Parade

Gird your loins because Vogue has just revealed its second Book Club pick.

Just in time for April showers and May flowers, the pick spotlights an iconic novel that’s also headed for the big screen again, delivering a long-awaited sequel film. 

The group read choice centers on The Devil Wears Prada, the 2003 best‑selling fashion satire by Lauren Weisberger that inspired the wildly successful 2006 film of the same name. 

It’s a fitting choice considering The Devil Wears Prada 2 is gearing up for release in theaters, which will reunite key characters from the original Runway universe, including Andy (Anne Hathaway), Emily (Emily Blunt), Nigel (Stanley Tucci), and Miranda (Meryl Streep), while once again reintroducing fans to the cutthroat world of high fashion.

Vogue’s Book Club pick gives readers a chance to revisit the original story’s sharp wit and cultural commentary ahead of the sequel’s big-screen premiere on May 1. 

Described as a "delightfully dishy novel about the all-time most impossible boss in the history of impossible bosses" by GoodReads, it focused on gureling experiences of recent college graduate Andrea Sachs, who takes a job as the assistant to the tyrannical editor-in-chief of Runway magazine, Miranda Priestley, a character seemingly inspired by Vogue’s Anna Wintour.

It became a major literary success, appearing on the New York Times Best Sellers list and selling millions of copies due to its blend of fashion commentary, humor and ambition. 

The synopsis for The Devil Wears Prada 2 film reads, “Miranda Priestly struggles against Emily Charlton, her former assistant turned rival executive, as they compete for advertising revenue amid declining print media, while Miranda nears retirement.”

Vogue’s Book Club was established in Jan. 2026, with Emily Brontë’sWuthering Heights, also brilliantly timed just before the Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi film hit theaters on Feb. 13, 2026. 

Vogue’s Book Club runs weekly stories about the book and hosts Group Chats on the Vogue app, with the latest reading choice running through April 23. 

By connecting their latest pick with a high‑profile film event, Vogue is once again blending literary appreciation with modern pop culture in a way that both longtime fans and new readers can enjoy.

Charlie’s Angels is one of the most iconic shows in television history. The 1970s Aaron Spelling-produced drama premiered in 1976 and made stars of its cast, including Farrah Fawcett, Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith, and Cheryl Ladd, who replaced Fawcett in Season 2. The show became a cultural touchstone and inspired generations of female-led action series. Fifty years after Charlie’s Angels debuted, three of its stars are reuniting, much to the delight of fans.

At Monday’s Charlie’s Angels 50th anniversary celebration at the annual PaleyFest, Kate Jackson (77), Jaclyn Smith (80), and Cheryl Ladd (74) reunited to celebrate the TV milestone. On Tuesday, the trio is set to reunite once again for a sit-down interview on Today.

@todayshow

It’s been 50 years since the original #CharliesAngels hit our screens. Maria Shriver sat down with Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd to talk about the iconic action packed series. Tune in tomorrow on TODAY.

♬ original sound - TODAY Show Fans React to Charlie’s Angels Reunion

Fans filled the comment section of Today’s Charlie’s Angels reunion clip, thrilled to see the women back together while noting their ageless beauty.

“Wuaoowww Jacklyn is ageless,” gushed one fan. Another added, “They all look gorgeous! Loved the show sooooo much.”

Another shared, “They all look amazing.”

“Wow! 50 years. Loved this show!” wrote one more.

Related: 'Top Gun' Star, 92, 'Still Looks Amazing' 40 Years After The Film's Release

Inside the PaleyFest Reunion

Despite rumored past tension between Cheryl Ladd and Kate Jackson, the women joyfully reunited at PaleyFest and reflected on behind-the-scenes moments, shared stories about the show’s impact, and highlighted the bond they have maintained over the years as part of the cultural phenomenon.

The reunion highlights the continued impact and influence of Charlie’s Angels, and the actresses who worked alongside Bosley (David Doyle) each week to solve crimes for the elusive Charlie.

When Did Charlie’s Angels Air?

Premiering in 1976, the show wrapped its original run after five seasons in 1981. Jackson starred in the early seasons, from 1976 to 1979. Ladd joined in Season 2, appearing from 1977 to 1981 following Fawcett’s exit after Season 1. Smith remained for the entire run of the series, from 1976 to 1981, making her the only Angel to stay for all five seasons.

What the Cast Is Doing Now

Fifty years later, Charlie’s Angels remains as relevant as ever, as do the actresses who defined it. While Kate Jackson has largely stepped away from acting to focus on her private life and occasional appearances, Cheryl Ladd has continued working in television and film and has also appeared on stage. Jaclyn Smith built a successful lifestyle and fashion brand and continues to make media appearances.

Why Charlie’s Angels Still Matters

Thanks to streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Tubi, nostalgic television like Charlie’s Angels can be introduced to new generations while reconnecting with longtime fans. The series may have helped popularize the term “jiggle TV,” but it also broke barriers for female-led action shows and created enduring pop culture icons.

Fifty years later, Cheryl Ladd, Kate Jackson, and Jaclyn Smith remain as iconic as ever—and just as captivating.

Related: 1983 Hit Song Is Climbing the Charts Again Thanks to HBO Max's New Comedy

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If you need something to fill an entryway, hallway, or open wall space, the Longshore Tides Mahler 42-Inch Console Table is a super practical addition to any home. Right now, Wayfair has it on sale for as low as $87 for the white option, down from $147. The black option is $93 (originally $160), espresso is $88 (originally $152), and gray is $92 (originally $152).

The table measures 31.5 inches high, 42 inches wide, and 14 inches deep, making it narrow and ideal for smaller spaces. It’s made with manufactured wood and a solid wood base, and it has three tiers total with two open shelves underneath. The X-brace supports help increase stability, and the table has a 176-pound weight capacity. It also features a scratch-resistant and stain-resistant surface, plus a finished back.

Longshore Tides Mahler 42-Inch Console Table, $87 (was $147) at Wayfair

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You can use it near the front door for keys, bags, or mail, but it also works well behind a sofa, under a window, or along a hallway wall. The shelves provide extra storage, and the top surface is spacious enough for decor, framed photos, or a lamp.

One shopper called the table "beautiful," while another said it’s “sturdy and super easy to put together!" Other reviewers said it offers "plenty of space" and is "perfect for small spaces.” Some people said they used it in an entryway for diaper bags and book bags, while others used it in a guest bedroom, office, TV room, or hallway for family pictures and decor.

Related: Target Has a 'Stylish' $55 Glass Bistro Table That's 'Great for Entertaining Guests'

You can keep it simple with a mirror and a tray in an entryway, or use baskets on the lower shelves for more hidden storage. It also works nicely in a living room or office, with books, candles, photo frames, or even board games if that’s what you need the space for.

