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Itching to give your bedroom a spring refresh? You can’t go wrong with a matching comforter set. It ensures that your bed looks cohesive while saving you the time and money you would've spent buying separate pieces. If you’re looking for a set that exudes spring vibes yet is versatile enough for year-round use, Walmart’s bestselling Smuge 7-Piece Floral Comforter Set is a fantastic option. 

Right now, you can snag this comforter set on sale for less than $45. Normally $71, the full and queen sizes are marked down to just $40 in six styles. That means you’re getting each piece for less than $6! It’s also available in king size sets, which normally retail between $50 and $76, but are now on sale for only $45. If you just want a comforter and matching pillow shams, it’s also available in a three-piece set in full, queen, and king sizes. starting at just $29. 

Courtesy of Walmart

This set comes with everything you need to make your bed look effortlessly put-together, including one comforter, one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, two pillowcases, and two pillow shams. All the styles available feature dainty flowers but vary slightly from each other. Some designs come in vibrant colors that’ll make your bed pop, while others have muted hues that’ll seamlessly blend in with the rest of your room. 

While the pillow shams and comforter feature eye-catching floral patterns, the pillowcases and sheets feature a solid color to help balance the set out. Depending on the style you choose, you’ll either get green, purple, light purple, gray, or white versions. 

Adorned with various types of flowers in all kinds of shapes and hues, this comforter set radiates major cottagecore charm. It’ll instantly make your bedroom feel spring-ready and bring some lively and cheerful energy to your space. The comforter also has a reversible design if you want to switch things up. You can flip it around to the solid color side whenever you want to give your bed a minimalist aesthetic. 

Courtesy of Walmart

This comforter set is made of 100% microfiber, which is a great alternative to down filling. It’s made to mimic the same fluffy feel as down feathers, but more low-maintenance and hypoallergenic, which is ideal for those with allergies or sensitive skin. Several shoppers noted that the fabric feels cozy and soft to the touch. 

Designed for all-season use, the comforter is filled with 240 GSM microfiber. While it’ll undoubtedly keep you warm, it’s also breathable and lightweight, which will prevent you from overheating and sweating in the middle of the night. The fitted sheet has 360-degree elastic all around the opening, allowing it to stay securely in place. It has deep pockets and can fit mattresses up to 14 inches thick. 

“This is one of the softest comforters I've ever had,” one shopper raved. Another described this comforter set as “absolutely beautiful and so comfy.” A third mentioned that it’s “bright and pretty” and commented that it “really brightened up” their bedroom. 

Related: Amazon’s 'Adorable' $20 Spring-Ready Solar Light Statue Comes in 3 'Whimsical' Animal Designs

As a bonus, it’s really easy to care for this comforter set. Whenever it’s time for a refresh, you can just toss everything into the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water. Afterwards, toss it in the dryer and tumble dry it on low heat. The comforter boasts subtle stitching all around the fabric, creating a diamond quilted pattern that prevents the filling from moving around and clumping up. 

• Cookey 2-Pack of Down Alternative Pillows, $32 (was $69) at Walmart
• Moonlight 3-Piece Scalloped Quilt Set, From $15 (was $32) at Walmart
• Gped Fleece Throw Blanket, $14 (was $24) at Walmart

Ready to effortlessly elevate the aesthetic of your bedroom while transforming your bed into a cozy sanctuary? If so, don’t hesitate to head to Walmart and snag the Smuge 7-Piece Floral Comforter Set while it’s on sale for as low as $40! 

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Season 3 Euphoria actress Natasha Lyonne already shared one message about being removed from that Delta Airline flight the other night, but today, she has more to say about the incident at the LA airport. She's slowly filling in some of the blanks about what went down aboard that redeye flight bound for New York and what led to her being escorted off the airplane.

Just as she did with her first message, Lyonne took to X again with her latest information. It's just a little hard to tell where the comedy queen is kidding and where she's being serious. She says she took a prescription sleeping pill once on board the plane, explaining she needed rest before arriving in NY and heading directly to the set of The Drew BarrymoreShow for taping.

"Indeed, I took a Lunesta once seated," Lyonne writes on X, "to ensure some shut eye on the Delta One red eye flight to NYC. Boarded seamlessly with just a backpack and sneakers, eager for a nap. Plan was to be bushy tailed & beauty rested, as I was meant to head straight to glam for a slot with our beloved @DrewBarrymore, upon landing."

Related: Nikki Glaser Encourages Her Boyfriend to Have Hookups: ‘It’s Just What I’m Into’

But then the actress adds that she was detained by ICE (aka, the U.S.'s Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

She says, "Was looking forward to seeing Drew & an in depth convo, but I guess ICE had other plans & I was detained instead. Sign of the times, I guess. Thanks for all the love and support. Never had a problem with @Delta or @TSA before. Heart is with our unpaid @TSA workers. Apologies to any travelers who were delayed."

Thanks for the great reporting, @enews. Indeed, I took a Lunesta once seated, to ensure some shut eye on the Delta One red eye flight to NYC. Boarded seamlessly with just a backpack and sneakers, eager for a nap. Plan was to be bushy tailed & beauty rested, as I was meant to head… https://t.co/gdRIKJ41Lt

Presumably, Lyonne is referring to ICE agents who have been deployed to assist in many U.S. airports due to TSA staffing shortages during the government shutdown. However, most recent reports say ICE is not at LAX. Do with that information what you will.

The only one who really knows what's going on with Natasha Lyonne is Natasha Lyonne. As for the rest of us, we'll just have to guess the best we can—or we could find something else to do, I guess. But we love Natasha Lyonne and sometimes we just can't help it.

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When it rains, it pours. And the sky opened up with irony overSingin’ in the Rain.

Released on April 11, 1952, the movie musical was an instant commercial and critical hit, and would go on to be hailed as one of Hollywood’s happiest films, despite a notoriously grueling, and often miserable, production behind the scenes.

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Starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Connor, the Golden Age classic follows a 1920s silent film star (Kelly) navigating Hollywood’s chaotic transition to talkies while falling for a chorus girl (Reynolds). For 103 minutes, audiences are treated to kinetic choreography, feel-good songs, and more onscreen chemistry than Ben Franklin flying a kite in a lightning storm. But behind those pearly-white smiles was a very different story.

Kelly was reportedly battling a 103-degree fever while filming his iconic rain sequence, with his widow, Patricia Ward Kelly, later telling Radio Times that he would lie in the sun to “bake the fever out of him.” As she noted, Kelly was not only starring, but also directing and choreographing, leaving little room for rest.

