Parade

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’ve been waiting for the weather to cool down to burn your favorite candles, here’s some good news: Fall is right around the corner! From seasonal aromas like pumpkin spice and apple cinnamon to evergreen scents like sandalwood and cashmere, they’ll make your space feel warm and comforting. While lighting up a candle gives you that cozy glow, it’s definitely not the safest option. Instead of having an open flame, opt for a candle warmer lamp that still offers ambient lighting. 

They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but this Eterfun Flower Candle Warmer Lamp at Amazon is one of our favorites. Oozing with cottagecore charm, it’s just as decorative as it is functional, and it’s currently on sale at a budget-friendly price. Normally retailing for $19, the amber version is now marked down to just $17 for a limited time. This candle warmer is also available in four other styles, including gray, green, pink, and transparent. Those typically retail between $20 and $29, but are now on sale between $18 and $27. 

Courtesy of Amazon

Featuring a vintage-inspired glass lamp shade with ornate details, this candle warmer nails the cottagecore aesthetic. The floral shade boasts a bell-shaped silhouette with a scalloped edge, giving it a whimsical and playful feel. It’s adorned with raised petals, adding some texture, depth, and dimension. The base is made of wood and has an exposed woodgrain finish, giving it a rustic look that feels raw and natural. 

Equipped with a 50-watt halogen light bulb, this lamp is strong enough to melt candle wax, eliminating the need for open flames and having to deal with smoke and soot. It evenly melts down the wax from the top, preventing tunneling and ensuring that you get the most out of your candle. As the wax melts, it’ll fill your home with your favorite aromas, allowing you to enjoy the wonderful scents with peace of mind. 

For safety purposes, this candle warmer has an auto-shutoff timer function with two-, four-, and eight-hour options. Through the controller, you can also adjust the brightness setting depending on how fast you want your candle to burn. This lamp comes with two bulbs, so you can conveniently replace the first one whenever it burns out. 

Courtesy of Amazon

This lamp emits a warm glow, creating a cozy ambiance reminiscent of a flame. Whether you’re reading, watching a movie, or preparing to sleep, it provides just the right lighting for relaxing and unwinding. 

The lampshade is connected to the base by a slender metal pole with a gold finish. You can adjust the pole to position the lampshade between 4.5 inches and 6.9 inches high, depending on the size of your candle. This candle warmer lamp should be able to fit candles up to 6 inches tall. The base has an anti-slip design, preventing this lamp from falling or tipping over and spilling wax everywhere. 

A blend of form and function, this lamp has earned a near-perfect five-star rating at Amazon. Shoppers said they loved everything about it, including the light it gives off, how well it melts wax, and the style of the lamp. “The light is warm, moody, and cozy,” one reviewer said. “Think sophisticated lounge energy.” The same reviewer also mentioned that it “melts candles evenly and throws scents surprisingly well.” A second shopper described it as “beautiful” and said that it “doubles as an elegant lamp.” 

• Yinuo Pumpkin Spice Candle, $13 (was $20) at Amazon
• Ejq Rechargeable Tulip Table Lamp, From $32 (was $50) at Amazon
• Nomnu Skull Candle Warmer Lamp, From $54 (was $70) at Amazon

Related: Give Your Bed a ‘Luxury Hotel’ Upgrade for 50% Off With This ‘Cozy’ 3-Piece Year-Round Comforter Set

If nothing sounds better than cuddling on the couch, watching a feel-good movie, and taking in your favorite aromas, be sure to grab the Eterfun Flower Candle Warmer Lamp at Amazon while it’s still on sale for as low as $17! 

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.

Today’s NYT Strands puzzle focus on things found along the waterfront, from docks and piers to ships, barges, bridges and lighthouses.

Move over, Wordle, Connections, Connections Sports Edition, and Mini Crossword—there’s a new NYT word game in town! The New York Times‘ recent game, “Strands,” is becoming increasingly popular as another daily activity fans can find on the NYT website and app.

With daily themes and “spangrams” to discover, this is the latest addictive game to cross off your to-do list before a new one pops up 24 hours later.

We’ll cover exactly how to play Strands, hints for today’s Spangram, and all of the answers for Strands #922 on Friday, September 11.

The New York Times

According to the New York Times, here’s exactly how to play Strands:

Find theme words to fill the board.

• Theme words stay highlighted in blue when found.
• Drag or tap letters to create words. If tapping, double-tap the last letter to submit.
• Theme words fill the board entirely. No theme words overlap.

Find the “spangram.”

• The spangram describes the puzzle’s theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. It may be two words.
• The spangram highlights in yellow when found.
• An example spangram with corresponding theme words: PEAR, FRUIT, BANANA, APPLE, etc.

Need a hint?

• Find non-theme words to get hints.
• For every three non-theme words you find, you earn a hint.
• Hints show the letters of a theme word. If there is already an active hint on the board, a hint will show that word’s letter order.

If that doesn’t help, here’s a hint for today’s Strands game: Life by the water.

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

In today’s puzzle, there are seven theme words to find (including the spangram). Here are the first two letters for each word:

• DO
• PI
• SH
• BA
• BR
• LI
• ON (SPANGRAM)

Today’s Spangram is a mixture of vertical and horizontal.

Today’s Spangram answer for today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram, and Answers for Friday, September 11, 2026, is ONTHEWATERFRONT.

• DOCK
• PIER
• SHIP
• BARGE
• BRIDGE
• LIGHTHOUSE
• SPANGRAM: ONTHEWATERFRONT

Related: Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Thursday, September 10, 2026

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

Come October, there are plenty of ways to show off your spooky season spirit. You can carve jack-o’-lanterns for the front porch, fill the yard with skeletons, ghosts, cats, and witches, or festoon the indoors with cobwebs, bats, and candles. But once every corner of the house is looking sufficiently festive, there’s one more place to add a little Halloween joy: Your closet.