Shop More Deals

• Sand & Stable Laguna Solid Wood Coffee Table, $280 (was $400) at Wayfair
• Union Rustic Larenda Entryway Table, $156 (was $415) at Wayfair
• Three Posts Lorraine TV Stand, $226 (was $390) at Wayfair

The Longshore Tides Mahler 42-Inch Console Table offers extra storage, surface space, and a more finished look than many other console table styles. Now under $100, it’s a great price for a piece that can work in so many different spots around the house. Be sure to snag yours while it’s still marked down this low at Wayfair.

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

Joan Collins, DBE, is a vision. 

At 92, the queen of glamour stepped out for the London opening gala of Kinky Boots, held at the London ColiseumSunday, March 29. For the Tony-winning musical about a Brit who saves his father’s shoe biz, Collins looked ravishing in a pink tartan skirt and long leather trench coat. 

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She finished the look with oversize shades, black gloves, and a Lilith pendant she said was a gift from her daughter that draws “inspiration from the eternal goddess.”

Fans took note of the legend’s post on Instagram, complementing her red-carpet swagger and letting the emojis do the talking. 

“Just PURE fabulous on Red Carpet 😎‼️,” one wrote.

“You look incredible 😍😍😍😍,” another said.

“Hello Gorgeous! @joancollinsdbe 😍👏✨,” another commented.

“Super 🔥,” yet another shared.

Aside from her night out on the red carpet, Collins has been in the headlines lately.

In January, she stepped out with her husband for the Los Angeles premiere of her film, A Murder Between Friends. And a couple of weeks ago, the superstar made unfiltered comments about weight loss drugs and “Ozempic face.”

“I would never dream of doing something like that,” Collins said in an interview with Hello!magazine. “I have seen too many disastrous faces. There’s a thing now called ‘Ozempic face,’ where you see this body which is really tiny and this big face.”

Related: Iconic ’80s Movie Song Was Rejected Before Becoming a Generation-Defining Anthem—Now It Turns 41

A song released in 1964 has gone on to be recognized as one of the most important recordings in music history.

Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” is ranked No. 3 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, cementing its legacy as both a musical milestone and a defining cultural statement.

Related: 1962 Classic Written For a Hit TV Show Was a No. 1 Song 64 Years Ago Today

By the time he recorded the song, Cooke was already one of the most successful artists of his era. His breakthrough came with “You Send Me,” which became his first No. 1 hit and launched a run of chart success that helped define early soul music, according to music historian Fred Bronson in his book "The Billboard Book of Number One Hits."

But “A Change Is Gonna Come” marked a clear shift. It was more personal, more reflective—and far more ambitious than anything he had released before.

Inspired in part by Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind,” Cooke set out to write a song that spoke directly to the experiences of Black Americans during the civil rights movement. What emerged was a deeply emotional piece that blended personal pain with a broader message of hope.

Related: 1961 Patsy Cline Hit Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of All Time’ Became a Breakup Anthem

A Defining Song of the Civil Rights Era

The lyrics were shaped by real events in Cooke’s life. In 1963, he and members of his entourage were arrested in Louisiana after attempting to check into a whites-only motel—an incident that directly influenced one of the song’s most powerful verses:

I go to the movie
And I go downtown
And somebody keep telling me
"Don't hang around"

At the same time, Cooke was dealing with profound personal loss. The death of his young son added another layer of emotion to the song, giving it a depth that resonated far beyond the charts.

Related: 1962 Connie Francis Classic Made History When It Hit No. 1 64 Years Ago Today

Recorded with a sweeping orchestral arrangement, the track stood apart from his earlier hits. Where songs like “You Send Me” showcased his smooth, accessible sound, “A Change Is Gonna Come” carried a heavier emotional weight, combining intimate storytelling with a larger social message.

Although it was only a modest hit upon its initial release, the song’s impact quickly grew. Following Cooke’s death in December 1964, it took on even greater significance, becoming widely viewed as his musical farewell.

Over time, “A Change Is Gonna Come” has become synonymous with the civil rights movement and is frequently cited as one of the most powerful protest songs ever recorded. Cooke’s influence extended far beyond his own recordings, with artists across genres later citing his work as foundational to modern soul and pop music, as noted by Bronson.

More than 60 years later, the song still resonates—not just as a classic recording, but as a lasting reminder of resilience, struggle and the belief that change, no matter how long it takes, will come.

Related: 1971 Classic Ranked No. 1 ‘Best Album of the 70s’

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If you’ve been scrolling through your New England travel feed lately, you’ve probably seen the viral clips of Hammond Castle in Gloucester being dubbed the "Hogwarts of Massachusetts." As someone who lives just down the road in Marblehead, I can tell you the local reaction to that nickname is… let's call it "spirited."

While the internet is busy debating whether this medieval-style gem is more Gryffindor or Slytherin, the real travel hack is that this place is actually way weirder and cooler than any movie set. Built in the late 1920s by inventorJohn Hays Hammond Jr. (the "Father of Radio Control"), the castle is a wild architectural mashup where 15th-century French facades meet high-tech laboratory vibes.

Related: Stops Along This Coastal Scenic Byway Rival Nantucket, But Without the Crowds

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Perched dramatically on the rocky cliffs of the Magnolia coastline in Gloucester, the castle is the crown jewel of the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway—a stretch of Route 127 that is arguably the most beautiful drive in the state. As you pull up, the massive grey stone turrets and flying buttresses look like they were plucked straight from 15th-century France and dropped onto the rugged Massachusetts shore.

Inside, the Great Hall is a total showstopper, featuring a soaring 85-foot ceiling, a massive 8,400-pipe organ, and a Renaissance-style courtyard where it actually "rains" into a sunken pool at the flip of a switch. Whether you’re standing in the glass-enclosed laboratory or looking out from the arched stone windows at the crashing Atlantic surf below, the scale of the place feels less like a house and more like a fever dream of European history brought to life in New England.

Related: 17 Best Things to Do in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Including Sustainable Travel Ideas

The 2026 season officially kicked off on April 3rd, and if you’re planning a North Shore day trip, you’ll want to skip the "Hogwarts" hype and lean into the actual history. For those who want the full fairytale experience without the crowds some TikTokers complain about, the Spiritualism Tours by Candlelight (running Thursdays through October) are the ultimate move. You get to explore Hammond’s obsession with the occult, including his attempts to contact the dead using a massive Faraday Cage, and—as a 2026 bonus—your ticket now includes a sunset picnic on the oceanside terrace.

The 2026 "Know Before You Go"

• The Cost: Weekend tickets are $25 for adults, but here’s a pro-tip: visit on a weekday for a $20 rate. If you're a Gloucester resident, you can actually get in for free every Tuesday through the season.
• The "Ilvermorny" Debate: In the comments, fans are quick to point out that if this were a wizarding school, it would technically be Ilvermorny (the North American school located in Greylock, MA). But honestly? It feels more like a Game of Thrones set dropped onto the Atlantic coast.
• Special Events: Keep an eye out for their Bridgerton Afternoon Tea and the new Eric Pape fantasy illustration exhibit, which are much more "Gloucester glam" than "Dunkies and Wizards."

The Vibe: It’s quirky, it’s historic and yes, it’s incredibly photogenic. Just don't expect a Sorting Hat at the entrance—expect a massive pipe organ and some of the best ocean views in New England.