Reynolds, just 19 at the time, also endured an intense shoot that pushed her to exhaustion. Her “Good Morning” number reportedly took 40 takes, leaving her physically depleted.

“Fortunately, Debbie was strong as an ox,” Kelly later said, per Turner Classic Movies, praising her ability to absorb demanding choreography despite what he called the “university of hard work and pain.”

Reynolds herself would later describe a far more painful side of filming in her 2013 memoir, Unsinkable, including her shock during an early onscreen kiss with Kelly, which she recalled as deeply unsettling and unprofessional.

Production challenges didn’t stop there. During the “Broadway Melody Ballet,” Cyd Charisse was nearly overwhelmed by powerful wind machines used to animate a flowing silk scarf attached to her costume.

Even the soundtrack had a twist: Reynolds was dubbed in parts of the film, meaning the voice audiences associate with her character isn’t always hers.

Still, the musical — written by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, with songs by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown — remains one of the BFI’s Sight and Sound Top 10 films and continues to make 'em laugh more than seven decades later.

Related: 1994 Box Office Flop Became the ‘Greatest Movie of All Time’

Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie‘s mom, Nancy Guthrie, is still missing more than two months after the abduction from her Tucson, Ariz., home—and a pricey move could provide the "last breadcrumb" in the case, according to a retired FBI agent.

On April 6, TMZ received new notes from a person who allegedly saw Nancy alive in Sonora, Mexico, but claimed that the 84-year-old “is dead” now. The letter was reportedly from the same person who sent ransom notes to the outlet in February. This time, however, they demanded 1 Bitcoin—half before the information was shared and half after a public arrest—in exchange for information about the location of Nancy’s body.

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Jennifer Coffindaffer, a retired FBI special agent, explained why paying the ransom might be beneficial in this situation.

“Tickling the wire in this case would be putting half a Bitcoin and seeing what happens to it," she told Newsweek in an article published on April 10. "Do they take it? Do they convert it to pesos? It’s internationally tracked. How does it come out into currency? Do they just leave it there?” she said of the

Coffindaffer acknowledged, "Once it’s gone, it’s going to be gone."

However, she also pointed out, "But I would want that last bread crumb. I think it would be worth it to me.”

Related: Nancy Guthrie Update: Could Key Detail Crack the Case? Retired FBI Agent Weighs In

The new notes and Bitcoin demand in Nancy's case have divided experts weighing in on the case. Retired FBI agent Jason Pack recently called out "red flags" in the letters during an exclusive interview with Parade. Likewise, a retired NYPD sergeant explained why the note and Bitcoin demand should be "taken with a grain of salt." However, an active police detective also shared why they could be legitimate during an interview on Brian Entin Investigates.

Nancy was last seen at her Catalina Foothills residence on the evening of Jan. 31. As of writing, no suspect has been named in the case, despite Savannah offering a $1 million reward on top of a $100,000 FBI reward and more.

Next: Nancy Guthrie Update: How New Tech Could Solve the Case, Says DNA Expert

Among a list of the greatest films ever released is a 1997 crime thriller that dominated the box office upon its premiere. Starring Russell Crowe, Kevin Spacey, Guy Pearce, Danny DeVito, and Kim Basinger, the neo-noir film was praised by critics and nominated for multiple Oscars.

Based on James Ellroy's 1990 novel, L.A. Confidential was directed, produced, and co-written by Curtis Hanson. It originally premiered at the Cannes Film Festival before making it to U.S. audiences, where it accumulated over $126 million at the box office against its $35 million budget. Rotten Tomatoes ranks the film as one of the "best movies of all time" in the No. 5 spot with a 99% rating, even beating out Marlon Brando's On the Waterfront.

Hanson had been a longtime fan of Ellroy's novel and fell in love with the characters. He saw an opportunity to bring the novel's overall storyline of the golden era of Los Angeles to the big screen and teamed up with screenwriter Brian Helgeland. The two even got Ellroy's approval, with the writer having been impressed by Hanson's The Bedroom Window and Bad Influence.

Set in 1953 Los Angeles, L.A. Confidential follows a group of police officers at the crosshairs of police corruption and the glamor of Hollywood celebrities. The film focuses on three very different LAPD officers: the ambitious and by-the-book Ed Exley (Pearce), the tough and volatile Bud White (Crowe), and the slick, fame-chasing Jack Vincennes (Spacey). As they investigate a brutal diner massacre known as the “Nite Owl” killings, their separate paths begin to converge, revealing a web of police corruption, organized crime, and media manipulation.

Along the way, they encounter a mysterious woman, Lynn Bracken (Basinger), who becomes entangled in the case and in their personal lives. As the investigation deepens, the officers are forced to confront their own values and the moral compromises they’ve made.

Related: 1957 Classic Film Ranked Among ‘Best Movies of All Time’

L.A. Confidential became a success at Cannes and the box office, with Ellroy having commented, "I understood in 40 minutes or so that it is a work of art on its own level. It was amazing to see the physical incarnation of the characters." Critics called the film "seductive," "beautiful," and gets "just about everything right."

The film was nominated for nine Oscars and won two, with Basinger for Best Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay. That year, the film was up against Titanic, which won in every other category L.A. Confidential was nominated in. Hanson's standout film ended up being considered "historically and culturally significant" and preserved by the Library of Congress.

Kenny Chesney will no longer perform two shows that were initially scheduled as part of his upcoming residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Those canceled performances were set to take place on July 3-4.

In an announcement to ticketholders on Wednesday, April 8, the country music superstar, 58, revealed he will no longer be performing the mid-summer dates. Still, he did offer ticket holders a promo code to catch him at a future show, in addition to a refund for those who can’t make a later date. 

The axed concerts at the Bulbous Wonder come after Chesney came to a personal decision that his focus needs to be on prioritizing family during the Independence Day holiday.

According to The Las Vegas Review-Journal, this marks the first time a major headlining performance has been canceled at the venue, and the “American Kids” crooner notified ticket holders about the change to his schedule in a message. 

He wrote, “Funny thing about holidays, family, and traditions: you don’t realize how important they are until you remember all the things people in your life want to do to celebrate them; the reason people come together, go home, and remember, catch up with old friends.” 

“Over the last few weeks, I’ve heard about a lot of traditions that wouldn’t be happening, because I was going to play Las Vegas over the 4th of July Weekend,” he continued. “I won’t say I didn’t realize, but I will say: hearing from people I know and care about, I heard them loud and clear. So I’ve made the difficult decision to cancel my shows on July 3 & 4 at Sphere.”

