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'DWTS' Announces Major Week 1 Twist and Fans Aren't Happy
Dancing With the Stars season 35 is starting off with not one, but two eliminations during the very first week.
During the Thursday, Sept. 10, episode of Hulu’s Get Real podcast, host Amanda Hirsch confirmed that one male celebrity and one female celebrity will be eliminated after each night of the two-night premiere.
The women celebrities will all dance on one night of the premiere, while the men will dance on the other.
“I don’t even think I was on the show when that happened,” pro dancer Mark Ballas said on the podcast, referring to the double elimination twist that was last featured on the show during the shortened Athletes season in 2018. “This is a first. … It’s not even an even playing field, right? It’s, like, the cast is split in half. They’re, kind of, like, ‘Boys over there, girls over here; one of you is going from each group.’ So, that’s a little different.”
“That is so scary,” Ballas’ celebrity partner and Love Island UK star Maura Higgins added. “Yeah, I have to work hard.”
Hirsch also revealed during the episode that the entire cast will perform routines to songs that were released during their birth years. Higgins and Ballas are set to perform a Foxtrot to 1989’s “Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles.
RELATED: Harry Shum Jr. Sets the Record Straight on His Dance Experience Before ‘DWTS’
When Dancing With the Stars fans learned about the twist, many were not happy about the surprise double elimination.
“Next season let’s go back to a smaller cast so we don’t have to do week 1 eliminations. They are rough unless it’s an obvious dud that shouldn’t have been cast,” one fan wrote on Reddit.
“I just don’t believe in first week eliminations. Like give the celebs a chance to grow and just do a double elimination next week,” added another.
“1st night elim is so stupid imo… what’s the point of bringing someone on to judge and critique their dancing and then not giving them a shot to do anything with the critiques?” a third chimed in.
Dancing With the Stars season 35 kicks off with a two-night premiere on ABC and Disney+ Tuesday, Sept. 15, and Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT.
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1968 Mac Davis Song, Recorded by Elvis Presley, Still Ranks As One of his Best 58 Years Later
Few music partnerships hit as hard or as fast as Mac Davis and Elvis Presley in 1968.
When the late country star penned a sleek, rhythmic groove tailored specifically for the King, history was made in the recording studio. Fifty-eight years later, the song still ranks among Presley’s finest achievements and remains a testament to Davis’ songwriting brilliance.
Davis and Billy Strange originally wrote the track with Aretha Franklin in mind. However, while handling the music for Presley’s 1968 film Live a Little, Love a Little, Strange realized the song was a perfect fit for a specific scene. He pitched the idea to Davis, who readily agreed that the King was the right man for the tune, per Songfacts.
David told Songfacts, “I read the script, and the place where they needed a song was in a scene where he’s seducing a girl at a pool and she’s talking too much, and he’s trying to get her to leave with him.” He added, “I had this song already started that I was hoping Aretha Franklin might like, and I wrote it really with her in mind. It just fit right into that spot, and they asked me to clean up the lyrics. It was a little funky, I guess, for his image at the time. So I changed his lyrics to fit the times.”
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This song was the first Davis wrote for Presley. The other two were “Don’t Cry Daddy” and “In the Ghetto.”
In a 2025 retrospective ranking of the 25 best Elvis Presley songs by Gold Derby, “A Little Less Conversation” earned a coveted spot alongside the King’s most iconic hits. Bookended on a list topped by 1956’s “Hound Dog,” the Mac Davis-penned groove wasn’t the songwriter’s only entry—his classic “In the Ghetto” came in at No. 17, while “Memories” captured No. 23.
The original 1968 version of the song only peaked at No. 69 on the Billboard Hot 100. A 2002 remake, listed as Elvis Presley vs JXL, charted a bit higher, at No. 50.
Elvis first recorded “A Little Less Conversation” on March 7, 1968, at Western Recorders in Hollywood, California. The track was later released as a single alongside “Almost in Love,” another song featured in the film.
The track marked a distinct shift away from Elvis’ previous movie soundtracks, delivering a mature and more contemporary groove just months before the king’s landmark ’68 Comeback Special. When the broadcast aired in December 1968, it instantly shattered the narrative that Elvis was a washed-up Hollywood relic and re-established him as a force in modern rock ‘n’ roll.
Nearly six decades later, the Mac Davis-penned groove, recorded by Elvis Presley, stands as a vital piece of that transformative era. It remains a masterclass in how the right collaboration can reignite a legend and forever reshape music history.
Related: Elvis Presley’s Longtime Love Shares Rare Photos of Their Private Life Together
In-N-Out Is Making 3 Ingredient Changes That Could Impact Your Order
In-N-Out is making three notable ingredient changes in 2026, including an update to its burger buns that will affect customers in 10 states.
According to The Takeout, the fast-food chain is replacing its iodized salt packets with sea salt, switching to ketchup made with real sugar, and removing sesame flour from its buns in select states.
The changes leave In-N-Out’s core menu intact but alter several ingredients that customers regularly encounter when ordering burgers and fries.
The first two updates involve relatively simple ingredient swaps.
In-N-Out currently offers iodized salt packets, but the chain plans to replace them with sea salt. The Takeout notes that iodized table salt can taste slightly metallic so customers may notice a difference after the switch.
The chain is also changing its ketchup. Its current version uses high-fructose corn syrup as a sweetener, but In-N-Out will replace it with ketchup made with real sugar.
Both changes update existing components of an In-N-Out meal without adding or removing anything from the restaurant’s main lineup.
The most significant update involves the chain’s buns.
In-N-Out will stop using sesame flour in its buns in 10 states. The company has not confirmed why it is making the change, though some commenters have speculated that sesame allergies may be a factor.
Regardless of the reason, removing sesame flour will make those buns accessible to people with sesame allergies.
The bun change also differs from the salt and ketchup updates because it applies only in certain states.
The ingredient updates come as In-N-Out continues making other moves beyond its longtime Western footprint. CEO Lynsi Snyder previously said the company would not expand east of Texas, but In-N-Out has since opened an office in Tennessee and added stores there.
For now, however, the latest changes are focused on what goes into the food customers already order rather than introducing new menu items.
Related: In-N-Out Is Opening 6 New Locations in 5 States—Find Out Where
Rick Springfield Reveals the Haunting Secret He's Carried Since His 1968 Vietnam Tour
In 1968, Rick Springfield went to Vietnam with his band. The 77-year-old ‘Jessie’s Girl’ rocker recently sat down with Joe Rogan on the ‘Joe Rogan Experience’ podcast, revealing the terrifying experiences he had when he was only 18.
If you’re wondering how Springfield ended up in Vietnam during a war, he explained, “The GIs wanted to see girls that reminded them of home. So as long as we had a couple of girls in the band, they would hire you, and you could tour Vietnam during the warm zone. It was pretty insane. We were there for about four months.”
