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Alison Arngrim was 12 years old when she was cast as Nellie Oleson on Little House on the Prairie. She was hired immediately. She knew right away the role was hers. “It was that kind of kismet chemistry immediately,” she tells PEOPLE ahead of the Little House cast reunion at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville from September 11 to 13. Fifty-two years later, she’s back on Netflix‘s new Little House reboot. You won’t recognize her.

She knew exactly what she was walking into from the moment she got the role. “I grew up in a house full of actors. I knew what it meant to be the villain. And I always liked villains in shows. I just did. So, it was a huge day for me,” she explains.

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Getting cast in a role at 12, most young actors would shy away from it, but it didn’t intimidate her at all. It thrilled her. “I am the villain. I have managed to snag the villain role,” she recalls thinking. Michael Landon saw what she saw. “She jumped off the page at me, and I saw it, and he saw it, and boom.” Not all actresses can say that about the role that defines their career. Arngrim can.

What she couldn’t know was what Nellie Oleson would actually do. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think Nellie would continue to do the kind of stuff she did,” she says, laughing. “I could never imagine that she was going to be so awful that she was going to pretend to be paralyzed and get pushed down a hill in a wheelchair.” She laughs at it now.

The girl who felt kismet getting a villain role at 12 never anticipated the villain would go quite that far. But she did. And the character worked because she wasn’t just mean, she was intentional and specific, mostly toward Melissa Gilbert’s Laura Ingalls. Not generically mean but specifically petty. Faking paralysis is specific. Getting pushed down a hill in a wheelchair is specific. That specificity is what made Nellie Oleson iconic rather than merely unpleasant.

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That’s one way to prove she can walk… #LittleHouseOnThePrairie is streaming now on Peacock. #LauraIngallsWilder #Classic

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One of those moments came with help from an unexpected direction. On the Little House Fifty for 50 Podcast, Arngrim recalled being 13 on set, reading horror comics about werewolves and zombies between takes. “They’re very, very gory and fabulous. I was 13.” Veteran actor Victor French noticed. When she needed to access a particularly dark moment for Nellie, he said: “Think of your werewolf comic books.” The result was immediate. “You just see this fabulous beautiful smile just overtake me,” she recalled. French’s reaction: “Yes. That’s it.” She credits him completely. “He absolutely rah-rah’d cheered me through it.”

From Nellie Oleson to Rotten Teeth

Arngrim says she’s surprised and humbled by the continued love for Nellie. Fifty years later, people are still watching and still responding, and still loving to hate her. And she’s proved the character’s staying power with a new role that couldn’t be further from Nellie’s pristine ringlets and cruel smile. In Netflix’s new Little House on the Prairie reboot currently streaming, Arngrim plays Ida — a forest-dwelling drifter living in the woods with a group of fellow drifters. The production painted her teeth to look rotten and her nails were made to look diseased. “All my beautiful nails, my beautiful teeth and my beautiful skin. Out the window,” she said. She received the offer two weeks before filming. She said yes immediately. Some habits don’t change.

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@Alison Arngrim girl what’s going on.. #littlehouseontheprairie #nellieoleson #littlehousenetflix #lauraingalls #lauraingallswilder

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The Little House cast reunion at the Grand Ole Opry runs September 11 to 13 — four days from now. For only three days, LHOTP cast members will be in Nashville. Joining Arngrim are Rachel and Sidney Greenbush (Carrie Ingalls), Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle), Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder), Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter), Stan Ivar (John Carter), Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace), Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose), and Todd Bridges (Solomon). Tickets available here.

Related: Beloved ‘Happy Days’ Actor, Henry Winkler, Finally Meets His Idol, Completely Loses His Cool. ‘Ayyyy.’

Alison Arngrim was 12 when she called Nellie Oleson kismet. She didn’t know Nellie would fake paralysis or get pushed down a hill or make an entire generation feel genuine hatred for a fictional character in pigtails. She didn’t know Netflix would one day paint her teeth rotten and hide her in the woods. The Netflix reboot is proof that the prairie isn’t finished with any of them. Fifty-two years is a long time. Some kismet runs deeper than anyone expects.

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Most people who start a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic are not thinking about their cheekbones. They’re thinking about their health, blood sugar, energy levels or maybe some new jeans they might buy. And then a few months in, something shifts in the mirror. The weight loss is working, but the face in the reflection looks a little hollowed out and a little more tired. The smile lines may be deeper and the cheeks that used to be full are doing something different now, and it’s not exactly what you were hoping for.

This is what’s become known as “Ozempic face,” and while the name is informal, the experience is very real for a significant number of people on GLP-1 medications. The good news is that dermatologists have thoughts. The better news is that some of those thoughts involve things you can do at home right now, today, without an appointment. The realistic news is that some of the structural stuff is going to require a conversation with a professional. We’ll get to all of it.

To sort through what’s actually happening and what you can actually do about it, we talked to six experts—Dr. Robert Schwarcz, double board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon in New York City; Dr. Kseniya Kobets, Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care; Dr. Mike Ellis, medical director of Keep Glowing Medical Spa; Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, celebrity skin expert and DNP; Dr. Chang Son, board-certified dermatologist; and Dr. Kenneth Mark, cosmetic dermatologist.

Related: The Skincare Routine Dermatologists Recommend During Rapid Weight Loss

What Is ‘Ozempic Face’ and Why Does It Happen?

“Ozempic face” isn’t a medical diagnosis. Instead, it’s the colloquial name for what happens when rapid fat loss outpaces the skin’s ability to adapt. As Dr. Mark explains, the face loses fat along with the rest of the body, and “that can become especially noticeable in people who have lost weight quickly.”

The mechanism goes deeper than simple fat loss, though. Dr. LoGerfo shares that GLP-1 receptors are found in both fat cells and skin-supporting cells, and when activated, they may decrease production of substances that normally protect and repair the skin.

Dr. Kobets adds that emerging research points to a specific layer called dermal white adipose tissue—a thin, biologically active fat layer that communicates with fibroblasts and releases collagen-supporting signals.

“Ozempic face is probably not just one thing,” Dr. Kobets tells Parade. “Overall weight loss remains the main driver, but emerging research suggests GLP-1 medications may also influence the biologically active fat and signaling systems that help support the skin.”

Unfortunately, when weight loss is rapid, the face loses fat before the skin has time to adapt, according to Cleveland Clinic. So, someone who loses the same amount of weight slowly may experience far fewer noticeable changes than someone who loses it quickly on medication.

Related: I’m a Dermatologist—This Is the One Product I Can’t Live Without

What Does Ozempic Face Look Like (And Is It Permanent)?

The presentation is pretty consistent across patients: hollowed cheeks and temples, sunken-looking eyes, more prominent bone structure, deeper nasolabial folds and marionette lines, and skin laxity along the jaw and neck.

Dr. Ellis adds that GLP-1 medications suppress appetite enough that some patients eat much less, which can lead to dehydration. “We get about 20% of our daily hydration from our foods,” he explains, and dehydration creates its own category of fine lines on top of the structural changes.

Is it permanent? Well, that’s a complicated answer. Dr. Kobets distinguishes between surface issues and structural ones. Dehydration and mild barrier changes can improve relatively quickly once weight stabilizes, she says.

Dr. LoGerfo recommends waiting until weight has been stable for at least three to six months before pursuing in-office correction, since the medication remains in circulation for about five weeks after the last dose and facial changes continue to evolve. “If you start facial work before the weight is stabilized, you are chasing a moving target,” she says.

Related: How To Apply Concealer When Rapid Weight Loss Makes Your Under-Eyes Look Hollow

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Can Topicals and Skincare Actually Fix Structural Facial Volume Loss?

No, the experts say topical products work within the skin’s outer layers—they cannot replace lost fat pads, rebuild retaining ligaments, restore muscle or reverse bone changes. “Skincare can improve the quality of the fabric, but it cannot rebuild the scaffolding underneath it,” Dr. Kobets tells Parade.