Walmart has the Way to Celebrate Halloween Graphic Fleece for just $15, with several graphics that let you pick your particular brand of October enthusiasm. Book lovers will likely gravitate toward the “Salem Book Club” option, a cheeky design that would look especially fitting with a thriller tucked under one arm. But plenty of other styles are available, whether your Halloween plans involve apple picking or passing out candy.

Courtesy of Walmart

Across the collection, the sweatshirts have an easy, oversized shape that feels made for crisp October days. Each has a classic crewneck with ribbed trim, long sleeves, noticeably dropped shoulders, and an elongated silhouette that falls well past the hips for a slouchier look. The relaxed cut leaves plenty of room for a T-shirt or tank underneath, while the 60% cotton and 40% polyester fleece blend adds softness and warmth. These pullovers have no pockets or hardware, and you can toss them straight into the washing machine. Sizes range from small through XXX-large.

Book lovers may have an immediate favorite among the six available styles. The charcoal-gray option reads “Salem Book Club” across the chest, surrounded by a delightfully spooky little library of hardcovers, ravens, a skull, a goblet, and other witchy details in black, purple, and orange. Even the fine print gets in on the joke with “Haunting Tales & Hot Takes” written underneath.

Courtesy of Walmart

Plenty of other prints are available in the same cozy silhouette, too. One orange version features a skeleton lounging in a bubbly claw-foot tub beneath the words “Sunday Scaries,” while a cream version spells out “BOO” in oversized black letters filled with tiny spiderwebs and spiders. 

For a more understated look, there’s also a deep-purple option with a single black bat on the chest, giving you just a hint of Halloween rather than a full-fledged spooky scene. Two additional versions feature a design inspired by A Nightmare on Elm Street and one with witches chatting around a campfire.

• Generic Scaredy Cat Club Halloween Graphic Crew Pullover, $11 at Walmart
• Chucky Halloween Sweatshirt, $17 at Walmart
• Disney Nightmare Before Christmas Halloween Fleece Hoodie, $17 at Walmart

Walmart shoppers couldn’t get over how “cute” this “adorable,” “super soft” sweatshirt is. One reviewer highlighted the oversized fit, sharing that the style is “very generous in the sizing.” This makes it easier to layer once the chill of autumn sets in.

Related: Walmart’s ‘Cozy’ $10 Slippers Are Pure Summerween Core, and They’re Available in 7 Ghoulish Patterns 

At $15, your wardrobe (and wallet) has plenty of room for one more festive layer. Shop the Way to Celebrate Halloween Graphic Fleece at Walmart!

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.

Today’s New York Times Connections puzzle explores people hired for events, ways to internalize information, self-care practices and things that can be pushed metaphorically.

There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as the feeling of completing the daily New York Times Wordle, Strands, Mini Crossword and Connections Sports Edition word games in one fell swoop. But sometimes that can be easier said than done. If you need help with today’s Connections puzzle, keep reading.

Spoilers ahead! We’ve warned you. We mean it. Read no further until you really want some clues or you’ve completely given up and want the answers ASAP. Get ready for all of today’s NYT ‘Connections’ hints and answers for #1188 on Friday, September 11, 2026.

New York Times

If you’ve been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Friday’s puzzle, you’re not alone, and these hints should definitely help you out. Plus, I’ll reveal the answers further down.

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

1. Vendors.
2. Accept or adopt a belief.
3. Take care of yourself.
4. Think the opposite of “pull.”

Related: 300 Trivia Questions and Answers to Jumpstart Your Fun Game Night

Ready for the answers? Scroll below this image (the image that represents your very appreciated patience!).

iStock

1. PEOPLE HIRED FOR AN EVENT: BAND FLORIST, PHOTOGRAPHER, PLANNER
2. INTERNALIZE: ABSORB, DIGEST, PROCESS, TAKE IN
3. WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF-CARE: EXERCISE, JOURNAL, MEDITATE, UNPLUG
4. THINGS THAT ARE PUSHED METAPHORICALLY: AGENDA, ENVELOPE, LIMITS, LUCK

How’d you do?

Up Next:

– 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day
– Hints, Clues and Answers to the NYT’s ‘Mini Crossword’ Puzzle

Did You Miss a Few Days? Let’s Catch You Up With Recent Connections Answers

Related: NYT ‘Connections’ Hints, Clues and Answers Today, Thursday, September 10, 2026

Bob Dylan’s songs have been covered by everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Johnny Cash, but one of his more unexpected interpreters was Cher. The singer returned to Dylan’s catalog several times, including in 1969, when she put her own spin on “Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You,” a new track from his Nashville Skyline album.

By then, Cher had already recorded a number of Dylan songs, from her No. 15 hit “All I Really Want to Do” to “Lay Lady Lay,” “I Threw It All Away,” “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” “Like a Rolling Stone,” “Masters of War” and “The Times They Are a-Changin’.”

Her version of “Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You” appeared on her 1969 album 3614 Jackson Highway, which was recorded at the legendary Muscle Shoals Studios in Alabama. The album took its name from the studio’s address.

Written for Nashville Skyline, the song reflected Dylan’s shift toward the country-rock sound that defined the 1969 album. It closed the record and was later issued as its third single, after “I Threw It All Away” and “Lay Lady Lay,” reaching No. 50 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. 

Unlike some of Dylan’s earlier love songs, “Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You” isn’t about searching for love or moving on. It’s about finding someone worth staying for.

