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It's not a countdown in Times Square without Andy Cohenand Anderson Cooper. The dynamic duo are returning to "the Crossroads of the World" to ring in America's 250th birthday. The national treasures, who have been hosting CNN's New Year's Eve Live together since 2017, will be continuing their tradition, this time, counting down to the Fourth of July on Independence Eve Live with Anderson & Andy: Celebrating 250.

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"We can't wait to do a summer countdown celebrating everything great about this country we love - all while drinking beer!" Cohen told Parade in a statement. "What could go wrong!?"

Before it's a party in the USA with Cohen and Cooper, here is everything to know about the pals' Independence Eve special, including how to watch, and why the New Years Eve ball will be dropping mid-year in Times Square.

When is Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper's Independence Eve special?

The pair will be in Times Square for the broadcast on Independence Eve, a.k.a. July 3, 2026.

Related: Andy Cohen & Anderson Cooper on Friendship, Fatherhood and Surviving New Year’s Eve Live (Exclusive)

How to watch Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper's Independence Eve special

The broadcast will air live on CNN. It will also be available for CNN’s streaming and pay TV subscribers via CNN.com, CNN connected TV and mobile apps.

What time is Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper's Independence Eve special?

Independence Eve Live with Anderson & Andy will air from 8 p.m. ET through 12:30 a.m. ET.

Is there going to be a ball drop in Times Square for the 4th of July?

Yes! The Times Square ball will, in fact, be dropping the day before America's big birthday. America250 and One Times Square announced this past April that the ball, for the first time ever, will drop not once, but eight times to mark midnight in every American time zone.

"This is more than a countdown. It’s a moment that brings the entire country together, one time zone at a time," Rosie Rios, Chair of America250, previously said. "From Guam to New York to Alaska to American Samoa we are creating a shared experience where every American can see themselves in this celebration and be part of something bigger than any one city or moment."

Related: What’s the History of July 4th? 22 Surprising 4th of July Facts

When is the Times Square ball drop in July?

The first ball drop will be at 10 a.m. ET for the Chamorro Time Zone, followed later in the day by the New York City countdown at 11:59 p.m. ET. The ball will then drop an additional six times for the Central Time, Mountain Time, Pacific Time, Alaska Time, Hawaii-Aleutian Time zones and for American Samoa, which will be the final ball drop at 7 a.m.

Will there be guests on Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper's Independence Eve special?

According to a press release, Cohen and Cooper will be joined by special guests, including "celebrated American icons, cultural legends, and inspiring everyday heroes whose stories reflect the spirit, resilience, and diversity of the United States."

Related: 50 Songs About America For Your July 4th Playlist

Will there be special CNN coverage on the Fourth of July?

While Cohen and Cooper will be counting down to America's milestone birthday on the eve of Independence Day, the network's programming will continue on July 4 with its special coverage of "unique events defining America’s 250th." CNN's The Fourth in America: Celebrating 250 starts at 12 p.m. ET on the Fourth of July with Brianna Keilar and Laura Coates anchoring from Washington, D.C. Anderson will be back on the air later in the day at 6 p.m., anchoring from Boston with Pamela Brown.

The Fourth in America: Celebrating 250 will feature the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, which CNN is the exclusive broadcast partner for, along with performances by Charlie Puth and Josh Groban from the Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida; Kane Brown from Cadott, Wisconsin; the Goo Goo Dolls from The Venetian Resort Las Vegas; Maren Morrisfrom the Majestic Theatre in Dallas, Texas; Rod Stewartfrom Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado; Lil Wayne, AJR, Kool & the Gang and Chaka Khan from BottleRock in Napa Valley, California.

CNN's Fourth of July coverage will additionally showcase firework displays from Boston, D.C., New York, Nashville, Philadelphia and more cities across the country.

Related: Macy's Just Made a Huge Change to Its 4th of July Fireworks for 2026

Before someone gets an Alzheimer's diagnosis, it can be hard to know if certain quirks and off-feeling moments are normal signs of aging, or if they're pointing to something bigger. That's something broadcast journalist and TV host Natalie Morales knows firsthand.

Her mother-in-law, Kay Rhodes, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's in her mid-50s and lived with the disease for 17 years until her death in 2014. "I think people chalk some of [these little moments] to, 'maybe it's menopause, she has menopause brain.' But this was clearly something much bigger," she tells Parade.

Morales' heartbreaking experience with her mother-in-law is why she's now so dedicated to helping people recognize early signs of Alzheimer's, a disease that impacts over 7 million people across the U.S. To get her message across, she teamed up with Eli Lilly to help encourage others to talk to their doctor early if they're experiencing memory and thinking issues—because the sooner you act, the more options may be available.

Below, Morales shares the key moment that made her realize something was truly wrong with Kay, the path to her diagnosis, treatment options and what to do if you recognize these signs in yourself or a loved one.

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Early Symptoms and a Pivotal Moment

Natalie Morales

According to Morales, Kay's early symptoms were pretty textbook: memory and thinking issues and difficulty completing familiar tasks. "For example, even just going for a walk in the neighborhood, she would start to lose herself and couldn't figure out where she was, and neighbors would have to help her back," she says. "She started to show symptoms of anxiety, and as the day would progress, a little bit of that 'sundown syndrome,' where she would get exhausted and anxious at night, would go to bed really early. She couldn't complete sentences and was always repeating herself—those usual signs."

Related: ‘I Took a Shot of Olive Oil Every Day for 2 Weeks—Here’s My Verdict on if It’s Worth It’

But then, there was an "aha" moment that made Morales and her husband realize something was very wrong.

"We were getting married in Denver, where my husband's family is, so we sent the wedding bands there, and she hid them because of a little bit of that paranoia and anxiety," she tells Parade. "She was hiding a lot of things, including canned vegetables and fruits in the closet. People don't realize those are some of the things that happen, as they become so concerned and scared about the fact that they're forgetting who they are, where they are, they start to do little things to try to sort of leave little breadcrumbs of that existence."

Kay hid the wedding bands so well, Morales says, that she thought she threw them out.

"She thought she put them in a cereal box and threw them out. It wasn't until, sadly, after she died, my father-in-law was cleaning through her drawers and found them in the back of the sock drawer."

The Journey to a Diagnosis

Kay's early cognitive tests were somewhat inconclusive. "These early cognitive assessments are not that difficult to pass in those early stages," Morales says. "Now there's so much more advanced testing. There are blood tests and diagnostics that can find and diagnose early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease so much earlier. We wish we had that back in our day, but this was 26 years ago."

She finally got an official diagnosis at The Mayo Clinic, about two years after symptoms started to appear.

Related: Scientists Reveal the Daily Step Count That May Delay Alzheimer’s by 7 Years

Morales emphasizes that these days, there are so many more options for treatment than there were back then—like Kisunla® by Eli Lilly, a monthly intravenous infusion and an amyloid-targeting therapy approved for appropriate adult patients with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease.

"It's something I recommend people talk with their doctors about to make sure it's the right option for them," Morales says. "There are some side effects, as there are with most therapies, but it has proven to be very effective in those with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease. It targets the amyloid plaque and slows that progression down, so hopefully there are more good days rather than tough days for those who have family members or loved ones going through it."