What skincare can do is improve the skin envelope over those structures. Better hydration, a repaired barrier, softer fine lines, improved texture and collagen support within the dermis can make the face look healthier, smoother and more refreshed. 

Dr. Kobets also says that products claiming to grow new facial fat are extremely suspicious. “There is currently no strong independent human evidence that topical sarsasapogenin, marketed as Volufiline, meaningfully restores facial adipose tissue,” she explains. (Good to know before anyone spends a lot on that particular promise.)

Related: Biggest Skincare Mistake People 40+ Make, Per Dermatologists

The 3 Plumping Ingredients Dermatologists Recommend for Ozempic Face

Here are the expert-backed ingredients to look for to combat facial volume loss.

1. Retinoids

The most evidence-backed ingredient for collagen support within the dermis. Prescription tretinoin has the strongest data, but over-the-counter retinol is a reasonable and more tolerable starting point. Dr. Schwarcz recommends starting at a low concentration like 0.1% a few nights a week, always with a rich moisturizer.

Dr. Kobets notes that retinoids stimulate collagen production, reduce collagen breakdown and improve both epidermal and dermal thickness over time—making them “the closest of these ingredients to producing a meaningful structural improvement within the skin.” Apply in the evening only, and since retinoids increase sun sensitivity, morning sunscreen is non-negotiable.

2. Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin

These are the ingredients doing the immediate visible work. Hyaluronic acid attracts and retains water in the upper layers of the skin, quickly softening fine lines and creating a fuller appearance. Apply it to slightly damp skin for best absorption.

Glycerin, as Dr. Kobets points out, is “one of the most reliable and underrated ingredients for improving hydration and supporting the skin barrier.” Neither replaces lost fat, but well-hydrated skin visibly looks more plump and healthy—and for skin that’s been through the drying effects of GLP-1 medication, this matters more than usual.

3. Peptides

Dr. Ellis likes GHK-Cu, a copper peptide that can support fibroblasts involved in producing collagen, elastin and other structural matrix components—while also calming inflammation.

Dr. Kobets says peptides have less data than retinoids, but are a strong complement to a broader anti-aging routine, particularly when skin quality has been affected by rapid weight loss.

Honorable mention

Dr. Son and Dr. Mark also both include vitamin C as an honorable mention and recommended bonus ingredient—it supports collagen synthesis as a cofactor and provides antioxidant protection against the oxidative stress that accelerates collagen breakdown. Apply in the morning with SPF.

How To Use Plumping Ingredients in Your Daily Routine for Maximum Volume

The morning routine is about protection and hydration: gentle cleanser, vitamin C serum, hyaluronic acid on slightly damp skin, ceramide-containing moisturizer and broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.

“Healthy, hydrated skin will always look better, but it’s important to have realistic expectations about what skincare alone can accomplish,” Dr. Mark says. Consistent daily sunscreen is especially critical because UV exposure accelerates collagen breakdown—which is counterproductive when you’re simultaneously trying to support collagen.

The evening routine is where collagen stimulation happens: gentle cleanser, retinoid on dry skin starting two to three nights weekly and building as tolerated, followed by a moisturizer rich in ceramides and glycerin.

Dr. Kobets suggests the “sandwich method” for sensitive skin—moisturizer, retinoid and then another layer of moisturizer—to reduce irritation without sacrificing efficacy. Dr. Ellis adds a peptide serum before the retinoid step for additional collagen support. Include the neck and chest in whatever routine you’re doing for your face—the complaints about crepiness below the jawline are just as common, and often less addressed.

Related: The 15 Best Body Lotions for Aging Skin, According to Board-Certified Dermatologists

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When Should You See a Dermatologist for Volumizing In-Office Treatments?

Earlier than most people think, but not necessarily before weight has stabilized. Dr. Kobets recommends an early consultation to assess baseline facial anatomy and develop a thoughtful plan, saying that conservative collagen-stimulating treatments may be appropriate before or during weight loss in selected patients.

But for more substantial volumization, she generally prefers waiting until the weight-loss trajectory has slowed. Dr. LoGerfo’s three-to-six month post-stabilization window is the most conservative estimate.

For structural hollowing, hyaluronic acid fillers provide the most immediate targeted volume. Dr. Mark specifically points to Voluma for cheeks and temples and Volux—the only FDA-approved filler specifically designed for the jawline—as options he uses.

Biostimulatory injectables like Sculptra and hyperdilute Radiesse stimulate collagen more gradually and can address both volume loss and overall skin quality. For patients where significant laxity is the primary concern, energy-based tightening treatments—radiofrequency microneedling, ultrasound-based devices—improve texture and mild laxity. And for more advanced loose skin, Dr. Schwarcz says a facelift or neck lift may provide better long-term results than increasingly large amounts of filler.

Dr. Son’s advice is to start the conversation with a dermatologist when you start the GLP-1, not after. The patients who fare best are the ones who anticipated the changes and built a plan before they became the problem.

Up Next:

Related: Why Your Hair Might Be Thinning on a GLP-1 Drug—and What To Do About It

Sources:

• Dr. Robert Schwarcz, double board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon, New York City
• Dr. Kseniya Kobets, Director of Cosmetic Dermatology, Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care
• Dr. Mike Ellis, medical director, Keep Glowing Medical Spa
• Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, celeb skin expert, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, DCNP
• Dr. Chang Son, board-certified dermatologist
• Dr. Kenneth Mark, cosmetic dermatologist

By late 1987, Linda Ronstadt was widely regarded as the most versatile female vocalist in music history.

Over two decades, she had conquered arena rock, dominated pop radio, recorded multi-platinum big band standards, and starred on Broadway in The Pirates of Penzance. But there was still one avenue she had yet to tackle, and it was the closest to her heart.

The project, called Canciones de Mi Padre, was an album of songs sung entirely in Spanish. It was a love letter to her Mexican heritage, a reminder of the songs she and her family sang together as a young girl.

However, her record company, Elektra, wasn’t entirely on board with the project. In the CNN Films documentary Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice, the company responded with disbelief when she shared her idea for the project.

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“Record archaic songs from the ranches of Mexico? And all in Spanish? Impossible!” she recalled being told. 

Ronstadt continued, “As a family, we always sang in Spanish. Even though I didn’t understand much of what I was singing, it was something that I learned to do. It’s kind of like lip-reading, you know. I used to kind of chameleon in harmony along with my father.”

The entertainer added, “I went to the president of my record company, who’s a man who genuinely likes music. And I said, ‘Look, I made all these records for you … I’m going to do this just for me.’”

She concluded, “This might be self-indulgent. If it sells two copies, I don’t care. But if I can’t record this music, I’m going to die.”

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Ronstadt’s instincts were correct. Her Instagram page shared that the LP would go on to become the “best-selling non-English-language album in the history of American recorded music for 30-plus years.”

She told AARP the project’s inspiration came from the music of her childhood. She was raised in Tucson, Arizona, 40 miles north of the Mexican border.

“I grew up listening to Mexican music. My family is Mexican, and I always identified as Mexican culturally, even though I have a German surname. There are a lot of Germans in northern Mexico who married Mexicans, which is the case of my grandfather.”

Ronstadt added, “This was music that I learned from my grandfather, and he learned from his father and that I learned again from my father. I remember my dad singing in Spanish and playing on the guitar, harmonizing with his brothers and my grandfather singing and playing on the solo guitar.”

“I didn’t speak very good Spanish as a child, so I thought Spanish was the language you sang in and English was the language you spoke. To me, Spanish was always a musical language,” she concluded.

The LP had the musical direction of bandleader Rubén Fuentes and featured some of the world’s finest Mariachi bands, including Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlán, Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Mariachi Los Galleros de Pedro Rey, and Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández reported Goldmine.

Canciones de mi Padre won a 1987 Grammy Award for Best Mexican-American Album and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2021 and into the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress in 2022.

Related: Linda Ronstadt Turned a Rejected Monkees Track Into Her Biggest Breakthrough Hit

While Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has long been celebrated for the Boo-to-You Parade, costumed character meet-and-greets, and trick-or-treating along Main Street, U.S.A., the after-hours event has quietly transformed into something else entirely: an all-out seasonal food festival.