Dylan uses the train as a recurring image throughout the song. The narrator hears the “whistle blowin” and knows the road is calling, but this time he has no desire to leave. Instead, he wants to “throw his ticket out the window” and stay with the woman he loves.

Cher recorded her version the same year the song appeared on Nashville Skyline, getting to it well before it had a chance to become a Dylan classic. She was far from the only artist to take it on, either. “Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You” has also been recorded by artists including Jeff Beck, Ben E. King, Esther Phillips and Valerie June.

Dylan eventually took the song in a different direction. He first performed it live during the 1975 Rolling Thunder Revue, where the country-rock track took on a more forceful sound.

Cher, meanwhile, may have embraced Dylan’s songwriting, but she didn’t always understand his approach to performing it. Speaking with The New York Times in 2023, she recalled seeing Dylan perform around the time of Blood on the Tracks and admitted that some of the songs left her puzzled.

“I remember seeing Bob Dylan — I think it was Blood on the Tracks, and I went to the first concert and some of the songs I went, ‘What is this?’” Cher recalled. 

Her reaction reflected a fundamental difference between the two artists. While Dylan was known for changing his arrangements and reworking songs onstage, Cher prefers to give audiences the songs they came to hear. “I’m not going to do things differently. If people come to see you, they want you to do things they like,” she explained.

Related: 1964 Folk Song, Written by Bob Dylan, Launched a 19-Year-Old Singer’s Solo Career

If you grew up in the 1980s, you either saw Faces of Death or you knew someone who claimed they had. There was always that one kid at school. He’d seen it. Or said he had. It was the most forbidden VHS tape in America — a 1978 pseudo-documentary presented by a fictional coroner named Dr. Francis B. Gröss, claiming to show real footage of deaths from around the world. Every teenager who tracked down a copy at an independent video store watched it believing every second. The truth? Most of it was staged. The coroner was an actor. The murders were productions. The film mixed in just enough real documentary footage to make it feel terrifyingly real. And nobody figured that out for a very long time. A 2026 remake starring Barbie Ferreira just brought it all back. Here’s what the original actually was.

Director John Alan Schwartz credited himself as “Conan LeCilaire” and kept every cast and crew member out of the credits entirely. No names. No way to look anyone up. No internet to debunk anything. No way to ask if what you were watching was real because nobody would admit they made it. The fictional Dr. Gröss — played by an actor named Michael Carr — gave the film a clinical credibility it didn’t deserve. The grainy low-budget look made it feel more authentic, not less. One critic called it “ambitious trash with the courage of its own gaudy thematic grandiloquence.” That’s about right. Schwartz knew exactly what he was doing. He just never told anyone.

And here’s the thing: it actually got it right. People want to see what they’re not supposed to see. That’s it. That’s the whole movie. The deaths were mostly staged. The desire to watch them was completely real. Faces of Death understood that before the internet existed to prove it every single day. It was a VHS tape in 1978 doing exactly what social media would do decades later. Feed the appetite. Keep the audience convinced that what they’re seeing is real. Repeat.

Then the bans started rolling in. Countries lined up to declare it forbidden. The promotional material claimed it was banned in 46 countries — nobody could verify that number, and with Faces of Death, that was the point. Each new ban was free advertising. The film grossed $35 million internationally on a budget of only $67,000. It landed on the UK’s Video Nasties list. You didn’t rent it. You tracked it down. You found the one video store in your town willing to carry it. You waited until your parents were away and you watched it with friends who dared each other to keep watching. You believed every second of it because the credits were blank and there was no way to check. The original creator eventually came clean with a 1999 documentary called Faces of Death: Fact or Fiction? By then, a generation had already made up their minds. And honestly, most of them didn’t want to know.

The 2026 version stars Barbie Ferreira as a content moderator for a TikTok-style platform who starts coming across videos that seem to recreate deaths from the original film. The update is almost too perfect. In 1978, you had to track down a video store willing to carry the tape. In 2026, the forbidden content finds you. The remake holds 68% on Rotten Tomatoes. The original holds 25%. Both are streaming now. The psychology hasn’t changed. Only the delivery mechanism has.

Faces of Death was mostly fake. The coroner wasn’t real. The deaths were staged. The credits were blank on purpose. An entire generation passed it around like the most dangerous thing they’d ever touched. They weren’t wrong about the danger. They were just wrong about what kind. The most frightening thing about ‘Faces of Death’ was never what it showed. It was how easily it convinced everyone it was real.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

Today’s NYT Wordle answer describes a flowering plant often associated with colorful, daisy-like blooms and gardens.

But the day just isn’t complete until I’ve solved all of the free word games from the New York Times, including Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Strands, and Mini Crossword. If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1910 ahead.

Let’s start with a few hints.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

There are two vowels in today’s five-letter word.

Today’s Wordle begins with a vowel.

There are no double letters in today’s Wordle.

A hint for today’s Wordle is: refers to a colorful flower in the daisy family.

OK, that’s it for hints—I don’t want to totally give it away before revealing the answer!

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

We’ll have the answer below this friendly reminder of how to play the game.

SPOILERS BELOW—do not scroll any further if you don’t want the answer revealed.

The New York Times

Today’s Wordle answer on Friday, September 11, 2026, is ASTER.

-If you missed it, catch up with the answer to yesterday’s Wordle.

Related: Every 5 Letter Word Wordle Hasn’t Used Yet (Updated Daily)

What do classic rock and children’s literature have in common? Jefferson Airplane, that’s what. As most fans know, one of their biggest hits, “White Rabbit,” drew inspiration from Lewis Carroll‘s Alice in Wonderland. But here’s a lesser-known fact: Another Jefferson Airplane song, performed live at Woodstock, was an ode to Winnie-the-Pooh.