What Morales Does for Her Own Brain Health

Having seen the heartbreaking effects of Alzheimer's firsthand, Morales is very proactive about her own brain health.

"I'm constantly challenging myself to do new things. Besides work, I have a very involved life physically. I exercise daily and eat right," she tells Parade. "But I also do simple things—like brushing my teeth with my left hand when I usually brush it with my right. I try not to do things the ordinary way, to make it a little different each time."

She also makes sure to stay socially engaged, knowing how important that is for brain health. "I'm very involved in my kids' world, and I have my dogs," she shares. "Community matters so much. That's really the key, along with the physical piece."

Related: The Exact Amount of Sleep You Need Each Night To Cut Dementia Risk, According to a Sleep Medicine Doctor

When To Talk to a Doctor About Cognitive Symptoms

If you start to feel, or see in others—whether it's your parents, your family members or yourself—that you're having more and more memory and thinking issues, and difficulty completing familiar tasks, that's a sign that you should talk to your doctor, Morales says.

"For example, if you're holding your car key but you can't remember what it's for. Something you've done so often, but all of a sudden you're looking at it like, what is this? Those are things to bring to your doctor," she notes. "I think it's really important to have these conversations early, because early action means more potential opportunity for therapies like Kisunla."

She also emphasizes how much Alzheimer's treatment has improved, and the sooner you talk to your doctor, the better.

"The outlook is much more positive than it used to be. There are wonderful treatment and therapy options that could be available to you. Yes, it's scary, but I think what's scarier is the not knowing and not knowing how to tackle it," she says.

She adds that there are so many resources and different kinds of treatment options now that there weren't before: "Advancements are being made every day. Don't be afraid—tackle the future head on. The earlier you get involved and take action, the more likely you'll have a better experience."

Up Next:

Sources:

• Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures. Alzheimer's Association.
• Natalie Morales, broadcast journalist and TV host

The 1986 film Highlander needed the perfect theme song to match its epic fantasy action-adventure storyline. Freddie Mercury, alongside Queen, developed "Princes of the Universe," a song that would become their most daring and a hard rock anthem.

After being shown early footage of the film, Mercury and Queen jumped at the opportunity to create its official theme song. It would later become a staple of the franchise and be used in Highlander: The Series. While the song was performed with Queen, it's one of the few songs solely credited to Mercury and didn't do well on the Billboard charts when it was released as a single.

Directed by Russell Mulcahy, Highlander was a commercial failure, having only made $12.8 million against its $19 million budget. In a list by Rotten Tomatoes, Highlander ranks at No. 76 of the "Best Fantasy Movies of All Time." Critics Consensus says audiences hated the film for being "cheesy, bombastic, and absurd," but loving it for the same reasons.

Nevertheless, it became a cult classic in the genre and among fans that spawned sequels and TV spin-offs. The film starred Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod, a Scottish Highlander who discovers he's immortal and faces off against his longtime rival. The film also starred Roxanne Hart, Clancy Brown, and Sean Connery.

Alongside the film's cult status, "Princes of the Universe" also gained notoriety due to its sound being a deviation from Queen's known style. It's been tagged by critics as being one of the hardest-edged songs the band has released, with a sound that dives into the hard rock/heavy metal genre. Accompanied by Mercury's opera-like vocals, it stood out amid their long discography and became a surprise cult staple.

The track's music video also gave the song more infamy, with Mercury performing a majority of the song alongside cuts of the film. Lambert reprised his role as Highlander and is seen swordfighting with the singer, who uses his iconic microphone stand as a weapon. During the early era of MTV, the music video was played in heavy rotation.

Highlander's official soundtrack was originally considered for David Bowie, Sting, and Duran Duran before landing on Queen. It would include more than one track from the band, like "A Kind of Magic," and Brian May developed a ballad titled "Who Wants to Live Forever." Their previously released track "Hammer to Fall" was also briefly used in the film. "Princes of the Universe" was later released as part of Queen's A Kind of Magic Album.

Related: 1977 Rock Classic, Inspired by One of the ‘Best Monster Movies’ of All Time, Became a Pop Culture Anthem

Several celebrities have faced major backlash over attending the UFC Freedom 250 fight night at the White House. Even though the event supposedly wasn’t political, famous faces caught in the crowd sparked criticism, if not outrage, from fans (scratch that, former fans). And now UFC CEO Dana Whiteis dishing on celebs who are secret Donald Trump supporters. 

Comedians Nate Bargatze and Shane Gillis, reality star/media personality Jack Osbourne, and tech mogul Mark Zuckerberg were among the celebrities who caught the public’s ire for accepting the invite to the president’s cage match. And while some of the attendees, like Bargatze, maintain that they’re not ‘political,’ Dana White has plenty to say on the matter.

US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Dana White, president of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and guests in the Octagon during the UFC Freedom250 fight on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, US, early on Monday, June 15, 2026. Photographer: Evan Vucci/Reuters/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Not one to shy away from controversy, White is unabashedly outspoken, unfiltered, and pretty much always speaks his mind. The UFC CEO’s blunt honesty and straightforward approach are overtly evident in a recent interview on OutKick’s ‘Tomi Lahren Is Fearless’ podcast. 

Obviously, White is pro-Trump. As if bringing UFC to the White House wasn’t a big enough clue (combined with his past history, of course), the CEO explains to host Tomi Lahren, “There are a lot of people out there that you know, you probably admire that are not worth your admiration. This guy is. I mean, I’ll stand behind Trump all day. I mean, he’s a good man. His family are good people, and they’ve always been incredible to me and my family.”

Lahren then asks if there are celebrities who are, as White calls them, ‘closet supporters” of the president. While White doesn’t divulge names, he does give Lahren a candid answer, saying, “100%.” He goes on to emphatically add, “A lot of them…You’d be shocked. Yeah. You’d be shocked. All closet fans of Trump.”

White continues, explaining his point of view, “Imagine living a life where you can’t be yourself. I’ve said this before, I equate it to being gay. Imagine being gay and not being able to come out and say, ‘Yeah, I’m gay,’ and other people knowing and you’re just living a normal life and having friends and going to work, and right, that’s what I think it would be like. I would never want to not be who I am.” 

So how many secret supporters does White think are out there? As the interview continues, he shares with Lahren, “It’s like, you’re asking me, do you know a lot of celebrities that would be shocking to know that they’re Trump supporters? And I was like, yes, a lot. And, you don’t win the election the way that he won without a lot of, you know, a lot of supporters. You know, they do all this polling and all this stuff, yet none of it's accurate because people are afraid to tell the truth.”

As to who these celeb fans of Trump really are, it doesn’t look like White is giving up the details anytime soon. And based on what he said to Lahren, we may never know. 

Brad Pitt and Edward Norton's hangout at the World Cup is the funniest meme of the tournament, 27 years after their groundbreaking roles in Fight Club.

The legendary actors, who starred alongside each other in David Fincher's beloved 1999 film, caught the U.S.A vs. Türkiye match in a luxury suite on Thursday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. Pitt, 62, sported a USA jersey and a bucket hat, while Norton, 56, wore a Radiohead shirt. However, it was the endless Fight Club memories that instantly set off social media.

The film, which is based on author Chuck Palahniuk’s 1996 novel, follows Norton as an unnamed narrator suffering from sleep deprivation. He meets Tyler Durden, played by Pitt, a soap salesman who introduces him to an underground "Fight Club" where men battle each other as a means of reclaiming their lives.