Chesney went on to say that while the decision came with a lot of thought, his No Shoes Nation should know he was looking forward to seeing them and performing for them. 

“Not that I don’t want to see you at Sphere, to share this incredible, full-immersion music-visual experience with you. I do,” he said. 

This is not Chesney’s first show at the Sphere. He played a run at the historic 17,600-seat venue known for Sphere Immersive Sound as the first country headlining act in the spring and summer of 2025.

The remainder of Chesney’s Sphere shows are still scheduled as planned, with nine dates in total: June 19, 20, 24, 26, and 27; and July 1, 8, 10, and 11.

Related: Country Star Cancels Shows, Announces Touring Break to Seek ‘Professional’ Help: ‘It’s Easy to Get Lost in This World’

The hit CBS drama Fire Country has become a Friday night staple for the network over the past four seasons.

Fire Country fans can’t get enough of the show and have been dealt a couple of lengthy hiatuses recently. The latest break was a result of March Madness, though the series made good by following up with the first-ever Sheriff Country and Fire Country crossover event.

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Last week, fans watched Cal Fire and the Edgewater Sheriff Department work together on a major case that impacted the town. Now, fans are wondering what is next for Fire Country in terms of new episodes.

Good news, Fire Country fans! The show is back with a brand-new episode on Friday, April 10, hitting CBS airwaves at 9/8c and dropping on Paramount+ on Saturday, April 11.

The follow-up to the crossover takes Fire Country to a place it has never gone before: the rodeo.

What isn’t a new take is Bode (Max Thieriot) and his always-complicated personal life. Despite Tyler (Conor Sherry) starting the Zabel Ridge Fire that killed Vince (Billy Burke), Bode can’t seem to stay away from Tyler or his mother, Chloe (Alona Tal).

CBS teased Season 4 Episode 14, titled “Why Not Now,” with a brief preview video featuring Bode at the rodeo with Chloe. It also reveals the return of Chloe’s ex, Landon (Josh McDermitt), who is also at the rodeo.

A heated exchange erupts between Bode and Landon, leading Bode to issue a threat: “You’re not going to like how this ends.” In true Fire Country fashion, crowd chaos, animals on the loose, and fire soon have the rodeo getting out of control.

The synopsis for the episode reads: “A day of celebration at the Edgewater rodeo erupts into chaos after a stampede of runaway horses endangers the crowd.”

Related: Where is ‘Fire Country’ Filmed?

Fire Country’s new episode is the latest in a run of new episodes leading to the Season 4 finale on Friday, May 22. Never fear, though, Fire Country fans, the show isn't going anywhere anytime soon because Season 5 of Fire Country has already been ordered

Along with Thieriot, Fire Country stars Diane Farr (Sharon), Jules Latimer (Eve), Jordan Calloway (Jake), Kevin Alejandro (Manny), and Michael Trucco (Luke).

Fire Country airs Fridays at 9/8c on CBS.

Next: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Shemar Moore Has ‘Bone to Pick’ About His Latest Return

Melissa Joan Hart just shared a cryptic message that left Sabrina the Teenage Witch fans freaking out over the possibility of a reboot or a 30th anniversary reunion special.

On Friday, April 10, the former child actress who played Sabrina Spellman in the beloved sitcomtook to Instagram with a post that had fans speculating.

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"Stay tuned for a fun announcement on Monday!" Hart, 49, captioned her update.

For the main image, she chose an outline of a black cat on a black background, with no other text or clues. Except, fans immediately thought about Salem the cat in Sabrina, and then wondered if it meant Salem, Sabrina, and the rest of the gang would soon grace their screens once again.

In the comments, Sabrina fans shared their excitement over the possibilities of Hart's "surprise." One Instagram user begged, "Tell me you're coming back as Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, with Salem!! 🙏🙌."

Another exclaimed, "WHAT OMG I CAN'T BREATHE," as a third predicted, "Reboot of Sabrina the Teenage Witch?!?

Someone else echoed, "Manifesting a reboot with Caroline Rhea and Beth Broderick back too! 👏."

"Sabrina: Mother of a Teenage Witch 👯‍♀️," a different follower guessed.

Others shared more predictions, writing, "You're coming to 90's Con?!", "Rewatch pod?", and "Sabrina 30th years reunion 🙏🏼👏."

Less than two weeks ago, Hart turned heads when she posted a photo via Instagram with two of her former Sabrina co-stars. "When the magic fam comes together!" she captioned the update featuring Nate Richert(Harvey) and Beth Broderick (Aunt Zelda).

Sabrina the Teenage Witch aired for seven seasons from 1996 to 2003. This year, on Sep. 27, will officially mark 30 years since it premiered.

What do you think Hart will announce on April 13?

Next: Sofía Vergara Reunites With ‘Modern Family’ Costar Jesse Tyler Ferguson for New Project

A shocking and major career update for Millie Bobby Brown has been revealed.

It was announced on Friday that Netflix dropped the upcoming gymnastics film Perfect after the Stranger Thingsstar left the project due to creative differences. Production was supposed to start this summer.

The 22-year-old actress was supposed to play Kerri Strug, a member of the "Magnificent Seven" USA gymnastics team during the 1996 Olympics. Gia Coppola was set to direct the film, while Ronnie Sandahl penned the script. Brown was also set to produce, along with Nik Bower of Riverstone Pictures and Thomas Benski.

So far, both Brown and Netflix have declined to comment.

Eamonn McCormack/Variety via Getty Images

Strug made history at 18 years old after performing her vault routine with an injured ankle during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, which won Team USA a gold medal. On her first attempt on the vault, the gymnast landed wrong and tore ligaments in her left ankle during the team final. Despite the injury, she completed a second vault, sticking her landing on one foot.

She retired from gymnastics shortly after the Olympics and attended UCLA, where she worked as the gymnastics team's manager. After graduating from undergrad and receiving a master's degree in social psychology from Stanford, Strug worked as an elementary school teacher in the Washington D.C. area, then as a staff assistant in various branches of government.

Meanwhile, Brown wrapped Stranger Things, which has been streaming on Netflix since 2016. She portrayed Eleven (also known as Jane Hopper), a young girl with psychokinetic and telepathic abilities who escapes from Hawkins National Laboratory. After the release of the drama's last season in late 2025, Brown moved to Georgia with her husband, Jake Bongiovi and taking care of their daughter, whom they adopted in 2025. In addition, she is working on her brand, florence by mills, and they recently dropped a new clothing line.