Released originally as a single and then as the first track on Jefferson Airplane’s 1967 album Bathing at Baxter‘s, “The Ballad of You & Me & Pooneil” mentions the beloved A. A. Milne character right in the title, as “Pooneil” is a combination of “Pooh” and “Neil” (the folk singer Fred Neil). Paul Kantner, who wrote the song, also took some of the lyrics from Milne’s poem, “Spring Morning.” For example, the following verse:

If you were a cloud, and sailed up there,
You’d sail on water as blue as air,
And you’d see me here in the fields and say:
‘Doesn’t the sky look green today?’

In a 1984 interview with Tony Traguardo for Eurodisc Agenda, Kantner called Milne a “strong psychic influence.”

“There is a certain element of returning to the innocence of children,” the guitarist explained.

“I mean every philosopher, from Jesus to Mohammed, speaks of having the purity of a child to enter the kingdom of heaven,” Kantner continued. “On the other hand, Milne is quite vicious on some levels. Every character in Milne represents a certain weakness in the structure of mankind.  From the overabundant ‘amphetamine rock’ of Tigger, to the sort of shy, humble, self-disparaging Eeyore…I don’t know if you know the books but Eeyore’s line is always ‘Well, thanks for noticing.’ He’s just this little guy that sort of struggles through it all somehow, almost a Walter Mitty type. They all illustrate various weaknesses as well as strengths in the human animal.  As a whole, I think it’s a real neat allegory.”

Kantner, who also wrote the song “The House at Pooneil Corners” (about the “chaos and the apocalypse of nuclear war”) went on to say that he was writing a new song called “Pooneil Goes to America.”

Related: 1966 Rock Hit, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of All Time,’ Initially Flopped—Then Changed Music History

When asked how the character of Pooneil would survive in modern-day America, Kantner quipped, “God only knows.”

“But having looked all over the world, as we have, and gone through all the various philosophies and religions and countries, ideologies…there is something to be said for what we are,” he said. “For all the railing we did against it in the sixties, there is a quality in America that transcends even the mystical. There’s something here that’s real…magical.  We were fighting against people who abused it, like fighting against those preachers who used Jesus to their own ends, there are people…I mean the world is full of nasty a—holes…who mis-abuse and do things not necessarily in the name of good.”

“There’s a certain quality here that I think if fostered and helped in the right direction will take this experiment that’s been going on for two hundred or so years and go forward with it…make it better.  And I’ve got about two hundred or so pages of lyrics now…and if I
could narrow it down somehow to one three or four minute song … I’m looking forward
to it.  So, Pooneil lives.”

Indeed. Sadly, Kantner died in 2016 at the age of 74…but “The Ballad of You & Me & Pooneil” (along with the rest of Jefferson Airplane’s catalogue) lives on.

Related: 1967 Rock Classic, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of All Time,’ Was Written in an Hour on a Broken Piano

We know it as one of the biggest rock songs ever, but this Creedence Clearwater Revival track was actually written as a war protest song.

When CCR frontman John Fogerty sat down to work on the 1969 hit “Fortunate Son,” he had plenty to say about the politics of the Vietnam War—particularly in terms of the draft system that sent young men to fight it.

Fogerty explained the meaning behind the lyrics of “Fortunate Son” in a 2023 post on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote: “Fortunate Son is a song I wrote during the Vietnam War, inspired by the stark contrast between those who were drafted to fight and die for their country and those who had the privilege to avoid the draft because of their wealth and connections.”

“It’s a protest song that speaks to the timeless issue of social injustice and the abuse of power,” he continued in a follow-up post, while going on to say, “I’m proud that it still resonates with audiences today, and I hope it continues to inspire people to speak out against inequality and corruption. ✌🏼🎸”

Just as he’d hoped, “Fortunate Son” continues to resonate with listeners from every generation, even 55 years after its release.

In 2024, the song experienced a massive resurgence among listeners on Spotify, making it one of the biggest comeback stories in the platform’s history.

It currently has more than 1.9 billion streams on Spotify, and was named as the most-streamed song from the ’60s in 2025, as revealed by statistics from Chart Data earlier this year.

“Fortunate Son” consistently ranks on a number of “best-of” music lists, earning the No. 8 spot on Ultimate Classic Rock‘s lineup of the Top American Rock Songs ever recorded. It also appears on Pitchfork‘s 200 Best Songs of the 1960s list which ranks it at No. 17, as well as Rolling Stone‘s massive roundup of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, where “Fortunate Son” is placed at No. 227.

Related: 1966 Folk Masterpiece, Ranked One of Bob Dylan’s Best Songs, Was Reimagined by Carly Simon

Like most of the world, Tanya Tucker can’t believe her friend Dolly Parton is gone. The 80-year-old “Jolene” hitmaker died in Nashville on Aug. 25, after a quiet battle with cancer.

“I can’t get my head wrapped around it. I just can’t imagine her lying in the ground,” Tucker says in a new interview with People. “It’s overwhelming, really.”

The two came up around the same time and lingered in the same social circles, and they had the opportunity to work together over the years. But the “Delta Dawn” singer still has a big regret about her time — well, lack of time — with Parton.

“Only thing it made me feel, and I guess people would feel this way, is I didn’t take the chances that I could have had to really be around her more,” Tucker admits.

After the country music icon’s death, she set out to find pictures of the two of them together and “could hardly find any.” In 1993, Parton released a song called “Romeo” that featured a plethora of names on it: Pam Tillis, Billy Ray Cyrus, Kathy Mattea, Mary Chapin Carpenter — and Tucker.