Related: The Cape Cod Town Known for Its Famous Oyster Fest Is an Ideal Quiet Fall Escape

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After a long, cold winter, many of us are eagerly anticipating warmer weather, beachy vibes and outdoor music (maybe even nostalgic concerts if you, like me, are going to multiple Hilary Duff shows this summer). But because it might be another few weeks before the majority of us can officially break out the short sleeves, the next best thing is to be transported in time and space via an Emma Straub novel.

And no, I don't mean *literal* time travel like in Straub's last book (2022's This Time Tomorrow). I mean picking up American Fantasy, her latest release (out today!) which transports you, the reader, to a sunny cruise featuring a '90s boy band and thousands of their fans, and explores themes of nostalgia, personal fulfillment and stepping outside of one's comfort zone.

I spoke with Straub ahead of this book's release and we talked about everything from midlife reinvention and her "revelatory" experience owning the Brooklyn bookstore Books Are Magic, to the inspiration behind her epigraphs (including a lyric from The Magnetic Fields about a pretty boy in his underwear) and the lasting impact of MTV.

Straub herself went on a New Kids on the Block cruise in 2023, which became the catalyst for this thought-provoking and heartwarming story. Here, she opens up to Parade about when she decided to write American Fantasy, which book genre she "couldn't" do and the novels she recommends reading after you finish this one.

Related: 50 Books Every Woman Over 50 Should Have on Her Bookshelf, According to Librarians

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Parade: When did the idea of writing a book like this hit you? Was it before you went on the cruise, or while you were on it?

ES: It was really one of those "bolt of lightning" sort of ideas where I was on Instagram or Facebook and I saw something about the New Kids on the Block cruise, and it was coming up, at that moment, in the next month. They'd been doing them for over 10 years at that point, so I knew that they were doing it—it wasn't the first I'd ever heard of it. But there was something about what I was going through in my life, which was my father had died in September, and I just saw it, and I was like, "That's it—that's my book."

So the idea of the cruise and the idea for the novel were one in the same. I have gone to see boy bands in concert many times over many years, and I had never thought about writing a boy band book, but thinking about the cruise, I was like, "No, that's it." Even though I didn't have any of the characters, I didn't have the story, I didn't have the actual meat of it, I had the bones.

What is so wonderful about a cruise—I mean, it's why Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile—if you have a contained space in a compressed time period, you've practically got a novel already because your characters are going to be stuck there together, to experience whatever they're experiencing, whether it's joy or, if you're Agatha Christie, murder.

And it would be my job to sort of figure out the details, and what fun! But it was truly a single moment where I was just recognizing that I could really have fun writing that book.

Related: 25 Best Short Books You Can Easily Read in a Day, According to Librarians

And I can imagine that would make the experience very fun to you in two different ways—you're on the cruise and enjoying it, but then you're also working and getting inspiration.

Yes, I had several little notebooks and I was writing things down constantly. Several women came up to me and asked me if I was a journalist, to which I could reply, totally honestly, "No, no, I'm not." I mean, I didn't tell anyone what I was doing, but I did deny being a journalist, because I'm not.

You were telling the truth, it's fine! I like how the book plays on the word "fantasy," too—between what the public thinks of as the unreal, glamorous lives of these boy band members and then also the fantasy of your own dreams and what you want your life to look like.And there's also the fantasy aspect of the dragon book that made the appearance! It did make me wonder if you've ever thought about dipping your toes into the fantasy or romantasy genre...

No—you know what's so funny? I spent most of the week at a booksellers conference, and I was talking to hundreds of other booksellers. And we were talking at dinner one night about how if we were really smart, we would just write the dragon book that everyone really wants the most. But I couldn't do it. And in a funny way, it's knowing that I couldn't is what makes me feel the best about being a writer. I'm not writing for the marketplace. I'm not writing for any sort of imagined audience.

With this book and This Time Tomorrow—it was the only gift the pandemic gave me, really, is that I was like, well, if this is the world, I am going to write the book of my heart, the book that I need. I did that with This Time Tomorrow, and American Fantasy really is almost the yin-yang other half. Obviously, This Time Tomorrow was, you know, a time travel book about grief, and this is like a romp on the open seas! But they are connected in that way where they both really were satisfying something deep inside of me in a way that I absolutely never intended to tackle those subjects.

Related: 21 Books Like ‘Fourth Wing,’ According to Librarians

That definitely comes across in them too. I also love how in American Fantasy, there's almost this "Instagram versus reality" aspect for the characters because of how their lives may look on the outside versus what they're actually struggling with. It also seems like many of the different characters made choices based on what was a "logical next step" versus what they truly would have chosen as like, "Oh, this is what I want to do."

It left them wondering, "Can I start over? Is it too late to start over?" And I loved how the different characters were grappling with that question. How important is it, in your opinion, for people to embrace reinvention or reignite that at any age?

Yes. Oh, God. I think it's so important. In a sort of, in a funny way, I actually think that the older you get, the easier it is to see that. Because when you're in your 20s, you look at 30 and you think, "Oh my God, 30 is middle-aged and ancient!" And now I'm 45, and when I think about myself at 30, I think, "Oh, I was a child!"

I've seen so many of my friends go through enormous midlife shifts—whether it's getting a divorce or remarrying or deciding to have a child on their own, not waiting for a partner anymore, or starting a new career, going back to school, moving across the country, moving to another country. I have friends who have done so many enormous things in their 40s and 50s and then there are all the transitions that are sort of built-in to life, like your children leaving the nest, retirement, all of those kinds of things. Those are enormous transitions, too!

So I think it's really a young person's hang up to think that transitions are over. I remember when I got married, I was very young, I was 28. And I remember thinking, "Okay, well, there we go!" You know, like, "Now I'm set!" Not understanding or knowing how many changes you go through, despite the building blocks that you have put in place, and embracing those changes and seeing them as an opportunity, like it's actually good—they're actually good! But it takes a little while to see that.

I also always enjoy the different group dynamics in your books. You give such great details about those larger units, while giving us a chance to really deeply know individual characters at the same time. I'm curious what it was like for you to build not only your own version of this boy band, but also, you got to build a large fandom, a crew staff—there were all different groups on the ship. Did you know from the start that you wanted to highlight all of those different specific types of characters?

What's funny is that so many of my books, as you know, are about families and family dynamics, which I do find endlessly fascinating because there are an unlimited number of permutations that families can take. But with this book, I was really excited to explore the other kind of group dynamics that we experience.

Honestly, what's interesting is that owning the bookstore has been revelatory for me in terms of understanding so many things like intergenerational, professional relationships. I'm in my mid-40s and most of our booksellers are in their mid-to-late 20s, I would say, and all of those people have taught me so much, it's incredible.

And I love a workplace—you know, like, why do people love The Office? It's not because it's "sexy" or "cool," it's because we recognize it. We recognize like, "Oh, yeah, my best friend is actually this 50-year-old man who works in accounting. I can't tell you why, but we are besties for the resties." We all have those kinds of funny relationships!