He continued, “I thought, ‘ Oh, great, we’ll make money,’ you know. And of course we didn’t make any money. We spent it all at the PX, and we weren’t making much money anyway.”
Even though he was the hired entertainment, Springfield wasn’t holed up in a cushy hotel. “We’re two miles from the DMZ on that next Tet, and I remember New Year’s Eve and the flares, you know, the parachute flares start going off like this, and there’s like a line of guys heading towards us, and it was freaking freaky. They, you know, they kept them at bay. But we got shot at and rocketed, and we’d be playing, and there’d be mortars landing.”
The musician detailed another frightening experience while staying with Navy members that his band had befriended, “So we met these guys, and we really got along well, and we stayed overnight with them. And we all got in the bunkers in the perimeter bunkers. And I stayed in the radio shack. And we got attacked, and I’m throwing mortars down the freaking tube of the radio shack.”
Later in the interview, Springfield revealed to Rogan, “The hardest thing for me was that I’d thrown a mortar down that hit somebody. And they came in the next day and said, ‘Hey, you got one. You got one.’ And that was, it still has a place, a hard place to land in me. That’s really kind of the one thing I brought back with me that I couldn’t really find a place for that to land. It still seems like years ago, another guy, another place.”
“I was a young kid, and I didn’t really understand what I was doing. So I threw the mortars down, about five or six mortars, which I could have easily lost a hand, you know? And it came in the next morning saying one of them had hit a VC,” he said.
Years later, this is one experience that hasn’t left Springfield’s mind. He shared with Rogan, “I think it’s still there. It’s hard for me to face that I was responsible for the end of, you know, a life. Even though it’s distant and it’s war…It’s pretty heavy when I think about the reality of it.
1977 Rock Song, Written in a New York Convent, Is Still a Major Hit 49 Years Later
Aerosmith were coming off a career high in the late 1970s with two hit albums, while their fifth studio album was torn apart by critics, one track became a generational rock staple.
The rock band was catapulted to stardom with the release of their two recent albums, Toys in the Attic (1975) and Rocks (1976). With stardom also came the downside of the rocker lifestyle that led to their fifth studio album, Draw the Line, marking a major change for the band.
While still doing well on the charts, “Draw the Line” became one of the album’s biggest hit tracks. It landed at No. 42 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became one of rock’s distinctive classics.
Written by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, “Draw the Line” was recorded alongside the rest of the album in a vast 100-acre mansion in a remote part of New York. It just so happens that the mansion was an old convent near the village of Armonk.
According to LouderSound, the convent was named the Cenacle, and the owner of the property was a psychiatrist. He had plans to turn it into a home for troubled youth, and “instead he got us, said bassist Tom Hamilton.
The title track was reported to have reflected what the band was going through at the time, as many fell deep into drugs, alcohol, and the rocker lifestyle. According to producer Jack Douglas, “Draw the Line” was a classic title that said it all: “the coke lines, heroin lines, drawing symbolic lines, and crossing them – no matter what.”
“We were drug addicts dabbling in music, rather than musicians dabbling in drugs,” Perry would later admit about having made the track and album.
Tyler would also admit that “Draw the Line” failed to reach the Top 40, and the album was meant to be one of their biggest follow-up successes. Despite brutal responses from critics, the album was a hit among fans, sold millions of copies, and the track became a rock staple. It had what was expected from Aerosmith, like the back-and-forth riffs between guitarists Perry and Brad Whitford.
Its lyrics at first appeared like vageuly put together words, but Tyler once explained they were “scrambled eggs” ideas. One instance was the line “she was a wet-nap winner.”
“A wet-nap is something that you wipe babies’ asses with. Back in the day, if you were lucky enough to grab a stewardess on a plane and you came out of the bathroom, all you had to clean up with was a wet-nap. The best lyrics are like the scrambled eggs you have in your head about a situation. And I’ve got this uncanny way of weaving s–t together,” he explained, according to SongFacts.
The song would become known for Tyler’s trademark scream, Perry’s extended guitar solo, and antics during live concerts.
Walmart's 'Very Cute' $38 7-Tier Bookshelf Is Perfect for Decluttering Even the Smallest Rooms
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Most storage solutions are more functional than fashionable. Occasionally, you’ll come across something that offers the best of both worlds — but it’s rare. That’s what makes the Costway Industrial Bookshelf such a standout piece. The open-shelf unit makes it easy to organize any space in style, and right now it’s reduced from its usual $99 to just $38 at Walmart.
With seven shelves and a spacious fabric drawer on the bottom, it offers enough room to put items on display and conceal a few other things. What really sets it apart is the striking design. One side has four shelves, while the other features three surfaces with a little extra clearance space between each. There’s plenty of space to put plants, framed photos, books, and other decor right where you want it.
Costway Industrial Bookshelf, $38 (was $99) at Walmart Shop at WalmartConstructed from durable engineered wood, the unit measures 47 inches tall by 21 inches wide by 9.5 inches deep. The size is generous without being overwhelming, so you can set it up virtually anywhere in the home. It makes a great addition to a living room, bedroom, home office, or any cluttered space that could benefit from some order.
It’s as aesthetically pleasing as it is practical. The material mimics the appearance of genuine wood, with a warm, oak-brown finish that exudes a classic vibe to balance the bookshelf’s unique geometric design. The gray drawer contrasts with the rest of the unit perfectly, while a simple round knob makes it easy to pull open the drawer. The strong and pliable fabric is foldable, allowing you to use the bottom portion as an open display if you prefer.
The bookshelf comes with an anti-tipping kit that securely affixes the unit to the wall. That’s key in any space, but can be a vital safety feature in homes with children and pets. It will also protect the integrity of anything you put on the shelves. Each one has a 33-pound capacity, so you can confidently line up books, decorate with a striking sculpture, or use it for supplies.
Related: Walmart’s $142 Chenille Loveseat Is an ‘Adorable’ Way to Add More Seating to Small Spaces
According to one shopper, it’s “very cute” and makes a great addition to a small space. In rooms of all sizes, though, this shelf can fit right in simply by maximizing storage without occupying too much real estate. And because the design is so clean and unassuming, it won’t compete with other decor in the room.
Shop More Deals- Ebello Accent Chair, $140 (was $230) at Walmart
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If you’re dealing with some clutter or just want an attractive spot to keep books and other belongings, the Costway Industrial Bookshelf makes a standout choice. Grab it now while it’s on sale at Walmart for a limited time.
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'DWTS' Alum Ariana Madix Shares Advice for Season 35 Contestants
Ariana Madix has both practical and fun advice for the upcoming crop of contestants on Dancing with the Stars.
The reality star, who competed on Season 32 of the ballroom dance competition show, chatted with Extra this week ahead of Season 35’s Sept. 15 premiere. When asked about advice she may have for the show’s contestants, she immediately had a pro-tip to share.
