comfy for weekend sporting events." A third reviewer raved, "This is the cutest two piece set. 20/10 absolutely love it." 

Shop More Deals

• Dokotoo 2-Piece Lounge Set, $25 (was $39) at Walmart
• Fantaslook 2-Piece Lounge Set, $19 (was $35) at Walmart
• Fantaslook Roll Up Blouse, $15 (was $26) at Walmart 

At over 40% off, and select styles available for as low as $17 — the Wiholl Two-Piece Lounge Short Set is a solid summer pick at Walmart right now. With popular sizes and colors likely to sell quickly, it’s worth grabbing yours before it’s gone. 

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A chance encounter on the streets of West Hollywood set off a chain of events that would ultimately inspire a late '70s anthem from the "Queen of Disco."

Donna Summer recorded "Bad Girls" during sessions for her seventh studio album, Bad Girls. The LP was recorded at Rusk Sound Studios in Los Angeles, California.

Released in 1979, the Bad Girls LP is often viewed as a defining moment in Summer’s career and a major pop culture landmark. The album cemented her reputation as the undisputed queen of the genre and reinforced her dominance at the height of its popularity.

However, the song "Bad Girls" had a backstory that was inspired by a shocking case of mistaken identity. According to The Los Angeles Times, the song hailed from a chance encounter of a Casablanca Records employee, reportedly humiliated by police who accused her of being a Sunset Strip prostitute.

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This event sparked Summer's empathy for women working on the streets. The story motivated Summer, Pete Bellotte, Harold Faltermeyer, and Keith Forsey to create a song that challenged societal judgments and stereotypes.

Summer told the outlet, “I was mentally ready for fame but not emotionally. You start to lose yourself. 'Bad Girls’ had the message that, in a way, we’re all hookers to somebody.” The tune's iconic “toot-toots” and “beep-beeps” were supposed to represent the sounds of car horns used to attract prostitutes.

"Bad Girls" peaked at No. 1 on June 2, 1979 and remained at the top spot for three weeks. It remained on the charts for 21 weeks.

In a 2003 interview with NPR, Summer revealed that Casablanca Records founder Neil Bogart had originally considered giving “Bad Girls” to another major star—Cher—to record.

"He just thought it was too rock 'n' roll. He didn't think it was dance enough at the time, the way it was recorded originally," Summer explained.

"And I had gone in and recorded it with my husband Bruce [Sudano] and the Brooklyn Dreams. When he said he wanted to give it to Cher, I told him, I don't think so."

She concluded, "This is my song. And I keep Cher - I love Cher, but she can't have my song right now."

Donna Summer died on May 17, 2012, at the age of 63.

Related: 1979 Disco-Funk Anthem Became a Breakthrough Hit for All-Female Family Band

When Ariana Grande's first tour in seven years arrived in Los Angeles over the weekend, one of the loudest fans in the building was someone the fans had a very particular reason to notice. Kim Kardashian was in the crowd Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena, and the clips she posted from her night out immediately became a story about more than just a celebrity enjoying a pop concert.

Kardashian attended Grande's Eternal Sunshine Tour, joined by her former assistant Stephanie Shepherd and actress Emma Roberts. The three arrived in coordinating all-black outfits, and Kardashian wasted no time making her enthusiasm known. She took to her Instagram Stories to share video from the show, tagging Grande and calling her 'my baby' with a pink heart emoji.

The warm sentiment was nice enough on its own, but then in a video that spread quickly across social media, Kardashian was seen singing along with Shepherd and Roberts to Grande's song 'We Can't Be Friends (Wait for Your Love), a breakup anthem from Grande's 2024 album Eternal Sunshine about the emotional impossibility of staying friends after a relationship ends.

Kim Kardashian spotted at Ariana Grande’s ‘eternal sunshine’ tour in LA. pic.twitter.com/53SexETcfK

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) June 14, 2026

Kardashian's attendance at the show comes almost four years after she split from Grande's former fiancé, Pete Davidson. Grande and Davidson famously got engaged in 2018 after a brief but intensely public romance, only for the engagement to end four months later. Kardashian and Davidson were first romantically linked in October 2021, after meeting when she hosted NBC's Saturday Night Live, and the couple famously attended the Met Gala together in May 2022 before splitting in August of that year.

None of that history was spoken aloud Saturday night. But watching Kardashian belt out lyrics about waiting for someone you can't really let go, at the concert of a woman who loved the same man years earlier, was ironic to say the least.