So I wanted to think about that, and then I really wanted to think about this boy band. What is it like? What is it like on the inside? I really was so curious about exploring what feels great about it, and what feels terrible about it, and what would those people be struggling with? What would they be thinking about?

I loved it and it gave me so much empathy for people, especially—I mean, I think it's not easy to be famous, period. But I think people who have been famous from childhood—that is, it's a real sacrifice. That's really what I came away feeling: it is something of a sacrificial existence. And people have to figure out how to exist in that, and that's really complicated. It's not easy.

Related: 56 Best Sad Books That Will Definitely Make You Cry, According to Librarians

While you were writing your characters, were there any actors or well-known personalities you were envisioning?

I spent a lot of time thinking about all of the various boybands. I've put in the most time, certainly over the last 35 years, thinking about the New Kids on the Block. But I watched every documentary, I read and watched so much about every boy band, so I was thinking about all of those real people.

But no, in terms of like, dream casting, I don't know. There isn't anybody except, what I love about Annie is that she feels sophisticated—she lives in New York, she works for this magazine. I think of her as someone who is sophisticated, but soft, and not totally put together—which is just a character that I would love to see on the big screen.

I agree. You mentioned that you watched a lot of documentaries and read all of these different books—and I saw that you actually have a Spotify playlist for each of your books, too! Did you listen to a lot of New Kids on the Block, or were there any other specific—and maybe surprising—singers, bands or genres that you gravitated toward while writing American Fantasy?

I went deep on boy bands. I have one friend who is a bookseller in Texas, and she's a little older than I am, but her number one love is One Direction. And I mean, I knew the top hits, but she made me a whole One Direction playlist that is like deep cuts, plus a lot of solo material.

But in terms of unexpected things, when thinking about the cruise in particular, it's really like a certain hardcore 80s playlist, like the music videos that were on MTV all day long in my childhood. My parents were around and did a great job, but MTV raised me, you know what I mean? MTV 100% raised me. So, you know, Madonna, Janet Jackson...

But then also, what I loved about MTV, actually, is that you were like its prisoner. I was not a grunge girly, I did not care about Pearl Jam. But could I sing you every word of probably at least four or five Pearl Jam songs? Yes, because I watched the videos 10,000 times totally against my will. I feel the same way about Nirvana—the music was not for me, but I was watching it anyway! So basically anything that was on MTV between like 1985 and 2001, I would say, that's the inside of my brain.

Related: 45 Best Nonfiction Books of All Time, According to Librarians

I also *love* your epigraphs and I wanted to ask about some of the inspiration for them—is it from what you read and watch before writing the book, or as you're writing, or when do you nail that down?

Yeah, you know, because Annie works at this opera magazine, I really wanted to position her as a person coming from a totally other direction. I grew up in a household—I mean, I was watching MTV, but my parents really only listened to jazz and the opera, that's what was playing in my house. My parents took me to see jazz and operas, and they did not take me to see the New Kids on the Block.

I was actually I was talking to my mother about this recently, and I said, "I can't believe you never took me." And she said to me with a totally straight face, "I don't know if they...do you think they came here?" And I'm like, "To New York City?! Yeah, I do. For sure. I think they came." I grew up on the Upper West Side, which is like 40 blocks away from Madison Square Garden, or we could have gone to New Jersey, Long Island, whatever. I am sure they came, but my parents were just not clicked in to that.

My husband had normal parents who listened to the radio, the popular radio. And so they took him to go see Michael Jackson and Billy Joel. Not me, not me—and so I wanted some of that in here, too. When I was in high school, I took an opera class that was like opera appreciation, listening.

You weren't singing.

I was not singing. But my children go to the school that I went to, and my teacher from that class still works at the school, and I was like, "Can we have breakfast, and I go through all these little moments in the book and we can talk about opera? Because here's what I'm imagining, but what do you think?"

He had one that I put in, I think it's right at the beginning where it's an opera where nuns basically are processing to their deaths, but they're delighted about it.... He gave me so many amazing operas.

And he talked to me about the Tristan chord, which is this thing that's mentioned in one of the epigraphs, which I loved, which is the idea that in music, there can be—you know, we think of chords as resolving and especially those of us who listen to popular music, that's what our ears are trained for and want—but that there can be pieces of music where some of those things get that satisfaction and some of them don't.

And I just thought that that was perfect for Annie because what happens at the end of this book? I mean, we're not going to talk about the end, we're not giving away spoilers, but is it a resolution? And that's how our lives are: we get to see immediate satisfaction in some things—you graduate from high school and ta-da! You got a diploma! But in so many other parts of our life, the stories are ongoing and ever changing. You see some resolutions and you wait for others.

And then the other epigraph, a pretty boy in his underwear. I mean, if that's not the whole truth, it's just... if there's anything better in this whole world, who cares?!

Nailed it! OK, once people finish up American Fantasy, what are a couple of other books that you think give off a similar nostalgic-sentimental-introspective vibe? What should they read next?

That's an interesting question. The first book that comes to mind is my friend Gabrielle Zevin's Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, which is one of the greatest books I've ever read. It's not nostalgic, precisely, but it does tell the story of a bygone world, you know? We're moving so fast that 20 years really does feel like a long time. That is one of the most beautiful novels ever written. I would say that one.

And then Meg Wolitzer is one of my very, very favorite novelists. The Interestings is her book about kids at summer camp. It's kids who are at an "arty" theater camp, and they make friends. And the book follows them for decades. And it's the same kind of thing in that it really speaks to your childhood, your inner-self actually being quite steady, which I find to be true. The older I get, the more I know, like, my best friend from preschool, I can call her and talk to her about literally anything in my life, and she is right there. And she is the same as she was then.

If someone's looking for another character with a name involving "Pancake" (or "Pancakes"), they could do The Road to Tender Hearts too—I wanted to call that out.

Can I tell you—I probably shouldn't tell you this, but I will. On the New Kids on the Block cruise that I went on for research, there was a DJ and his his name was "DJ Cool Whip." And I was like, "What could I do?!" I could never come up with something that good. But then I was like, pancake...pancake...DJ Pancake!

 This interview has been condensed and edited for length and clarity 

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About the Author

Alpha Smoot

• Emma Straub is the New York Times-bestselling author of six books for adults: the novels This Time Tomorrow, All Adults Here, The Vacationers, Modern Lovers, Laura Lamont’s Life in Pictures, and the short story collection Other People We Married. She and her husband own Books Are Magic, an independent bookstore in Brooklyn, New York.

The Bad News Bears movie opened in theaters back on April 7, 1976, which is officially 50 years ago today. Although the film about a dysfunctional coach for a rowdy youth baseball team wouldn't pass today's family-friendly movie standards, Gen Xers and other fans of the movie definitely carry around many unforgettable quotes from chuckle-worthy film.

In 1976, The Bad News Bears became a surprise box office hit, pulling in $32.2 million that year in the U.S., according to IMBD, against a very modest production budget.