Related: Millie Bobby Brown Poses With Daughter in Rare Photo for 22nd Birthday

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Spring is filled with weekend trips, long walks through the neighborhood, afternoons spent shopping, and full days on your feet soaking it all in. It’s the season of getting and staying out more and saying yes to plans that keep you moving from noon to night. But anyone who’s dealt with aching arches or tender heels knows not all sandals are built for that kind of mileage. Style is easy to find, but lasting comfort is a whole different story — and finding a pair that delivers both is key.

If you’re ready to step into something smarter, Dr. Scholl’s All The Time Slide Sandals are just $40 at Amazon, marked down 56% from their original $90 price tag. Known for blending comfort with everyday style, the brand delivers again with this easy slip-on pair that supports your feet while looking chic. 

Courtesy of Amazon

Thoughtfully designed for both comfort and everyday wear, these Dr. Scholl’s slides check all the boxes. They feature a low-chemical faux leather upper and lining, offering a more mindful approach to materials. The slip-on design is paired with an adjustable buckle on the instep strap, giving you a more customized fit. Underfoot, the brand’s insole technology delivers anatomically ergonomic cushioning and support, creating a padded, comfortable base that helps keep you going throughout the day. 

The high-traction rubber outsole provides stability, and its ultra-flexible, lightweight construction moves naturally with your stride for that easy, broken-in feel from the start. Even better, the sandals are pre-treated with an easy clean repellant to help keep the sidewalls looking fresh longer — just a quick wipe with water is all it takes. Finished with a small 1.25-inch platform, this pair blends function, flexibility, and style into one reliable go-to.

Finding your size is pretty easy with these, since they come in half sizes from 6 through 11. That means you’re not stuck choosing between too tight or slightly too loose. They’re available in seven different colors, giving you plenty of options to match your style. The neutral shades like gold, black, white, and brown are the most affordably priced at just $40, and they’re also the easiest to pair with just about everything you already own.

Related: Amazon's 'Lightweight' Skechers Sandals Are Now Just $38 and Feel 'Like Walking on Air'

Shoppers shared their thoughts on this “super comfy” and “cute” pair with “great cushioning” in the reviews section, saying that they’re a “nice addition to summer wardrobes.” One shopper shared, “I normally struggle with slide-ons, but these keep my foot in place and have great support.”

• Dr. Scholl's Time Off Sky Sandals, from $50 (was $80) at Amazon
• Dr. Scholl's Madison Cloud Slide Sandals, from $50 (was $95) at Amazon
• Dr. Scholl's Islander Sandals, from $38 (was $80) at Amazon

Don’t let uncomfortable sandals slow you down. Grab Dr. Scholl’s All The Time Slide Sandals for $40 while the 56% off deal at Amazon lasts, and keep your spring plans moving in comfort and style. 

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Most of the time, we want a book that is going to connect to an interest we’ve formed. Teens solving mysteries in school is certainly a popular genre. Wednesday on Netflix does it well, but Pretty Little Liars, Elite, and Fate: The Winx Saga had all captured the hearts of fans.

Well, there’s an upcoming book that is going to be perfect for you. Make sure A House of Vipers by Emma Jackson is on your list.

Jackson’s YA debut, A House of Vipers, takes us into the world of a Colorado boarding school. It all starts with a student’s mysterious disappearance, and a year later, his brother is looking for answers. Will they find Sutter Heyward’s brother, Lawson, alive, or is this a mystery that can’t be uncovered?

Sutter is sure that his brother is out there somewhere. Everyone else may have given up, but he knows that there was something fishy going on, and it’s connected to the on-campus secret society, The Order of Vipers. As soon as he gets the chance, he joins, but he soon realizes that the risks that come with joining by outweigh the reward.

Delacorte Press

At first, it’s clear that this novel is going to be perfect for fans of Wednesday and Pretty Little Liars. It’s packed with backstabbing, puzzles, and a secret order that leaves you wondering what they could be doing in the darkness.

However, it’s also perfect for The Inheritance Games fans. The series of books followed Avery Grambs as she fought to survive high school while trying to win a scholarship. Of course,a death leads to Avery getting an entire fortune, but she has no idea who the deceased is or why she’s the one getting the money, and in comes a mystery that leaves us hooked to solve.

The twist with this is that it's a male protagonist rather than the typical female one for YA novels. This does bring a slightly different feel, but it makes it perfect for Harry Potterfans in that regard.

A House of Vipers will be released on April 28, 2026. It’s an April release that you will not want to sleep on, especially if you love the puzzles and mysteries that come with other YA thrillers.

Following the shocking racial slur that erupted during last month's BAFTA Film Awards on February 22, 2026, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has accepted and released the results of an independent review of the incident. The review finds no evidence of "malicious intent" or "institutional racism." The reviewers do say they uncovered what they've defined as "structural weaknesses" inside BAFTA.

The racial slur heard 'round the world occurred during a BAFTA award presentation earlier this year. Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage presenting the award for Special Visual Effects when the N-word was audibly blurted out from the audience. We later found out that the slur had been involuntarily yelled by John Davidson, a Scottish Tourette's activist, who also has Tourette syndrome, including coprolalia, or involuntary, often offensive, vocal outbursts.

The story lit up due to its racist implications combined with the sensitivities around persons with disabilities. However, from both sides of the aisle, BAFTA was blamed for allowing the slur to hit airwaves across the pond, despite having a tape delay, and to remain unedited in streaming players for hours after it happened, further spreading and deepening the wounds caused by the incident.

Related: BAFTA Host Alan Cumming Apologizes for ‘Trauma-Triggering’ Slur Incident

In releasing the findings of the investigation, the BAFTA Board of Trustees did issue an apology: "We apologise unreservedly to the Black community, for whom the racist language used carries real pain, brutality, and trauma; to the disability community, including people with Tourette Syndrome, for whom this incident has led to unfair judgement, stigma, and distress; and to all our members, guests at the ceremony and those watching at home."

They also outlined their three-step plan for internal changes at BAFTA, which include:

• Improving escalation processes and the chain of information sharing around their awards shows.
• Adopting a broader intersectional approach to access, inclusion, and support at events to ensure they are properly considering every group's needs and experiences.
• Addressing internal cultural or knowledge gaps that may interfere with BAFTA's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Read the conclusion of independent review and full statement from the BAFTA Board of Trustees.

Now it's up to the Black and disabled communities and their allies, as well as everyone who supports the independent arts charity and academy, to decide if this apology and promise for change are meaningful or not.