Running on select nights through October 31, 2026, at Magic Kingdom, the separately ticketed party grants admission as early as 4:00 PM before festivities officially kick off at 7:00 PM (tickets can be secured via Disneyworld.com/Halloween, with discounts for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members).

Alongside the entertainment lineup, Disney’s culinary team has unleashed an ambitious roster of exclusive treats that stretch far beyond standard pumpkin-spice cupcakes, introducing savory handheld bites, villain-inspired creations, and seasonal drinks across both the theme park and Disney Springs.

“Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has evolved into a bona fide Halloween-themed food festival,” says Carly Caramanna, travel and theme park journalist and author of the upcoming book The Unofficial Disney Parks Retro Cookbook: 60+ Nostalgic Recipes and Stories of Yesteryear. “For me, it’s reason alone to return to the mega popular after-hours events each year. And I look forward to trying new creations each year—especially since they’ve made a concerted effort to add more exciting savory options alongside enticing sweets.”

Related: The 3 Bites That Will Go Viral at Epcot’s 2026 Food & Wine Fest

What to Taste Inside the Magic Kingdom

Caramanna, who stress-tests dozens of seasonal theme park dishes each autumn, already has her game plan mapped out for the party.

At the top of her list is a fiery sweet over in Tomorrowland: “When I visit this year, I plan to beeline it directly to The Lunching Pad for a brand new, party exclusive treat. The Hades Cake Pop is a photo-worthy cake pop with Mexican hot chocolate cake,” notes Caramanna. The dessert is dipped in rich chocolate, spiked with popping candies, and topped with blue marshmallow “flames.”

On the savory front, she recommends keeping an eye out for a fan-favorite returning to Fantasyland: “I’m also happy to see the buffalo chicken hand pie from Friar’s Nook returning, which was no doubt a foodie highlight last year.” The dish wraps tender buffalo chicken and melted mozzarella inside a flaky crust, finished with tangy blue cheese crumbles and buffalo-ranch drizzle.

Other standout park-exclusive dishes grabbing foodie attention this season include:

• Doom Buggy Dumplings (Sleepy Hollow Refreshments): Steamed chicken dumplings tossed in a bold red miso gochujang sauce, topped with crunchy furikake and chili threads.
• Cursed Cowboy Fries (Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe): Sweet potato fries piled high with smoky barbecue burnt ends, chipotle queso, pico de gallo, and crispy jalapeños.
• Headless Horseman Treat (Casey’s Corner): A pumpkin pie tart layered with whipped cheesecake, spiced caramel panna cotta, candied pecans, and marshmallow buttercream.

Related: The Powerful Reason Magic Kingdom’s Villians Land Is Disney’s Ultimate Nostalgic Return To Its Roots

Don’t Skip Disney Springs: The Secret Spooky Food Hub

You don’t necessarily need a party ticket to sample some of Disney’s best autumn culinary creations. Just a quick bus or boat ride away, Disney Springs has quietly become an essential fall foodie stop in its own right—specifically inside an adventure-themed lounge.

“Of all the seasonal bites, I’m most looking forward to the limited-time menu coming to Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar,” explains Caramanna. “Since the Halloween overlay debuted last year, it’s become home to some of the best seasonal eats (and the décor is fantastic). I’m still thinking about last year’s Alien Invader Sliders with Nashville hot fried chicken, which will be returning.”

For new creations hitting the Hangar Bar, Caramanna has her eye on a mix of sweet, spicy, and boozy offerings: “This year the menu doesn’t disappoint. At the top of my list to try is a new espresso martini flight, cleverly named the Fright of the Espresso, and the Midnight Mayhem Popcorn chicken, with candied bacon and hot honey.”

Whether you are packing an appetite for after-hours party roaming or making an afternoon cocktail crawl through Disney Springs, this year’s seasonal menus prove that Halloween at Disney is best experienced with a fork in hand.

Related: What Disney Fans Won’t Want to Miss from Disneyland’s 2026 Halloween Eats

Kelly Osbourne is opening up about her weight loss after her father, Ozzy Osbourne, died in 2025.

The 41-year-old reality star told the Daily Mail on September 6 she had “no idea” how much smaller she was in 2025. She saw a photo of herself in a fitting the 2026 Grammy Awards and was shocked.

“I looked like the f—ing Crypt Keeper,” Osbourne said, referencing the skelton-like character from the Tales from the Crypt franchise.

“I said, ‘This is scary. I didn’t know I looked like this,’” she continued. “My spine — you could see every single bone. I couldn’t see what other people saw because I was in so much pain. I just saw a broken person.”

Her father died from “out of hospital cardiac arrest” and “acute myocardial infarction,” coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease with autonomic dysfunction stated as “joint causes,” according to the death certificate obtained by People. He was 76 years old.

She said her team looked for something for her to wear that would not emphasize the weight loss.

“They knew I was going through something. So, we were trying to find clothes to not make me look skinnier,” she recalled. “I was scared. I wanted to be there to support my mom [Sharon Osbourne] and to pay tribute to my father’s legacy, [but] I don’t think I should have gone. I wasn’t very well.”

After her father died she struggled with the loss to the point she couldn’t eat.

“You’re filled with so much pain that the feeling of hunger can’t even pop up,” she explained.

Osbourne is working on a three-part documentary that tells her experience with grief

“I’m [telling] my story because there’s a lot that people don’t know,” she said. “The person I was before my dad died is dead. That person doesn’t exist anymore.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, help is available. Contact the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) at 1-800-931-2237 or go to NationalEatingDisorders.org.

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Dolly Parton’s home goods collection at Walmart is filled with everything you need for entertaining. From dazzling drinkware to pretty platters and kitchen utensils, the line has everything you need to outfit your kitchen with the star’s signature sparkle. Even better? The prices are all incredibly approachable, so you can snag staple home items for as low as $7.

One piece we’re especially excited to see up for grabs right now is the Dolly Parton Jeweled Mosaic Cake Stand, available for just $35. Whether you’re using it to display a cake or serve scrumptious small bites at brunch, the garden-inspired butterfly motif adds a touch of whimsy to any spread.

Dolly Parton Jeweled Mosaic Cake Stand, $35 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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This durable stoneware cake stand is adorned with dazzling hand-applied tiles and delicate jeweled detailing. The blue and cream color scheme offers a balance of soft and vibrant hues throughout the mosaic design. 

This stand’s 5-inch-high tapered base creates a sturdy foundation for the 10.5-inch-diameter platter that sits upon it. While it’s ideal for serving a round cake, a pile of bite-sized desserts, or appetizers, this piece is versatile enough to be used in other ways around your home. It could hold small decor items, become a stylish drop zone for your jewelry, or even display perfume bottles. 

“Dreams are of no value if they’re not equipped with wings” is embossed twice on opposite sides of the circular surface, allowing it to be read from multiple directions. This inspirational line from Dolly’s song “Try” off her 2014 Blue Smoke album fits perfectly with the butterfly decoration in the center of the stand, a nod to the country icon’s “Iron Butterfly” nickname.

While this cake stand is definitely worth adding to your own collection, it would also make it a thoughtful gift for any Dolly fan. Although this is a new release with limited reviews so far, it’s already earned a perfect five-star rating from early shoppers. One reviewer called this piece a “beautiful cake stand,” noting that it is of “great quality for the price.” 

Related: Walmart’s Freestanding Storage Cabinet Is an ‘Elegant’ Way to Declutter Kitchens and Entryways

Now $35 at Walmart, the Dolly Parton Jeweled Mosaic Cake Stand is a fun way to add a bit of the legendary performer’s razzle dazzle to your summer table! Snag it now while it’s still in stock!

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Labor Day weekend is a natural time to take on the home projects that have been sitting on your to-do list all summer. Whether you’re refreshing a patio, picking up paint for a long-awaited room makeover, replacing a worn-out tool or getting your garden ready for fall, The Home Depot can be a helpful stop for supplies.