Related: Victoria Beckham Thought She Was Getting the Hollywood Star, Not David

Grande's return to touring is itself a significant pop culture moment. The Eternal Sunshine Tour, which kicked off June 6 in Oakland, marks her first major concert run since the 2019 Sweetener World Tour, a gap of seven years that saw her star in the Wickedfilms, earn an Oscar nomination, and release two critically acclaimed albums. The tour has already generated headlines for its elaborate production, emotional performances and celebrity-filled audiences.

For Kardashian, the night appeared to be genuinely joyful. Her posts showed her singing along and cheering in a sold-out arena. The shared Pete Davidson connection added an undeniable layer of connection, but in the end it seemed it was simply two women who have both moved forward from the same chapter, sharing a night in the same room.

Grande has a new album, Petal, due July 31. Kardashian has her All's Fair series and SKIMS empire. The tour rolls on.

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Jimmy Kimmel didn't let President Donald Trump's birthday pass quietly, spoofing the controversial card Trump allegedly sent to Jeffrey Epstein and putting his own spin on it.

Kimmel wrote, "Happy 80th Donald! A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday and may every day be another wonderful secret." But the real punchline was in the artwork. While the original card allegedly featured the silhouette of a woman, Kimmel replaced it with a cartoonish figure seemingly designed to resemble Trump.

The comments section quickly filled with reactions, including, "Perfect drawing! Maybe the best drawing ever," and, "Not accurate. Where’s the fupa?" Many others joined in by posting variations of, "Happy Barack Obama Appreciation Day."

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The alleged 2003 birthday card from Trump to Epstein first surfaced in a 2025 Wall Street Journal report and was later released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee. Rather than a traditional birthday greeting, the message was written as a dialogue between characters named "Donald" and "Jeffrey."

The roast is just the latest in a string of Epstein-related jabs Kimmel has aimed at Trump and his family. He previously took aim at Trump after the president skipped son Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding to Bettina Anderson, joking on Jimmy Kimmel Live, "DJ TJ and his new bride, Bettina, were married on Saturday on a small island in the Bahamas. It was a small ceremony with about 40 guests, none of whom were his father.”

Kimmel continued, “Daddy Donald sent his RSVP via Truth Social. He wrote, ‘While I very much wanted to be with my son Don Jr. and the newest member of the Trump family, his soon-to-be wife Bettina, circumstances pertaining to government and my love for the United States of America do not allow me to do so.’ See, he can be warm when he wants to. He loves Don Jr. He just loves the United States more. He had circumstances pertaining to the government to get to.”

Adding another Epstein-related joke, Kimmel quipped, “And also, flying to a private island makes him miss his friend Jeffrey, who he lost.”

The hottest ticket in the Midwest this season isn’t just a quick weekend getaway—it’s a full-blown masterclass in hometown pride. If you need any proof that Northeast Ohio is having a massive cultural moment, look no further than its favorite sons, Jason and Travis Kelce.

The Cleveland Heights natives have turned their deep-rooted loyalty to "The Land" into a global brand, culminating in Travis officially joining the ownership group of his childhood baseball team, the Cleveland Guardians, as a minority investor. The city’s star power reached a fever pitch when Travis and his fiancée Taylor Swift were recently spotted downtown, sitting courtside to cheer on the Cleveland Cavaliers during a major playoff game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and reminding the world that this lakefront hub is a magnet for top-tier energy.

Whether you're heading in to catch a baseball game at Progressive Field or simply looking to soak up the region's booming cultural scene, experiencing Cleveland through the eyes of the Kelce brothers offers a perfect running itinerary for an authentic summer weekend.

Related: The Great Lakes Are Finally Getting a Michelin Guide—Here Are the Cities Included

The "Kelce Classic" Pregame Trail

You can start your exploration right in the brothers' childhood neighborhood of Cleveland Heights, which remains deeply anchored in their personal history. For a true local experience, book an appointment at Quintana’s Barber & Dream Spa, a multi-level spot where Travis has famously received his haircuts since middle school. The real draw for travelers is the hidden Quintana’s Speakeasy tucked away on the second floor, which remains a Kelce family favorite for private gatherings and still proudly displays Kansas City Chiefs flags alongside both brothers' high school jerseys. Afterward, you can head over to Ohio City to visit Great Lakes Brewing Company. While Jason frequently highlights their seasonal Christmas Ale on their New Heights podcast, the summer months turn their historic brewpub into the premier spot to grab a pint of craft heritage on the outdoor patio.