“I didn’t spend a lot of time with her there,” she says of that day with Parton. “I regret that I didn’t take some opportunities that I could have taken to get to know her better — having dinner together, sleepovers.”

But a story that Tucker shared from when they were recording “Romeo” might hold more special memories than she realizes. She was feeling anxious that day and unsure about her voice, so she called Parton, who told her, “Well, just come on by. We’ll do it, and if you don’t like it, we won’t use it.”

The experience really spotlighted the kind of person Parton was, even if it didn’t seem like much at the time.

Tucker brought her young daughter, Presley, along with her to the session, and Parton was happy to look after her while Mom cut vocals in the booth. “She met Presley, and I didn’t see them ‘til I was done,” she remembers. “She babysat; I don’t know where they went. She had a way with children, for sure.”

Parton never had children of her own, but famously acted as a motherly figure to kids everywhere. She launched her charitable Imagination Library in 1995, and the organization continues to send millions of free books to children every month, even after her death.

It was one of the hundreds of ways Parton tried to help others. She was the kind of person who Tucker, 67, wants to model her life after.

“Dolly is the kind of person, the kind of artist [I wanted to be],” she says. “And the way she handled herself. I mean, she could cuss you out and make you like it. She had a way that was amazing, and I want to be more like her because she’s done so much.”

Tucker is the narrator on a new PBS documentary, Made in the West, out now.

28 years after Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman starred in the cult classic movie Practical Magic, its sequel, Practical Magic 2, has finally hit theaters. However, despite how anticipated the movie was and how beloved the original is, the film has had a rocky start to its release, particularly when it comes to critic reviews and ratings.

Currently, Practical Magic 2 has a disappointing 35% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which represents 91 total reviews. At present, audience scores are not reflected on the site, likely because the movie technically doesn’t hit theaters until tomorrow, although some early showtimes were available today.

It seems likely that audience scores will be higher, especially because Practical Magic is so beloved by its many fans, but that isn’t guaranteed. In fact, the issues that reviewers are raising may very well translate to audience frustrations as well.

On Rotten Tomatoes, NPR’s critic, Justin Chang, writes, “Too much of Practical Magic 2 is given over to a grindingly mechanical mystery plot that takes forever to unravel, though the climax is never in doubt,” while Kaitlyn Huamani at The Associated Press said, “Practical Magic 2 lacks the moments of pure fun that made the original film’s darker moments more admissible.”

A fairly scathing review from Taylor Gates at Collider similarly asserted, “Practical Magic 2 lacks the charm, whimsy, and heart that made the original film a classic; instead, it’s a mess, with a plot both convoluted and bland that will put no one under its spell.”

In addition to these specific reviews, more generalized grievances include lines that at times fall flat or feel awkward, a plot that contains myriad cracks or inconsistencies and sudden shifts in tone that make scenes feel messy, amid myriad other issues.

In truth, the movie is a flawed one, with a villain that shows up far too late and is defeated far too easily, cringe-worthy moments that had my theater in a fit of giggles at the wrong times and quite a lot of suspended disbelief required, even for a movie about magic. Despite these and other flaws, though, Practical Magic 2 is somehow still worth a watch—in theaters, even.

Kidman and Bullock are both unsurprisingly brilliant in their returning roles, and the newcomers, Joey King and Maisie Williams, also bring a level of charm that matches Bullock and Kidman’s own in the original. There are also numerous laugh lines (ones that are meant to be laugh lines, in this case), and it’s just plain fun. It’s not exactly a cinematic masterpiece, but those who love the original will very likely love this one too, and it’s a perfect film to kick off spooky season.

Forget what they say about the hotel not being the biggest priority when traveling. If you want to make the most of your trip to Washington, D.C. and explore its history and more, you’ll want to book a spot that offers the absolute best of all the Nation’s Capital has to offer, without skimping on comfort. The Omni Shoreham is the perfect destination to serve as a home base, especially if a family-friendly property is on the top of your list when choosing a getaway.

Nestled in the Woodley Park neighborhood of Northwest Washington, D.C., stepping through the front doors into its huge lobby nearly transports you to a scene from The Great Gatsby—think oversized sparkling chandeliers, velour couches, and towering feather centerpieces. Opened in 1930, the landmark is recognized as the first-ever resort in Washington, D.C., and nearly a century later, it remains the only one.

Its massive 11-acre grounds are home to amenities like a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, kids’ playroom, spa, and more, and its history runs deep. “An icon among Washington, D.C. hotels, we have hosted presidents, world leaders, and inaugural balls since our inception in the 1930s,” the Omni Shoreham website states.

With a whopping 834 rooms and suites, the hotel is the ideal destination for anyone looking for a property that’s grand—in size and quality.

Inspired by the 1865 English children’s novel by Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, which preceded the hit animated Disney film first released in 1951, the Omni Shoreham hosts a whimsical Alice in Wonderland-themed tea party that makes a fun and memorable experience for any visitor, no matter the age.

While dining in Robert’s Restaurant & Terrace, guests are offered a full selection of tea blends along with the works: a tiered platter of treats—from macarons, muffins, and mini chocolate cakes to cucumber sandwiches, egg salad, and scones. All this, accompanied by a variety of spreads and jams, of course, with festive table decor.

Alice’s Tea Party is appropriate for ages six and up; reservations are required (and don’t forget to dress the part)! They’ll even make custom arrangements for special occasions like birthdays or other celebratory events.