Before you head out, though, it’s worth confirming Home Depot’s Labor Day hours and checking your local store’s schedule, especially if you plan to shop for a last-minute project essential.

Is Home Depot Open on Labor Day?

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Yes, The Home Depot is open on Labor Day. The retailer’s official 2026 holiday schedule lists Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7, as a regular-hours shopping day.

That is good news for anyone squeezing in one more warm-weather project over the long weekend—whether that means picking up paint, replacing a broken tool, refreshing a patio, planting fall flowers or finally getting started on a small repair that has been waiting all summer.

Related: This Must-Have Storage System at IKEA Is the Organization Upgrade Parents Need

What Are Home Depot’s Labor Day Hours?

Home Depot’s Labor Day hours are its normal store hours, though exact opening and closing times vary by location. The retailer directs customers to use its store locator to confirm the schedule for their nearest store.

For example, several Home Depot locations list weekday schedules such as 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. While other stores operate on different schedules. The Decatur, Ga., Wages Drive location, for instance, lists hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The Commerce, Calif., location is open from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

If you need a specific service—such as curbside pickup, truck rental, the Pro Desk, the garden center or tool rental—it is especially wise to verify local availability before leaving home. Service schedules can differ from a store’s general shopping hours.

Home Depot’s Labor Day Savings Event runs nationwide from Aug. 27 through Sept. 9, with deals tied to outdoor living, appliances, tools and home-improvement projects. That makes the holiday a useful time to pick up supplies for a final summer refresh or an early start on fall projects.

Related: Hobby Lobby’s Antique-Style Bamboo Shoe Rack Is a Simple Fix for Entryway Clutter

In 1997, 14-year-old LeAnn Rimes recorded a song that almost didn’t get released, only to see it become one of the biggest hits of the decade.

“How Do I Live” was written by Diane Warren for the 1997 Nicolas Cage action movie Con Air. Rimes was initially commissioned to record the song, but the film’s producers ultimately decided her performance lacked the maturity they wanted and brought in country star Trisha Yearwood to record another version. Yearwood’s rendition was used in the movie.

Rimes’ label, Curb Records, initially planned to shelve her recording, but Warren personally called label head Mike Curb and urged him to release it as a single. It turned out to be quite a call: Rimes’ “How Do I Live” climbed all the way to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Now, nearly three decades later, Warren is celebrating a milestone of her own. The legendary songwriter turns 70 on Sept. 7.

Warren was born Sept. 7, 1956, in Van Nuys, Calif., and began writing music when she was just 11 years old, getting more serious about songwriting by age 14. Her mother encouraged her to pursue a more conventional career, but Warren’s father supported her musical ambitions, buying her a 12-string guitar and a metal shed where she could practice. Warren later wrote Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me” as a tribute to her father and his support of her dreams.

Her first major hit arrived with Laura Branigan’s “Solitaire,” which reached No. 7 in 1983. Two years later came DeBarge’s “Rhythm of the Night,” and Warren’s résumé exploded from there.

She wrote Starship’s “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” Chicago’s “Look Away,” Bad English’s “When I See You Smile,” Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time,” Toni Braxton’s “Un-Break My Heart,” Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” and dozens more.

At one point, Warren became the first songwriter in Billboard history to have seven songs performed by seven different artists on the singles chart simultaneously. Over the course of her career, nine Warren compositions have reached No. 1 on the Hot 100, while 33 have cracked the Top 10.

But even among that staggering catalog, “How Do I Live” stands out.

Rimes’ version spent a record-breaking 69 weeks on the Hot 100, including 32 weeks in the Top 10 and 25 weeks in the Top 5. It spent five nonconsecutive weeks at No. 2 and topped the Adult Contemporary chart for 11 weeks.

The song also earned Warren an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song, although it lost the Oscar to Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic.

Warren’s accolades extend far beyond that nomination. She is a Grammy, Emmy and two-time Golden Globe winner, a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and a recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She has received 17 competitive Academy Award nominations, the most of any individual without a competitive win, and received an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards in 2022.

And at 70, Warren is still adding to her extraordinary catalog.

In 2023, Taylor Swift released “Say Don’t Go,” which she and Warren had written together a decade earlier, on 1989 (Taylor’s Version). The song debuted at No. 5 on the Hot 100, giving Warren her first Top 10 hit on the chart in 22 years.

After more than four decades of hits, Warren’s songs have connected generations of performers who might otherwise seem to have little in common. Cher, Chicago, Celine Dion, Aerosmith, LeAnn Rimes and Taylor Swift all have at least one thing connecting them: a Diane Warren song.

Related: ’60s Legend, Who Played With The Monkees and Photographed More Than 250 Album Covers, Turns 88

When it comes to vices, I don’t have many, but I’ve always had a major sweet tooth. Ice cream is my weakness, and I’m a sucker for any flavor that features cookie dough in it. I’m a bit of an ice cream purist, and I prefer to eat mine in a bowl with a spoon, so milkshakes have never been one of my go-tos. However, my husband has never met a milkshake he didn’t like. So when Parade asked me to taste test nine different milkshakes, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to finally understand why he loves the popular ice cream treat so much.

Objectively, I’ve always thought that milkshakes are a good choice when you’re looking for something in between a hard and soft ice cream. Plus, they’re definitely more portable than other ice cream treats. But I’m a creature of habit, and I never actually order them when I go out for ice cream. Still, I was intrigued to see if this experiment would change my mind.

Since my husband is the resident milkshake expert in my household, I took him along for the ride and asked him to weigh in on each of the nine milkshakes while I also tested them. Read on to find out how the experiment went.

How I Chose the Milkshakes

For the purpose of this taste test, I was focused on chocolate milkshakes alone for the sake of consistency. With my marching orders in hand, I prepared my sweet tooth for a tasty experiment and put together a list of nine milkshakes from major ice cream chains and restaurants.

I selected the restaurants based on how common/popular they are across the country and how close they were located to me.

Methodology: How I Tested Them

At each location, I ordered a chocolate milkshake with whipped cream. I tested each milkshake with my husband and we both weighed in on flavor, consistency and thickness to determine how well they ranked.

Related: I Tried Every Item on Pizza Hut’s New Throwback Value Menu (Starting at $3)—Here’s How They Rank

9 Fast Food Milkshakes, Ranked From Worst To Best 9. Burger King Chocolate Milkshake

Chrissy Callahan

How the brand describes it: “A creamy, hand-spun style shake combining vanilla soft serve with chocolate syrup for a classic Chocolate Shake.”

My experience: Burger King’s chocolate milkshake has a nice chocolate taste, but it has too much milk and not enough ice cream. It almost felt like I was drinking Nesquik at times since it had more of a liquid consistency and wasn’t thick enough.

8. Chick-fil-A Chocolate Milkshake

Chrissy Callahan

How the brand describes it: “Our creamy Chocolate Milkshakes are hand-spun the old-fashioned way each time and feature delicious Chick-fil-A Icedream dessert, topped with whipped cream and a cherry (except when served via delivery).”

My experience: Chick-fil-A’s chocolate milkshake is thick, but not overly creamy. It has a light chocolate taste that’s a bit icy. Compared to the other milkshakes I tried, it’s less smooth and has a lumpy consistency at times.

Related: 7 Keto Pasta Brands, Ranked Worst to Best

7. Carvel Chocolate Milkshake

Chrissy Callahan

How the brand describes it: “A rich and velvety blend of our chocolate soft serve — indulgent, chocolatey, and oh-so-satisfying.

My experience: If you prefer a bitter chocolate taste, this milkshake will be right up your alley since it was the most bitter chocolate of all the milkshakes I tasted. It’s not as creamy as the others, and is less thick. The chocolate syrup helps balance out the flavor, and you can add various toppings if you so choose.

6. McDonald’s Chocolate Milkshake

Chrissy Callahan

How the brand describes it: “Our chocolate shake recipe features delicious soft serve and chocolate syrup, finished with whipped light cream.”