Without us blatantly telling you the ending, social media immediately blew up with responses to the sighting of the duo together, referencing the film's unique twist. The bit has become one of the best memes of the World Cup thus far.

Check out the hilarious tweets below:

Edward Norton and Brad Pitt are in attendance at Türkiye vs @USMNT pic.twitter.com/pMvnaCJwN2

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 26, 2026

Why is Edward Norton talking to himself? pic.twitter.com/j0VbLxkuvD

— Wes Blankenship (@Wes_nship) June 26, 2026

Edward Norton Seen talking to himself At The USA vs Turkey Game at the World Cup on 25 June 2026. pic.twitter.com/1wRUj5jdlC

— Kagan.Dunlap (@Kagan_M_Dunlap) June 26, 2026

Edward Norton speaking to “himself” at the World Cup. 😭 pic.twitter.com/BhuDVrHGbs

— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) June 26, 2026

Edward Norton seen talking to himself at the USA-Türkiye World Cup game pic.twitter.com/sxgQI76pRt

— FactSparkDaily 🇺🇲 (@FactSparkDaily) June 26, 2026

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Have Edward Norton and Brad Pitt Worked Together Since Fight Club?

No. Fight Club hit theaters in 1999, and the duo hasn't worked together again onscreen in the last 27 years.

Was Fight Club a Box Office Hit?

Absolutely not! Back in 2019, Norton opened up about why he thought the film didn't do well at the box office. He made it clear that he didn't think it was the fault of the viewers. Instead, he felt the powers that be didn't market it correctly.

“I think there was a reluctance on the part of some of the people who were actually marketing it, to embrace the idea that it was funny, and honestly I think they felt indicted by it,” Norton says on PeopleTV’s Couch Surfing, EW reported. “I think if you felt more like the guy who plays my boss in the film, then you tended to not like the film. But also, it just was a tough one to distill.”

Despite this, Norton made it clear how grateful he was that the film became such a favorite of fans.

“It was an interesting experience because we all loved it and we were very confident about it. We were a little stung,” Norton said. “You can never completely detach your ego to how does it do when it first opens, but then we all had the very special experience of realizing that the relationship it formed with people was everything you dream of when you get into films.”

If you need a refresher on the film, check out the trailer for the iconic film below:

Related: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s Son, Knox, 17, Just Debuted a Dramatic Physical Transformation

As conversations about a royal family reunion between Prince Harry and King Charles continue, attention has shifted to how Meghan Markle could factor into any reconciliation plans.

Page Six spoke to royal commentator Amanda Matta about the current state of the relationships within the House of Windsor. She believes that if Meghan is involved in any talks between the king and his son, a potential reunion could take a different turn.

"Meghan’s presence would certainly add symbolic weight to any reunion,” Matta explained. “If Meghan accompanies Harry to the UK or to a meeting with his family, it would signal to the public that any effort at rebuilding relationships extends to the Sussex family as a whole.”

“It just changes the stakes,” Matta said. “The challenge in reconciling has never really been about any one person; it has been rebuilding trust across the board.”

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Publicly, the last time the Duchess of Sussex visited the United Kingdom was for Queen Elizabeth's funeral in September 2022. She has not returned since.

However, there may have been private communication between the monarch, his youngest son, and his daughter-in-law. The royal family has not commented on any reconciliation attempts out of the public eye.

Harry has returned to the UK on several occasions, notably for Charles' coronation in 2023. He returned to his ancestral homeland on February 6, 2024, one day after the king's cancer diagnosis was publicly announced, and had a meeting with his father that lasted less than one hour, reported ABC News.

“Historically, there have been indications that Charles made efforts to welcome her into the family, but she has taken a step back in recent years,” Matta concluded. “I see that as an acknowledgment that the Sussexes’ ongoing tensions with the royals actually stem from Harry and his own family.”

“The public generally understands that this relationship is incredibly complicated, but they also know more than ever about the way the monarchy operates,” Matta said. “The greatest risk, in my opinion, comes from how the palace manages this ‘return.'”

PEOPLE Magazine reported that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to return to the U.K. in July with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The family is visiting the country to mark the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games Birmingham event.

Related:

Costco shoppers have been spotting all kinds of new bakery finds lately, and the latest one might be the most unexpected yet. Between Costco's new pretzel bagels and mini croissant donuts, the bakery section has been busy this summer. Now there's another new dessert turning heads, and early shoppers can't stop talking about it.

The new bakery item is already generating excitement online, with commenters calling it next-level and saying they can't wait to track one down at their local warehouse. Some shoppers are even joking that Costco needs to slow down with all the tempting bakery releases.

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Costco Has a Brand-New Waffle Cone Bar Cake View this post on Instagram

The newest addition to Costco's bakery lineup is the $18.99 Kirkland Signature Waffle Cone Bar Cake, which is only available in select warehouses. While Costco is no stranger to crowd-pleasing cakes, this one certainly stands out.

The cake is topped with actual mini chocolate-filled waffle cones, which makes it look like something straight out of an old-fashioned ice cream shop. Inside, you'll find layers of waffle cone-flavored sponge cake paired with rich cream frosting and crunchy waffle cone crumble.

According to early reviewer @costcohotfinds, the sponge cake is incredibly soft and moist with a creamy texture throughout. She described the dessert as one of the most incredible bakery items she's seen from Costco.

The flavor combination makes a lot of sense for summer. Waffle cones bring notes of vanilla, caramelized sugar and buttery sweetness that many people associate with trips to the ice cream shop. Costco transformed those delicious flavors into a shareable cake that can feed a crowd.

Related: Costco to Open 9 New Stores Next Month: Is One Near You?

Costco Shoppers Are Beyond Excited

Commenters online are so excited to try this new Costco cake. Some said they planned to buy one (or two) as soon as it reaches their warehouse. Others pointed out that it includes what they consider the best part of a waffle cone: the chocolate-filled bottom.

The timing couldn't be better. Summer gatherings are in full swing, and this cake feels tailor-made for backyard parties, Fourth of July celebrations and summer birthdays. It has the visual appeal of a centerpiece dessert but doesn't require any extra decorating or preparation on your part.

If you're planning a summer get-together, we definitely suggest keeping an eye on your local Costco bakery. Based on the early reaction, this new bar cake may not stay fully stocked for long.

Related: Costco Just Brought Back a Fan-Favorite Sporty Crocs Style for Summer

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Admittedly, have a weakness for tiny, whimsical pieces I can add to my kitchen table or cabinets for a dopamine hit. They just make life a little better. That's exactly the vibe I got from a top-rated Target find that would look stunning in my kitchen cabinet. Bonus? It's totally functional and practical, too.

The Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Set of 3 Stoneware Wavy Edge Mini Berry Serving Bowls costs $16.99 at Target, and it's gorgeous. The set includes three mini stoneware bowls in earthy tan, green and cream shades that look beautiful grouped on a table.

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The bowls have a handcrafted look that feels delightfully unique, and the neutral palette makes them surprisingly versatile. Set them next to a stack of pancakes when serving brunch, on a charcuterie board or use them during a casual backyard dinner. The options are endless!

