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Tensions Rise in Sunday's All-New Episode of 'Crossroad Springs' (Exclusive)

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 2:12pm

Crossroad Springs is back! Great American Family's freshman series went on hiatus after the network launched their holiday programming lineup and fans are thrilled about its return. The last episode pre-hiatus was actually supposed to be the Season 1 finale—but then GAF ordered four additional episodes. Crossroad Springs returned on March 8, and this Sunday, March 15, marks the premiere of the eighth episode.

Read on to discover what to expect in Season 1, Episode 8 of Crossroad Springs—titled "The Divine Search."

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Recap: What happened in last week's episode of 'Crossroad Springs'?

In Season 1, Episode 7, spring had just arrived in Crossroad Springs. James (Jonathan Stoddard) prepared to open the Cowboy Church at Red Oak Ranch while his father, Willis (Shaun Johnston), struggled under the financial burden of buying water from Daniel Newman (Jesse Hutch). Janet (Emily Alatalo) felt unsettled when a confident new doctor arrived at the clinic and began taking over her patients.

Meanwhile, Maggie (Brittany Underwood) grew increasingly worried about the mysterious fatigue of her mother Bea (Eve Crawford) and leaned on Tina (Erin Agostino) and the community for support. On the Newman ranch, tensions rose as Daniel clashed with his powerful Uncle Jackson (Jefferson Brown) over control and the future of the land. In the episode's final moments, James delivered a heartfelt sermon, gently reminding everyone to place their trust in God rather than trying to manage every outcome themselves.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Crossroad Springs

What happens in this week's episode of 'Crossroad Springs'?

In Season 1, Episode 8, "The Divine Search," Willis becomes determined to find a hidden water source on Hamilton land. He hopes to finally free his family from dependence on the Newmans—even as James urges him to slow down. At the clinic, tensions rise between Janet and the new doctor, Layla (Kaitlyn Leeb).

Meanwhile, Maggie, James and the town prepare for an open mic night at the Daisy Mae Café to support the new Cowboy Church—bringing the community together through music and faith. Daniel continues to feel trapped between loyalty to his late father and the control of his Uncle Jackson. The episode culminates in a poignant yet uneasy open mic night, reinforcing the town's bond even as echoes of old rivalries remain.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Crossroad Springs

'Crossroad Springs' moves to its regular night and time

Episode 8 "The Divine Search" of Crossroad Springs premieres on Sunday, March 15 at 8 p.m. ET on Great American Family. Great American Pure Flix subscribers get early access to episodes on Thursdays before they air on TV.

Not sure if your cable or satellite provider carries Great American Family? Check their Channel Finder here.

Does 'Parade' have a sneak peek of Sunday's episode of 'Crossroad Springs'?

We sure do! Check out this Parade exclusive sneak peek from the upcoming episode of Crossroad Springs.

PARADE Exclusive - Crossroad Springs - Episode 108 - Sneak Peek (0:44) Check out images from the next episode of Crossroad Springs

Take a look at some select images from the upcoming episode of Crossroad Springs in the gallery below.

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Next, ‘When Hope Calls: Brookfield’ Returns for Season 3 in April! Find Out When We’ll Return to Brookfield!

7 Gnarly ER Procedures on ‘The Pitt’ Season 2 That Will Make Your Stomach Turn

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 2:11pm

If you tune into a TV series every week for a nice, calm, gore-free environment, then it's safe to say that The Pitt is not for you. Despite its focus on the emergency room—and decidedly not on a surgical center—we see an awful lot of procedures occurring at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center that sometimes feel very out of place for the ER, and they are anything but cute and comforting.

After all, this season kicked off with Whitaker (Gerran Howell) wrapping his nearly bare fist around a man's actual heart, which is more than enough to get your own pumping. But we're not just talking about excessive amounts of blood, here—even the most routine procedures can suddenly turn jaw-droppingly unsettling.

So if you're faint of heart, we suggest turning away from your screen. If not, we've gathered, in no particular order, the most gnarly procedures the ER doctors have been forced to conduct on Season 2 of The Pitt—so far.


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Episode 1: John Doe's Thoracotomy

The season started off strong with a bloody, in-house procedure in an attempt to save the life of a patient stabbed in the chest with a kitchen knife. He was wheeled in by paramedics just minutes after the start of the shift at 7 a.m., who revealed his heart had stopped beating just blocks from the hospital.

Dr. Garcia (Alexandra Metz), the trauma surgery fellow, prepped for a thoracotomy—a surgical incision between the ribs that allows doctors to assess the state of the thoracic cavity, or the space where your heart and lungs lie—right there in the ER, cutting open the patient's chest, retracting the tissues, and allowing Whitaker to stick his hand right in and manually pump the patient's heart, all while the chest tube they inserted filled with blood.

As they moved into the right chest, blood poured to the ground, pooling at the doctors' feet, but they failed to locate the source from their point of view. They converted to a clamshell, where they cut through the patient's sternum, and found that there was a "massive hemorrhage" from a part of the lung called the hilum. To stop it, they rotated the organ to put pressure on the bleed, at which point they could try a blood transfusion to save the patient.

The procedure, along with Whitaker's internal compressions, helped get the heart back into a shockable rhythm, and after using internal paddles to defibrilate it, it began beating normally, allowing them to transfer to an operating room for continued care.

Related: Who Is Kylie on 'The Pitt'? This Familiar Face Played 2 Different Characters in the One Chicago Universe

Episodes 2—3: Louie's Paracentesis

A frequent flyer named Louie (Ernest Harden Jr.), who you'll likely recognize from Season 1, arrived at the emergency room bright and early with complaints of a toothache. However, Dr. Langdon (Patrick Ball) took note of some shortness of breath, likely caused by a significant amount of swelling in his abdomen known as ascites.

At the start of the second episode, Whitaker teaches his med students how to perform a paracentesis, which is the process of using a large needle to drain the excess fluid from the abdominal cavity. They used an ultrasound to identify their point of entry and draped Louie in sterile drapes, inserted the needle through his skin, withdrew a small amount of fluid with a large syringe to ensure they accessed the right place, and then left him there draining into clear glass bottles, which quickly filled up with a clear yellow liquid.

All in all, the procedure seems tame in comparison to what went down just an hour prior, but, ultimately, after piercing Louie's belly with the needle, they drained approximately six liters of fluid.

Related: 'The Pitt's Ernest Harden Jr. Can't Help But 'Smile Hard' Over Fans' Overwhelming Love for Doomed Character

'I Really Hated Ogilvy': Lucas Iverson on Playing TV's Most Hated Character (9:11) Episode 5: Mrs. Randolph's Bowel Disimpaction

While also not as gnarly as a clamshell thoracotomy, the literal "poop canon" that occurred while Whitaker coached Ogilvie (Lucas Iveson) through an elderly woman's bowel disimpaction is undeniably nauseating.

Whitaker described the motion needed to loosen the build-up of stool as "curv[ing] the finger like an ice cream scoop" before withdrawing his finger from the patient's rectum covered in the opposite of a delightful chocolate fudge swirl. He handed the procedure over to the student doctor, but, unfortunately, Ogilvie didn't listen to the signs Mrs. Randolph's body gave as he freed up her GI tract, leading to a forceful expulsion of diarrhea that hit the center of his chest like a bullseye.

Episode 5: Debbie Cohen's 'Stainless Steel Scan'

As Dr. Garcia debated whether or not Debbie Cohen (Mara Klein), the waitress who came in at the start of the shift with complaints of pain and a rash on the top of her foot, did indeed have a case of necrotizing fasciitis, she called for imaging to confirm the diagnosis before taking her to surgery for debridement. Robby pushed back in an attempt to save the leg, pointing out that the infection was "spreading like wildfire" and needed immediate attention to prevent an amputation.