Related: 6 Idyllic Getaways That You Won’t Believe Are in the Midwest

A Phenomenal Museum Scene

Cleveland Museum of Natural History

The brothers have frequently noted that Cleveland’s museum roster is exceptional, making the cultural district an essential stop for a sophisticated afternoon itinerary. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is currently completing a highly anticipated $175 million modernization project, adding 50,000 square feet of new performance space and an expansive outdoor footprint just in time for fall. The landmark remains an absolute must-see for music lovers to take in the iconic Jimi Hendrix gear and original Beastie Boys costumes.

From there, you can head to the Cleveland Museum of Art in University Circle, a world-class institution that is entirely free to the public and currently highlights comprehensive exhibits like Manet & Morisot and Martin Puryear: Nexus. To cap off the culture tour, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History has just unveiled a major $150 million redesign, transforming into an interactive, 375,000-square-foot marvel that completely updates how regional science brings the natural world to life.

Related: Cleveland Released 1.5 Million Balloons in 1986, Then Utter Chaos Unfolded

Where to Eat: Kelce-Approved Comfort Food

Swenson's

When it comes to dining, the brothers are notoriously loyal to the old-school establishments they grew up visiting. To eat like a true local, you can pull up for a classic Galley Boy burger at Swensons Drive-In, a Northeast Ohio rite of passage, or grab a table at Geraci’s Restaurant, the Kelce family go-to for traditional, comforting Italian-American comfort food and classic pepperoni pies. For a deeper culinary dive, the historic West Side Market in Ohio City is currently undergoing a massive $70 million transformation, adding fresh outdoor dining sections and a complete makeover of the mezzanine space just in time for summer crowds to comfortably browse local food vendors.

The Waterfront Glow-Up

Erik Drost

To see the modern infrastructure updates shaping the city, you can finish your weekend directly on the water. The Cuyahoga River was recently designated a National Water Trail, meaning you can easily explore the winding waterways via local kayak rentals or the newly launched Cleveland Water Taxi. The freshly paved Mandel Community Trail also makes it effortless to move between the primary lakefront attractions and the new Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center, opening this summer to provide year-round public access to Lake Erie and proving that the best way to experience Cleveland is entirely on its own terms.

Related: This Dog-Friendly City in the Midwest Has a Off-Leash Beach, National Park Trails and a Pup-Approved Brewery Scene

KFC is evolving, launching several updates as part of a global rebrand.

On Monday, the popular fried chicken chain announced widespread changes to its visual identity, menu and restaurants, reassuring fans it's all "rooted in the same 'Finger Lickin' Good' ethos" that made it iconic to begin with. So, while the Colonel may not be going anywhere (and don't worry, neither is the fried chicken), the rebrand is ushering in a new era of KFC to better "meet customers where they are."

"In an increasingly crowded category, we have a clear opportunity to set the standard for modern chicken in QSR," Scott Mezvinsky, CEO of KFC Global, explained in a statement. "This next chapter brings new energy and expression to what makes us iconic, while doubling down on our chicken and reimagining how fans experience KFC around the world."

KFC Announces Global Rebrand With Updated Visual Identity, Menu, and Restaurants

Across its 31,000 restaurants in 150 countries, the one thing KFC is best known for is its Original Recipe chicken, which is famously made with 11 herbs and spices. But now, it's looking to meet growing consumer demand for "personalization and sensory experiences" by highlighting new boneless options—Dipped and Dunked—and a lineup of more than 20 sauces.

Related: KFC Launches New Lemonade, Sauces and a Big Bucket Deal

• Dipped: Crispy, juicy tenders and an assortment of other favorite boneless options paired with sauces from KFC’s new global sauce pantry.
• Dunked: Tenders, wings, and sandwiches "drenched in sauce for an immersive, flavor-first eating experience that brings bold flavor and craveability to every bite." This menu is already available in South Africa and India and its expansion reflects "growing consumer demand for more indulgent, sauce-forward menu experiences."

As for those sauces, they come as part of KFC's new "global sauce pantry" and feature modern twists on classic recipes and internationally inspired flavors such as Chimichurri Ranch and Hot Honey Habanero. Sound familiar? Well, Wendy's pulled a similar move this past fall.

KFC introduces new Dipped and Dunked menu.

KFC

KFC's international beverage platform, KWENCH, is also expanding to make its offers permanent in Australia and Canada this year.