Hearth & Hand With Magnolia Set of 3 Stoneware Wavy Edge Mini Berry Serving Bowls Tan/Green/Cream, $16.99 at Target

Target

Shop It!

The bowls feature small cutouts that allow water to drain after rinsing fruit. You can wash the berries right in these cute Target bowls and then serve them in the same dish. Everyone loves fewer dishes piling up in the sink.

Reviewers say the stoneware bowls are the perfect size for strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. Several shoppers even mentioned buying a second set so they would have six bowls instead of three. The more, the merrier!

Related: Target Dropped New Icon Glasses Featuring the Cutest Summer 2026 Designs

These cute Target berry bowls create that styled-but-not-trying-too-hard look. The earthy colors and glossy finish make them feel decorative even when they're empty.

They're also stackable, which is always a bonus when cabinet space is limited. Instead of taking up valuable room, they tuck neatly together until you need them.

Of course, not every review is perfect. A few shoppers noted that the colors looked slightly different in person than they expected, and some mentioned durability concerns. Still, the overall response has been overwhelmingly positive.

For less than $20, this Target bowl set offers an easy way to add a little personality to your kitchen or dining room. Sometimes, making a table look styled isn't about buying a whole new collection of dishes. It can be as simple as serving berries in a bowl that makes people smile.

Related: Target's New 'Cute and Trendy' Home Upgrade Brightens Any Room

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What if your kitchen essentials were so cute, clever, and practical that you couldn't help but smile every time you chopped an onion? Enter Thyme & Table's 4-Piece Poly Cutting Mat Set — a $6 wonder at Walmart that turns ordinary meal prep into a mini moment of joy.

This set isn't just a bargain — it's a secret weapon for anyone hoping to keep their counters crumb-free and their chopping game strong. It's selling fast during Walmart's Summer Deals event, so interested shoppers shouldn't wait too long to add it to their carts.

Thyme & Table 4-Piece Poly Cutting Mat Set, $6 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The mats are as flexible as your weeknight dinner plans, and their understated cream color adds a soft, modern touch to your counter. Suddenly, prepping veggies or slicing fruit feels a little bit fancy and a lot more fun. The set includes two medium mats (13.8 by 9.8 inches) for those big chopping jobs — think watermelon slices or a mountain of veggies. 

There are also two smaller mats (7.5 by 11.4 inches) that are perfect for prepping fruit, cheese, or a quick sandwich fix. With their creamy hue and sleek Thyme & Table branding, these mats add a subtle pop of style to your kitchen, proving that practical can also be pretty cute.

What makes these mats a must-have is their clever design. Each one is slim, flexible, and lightweight, so you can easily grab, bend, or tuck them away in a drawer. The built-in handle cutout makes transporting diced onions from the board to the skillet a one-handed affair (and storing or hanging them up a snap). Their non-slip backing keeps them steady while you slice and dice, and the surface is blade-friendly, meaning your favorite knives won't get dull from use.

Cleanup is a total breeze. These mats are made from durable poly material that resists stains and odors. Just give them a quick wash, and they're ready for the next round. They're also reversible, so you can dedicate one side to veggies and the other to proteins if you're feeling extra organized. And since you get four, you can assign each mat to a specific task: one for chicken, one for fruit, one for bread, and one for whatever else the day brings. 

Shoppers are loving these mats, noting their "nice quality" and versatility. 

"They are the perfect sizes," one shopper stated. "Small ones are just right for chopping an onion or celery. The larger ones are good for cutting up larger items like potatoes. The texture is nice, and the back side grips the counter well."

"These are functional on so many levels," another shopper stated. "They are sturdy and sized right! I travel extensively, and in my experience, Airbnbs and hotels rarely have cutting boards. This fun set fits perfectly in my suitcase, taking up zero space, and is just what I need to prepare healthy meals while away from home."

Shop More Deals

• Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker, $54 (was $64) at Walmart
• Good Lookin' Cookin': A Year of Meals - a Lifetime of Family, Friends, and Food by Dolly Parton, $27 at Walmart
• Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Dome Crossbody Bag, $60 (was $289) at Walmart

Related: Tupperware's Retro Pink and Purple Bowl Set Is the Prettiest Way to Store Your Leftovers

Whether you're meal prepping for the week, teaching your kids to chop safely, or just want to keep your counters looking fresh, the $6 Thyme & Table Poly Cutting Mat Set is a cute, clever solution. Pick up a set while they're still in stock.

In the early 1970s, David Gates was best known for his work with Bread. As part of the Los Angeles-based band, the legendary singer-songwriter was a Top 40 radio regular, appearing on the Billboard Hot 100 a whopping 13 times with songs such as “If,” “Baby I’m-a Want You,” and the 1970 No. 1 hit, “Make It With You.”

In 1978, Gates charted again, this time as a solo artist. The song was “Goodbye Girl,” and it was the theme for the 1977 big-screen film of the same name.

Written by Gates, “Goodbye Girl” was a piano-led ballad with lyrics about vulnerability and regret over the past. Released around the same time as the film's premiere in late 1977, the song peaked at No. 15 on Billboard in April 1978, making it Gates’ highest-charting song as a solo performer.

The film The Goodbye Girl was based on Neil Simon’s play. The romantic comedy starred  Richard Dreyfuss, Marsha Mason, Quinn Cummings, and Paul Benedict, with Dreyfuss winning the Best Actor Academy Award for his lead role as Elliott Garfield. Gates’ “Goodbye Girl” played at the end of the film as the credits rolled.

Despite Gates’ many years as a songwriter, during a 1978 appearance on American Bandstand, he admitted it was challenging to write a song for a movie.

“Because you're given a situation that you're put into and they said this is the story and we need you to write a song along these lines,” he shared. “It's a great challenge, really, to take a situation like that and see if you can make the song fit the picture."

He elaborated in an interview with Classic Bands. When asked how he was able to “capture the movie's spirit,” Gates shared that he first had to get an idea of what was expected of him by the filmmakers.

"Whether they want you to exactly paraphrase what's happening or kind of something that's off to the side, but connected,” he explained. “These guys usually have pretty strong ideas on what they want. And then it's a matter of combining your own personal ability and taste with the way you normally write and try to accommodate their feelings."

Gates, now 85, retired from music in the early 2000s.

Related: 1970 Hit Film, Nominated for Rare Academy Award, Ranked Among 'Best Movies of All Time'

If your upcoming vacation plans involve snapping a serene, uninterrupted photo of the misty valleys in Yosemite, watching the sunrise over the red rock arches of Utah, or taking a peaceful stroll through Glacier National Park, you might want to brace yourself for a reality check.

America’s most iconic public lands are currently bracing for a summer of historic, record-shattering crowds. But according to a massive new traveler index commissioned by adventure travel leader Intrepid Travel, a major cultural shift is officially underway. The data reveals that a staggering 72% of Americans now believe intense overcrowding actively diminishes the outdoor travel experience, while 65% explicitly state that visiting a lesser-known, quieter national park would deliver a significantly more rewarding vacation.

The findings—pulled from a comprehensive Wakefield Research study of 2,000 adult travelers—uncover a collective exhaustion with the "social media traffic jams" that plague marquee destinations. In fact, 80% of respondents noted they actively want to explore landscapes they don't regularly see on their feeds, and 92% said they would gladly alter their vacation habits if it meant helping reduce the strain of overtourism.