To prove his point, he doused the leg in a liquid disinfectant before slicing into the side of the patient's calf with a scalpel. A murky liquid poured from the incision, which Robby described as "dirty dishwater exudate without purulence." The muscle inside was already dying based on its grayish tone, and the attending noted that in the operating room, surgeons would find that the tissues separated from each other much more easily than they should as a result of the severe infection.

As one bystander intern summed it up, "I think I might puke."

Related: 'The Pitt': What Is Worse Than MRSA? Dr. Langdon's Latest Patient Diagnosis, Explained

Episode 7: Hiro's Tracheal Deviation

Okay, so, this isn't so much a gnarly procedure as it is a gnarly injury, but we think it still counts.

Dr. Abbott (Shawn Hatosyb)returned to The Pitt as a medic with the military police, caring for an officer who'd been shot in the neck during a "warehouse robbery gone sideways." The officer, named Hiro, had a large hole in his neck, through which his trachea, or airway, became displaced. In one frame, it could be seen bulging out of the opening, which made it difficult for the team to get him enough oxygen, despite Abbott having successfully secured a breathing tube in the field.

Dr. Robby cut through the tissue emerging from Hiro's neck, causing a small hissing sound as the air escaped and the bulge receded. They removed his breathing tube and started to manually ventilate him, which caused bubbles to accumulate in the opening of his neck as the air escaped through it, never making it to his lungs.

As a temporary fix, Robby was able to successfully breathe for Hiro using a neonatal-sized mask over the hole in his neck while Abbott and Dr. Santos (Isa Briones) MacGyvered a new airway by cutting down a full-length tube. Once ready, Robby used forceps to shift the trachea to a better position, and they inserted the altered tube into the hole in his neck, stabilizing him enough for further assessment and treatment.

Related: Shawn Hatosy Teases a Dark Turn for Robby on 'The Pitt': 'There's a Glimmer in His Eye' (Exclusive)

Universal Pushes Popular Roller Coaster's Reopening Once Again

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 2:07pm

If your spring break vacation included riding the Epic Universe roller coaster, Stardust Racers, over spring break, you might want to rethink your plans. According to Inside Universal, the ride, which has been closed since mid-February, will now be closed until April 6. However, given the number of times Universal Orlando has said the ride would reopen, you might want to take a 'wait and see' attitude.

Originally, Stardust Racers was scheduled for a refurbishment from Feb. 19 - 22. Then, it was extended until Feb. 28. Unfortunately, on Feb. 25 Universal Orlando announced that date wasn't realistic either, and claimed the ride would open again on March 15. With the new date, the ride will be closed for 45 days by the time it reopens.

Stardust Racers first opened in May 2025. The first dueling coaster at Universal since Dragon Challenge, which closed nine years ago, the ride has been plagued by bad luck or serious issues, depending on who you ask.

"If I had told you that Stardust Racers would be the most problematic ride in Epic prior to park opening would you have believed me?" wrote one person on the Universal Epic Universe Reddit page.

"You would have thought they had learnt their lesson to not give dates they can't meet," wrote another. "The only thing I can think is if it's either purposeful to try maintain ticket sales and they know it's never gonna meet these dates or they keep underestimating the amount of work needed. It's a bad look though having to keep pushing back."

Along with the closures, the biggest issue Stardust Racers has dealt with is also the worst thing that could've happened: someone died while riding it.

On September 17, 2025, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died after suffering blunt-force head injuries while riding Stardust Racers. Zavala was born with Spinal Cord Atrophy and had undergone multiple spinal surgeries throughout his life. According to his parents, he had surgery in 2010 after his hip was dislocated, and he also underwent surgery in 2020 after fracturing his femur.

Zavala, a wheelchair user, was transferred onto the ride while his girlfriend sat next to him. Dr. Anna Marshall, who attended to Zavala after the ride had come to a stop, noted in her police interview that his femur was broken in half, deducing that this may have contributed to him coming partly out of the metal lap bar and hitting his head. His death was eventually ruled to be a tragic accident, and the ride reopened after being closed for two weeks.

Katherine Heigl Gets Feisty in Response to Backlash Over Attending Animal Event at Mar-A-Lago

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 2:02pm

Katherine Heigl is fighting back after facing criticism for attending an event at Mar-a-Lago.

Heigl, 47, rose to superstardom as Dr. Izzie Stevens on the beloved medical series Grey’s Anatomy, a role that earned her an Emmy Award in 2007. While she earned acclaim for comedic roles in films like Knocked Up and 27 Dresses, other movie roles, like One for the Money, didn’t quite pan out. She later found great success on the Netflix series Firefly Lane, which concluded in 2023. But earlier this week, the blonde beauty hit the red carpet at Wine, Women & Shoes benefiting Big Dog Ranch Rescue at Mar-a-Lago. At the event alongside her mother, Nancy, the actress wore a bright, multi-colored dress with her blonde tresses pulled back. Then came the backlash, and Heigl's feisty response.

Photo by Manny Hernandez on Getty Images

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What Happened After Heigl's Appearance?

Heigl's appearance was particularly rare, since the actress is primarily focused on raising her two teenage daughters, Naleigh and Adalaide, and a young son, Joshua, with her husband Josh Kelley. When people realized it happened at Mar-a-Lago, a frenzy ensued, with many assuming that her attendance at a Trump-owned venue was a declaration of her political beliefs.

What Did Heigl Say In Response?

Photo by Manny Hernandez on Getty Images

In response to the criticism, Heigl made it clear that she was there in the name of animal activism. In a statement to Just Jared, she stated that advocating for animals shouldn't be something that's politically polarizing.

“Animals don’t vote. The only room they don’t like is the euthanasia room at a shelter. They are completely at the mercy of us, and they have no voice of their own. This event was about animal advocacy—something that has always been deeply personal to me. Anyone who knows me knows that protecting animals is one of my greatest passions. My mother, Nancy, and I have spent years advocating for animals through the Jason Heigl Foundation. As a society, we should all come together to protect the voiceless and the innocent. This should not be a polarizing issue," Heigl wrote. "Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone involved, this event raised over $5 million to help animals in need—especially those who have been abused or neglected. I’m so grateful to everyone who showed up, supported, and continues to stand up for those who can’t speak for themselves.”

In a series of Instagram comments on Just Jared's post, Heigl battled with commenters. Her comments are no longer visible, but were captured by The Daily Mail.

Related: ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Alum Katherine Heigl, 47, Hits the Red Carpet for the First Time in Years

1988 Classic No. 1 Hit Ranked Among 'Best Rock Love Songs'

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 2:02pm

Rock music may not always be associated with producing "romantic" songs, but Guns N' Roses did just that when they released their debut album, Appetite for Destruction. One of the tracks on the album ended up being a chart-topping hit, which has earned the title of one of the "Best Rock Love Songs."

"Sweet Child o' Mine" has been heard by countless rock and non-rock fans for years and was released 38 years ago. While Guns N' Roses is one of the genre's legendary bands, the track is the only one to reach No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 charts. Its lyrics have since stood the test of time, according ot Billboard as one of the best love songs of the genre, and it was created on a whim during a recording session.

Drummer Steven Adler and Slash were warming up at their house on the Sunset Strip when Slash began a practice warm-up on his guitar. It wasn't to be taken seriously until rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin asked him to play it again, and soon the band added the needed elements to make it into a song.

While the band created the song, Axl Rose was upstairs in is bedroom hearing them and was inspired to write the lyrics. The lyrics were famously reported to have been inspired by his then-relationship with Erin Everly, the daughter of Don Everly, of the Everly Brothers, and actor Venetia Stevenson. Their relationship was highly publicized, and they married in 1990 before divorcing months later.

Related: 2003 Hit Ranked ‘Most Popular Rock Song’ of All Time 

The rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd was also detailed to have inspired the song to get the right heartfelt emotional feeling needed. While it hit No.1 on the Billboard charts, it landed at No. 7 on the Mainstream Rock charts. Its popularity led it to be certified Platinum in multiple countries, including the U.S., and certified Gold. It's also been used in multiple TV series and films, like Cobra Kai and Thor: Love and Thunder.