As mentioned above, there’s plenty to keep you occupied if you’d prefer to stay on-property for the duration of your visit. Aside from the pool, spa, fitness center, playroom, and restaurants, there’s also a separate space where they’ve set up multiple bounce houses in one of the ballrooms, making the property particularly appealing for families with little ones in tow. Additionally, the Rock Creek Rodeo lets kids have fun outdoors, galloping through an obstacle course.

For an adventure outside of the hotel, the completely free-to-visit Smithsonian National Zoo is just a short distance away. The Omni Shoreham is also near some of the city’s most popular attractions, including the White House, the United States Capitol, and the National Mall.

Whether looking for a relaxing weekend away or a week-long vacation with the entire family, there’s something for everyone at this historic hotspot.

Next, 9 Super Cool Things to Do in Washington, D.C. That Won’t Break the Bank

In 1970, ABC introduced The Odd Couple, a sitcom led by Jack Klugman and Tony Randall that turned out to be more than just a comedy classic, becoming one of the “best TV sitcoms of all time.”

In a ranking released by Rolling Stone, the series was named among the highly celebrated comedy shows that left a lasting mark on television.

At No. 55, The Odd Couple stood out for its unique mismatched-roommate premise, excellent writing and the cast’s impeccable comedic timing, which blended seamlessly to cement its place among television’s most memorable sitcoms.

Officially premiering on Sept. 24, 1970, the series centered on two divorced men. Felix Unger, an uptight, obsessively neat and organized photographer, was played by Randall, while Oscar Madison, a laid-back sportswriter, was portrayed by Klugman.

The two lived together as roommates in a Manhattan apartment.

However, their vastly different personalities and quirky habits soon led to an iconic clash.

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

With five seasons and a total of 114 episodes that ran from 1970 to its cancellation in 1975, the ABC sitcom received 14 nominations and won three Primetime Emmy Awards.

These included Klugman’s two Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series wins in 1971 and 1973 and Randall’s Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series win in 1975.

Randall once spoke about how The Odd Couple was more than just a typical sitcom.

The actor believed that the show worked because it was grounded in believable characters and their emotional struggles, allowing the comedy to emerge naturally.

“If Jack doesn’t like something,” Randall told Star Tribune via Women’s World, “inevitably it’s something that I don’t like, either, and vice-versa. So far we’ve thrown out four scripts and that’s very expensive, because they had a lot of money invested in them. Now maybe if the show does run a long time, we won’t be able to maintain those standards and we’ll have to start doing some of those others, but I hope not. New writers, in particular, come in with scripts full of gags, gags, gags, because they want to impress the producers. I’m not all that interested in being funny all the time. These are really very sad characters, these divorced men living together, and when we lose that quality, I think we lose the show.”

Despite being a classic TV show with multiple Emmy wins and nominations, The Odd Couple wasn’t considered a ratings powerhouse during its original run.

As mentioned by CBS News, it never made it onto Nielsen’s Top 25 highest-rated TV programs, and ABC reportedly considered canceling the sitcom each season.

However, thanks to its summer reruns, The Odd Couple performed better than expected, helping the series continue for five seasons.

Fifty-one years after ABC ended the sitcom, the comedy series has maintained its timeless appeal.

Beyond Rolling Stone’s recognition, Time magazine also listed The Odd Couple among its“All-TIME 100 TV Shows,” highlighting how the comedy explored the challenges of divorce through the lead stars’ chemistry and perfectly contrasting characters.

Related: 1986 CBS Show, Ranked Among ‘Best TV Sitcoms of All Time,’ Still Holds Up 33 Years Later

When it comes to our gut health, it makes sense to focus on diet. After all, our digestive system processes our food. Certain foods—like too much salt or sugar—can trigger bloating, gas and other stomachaches. However, gastroenterologist Dr. Jacob Sadik, MD, has found that people often overlook the two-way relationship between sleep and better gut health.

“Getting consistent and restful sleep has been shown to improve the travel time in your gut, support immune system health and diversify the healthy bacterial microbiome within it,” shares Dr. Sadik.

In fact, Dr. Sadik points to research suggesting that a good night’s sleep can keep you regular, reduce your risk for gastrointestinal infections and improve uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bloating, abdominal cramping and that sensation of incomplete poops (if you know, you know). He notes that good sleep habits can help you maintain diverse gut bacteria and make your gut barrier resilient and able to defend against toxins, viruses and harmful bacteria we might accidentally ingest.

Related: Here’s Exactly What Happens to Your Gut Health When You Eat Bananas

That doesn’t mean that diet doesn’t matter—in fact, food is a critical part of a good bedtime routine for gut health. Dr. Sadik says that you can achieve a healthier microbiome by eating plenty of fiber, plant micronutrients and healthy unsaturated fats. And get this: Research suggests this diet can support better sleep.

So, what you eat is part of a gut-healthy evening routine, but it’s not the only piece of the puzzle. When you stop eating and drinking also matters, and other factors can improve your wind-down ritual. Dr. Sadik practices what he preaches. He shares his personal bedtime routine to help with gut health.

🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊  

As a rule of thumb, Dr. Sadik suggests that you stop eating at least three to four hours before bedtime. Patients often ask him when to stop eating to support gut health and better sleep, and he’s dug into the research.

For instance, some studies indicate that eating within two to three hours of lying down could destabilize your blood sugar and raise your body temperature. Dr. Sadik warns that unstable blood sugar and higher body temperature can interfere with deep sleep phases.

He also points to emerging research that indicates that people who eat more than 25% of their daily calories after 9 p.m. are more likely to have diarrhea and constipation—such a nightmare.

Related: Here’s What a Gastroenterologist Really Wants You To Know About Bidets

Dr. Sadik combines his knowledge of nutrition and gut health research when getting ready to drift off to dreamland. His best practices help him fall asleep and wake up without much bellyaching. If you can’t say the same, take a page from his bedtime story.