"America's 250th anniversary is a chance to celebrate the country's natural heritage in a more thoughtful way," explains Leigh Barnes, President of the Americas at Intrepid Travel. "Many travelers assume they need to visit the most famous parks to experience the best of America's public lands, but some of the most rewarding experiences can be found in places that remain surprisingly overlooked."

To help travelers bypass the bumper-to-bumper traffic and packed trailheads this season, Intrepid Travel and its premier hiking arm, Wildland Trekking, are pointing outdoor enthusiasts toward five spectacular, crowd-free alternatives that deliver all the jaw-dropping scenery of the heavy hitters without the congestion.

Related: The 'Swiss Alps of America' Is Tucked Between Seattle and Vancouver, and It Has 300 Glaciers, Turquoise Lakes, and No Crowds

Instead of Yosemite, Head to Kings Canyon National Park, California Giant Sequoia trees with basal burns from wildfires are seen in the Giant Sequoia tree and mixed conifer forest of the Redwood Mountain Grove in Kings Canyon National Park on the western slope of California's Sierra Nevada mountains, on August 24, 2023. When ferocious wildfires tore through California's prized giant sequoia forests, they killed towering trees that have lived there for thousands of years -- and perhaps changed the nature of the groves forever. "The goal is to reestablish enough sequoias in the first few years after fire so that we have trees 60, 100, 400 years from now," says Christy Brigham, chief of resources management and science at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP)

ROBYN BECK / Contributor via Getty

Yosemite’s soaring granite cliffs and roaring waterfalls draw millions of international visitors a year, resulting in highly restrictive vehicle reservation systems and packed valley shuttles. If you want to experience the sheer, awe-inspiring scale of the High Sierra without the logistical headaches, Kings Canyon sits just to the south. The vastly underrated park is home to dizzying canyon drops, rushing rivers, and massive groves of ancient giant sequoias—including the General Grant Tree, the second-largest living tree on the planet—offering the deep, quiet forest solitude that Yosemite has largely lost.

Related: Little-Known Californian National Park Named as a Top Camping Spot

Instead of Yellowstone, Head to Lassen Volcanic National Park, California North America, USA, California, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lassen Trailhead, Balanced Rock. (Photo by: Bernard Friel/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Education Images / Contributor via Getty

Yellowstone’s boardwalks are famously congested with travelers waiting for Old Faithful to blow or hunting for a parking spot near the Grand Prismatic Spring. For an equally surreal, high-energy geothermal adventure, Lassen Volcanic remains one of the ultimate hidden gems of the National Park System. The landscape is a living, breathing volcanic wonderland packed with bubbling mud pots, roaring steam fumaroles, and striking alpine lakes that you can often hike around without seeing another soul.

Related: This State Just Ranked No. 1 for Family Road Trips—And It's Not Florida

Instead of Grand Teton, Head to North Cascades National Park, Washington Diablo Lake and Davis Peak, North Cascades National Park, Washington

UCG / Contributor via Getty

Frequently referred to by alpine mountaineers as the "American Alps," North Cascades boasts some of the most rugged, jagged mountain crests, massive glaciers, and turquoise-hued alpine lakes in North America. Yet, despite holding scenery that easily rivals the sweeping skylines of Wyoming or western Canada, it consistently ranks as one of the least-visited national parks in the entire country, making it an absolute paradise for hikers seeking pure backcountry isolation.

Related: 50+ Best Road Trips In the USA

Instead of Arches, Head to Capitol Reef National Park, Utah UTAH, UNITED STATES - 2025/10/15: Chimney Rock at Capitol Reef National Park near the visitor center, Utah, United States. (Photo by Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Wolfgang Kaehler / Contributor via Getty

Utah’s "Mighty 5" parks are enduring a massive surge in global popularity, with Arches frequently closing its gates by early morning due to full parking lots. Tucked quietly away in the heart of the red rock desert, Capitol Reef is consistently overshadowed by its famous neighbors, yet it showcases some of the most spectacular, colorful canyon walls, massive sandstone domes, and historic fruit orchards in the American Southwest. It is the perfect destination to drop into a slower, more deliberate desert rhythm.

Instead of Grand Canyon, Head to Canyonlands National Park, Utah UTAH, UNITED STATES - 2025/10/21: View of Canyonlands National Park from the Needles Overlook, which sits 1,600 ft (486 m) above the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park and offers nearly 360-degree views of the sandstone formations, near Monticello, Utah, United States. (Photo by Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Canyonlands National Park via Getty

As Utah's largest and most expansive national park, Canyonlands features a staggering, endless wilderness of deep canyons, towering mesas, and bizarre rock needles carved out by the Colorado and Green rivers. Because the park's massive acreage spreads visitors out naturally, it offers an incredible contrast to the crowded overlooks of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, providing endless opportunities for quiet contemplation, rugged off-roading, and unmatched stargazing under some of the darkest night skies in the country.

Related: There Could Be a New Geyser Forming at Yellowstone National Park Thanks to a ‘Hydrothermal Explosion’

More than four months after Nancy Guthrie disappeared, new details about the ransom notes tied to the case have emerged—leaving many wondering why this information is coming out now.

Parade reached out to retired FBI special agent Jason Pack for insight into the latest developments and what the timing could mean for the investigation.

"Why now? Because five months in, the fire needs fresh wood," Pack says. "The subject went silent. The digital trail hit a wall. Tip flow on even a high-profile case like this one starts to thin out over time. That’s just human nature. The news cycle moves on. Releasing this now likely wasn’t a surprise to the Guthrie family or investigators."

"The FBI’s Victim Services unit doesn’t leave families in the dark," Pack continued. "They stay in contact. They share what they can. A family with the resources and connections the Guthries have almost certainly has their own people looking into this as well. Timing matters in these decisions. The worst outcome would have been for this to break early, while there was still a live chance of communicating with whoever took Nancy, while the evidence was fresh, while operational details needed to stay quiet."

Related: Changes Have Been Made to Nancy Guthrie's Personal Facebook Account

Pack believes that window "seems to have passed" and that investigators "needed more tips." He goes on to point out that the information was known by some, as the ransom notes were sent directly to media outlets—such as TMZ. However, the details weren't released.

"Some of that is professional judgment. Some of it is probably respect for the Guthrie family specifically. But restraint has a shelf life, and when the story starts moving through other channels anyway, it’s going to come out," Pack said.

Guthrie, 84, has been missing since Feb. 1. The Guthrie family received a ransom note that demanded bitcoin in exchange for Nancy. However, the second note included a grim update. On Monday, June 22, NBC News reported that the second note sent to the Guthrie family revealed that Nancy had died. Authorities have authenticated the notes, which Nancy's daughter, Savannah Guthrie, revealed during her interview with Hoda Kotb in March.

There have been other notes sent to the media in regard to Nancy's disappearance. Many have been sent to TMZ from someone claiming to know who is responsible for Nancy's disappearance. The outlet recently reported that the FBI is looking into these notes.

The case is still active and authorities have asked that anyone with information contact Tucson’s 88-Crime hotline at 1-520-882-7463 or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

READ NEXT: TMZ Says FBI ‘Ghosted’ After Outlet Offered to Pay Bitcoin

The legendary rock band the Pretenders was going through a time of rebuilding and reflection in 1982 when a song that would become one of their biggest hits ever, "Back on the Chain Gang," was created.