Looking back at the song's infamy, Slash once commented on how popular the song had become, but also hated what the song represented. He felt "Sweet Child o' Mine" moved them away from being rock stars.

Violence Erupts Between Ranchers and Broken Rock in ‘Marshals’ Episode 3 — What Happens Next?

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 1:59pm

If you're just catching up on Marshals and wondering where Monica (Kelsey Asbille) is and why Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) has joined the U.S. Marshals, you might want to sit down. The new spinoff of Yellowstone finds Kayce in the months after he rode off into the sunset with his family except now his wife is gone having passed away from cancer, leaving a shattered Kayce and their son Tate (Brecken Merrill) behind.

As we know, happily-ever-afters are hard to come by in the Dutton world. Instead, Marshals finds a grief-stricken Kayce in a very different place. Now a widower, Kayce has lost his way and on a path to estrangement with Tate. After a visit from his Navy SEAL brethren, he decides to join the U.S. Marshals. Read on for more about this week's upcoming episode.

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What happened in last week's episode of 'Marshals'?

In last week's episode of Marshals—titled “Zone of Death"—Kayce worked to embrace his new beginning after Monica's death. After a visit from Calvin, Kayce decides to assist him on a mission with the U.S. Marshals, but the mission to stop a domestic terror attack landed him in a valley of buried Dutton family skeletons. While confronting his past, Kayce had to also learn how to win over his new teammates.

Related: Luke Grimes Reacts to Monica’s Shocking Death in ‘Marshals’ — And That John Dutton Callback (Exclusive)

What happens in this week's episode of 'Marshals'?

In this week's all-new episode of Marshals—titled “Road to Nowhere"—A standoff between Broken Rock and local ranchers over a mine groundbreaking turns violent, the Marshals launch a manhunt to find the shooters.

Related: ‘Marshals’ Trailer May Reveal the Death of a Major ‘Yellowstone’ Character

When can I watch 'Marshals'?

Season 1, Episode 3—"Road to Nowhere"—airs on Sunday, March 15 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. If you have a Paramount+ Premium tier subscription, you can stream it live. For Essential tier subscribers, it will become available to stream the following day.

Related: Luke Grimes ‘Yellowstone’ Spinoff ‘Marshals’ Releases New Extended Trailer, Images (UPDATED)

Check out images from Season 1, Episode 3 of 'Marshals'

Take a look at select images from the upcoming episode of Marshals in the gallery below.

MarshalsCBS Ash Santos as Andrea.

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Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton.

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Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton.

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(L-R): Tatanka Means as Miles and Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton.

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Logan Marshall-Green as Pete Calvin.

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(L-R): Ash Santos as Andrea and Arielle Kebbel as Belle.

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Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton.

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Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton.

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(L-R): Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton, Mo Brings Plenty, and Gil Birmingham as Thomas Rainwater.

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Michael Cudlitz as Randall Clegg.

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Next, The Heroic Dog Behind a Real Kentucky Law Is Getting a Movie Starring Trevor Donovan

The 'Swicy' New Kombucha Flavor You'll Want to Sip All Summer Long

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 1:45pm

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By now, we should be acquainted enough for you to know that I absolutely adore anything spicy. Some might call it a borderline problem that my preferred spice level may or may not induce tears, but I like what I like. Does that mean I can handle Dave's Hot Chicken’s Reaper heat level? Probably not. Would I at least attempt it? Maybe. What can I say? Being a heat seeker definitely isn't for the faint of heart, but somebody's got to do it. Even more than pure spice, yours truly also has a deep love of anything tangy, and when the two come together, it's bliss. 

A spicy pickle—specifically, Clausen Hot and Spicy pickle chips—hates to see me coming, and just know that if you can't find kimchi at the grocery store, it's probably because I bought it. Sorry. Of course, you know that means when I heard that Health-Ade was dropping a swicy new kombucha flavor that blends everything I love into one gut-healthy beverage, I had to put it to the test. 

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To catch you up to speed, Health-Ade recently dropped a new Strawberry Mango Chili flavored kombucha, and you can find it now exclusively at Sprouts. Without giving too much away, let's just say it blew me away. I should preface this by saying that I also really enjoy kombucha, even though some people on the internet think it tastes like literal battery acid. (It totally doesn't.) No matter where you fall on the spectrum, though, I invite you to suspend your belief, if even just for a second, and give this flavor a try for yourself. You might find out that you actually like it. 

Health-Ade Drops Fiery Strawberry Mango Chili Flavor Exclusively at Sprouts

Kenn C. Bivins

Straight out of the bottle, my first impression was the aroma, which was bursting with juicy strawberries and tropical mango. It also had that signature tangy kombucha smell, but it wasn't overpowering. I didn't get much spice on the nose initially, but after pouring it into a glass, I could see red flecks of cayenne pepper floating around that let me know it was definitely in there. Beyond that, it looked perfectly bubbly and refreshing, and after taking a sip, I was immediately transported poolside. 

Kenn C. Bivins

The new flavor is fruity and tropical, like a delicious summery cocktail with a mellow heat that wakes everything up. It's definitely got a kick that lingers, so if you're not into spice at all, I'd probably go slow with this one. As for me, I could even take mine with a few slices of serrano for an extra citrusy punch. Beyond the flavor highlights, this blend also tasted a bit like beer to me, which just makes the poolside summer vibes even stronger imo. Best of all, the ingredients are all organic, and you get an added boost of probiotics, so it's pretty much a win no matter which way you look at it. 

Related: Fans Are 'Obsessed' With This Fiery New Kombucha Flavor That Taps Into a Growing Food Trend: 'I Can't Wait'

The 'Swicy' Flavor Made to Enjoy Poolside

Kenn C. Bivins

I'm sure you can already tell, but my official verdict is that this new flavor is Kenn-approved and will, in fact, be on rotation for the foreseeable future. Although the swicy new flavor has found a permanent home at Sprouts grocery stores nationwide, if you don't live near one, you can order the perfectly made-for-summer brew for yourself through its website and get it shipped directly to your front door.

@brittany_broski

Me trying Kombucha for the first time #foryoupage #foryou #fyp #AllBrandNew

♬ original sound - Brittany

So, what do you think? Does sweet heat kombucha sound like the next big thing? Also, just for fun, enjoy your kombucha-themed meme flashback of the day. You’re welcome!

Related: This Popular Soda Shop Just Launched a Tear-Jerking Collab That Fans Say They 'Gotta Try'

A '9-1-1' Actor Joins the Chaos on 'The Pitt' on This Week's Episode

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 1:44pm

Worlds collide on tonight's episode of The Pitt, as a 9-1-1 alum joins in on the chaotic happenings of Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center amid a disastrous 4th of July not well spent at the local water park.

According to reporting from TVLine, an old familiar face connected to the 118 will first appear in Episode 10, airing on Thursday, March 12, as orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brendon Park.

Lou Ferrigno Jr. was featured in several episodes of the hit Fox-turned-ABC hit series as LAFD firefighter-turned-pilot Tommy Kinard, who served as a love interest for Buck (Oliver Stark) during his coming out journey.

His involvement in The Pitt hasn't yet been elaborated on, though the publication hints that the doc may be consulting on another well-known guest star's case. David Fumero, best known for his work as Cristian Vega on the beloved soap One Life to Live, also makes his Pitt debut tonight as a patient named Derek Foster.

It's also a safe assumption that, following the collapse of a waterslide at a bustling amusement park, with slick concrete underneath escaping feet, there will be plenty of injured limbs for him to address as victims of the tragedy are rushed into one of the few hospitals in the area still accepting patients amid a series of cyber attacks.

While the team struggles to stay organized while they all work off the grid, Roxie's fate remains up in the air after Dr. Robby (Noah Wyle) suggested a treatment plan that toes the line of breaking the law, while Dr. King’s (Taylor Deardensister, Becca (Tal Anderson), seems set to receive a UTI diagnosis from Dr. Langdon (Patrick Ball) as Mel is stuck in her deposition, and Dr. Mohan (Supriya Ganesh) comes down with a sudden illness in the middle of the shift, as hinted in this week's trailer.