“I would say make sure you have shoes that fit,” she said. “The more time you spend on your feet in shoes that maybe are just a little bit off, the more that will snowball into many other problems.”
But of course the former Vanderpump Rules star also encouraged the contestants to enjoy themselves while on the ballroom floor.
“Have fun, live it up, do every dance like it’s your last,” she added. “And I mean, it’s life changing, they’re all going to have so much fun.”
And when it comes to who she’s rooting for this time around, Madix listed off several cast members including fellow reality stars Ciara Miller and Maura Higgins, but also quickly gushed over 90’s hearthrob Taylor Hansen.
However, she noted “I will always root for Pasha [Pashkov],” who was her partner during her time on the show. This season Pashkov is paired with Olympian Amber Glenn.
Related: Emotional Predictions for ‘DWTS’ Season 35 Dedication Night Have Fans Divided
Coincidentally, Madix’s journey from reality TV, to DWTS, and then Broadway has become a familiar trajectory as former Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt, who competed on Season 34 of the the show, has followed the same path.
The two who went on to star as Roxie Hart in Chicago: The Musical on Broadway following their time on DWTS, and are both slated to return to the stage in Just In Time, however their stints will not overlap.
Madix will be playing the role of Connie Francis from Sept. 12 to to Nov. 22, while Leavitt will be playing Sandra Dee from Dec. 1 to Jan. 10.
“We’ve been able to connect and chat,” Madix said during the interview. “I just know in December when she comes she’s going to have a blast.”
Leavitt’s husband, Conner Leavitt, will also be a contestant on DWTS this season.
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9 Genius Chick-fil-A Hacks Employees Use When They Order for Themselves
In the world of fast food, many people don’t realize that what you see on the menu isn’t always the only thing you can order. For years, customers have visited their favorite fast-food restaurants without knowing there are secret menu items, ordering tricks and simple menu hacks that can completely change their dining experience. Some of these hacks have been shared online by loyal fans, while others have been passed along by employees who know the menu inside and out and have come up with their own creative concoctions.
Chick-fil-A is one of those popular restaurant chains that has developed a devoted following over the years. While many customers stick to ordering classics like the Original Chicken Sandwich, Waffle Potato Fries or Chick-fil-A Nuggets, employees often know inventive ways to customize basic menu items for a completely different experience. In some cases, simple modifications can help you get more flavor, add extra toppings or even recreate discontinued favorites that are no longer officially listed on the menu.
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Because employees work with the ingredients every day, they typically have an inside advantage when it comes to getting the most out of the restaurant’s menu. Whether it’s a unique combination of sauces, a creative sandwich upgrade or a lesser-known ordering trick, there are plenty of ways to customize your next Chick-fil-A meal beyond what’s displayed on the menu board.
Read on for the genius Chick-fil-A ordering hacks you can try yourself, straight from employees.
Related: The Greek Way To Make Chicken 10x Better
Chick-fil-A Hacks Employees UseThese are the Chick-fil-A ordering hacks the fast-food chain’s employees swear by to secretly upgrade the menu.
1. Frost Any DrinkOne of the easiest Chick-fil-A ordering tricks is turning almost any beverage into a frosty, dessert-like treat. Ask for your favorite drink to be blended with Icedream, and you can give classics like lemonade, sweet tea or cold brew a creamy upgrade. The Frosted Lemonade is already a well-known menu favorite, but experimenting with other drink combinations can make an ordinary order feel more special. A frosted sweet tea offers a richer spin on a Southern staple, while a frosted coffee can work as a cool afternoon pick-me-up. Availability and customization options may vary by location, so it never hurts to ask.
2. The Viral Chicken BowlThe Chick-fil-A Viral Chicken Bowl is the kind of fast-food order that feels extra satisfying when you want a little bit of everything. It usually starts with a base of crispy Chick-fil-A Nuggets and waffle fries that gets piled with mac and cheese, shredded cheese, pickles, bacon and plenty of sauce. Chick-fil-A Sauce, ranch and Buffalo sauce are popular choices because they add a creamy, tangy kick that makes every bite taste even better.
The best part is that you can customize it however you like, whether you want more heat, extra cheese or grilled chicken instead. It is messy, filling and perfect for anyone who loves a loaded comfort-food meal.
3. Add Honey to Chicken MinisAdding honey to Chick-fil-A Chicken Minis is such a simple trick, but it makes them taste even better. The warm, soft rolls already have a light honey-butter flavor, but a little extra honey gives each bite more sweetness and makes the savory chicken stand out. It is perfect if you like that sweet and salty combination at breakfast or want to make your usual Chick-fil-A order feel a little more special.
You do not need much either—just a quick drizzle over the minis while they are warm. The honey melts into the rolls, creating a sticky, buttery finish that makes this popular breakfast item even more delicious.
Related: I Tried 9 Fast Food Milkshakes To Find the Best—and the Winner Won by a Landslide
4. Honey Roasted BBQ on SandwichesAdding Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce to a Chick-fil-A sandwich is an easy way to make your usual order taste even better. The sauce has a sweet, smoky flavor with a creamy finish that goes especially well with grilled chicken, but it is also delicious on the Original or Spicy Chicken Sandwich. It adds more flavor without being too overpowering, and it pairs perfectly with toppings like bacon, cheese, pickles, lettuce and tomato.
We recommend getting a packet on the side and spreading it directly onto the bun so you can control how much you use. It is a simple upgrade, but it makes every bite feel extra satisfying.
5. Cookies in Frosted CoffeeChick-fil-A Frosted Coffee is such a fun way to make the drink feel even more like a dessert. The creamy blend of cold brewed coffee and vanilla Icedream already tastes rich and sweet, but crumbled cookie pieces add extra chocolate flavor and a little crunch.
A Chocolate Chunk Cookie is the perfect choice because the warm, soft pieces mix into the frosted drink and create a cookies-and-cream-inspired treat. You can stir the cookie into the cup, or crumble it over the top for the best texture. It is an easy Chick-fil-A hack for anyone who loves a sweet coffee drink.
6. Buy the Pebble IceBuying Chick-fil-A’s pebble ice is such an easy way to make drinks at home feel a little more special. The small ice pieces are perfect for iced coffee, lemonade, sweet tea, soda or even a homemade mocktail because they cool everything down quickly and are so satisfying to chew.
If you love the ice in Chick-fil-A drinks, ordering a bag is a simple trick worth trying for parties, cookouts or everyday use. It can instantly make a regular drink taste more refreshing. Just check your local restaurant or the Chick-fil-A app first because bagged ice availability and prices can vary by location.
7. Customize More Than You ThinkChick-fil-A has more ways to customize your order than you might realize, making it easy to switch up your usual meal. You can add cheese, bacon, extra pickles, sauces or other toppings to many sandwiches, while salads can often be made with a different type of chicken.