The film focuses on Morris Buttermaker (played by the late Walter Matthau), an older, washed-up minor league baseball player with an intense alcohol use issue, who's hired to coach a youth baseball team called the Bears. The Bears just so happens to be made up of quirky, potty-mouthed outcasts.

Related: Disturbing New 'The Price Is Right' Allegations Exposed in Behind-the-Scenes Docuseries

Even if several lines and scenes in the 1976 classic comedy simply don't hold up in 2026—as no racism, sexism, child abuse, and smoking 14-year-olds ever should—the broader storyline is a positive one, and the worst characters in the film do get corrected or eventually put in their place.

In a perfect world, would Coach Buttermaker have found a way to tame his personal demons far away from this vulnerable group of kids? Absolutely. In an ideal world, should life have been easier for these scrappy, underdog kids? Of course. But its imperfection and realness also works well for both of these reasons.

Ultimately, The Bad News Bears is a story about working together to raise each other up on your toughest days in order get a win (even if it's not the game win).

On that note, here are some of the most memorable quotes from The Bad News Bears (yes, the couple more stomach-turning quotes were vigilantly left off this list):

• "Why don't you get back into that sardine can of yours and go, go vacuum the bottom of the Pacific Ocean?" —Amanda Whurlitzer (played by Tatum O'Neal)
• "He's not dead. He's drunk!" — Tanner Boyle (played by Chris Barnes)
• "I know it says $1.25 on the map, but what it really is is $2.00 because of inflation." —Amanda Whurlitzer
• "I got a Harley-Davidson. Does that turn you on? —Kelly Leak (played by Jackie Earle Haley)
• "Now get back to the stands before I shave off half your mustache and shove it up your left nostril." —Coach Morris Buttermaker
• "This is for Allah. And it's goin' way out there, sucka." —Ahmad Abdul Rahim (played by Erin Blunt)
• "This quitting thing, it's a hard habit to break once you start." —Coach Morris Buttermaker
• "First base, second base, third base, home!" —Coach Morris Buttermaker; Followed by the team chanting, "Around them bases we shall roam!"
• "Hey Yankees... you can take your apology and your trophy and shove 'em straight up your ass!" —Tanner Boyle
• "Get out there now and do the best you can." —Coach Morris Buttermaker

Photo by LMPC on Getty Images

Where to watch The Bad News Bears: The movie is currently available to rent or digitally purchase via Prime Video and Fandango at Home. Streaming service, bundle, or per-episode fees may apply.

There is also a 2005 reboot of the film, which stars Billy Bob Thornton.

A musical adaptation of The Bad News Bears is scheduled to premiere in 2027.

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It was one of the biggest hits of their career, and decades later, it ranks as a road trip anthem. In 1971, English progressive rock band Yes released the song “Roundabout.” The single, from their album Fragile, peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 15, 1972.

Written by Jon Anderson and Steve Howe, “Roundabout” featured an acoustic guitar intro, a driving baseline, and harmonic vocals led by Howe. It became the second-highest charting song of the band’s career and Yes’s signature song.

In 2025, Rolling Stone ranked “Roundabout” one of the best road trip songs of all time, noting that “through the song’s eight minutes, the band keeps merging into traffic, going around familiar repeating circles before spinning off in new directions.”

Yes, 'Roundabout' is really about traffic circles

There’s no hidden meaning in “Roundabout.” The song was written after the bandmates drove through dozens of roundabouts while traveling across Scotland in support of The Yes Album in March 1971, per Ultimate Guitar.

During a three-hour trek to Glasgow,  Anderson was mesmerized by the mountains and lakes that he saw from the window of the band’s tour van.

“I had smoked a joint, so everything was vivid and mystical,” Anderson recalled to the Wall Street Journal in a 2017 interview. “As we drove along, we encountered a fair number of ‘roundabouts,’ what you in the States call traffic circles.  … I took out my little notepad and started writing. I wrote the lyrics in a free form and didn’t edit the lines much. I just loved how words sounded when I put them together: ‘I’ll be the roundabout / the words will make you out ‘n’ out’ expressed how I felt as the song’s words came to me fast, the way cars navigate roundabouts.”

Speaking with Rock Cellar, Anderson recalled that during the trip, every few miles, there was a roundabout. “I think we’d seen about 10 roundabouts,” he shared. "Steve started playing guitar and I started singing, 'I’ll be a roundabout.' There were about 25 roundabouts by the time we got to Glasgow.”

RELATED: 1976 No. 1 One-Hit Wonder Was Written in Five Minutes

Edited for airplay

“Roundabout” was recorded that September at Advision Studios in London, and the Yes bandmates knew they had something special with the song, which clocked at eight and a half minutes on the album version.

"At the time, Yes had designed this idea that we didn't have to rush into songs and could have longer innuendos before the song started,” Howe explained to Guitar World. "I've always been interested in intros and outros as much as the whole piece, and that introduction on Roundabout is the kind of idea I like.”

The song was ultimately adapted to get airplay on early ‘70s radio.

“It was about an eight-minute song because by then everything we did, we thought about what it’s going to sound like onstage, how the audience would enjoy the middle section, is it different,“ Anderson said in the Rock Cellar interview. “And then somebody at the record company got scissors out and cut it in half and made it into a hit record.”

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From layering necklaces to hoop earrings, there are so many different types of jewelry that can instantly elevate an everyday outfit. Something that's far more unique, however, is a jewelry piece that's personalized, dependable, and beautiful all at once. If you’re on the hunt for a stunning new addition to your jewelry collection that's tailored to your unique name, Macy's has a new deal you'll definitely want to check out. This Adornia Gold-Plated Multicolor Stone Initial Necklace is still in stock in most letter styles, and it’s currently on sale for 30% off.

This initial necklace normally retails for $30, but it’s now on sale for just $21. Macy’s is the best place to snag this necklace, as it’s currently on sale for $22 at Nordstrom Rack and $95 on the Adornia website.

Adornia Gold-Plated Multicolor Stone Initial Necklace, $21 (was $30) at Macy's Shop at Macy's

This necklace boasts a gorgeous initial pendant encrusted with cubic zirconia crystals. Unlike most jewelry adorned with cubic zirconia, this pendant features crystals of all different colors and shapes that really make it stand out. From classic simulated diamonds to teardrop-shaped, colorful stones, they give this pendant a stunning, unique look. The cubic zirconia crystals are faceted, so they’ll radiantly sparkle whenever the light hits them. 

Striking the perfect balance between playful and elegant, this initial pendant has clean, simple lines that contrast with the eye-catching crystals. This piece falls right between a statement and a dainty, everyday necklace. Measuring around an inch long, this pendant manages to feel understated yet bold at the same time. 