The revamped experience doesn't end at the menu, as KFC is opening a series of "next-gen" restaurants this summer in the U.S. and abroad, which a rep described as "deliberate proof points of the brand's new direction."

• An open-concept design in McKinney, Texas, reinterpreting the brand’s heritage with modern energy. It's expected to open in late summer.
• A fully immersive, two-story restaurant in Dubai, showcasing one of the boldest expressions of the brand’s next-generation design. Opening in the fall.

New KFC restaurant design inspo.

KFC

Existing KFC restaurants will also be updated over time, with new builds and restaurant remodels part of the plan.

Tying it all together are updates to KFC's visual identity, which will relaunch the brand's "most distinctive assets" (the Colonel and its fried chicken bucket) with new energy that's "more expressive" and "more in tune with modern culture."

New KFC logo.

KFC

Its new look is subtle but clear, swapping the heavier stripes on its signature bucket for a KFC motif. Its fries now appear to be served in cups (instead of bags) and its sandwiches in beige wrappers with its global catchphrase, "It's Finger Lickin' Good." The rest of the menu items come in boxes featuring phrases such as "KFC Snack Box Tasty On Lock," "KFC Mega Box Nothing Beats Boxed-Fresh," and "KFC's Popcorn Chicken Is About to Pop Off."

The rebranding will roll out across packaging, digital platforms, advertising and restaurant environments this year.

New KFC Packaging.

KFC

When Will the Changes at KFC Go Into Effect?

KFC said the rollout is already underway in places like the United Kingdom and Ireland, where its new tenders and nine new sauces are already available. In the coming weeks, fans in Australia and the U.S. will also start to see "bold" new sauces pop up alongside refreshed branding, with additional markets to get refreshed by year-end.

Next: Subway Just Launched Its First-Ever Value Menu in Its 60-Year History

Abundance can mean different things to different people. For some, it's financial success, while for others, it is meaningful relationships, exciting opportunities, good health, or simply feeling fulfilled. While anyone can create an abundant life, there are four birth months that seem to produce people who naturally attract growth, prosperity, and opportunity wherever they go. Read on for expert astrology insights.

Which Birth Months Are Destined For Abundance?

Abundance isn't reserved only for specific birth months, but those with birthdays in February, April, July, and October often embody qualities that help them create it. Vision, determination, connection, and balance are powerful traits. When those qualities come together, good things have a way of finding their way into people's lives.

February: Ahead of the Curve

People born in February often notice possibilities that others might overlook. They tend to think creatively, follow their own paths, and aren't afraid to do things differently. This willingness to trust their instincts often leads them to opportunities that others miss. Whether they're independent Aquarians or compassionate Pisces, those born in this month embody a unique blend of vision and intuition.

February-born individuals are frequently ahead of their time, showing little interest in conforming to conventional norms. Instead, they create their own opportunities, which can lead to success in their careers, creative endeavors, and personal goals. Their success often stems from their courage to embrace being different.

April: Fortune Favors Action

April-borns have a natural drive that keeps them moving forward. When they want something, they usually don't sit around waiting for it to happen. They go after it. Because of their determination, they can often open seemingly impossible doors throughout their lives. Either an energetic Aries or a practical Taurus, this birth month has both ambition and staying power.

It helps that they're not short of confidence. Even when setbacks emerge, they tend to bounce back quickly and keep pushing ahead. They're willing to take chances, which leads to rewards, whether in business, relationships, or personal achievements. All in all, this birth month understands that abundance often follows initiative action.

July: Connections Create Currency

People born in July are known for their strong emotional intelligence. They have a deep understanding of others, which helps them build lasting connections and foster supportive communities around themselves. These relationships often become a significant source of abundance in their lives. Whether they are caring Cancer or charismatic Leo, July-born individuals blend empathy with natural leadership qualities.

This summertime birth month tends to attract opportunities through the trust and loyalty they inspire in those around them. Friends, family, and colleagues are naturally drawn to support them, and over time, these strong bonds can lead to both personal and professional success. Their abundance often grows from the connections they cultivate throughout their lives.

October: Charm Meets Strategy

People born in October possess a unique ability to find balance in their lives. They know how to work diligently while also savoring their experiences. With a talent for being in the right place at the right time, abundance tends to follow suit. Connecting with a diverse range of individuals brings valuable opportunities.

From the diplomatic nature of Libra to the determined spirit of Scorpio, October-born individuals combine charm with focus. They commonly navigate life with self-assuredness and grace. Additionally, they excel at recognizing potential. By making thoughtful decisions and transforming small advantages into significant achievements, their steady consistency often leads to lasting success.