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There are three things guaranteed in the world today: Death, taxes, and Jeopardy! being on. Believe it or not, the iconic game show has been on the air for over 60 years (though the modern incarnation we know and love technically debuted in 1984). Under the watchful eye of Ken Jennings (who himself was a record-breaking champion), Jeopardy! puts three people's trivia skills and reflexes to the ultimate test. And so many of the greats to grace those podiums started by simply watching the show as it aired on weekdays, as millions have done for over half a century.

Here's a spoiler-filled recap of who won Jeopardy! today, plus the answer to Final Jeopardy.

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Jamie Ding simply won't stop winning. He extended his dominant winning streak to 21 consecutive games, tying Cris Pannullo for sixth on the all-time consecutive wins list, per the Jeopardy Leaderboard of Legends and knocking on the door of the all-time top earners list. Friday's victory brought his cumulative regular-play winnings to an impressive $609,000.

Xaque Williamsis a writer from Knoxville, Tennessee.

Kathi Fitzgerald is an English teacher from Williamsburg, Virginia

With Artemis II's return to Earth tonight causing some broadcast shuffling, Jamie Ding still earned $36,400 and pushed his 21-day total to $609,000.

Friday's episode of the long-running quiz show saw its reigning champion put together yet another masterful performance, even if it wasn't quite as flawless as some of his earlier games. The bureaucrat and law student from Lawrenceville, New Jersey, found all three Daily Doubles, though one stumble, along with a few incorrect responses in Double Jeopardy, kept his score lower than some of his most recent outings. Even so, he managed to build a commanding runway lead heading into Final Jeopardy, where he answered correctly.

Related: Sam Heughan Surprises ‘Jeopardy!’ Fans With an ‘Outlander’ Category — Can You Answer the Clues?

Final Jeopardy today was in the category "Around The World."

The clue:  "A river named for the sacred lotus flower flows toward this 839,000-square-mile body of water."

The answer:  What is the Bay of Bengal?

Two out of three contestants got it right. Jamie wagered $9,600 from his $26,800 lead and responded correctly, finishing with $36,400. Xaque also nailed it, wagering $7,000 to finish at $15,200, a strong showing even if it wasn't enough to catch the champ. Kathi, meanwhile, guessed "What is the Indian Ocean?" and chose not to wager anything from her $200, holding steady at $200.

Ding will be back Monday looking for win number 22.

Did you get the answer? Sign off in the comments!

Related: Where Jamie Ding Ranks Among ‘Jeopardy!’s Top 10 All-Time Winners

Jeopardy! will come back on Monday, April 13, with a new episode. Check your local listings to find out when to watch

Jeopardy! is available on both Hulu and Peacock. Subscribers can enjoy watching new episodes the next day, as well as access a vault of many classic episodes to enjoy at a moment's notice.

Related: Ken Jennings Reveals If 'Celebrity Jeopardy!' Questions Are Easier

Sheriff Country Season 1 has been moving right along, proving it’s so much more than a Fire Country spin-off.

After a couple of lengthy breaks, most recently for March Madness, fans were treated to the first-ever Sheriff Country and Fire Country crossover last week. The major event only made fans want more episodes of the new CBS show, especially as the season nears its end.

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There is good news for Sheriff Country fans. On Friday, April 10, a new episode of Sheriff Country will hit CBS airwaves at 8/7c and drop on Paramount+ on Saturday, April 11.

The new episode is a doozy that will test Edgewater’s Sheriff Department like never before. Fans won’t want to miss this episode for sure.

Edgewater has a serial killer in its midst. The episode titled “Show of Force” focuses on the deadly threat facing the town, and it gets deeply personal for Cassidy (Michele Weaver).

Sheriff Country fans know Cassidy’s sister went missing years ago. The serial killer’s target is young girls just like Cassidy’s sister. Mickey (Morena Baccarin) is up against the clock as a major function gives the killer a perfect opportunity to target the young women.

The official synopsis for the episode of Sheriff Country reads: “During Edgewater’s Blood Moon Festival, Sheriff Mickey races to stop a suspected serial killer targeting young women. Meanwhile, a shocking discovery propels Deputy Cassidy into the crosshairs of the case.”

Related: 'The Young and the Restless’ Shemar Moore Has ‘Bone to Pick’ About His Latest Return

CBS teased the episode, revealing that the serial killer has been at large for two decades. There is a desperation in Cassidy’s voice as she tells Mickey, “We have to stop this guy,” and Mickey declares, “We will.”

Sheriff Country’s latest episode is part of the new episode run that will lead into the Season 1 finale airing on May 22. There are still seven new episodes to air before the season wraps in a few weeks.

Along with Baccarin and Weaver, Sheriff Country also stars Matt Lauria (Boone), W.Earl Brown (Wes), Christopher Gorham (Travis), Caroline Rhea (Gina), and Amanda Arcuri (Skye).

Sheriff Country airs Fridays at 8/7c on CBS.

Next: Where is ‘Sheriff’ Country Filmed?

Shamea Morton Mwangi is ready for her sophomore year. The reality TV star is back for her second season as a “peach-holder” on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta. As the 17th season kicks off on Bravo, we caught up with Shamea and broke down her experience on reality TV, what sets this season apart from last year's soft reboot, and what fans can expect from yet another stellar entry in RHOA.

“I don't know if I'm a pro just yet, but I am no longer a freshman,” Shamea explained to us. While she spent years as a “Friend Of” on the series, season 17 marks her second as a full-time housewife (which fans have lovingly coined as ‘holding a peach'').

“So that is a great feeling,” she added. “I am now a sophomore on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. I'm super excited to be in this new season 17. I had a lot of fun, but I also had a little bit of drama.”

Shamea is once again joined by her former bestie Porsha Williams, Drew Sidora, Phaedra Parks, Kelli Ferrell, Phaedra Parks, and Angela Oakley, while newbies K. Michelle and Pinky Cole join the group. For Shamea, who ended Season 16 on some shaky terms with some castmates, she told us she tried her best to start fresh in the group.

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“I'm putting me first,” she explained. “I had extended an olive branch, and I was coming into 17 wanting to get to know all of the ladies, whatever that meant. I wanted to have a clean slate and possibly, real friendship with them. I wanted that, but then I realized leaving 17, that you can't force it. Some people are for you and some people you're just supposed to coexist with or just, you know, they're just not your people.”

Still, Shamea maintains that all of the ladies are “powerful, strong, beautiful, talented, and bosses.” She added, “So if I'm not your person, I honestly feel like our viewers can resonate with somebody in this cast.”