Below, he shares his precise bedtime routine for gut health.

• Last call for caffeine at 4 p.m. You won’t find Dr. Sadik using energy drinks, coffee or other caffeinated beverages to beat back a late-afternoon slump. “I make it a point to avoid all caffeine after 4 p.m., which has had a very positive effect on my ability to achieve restful sleep,” he tells Parade.
• Dinner at 6 p.m. Dr. Sadik eats dinner around 6 p.m. so his body can digest the food before he lies down. What’s for dinner? He follows the Mediterranean diet, so his menu usually includes a lean protein (“Marinated grilled chicken or salmon are my favorites,” he says), a vegetable (think green beans, broccoli or asparagus) and a modest portion of whole grains (like brown rice or quinoa).
• Optional tea time at 6:30(ish) p.m. “If I experience any bloating or abdominal discomfort after dinner, I drink a cup of ginger tea,” Dr. Sadik says. “It tastes great and has a soothing effect on the gut.”
• Walk at 6:45(ish) p.m. Dr. Sadik has walked after meals and before bedtime since before TikTok made it a thing and called it something else (we’ll let you look it up). “If it’s nice out after dinner, I’ll walk around my neighborhood,” he reveals. “Light walking is a great way to reduce after-meal bloating, stimulate gut movement, stabilize blood sugar and reduce stress, which all result in better sleep.”

Up Next:

Related: ‘I’m a Gastroenterologist—This Is the One Drink I Always Avoid at Restaurants’

• Dr. Jacob Sadik, MD, a gastroenterologist at Endeavor Health
• Sleep Deprivation and Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis: Current Understandings and Implications. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
• The Role of Gut Microbiome in Sleep Quality and Health: Dietary Strategies for Microbiota Support. Nutrients.
• Does the Proximity of Meals to Bedtime Influence the Sleep of Young Adults? A Cross-Sectional Survey of University Students. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
• Your gut takes a “double hit” from stress and late-night eating. Science Daily.

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

The first time I spotted a Pilates reformer, I thought it looked like a medieval torture device. Then I tried a reformer workout, and that didn’t totally change my mind about the equipment—that workout was hard. And yet, I find myself going back to Pilates again and again because, no matter how grueling the class is, I always feel great afterward. The strengthening, toning and lengthening of muscles is just too good.

While there are so many positives to Pilates, there are some downsides, too. For starters, Pilates reformer classes are expensive. The cheapest monthly studio membership I’ve found locally is still $210. And then there’s the time commitment. Not only do you have to find a class that fits into your schedule, but you also have to factor in the time it will take you to drive to and from the studio. It’s easy to fall out of an exercise routine when all of these factors are at play.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

Echelon

For years, I’ve tried figuring out how to make getting to class easier and a little more affordable. But whenever I consider biting the bullet on a full-size Pilates reformer, I look around my not-so-big house and think, “Where will I put this thing?”

So when Echelon released its Meridian Pilates Reformer, a commercial-grade machine that can fold in half for storage, I was intrigued.

This reformer looks and feels like one you find in a proper studio, and it comes with a box and jump board, so you really feel like you have the necessities for a professional class. (You’ll have to supply your own magic circle, exercise ball and weights for moves that benefit from extra props.)

You have the option to purchase the reformer with a 22-inch touchscreen, on which you can stream from Echelon’s library of workouts, or a version with just a tablet holder that costs $300 less. Just download the Echelon app to your tablet of choice and stream classes from that instead.

Even better, the folks who deliver the reformer will set it up for you—so you won’t have to try and “IKEA” this together. (Yes, I just used IKEA as a verb.)

Related: American Eagle’s Sleek Olive Trench Coat Is the Fall Staple Your Closet Needs

Honestly, pretty great. The monthly membership to access Echelon’s classes is $39.99, but you can save money by purchasing the one-year membership for $399.99 or a two-year membership for $699.99. Currently, all of Echelon’s Pilates classes are taught by instructor Marie Manalo, and they range from 20 to 45 minutes. These classes are broken down into Total Body, Upper Body, Lower Body and Core, with some on the “easier” side (I use that term loosely—these all give you a workout) for beginners and others for the more advanced.

Personally, I like mixing and matching the shorter videos to create a full 60 minutes of Pilates once I’m done. It’s a really nice way to customize your own workout without having to make special requests of an instructor for specific moves.

Related: Old Navy’s Chic New Top Is Giving Sandy from ‘Grease’ Vibes

If you’re going to use the machine, then absolutely. After using it for over a month, I can say I’m back to a more consistent workout routine. I’m able to squeeze in even a short session on busy days, and sometimes I use it to get a little extra stretching in the morning or at night. And when I did the math, a year of a monthly membership at my local Pilates studio costs $2520, and I never make it there every day—it’s three times a week tops. So the Echelon Meridian Pilates Reformer with the touchscreen isn’t much more expensive, and it’s such good quality that I know I’ll be using it for years.

Related: This New Spin on the Drip Coffee Maker Is Designed for How You Actually Drink Your Java

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

Everything old becomes new again — even fashion trends. There’s been a big comeback in 2000’s style, with cropped cardigans, low-rise bottoms, and jelly sandals now reappearing on store shelves. We’ve been adding all three clothing styles to our cart ahead of fall as retailers like Nordstrom offer nostalgic pieces at steep discounts. Our latest favorite is the Dolce Vita Jam Jelly Flats, and you can shop them for up to 35% off now.