In early 1982, the band fired their longtime bassist Pete Farndon over his drug problem, and only two days later, the Pretenders' guitarist, James Honeyman-Scott, died of a drug overdose. He was only 25 years old. In the aftermath of this tragedy, only lead singer Chrissie Hynde and drummer Martin Chambers were left in the band, forcing them to recruit new members as they went on.

One of the next songs they worked on was "Back on the Chain Gang," written by Hynde as a tribute to Honeyman-Scott. The moving track told the story of loss and grief, with lyrics reading, "Well, I'll die as I stand here today/ Knowing that deep in my heart/ They'll fall to ruin one day/ For making us part."

In a 1984 interview with Rolling Stone, Hynde talked about the band's choice to keep on going after the loss. She said, "What else were we going to do? Stay at home and be miserable, or go into the studio and do what we dig and be miserable?"

Related: ’80s Cult Rock Band Returning With First New Music in 36 Years

In the end, it paid off, and thanks to the success of "Back on the Chain Gang," the Pretenders shot to new heights. The song became the group's highest-charting U.S. song ever, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, an especially impressive accomplishment for such a meaningful song.

Directly addressing the loss of Honeyman-Scott and Farndon, the latter of whom died of an overdose in 1983, Hynde told the publication, "You lose someone who’s a very real part of your life, and it’s like losing a part of yourself. But everyone goes through that. No point in making too much of a deal out of something that is everyone’s fate."

Related: 1973 Rock Hit Inspired by a Popular Cocktail Became a Classic Without Ever Reaching No. 1

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Known for her larger-than-life personality and unmistakable sparkle, country icon Dolly Parton has translated that same energy into a home goods line filled with serveware, cutlery, and hosting pieces designed to bring charm to the kitchen. From plate sets to drinkware, the collection is built for summer gatherings, especially as Walmart’s Summer Deals event brings select pieces down ahead of peak entertaining season.

One standout from the lineup is the Dolly Parton Stoneware Butterfly Crock, which is currently marked down by 15%, bringing the original $26 price tag down to $22. Crafted from sturdy stoneware with a weighted feel, it’s designed to keep everyday cooking tools within reach while still looking pretty enough to leave out on the counter. 

Dolly Parton Stoneware Butterfly Crock, $22 (was $26) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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This ceramic crock proves that everyday storage doesn't have to be boring. Measuring 4.5 inches long by 4.5 inches wide by 6.0 inches tall, the cylindrical design is wrapped in a vibrant mosaic-style illustration featuring shades of cobalt, sky blue, navy, and icy white. Even when sitting empty on a countertop, it functions as a decorative accent thanks to its colorful, stained-glass-inspired appearance.

The artwork combines oversized chrysanthemum-like blooms with a detailed butterfly perched among the petals, creating the look of hand-laid glass tiles. Tiny geometric fragments within the flowers and wings give the pattern depth and movement, while small touches of warm golden yellow and orange provide contrast against the predominantly cool-toned palette. The crisp white ceramic background keeps the design feeling fresh and allows the intricate artwork to take center stage. 

More than a “pretty” utensil crock, its size makes it a “beautiful addition” to any room. In the kitchen, it can hold spatulas, wooden spoons, whisks, coffee pods, tea bags, or wrapped candies while adding a pop of color to the counter. In a bathroom or on a vanity, it could be used to hold makeup brushes, hair accessories, or cotton balls. It could function as a remote holder in the living room, and on a desk, it works perfectly for pens, scissors, paintbrushes, or other craft supplies. The watertight ceramic construction also makes it suitable as a small vase for fresh flowers.

Shop More Deals

• Dolly Parton Bamboo Reversible Cutting Board, $7 at Walmart
• Dolly Parton 2-Cup Glass Measuring Cup, $12 at Walmart
• Dolly Parton 10-inch Ceramic Pie Dish, $14 (was $20) at Walmart

Related: Dolly Parton’s Shimmery $24 Stoneware Tray at Walmart Is a Charming Essential for Hosting and Home Styling

For a countertop upgrade with a little of Parton's pizazz, the $22 Dolly Parton Stoneware Butterfly Crock is a charming Summer Deals event find. Shop it now while it’s 15% off at Walmart!

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

If you shopped at Bed Bath & Beyond in the 2000s, you probably came across Wamsutta in the bedding aisle. The longtime American brand was a store staple, known for straightforward, comfortable home essentials.

After Bed Bath & Beyond’s 2023 bankruptcy, Wamsutta has returned in a refreshed form that includes updated performance-driven bedding. I tested the Wamsutta Supreme Comfort Cool and Dry Mattress Topper to see how the brand’s modern take on comfort holds up. Designed to add a gentle layer of cushioning, improve breathability and help manage moisture, it also promises to give your mattress the plush feel of a newer bed. Let’s see if it meets expectations.

What Is the Wamsutta Supreme Comfort Cool and Dry Mattress Topper?

Ashley Zlatopolsky

The Wamsutta Supreme Comfort Cool and Dry Mattress Topper features multiple layers designed to help manage moisture while protecting your mattress from stains, odors, allergens and dust. It's made with a 400-thread-count stretch lyocell fabric quilted with temperature-regulating down-alternative fiber that helps promote a cooler, more comfortable sleep surface. Pricing starts at $320 for a full-sized and ranges up to $450 for a king-sized topper.

Inside, it has a fiber fill, while the outer layer includes a waterproof barrier. The design also features a grip fabric and reinforced elastic edges meant to help the topper stay securely in place on the mattress. This item is spot-clean only, so you can’t throw it in the washing machine.

My Honest Review of the Wamsutta Supreme Comfort Cool and Dry Mattress Topper

As a side sleeper, I usually prefer a mattress with extra cushioning to relieve pressure around my shoulders and hips. The mattress I tested the Wamsutta Supreme Comfort Cool and Dry Mattress Topper on was firmer than I typically like, so I was curious whether the topper could create a more balanced, medium-soft feel without sacrificing support. I wasn't looking for an ultra-plush, sink-in sensation, but rather just enough cushioning to improve comfort while maintaining spinal alignment.

The topper has a modest, two-inch pillowtop profile, so it doesn't dramatically change the mattress feel. Instead, it resembles a built-in Euro top, adding softness without overwhelming the support beneath. I found it cushioned pressure points while still keeping my body lifted, which helped prevent hip sinkage that can lead to lower back pain.

Temperature regulation was another highlight. The surface felt cool to the touch and stayed comfortable overnight. As a hot sleeper, I appreciated not waking up overheated. While not actively cooling, it remained breathable and helped avoid that stuffy feel some quilted toppers develop.

Ashley Zlatopolsky

It also stayed securely in place thanks to its deep-pocket elastic skirt, and the top and bottom labels made setup easy. My 13-inch mattress fits well, and it accommodates up to 20-inch depths.

One issue I often notice with fiber-filled mattress toppers is that the filling shifts over time, leaving uncomfortable and unsightly flat spots. After sleeping on the Wamsutta Supreme Comfort Cool and Dry Mattress Topper for two weeks, I didn't notice any significant flattening or uneven distribution of the fill. It maintained its loft and looked nearly identical to when I first unpacked it.