The app is especially helpful because it shows all of the available add-ons and lets you remove ingredients you do not want before you order. You can also get creative with sides, breakfast items and desserts to make your meal feel more personalized. It is a simple way to try something new without ordering something completely different.
Related: McDonald’s, Taco Bell and Dunkin’ Once Served These 10 Breakfasts—and We Want Them Back Now
8. Secret Sauce CombinationsMixing Chick-fil-A sauces is such an easy way to make your usual order taste completely different. One of the best combinations is Chick-fil-A Sauce and Zesty Buffalo Sauce because it gives you a creamy, smoky flavor with just the right amount of heat. It is especially good with nuggets, waffle fries or a Spicy Chicken Sandwich.
You can also try mixing Garden Herb Ranch with Sweet and Spicy Sriracha for a cool, creamy sauce with a little kick. And if you like sweeter flavors, Polynesian Sauce mixed with Sriracha is another great option. Just grab a few extra sauce packets and experiment until you find your favorite combination.
9. Order Nuggets and Strips Trays for SundaysOrdering Chick-fil-A Nuggets or Chick-n-Strips trays on Saturday is a simple way to enjoy Chick-fil-A on Sunday when the restaurant is closed. You can pick up a chilled tray the day before, keep it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it when you are ready to eat. This is perfect for a family dinner, game day, church gathering, birthday party or any Sunday when you do not feel like cooking.
Add a few sauces, waffle fries, mac and cheese, cookies and sweet tea, and you have a full Chick-fil-A meal. It is an easy trick that makes Sunday meals feel extra special.
Can You Order It on the App?Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com
Most of these Chick-fil-A hacks can be ordered through the app, but a few may need to be finished at home or customized when you pick up your order. You can order Chicken Minis, sandwiches, Frosted Coffee, cookies, sauces, nuggets, Chick-n-Strips and catering trays directly in the app. Extra honey or Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce may be available as a sauce selection, but you may need to ask for packets at pickup depending on your location. You can also order a Frosted Coffee and a cookie separately, then mix them yourself. Bagged pebble ice is available at some locations, so check your app before ordering.
Now that you have these nine creative ways to enjoy Chick-fil-A, let us know if you have your own version to add to the list.
Hit Broadway Musical '& Juliet' to Wrap Up Broadway Run After Four Years: 'We’re Incredibly Proud of the Run We've Had'
The critically acclaimed jukebox musical, & Juliet, has officially set a closing date on Broadway after four years in New York’s premier theatre district.
According to Playbill, & Juliet will play its final show at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre on January 3, 2027.
At its scheduled closing date, the show will have played a total of 1,723 regular performances and 20 previews, closing as one of the 50 longest-running musicals in Broadway history.
As fans of the show might remember, & Juliet offers an inventive twist on William Shakespeare’s classic story of star-crossed lovers. Upending the narrative of Romeo and Juliet, & Juliet finds Shakespeare and his wife Anne Hathaway debating the ending of the Bard’s famed tragedy, providing Juliet with a series of new endings that take place after the events of Romeo and Juliet.
A sensational jukebox musical, some of the songs featured in the show include Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way,” Britney Spears’ “… Baby One More Time,” Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl” and Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone.”
Originally premiering in the United Kingdom in 2019, the show eventually opened on Broadway in 2022. Over the course of its run, the show earned a total of nine Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, Best Actress and Best Choreography.
“From the very beginning, & Juliet has been winning over audiences and critics alike, shattering every stereotype about jukebox musicals to deliver a smart, funny, heartfelt story— all while sparking true joy in everyone who sees it,” producers Theresa Steele Page and Eva Price said of the show’s closing. “We’re incredibly proud of the run we’ve had on Broadway, and the story of inclusion, acceptance and second chances we’ve been able to share with more than 1.5 million people in our four years on Broadway.”
Prior to playing on Broadway, the West End version of the show earned similarly warm reviews from theatergoers in the UK. At the 2020 Olivier Awards, the show received nine award nominations, winning a total of three, including Best Actress in a Musical.
Remember Getting Your Ears Pierced at Claire’s? The Experience Is Getting a Major Makeover
For many (including my 46-year-old self), getting your ears pierced at Claire’s is a rite of passage. I visited Claire’s at my local mall as a child and again in my teens for ear piercings, and have headed to Claire’s with my daughter three different times for each of hers. And I’m not alone: Claire’s says it’s been piercing for nearly five decades and has performed more than 131 million piercings to date.
Starting in Sept. 2026, Claire’s is rolling out some big changes to its piercing program, making what the brand called one of its “most significant operational investments in the past several decades.” The changes will begin rolling out this month at all of Claire’s 900 stores in the U.S. and Canada, and will affect every aspect of the piercing experience from the time customers enter the store until they’re ready to check out.
Your Claire’s Piercing Station Won’t Look Quite the SameGuests at newly-designed Claire’s locations will notice a completely different look to the store’s piercing area. The updated space features elevated piercing stations, an interactive Inspiration Bar for building the perfect ear stack, and a selfie station, perfect for sharing with your social media followers that you just got your ears pierced. The brand says every aspect of the experience was re-designed with the help of Gen Alpha (kids born between 2010 and 2024), their moms, and Claire’s piercing specialists.
In addition to a new aesthetic at the piercing area, Claire’s will refresh employee uniforms, aftercare guides, piercing certificates, and more, giving everything in the area a more modern appearance. And, you might notice that the store’s iconic purple shade has gotten a pastel upgrade to a light purple color. The program even comes with an all-new tagline: “I Got Pierced at Claire’s.”
Get Ready for More Jewelry OptionsClaire’s describes its updated collection of piercing studs as “expansive.” Promising to carry single studs, lab-grown diamonds, and on-trend stud designs at every price point, the brand will continue to offer free ear piercing and aftercare materials with the purchase of an ear piercing kit, which will start at $29.99.
Safety Is Getting a Major UpgradePiercing stations at Claire’s stores will also get a safety upgrade. The brand says at the heart of the program is the concept that “piercing is a responsibility, not just a service.” Under the new clinical training program, all employees who pierce will complete an enhanced curriculum that blends hands-on instruction, digital learning, guided practice, ongoing assessments, and re-certification. Piercers will be trained in consultation, sterile stud selection, earring placement mapping, hand-pressurized piercing techniques using FDA-registered medical devices, aftercare education, and customer experience.
Claire’s is requiring piercers to undergo an updated training program and become re-certified as part of the new launch.Claire's
To help ensure the brand’s new standards are implemented consistently, Claire’s has created the Piercing Excellence Team, a group of professional instructors with more than 140 combined years of piercing experience. The team will travel to Claire’s locations around the country to help with training and make sure piercings are being performed consistently across the brand.
The New Claire’s Experience Starts This SeptemberThis new piercing experience at Claire’s is rolling out now around the U.S. and in Canada. While stores typically accept walk-ins, it’s always a good idea to visit Claires.com in advance to schedule an ear piercing appointment.