My experience: This milkshake was without a doubt the creamiest one I tried. It was super easy to drink and honestly, it just felt like I was eating soft serve ice cream through a straw.

Since it’s made with vanilla soft serve, the chocolate taste isn’t overwhelming, so if you just want a hint of chocolate, it’s a good option. But if you want a stronger chocolate flavor, you’ll likely be disappointed.

5. Shake Shack Chocolate Milkshake

Chrissy Callahan

How the brand describes it: Shake Shack’s chocolate milkshake is made with “house-made chocolate frozen custard.”

My experience: This milkshake was equal parts creamy and chocolaty, with a smooth texture. It was on the thicker end of the shakes I tested. While drinking it, I detected a slight mocha flavor to it.

If you want a little something extra, you can customize the shake with whipped cream and other add-ons like Oreo cookie crumbles.

Related: I Tried Every Olive Garden Soup and Ranked Them Worst To Best

4. Dairy Queen Chocolate Milkshake

Chrissy Callahan

How the brand describes it: Dairy Queen’s chocolate milkshake is made with soft serve ice cream that’s “perfectly blended with milk and chocolatey topping, complete with light-as-a-feather whipped topping.”

My experience: The thickness of Dairy Queen’s milkshake was neck and neck with Sonic’s milkshake. It’s very creamy and chocolatey, yet goes down quite easily, and it doesn’t feel heavy.

What stood out to me the most about Dairy Queen’s milkshake was how cold it was. Even on a very hot day, it maintained its icy coldness, in the best possible way. If you’re looking for a milkshake that won’t melt the instant you get it, this one might just be your match.

3. Sonic Chocolate Milkshake

Chrissy Callahan

How the brand describes it: “Our Chocolate Shake is made with creamy vanilla soft serve, rich chocolate sauce, and finished with whipped topping and a cherry.”

My experience: I love soft serve ice cream, and vanilla has always been my go-to flavor, so I was pleased to hear that this chocolate milkshake was made with vanilla soft serve instead of chocolate ice cream. It lends it a creamy texture that’s quite delightful. Also, the added chocolate syrup adds just enough chocolate flavor.

My one criticism of this milkshake was the straw. Since the milkshake is incredibly thick, I found myself struggling to suck it up with the straw and would’ve preferred something a bit larger.

Related: I Tried 8 Pure Leaf Tea Iced Flavors—Here’s the One I’d Buy Again

2. Smashburger Chocolate Milkshake

Chrissy Callahan

How the brand describes it: “Hand-spun chocolate milkshake with Haagen-Dazs ice cream.”

My experience: I was instantly impressed by how creamy Smashburger’s chocolate shake was, while still being light. It’s thick enough without feeling like you’re fighting a battle to suck it up.

You can add whipped cream, Oreos and chocolate chips if you want a little something extra. I asked for whipped cream and they also accidentally gave me chocolate chips, but it was a lucky surprise because it tasted quite delightful and added an extra dose of chocolate flavor.

1. Cold Stone Creamery Chocolate Milkshake

Chrissy Callahan

How the brand describes it: Cold Stone Creamery’s chocolate milkshake is made with “creamy chocolate ice cream and seriously rich fudge.”

My experience: This chocolate milkshake offered the richest chocolate flavor of all the milkshakes I tested. It was rich, creamy and tasted like a really high quality product.

The milkshake is definitely thick, but I didn’t have to fight with the straw as much as I did with some of the other milkshakes I tested.

Final Takeaways

I was surprised to see how many restaurants make their milkshakes with soft serve ice cream versus hard ice cream. However, the soft serve ice cream helped lend an ultra creamy consistency to those milkshakes.

The variety in chocolate flavors was also something that surprised me. For instance, many brands make their chocolate milkshakes with vanilla soft serve ice cream and add chocolate syrup.

Overall, I was pleased with most of the milkshakes I tried. And next time my husband orders one, I might just steal a few sips, especially if it’s Coldstone Creamery, which took first place with my taste buds.

Next, I Tried 9 Canned Pastas, and Ranked Them Worst To Best

If you grew up in the 1990s, chances are some of your most vivid childhood memories took place under the neon arches of your local suburban mall.

During the golden Michael Eisner era, the Disney Store was the beating heart of the famed “Disney flywheel.” Right alongside the cinematic Disney Renaissance—from The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast to Aladdin and The Lion King—every visit felt like an event. You’d run straight toward the towering mountain of character plushes, stare mesmerized at giant wall-mounted screens looping Alan Menken songs, and hope with all your heart you’d be the lucky kid chosen to turn the giant ceremonial key and unlock the store in the morning.

Over the last decade, as malls shifted and online shopping boomed, that beloved childhood ritual mostly disappeared. Aside from in-park gift shops and tourist outposts like Times Square, physical Disney Stores quietly vanished from daily life.

Now, millennial parents who fell in love with Disney in the 90s may finally have a brand-new generation of storefronts to share with their own kids.

Disney has quietly launched its second Disney Store Limited Time location, opening a 2,300-square-foot pop-up at Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, New Jersey. Developed in collaboration with Go! Retail Group—and following an inaugural test location at Ross Park Mall in Pittsburgh—the temporary boutique will remain open through the 2026 holiday season.

Rather than a straight copy-paste of 90s mall retail, this new concept bridges nostalgic comfort with modern theme-park fandom.

Related: Disney Halloween Collection: New Mickey Family Picks

A Localized Jersey Aesthetic Packed With Easter Eggs A view of the localized window display and shop floor at the Disney Store Limited Time pop-up at Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, New Jersey.

Disney Parks Blog

Instead of generic movie posters, the Paramus shop is deeply hyper-localized.

Before stepping inside, guests are met with custom exterior murals nodding to the Garden State, alongside dimensional windows featuring Queens-native Spider-Man swinging into North Jersey. Inside, the design leans playfully into vintage New Jersey diner culture, complete with neon signs advertising “fresh bagels,” retro highway markers for Route 17, and delicate purple violet trims (the official state flower) woven into the wall gradients.

There are also high-tech “magic mirrors” that reveal animated characters interacting with the space—like Chip ‘n’ Dale waving from a diner window or Maleficent pacing past a doorframe—and selfie-friendly full-length mirrors ready for your theme park outfit-of-the-day shot.

The sweetest nod to tradition? The morning opening ceremony is officially back. Every morning, one child or family is chosen to step up with a massive, ceremonial key to unlock the doors and start the day.

Related: A New Attraction Is Coming to Magic Kingdom—And It Looks Delicious

Rare In-Park Merch and International Imports

Disney Parks Blog

What will really catch the attention of diehard parkgoers, however, is the curated inventory. What used to require a plane ticket to Orlando, Anaheim, or Tokyo is now sitting on suburban shelves:

• International Finds: Plush keychains, bag charms, and Urupocha-Chan figures shipped directly from Disney Store Japan.
• Park Exclusives: The pastel pink Cutie Ghost Halloween collection, themed tote bags, and seasonal pins normally found only on Main Street, U.S.A.
• Collector Drops: Exclusive Disney Iconics character plushes fresh from D23, alongside the speed-inspired Disney x Formula 1 racing line.
• State-Exclusive Swag: Garden State-themed totes and tees featuring Mickey sharing slices of Jersey pizza and sunbathing at the Jersey Shore.

As Patrick Sager, Vice President of Disney Store, explained: “Disney Store Limited Time gives us the opportunity to bring the Disney Store experience into new communities, deepen our connections with fans, and learn from how they engage with the brand. Retail is always evolving, and with the opening of this store in New Jersey we’re creating another flexible experience, meeting fans where they are.”

Whether Disney chooses to roll these pop-ups into permanent regional hubs remains to be seen. But for parents who still know every lyric from the VHS tapes of their youth, watching their kids turn that giant brass key brings a welcome bit of real-world magic right back home.