Of course, two weeks isn't enough time to fully judge long-term durability, so I'd be interested to see how it performs after six months or a year of nightly use and repeated compression.

One drawback is the care instructions. Unlike many mattress pads, this topper isn't machine washable and is spot clean only, so you'll want to take extra precautions to keep it clean (especially given the high price point). Although it includes a waterproof barrier to help protect against moisture, it's still susceptible to stains, dirt and everyday wear. I recommend always using a fitted sheet over it and cleaning spills immediately. 

If you have children or pets, that extra layer of protection becomes even more important to help prevent accidents, tears, sweat stains and everyday messes from shortening the topper's lifespan. Proper care will go a long way toward preserving both its appearance and performance over time and will help ensure you get your money’s worth if you invest in this high-end topper.

Related: Walmart’s 'Soft' $80 Cotton-Linen Sheets Are ‘Cool and Comfortable’ for Hot Summer Nights

There’s a palpable sense of magic at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, California. It’s where brilliant minds come together to create stories and characters that have been a part of popular culture and our lives for over three decades.

Since 1986, Pixar has produced beloved global blockbusters like Toy Story and The Incredibles, with its characters capturing our hearts, inspiring imagination and filling the theme parks of Walt Disney World, Disneyland and beyond. And so, the emotional chokehold is a sentiment many share.

I’ve always thought of the studio much like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, it’s not open to the public: no exceptions. I'm a huge theme park fanatic, with annual passes to Disney's parks, but even that's not enough to get inside.

But in celebration of Toy Story 5, I was granted a Disney-coded “golden ticket” for an ultra-exclusive look inside.

Related: Everything We Know About Toy Story 5

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From character Easter eggs to adorable lattes, here’s a look inside Pixar Animation Studios.

Related: 'Toy Story 5' Cast

The Steve Jobs Building is the hub

Carly Caramanna

The creative campus opened in 2000 and its central hub is the Steve Jobs Building, named after the Apple co-founder who funded the animation studio when it officially launched in 1986. Designed by acclaimed architecture firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, the Steve Jobs Building seamlessly blends the indoors with the outdoors, with large window walls resulting in a bright, airy feel. The space is distinctly industrial with soaring ceilings and serves as the main lunchtime hub, encouraging connection with others.

Related: Disneyland Reveals Its Fall Lineup

The entire property feels similar to a university campus, with employees encouraged to take advantage of outdoor spaces, including a basketball court and swimming pool. It’s open all hours and can be used anytime, even on weekends. Team members shared that this was the direct result of a notable employee burnout after Toy Story 2 production, finally understanding how greatly important rest and relaxation is to the creative process.

It’s Full of Character. Literally.

Carly Caramanna

Its most famous attributes are towering sculptures of Luxo Jr. and Luxo Ball (also known as Pixar Ball) that make for a coveted photo opportunity. But characters are everywhere, from easter eggs, like a tiny Buzz Lightyear etched into the custom flooring, to the former Heimlich from the now extinct Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train at Disneyland. There’s also secret rooms, like the Brooklyn Hearth Lounge, with a speakeasy feel and paying homage to the grounds which at one time was the site of the Oakland A’s.

This is Where Your Favorite Actors Record

Carly Caramanna

The campus is where you’ll find the recording studios where favorite Pixar voice actors buzzed legendary characters, likeTom Hanks portraying Woody. Just outside of the studio, I spotted a wall where talent lent their signature—including Hanks. And fun fact: all studios are stocked with apples, which prevent the talent from having dry mouths during whirlwind recording schedules.

Related: Disney Has Released Details About Its Highly-Anticipated Monsters, Inc.-themed Land

The Animators Have the Coolest Offices

Carly Caramanna

To inspire creation, the offices of the animators are a far cry from the hum-drum corporate cubicle. Pixar encourages its animators to decorate them as they see fit. And boy, do they go all out. One of the most impressive was themed to a Salem Witch shoppe, with incredible detailing. I also spotted a custom bar, the Knife & Fiddle, and the original animation desk of Frank Thomas, one of Walt Disney’s leading animators known as the Nine Old Men.

Carly Caramanna

Awards Corner Was a Highlight

Carly Caramanna

Pixar has won its fair share of awards, from prestigious Oscars to Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. And you’ll discover those on display in what they call ‘Awards Corner.’

Collaboration Is at Its Heart View this post on Instagram

Pixar is not only where characters are born but brought to life through collaborations, reaching people in new ways. On my visit, a sprawling exhibit featured the product collaborations for Toy Story 5. And it’s much more than toys that are meant to be played with—there’s also collectables, like Funko POP!, for the hobbyist.

Carly Caramanna

The collection is vast, hitting varying age brackets, from infants to adults, which makes sense for a studio that has been around for decades, creating lifelong fans through cross-generational appeal. Kids have their pick from clothing to toys, while anyone can enjoy a new collection with popular luggage company Away and extremely cool looking character-themed sneakers from Adidas (seriously, the Sheriff Woody Samba OG sneakers are cool). And there’s even new Loungefly, a uber popular option for Disney fans hitting the theme parks.

Carly Caramanna

Even The Lattes are Magical

Carly Caramanna

I had long heard of Pixar’s famous coffee shop, Cafe Luxo, where the latte creations are topped with art of beloved characters. And I couldn’t wait to try a latte, which lived up to the hype with truly intricate designs.

It’s Home to Disney’s Most Exclusive Merchandise Shop

Carly Caramanna

Admittedly, I love merchandise. You could say I’m in my merch era (and that’s probably largely due to fellow millennials now helming these departments and understanding our unique desire to embrace nostalgia and such). No matter where I’m going—be it a theme park or museum—I’m coming home with a branded item. And at Pixar, you’ll find the holy grail of rare merchandise: exclusive Pixar Animation Studios branded merch. The campus features a shop with exclusive merchandise you’ll only find here, from hats and shirts to limited-edition prints and keychains. (I may have spent hundreds, but that's neither here nor there).

The Campus Even Has Art Galleries

A highlight was discovering its several art galleries, which, they shared, are often rotated out. I loved discovering one dedicated to Cars which featured original clay sculptures and concepts for the themed land at Disneyland.

Carly Caramanna

There was also a gallery with concept art and original pieces from Toy Story 5, and I really enjoyed spotting new characters from the film, like Lilypad and Dr. Nutcase.

Related: Woody and Buzz Are Back—and Not Just in 'Toy Story 5'

Those in the crowd at the Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana, on June 26, 1977, had no idea the concert they were at would go down in history as "the last Elvis concert."

Only 42 years old, Elvis Presley was found dead just seven weeks later, on August 16, 1977.

That night, the icon of rock and roll played 21 songs, including hits like "Hound Dog," "Don't Be Cruel," and "Jailhouse Rock." He finished the night with his popular 1962 love song, "Can't Help Falling in Love." While the 18,000 fans who showed up were enthusiastic about seeing "The King," local newspapers offered mixed reviews.

'Tacky' vs. 'True Presley Style': The Mixed Reviews

Local critics were split between nostalgic appreciation for his enduring style and harsh criticism of his outdated showmanship.