Shoppers absolutely adore the style of the necklace and have awarded it dozens of five-star reviews. One reviewer called it the “best necklace ever” and said it’s the “perfect size, length, and weight.” "Beautiful," "very unique," and "sparkly" are some of the other ways that

Related: Macy’s 'Beautiful' $15 Floral Table Runner Is Spring-Ready With Farmhouse and Cottagecore Charm

The necklace features a sleek box chain that doesn’t take away from the pendant. Designed to draw attention to the decolletage, the chain measures 20 inches long and drapes elegantly around the wearer’s neck. This necklace is made from brass plated with 14 karat gold for a polished finish with a touch of luxury. It’s finished with a classic lobster clasp to ensure that the chain remains securely fastened. 

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a loved one, this Adornia Gold-Plated Multicolor Stone Initial Necklace is an excellent addition to any jewelry collection. Head over to Macy’s and grab one, or a few, for just $21 while it’s still on sale at this unbeatable price! 

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As you start refreshing your warm-weather wardrobe this season, you might find yourself struggling to find comfortable shorts and matching tops that feel cozy but still look put together. The kind of loungewear set that can take you from snuggled in bed to a beachside brunch is also a must for vacation. If you're looking for a great one to pack for your next trip or add to your everyday rotation, Amazon has an excellent matching set for under $25 that you should definitely check out. 

Now available for as low as $20, the Trendy Queen 2-Piece Summer Outfit is on sale in 12 gorgeous colors, ranging from neutrals like black and khaki to bright pops of pink and cool blue. Most options are on sale for either $20 or $25, depending on the color and size. Compared to purchasing a top and shorts separately, you're still getting a great deal with this matching set, no matter which color you choose.

Trendy Queen 2-Piece Summer Outfit, From $20 (was $33) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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This two-piece set includes a sleeveless crop top with a scoop neck and high-waisted shorts with deep pockets for a trendy silhouette. Made of a high-density 95% polyester and 5% spandex blend, this set is wrinkle-resistant — a feature that makes it especially great for travel. The material is also soft and stretchy, so you should be able to move around easily when wearing this outfit.

Though fitted, nothing about this set is too tight. Instead, the top is designed to skim the body and hug your curves, while the shorts offer a tailored look. Some reviewers who were initially hesitant about wearing a crop top appreciated how neither the top or shorts' waistband squeezed their midsection. Available in sizes X-small through X-large, shoppers said both pieces fit true to size.

Related: Amazon’s 'Comfortable' $10 100% Cotton T-Shirt Feels 'Super Soft' and It Comes in 17 Colors

With over 1,175 five-star ratings, this two-piece set has earned a ton of praise from reviewers. Many shoppers said the outfit's "flattering" fit had them feeling "cute and comfortable." Whether lounging at home, running errands, or dressed up with accessories and cute sandals for dinner out, shoppers raved about this set's versatility. 

This "vacation-ready" matching set is a huge hit with travelers. Several shoppers said they wore this outfit on beach vacations and cruises, as well as on more active trips that involved lots of walking. Described as "perfect for warm weather," some reviewers even said they've purchased it in multiple colors.

Shop More Deals

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You can make the Trendy Queen 2-Piece Summer Outfit your new go-to lounge set for just $20 right now. Head to Amazon and add it to your cart before your favorite color sells out!

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If you have a European vacation on the calendar for 2026, the days of collecting physical ink stamps in your passport are officially winding down. As of April 10, 2026, the European Union has fully implemented its Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital border program designed to modernize travel across the 29 countries in the Schengen Area. According to the European Commission, this new system replaces manual stamping with a digital record that tracks your name, biometric data and dates of entry and departure.

Related: How I Pack for a 7-Day Europe Trip With a Single Carry-On

The Biometric Shift

The biggest change you’ll notice at the border is the collection of biometrics. Under the new EES guidelines, travelers from outside the EU (including U.S. citizens) will provide fingerprints and a facial scan upon their first entry into the Schengen zone. Children under 12 are exempt from the fingerprint requirement, but everyone else will need to use the self-service kiosks or see a border officer to get registered in the database.

Do You Have the Right Passport?

To use the speedier self-service kiosks, you must have a biometric passport (look for the small gold camera/chip icon on your blue cover). While most Americans have had these since 2007, those traveling without one will be diverted to manual lanes for extra screening.

Related: Lisbon Is the Perfect European Escape for Solo Women Over 50—and Here’s Why

The ETIAS "Fee" is Still Coming

While the digital registration at the border is happening now, the much-discussed ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)—which is a pre-travel registration—is slated to launch later in 2026. Per the EU’s official travel site, once ETIAS is live, travelers will pay a 7-euro fee (approx. $8 USD) that is valid for three years. However, for your immediate 2026 spring and summer trips, you do not need to pre-register or pay a fee before you fly to the Schengen zone.

The U.K. Exception

Remember: The United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen Area. If your trip includes London, you must already comply with the U.K. Government’s ETA program. As of April 8, 2026, the fee for the U.K. Electronic Travel Authorisation has increased to £20 (roughly $27 USD), and approval is required before you board your flight.

Related: This Cult-Favorite Airline is Finally Launching Europe Business Class Service—With Lie-Flat Beds

How far would you go to right the wrongs of your childhood? In Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner, protagonist Amir’s innocent childhood game quickly turns horrifically dark, and decades later he does everything in his power to find redemption. 

Related: This Classic Novel Was Ranked the ‘Best Book to Read on a Rainy Day’ on Goodreads

The novel begins in Afghanistan in the 1970s, where Amir and his friend Hassan dream of winning a kite-flying competition, but after a brutal trauma occurs to Hassan, which Amir fails to stop, both boys’ lives change forever. Following a Russian invasion, Amir’s family flees to safety and eventually settles in the United States, where Amir finds success as a novelist. 

Amir is then contacted by an old family friend, who urges him to return to Afghanistan, now under Taliban rule, explaining that there is a way for him to redeem himself and, in the process, change a life for the better. The sweeping tale turns into one of action, violence, and a partial easing of guilt, told through the lens of friendship and the complicated relationships between fathers and sons. 

Related: 1952 Masterpiece Novel by Nobel Prize Winner Gets Netflix Adaptation

The book has over 3.5 million ratings on Goodreads, where users gave it an average 4.36 stars out of five. In fact, the New York Times bestseller is so popular on the social media site for readers that it topped the list for Best Historical Fiction of the 21st Century. 

Hosseini’s powerful prose made it onto the list more than once, with his 2007 novel, A Thousand Splending Suns, coming in at fourth place behind Kathryn Stockett’s The Help and Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief. Like The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns is set against the backdrop of Taliban rule in Afghanistan, though this time it’s told through the eyes of two women who form a strong bond under the face of adversity. 

Next: Best-Selling Author’s Novels Ranked ‘Best Series’ on Goodreads

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With the arrival of warmer days and longer evenings, many of us are turning our attention outdoors, looking for ways to make our patios, porches, or balconies more inviting. If you're hoping to refresh your outdoor space without breaking the bank, Walmart's flash deal on the Walsunny 3-Piece Rocking Chair Patio Set is worth a closer look. 

Normally priced at $190, this highly rated bistro set is now just $95, a sunny deal that combines modern style, comfort, and unbeatable price..