Shamea also praised both Pinky and K. Michelle as they join the cast, referring to them both as “new friends” of hers that serve as a breath of fresh air in the group. As for her strained relationships with some other castmates, however, there’s still plenty of work to be done there, especially with Drew Sidora.

Related: Cynthia Bailey On Kenya Moore’s Dramatic ‘RHOA’ Exit: ‘It’s Like We Lost One of Our Most Valuable Players’

“Just saying her name is draining, Jesus,” she teased when mentioning Drew. “I mean, she's always looking for a moment. It's unfortunate, because when you try to really get to know her, it's like there's this wall up or there's this acting. She's always on.”

“Some people just aren't for you,” she added. “I think that just may be the case with her, and there's nothing wrong with it. She's her own person, and that doesn’t take away from her being beautiful and talented. She’s just not my kind of girl.”

Then there’s her relationship with Porsha, who was once her closest friend in the entire group. Season 16 saw some serious fractures in their relationship, and season 17 continues their story as they continue to navigate their fluctuating friendship. “I just appreciate the fact that we are able to coexist and share the same space,” she told us. “I'm not looking for anything, and she's not either. I think that, is what it is, and, we're just navigating this friend circle as best as we can.”

The Real Housewivesfranchise also just celebrated a major milestone, celebrating 20 years on the air since the first episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County premiered. Being a part of this larger-than-life “sisterhood” is something that Shamea is grateful for, and the importance of the opportunity is not lost on her.

Related: Quad Webb Addresses That ‘Tense’ Gizelle Bryant Moment, Reveals Who Crossed a Line and Says Season 12 is ‘On Fire’ (Exclusive)

“It means the world to me,” she gushed. “A lot of people are like, ‘Oh, I don't know why she's doing this, she doesn’t need it.' But, we have to do things in our life that make us happy and brings joy. I appreciate Bravo for giving me this platform to showcase my life, my family, my faith, fashion, and the fun."

In just one year on the platform, Shamea has opened up tremendously to the Bravo audiences, letting viewers into her personal life and struggles, her youngest daughter’s health conditions, her journey with IVF and surrogacy and more. “I want to show people that it's not always amazing,” she added. “We are all going through trials and tribulations and they will always make us stronger. We just have to stay the course.”

As for the rest of the season, she teases, “All I can say is, buckle up! There is a wave of emotions. There’s highs and there's lows, and I mean, it'll keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s almost like a thriller!”

The Real Housewives of Atlanta airs Sunday nights on Bravo.

Related: Meet the Full Cast of 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' Season 17 — From Returning Stars to New Faces

Sperry is taking a "playfully bold" approach to its original shoe styles with what it's calling its "most iconic" release to date.

The legacy footwear brand—known for its classic boat shoe that first launched in 1935—has teamed up with fashion label Monse to debut a limited-edition twist that nobody saw coming: a translucent, jelly-inspired boat shoe that feels more festival statement than nautical staple.

And the release is already sparking debate online.

For nearly a century, Sperry has built its identity around the same coastal DNA—clean lines, non-slip soles, and that instantly recognizable silhouette worn from dock to deck to downtown. But the new Monse collaboration flips that legacy upside down, making the shoe nearly unrecognizable.

Instead of traditional leather or canvas, the updated boat shoe arrives in a glossy, semi-transparent jelly finish that catches light with every step. It’s equal parts nostalgic and futuristic—like a childhood beach toy reimagined as high fashion.

Related: Crocs' Brand-New Release Is the First of Its Kind

The limited-edition drop comes in just two colorways: a vivid bright orange and a sea-forward teal. Both versions lean into a playful, see-through aesthetic that feels more runway experiment than classic prep, appealing to a younger audience.

"Playfully bold, the limited-edition Sperry x MONSE Authentic Original™ 2-Eye Jelly Boat Shoe amplifies a high-impact color-drenched look with its pigment-rich upper, vibrant jelly outsole, and dyed-to-match socks," the official product listing details. "Fusing MONSE’s artistic edge with Sperry’s classic craftsmanship, this adventurous partnership delivers a high fashion take on a timeless silhouette, adding instant zest to any modern wardrobe."

The price tag? A cool $195, positioning the shoe firmly in the “fashion statement” category rather than everyday wear.

Related: Gap’s New Totally Unconventional Collaboration Is Turning Heads: ‘Need Every Color’

Online, shoppers shared unfiltered reactions to the new release, with several wondering why the brand would stray so far from its staple styles.

"Our most iconic silhouette, deconstructed and rebuilt with an artistic edge," the brand captioned a Threads post, only to be met by confused social media users in the comments section of the post.

"Is this April Fools?" one asked on April 1, followed by another who wrote, "I can hear and smell this picture. 🤢"

"You can hear the squelching with every step 🤮," a third agreed.

Someone else didn't hold back their thoughts, adding, "Those look miserable. My feet would be sweating and then sliding and then I would have blisters everywhere. Nope."

Several more Threads users chimed in with a string of similar opinions, including notes that read, "I feel like shoe makers are just punking us, at this point," "$200 for some jelly shoes from the 90’s?!" "I laughed too hard at this photo. Jelly boat shoes?! Lmao," "Not jelly loafers 🤣🤣🤣," and "I am absolutely repulsed by this photo. Get those sweaty ass toes off my feed!! 🤢"

Dramatics aside, though, brands continue to find ways to reinvent themselves. After nearly a century, if the goal was to get folks talking, it's obviously working. Love it or hate it, the collaboration fits a larger trend: legacy brands reworking archive staples into limited-edition, high-concept drops designed to spark conversation as much as sales.

The jelly boat shoe may not be universally embraced—but it’s undeniably impossible to ignore.

Related: Stanley Just Released a Charming New Picnic-Inspired Collection of Tumblers and Essentials

Lauren Conrad’s love life started out in the spotlight, when she was a high-schooler on Laguna Beach entangled in one of the most memorable love triangles in reality-TV history. These days, the L.A. Candy author is living a much more private existence in her home town in coastal California, with husband William Tell and their two young boys. 

“Nobody cares who I am here,” she told People ahead of Laguna Beach: The Reunion, a 20-year anniversary special now airing on The Roku Channel. 

Keep reading for a deep dive into Conrad’s relationship history and her happily-ever-after with Tell.

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Yes. The couple has been going strong since 2014, in part because they’re “good communicators,” Conrad told People. "...I think because of that, it's a fun, easy relationship,” she said. “There's always going to be hard stuff, but if you can figure it out together and be like, 'Alright, let's sit down and talk this out calmly,' then it's nice. I've done it the other way, and it's not fun."