The Pitt streams Thursdays at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT on HBO Max.

Related: Baby Jane Doe's Mother Details 'The Truth' Behind 'The Pitt's Emotional Lullaby Scene

Iconic ‘70s Rocker, With No. 1 Hit Song, Turns 70

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 1:34pm

Steve Harris, the legendary bassist and primary founder of the band Iron Maiden, is celebrating a major milestone today.

The renowned musician is known for his signature galloping bass style and epic songwriting, which helped make him a defining element of the band’s powerful sound.

Today, the award-winning musician marks a special milestone as he turns 70, bringing seven decades of an extraordinary life and journey.

Born on March 12, 1956, his first interest was not music but football, where he showed considerable talent.

During his teenage years, he was scouted by West Ham United, where he trained for several years.

However, he later realized that a professional career in sports was not the path he wanted to pursue. It was then that music came into his life and he considered it his true calling.

Guitarist Dave Murray, English songwriter, musician and lead singer Bruce Dickenson, English drummer Nicko McBrain, English songwriter and bassist Steve Harris and English guitarist Adrian Smith, all of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden.

Ross Marino/Getty Images

Initially, he was interested in becoming a drummer, but eventually switched to bass because of the lack of space in his grandmother's house where he was staying.

As a self-taught musician, he learned the instrument by playing various covers. He was able to get his first bass guitar for £40 in 1971, a Fender Precision model.

“Back in the day, everyone was playing the same songs,” he told Louder, adding, “You’d go to all these different clubs and they’re all playing the same type of songs. So I played loads of covers in Smiler.”

Little did he know that this would become the start of his illustrious music career and would lead to him being recognized globally as a legendary bassist.

In 1975, Harris formed a group called Iron Maiden in Leyton in East London with the original lineup including Paul Mario Day on vocals, Dave Sullivan and Terry Rance on guitars, Ron "Rebel" Matthews on drums and Harris on bass.

Apart from the iconic band name, the 70-year-old musician carefully designed it to harmonize with the band’s memorable logo, helping cement its place in fans’ hearts.

During an interview with Louder, he revealed that a decision made by the band Genesis inspired him to create the red-and-black gothic lettering.

“One of the biggest lessons I ever learned was from one of my favourite bands, Genesis – the early Genesis, with Peter Gabriel. I had a denim jacket with the Genesis logo from [1972 album] Foxtrot on the back, the logo that curves over, and I had the fox’s head. So I was mortified when they did [1973 album] Selling England By The Pound and changed the logo completely. And it was just a nothing logo. Really, as great as Selling England By The Pound was, the logo was awful. I thought: ‘What are they doing?’” he recalled the moment. “And I said to myself: ‘I’m never gonna let that happen. I’m gonna get a fantastic logo.’”

Now, it is considered one of the most recognizable band logos in the history of music.

With their decades-long career in heavy metal, Iron Maiden has released a slew of notable songs that are still loved by generations today.

Among those was the chart-topping song “Bring Your Daughter… to the Slaughter.”

Released on December 24, 1990, as part of their eighth studio album No Prayer for the Dying, the track became the band’s only UK No. 1 single on the Official UK Singles Chart.

The song dominated the top spot for two weeks despite being banned from the BBC Radio 1 playlist because of its explicit lyrics.

Related: 1977 Classic Was a No. 1 Hit 49 Years Ago Today

Fan-Favorite ‘A Different World’ Star Confirms Her Return for the Sequel Series

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 1:32pm

Jada Pinkett Smith is returning to play her Different World character Lena James.

People magazine reported that Smith took to her Instagram account to confirm she's filming the upcoming A Different World Netflix reboot. The March 11 post showed Smith before a trailer for the sequel series.

"She back #ADifferentWorld," read the post's caption.

Several fans flocked to the post's comments section to share their excitement about Smith's return as Lena.

"Wwwwwwwwwwwowwwwwwww! My favorite Lena James moment: when she came out from that skirt, the drums started and she hit that African dance onstage during the best episode of the whole series," wrote a commenter.

"Yaaaaassssss! Lena James is BACK! Where’s Dorian? I’m so excited!" added another in reference to Bumper Robinson's A Different World character.

"Yessssssss she’s going to be so fierce. Imagine what age and life has developed her into," shared a different person.

"I wasn’t sold on the reboot until now! I’m seated!" added a fan.

"Ayeee..Let’s Go Jada! Lena was a force. Run it back for the 1 time," commented a social media user.

Jada Pinkett Smith Said Her 'Different World' Character Was Based Off of Her

Smith played Lena during the final two seasons of A Different World, which ended in 1993 after a six-season run. While recording a December 2024 Legacy Talk with Lena Waithe episode, Smith said her character on the Cosby Show spin-off was based on her personality. According to Smith, the show's director and producer, Debbie Allen, took note of Smith's background when crafting Lena.

"Lena is based off of Jada, right. So you know, Debbie sat there she listened to my childhood story and she based the character off of Jada," said Smith during the interview.

She clarified that Lena is "an extreme version of Jada for a camera sitcom."

The new Different World series does not yet have a release date.

In March 1974, a Groundbreaking and Beloved TV Special Showed Kids Anything Was Possible

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 1:32pm

In March 1974, ABC aired a television special that taught a generation of children how to embrace their individuality. Marlo Thomas was the genius behind Free to Be... You and Me, and the televised went on to win an Emmy in for Outstanding Children's Special in 1974.

Free to Be... You and Me was initially released as an album in November 1972 and was a project put together by the Ms. Foundation for Women, of which Thomas was one of the founders. An illustrated book was released as well.

Thomas tapped a wide variety of celebrities to help her create the ABC Afterschool Special that has remained beloved by many who grew up in the '70s. She sang with Harry Belafonte, and other superstars like Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Roberta Flack, and Dionne Warwick also lent their voices to the project.

Alan Alda, Tom Smothers, Carol Channing, Dustin Hoffman, and Mel Brooks were among those who took part in telling the stories of Free to Be... You and Me. The messages in the stories gave children a fresh outlook on who they could become and was truly groundbreaking for its time.

As NPR shared in December 2022, Thomas came up with the idea for the project after reading her young niece a bedtime story. She recalled, "I said to my sister, these books are so old fashioned. The prince is gonna come along and kiss her and the whole world's gonna be OK?"

Thomas continued, "That's when I decided that I wanted to create a project for children that said that they were free to be anything they wanted to be."

Getting the project onto television wasn't easy. Thomas has shared that she had to battle with ABC to get several components of the show on the air.

She said that the network didn't want to include "It's All Right to Cry," because it was telling young boys there was nothing wrong with crying. Despite the network's reluctance, the song remained a part of the television special, with NFL star Rosey Grier singing it.

She noted that the network also resisted including "William Wants a Doll," which gave the message to little boys that having a doll was okay.

One scene in the television special showed Thomas with Belafonte, pushing strollers together, and ABC initially pushed against having that included too, as Belafonte was Black.

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In addition to challenging gender sterotypes, Free to Be... You and Me promoted ideas of tolerance, equality, and individuality.

The messages contained in Free to Be... You and Me are still essential ones to share with children, Thomas has said. In June 2020, Thomas and others from the project, along with new friends like Drew Barrymore and Sara Bareilles, put together a YouTube series to celebrate the original.

Thomas said, "During this turbulent time of quarantine and social injustice, freedom for children as well as adults is on the line like never before."

She noted that a line that originally referred to "boys," "girls," "women," and "men," had been changed. To "better embrace the non-binary community...The line now reads, 'Every child in this land, may you all understand, that you're proud and you're strong and you are right where you belong," Thomas added.