Walsunny 3-Piece Rocking Chair Patio Set, From $95 (was $190) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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The Walsunny patio set includes two rocking chairs and a sleek, three-legged round coffee table, creating a cozy spot for morning coffee, evening chats, or simply soaking up the sun. The gentle rocking motion of the chairs makes it easy to unwind after a busy day. Adjustable feet on the table help you keep it balanced on uneven decking or patio stones.

The chairs are constructed with breathable and lightweight textilene fabric, which is cooler and more flexible than traditional rattan, especially on hot days. Unlike some heavier patio furniture, these pieces are easy to rearrange, making them a practical choice for those who like to switch up their outdoor setup.

With a nearly perfect rating, this set is praised not only for its comfort and looks but also for its value. Whether you're looking to create a restful reading nook with ergonomic handrails, a conversation space for entertaining friends, or simply a comfortable spot to enjoy the outdoors, this rocking chair patio set offers an affordable and stylish solution. 

Shoppers praised the set's comfort and aesthetics, noting that it's "very comfortable" and "a good-looking set." The combination of style and coziness makes it a popular pick for anyone wanting to upgrade their outdoor living space.

Related: Walmart's 'Beautiful and Spacious' $79 4-Drawer Storage Cabinet Is Perfect for Small Bathrooms

"They look adorable on my porch!" one shopper said, echoing the sentiment of many who have added the set to their homes.

Reviewers mentioned that it is "easy to put together," thanks to clear instructions and the included hardware, and that it's "very well made," making the process hassle-free even for those with little assembly experience. 

Once assembled, the set's modern design and three neutral color options (black, light gray, and white) blend seamlessly with a wide variety of outdoor decor styles.. The high-quality, rust-resistant steel ensures the set stands up to the elements and remains sturdy for years to come. 

Shop More Deals

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With this flash deal on a bestselling Walmart patio set, you can revamp your outdoor living area for under $100 and make the most of every sunny day this season.

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When you’re looking for outfits that are easy-to-wear, flattering, and comfortable, a romper is a go-to staple. It takes the stress out of getting dressed while still looking put-together. Once you find the right one, it quickly becomes something you’ll reach for again and again throughout spring and summer.

One option that checks all the boxes is the Anrabess Linen-Blend Overall Romper. Right now, it’s on sale for 33% off at Amazon, bringing the price down from $30 to just $20, just in time for warmer days.

Anrabess Linen-Blend Overall Romper, $20 (was $30) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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It’s available in sizes small through XXL and is made from a 70% rayon and 30% linen blend. The fabric is lightweight and breathable, and while it’s non-stretch, it’s designed with comfort in mind. It’s also machine-washable on a cold cycle, making it easy to care for.

The design features a square-neckline, sleeveless cut, and wide-leg silhouette for a relaxed feel. Functional buttons and adjustable straps let you customize the fit and length to suit your preference. It has a loose-fitting shape, so there’s no need to size up.

Related: Target Has an 'Absolutely Beautiful' Floral Midi Dress on Sale for $30, and It's the Perfect Spring Staple

Styling is simple and versatile. You can wear it with a tube-top, bodysuit, or T-shirt underneath, and finish the look with sneakers or sandals. It also works well as a swimsuit cover-up, making it a great option for beach days, errands, or casual outings.

This popular style earned over 600 five-star reviews. One shopper dubbed it a “summer must-have,” adding, “I cannot gush about these rompers enough — they're a nice, lightweight material and come in so many amazing colors.” Another described it as “so comfortable and cute,” writing, “The cut is so flattering, the pockets are a huge plus, and these are already my favorite closet go-to for spring and summer!”

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• Caracilia Summer Casual Smocked Romper, From $20 (was $36) at Amazon
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When it comes to comfort, convenience, and style, the Anrabess Linen-Blend Overall Romper is hard to beat. With Amazon’s current 33% discount, it’s a great value and worth picking up as the weather starts to warm up.

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Global action icon Jackie Chan is celebrating his 72nd birthday, marking an extraordinary 64-year journey in film that began when he was just a child. 

Known for his fearless stunts, comedic timing and worldwide appeal, Chan remains one of the most recognized figures in entertainment history.

Born in Hong Kong in 1954, Chan entered the film industry at around age five with small roles. By 1962, he landed a more prominent role in Big and Little Wong Tin Bar, setting the stage for a career spanning more than six decades and over 200 films.

Chan’s rise to fame was shaped by years of intense training in martial arts, acrobatics and acting at a strict opera school. These skills helped him develop a unique style that mixed kung fu action with humor.

Jackie Chan during Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Figure Skating exhibition gala at Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan on February 21, 2026.

Photo by Andrzej Iwanczuk/NurPhoto via Getty Images

His breakout came in 1978 with Drunken Master and Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow, where he introduced a playful and relatable hero. This was very different from the serious tone of earlier martial arts stars like Bruce Lee.

Over the years, Chan became known for performing his own stunts, often at great personal risk. During the filming of Armour of God, he suffered a skull fracture after falling from a tree, one of the most dangerous moments of his career. He has also broken or injured many parts of his body, including his ribs, ankles and fingers.

Despite these injuries, Chan continued to push boundaries with films like Police Story and Project A, which showcased daring stunts and inventive fight scenes. 

Filmmakers have praised his work for years. Quentin Tarantino once described him as “one of the greatest physical comedians,” while Edgar Wright highlighted his ability to play an “everyman” hero who overcomes challenges with skill and humor.

Chan’s success expanded beyond Asia in the 1990s, starting with Rumble in the Bronx, which introduced him to Western audiences. He later became a Hollywood star with Rush Hour, alongside Chris Tucker.

The film’s success led to sequels and opened doors to more international projects, including Shanghai Noon and The Karate Kid. He also reached younger audiences by voicing characters in Kung Fu Panda.

Many modern action films and franchises have drawn inspiration from his choreography and stunt work. Chan’s style also helped shape pop culture, inspiring anime, video games and even real-world movements like parkour.

In recognition of his global impact, Chan received an honorary Academy Award in 2016 for his “distinctive international career.” He also earned stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hong Kong Avenue of Stars, along with numerous lifetime achievement awards.

Even as he aged, Chan continued to evolve. In later films, he took on more emotional roles, moving away from purely action-based characters. He has said he wanted to show a deeper side of his acting while still staying true to his roots.

Beyond entertainment, Chan is also known for his charity work. He founded the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation and has supported disaster relief, education and conservation efforts. He has pledged to donate a large portion of his wealth to charity, showing his commitment to helping others.

At 72, Chan remains active in the industry, working on new films and mentoring younger performers. While he now performs fewer dangerous stunts, his passion for storytelling and action remains strong.

As fans celebrate his birthday, his legacy stands clear: a performer who redefined action cinema, broke barriers between cultures  and entertained generations with courage, humor and heart.