She also shared that they follow a strict “no name-calling” rule. "Our relationship has always been a very respectful one," she said. "I remember really early when we were dating, I was joking, and I called him a name, and he said to me, like, 'So, I don't name-call. I'm never going to call you a name. Let's not do that.' I was like, 'Oh, okay. We're adults.'"

He’s now a lawyer, but he started out as a musician. 

Speaking to Above the Law back in 2014, when he was attending USC Gould School of Law and engaged to Conrad, he explained how he launched a career in music after dropping out of Cal State, Chico—which he didn’t find "intellectually stimulating”—as an outgoing freshman. He first approached his parents to tell him he wanted to take a year off to give music a real shot. “I had five goals and I told them that if I didn’t achieve them within a year, I would go back to school,” he shared. “My goals were to get a major label record deal, have this level of manager, play this size venue, et cetera.”

Within the year, he was a rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist for the punk band Something Corporate, and they released their first major-label album, Leaving Through the Window, in 2002. 

After three years with the band, Tell attempted a solo career, but it didn’t take off the way he’d hoped. “I signed a solo deal a year or two after I left the band, went out and toured and did the whole thing, and then, after a while, it got to the point where I was approaching 30, rapidly, and I hadn’t struck it big on my own,” he told Above the Law. “I’d had some success, but music is a young man’s business.”

He put down the guitar, got his undergrad degree in music business at USC and started law school.

But, of course, he never really put down the guitar. In 2023, he reunited with Something Corporate, ending the core members’ two-decade hiatus with a series of shows that extended into 2024. “I turn around and it feels like this was just last year that we were all doing this,” Tell said in an interview with DailyMail.com. “Or it feels like it was 40 years ago. I vacillate back and forth between these two feelings.”

The pair was set up by friends on a blind date on Valentine’s Day 2012. But they technically crossed paths a decade earlier, if only from a distance. “I met my husband when I was 16 and sitting on stage at one of his concerts,” Conrad shared on her blog in August 2016. 

Once they were more properly introduced, things moved fast for the couple. “We fell hard and got engaged a year and a half after we started dating, which is pretty quick,” Conrad told People.

The LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's designer married her attorney husband on Sept. 13, 2014 in a rustic-chic ceremony on the California coastline. 

“My favorite moment from 2014 was no doubt the day I married my best friend,” Conrad wrote on her blog. “Our wedding was a dream, and William and I were over the moon with happiness to be celebrating with our closest friends and family.” Among the guests in attendance was Laguna Beach alum Lo Bosworth. 

Related: ‘Laguna Beach’ Cast Reunites 20 Years Later: Where Are They Now? 

Conrad has two children with Tell: sons Liam James Tell, born July 5, 2017, and Charlie Wolf Tell, born Oct. 8, 2019.

“He’s so engaged with our kids…He’s the parent who does funny voices when he reads stories, he coaches every team they’re on,” she told People. “It’s been really fun to parent together.”  

Related: Lauren Conrad’s Comments About Parenting and Stepping Out of the Spotlight Are Dividing Fans

The pair were friends who dated intermittently. But the idea that they were hooking up while Colletti was still with Kristin Cavallari—or that their relationship was the reason for his split from Cavallari—was apparently an orchestrated storyline.  

“Out the gate, they’re selling it as Lauren and I having an affair while Kristin and I are dating,” Colletti told TV Insider. “Like, whoa, hold on a second!”

In 2022, on the podcast Back to the Beach, which Colletti and Cavallari co-hosted, Conrad agreed that the show’s producers were heavy-handed. “I don’t think I ever felt, like, taken advantage of, but I was definitely surround by a bunch of producers, a bunch of adults, kind of saying like, ‘Well, this is how it went. This is how viewers feel,'” she said. “They did a good job. Like, they were writing a show. And I think we did need that push in order to make it more interesting.”

Yes. Conrad moved on with fellow Laguna Beach alum Jason Wahler in 2005, during Season 1 of The Hills. Then an intern at Teen Vogue, Conrad famously passed on a work trip in Paris to spend the summer with Wahler. “You’ll always be known as the girl who didn’t go to Paris,” Teen Vogue editor Lisa Love told Conrad. 

The couple split after a year together, at a time when Wahler was struggling with drug and alcohol abuse problems. “I felt like when we broke up I was abandoning him," Conrad shared during MTV’s 10-year anniversary special. "Because there were a lot of nights that I was getting 2 a.m. phone calls and I had to go pick him up passed-out in the back of a club. So I was like, who is doing that now? I know he doesn't have friends who are doing it...I was like, oh god, no one is taking care of him."

Wahler went into recovery and wound up founding a men’s sober living home, Widespread Recovery, with his wife, Ashley Slack. (The couple tied the knot in 2013.) "Jason's story has a happy ending,” Conrad said. “He is sober now and married and very happy."

Nope. While the show heavily suggested a romance between Conrad and Jenner during The Hills, Conrad admitted on the 10-year anniversary special that she was merely submitting to “pressure” to have an on-camera romance. “We had zero chemistry. It always just felt forced,” she said. “I just sort of let [the producers]  do whatever they wanted.”

Conrad dated actor Kyle Howard (Orange County, Love Bites) from around 2008 to 2011, but they kept their relationship mostly under the radar, in part because Howard was reportedly worried that being tied to reality TV could hurt his acting career.

In an Aug. 29, 2012 blog post, Conrad broke her long-held silence on the split, writing, “It can be hard to feel like you have to start from scratch when you have invested so much time with a person, but shortly after my break up I realized something: I wasn’t losing the chance to have love — I was getting the opportunity to do it all over again.”

Two years later, she married William Tell. 

Next: Kristin Cavallari’s Wild Relationship History: From ‘Laguna Beach’ Drama to Her ‘Toxic’ Marriage

Subscribers of YouTube Premium have enjoyed the platform's services at impressively unchanged rates since 2023.

But all that is changing now, after the platform announced on Friday, April 10 that it's hiking subscription prices for its Premium plans.

The core YouTube Premium plan will rise by $2 per month to $15.99, as confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, with the Music and Premium Lite plans rising by $1 per month to $11.99 and $8.99, respectively.

Added to that, the family plan is rising by $4 per month to $26.99 but allows for up to six people in the same household to have access, THR also noted.

As fans are well aware, the main highlights of YouTube Premium include:

• ad-free videos
• background play
• offline downloads

There is also Premium Lite, which launched last year and has just some of the same features — and not all videos are ad-free.