Aldi’s $20 Farmhouse Kitchen Staple Is the Sweetest Seasonal Upgrade

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 1:31pm

As we finally put the winter season behind us, it's only natural to want to fill your life with the warm, inviting colors of spring. From seasonal refreshes to new home and kitchen accents, there's plenty of window shopping to be done as we dust off the winter blues and welcome in the change of season.

This week, Aldi is hitting the floor running with a charming lineup of farmhouse-themed kitchen essentials, perfect for kicking off the seasonal refresh of your dreams. Those hunting for new kitchen staples should head to their local store now, because items like the $20 Crofton Farmhouse Tea Kettle and a variety of matching cookware finds are already selling out fast.

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Crofton Farmhouse Tea Kettle, $19.99 at Aldi

Aldi

A good tea kettle isn't just a functional addition to your kitchen, even if you're not an avid tea or coffee drinker. Beyond quickly boiling water, it can also serve as a charming centerpiece, adding a cozy touch to your space. Crofton's Farmhouse Tea Kettle takes it a step further, letting you skip electric models and enjoy the comforting simplicity of a traditional tool that will never let you down.

Whether you're brewing a quick cup for yourself or serving guests, Crofton's 2.3-quart kettle is a great way to add a little ritual to your day, making the simple act of serving feel a bit more special. It works on all cooktops, including induction, and easily doubles as a piece you'll want on display all the time. And with rustic colors like floral and blue to choose from, you can enjoy both country style and utility every time you need boiling water.

Related: Aldi's Retro Cast-Iron Kitchen Essential Brings Farmhouse Charm to Family Meals

Making the Most of Your Kettle

Aldi

Designed with porcelain-enameled steel for extra durability and even heat distribution, this kettle is ready to perform at a moment's notice. Simply fill it with water to roughly three-quarters full, place the lid on, and set it over a high flame on the stove. Once the water boils, the whistling spout will let you know, while the integrated heat-safe handle makes it easy to carry from stove to table and pour with confidence.

While it may be tempting, Aldi recommends skipping the dishwasher and sticking to a quick hand wash between uses. Even with its tough, durable construction, you'll want that beautiful floral pattern or bright blue color to shine for years to come. After washing, let it air dry or towel-dry, and avoid storing it in damp areas. Honestly, you'll probably want it out on the counter or the stovetop anyway, it seriously looks that good.

Don't sleep on this gorgeous, versatile kitchen staple while it's still in stock. And while you're at it, you can also grab Aldi's matching cast-iron Dutch oven or this rustic lazy Susan for even more must-have kitchen essentials.

Related: Trader Joe's $5 Freezer Find Is a Savory Hit of After-School Nostalgia

Lindt Lindor Truffle Flavor Fans Love Overseas Heads to the U.S.

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 1:30pm

Lindt is giving a popular flavor combination new life here in the U.S.

Leveraging the rampant success of Dubai chocolate (which has popped up everywhere from Starbucks menus to Trader Joe's, Hershey's and even Panera), the popular chocolatier is getting ready to launch not one but two new treats that pair its smooth, creamy milk chocolate with one of the stars of the trendy confection: pistachio.

On Thursday, Lindt announced the arrival of its Lindor Pistachio Truffles and Pistachio Milk Chocolate Truffle Bar, which will be available in a variety of retail stores nationwide this spring.

Lindt Lindor Pistachio Milk Chocolate Truffles and Milk Chocolate Bar Go Nationwide

While the new-to-stores line incorporates some of the flavors of the viral Dubai chocolate, it lacks the kataifi (a shredded pastry dough similar to phyllo and popular in Middle Eastern desserts for centuries) and added sugar that give the confection a sweeter flavor. Presumably, Lindt's Pistachio Milk Chocolate will offer a nuttier, richer, and more savory flavor than the Dubai-inspired products, even though they contain similar ingredients.

Related: Lindt Lindor Truffle Flavor That’s Hard to Come By Is ‘Worth It’

According to an official description shared in an email with Parade, Lindt's Lindor Pistachio Milk Chocolate Truffles feature a milk chocolate shell that's filled with an "irresistibly smooth, melting pistachio center." The truffles will be individually wrapped in pistachio-green foil jackets and available in 5.1-ounce and larger 8.5-ounce bags.

Lindt Lindor Pistachio Milk Chocolate Truffles.

Lindt

When the product initially launched overseas as a Tesco exclusive in 2024, it earned great applause—so much so, Lindt had to bring it back to even more retailers the following year. The product was also previously offered here in the U.S., but only as a Lindt store exclusive.

Similarly, Lindt's Pistachio Milk Chocolate Truffle Bar—which we're told was directly inspired by the Lindor Chocolate Truffles—begins with "exquisitely creamy" milk chocolate, then is stuffed with a smooth pistachio center for a "sweet, indulgent" chocolate treat. It's available in individual, 1.3-ounce bars made to share (or not, guess it depends on how nice you're feeling).

Lindt Lindor Pistachio Milk Chocolate Bar.

Lindt

And if you're not suffering from Dubai chocolate-style fatigue just yet, Lindt has a new seasonal offering for you: its Dubai-style Chocolate Eggs, which offer a fun and trendy twist on the classic Easter find. The festive find is available now, alongside other returning spring faves like its Carrot Cake Truffles.

Where Will the Lindt Lindor Pistachio Milk Chocolate Truffles and Milk Chocolate Bar Be Available?

According to Lindt, its Lindor Pistachio Milk Chocolate Truffles and Bars have already begun rolling out, with early availability at select Costco locations and via Amazon.

The company said broader, nationwide distribution will continue through the month, and by the end of April, fans should have no problem finding the treats at retailers that continuously stock Lindt chocolate—such as Albertsons, H-E-B, Hy-Vee, Kroger, Meijer, Target, Walmart, and more (prices may vary).

Next: Ghirardelli’s Easter Chocolate Collection Hops to Shelves With New Flavor

Who Is Chase McWhorter From ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ and What’s the Deal With His Podcast?

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 1:30pm

If Miranda’s ex-husband, Chase McWhorter, shows up to a party on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, you can safely assume there’s going to be a fight. In Season 2, that fight involved him and Taylor Frankie Paul, who butted heads over their soft-swinging scandal, as well as him and Demi, Brett and Jordan, who got into blows over a controversial poke to the hip. In Season 3, the drama involved Mayci and Mikayla, who were pissed at Layla for inviting Chase—someone who's openly derided them on his podcast—to her birthday celebration. 

So who is Chase McWhorter, and why does he keep making trouble in Utah? Keep reading to learn more.

Related: ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Season 4 Trailer Teases Explosive Taylor Frankie Paul Scandal—And Sparks Pregnancy Rumors

Are Miranda and Chase McWhorter still together?

No. They started dating in 2016—after Chase, who was newly home from a Mormon mission, slid into Miranda’s DMs—and tied the knot a year later. But they divorced in 2024 after having two children together: Brooks (born in 2019) and Cohen (born in 2021).

“I think we both realized that we’d gotten married a little prematurely, and that’s why our relationship still is pretty good [now], like, we’re really cordial, really friendly,” Chase told Us Weekly. “[I] still chat with her a lot, whenever she drops the kids off, and vice versa. … I think it’s working out really well, and we’re kind of figuring out how to continue navigating that in a positive way.”

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What happened with Chase and Taylor Frankie Paul?

As with most of Taylor's drama, it started with the “soft-swinging” scandal. In 2022, she revealed in a bombshell livestream that she and her Utah friend group—including one MomTok influencer, Miranda—had been involved in a swinging arrangement, and that she’d violated the rules of that arrangement by catching feelings for and hooking up with someone from their circle when no one else was around. At first, fans suspected her betrayal was with her then-best-friend Miranda’s then-husband, Chase, but that wasn’t the case.

Nonetheless, Taylor’s friendship with the McWhorters imploded. They refuted her swinging narrative, and she told people that Chase had confessed to having a crush on her without her ever having mentioned it to Miranda. 