Related: ‘Rush Hour 4’ Just Got Greenlit After 20 Years - Following Unprecedented Presidential Intervention

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Who can possibly resist diamonds? Classy, timeless, and luxurious, diamond-adorned pieces will always be highly sought after. While they can get pretty expensive, there are a few options available at a price point that’s easy on your wallet. This Diamond Sun Pendant Necklace at Macy’s is a great example, and right now, you can score it on sale for less than $40!

This diamond sun necklace is currently 65% off. It normally retails for $100, but you can now snag it for just $35! Not only is it studded with dazzling diamonds, but it’ll also transform any outfit into a spring-ready look. 

Diamond Sun Pendant Necklace, $35 (was $100) at Macy’s

Courtesy of Macy's

Shop at Macy's

Featuring a gorgeous sun silhouette with wavy rays of various lengths, this necklace boasts a stunning pendant that’ll bring some whimsical elegance to your look. It can add spring and summer vibes to any outfit, making it feel bright and cheerful. The sun silhouette has a hollow center to give the pendant a light, airy feel. 

The inner ring of the sun is lined with a circle of round-cut diamonds that are 1/10 carats each. While the diamonds are smaller in size, they’re still incredibly eye-catching, bringing luxury and glamour. They’re faceted, which means that they have multiple flat surfaces designed to catch the light from every angle and deliver constant sparkle. 

Shoppers raved about the style of this necklace. One reviewer described it as “beautiful” and said that it has “great sparkle.” Another customer said that it’s “dainty, elegant, and classy.”

Ensuring the pendant stands out in all its glory, the necklace is fixed with a simple cable-link chain. The chain is around 18 inches long and has about an inch drop. It’ll drape elegantly around your neck and highlight your décolletage. The chain is finished with a classic spring ring clasp closure that’ll keep it securely fastened. 

The necklace is made of sterling silver, which is a metal known for its durability and tarnish-resistant properties. It’s plated with 14-karat gold, giving it a shiny and polished finish for an additional luxurious touch. 

Related: Macy’s Has a 'Beautiful' Pear-Shaped Crystal Tennis Bracelet on Sale for $26, and It 'Looks Spectacular'

You can throw this necklace on for any occasion. Because it’s lightweight and delicate, this piece is ideal for everyday wear. Paired with anything from laid-back loungewear to chic night-out ensembles, it can add a charming and playful aesthetic to any look. 

Additionally, you could snag this necklace as a gift for your mom, with Mother’s Day just a month away. It could make for a special present, symbolizing how they are radiant like the sun. 

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• Diamond Accent Palm Tree Pendant Necklace, $25 (was $55) at Macy’s
• Rose Gold Simulated Morganite Bracelet, $27 (was $60) at Macy’s
• Diamond Starfish Pendant Necklace, $35 (was $100) at Macy’s

If you’re ready to add luxury and a spring-ready accent to any look, be sure to head to Macy’s and snag the Diamond Sun Pendant Necklace while it’s still on sale for just $35! With a deal this sweet, you may want to consider snagging an additional piece as a gift. 

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Get excited—there's another New York Times game to add to your daily routine! Those of us word game addicts who already play Wordle, Connections, Strands and the Mini Crossword now have Connections Sports Edition to add to the mix.

So, if you're looking for some hints and answers for today's Connections Sports Edition on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Tuesday, April 7, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

What Is Connections Sports Edition?

Connections Sports Edition is just like the regular Connections word puzzle, in that it's a game that resets at 12 a.m. EST each day and has 16 different words listed. It's up to you to figure out each group of four words that belong to a certain category, with four categories in total.

This new version is sports-specific, however, as a partnership between The New York Times and The Athletic.

As the NYT site instructs, for Connections Sports Edition, you "group sports terms that share a common thread."

Related: The 26 Funniest NYT Connections Game Memes You'll Appreciate if You Do This Daily Word Puzzle

Hints for Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories on April 7, 2026

Here are some hints about the four categories to help you figure out the word groupings.

• Yellow: Fore!
• Green: Hockey Night in Canada.
• Blue: Meteorologist favorites.
• Purple: And they're off!

Here Are Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories

OK, time for a second hint…we'll give you the actual categories now. Spoilers below!

• Yellow: GOLF SCORING TERMS
• Green: CANADIAN NHL TEAMS
• Blue: WEATHER-THEMED TEAMS
• Purple: THINGS THAT RACE AT MLB GAMES

If you're looking for the answers, no worries—we've got them below. So, don't scroll any further if you don't want to see the solutions!

The answers to today's Connections Sports Edition #561 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• GOLF SCORING TERMS: BIRDIE, BOGEY, EAGLE, PAR
• CANADIAN NHL TEAMS: CANADIENS, CANUCKS, OILERS, SENATORS
• WEATHER-THEMED TEAMS: HURRICANES, LIGHTNING, STORM, THUNDER
• THINGS THAT RACE AT MLB GAMES: PEROGIS, PRESIDENTS, SAUSAGES, THE FREEZE

Don't worry if you didn't get them this time—we've all been there.

Up next, catch up on the answers to recent Wordle puzzles.

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Let’s be honest — spring cleaning can feel like a bit of a let-down if you don’t incorporate the right storage solutions. You vacuum, dust, and scrub, only to look around and realize the one spot that really matters — your closet — is still a hot mess. Shoes piled on the floor, hangers jammed together, and that pile of sweaters you swore you’d fold last month? Yeah, it’s still there. But here’s the good news: Tackling wardrobe chaos doesn’t have to be hard.

What you need is the Sakugi Clothes Rack, now on sale for just $45 at Walmart, marked down 44% from its original $80 price tag. Lightweight, sturdy, and surprisingly sleek for a utilitarian piece, it’s the secret weapon for getting your clothes under control without breaking a sweat. 

Sakugi Clothes Rack, $45 (was $80) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Made from sturdy metal tubes and reinforced mesh shelves, this clothing rack is designed for serious durability, supporting up to 300 pounds. The thoughtful design maximizes storage without overwhelming your space. Measuring 33 inches long, 12.2 inches wide, and 79.5 inches tall, the rack features two hanging rods for tops, dresses, and jackets, plus three shelves for folded items or shoes and six hooks for belts, handbags, or hats. 

The layout allows you to see everything at a glance, making outfit planning, seasonal swaps, and spring cleaning far easier. The open design also doubles as a convenient spot for air-drying freshly washed garments. Four smooth-rolling wheels make it easy to move between bedrooms, laundry rooms, or entryways, and two lockable wheels ensure it stays put when needed. Assembly is simple and stress-free, too. The rack comes with all necessary tools, a clear instruction manual, and even a step-by-step video guide so you can put it together in minutes without needing extra hands.

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Shoppers loved this “durable” storage rack’s practicality and ease of use, calling it an “excellent solution” for clothing and clutter. “It's incredibly sturdy and well-built, easily handling a full wardrobe," one shopper wrote. "The shelves and hooks are super practical for extra storage, and the wheels make it a breeze to move around,” they added.

To get you from a crowded closet to a tidy, organized wardrobe, the Sakugi Clothes Rack at Walmart has you covered — and at $45, it’s a spring-cleaning win you can’t ignore.

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