“For decades, families have trusted Claire’s with one of life’s most memorable milestones, and after listening to customers, we saw a clear opportunity to raise our standards even higher,” said Carey Brezler, Claire’s vice president of retail operations in a press release. “Working alongside leading industry experts, we built our Piercing Excellence Team to lead ongoing education and re-certification across our stores. We introduced enhanced clinical training, FDA‑registered medical devices, and elevated safety protocols to ensure safe, precise, and confidence-inspiring piercings for every customer who sits in our chair.”
Here’s Exactly What Happens to Your Liver When You Drink Coffee Every Day
When it comes to reducing your risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, formerly known as fatty liver disease), every beverage can seem like a vice. Soda? Definitely not recommended to drink regularly. Alcohol? Absolutely not. Iced tea? Only if it isn’t sweetened.
The one beloved beverage that seems to get a free pass is coffee. “Research consistently links coffee consumption with better liver health and a lower risk of several chronic liver conditions,” says Ava Ajlouny, RD, a registered dietitian with Health Loft.
To her point, a scientific article published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology states that drinking coffee is associated with improved liver enzymes and can even help lower incidences of fibrosis and cirrhosis.
How exactly does drinking coffee support liver health, and can drinking a cup of it every morning help lower the risk of MASLD? Here’s everything you need to know, according to registered dietitians.
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How Daily Coffee Consumption Affects Your Liver HealthIn general, all three registered dietitians we talked to say that daily coffee consumption positively impacts liver health. “Coffee can be a beneficial addition to an overall healthy lifestyle, and research suggests it may offer specific benefits for liver health,” Ajlouny says.
Sarah Glinski, RD, a registered dietitian specializing in gut health and owner of Gut-Friendly Nutrition in British Columbia, Canada, points to scientific research backing this up, highlighting a recent study taking into account hundreds of thousands of people and showing that coffee was linked with lower risks of cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver-related death.
“Specifically, people who drank five or more cups of coffee daily had a 32% lower risk of cirrhosis, a 47% lower risk of liver cancer and a 42% lower risk of any kind of liver-related death,” she says.
Glinski says that MRI scans from the study showed that coffee drinkers had lower levels of fat and inflammation in their liver—two factors that are associated with an increased risk of liver disease. She adds that the health benefits for liver health were true for both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee.
While research shows the positive impact drinking coffee can have on liver health, Ajlouny emphasizes that coffee isn’t some sort of magic fix or cure-all. It works best as part of an overall healthy diet and lifestyle, which should include a balanced diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting excess alcohol and managing metabolic health. “If someone already enjoys coffee, there’s good reason to feel confident that it can be part of a routine that supports liver health,” she tells Parade.
Related: This Is the #1 Most Important Habit for Liver Health, According to a Hepatologist
Can Coffee Reduce the Risk of Fatty Liver Disease?While coffee certainly seems to benefit liver health, is it powerful enough to reduce the risk of MASLD, formally known as fatty liver disease? The answer is: kind of. “While coffee has been linked to a lower risk of serious liver problems associated with MASLD, such as liver scarring and cirrhosis, this does not necessarily mean that coffee prevents MASLD itself,” says registered dietitian Annie Guinane, RD.
That said, Guinane explains that drinking coffee regularly has been associated with a lower risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, which are risk factors for MASLD.
Gilinski agrees.
“Some research suggests that drinking coffee may reduce the risk of MASLD, particularly in people who already have type 2 diabetes. This may be because coffee is linked with less weight gain over time. Other research suggests that while coffee may not prevent the development of MASLD, it may prevent its progression to advanced liver fibrosis,” she tells Parade.
That means that while drinking coffee may not lower the risk of MASLD directly, it could indirectly reduce the risk.
Antioxidants in Coffee Protecting Liver Cells From DamageAs Glinski previously shared, both caffeinated and decaf coffee are scientifically linked to supporting liver health. So if it’s not the caffeine that’s so beneficial, what is? It’s the antioxidants.
Ajlouny explains that coffee contains several bioactive compounds, including chlorogenic acids and other polyphenols, that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. “These compounds may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, two processes involved in the development and progression of liver disease,” she says.
Guinane echoes this, adding that the antioxidants may also help reduce liver scarring and support the liver’s natural ability to repair itself.
How Much Coffee Should You Drink Daily for Maximum Liver Benefits?Learning about the positive impact coffee can have on liver health may have you wondering just how much you need to drink to reap the benefits. Guinane emphasizes that more doesn’t necessarily mean better. “Don’t feel like you need to reach a specific number of cups or go from zero cups of coffee a day to five. Even just one to two cups of coffee a day has proven benefits,” she says.
She adds that some people have a higher caffeine tolerance than others. If drinking coffee is giving you anxiety, making your heart race, upsetting your stomach or is interfering with your sleep, these negative effects are outweighing the potential benefits. Remember, decaf coffee has the same benefits as caffeinated coffee.
Black Coffee vs. Sugary Coffee Drinks: What’s Best for Liver Health?A caramel macchiato or mocha latte isn’t going to benefit your liver as much as a black cup of coffee. “The type of coffee beverage really matters. A plain cup of coffee and a large, heavily sweetened coffee drink are nutritionally very different,” Ajlouny stresses.
In fact, sweetened coffee drinks can actually harm the liver, completely negating the health benefits of the coffee. “Regularly consuming coffee beverages high in added sugar can contribute to excess calorie intake, weight gain and metabolic dysfunction, all of which increase the risk of liver fat accumulation and MASLD,” she says.
While enjoying a sweetened coffee drink occasionally is completely fine, Ajlouny explains that it’s when it becomes a daily habit that it can start to negatively impact the liver.
If you drink coffee in the morning—whether it’s caffeinated or not—you’re already starting the day by doing something good for your liver. It just may inspire you to keep the momentum going and make healthy choices all day long.
Up Next:
Sources- Ava Ajlouny, RD, registered dietitian with Health Loft.
- Wadhawan, M. and Anand, A. C. (2016). Coffee and Liver Disease. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology. 6(1):40-46.
- Sarah Glinski, RD, registered dietitian specializing in gut health and owner of Gut-Friendly Nutrition in Langley, British Columbia, Canada.
- Kim, S. K., Rezaee-Zavareh, M. S., Wang, Y., et al. (2026). Coffee Consumption and Improved Liver Outcomes: Clinical, Imaging, and Proteomic Evidence From the UK Biobank. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2026.04.035.
- Annie Guinane, RD, registered dietitian with Fay Nutrition.
- Kaur, M., Murugesan, S., Singh, S., et al. (2023). The Influence of Coffee on Reducing Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Review. Cureus. 15(12):e50118.