Related: I Tried Every Single Disney Vacation Club Perk—Here’s What Disney’s Most Exclusive Club Is Really Like

In the early 1970s, Pamelyn Ferdin was already known for voicing Lucy Van Pelt in the beloved Peanuts animated TV specials, but in 1971 she brought another Lucy to the screen—this time on The Brady Bunch.

Ferdin, who was one of the most prolific child stars of the 1960s and ‘70s, recently looked back on her memorable guest spot on the classic ABC sitcom and revealed a fun Easter egg from the episode: her character, Lucy Winters, was named after the Peanuts characters she famously voiced.

The episode, titled “Will the Real Jan Brady Please Stand Up?,” featured the middle Brady daughter (Eve Plumb) attempting to step out of her sister Marcia’s (Maureen McCormick) shadow by covering her long blonde hair with a short, curly black wig. At her friend Lucy Winters’ birthday party, she is introduced as “the new Jan Brady,” and Ferdin’s character laughs at her wig, assuming it’s a joke.

RELATED:  Eve Plumb Opens Up About One of Her Saddest TV Roles

In a post to her Facebook page, Ferdin, 67, wrote that it “amazes” her how many people associate her with her “one and only appearance on The Brady Bunch.”

“It wasn’t even that big of a role, but for the show’s legion of devoted fans, it has earned me the status of legend,” Ferdin wrote.

The actress also shared the sweet story behind her character’s name.

“I didn’t have time to watch much television in those days, but I did enjoy watching The Brady Bunch when I could, so it was exciting when producer Sherwood Schwartz offered me a part in an episode,” Ferdin recalled. “The script was written by Schwartz’s brother Lloyd, and as a little gift to me, my character was named Lucy in honor of my most famous voice-over character, Lucy Van Pelt from Peanuts.“

Actress Pamelyn Ferdin.

(Photo by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)

Ferdin noted that she already knew Plumb from casting offices, as they had competed against each other for acting roles in the past. She had also previously worked with Ann B. Davis (Alice on The Brady Bunch) on The John Forsythe Show in the 1960s.

“Incidentally, I’m often asked if I was ever considered for a role as one of the Brady kids,” Ferdin added. “The answer is no. When The Brady Bunch was casting in the fall of 1968, I was under contract for Blondie and unavailable to interview for another series. … It was fun filming The Brady Bunch. …I never expected it would turn out to be one of the most memorable episodes of The Brady Bunch series!”

Speaking with Pop Culture Retro, Ferdin shared other details about her Brady Bunch role.

“I was busy working, so I never interviewed for The Brady Bunch,” she shared. “But the producer liked my work. He knew of my work, and so I didn’t even interview for Lucy Winters on The Brady Bunch. They just hired me.”

“I have to say the other kids on The Brady Bunch, they knew each other so well that I wasn’t really a part of their group,” she added. “So, I had a good time, but I didn’t, you know, it wasn’t like all the kids hung out together.”

In an interview on the That’s Classic! podcast, Ferdin revealed that while she enjoyed sharing scenes with Brady kids Plumb and Christopher Knight, she spent most of her time on set with Davis.

“It was fun because we were all about the same age, you know, and so it was fun,” the actress shared. “I really enjoyed it. I mostly talked to Ann B. Davis because I had worked with her on The John Forsythe Show. So I remember I spent time talking with her and then, you know, we had to have school. So, they had a big, huge room that was designated where the kids would have their schooling, and so we were all together in that and we would chitchat.”

Fans will soon learn more stories about Ferdin’s days as a child star. In her new Facebook post, the actress and animal rights activist revealed that she is currently writing her memoir.

Related: ‘Brady Bunch’ Star Auditioned for One of the Scariest Horror Films of the ’70s

General Hospital fans who tune in to the soap opera on Labor Day expecting a brand-new episode of their favorite drama will be disappointed when they tune in and see a repeat. Now, fans are eagerly left wondering: when do new episodes of General Hospital return?

In observance of Labor Day, the ABC soap opera will repeat a tribute to the late Anthony Geary, who played Luke Spencer since 1978.

The episode originally aired earlier this year, on February 20, 2026, following Geary’s death in Amsterdam on December 14, 2025, at the age  of 78 years old.

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When Will New Episodes of General Hospital Return to ABC?

The ABC soap will return to broadcast brand-new episodes on weekdays starting tomorrow, September 8, 2026.

What will happen this week on General Hospital?

The brand-new episodes will see the continued fallout of Jack Brennan’s (Chris McKenna) apparent murder play out, as the residents of Port Charles question everything. Meanwhile, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) future with the WSB and her father’s company (Jasper Jacks Enterprise, also known as JJE).

GENERAL HOSPITAL – “Episode 16039” – “General Hospital” airs Monday – Friday, on ABC (check local listings). (Disney/Christine Bartolucci) FINN CARR, KAYDEN BRENNA TOKARSKI

Elsewhere, the budding, and controversial, relationship between Rocco (Finn Car) and Scout (Brenna Tokarski) continues to play out, but how will those around them react when the truth is finally revealed?

Spoilers For Tuesday, September 8, 2026 Episode of General Hospital.

Tuesday’s episode will see Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) face a life-or-death scenario.

Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison) continues to lash out at those around him.

Portia (Brook Kerr) and Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) are caught completely off guard.

Related: Save the Date: ‘General Hospital’ Re-Airing Special Tribute to Late Star Anthony Geary

General Hospital was recently nominated for 13 Daytime Emmy awards, with Geary’s longtime co-star Genie Francis being honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her work on the beloved soap opera she has called home, off and on, since 1977.

General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC with episodes streaming weeknights on Hulu and Disney+.

With the Labor Day holiday in full effect, fans of the CBS daytime drama The Young and the Restless may be wondering if their favorite soap opera is going to be airing a brand new episode, and we have the answer.

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Is The Young and the Restless New Today? “Episode 13353” — Coverage of the CBS Original Daytime Series THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, scheduled to air on the CBS Television Network. Pictured: Michelle Stafford as Phyllis Summers and Billy Flynn as Cane Ashby. Photo: Christine Bartolucci/CBS ©2026 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

YES! CBS’s top-rated soap opera will be airing a brand new episode on Labor Day! Unlike other soaps that opted to air repeats, The Young and the Restless will be brand new.

What Will Happen on The Young and the Restless Today? “Episode 13353” — Coverage of the CBS Original Daytime Series THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, scheduled to air on the CBS Television Network. Pictured: Shemar Moore as Malcolm Winters, Vivica A. Fox as Dr. Stephanie Simmons and Nathan Owens as Holden Novak. Photo: Christine Bartolucci/CBS ©2026 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Spoilers for the week indicate that on Monday, September 7, 2026, Episode #13457

Victoria (Amelia Heinle) and Kyle (Michael Mealor) give in to temptation.

Matt Clark (Roger Howarth) shares his plans for redemption with Phyllis (Michelle Stafford),

and Jack (Peter Bergman) and Diane’s (Susan Walters) trip goes from bad to worse.

Is The Young and the Restless Nominated for Any Emmy’s?

Yes! The Young and the Restless is nominated for the most Daytime Emmys for any soap opera, garnering a whopping 18 nominations, including nods for Best Drama, as well as Best Lead Actor and Lead Actress.

Winners for the Daytime Emmys will be announced on October 30, 2026.

Where to Watch The Young and the Restless?

Fans can watch brand new episodes of The Young and the Restless weekdays on CBS and streaming weeknights on Paramount+.

Select recent episodes of the series can be viewed for free on PlutoTV.

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

There’s a reason there are entire closets dedicated only to coats. Investing in outerwear is one of the easiest ways to level up your fashion sense, and just in time for crisp fall weather, retailers like Macy’s and Nordstrom Rack are placing some of their best jackets in the sales section. We currently can’t live without this On 34th Faux-Suede High Collar Utility Jacket from Macy’s, since it’s 50% off and perfect for any outfit. 

The coat originally cost $110, but has been marked down to just $56 during a limited-time special deal over Labor Day weekend. The jacket is available in an earthy green and classic brown. The former is an amazing option for those who want more color in their wardrobe but not something that’s too bold, and the latter is ideal for daily wear since it will match with nearly everything. 