Their grievances came to a head in Season 2, at Jessi’s Halloween party, when Taylor confronted Chase for lying about their experience—and making Taylor seem like a liar as a result. According to Taylor, he admitted to having feelings for her and was mad that she didn’t reciprocate—but he implied that the tables were turned, and that she led him on since she was the one who told him that she had a sex dream about him. The fight was made messier by the fact that Taylor’s on-off boyfriend and "baby daddy," Dakota, seemed to be taking Chase’s side.

As for why Chase denied the swinging scandal, he told Us Weekly, "It all started during Covid. … [It was] a bunch of our friends coming—couples—and then we’d all get trashed on alcohol and then, like, these games would come up,” he said. "Spin the bottle or whatever."

"It was never predetermined that we were going to be doing, like, swinging,” he continued. “That’s what we always thought was a little bit misrepresented in Taylor’s story, as she presents it.”

Related: ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Star Taylor Frankie Paul’s Relationship History—and Why She Split From Her Ex-Husband Amid Swinging Scandal

Who is Chase McWhorter Dating?

Chase was in a relationship with Kate Racker, who was with him at both the Season 2 Halloween party and the Season 3 birthday party for Layla, Kate’s friend and Chase’s blink-and-you’ll-miss ex (they only dated briefly).

In June, Kate posted photos from a trip she took with Chase, his ex-wife, Miranda, and their two kids.

But as of December 2025, Racker revealed to People that she and McWhorter have decided to go their separate ways.

Did Chase McWhorter date Layla?

Yes, the pair dated briefly and remain on good terms as of Season 3.

What did Chase McWhorter say about MomTok on his podcast?

Chase cohosted the podcast OnlyDads, which focused on single dads in conversation about sports, pop culture, politics and more, from August 2024 until February 2025. It’s unclear if the show will return, but as of now, it appears to be on hiatus. That said, the podcast came up in the Season 3 premiere of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, with Mayci in particular saying that Chase uses his platform to take swipes at MomTok. Among other things, she said, he implied that she only had a following because her "baby daddy died."

"Chase is a scumbag," she said in confessional. "And no one even listens to your podcast, so good luck with your 20 views you get."

Mikayla sided with Mayci, too. During their heated fight with Layla, she said, "When we're uncomfortable around a man that has harassed us online for years, it is appropriate to give us [a heads up he's coming]." She and Mayci then left the party. Chase struck again.

We can only imagine what he's going to stir up in Season 4.

Related: How Much the ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Stars Make and Who Has the Highest Net Worth

'I Tried Eating Protein at Every Meal for 2 Weeks, and My Cravings Disappeared'

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 1:25pm

When it comes to nutrition, protein is king. This essential nutrient supports your overall well-being big time—and its benefits extend beyond building and preserving muscle. Protein promotes satiety, which helps you feel full for longer periods of time. In fact, research indicates that protein is the macronutrient most responsible for helping you feel full.

Hence, getting your fill of protein serves as a great way to reduce food cravings and manage weight. And that’s not all—protein also boosts immunity and supports strong, healthy bones. All of these checkmarks are crucial for maintaining an active lifestyle.

Because of its many extraordinary health benefits, I ate protein at every meal for two weeks. My goal was not to lose or manage my weight, but rather to eat healthier and avoid snacking. And guess what? My cravings completely disappeared. 

To back up for a moment: I’ve always been mindful about consuming healthy meals. My weakness is a sweet tooth. I cannot resist a batch of freshly-baked cookies or a gooey cinnamon roll. I’m active and consistent in hitting my daily step count. But I know that being healthy requires better eating habits, which equate to less snacking. So, I decided to make a conscious effort to tighten up my diet. It was time to minimize sweets and save them for an occasional treat rather than routine snacks—and prioritize protein instead.

By adding protein to each meal for two weeks, I was able to control what I ate and better manage my snacking habits. When 8 p.m. rolled around, and I was on the couch binge-watching my favorite show, I didn’t feel the urge to sneak into the pantry for goodies—and that’s a truly glorious thing. It was all because I added protein to each meal.

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Spreading Protein Evenly Throughout the Day

Alex Mellardo

You may be wondering whether it’s beneficial to pack all of your protein into just one meal or spread it out. Dr. Karan Rajan, MBBs, surgeon and bestselling author of This May Save Your Life, compares protein intake to watering a plant, noting that small increments are best.

“Spreading protein intake across the day improves muscle protein synthesis, helps maintain stable energy and appetite control, and supports better blood sugar regulation,” explains Dr. Rajan.

So, that’s exactly what I did.

When it comes to the ideal amount of daily protein to strive for in your own diet, Dr. Rajan breaks things down. This is the formula to follow: body weight (kg) × a factor (g/kg) = daily protein target (g). The factor is dependent on your current activity level.

  • Sedentary or low activity: ~1.0 g per kg body weight per day
  • Moderate activity, meaning light exercise a few days per week: ~1.2 g/kg per day
  • Endurance training or high activity: ~1.4 g/kg per day
  • Intense strength training: ~1.6 g/kg per day
  • Heavy training loads or elite athlete status: up to ~2.0 g/kg/day.

“It’s also important to note that not all proteins are created equally,” Dr. Rajan adds. “Ensuring varied sources of protein, including dairy, meat, mixed plants, etc., rather than relying on protein powder, is the best route to go for the best results.”

Related: Looking To Add More Protein to Your Diet? Skip the Burger and Consider These High-Protein Foods Instead

What I Ate While Eating Protein at Every Meal for 2 Weeks

Alexa Mellardo

Since navigating the grocery store without a solid game plan can be a total disaster, my first step was to plan meals. I listed out some of my favorite high-protein foods—like chicken breast, lentils and eggs—and based my meals around them. When treating myself to takeout, I made sure each one of my orders had a solid source of protein and healthy sides.

I definitely consider my lifestyle to fit into Dr. Rajan’s “moderate activity, meaning light exercise a few days per week” category, so I consumed roughly 58 grams of protein per day.

Alexa Mellardo

Breakfast

For breakfast, I emphasized high-protein foods like eggs, oats, cottage cheese or Greek yogurt. 

Lunch

For lunch, I had some sort of protein bowl with a base of farro, brown rice or quinoa, topped with salmon or chicken, avocado, and roasted vegetables (like sweet potatoes and broccoli) and freshly tossed salads with rotisserie chicken. I also prepared a batch of turkey white bean chili for some days and a hearty lentil soup for others.

Dinner

For dinner, I focused on baked protein with a side of vegetables, or occasionally something like homemade sloppy joes with lean beef and roasted potatoes to switch things up. 

Since I enjoy meal prepping and sticking to my Italian roots, one week, I even made a couple trays of lightly breaded chicken cutlets to incorporate into meals.

I Had More Energy

When I made a conscious effort to prioritize protein in each meal, I could really tell the difference in how my body responded. I had much more energy to tackle daily tasks—compared to days that start with a carb-heavy breakfast, like cereal or a bagel with cream cheese, or whenever I dig into a heavy pasta dish for lunch. After carb-loaded meals, I usually feel weighed down.

“Sugar and carb cravings can stem from spikes and crashes in blood sugar, which happen when you eat refined carbohydrates in isolation. Your blood sugar rises quickly, then falls rapidly, which can lead to feeling hungry again, especially for sugar or carbs, which are the body’s preferred and quickest source of energy,” explains Lainey Younkin, MS, RD, Weight Loss Dietitian at Lainey Younkin Nutrition. “When you eat more protein, it not only releases hormones that boost satiety but also slows the rise of blood sugar, preventing spikes and crashes. This leads to steady energy and fewer cravings throughout the day.”

Related: I’m a Registered Dietitian—Here’s Every Single Thing I Do To Make Sure I Get Enough Protein

My Cravings Disappeared

I also found myself reaching for sugary snacks much less, because the fullness after each meal lasted. Since my focus was on all-around healthier meal habits, when I did want a little extra something, I opted for combos like veggies with hummus or Greek yogurt with berries (both of which are high-protein snacks).