- Lee, J. K., Park, J. and Bong Ahn, S. (2024). Different Associations of Coffee Consumption with the Risk of Incident Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Advanced Liver Fibrosis. Nutrients. hdoi.org/10.3390/nu16010140.
Last Surviving Original Member of Iconic ’70s Band Three Dog Night Turns 84
In 1967, Danny Hutton had an idea: build a group around three lead singers rather than the more conventional setup of one frontman.
Nearly six decades later, Hutton is the last surviving member of the original vocal trio that became Three Dog Night, and on Thursday, Sept. 10, the rock legend turns 84.
Hutton, Chuck Negron and Cory Wells formed the core of Three Dog Night, which went on to become one of the biggest hitmakers of the late 1960s and early ’70s. Wells died in 2015 at age 74, while Negron died on Feb. 2, 2026, at 83, leaving Hutton as the last surviving member of the band’s original trio.
Born in Ireland on Sept. 10, 1942, Hutton moved to the United States as a child and eventually landed in Los Angeles. Before Three Dog Night, he recorded for Hanna-Barbera Records, scoring a modest Billboard Hot 100 hit with “Roses and Rainbows” in 1965.
But his place in rock history would come with Three Dog Night.
Between 1969 and 1975, the band scored 21 Billboard Hot 100 Top 40 hits, including 11 Top 10s. Three songs reached No. 1: “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” “Joy to the World” and “Black and White.” Hutton sang lead on the latter, as well as the Top 10 hit “Liar.”
Three Dog Night also became known for recognizing great songs from outside writers, helping bring wider attention to material by Randy Newman, Harry Nilsson, Hoyt Axton, Laura Nyro and others.
Speaking with the Dayton Daily News in July 2026, Hutton explained the remarkably simple philosophy behind the band’s choices.
“Everything is about the song,” he said, adding that great musicianship alone isn’t enough if listeners don’t leave with something they can remember or hum.
“We just thought, ‘pure music, serve the song.’”
That approach helped produce a run of music that remains familiar more than half a century later. As Hutton put it in the same interview, “Good music, music about emotions, about love, never really go out of fashion.”
Hutton’s rock history extends well beyond Three Dog Night. He became close friends with Beach Boys mastermind Brian Wilson, whom Hutton described as a mentor, and was even one of the groomsmen at Wilson’s wedding to Melinda Kae Ledbetter in 1995; she and Wilson were married until her death in 2024.
Years earlier, Hutton also had an extraordinary front-row seat to one of Wilson’s masterpieces.
Hutton recalled Wilson inviting him to a recording session where he watched the producer construct an instrumental track without knowing what song he was hearing. Hutton later discovered that the music he had witnessed being created was “God Only Knows.”
“So, I was there when they made it,” Hutton remembered.
Three Dog Night’s original hitmaking run eventually ended, but Hutton returned when the group reunited in the early 1980s. Today, at 84, he continues to lead Three Dog Night and carry forward the songs that made the band one of the defining hitmakers of its era.
Related: Doobie Brothers Rock Hall of Famer, Who Later Formed an ’80s Country Supergroup, Turns 76
'NCIS' Teases Michael Weatherly’s Return as Tony DiNozzo for Major Season 24 Arc
Michael Weatherly is heading back to NCIS, and Tony DiNozzo’s latest visit to his former team will turn into something much bigger.
Weatherly will return for a season-long arc in season 24, beginning with the Oct. 6 premiere. Tony heads to Washington, D.C., while expanding his thriving security business after the events of the Paramount+ spinoff NCIS: Tony & Ziva.
In an interview with TV Insider, executive producer Steven D. Binder teased what happens when Tony reconnects with his former team.
“While trying to drum up new clients for his upstart satellite office, an old contact of Tony’s picks up some chatter involving NCIS. Tony is, of course, intrigued and decides to pay his old friends a surprise visit,” Binder teased. “Unfortunately, the reunion quickly goes sideways, and Tony finds himself in the middle of a five-alarm fire.”
Tony’s role in resolving that crisis catches the attention of Pentagon officials, who decide they could use more of DiNozzo. The opportunity arrives at the right time, since Tony already has personal reasons for remaining in the area.
Binder explained, “Luckily, since Tony was planning on staying in D.C. to be closer to his daughter, he’s more than happy to oblige.”
The new connection with the Pentagon helps set up Weatherly’s season-long arc following his initial reunion with the NCIS team.
Tony and Ziva ended NCIS: Tony & Ziva back together with the approval of their daughter, Tali. But while Tony spends time in Washington, Ziva is staying closer to their daughter.
“In our universe, Tali is now a few hours away in boarding school, and Ziva is there with her,” Binder stated. “Whether or not her path will cross with our agents in D.C. is still an ongoing question — but rest assured, her presence will definitely be felt!”
Cote de Pablo has not been announced for an appearance on NCIS season 24. For now, the storyline allows Tony to remain in Washington while Ziva stays near Tali, leaving open the question of whether the characters could eventually cross paths again.
Weatherly’s extended return begins when NCIS premieres Tuesday, Oct. 6, on CBS.
1986 Romantic Movie, Filmed in Canada, Launched a 21-Year-Old's Career
Children of a Lesser God, the 1986 romantic movie starring then-21-year-old Marlee Matlin, emerged as one of the most critically acclaimed films of its era, earning major recognition that continues to resonate decades later.
The Randa Haines-directed film was among the movies that Rotten Tomatoes named to its list of The Best 1986 Movies.
Celebrating the timelessness and influence of these standout films, the ranking was based on the website’s Tomatometer score, which measures the percentage of positive reviews from critics.
Children of a Lesser God claimed the No. 44 spot with an 81 percent Tomatometer rating.
According to the outlet, the critics’ consensus, which represents the overall opinion of professional film critics, mentioned how the film “transcends its transparently noble goals thanks to a pair of absorbing performances from William Hurt and Marlee Matlin.”
Marlee Matlin (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)Based on the 1979 play by Mark Medoff, the film centers on the passionate yet complicated romance between James Leeds (William Hurt), a new speech teacher at the school for the deaf who works with the students to help them develop their speech and lip-reading skills.
At the school, he meets deaf former student Sarah Norman (Marlee Matlin), who now works as a school custodian.
She refuses to vocalize and strictly communicates through sign language.
The unexpected romance blossomed into a meaningful relationship, despite their struggle to bridge the communication barrier.
Children of a Lesser God highlights the importance of cultural respect and acceptance while exploring the ideological divide between the hearing and Deaf worlds.
Although the setting was in New England for the fictional Governor Kittridge School for the Deaf, the movie was originally filmed in New Brunswick, Canada, with The Rothesay Netherwood School serving as the primary location.
The production took place in fall 1985, making the film’s backdrop and scenery particularly striking, according to The Movie Buff.
With a domestic gross of nearly $32 million, as cited by Box Office Mojo, Children of a Lesser God was not only a box office success in 1986 but also earned multiple nominations and wins at major awards.