“We’re updating the price for YouTube Premium plans in the U.S. for the first time since 2023 to continue delivering a high-quality experience that supports creators and artists on YouTube,” a YouTube spokesperson told THR. “This change allows us to maintain the features our members value most: ad-free viewing, background play, and a massive library of 300M+ tracks on YouTube Music. We continue to offer several plans, ensuring subscribers can choose the option that works best for them.”

It goes without saying that YouTube remains the dominant streaming video platform, which won't surprise users. A year ago, the company said that it had attained over 125 million YouTube Premium and Music subscribers, THR reports.

When it comes to other platforms these days, Netflix raised the monthly prices for all its plans by $1-$2 per month in March, while Prime Video raised the cost to remove ads by $2 per month. Back in January, Spotify raised the cost of its core plan to $12.99.

It's hard to define success by one’s zodiac sign. Expert astrologers will tell you that many different cosmic factors contribute to making the assessment, such as the other influences in a person's astrological birth or natal chart. However, we can scratch the surface by looking at the personalities, traits, and energetic archetypes that star signs possess to determine whether they are naturally geared towards attaining positions of power.

The planet that rules each zodiac sign tells an important story about their destined life path. For instance, Aries is ruled by the planet of warrior-like strength, Mars. Mars energy is extremely potent. Mars influenced people to always want to win. In fact, failure isn't even an option. Read on to discover which four zodiac signs are most likely to be powerful and successful all-in-one, according to an expert astrologer.

RELATED: The Most Powerful Zodiac Signs Ranked, According to Astrologers

Check for your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs.

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, which is why they are often seen as the most energetic and vigorous of all the signs. Positioned at the beginning of the astrology wheel, Aries embodies the purest form of fire. This fiery nature makes them powerful and exuberant in everything they do. If you've ever met an Aries in real life, you know they put their heart and soul into every project and strive to complete tasks quickly.

Their abundant energy makes them radiate cheerfulness, and their lively disposition contributes to their success. Along with a determined "can-do" mentality, these traits are key to achieving their aspirations. Many people place their trust in Aries—sometimes even more than they trust themselves—because Aries leads the way fearlessly and without regret. As the warrior sign ruled by Mars, the planet of warrior-like strength, they wouldn't have it any other way.

Leo is one of the most powerful and influential signs of the zodiac. As a fixed fire sign ruled by the Sun, they possess great strength. Their solar energy enhances their natural talents, boosting visibility. People are drawn to the warmth of the Sun, as it fosters creativity, success, and popularity, among other qualities. Overall, this vital life force propels Leo to great heights, adding charisma, passion, and determination to their presence.

The Sun boosts their self-belief, providing them with confidence, resilience, and leadership skills. While they can sometimes be stubborn, this trait doesn't prevent them from reaching their goals. They hold firmly to their beliefs and are unafraid to stand up for them. Their resilience allows them to bounce back quickly from setbacks, as Leo is not one to dwell on the past; they prefer to move forward. These characteristics emphasize their boldness, granting them the potential to be stronger than most.

At their core, Scorpios are fierce and full of energy. They are ruled by both traditionally Mars and modernly Pluto—two planets known for their intensity and dynamic nature (unless you know how to navigate their influences). Mars is the planet of action, which means Scorpios often use determination to get what they want. If you find yourself in an argument with a Scorpio, you'll likely struggle to win. In a battle of wills, they're relentless in defending their point of view.

Pluto, their modern ruling planet, is transformative and deeply intense. It has the power to change perspectives and reaffirm one’s life direction. This inherent power is part of what makes Scorpios one of the strongest zodiac signs; they possess an undeniable aura of confidence derived from their intuition, which guides them toward success and the achievement of their goals. If they feel thwarted, their 'stingers' come into play, showcasing their dominance and determination. Consequently, very few will dare to cross a Scorpio, as they can be incredibly formidable when provoked.

Capricorns are often viewed as the CEOs of the zodiac. They consistently put their best foot forward in business ventures and when climbing the corporate ladder. Their ascent to success appears effortless, but in reality, it requires significant effort. This perception contributes to their reputation as one of the more successful zodiac signs.

Ruled by Saturn, the planet associated with extreme discipline and structure, boosts their morale. Capricorns respect authority and tend to follow the rules, even when they feel inclined to forge their own path behind the scenes. They strive to maintain order and avoid chaos, which aids them in their pursuit of recognition. They carry the utmost strength and determination to achieve their goals. This relentless drive doesn't allow them to stop, halt, or quit until they attain the results they desire.

Cult classic films often begin as box office disappointments or can receive a lukewarm response from critics upon release. Such was the case for a 1971 movie musical directed by Mel Stuart and based on a 1964 novel, which struggled to recoup its budget initially but ultimately grew into one of the most iconic movie musicals of all time.

Gene Wilderstarred as the infamous chocolatier, Willy Wonka, in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Its main storyline was based on Roald Dahl's novel about a poor young boy who wins the opportunity to visit Wonka's factory after being one of the select few to find a Golden Ticket hidden among the chocolatier's candy bars. A young Peter Ostrum played the leading role of Charlie Bucket alongside Wilder in the musical fantasy film.

Not many fans may know that the idea to create Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory was thanks to Stuart's daughter. She had asked her father to turn Dahl's novel into a film after having read it, and wanted to "Uncle Dave", aka producer David L. Wolper, to help. Stuart decided to fulfill his daughter's wishes, but needed someone to finance it. At the time, Wolper was in talks with Quaker Oats to help launch a new candy bar from their confections subsidiary. He had convinced the company to buy the rights to Stuart's novel and finance the movie in return for promoting their new candy, Wonka Bar.

Related: 1957 Classic Film Ranked Among ‘Best Movies of All Time’

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory wasn't without its production issues, from title changes, script rewrites, and the novel facing controversy over how the Oompa-Loopmas were depicted. The film ended up releasing in late June 1971 and was considered a box office bomb despite its rave reviews from critics. Dahl even denounced the film due to its storyline changes from his original novel.

Against its $3 million budget, the film only made $4 million. Regardless, the film would later be tagged as one of the "Best Musical Movie Musicals of All Time" by Rotten Tomatoes. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Score, with Wilder being nominated for Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical at the 29th Golden Globe Awards. 

The movie musical gained traction in popularity in the '80s thanks to repeated TV broadcasts and home video sales. It has since led to movie remakes and has become a cult classic. Sammy Davis Jr.'s take on the movie's song "The Candy Man" even became a No. 1 chart-topping hit on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.