This all makes perfect sense, as Dr. Rajan explains, “Higher protein intake tends to increase satiety, so you naturally eat less, reduce snacking and grazing, and lower calorie intake without deliberate restriction.”

Related: 10 Weird Ways Your Body Tells You That You Need More Protein, According to Registered Dietitians

Caveats

Meals packed with protein can absolutely be beneficial, but there are a few important things to keep in mind.

“Most of us can digest and use 15 to 30 grams of protein at regular intervals—less than that, and we have blood sugar satiety issues, much more (>40g), especially if we have suboptimal digestion (hormonal shifts, stress, fatigue and IBS can be factors), and it won’t be used,” explains Ashley Koff, RD, registered dietitian, founder of The Better Nutrition Program, and a USA Today bestseller of Your Best Shot: The Personalized System for Optimal Weight Health: GLP-1 Shot or Not.

In addition, the quality of protein matters. Protein is broken down into amino acids, known as the building blocks of your muscles, hair, hormones, enzymes, and more.

“If we have poor quality or insufficient diversity of aminos, these will suffer,” says Koff.

Consider preparing a burger from half meat, half chickpeas, then topping it off with grilled veggies and enjoying it in a lettuce wrap. Alternatively, whip up a burger or piece of fish with a side of baked fries or chickpea fritters. 

Another way to get your fill of protein—20 to 30 grams—is through liquids, such as a quality nutrition shake or bone broth pureed soup with hemp seeds and chickpeas.

“In the liquid form, there’s less digestive work so absorption happens easier—this is great when stressed or underslept,” explains Koff.

Takeaways

Overall, I believe this habit is sustainable because I genuinely enjoyed the meals in my rotation, rather than settling for something I didn’t like. Adding protein to each meal is something I see myself sticking with in the long-run. Not only did it boost my satiety and energy levels, but this habit also motivated me to incorporate even more healthy habits into my daily routine.

Up Next:

Sources:

Walmart's Stylish Storage Cabinets Are All Perfect for Small Bathrooms, and Start at Just $45 

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 1:10pm

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

Spring cleaning is always such an invigorating way to start the new season and the bathroom always seems to be first on the decluttering. Luckily, we've scoured Walmart for you and found plenty of affordable organization finds designed to help maximize storage in the bathroom and keep everyday essentials in order. 

From storage cabinets to over-the-toilet shelves, these simple solutions can make a big difference in a smaller space. Plus, some of these pieces add beautiful decor that truly give your space a chic flare. Whether you are doing a full spring reset on every room or just the bathroom, these products are a great place to start. 

Costway Wooden 4-Drawer Bathroom Cabinet Storage Cupboard, $79 (was $119) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

This bestselling bathroom storage cabinet comes in five different finishes and has over 1,500 five-star ratings from shoppers who love just how well it works for all their bathroom essentials. 

“Beautiful,” one shopper wrote. “This cabinet works great in my bathroom. It holds my makeup and hand towels, and then the right side holds my hair dryer, curling irons and curlers. It was perfect for me.” Read more about it here

Homfa Bathroom Storage Tower, $90 (was $170) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

If your bathroom is short on space but has higher ceilings (lucky you), leaning into vertical storage is the move. This slim storage tower from Homfa is on sale for under $100 and features two cabinets with two shelves of storage each, a pull-out drawer, and frosted doors at the top for a bit of privacy. It also comes in multiple color options, including a green that's really quite chic. You can read more about it here

Costway Bathroom Floor Storage Cabinet, $120 (was $179) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

A great cabinet not just for bathrooms but for kitchens and entryways too, the Costway Bathroom Floor Storage Cabinet is particularly durable: each shelf can hold up to 22 pounds and the top can hold a whopping 66 pounds. "Great cabinet for the bathroom," one shopper wrote. "Easy to follow assembly instructions. Space allows for lots of storage for toiletries." 

Ktaxon 5-Tier H Bathroom Cabinet, $45 (was $78) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Short on floor space? This alternative vertical storage option stands at nearly 5 and a half feet tall, and comes with five adjustable shelves, including two that can be tucked away in a cabinet. You can easily shove towels inside, as well as toilet paper and spare shampoos. Shoppers note that it "fits perfectly in small bathrooms." Read more about it here.

Ktaxon Over the Toilet Storage Cabinet, From $75 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Over-the-toilet shelves are a classic for a reason. They don't take up much floor space, and they help fill up the (probably) empty space above your toilet. This particular cabinet looks like a winner because not only is there an open shelf to showcase whatever little bathroom trinkets you want to show off, there's also a cabinet above it with two extra shelves that can hold everything from spare toiletries and towels to your beloved hot tools. It's available in your standard white and gray, but we have to call out the very pretty rattan colorway that features woven doors. It's as chic as an over-the-toilet organizer can get. No, really!

Shop More Deals

Tidying up your space can make your daily routines feel much easier and more seamless. Being able to clearly see your products in a cabinet or have neatly folded towels displayed on a storage tower can completely change how you begin and end your day. While spring cleaning might feel like a daunting task, a few simple organization upgrades like the above can make a big difference.

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Aldi's Dreamy Suncatcher Will Add Ethereal Vibes to Your Garden This Spring

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 1:10pm

It might still be a bit chilly outside, but spring is just around the corner. And if you are someone who loves to spend time outdoors in your garden, now is the time to start thinking about what plants and flowers you are going to grow this season, as well as any other upgrades you want to make to your garden space, including changing out or adding new decor. And if you are interested in bringing in some truly magical vibes to your garden, a suncatcher helps you do just that. And right now, Aldi is selling a beautiful one for just $4.99.

Aldi's Belavi Sun Catcher in the Stake Moon design will add a touch of ethereal energy to your garden this spring. The hanging portion of the stake measures approximately 1.5 inches wide by 20 inches high. The stake measures approximately 3.5 inches wide and 11.8 inches high.

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Place this garden suncatcher stake in a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight and watch the rainbow effect cascade all across your lawn whenever the gem at the bottom of the moon charm catches the sunlight.

Belavi Sun Catcher, Stake Moon, $4.99 at Aldi

Aldi

If a crescent moon isn't really your vibe, that's okay. Aldi is also selling another version of this Belavi Sun Catcher stake, specifically a darling heart shape. This suncatcher stake has the same measurements as the moon style.

Related: Aldi's 'Hoppy' $5 Lego Set Is Perfect for Easter Baskets

Aldi's Belavi Sun Catcher Stakes are on sale now as part of the retailer's current selection of Aldi Finds, weekly, limited-edition product specials that rotate in and out each week. If you are interested in other Aldi garden finds in particular, be sure to check out this charming boho plant trellis that creates magical celestial vibes in your garden, these gorgeous geode planters that look like rare boutique-store gems, this farmhouse-style three-tier plant stand that will level up your plant display, and more.

Aldi Finds are in the center aisles of Aldi stores. If you see an Aldi Find you love, be sure to act quickly; these products never stay on Aldi's shelves for very long.

Related: Aldi's Whimsical New Area Rug Is Perfect for Spring

Cryptic Insider Post Hints at 'Firefly' Animated Series

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 1:08pm

'Hmmm...' is right.