While the movie was Marlee Matlin’s on-screen acting debut, she also took home her first Golden Globe win after winning Best Actress in a Motion Picture- Drama.
Adding to the list was her first Oscar win for Best Actress, making her the youngest winner of the award at age 21.
Before Matlin, the then-22-year-old Janet Gaynor was the youngest Best Actress winner at the first Academy Awards in 1929, becoming the inaugural recipient of the honor.
Related: 1986 CBS Show, Ranked Among ‘Best TV Sitcoms of All Time,’ Still Holds Up 33 Years Later
Princess Diana's 'Revenge Dress' to Hit Auction Block
Princess Diana’s iconic gown dubbed the “Revenge Dress” is hitting the auction block.
This December, Sotheby’s London is bringing the late princess’s “little black dress” to auction. Commissioned in 1991, the daring black silk dress sat untouched in Diana’s closet for nearly three years.
The fashion icon made headlines when she stepped out to a Vanity Fair fundraising dinner at the Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens, London, in the black silk gown on June 29, 1994, the same evening Prince Charles admitted to having an affair during their marriage.
Princess Diana (1961 – 1997) arriving at the Serpentine Gallery, London, in a gown by Christina Stambolian, June 1994. (Photo by Jayne Fincher/Getty Images)Getty
The Christina Stambolian gown of black silk crepe with a criss-crossing pleated bodice and an off-the-shoulder neckline will make its rounds at Sotheby’s galleries around the world beginning with London on September 18 before ultimately arriving in New York on December 2—one week before the auction.
“What makes this dress extraordinary is not merely that it was worn by the princess, not that its appearance at the Serpentine event made headlines around the world. It is what it communicated,” Morgan Halimi, Sotheby’s Global Head of Handbags and Fashion, said in the press release. “On her own terms, Princess Diana turned the dress into one of the most powerful messages she ever made, during one of the most scrutinized and emotionally charged episodes of her life.”
The garment was last auctioned in June 1997, two months before Diana’s tragic passing, as part of a catalog of 79 of her dresses sold to raise funds for cancer and AIDS charities.
The dress is expected to sell between $150,000 and $300,000, with the proceeds being donated to NHS Lothian Charity on behalf of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital.
2000s Rock Band, Signed By System of a Down's Vocalist, Broke Up With No Announcement After Scoring a Top 20 Hit
Imagine achieving your lifelong dreams and then vanishing without a trace.
Darroh Sudderth, lead singer of former band Fair to Midland, is hard to track down to this day.
Known for his incredible range of glass-breaking falsettos to frog-throated growls, he led the band to short-lived mainstream success with the hit “Dance of the Manatee”—a melodic oddity said to tell the tale of persecuted prostitutes, known as the ‘Marys.’
The 2007 song was commonly played by rock stations, capturing a cult following as the unique arrangement bore little resemblance to other hits of that era.
But before “Dance of the Manatee” put Fair to Midland on rock radio, they caught the attention of one of rock ‘n’ roll’s biggest names at that time.
During one of the band’s West Coast runs, a friend of System of a Down vocalist Serj Tankian passed their music along to him and convinced him to catch the Sulphur Springs, Texas rockers live.
Related: 2000s Rock Hit, Written While ‘Naked’ and Sick, Remains a Classic 20 Years Later
Tankian was so impressed that after seeing them perform twice, he offered to help, ultimately signing Fair to Midland to his Serjical Strike Records label in 2006.
“It’s not often that one comes across bands that are truly original, poetic, progressive, artsy and memorable, compounded by a killer live performance. FTM is such a band,” Tankian said that year.
With Tankian’s tutelage, previously released “Dance of the Manatee” was rerecorded and a hit was born, reaching No. 19 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart just one year later.
This would be Fair to Midland’s only Top 20 hit. The band did release another album, Arrows & Anchors, in 2011 before calling it quits—one that is still a mystery for frontman Sudderth, who was spotted by Reddit sleuths playing bass with another band and later reportedly managed a School of Rock location in Fort Worth, according to a former student.
Despite a cult following that has spent more than a decade holding out hope for a reunion, Fair to Midland has never publicly announced plans to get the band back together.
Related: ’90s Rock Band, Known for Their Biggest Hit ‘Pepper,’ Celebrates 30 Years With Unreleased Track
In fact, the group never formally announced its breakup either, leaving fans with little more than radio silence since the members quietly went their separate ways.
“Dance of the Manatee” has garnered more than 2 million views on Fair to Midland’s YouTube page with fans still leaving comments despite no new music in 15 years.
“Dance of the Manatee,” “Rikki Tikki Tavi” and “Musical Chairs” still hold up as their heavier cuts, worthy of a spot on any workout playlist.
Dolly Parton's Sister Stella Reveals Who Hasn't Reached Out With Condolences in Jaw-Dropping Interview
In a wide-ranging interview with CBS Mornings’ Gayle King that aired on Thursday, September 10, Dolly Parton‘s younger sister, Stella, dropped several surprising details about her famous sister, who died at age 80 on August 25, and the public’s response.
While there’s been an outpouring of love and sympathy from fans and famous friends since Dolly’s death, Stella, 77, revealed that she has not heard from anyone in the country music capital.
“I haven’t heard from anybody in Nashville since my sister passed away,” Stella told King. Jaw dropped, King replied, “What do you mean, Stella?”
View this post on InstagramStella, a singer like her sister who scored several country hits in the ’70s and ’80s and released her first album in seven years this past June, told King, “I haven’t had one condolence from anyone, anybody that I know, entertainers that I know. Nobody. Not one.”
King responded, “Not one? How do you explain — I’m stunned to hear that,” and Stella interjected, “I’m assuming it might be because my political, you know, activism on social media. I don’t know.”
Though Dolly kept her political views close to the vest, Stella has been outspoken against the Trump administration, including tweeting on August 14, “The incompetence and egotism in this rogue administration has us teetering on the edge of disaster everyday! Congress and the SCOTUS are doing nothing as if they all have taken a vow of silence as they crash and burn it to the ground.”
When King noted that Dolly “famously kept her political opinions private,” Stella quipped, “She had them.” But when King pressed her for details, she laughed, “I’m not telling! But she had them.”
Stella then quipped, “She was smarter than me! You know, I tell everything. I like everybody knowing what I think about it.”
But her big sister, she said, “was a good businesswoman.” She also said she wanted everyone to remember Dolly as “very sweet, kind, loving, brilliant, brilliant, and so talented. Her creativity had no bounds, you know, and she could dream bigger than anybody. And I want young people, youn girls and boys that may think they have no opportunity to dream (to know) coming from our situation, she gave us permission to dream that way.”