On 34th Faux Suede High Collar Utility Jacket, $55 (was $110) at Macy’s

Courtesy of Macy's

Shop at Macy's

The sizes range from double extra-small to double extra-large, with shoppers writing that it lays at the top portion of the hip and provides “perfect coverage for fall evenings.” The style already is fairly relaxed and runs slightly bigger, but if you are planning on layering and want it to feel especially oversized, then it may be worth sizing up. Stock is already running low in certain sizes in the brown hue though, so make sure to act quickly. 

On 34th Faux Suede High Collar Utility Jacket, $55 (was $110) at Macy’s

Courtesy of Macy's

Shop at Macy's

This utility coat features a mock neck, long sleeves, and standard front zipper closure with snap buttons to hide the zipper. There are also side pockets with snap buttons that you can close to keep your items secure. We really love the cinched cuffs and drawcord hem that you can tighten underneath to achieve the exact silhouette you want. The outerwear can serve as a standalone look with jeans if you keep it fully closed, or as an added layer of style over your favorite sweater. 

Shoppers said that the soft jacket is “fashionable,” “quality,” “warm,” and “really cute.” Plus, since the clothing is already “so trendy,” it’ll pair swimmingly with popular footwear styles like classy loafers, comfy ballet flats, and cool sneakers. It’s made from 94% polyester and 6% spandex, so you can easily pop it in the washing machine and continue rotating it through your favorite outfits weekly. If you do wash it, hang drying can help ensure that it keeps its shape.

Shop More Deals 

• Easy Spirit Valina eFlex Knit Easy-On Loafers, $58 (were $89) at Macy’s
• Style & Co Broadway Mary Jane Flats, $35 (were $50) at Macy’s 
• Cultured Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings, $70 (were $200) at Macy’s

Considering this faux suede jacket is easy to maintain and offers unlimited style, adding it to your Macy’s cart is a no-brainer. Don’t miss out on this 50% off sale!  

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

Long before stadium rock existed, a teenager from Lubbock, Texas, walked into a studio with a Stratocaster, black-framed glasses, and a completely new vision for pop music.

Buddy Holly’s career spanned less than four short years before a tragic 1959 plane crash that took his life. Yet his legacy, built on hits like “Peggy Sue” and “Rave On,” fundamentally changed how bands wrote, recorded, and performed their own songs.

As fans celebrate what would have been his 90th birthday, Holly’s influence remains ingrained in the DNA of modern rock ‘n’ roll. Without his unforgettable songwriting, groups like The Beatles might never have found their sound.

What makes his legacy even more remarkable is that he built the blueprint for modern rock before most people even finished college.

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Buddy Holly and bassist Joe B. Mauldin perform during the Alan Freed Show in New York/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)

According to the Texas State Historical Association, Holly was born Charles Hardin Holley on September 7, 1936, in Lubbock, Texas. He made his stage debut at just five years old, teaming up with his brothers at a local talent show in County Line to take home a five-dollar prize for their performance of “Down the River of Memories.”

By age eleven, he was taking piano lessons. After a brief stint with the steel guitar, he picked up an acoustic guitar and taught himself how to play.

It was at Hutchinson Junior High School that he befriended Bob Montgomery and later, the two added Larry Welborn to their group. Later, the Crickets were comprised of Holly, Montgomery, Joe B. Mauldin, Jerry Allison, and Niki Sullivan.

On May 27, 1957, Brunswick Records released the very first Crickets single: “That’ll Be the Day,” with “I’m Looking for Someone to Love” on the B-side. It didn’t take long for the track to climb all the way to No. 3 on the pop charts and cross over to hit No. 2 on the R&B charts.

The TSHA wrote, “In late December, Holly’s second solo single, ‘Peggy Sue,’ backed with ‘Everyday,’ reached Number 3 on the pop and R&B charts. The Crickets’ second single, ‘Oh Boy!,’ backed with ‘Not Fade Away,’ was released in October 1957 and sold close to a million copies.”

The Beatles were heavily influenced by Holly. In an interview for The Ronnie Wood Show, Paul McCartney revealed just how important the rock pioneer was to his own career. McCartney noted that while he and John Lennon admired Elvis Presley, Holly was the one who truly blew their minds because he wrote his own material and played his own solos.

McCartney revealed, “We loved Buddy because he wrote his stuff. Elvis didn’t write his stuff.”

He continued, “Buddy wrote, and played, and played the solos. He was a self-contained guy, which is what we were and wanted to emulate.”

After splitting with The Crickets in late 1958 due to a desire to base himself in New York City, Buddy Holly launched a solo career. He also played a key role in launching and supporting the careers of artists and producers like Waylon Jennings, Norman Petty, Sonny Curtis, and my father, Lou Giordano, whose single “Don’t Cha Know,” backed with “Stay Close to Me,” was written and produced by Holly himself.

In February 1959, Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. Richardson were part of the “Winter Dance Party” tour. The weather conditions made travel by bus so difficult that Holly chartered a small plane to take them from Clear Lake, Iowa, to their next gig in Minnesota. The group never reached their destination after pilot Roger Peterson lost control of the plane and it crashed. Holly was 22 when he died.

Buddy Holly would have turned 90 today. His birthday will be commemorated with a free Birthday Bash at the Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock, Texas.

Related: Brian Wilson Was Completely ‘Blown Away’ By This 1971 Rock Masterpiece, One of the Greatest Songs Ever Written

If you’re looking for something to watch this Labor Day that’s actually about labor, you can’t do much better than Charlie Chaplin‘s Modern Times.

Released in 1936, the film follows Chaplin’s beloved Little Tramp character as a factory worker pushed to a breakdown by the relentless demands of assembly-line work, before he’s mistaken for a communist agitator, jailed, released, and sent bouncing through a series of odd jobs alongside a young orphan played by Paulette Goddard. It was Chaplin’s swipe at industrialized America during the Great Depression, using slapstick to soften a genuinely pointed critique of how machines and management were reshaping the American worker’s life.

It also marked a turning point for Chaplin personally. Though made nearly a decade into the sound era, Chaplin refused to give the Tramp a full voice, holding out until the film’s final scene, when the character sings a nonsense song, the only time audiences ever heard him speak in-character at all.

Nearly 90 years later, the film’s craftsmanship still holds up. It currently sits at a 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes and has been named to the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 greatest American films. Robert Downey Jr. even earned an Academy Award nomination for playing Chaplin in a 1992 biopic centered partly on the making of this film.

The Labor Day connection isn’t a stretch, either. Entertainment outlets have repeatedly pointed to Modern Times as one of the defining big-screen portraits of the American worker, right alongside titles like The Grapes of Wrath and Norma Rae, thanks to its unflinching look at what industrialization actually cost the people caught up in it.

Nearly a century after its release, Modern Times is still one of the sharpest, funniest examinations of work itself that Hollywood has ever put to film, which makes it a fitting watch for a holiday built around honoring the people who do it.

Flying long-haul often feels like an impossible compromise: you want business class comfort and personal space, but you do not always want to shell out business class prices. Premium Economy has long stepped in as the sweet spot for legroom-seeking travelers, but it has historically come with one awkward drawback—sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with a stranger with zero buffer.

Emirates is officially rewriting that playbook.

The Dubai-based carrier just pulled back the curtain on an industry-first upgrade: the world’s first electrically powered Premium Economy seat, complete with a motorized, full-height privacy divider between every single seat. The kind of customizable privacy walls that used to be strictly reserved for lie-flat business suites are officially coming to the middle cabin.

Debuting on Emirates’ newly delivered Airbus A350 aircraft, the upgraded cabin features an intimate 2-3-2 layout with just 28 seats. And while Emirates’ existing Premium Economy product already had plenty of fans, this latest iteration brings major tech, comfort, and luxury perks that blur the lines between cabins more than ever before.