Visual effects artist Lee Stringer shared an animation‑style image of the Fireflyship Serenity on Facebook, and the longtime Firefly community took notice. Stringer’s connection to the franchise goes back to its earliest days. As a CGI artist and visual effects supervisor, he contributed to the visual effects of the original Firefly series and its 2005 feature film Serenity, including work on the ship’s digital representation itself. During his tenure at Zoic Studios, Stringer and his colleagues helped create the Emmy‑winning effects that gave the show its gritty, lived‑in aesthetic.

https://www.facebook.com/lee.stringer.3591/posts/pfbid033MG2THNsUq7VjS9e1YNr7Fc5fiaFxGaGdPz63tvh8wDUyHXxtyWPH6v3kb3RvvCQl?__cft__[0]=AZbAp77BbYxlK6gRNDpysbRNCOsBmMElCSe_zQHwQeJeWFcTfBs8dzD2vxXcVthz2saTIhy_z0uZ0_7l0tqqs1NdF8FIZrLnMX1kcdVyfZFhnIEsinG5SoDp6F_LsgS9gI4b2YF8zHHCVAX_5fVUcz4glT_oPzEZZSxMgYSw9ec1sg&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R

Stringer’s career extends across some of the most beloved science‑fiction franchises in television and film. Before Firefly, he worked as a visual effects animator on Star Trek: Voyager and the Star Trek: The Motion Picture Director’s Edition, and later supervised effects on Battlestar Galactica (where he inserted a Firefly Easter Egg) and other large‑scale projects. His professional background and the clear familiarity he has with the source material gives extra weight to the seemingly simple act of posting a stylized image of Serenity, especially as Firefly speculation approaches a possible turning point.

For more than a month, Firefly fans have been buzzing thanks to a mysterious campaign led by Nathan Fillion, the actor who portrayed Captain Malcolm “Mal” Reynolds. Through the Once We Were Spacemen Instagram account, Fillion has visited former cast members’ homes, delivering brief, ambiguous videos about it 'being time' for something. These include appearances by Gina Torres, Morena Baccarin, Sean Maher, Summer Glau, Jewel Staite, Alan Tudyk, and Adam Baldwin, teasing a planned announcement slated for Sunday, March 15.

Related: 'I Slap When I'm Excited' - Nathan Fillion Continues Mystery Firefly Videos with THAT Crewmember

Importantly, Fillion’s posts have explicitly ruled out several commonplace possibilities. According to some of the videos' captions, they are not hinting at a convention event, podcast, or typical fan gathering, a move that has helped fuel speculation about something more substantial.

One idea gaining traction among fans and some entertainment watchers is that what’s coming could be an animated Firefly series, potentially featuring the original cast returning to voice their characters. This theory aligns with Stringer’s animated visual and the ongoing mystery campaign, though at present there has been no official confirmation from rights holders or the cast.

Firefly originally aired in 2002 and, despite a single season, has maintained a devoted following for more than two decades. The digital model of Serenity was created by Zoic Studios and became a defining visual element of the show’s unique identity. Whatever the March 15 announcement reveals, Stringer’s post and Fillion’s careful buildup have generated one of the most enduring waves of Firefly speculation in recent memory, keeping the franchise alive in fan conversations and reminding everyone that the cast still aims to misbehave.

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Universal’s Newest Park Ranked One of the ‘100 Greatest Places in the World’

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 1:03pm

It’s been 25 years since the "Theme Park Capital of the World" debuted a brand-new, ground-up gate, but the wait has officially been validated by the highest authority in travel. On March 13, TIME revealed its annual list of the World’s Greatest Places, and Universal Epic Universe has claimed a premier spot among the 100 extraordinary destinations to visit and stay this year.

The accolade comes as doubts about whether Orlando needed another marquee attraction "fade quickly" upon entering the park’s 110-acre footprint. Unlike the traditional hub-and-spoke models of the past, Epic Universe is being celebrated for its revolutionary "portal" system.

Guests enter four distinct worlds through literal cosmic gateways, a design choice that creates a total "plunge" into immersion. From the 1920s Parisian streets of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Ministry of Magic to the monster-filled village of Darkmoor in Dark Universe, the park has been hailed as a masterclass in scale and storytelling.

“It’s fair to wonder whether the self-proclaimed Theme Park Capital of the World needed another marquee attraction—but doubts fade quickly at Universal Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth park and the first new theme park to open in Orlando in a quarter-century," shared Time in a release.

Related: The Epic Universe Ride Order That Saves 74% More Time This Spring

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Beyond the technological marvels like Stardust Racers and the highly interactive Super Nintendo World, TIME editors noted that the park's success lies in its pacing. The central Celestial Park functions as a lush, garden-like sanctuary with 7 million individually-controllable LEDs, offering a "cruisy" alternative to the typical theme park hustle. This balance of high-octane thrills—like the Battle at the Ministry—and quiet discovery in lands like the Isle of Berk is what secured its place on the global stage.

Related: This is One of the Best Mardi Gras in the Country—And It’s Not in New Orleans

While Epic Universe is the headline-stealer for Florida, it shares the 2026 honors with a diverse array of global neighbors. The "World's Greatest Places" list highlights a shift toward high-concept, exclusive experiences, ranging from the Disney Destiny cruise ship with its first-ever "heroes and villains" theme to the cover-star Si Datu Bua yacht in Indonesia.

Even closer to home, the list honors the cultural impact of the Studio Museum in Harlem and the "lifestyle destination" success of Netflix House in Pennsylvania. Whether it is the science-led luxury of the Maldives or the 36,000-acre mountain retreats of New Zealand, the 2026 list proves that the impulse to explore—and the desire for the unfamiliar—remains stronger than ever.

Related: Universal Just Made It Cheaper to Visit All Four Parks—Including Epic Universe

Did Demi Engemann Leave MomTok? What Happened After the ‘Mormon Wives’ Season 4 Drama

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 1:00pm

Demi Engemann’s position in MomTok has been on shaky ground since Season 3, when her connection to Vanderpump Villa star Marciano Brunette came under scrutiny following the Mormon Wives cast trip to Italy. What exactly happened between them at the villa lit up the proverbial group chat, and as rumors of a potential hookup spread, the controversy left Demi increasingly on the outs with the rest of MomTok. It didn’t help that she allegedly conspired with Marciano to shift suspicion of an affair onto Jessi Draper.

The situation grew even more complicated when Demi later claimed Marciano had sexually assaulted her, an accusation that many of her costars questioned. (Marciano denies the allegation and is suing Demi for defamation.)

Season 3 ended with a “kumbaya,” where the group agreed to put their drama behind them, but the reconciliation seemed tenuous at best.

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Is Demi Engemann still in MomTok after The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 4?

The short answer: No. 

The third episode of Season 4 featured the cast shooting the Season 3 reunion with their knives back out. One of the biggest questions hanging over the couch was whether anyone actually believed Demi’s version of what happened with Marciano. While some cast members hedged, Jen and Zac Affleck made their stance especially clear: they were not buying Demi’s side of the story. 

Demi’s response swung from angry to tearful, and by the next day, she was seemingly gone from MomTok, albeit without formally quitting the group on camera.

“There was just so many emotions, so many feelings, shared at that reunion, that it’s probably best that she takes care of herself right now,” Whitney Leavitt, Demi’s only true remaining ally in the group, said.  

Related: Demi Engemann Files Motion to Dismiss Defamation Lawsuit from Marciano Brunette 

Which episodes of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 4 did Demi appear in?

Demi was in the first three episodes of the season. She also technically appeared in Episode 4, but only in flashbacks to previous seasons as well as in a brief shot of her at the Dancing With the Stars Season 34 premiere, where all of MomTok showed up to support Whitney and Jen (although it’s hard to imagine Demi rooting for the latter).

Related: ‘DWTS’ Star Mark Ballas to Join Partner Whitney Leavitt in ‘Chicago’

“It was definitely a little weird tonight having Demi and [her husband] Bret sit with us,” Layla Taylor said. She went on to question whether Demi was just there to “save her public image.” 

“I think Demi’s intention with coming tonight to the Dancing with the Starstaping but not being part of our group behind-the-scenes was maybe to just give the public perception that she's a part of the group and we’re all happy and we’re all friends,” she said. 

“It’s not fair that you want to be associated with us when it’s convenient for you.”

Whether Demi returns to MomTok and/or appears in Season 5 of Mormon Wives is TBD. 

Mikayla Matthews wouldn’t be surprised either way. When it comes to being part of the group, she said, Demi is “always flip flopping.” 

Next: Everything to Know About 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Season 4

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