UP NEXT:

At a time when synthesizers and big production dominated pop music, one unexpected chart-topper proved simplicity could be just as mesmerizing.

Bobby McFerrin burst onto the Billboard Hot 100 with "Don't Worry Be Happy." With its laid-back vibe and catchy melody, the song quickly connected with listeners and became an unlikely chart-topping success.

The song hailed from the 1988 Tom Cruise smash film Cocktail. The movie centered on a charismatic bartender whose pursuit of wealth and excitement took him from New York City to the beaches of Jamaica.

According to the Library of Congress, "Don't Worry Be Happy" was the first single off McFerrin’s album Simple Pleasures. The LP was the final in a series of albums Elektra Records made with the entertainer, the last of their recording contract.

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"The night before the recording session, Bobby and his manager/producer, Linda Goldstein, had gone to see the movie The Three Amigos, a slapstick Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, Martin Short comedy. Walking from the car park to the studio the next day, they were joking and laughing about the movie and the ridiculous accents the actors had been using," the Library of Congress reported.

"Bobby went directly to the studio and started singing the lyrics to the song he had been fooling around with for five years in his own version of a comical Caribbean accent. Some people consider it to be a bad version of a Jamaican accent, but in fact the accent was random and spontaneous. The core message of the song is delivered in this performance itself, don’t worry, be happy, and the accent is part of what makes the song happen."

The entire song was recorded in three hours with McFerrin's own voice. He sang the lyrics, and did all the percussion, bass, and whistles. However, Elektra still was unsure about releasing the unusual song.

However, "Don't Worry Be Happy" got a push from a local radio station in San Diego, California, which championed the song. By September 1988, the song had climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the first a cappella hit to top the chart using nothing but the human voice.

An accompanying video featured actors Robin Williams and Bill Irwin. The video cut between McFerrin, Williams, and Irwin, who joked around throughout filming, giving the clip a playful feel.

"Don't Worry Be Happy" won a 1989 Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year. However, the song wasn't without its controversies.

Bobby McFerrin and one of his three 1989 Grammy Awards Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

In 1988, George Bush's presidential campaign used the track heavily during their 1988 rallies without McFerrin's permission or endorsement, according to Rolling Stone. McFerrin supported his opponent, Michael Dukakis. Thus, McFerrin dropped "Don't Worry, Be Happy" from his live performances.

Bobby McFerrin continues to perform music, according to his official website, which lists dates at The Freight in Berkeley, California, throughout the summer of 2026.

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If you're rushing home after work to build a new LEGO set — we get you and we see you. Having a hobby that you can look forward to makes your weeks much more enjoyable, especially when you snag sets at incredible prices. Amazon has been marking down some of the toy brand's most iconic sets ahead of Prime Week later this month, with the latest being aLEGO Star Wars R2-D2 Building Toy Set marked down by 20% right now. 

The 1,050-piece buildable model displays the iconic R2-D2 character with a 360-degree rotating head, attachable periscope, a detachable third leg to move it around, and additional attachable tools. The set also comes with a plaque that showcases details on the R2-D2 figurine, which you can stand on your display shelf. To top it all off, LEGO is offering an included special Darth Malak LEGO minifigure to toy with. 

LEGO Star Wars R2-D2 Building Toy Set, $80 (was $100) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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This "excellent" set is recommended for ages 10 and up, which makes it the perfect activity for kids and their parents that are fans of the Star Wars universe. One reviewer wrote that it's a "must-have for any Star Wars or LEGO fan," adding that "the level of detail is incredible," and that "it was a fun, rewarding experience from start to finish." 

"It's a great value for the money and it didn't take [my son] long to build it because he was so excited about it," a second shopper said. "It has movable parts which makes it extra fun." 

Many buyers also noted that it's great for gifting. Whether you're looking to celebrate a birthday, graduations, or Father's Day, this top-rated collection is an easy way to delight LEGO and Star Wars fans. If you do decide to gift it for Father's Day, make sure to add it to your cart as soon as possible to ensure it arrives before June 21.

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Collecting your own Star Wars memorabilia or finding the perfect gift just got a whole lot easier, thanks to Amazon's unbeatable 20% off discount on this R2-D2 figurine. And in case you're jonesing for more intergalactic gear, the retailer is also selling this Star Wars Millennium Falcon Model for a shockingly low price. It's not often LEGO goes on sale, so take advantage of it while you can!

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