Related: 6 Airline Perks That Are Actually Worth the Money (and 2 to Skip)

Emerites

The standout star is undoubtedly the electric divider. With a simple tap of the integrated seat controls, passengers can raise the screen to the full height of the seat and lock it into place, instantly blocking out a neighbor’s reading light, wandering screen glance, or mid-flight snoozing. Traveling with a companion? Simply keep the partition lowered and chat away.

The seat itself is also fully electric for the first time. Instead of fumbling under the armrest to push back into the person behind you, flyers can toggle between dedicated preset modes—including a relaxed lounge mode and an upright meal mode—using the digital control panel. Plus, the seat reclines into a smart cradle position, sliding forward as it tilts back so it never encroaches on the row behind.

Emirates also tackled modern tech pain points across the rest of the layout. Wireless charging pads are built right into the seating area alongside standard USB-C fast-charging ports, eliminating messy cords entirely. The fold-out dining tray incorporates a clever phone holder, turning personal devices into an instant second screen while browsing or dining.

Related: The Surprising International Flights You Can Book for Under 10K Points

Long-haul comfort gets an ergonomic boost with Safran’s plush leather U-Dream headrest, featuring adjustable wings that cradle the head in multiple positions, paired with a fold-out leather footrest to relieve leg fatigue. In-flight entertainment shines on a 13.3-inch 4K HDR touchscreen, while aviation enthusiasts get expanded exterior aircraft camera views, with new left and right perspective feeds joining the classic forward and downward angles.

Beyond the hardware, the soft perks remain exceptionally indulgent. Regionally inspired meals are plated on Royal Doulton fine china with Robert Welch stainless-steel cutlery and linen napkins. The wine and spirits program pours exclusive selections like Chandon Vintage Brut 2021, top-tier Burgundy and Bordeaux vintages, and Wiston Estate Brut NV, the airline’s very first English sparkling wine, featured on select UK routes. Long-haul travelers also receive collectible amenity kits made with sustainable cactus leather alternatives, stocked with plant-powered skincare treats from Aveda.

Between the personal space, the plush leather finishes, and the touch-button privacy, flying coach-plus just received a massive glow-up. For travelers seeking the calm and polish of a premium cabin without the steep business class fare, Emirates just set a brand-new standard for the skies.

Related: United Airlines Wants to Deliver Your Airport Snack Straight to the Gate

Sometimes, sequels may not live up to the hype of the first installment of a movie franchise. However, this isn’t the case for one beloved animated movie, which has ranked above its predecessor.

Toy Story 2 was released in 1999, four years after the first film in the five feature-length movie series. The fan-favorite sequel, with Tom Hanks and Tim Allen reprising their roles as Woody and Buzz Lightyear, respectively, was ranked as the No. 1 Pixar movie by Rotten Tomatoes, with Toy Story following behind in second place.

The movie has earned a Tomatometer rating of 100%, along with a Popcornmeter rating of 87%. Top Rotten Tomatoes critics have long praised Toy Story 2 for its “inventive storytelling, gorgeous animation, and a talented cast” that “deliver another rich moviegoing experience for all ages.”

“Toy Story 2 is a brilliant example of that rarest of Hollywood phenomena — a sequel to a major hit film that’s as good, if not better, than the original,” wrote CNN’s Paul Clinton in 1999.

Baltimore Sun reviewer Ann Hornaday wrote, “Filmgoers will need to remind themselves that [the characters were] created by a computer — not exactly a medium we associate with this kind of love, tenderness and care.”

“Pixar’s gold standard for storytelling sophistication… not only their best all-around film, but one of the best films ever made, period,” mused Decent Film critic Steven D. Greydanus in 2004.

Since its release, Toy Story 2 has won 21 major industry awards out of 27 nominations, including the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

In 2001, Randy Newman‘s “When She Loved Me” took home the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media. A year earlier, the track was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Related: Beloved 2000s Film, Which Made Oscars History, Ranked Among ‘Best Movies’ of All Time

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If you’re on the hunt for a cozy addition to your home, Amazon has an option that you’ll definitely want to check out. The Exclusivo Mezcla Fleece Throw Blanket is perfect for snuggling up on the couch or adding a layer of warmth to your bed this fall, and it’s selling for a steal of a price on Amazon! 

You can currently snag this throw blanket (measuring 50 inches by 70 inches) for as low as $9 by opting for the classic pink option. There are 17 other color varieties available — including gray, blue, black, white, and lilac. They’re all discounted to $15 or less right now, so you’ll snag a great deal no matter what. Made from soft jacquard flannel, this blanket is designed to keep you comfy throughout the year. 

Exclusivo Mezcla Fleece Throw Blanket, From $9 (was $10) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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With over 8,000 five-star reviews, it’s evident that this is a popular pick with Amazon shoppers. This blanket is brushed to give it that extra soft and lightweight feel. In addition to the throw size, you can also find it in twin, queen, and king sizes.

Shoppers said they love this blanket for its softness and cozy feel. “Luxurious comfort on a grand scale,” one customer wrote. “Its soft flannel fleece texture provides an indulgent, skin-friendly touch. The blanket is lightweight, striking the perfect balance for year-round use.”

Additionally, many customers mentioned how lightweight the throw is while still managing to keep them warm. Reviewers also noted that the blanket is a great way to brighten up home decor thanks to its stylish design and wide array of color options that can mesh well with any space.

“Absolutely beautiful blanket! Not too thick. Not too thin. The color is spot on,” a customer commented. Another bonus? The blanket is machine washable and can go in the dryer. These features make the upkeep extremely simple.

Related: Martha Stewart’s Vintage-Inspired 100% Cotton Gauze Floral Duvet Cover Set Is 72% Off at Wayfair

This $9 Amazon throw blanket is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for something comfy, cute, and budget-friendly. Its attractive price and great design make it a must-have for anyone looking to up their cozy game. Don’t miss your chance to score it on sale ahead of fall! For under $10, you might even be tempted to stock up on multiple colors.

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

Some of the best movies ever come from the 1990s, and they have certainly helped to shape our thoughts and feelings now. The 1999 Keanu Reeves movie The Matrix has done just that.

Holding an 83% Rotten Tomatoes score, The Matrix sits at No. 16 on IMDb’s list of best movies ever. However, it doesn’t make it to the list of Rotten Tomatoes’ best movies due to the criteria needed. While the sci-fi classic is Certified Fresh, its below-90% score knocks it out of the running. It also only holds an 85% audience rating on the site, which doesn’t help.

Yet, it remains a fan favorite, with many shows and movies riffing on it. Just recently, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe literally took a scene from the movie and put it into its own show with the four main characters. That was even fully referenced, getting as meta as it possibly could.

The Matrix directors Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski wanted to rely on stunt doubles as little as possible, but this was a heavy martial arts-themed movie. So, to help ensure the cast was ready, everyone went through four months of martial arts training under Yuen Woo-ping, the legendary fight choreographer.

On top of that, every member of the cast had some reading homework before they could take part. They needed to really understand the focus of simulated reality and the underlying themes, so that meant reading Simulacra and Simulation by Jean Baudrillard and Out of Control by Kevin Kelly.

Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss returned to the world of The Matrix recently for the video games, giving them a chance to see fully digital versions of themselves, with Moss sharing, “It’s trippy to see myself that way.”

Reeves agreed, as the focus became about how footage from the original trilogy was taken, meaning a younger version of the actor was on the screen. Moss did drop a sweet compliment, as she watched Reeves’ face morph from the now to the then, sharing, “I think you’re even more handsome now.”

When it came to the original story, Reeves shared in a 1999 interview that it was the script that pulled him in: “I loved the dialogue and the ideas in the piece. I was really struck by the storytelling. They [screenwriters-directors, the Wachowski siblings] found a way in a kind of linear journey to tell a non-linear story.”

The Matrix was filmed on a mid-budget but became a cinematic masterpiece and a box office hit, going on to spawn a full trilogy and now has many who will quote the movie and even question whether we are living in a simulation right now.

Related: 1997 Matt Damon Movie, With a 97% Rotten Tomatoes Score, Ranked as One of the Best Movies Ever