"At 42, Elvis is still carrying around some excess baggage on his mid-section, but it didn't stop him from giving a performance in true Presley style," Rita Rose wrote for the Indianapolis Star. The Indianapolis News, on the other hand, wasn't quite as endearing in its review, calling his concert format "tacky and outdated."

"It's time ardent Presley fans quit protecting their idol and start demanding more. They know "the King" can do better," Zach Dunkin wrote. "It's rather ironic that Presley closed his tour in the arena last night, while Chicago will open its in the same hall tonight, beginning at 8."

The Tragic Backstage Reality

The last five years of Elvis's life were a struggle, according to those close to him. After he and Priscilla Presley divorced in 1973, his health had been declining, and his drinking and prescription drug use had gotten worse.

The Jordanaires' singer Gordon Stoker, who sang or played piano on several of Elvis's songs, recalled seeing him in the months before he died. "I hadn't seen him for two years, and I was really taken aback by how much he changed," he told the Tampa Bay Times. "He looked bad. His hands kind of trembled. It just wasn't him. I told my wife, "I don't believe he'll be alive another year.' "

The King’s Bittersweet Final Bow

That June night in Indianapolis captured the tragic duality of Elvis's final years. While fans still cheered for "The King" and his timeless hits, the mixed reviews and his backstage struggles revealed a man running on empty—making his final bow both a bittersweet farewell and a heartbreaking end to a legendary era.

A 1979 Kenny Rogers country hit told a powerful small-town story about morality, loyalty, and the consequences of standing by your principles.

The track, “Coward of the County,” quickly became one of Rogers’ most recognizable storytelling songs. It turned a dark moral tale into a defining moment in his career and a lasting country classic.

The song told the story of Tommy, a young man who grew up in a town where he learned to "turn the other cheek" from his father. That life lesson was tested when he was forced to confront a violent act that changed everything he believed about honor.

As the story unfolded, the tension between Tommy's restraint and retaliation against the physical assault of his love, Becky, drove the song’s emotional core. It ultimately left listeners confronting issues of justice, forgiveness, and what it really meant to stand up for yourself.

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The song was one of the tracks ultimately featured on Rogers' eighth studio album, Kenny. "Coward of the County" was first released as a standalone single.

The song was written by Billy Edd Wheeler and Roger Bowling, according to American Songwriter. They wrote, "As this pair sat down together to write, it was Wheeler who got the ball rolling by saying that he imagined writing a tale that played up a victory for the underdog. Bowling then came up with the title, which started the two imagining what that might look like. They then fleshed out the story from there."

In an interview with Country Stars Central, Rogers said, "You either have to do what everyone else is doing or do it better than them, or you have to be different enough to stand on your own. That is what I chose to do, to try to do something different, but intersperse it from time to time with songs like 'Coward of the County,' 'Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town,' 'The Gambler,' and 'Lucille,' which really are country songs."

"Coward of the County" was released in November 1979. It hit the top spot on Billboard's Country Music chart in January 1980. It remained on the chart for 15 weeks.

The song inspired a CBS television movie that aired on October 7, 1981. While it followed the song's core story, the film shifted its setting to the onset of World War II.

Decades later, the song "Coward of the County" remains one of Rogers’ most enduring and discussed storytelling hits. It continues to stand as one of the defining examples of Kenny Rogers’ gift for narrative-driven country music.

Related: 1983 Nostalgic No. 1 Country-Pop Duet Still Feels Like a Warm Memory 43 Years Later

Danielle Olivera is sharing an emotional update on son Aidan following the baby boy's early arrival.

The Summer Houseand In the City star, 37, took to Instagram on Thursday, June 25, to share the first photo of her newborn after revealing earlier this week that she had given birth 10 weeks early. (See the post below.)

After Olivera's boyfriend, Eoin Heavey, announced on Sunday, June 21, that baby Aidan would have to spend the next few months in the NICU, the proud mom shared the first photo of her son along with snaps taken shortly before his birth.

“Still processing the last week and then some," the Bravo personality wrote in the caption. "Our little guy just couldn’t wait to meet us. More to come but for now, I’m just so happy he’s here and doing well."

Included in the post were photos of Olivera on the way to her 28-week checkup, as well as shots of the pizza she didn't know "would be the last meal [she 'd] have before giving birth." Over another shot of Olivera and Heavey spending time with their son in the NICU, the new mom wrote, "Worth every second," and added that she and Heavey are "ready for our biggest adventure yet."

Olivera also praised her boyfriend of a year as "the best partner," writing on another photo, "More to share on the wild journey to get here but we did it - best partner in the world."

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Heavey broke the news of Aidan's birth on Sunday, writing on Instagram at the time, "Aidan Santos Heavey born June 21, 2026 – 10 weeks early – longest day of the year both solstice wise and for mom and dad. He’s heading to summer camp at NICU for the first 2/3 months in this world but mom and dad can’t wait to bring him home hopefully soon."

Heavey continued, “Fitting for his mom, Aidan translates to ‘fiery one’ or ‘bringer of fire’ and she was nothing short of amazing after getting contractions at 10 p.m. on Friday, going to [the] emergency room at 3 a.m. in Southampton, then getting transferred by ambulance to [Stony Brook Hospital] for a further 24 hours."

Thanking all of the medical providers for being "incredible," Heavey noted that while he was a "nervous, terrified, sobbing mess," he also "couldn’t ask for a better first Father’s Day."

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If you're looking for a simple way to declutter your yard or deck for summer, Amazon's latest Prime Day deal offers a smart solution to help you get organized. The Keter City 30-Gallon Deck Box is now on sale for as low as $27, down from $43, and it offers plenty of room to stash tools, gardening supplies, pet gear, and more without overcrowding your space. 

At 22.8 inches long, 17.3 inches wide, and 21.7 inches high, the cabinet is compact enough to fit in small yards, decks, entryways, and other tight spaces while still providing plenty of space to stow outdoor essentials. It comes in four colors; the beige is currently available at the lowest discount, but you can also shop it in mossy brown, dark brown, and dark gray at $28 to $37.   

Keter City 30-Gallon Deck Box, $27 (was $43) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Made of durable resin material with a sleek, wood-like finish, the Keter City deck box is designed to stand up to all types of weather conditions without rusting, peeling, fading, or denting. It has a 30-gallon storage capacity, making it ideal for stashing cushions, pool essentials, bird seed, and more. It also has built-in handles, so it's easy to move around, and the top is padlock-compatible if you prefer to keep your items under lock and key during off-seasons.  

Related: Amazon's 'Cute' 5-Tier Vertical Garden Bed Is $36 for Prime Day, and It's 'Great for Small Spaces'

The multifunctional deck box can be used for more than just storage as well. Thanks to its clean, modern look, it can double as a handy side table for holding drinks, remotes, and books while lounging outdoors. Assembly is also quick and hassle-free, with no extra tools required. 

With over 8,000 five-star ratings, the Keter City deck box is well-loved among Amazon shoppers. Several highlighted its "sturdy" and spacious construction, with one calling it the "perfect storage solution" for yards. Another reviewer complimented its impressive capacity, noting that it "holds a lot" despite its compact build. 

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Between its impressive storage capacity, durable construction, and versatile design, this outdoor deck box offers a stylish yet practical way to tame clutter around your yard, patio, or balcony this summer. Grab one for as low as $27 before this Prime Day deal disappears.