Liz Claiborne’s Stackable $10 Necklace and Earrings Set Is the Secret to Instantly Elevating Fall Outfits
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Putting together a trendy outfit doesn’t have to exhaust every last brain cell ahead of your morning commute. In fact, you can actually make getting dressed a lot easier by leaning on staple accessories that turn a casual outfit into an undeniably chic look. JCPenney has a plethora of jewelry options that will instantly upgrade your attire, including the Liz Claiborne Pendant Necklace and Drop Earrings Set for 62% off.
The set originally cost $26, but has been reduced to just $10. Make sure to use the promotional code 4U2SAVE when you check out to achieve the lowest sale price. The jewelry is being sold in silver- and gold-toned finishes, and due to the affordable cost, you can even splurge for both without breaking the bank. The set includes one pendant necklace and matching drop earrings for a complete look.
Liz Claiborne Pendant Necklace and Drop Earrings Set, $10 (was $26) at JCPenney Shop at JCPenneyThe necklace features a 30-inch adjustable cable chain with a traditional lobster clasp. It allows you to put it on and take it off easily, while still being securely fastened so that it doesn’t fall off unexpectedly. The earrings have a fish hook backing that makes them a simple option when you’re on-the-go. Both pieces have the same teardrop-shaped design that features one matte pendant in the center and a larger textured one on the outside.
The sculpted look can be worn everyday or used to elevate a dressier outfit, so the set is perfect for those in need of versatile jewelry that they can mindlessly throw on. Due to the fact that the necklace chain is extra long, you can stack your other favorite pieces above it for additional style. The piece is adaptable enough to match with a wide range of other pieces, and there’s no hard fashion rule against mixing metals, so you can really get creative.
The “very pretty” set is made from zinc, so we advise avoiding wearing it in water (like when swimming or showering) to maintain its quality. The care instructions say to just wipe the necklace and earrings clean when they get a bit dirty. One shopper described the set as “perfect,” and since it comes in a sleek gift box, it’s also a great gift idea for a loved one.
Shop More Deals- St. John’s Bay Short-Sleeve Shirt, $23 (was $48) at JCPenney
- Clarks Westlynn Bella Moc Loafers, $65 (were $110) at JCPenney
- A.N.A Almond Closed-Toe Ballet Flats, $15 (were $32) at JCPenney
This shiny Liz Claiborne jewelry set will become your go-to all season long. When it comes to styling the silver and gold pieces, the options are truly endless. This $10 deal won’t last long though, so make sure to take advantage of it at JCPenney while you can!
Related: Martha Stewart’s $13 Stackable Storage Bins Make Fall Organizing So Much Easier
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Owala's Latest Target Exclusive Print Has Us Ready for Sweater Weather
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Owala has officially reached the kind of pop-culture status where a water bottle is no longer just a water bottle. The brand’s colorful, instantly recognizable designs have turned the hydration essential into a full-blown accessory, with fans collecting different colors and prints left and right. And now, just in time for the fall season shift, Owala has given us another excuse to add one to our carts.
Meet Wallflower, the latest Target-exclusive print from Owala, which may be the perfect water bottle for anyone already mentally preparing their fall wardrobe.
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Owala Stainless Steel Special Edition FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle, 24-Ounce in Wallflower, $34.99 at Target Shop It!Available in the ever-popular 24-ounce stainless steel design, Wallflower brings a distinctly cozy feel to Owala’s already cult-favorite silhouette. The bottle has the brand’s patented FreeSip spout, which lets you sip through the built-in straw while holding it upright or tilt the bottle back for a traditional swig. It also features a leak-proof lid, a carry loop that doubles as a lock and triple-layer insulation—win, win, win.
But let’s be honest, the real draw here is the print. Wallflower feels like the drinkware equivalent of pulling on your favorite oversized sweater when the temperatures finally start to dip. It has the kind of personality that makes a basic water bottle feel like part of your outfit rather than something you remembered to bring along at the last minute.
Related: This Chic Marble Salt Cellar Set From T.J. Maxx Is a $15 Kitchen Must-Have
Shoppers Are Loving Owala’s New Fall-Forward Prints at TargetAnd shoppers seem to agree. One fan exclaimed, “Soooo much prettier in person! An absolute gorgeous water bottle!” Another reviewer perfectly captured the fall appeal, writing, “The color, the texture, this is exactly the cup I’ve been waiting for! Such a good color/design for fall!”
At $34.99, Wallflower is priced in line with Owala’s other special-edition bottles at Target. It’s available for shipping and in-store, so anyone hoping to snag the seasonal design can head to Target before it inevitably becomes another hard-to-ignore addition to the Owala collection. It also comes in a few other autumn-forward prints, including Plaid and Simple, a muted brown-and-beige pattern, and Toile be Home, a cream-and-light-blue farm scene that’s as unique as it is beautiful.
And while you may not “need” a new water bottle, staying hydrated is more fun when your water bottle has epic fall style.
Related: Aldi Just Dropped a $25 Cast-Iron Sauté Pan With Serious Le Creuset Vibes
Iconic New Jersey Theme Park to Close Permanently Five Years After Reopening
After more than a century in business, Clementon Park has closed its doors and is up for sale. The beloved 119-year-old New Jersey amusement park has abruptly shut down, marking the end of an era for Philadelphia and South Jersey families.
Clementon Park and Splash World, located in Camden County, South Jersey, announced on September 9 that it made the “difficult decision” to close at the conclusion of the 2026 season. This closure is the park’s second major closure in seven years. The final day of operation was September 8.
The announcement was made via a statement on the company’s website. “After five memorable years, we are saddened to announce that we have made the difficult decision to close the park and plan to offer the park for sale,” the statement reads in part. “It has been a privilege to care for a place that has meant so much to generations of families. We are hopeful that we will find a buyer who shares our love for Clementon Park and will carry its history and legacy forward.”
It’s unclear what triggered the sale, but the owners are hoping for a buyer soon. The 52-acre attraction housed popular roller coasters Hellcat and Dragon Coaster, the Ring of Fire looping ride, Thunder Drop drop tower, Sea Dragon swinging ride, and more. The water park featured slides and a wave pool.
Clementon Park was built in 1907 by New Jersey Assemblyman and Civil War veteran Theodore B. Gibbs and his sons as a way to attract tourists from Atlantic City to Clementon. Since then, the company has undergone major renovations under its different owners, surviving major downturns throughout the 1940s-1960s.
Splash World was added in 1993 after a $5 million renovation. At the time, the amusement park was aging out and unable to compete with other theme parks. The water park attracted new customers.
The park closed in 2019 after its then-owner defaulted on a $4.5 million loan from TD Bank, before being purchased by its current owner, IB Parks & Entertainment, for $2.37 million in 2021. It reopened the same summer.
In the last decade, there has been controversy. In 2015, the park went viral after it hosted an adult-only charity event. During the event, attendees were captured dancing suggestively on video, sparking outrage among the community. Many felt it was not appropriate behavior for a family-friendly park.