The flats originally cost $65, but have been reduced to as low as $42 in the crystal colorway (which is essentially a chic white hue with a blue tint). The black, blue, and coral colors are all being sold at $45, while the tan hue and tortoise pattern are full price. The sizes range from 5 to 11. Customers said that the shoe runs slightly large and recommended going down a size for the best fit. 

Courtesy of Nordstrom

The shoes are already running low on stock depending on your area, so you’ll want to add them to your cart sooner rather than later. They’re made entirely of a synthetic upper to produce that classic translucent jelly flats look, which makes them fairly easy to maintain. All you have to do is wipe them clean when they get some dirt on them to keep their quality. 

Courtesy of Nordstrom

What makes this style unique is the V-shape top that makes them sleeker than the classic jelly flats. You can wear them with pretty much anything, including ripped jeans and oversized sweaters all throughout autumn. Due to the fact that the shoes are “so versatile,” they can be worn at a plethora of different events, ranging from casual to a bit more upscale. They’re just as ideal for days in the office as they are for the pool. 

Shoppers were happily surprised that the flats are “really well-padded” on the bottom so you could wear them all day long. Other customers described the jelly sandals as “stylish,” “fabulous,” “super comfortable,” and “elegant.” The best part about the style is that they already have built-in ventilation, so your feet won’t overheat during the summer-to-autumn transition period when weather conditions are constantly changing. 

• Rothy’s The Fisherman Sandal, $54 (was $125) at Nordstrom
• Caslon Ruffle Sleeve Cotton Blend Top, $45 (was $70) at Nordstrom
• Open Edit Smocked Lace Peplum Top, $48 (was $80) at Nordstrom

Considering the affordable price, you can even shop for a few colors of these cool jelly flats to rotate through during the week. You can opt for a fun pop of color or add the classic hues to your cart for everyday wear. Either way, you’ll want to take advantage of this 35% off Nordstrom deal while you can! 

Related: Ana Luisa’s ‘Dainty’ Crystal Huggie Earrings Capture the Essence of ‘Minimalist Chic,’ Now on Sale at Nordstrom

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.

Sherri Shepherd is showing off her 50-pound weight loss in a denim halter jumpsuit.

Shepherd, 59, served up daytime chatter on The View from 2007 to 2014. She also had her own syndicated talk show, Sherri, from 2022 to 2026. Also a staple of sitcoms like The Jamie Foxx Show and Less Than Perfect, the comedy queen just headed back to The View for a day alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Ana Navarro, and Alyssa Farah Griffin for the show’s September 8 season premiere, Parade shared. But until she heads to Broadway (more on that below!), the star is serving up new looks thanks to her 50-pound weight loss. Spotted outside ABC Studios yesterday in New York City, Shepherd looked super svelte in the pale denim halter jumpsuit.

Jason Howard/Bauer-Griffin / Getty Images

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

Shepherd has dealt with health issues for years. But it was when she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2007 that she finally accepted she needed to make some changes.

“Diabetes runs in my family, but we didn’t call it diabetes—we called it ‘the sugar,’” Shepherd told E! News. “So that tells you right there, my community not being aware and taking it seriously.”

Before that, she was dealing with some very serious symptoms.

“I was ignoring the symptoms, like tingling in my fingers and my toes, numbness, blurry vision, going to the bathroom nonstop,” she continued. “I didn’t know that my body was trying to rid itself of this sugar and my body’s not producing enough insulin to do it.”

Finally, Shepherd realized that if she wanted to be around for a long time for her son, she would have to get healthy.

The star has made it clear that she sticks to foods that don’t spike her glucose levels.

“Diabetes isn’t something you can leave to chance, and I have found that if I’m not intentional about finding some healthy snacks, like a handful of almonds instead of some chocolate, it affects my mood for the whole day,” she told Woman’s World in 2024. “I know when I’m not eating right and then I don’t feel good and don’t smile.”

She relies on cottage cheese with blueberries and cinnamon and other fruits in moderation.

“Even though I love watermelon and mangoes, grapes, I just can’t eat too many of them because it raises my glucose level. I get dizzy and not present, lightheaded and irritable. And I’m not smiling,” she added.

Related: Sherri Shepherd Makes History in New Broadway Role

They say opposites attract – just ask Felix and Oscar, Janine Teagues and Gregory Eddie, or for that matter, Joey Tribbiani and one of Hollywood’s most decorated dramatic actors.

The unlikely friendship between Friends star Matt LeBlanc and Oscar winner Gary Oldman is one of Hollywood’s best-kept secrets; and it all started on a spaceship. The two actors first crossed paths on the set of the 1998 sci-fi comedy Lost in Space, and the bond they formed there would change the course of Oldman’s television career in ways neither could have predicted. When a guest role came up on Friends – the most-watched sitcom on television – LeBlanc didn’t hesitate to call his friend.

“How did I end up in Friends? Matt LeBlanc!” Oldman revealed during a panel discussion at the Toronto International Film Festival on Thursday as first reported by Entertainment Weekly. “We became buddies, and the role came up. He said, ‘Would you like to do it?'”

That role was Richard Crosby, a pompous actor who appears in the beloved two-part episode “The One With Monica and Chandler’s Wedding” in 2001. For Oldman – known for intense, career-defining dramatic turns in films like Darkest Hour, The Profesional, and the Harry Potter franchise – the world of network sitcom production was a revelation.

“You come in on a Monday, do the read-through. Then they rewrite. On Friday, you blocked it. Friday afternoon, you shoot it in front of an audience. You’re done by five,” he recalled with obvious delight. “I thought, ‘I could get used to this!'”

He was equally dazzled by the cast: Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, LeBlanc, and the late Matthew Perry, watching them navigate technical rehearsals with effortless ease. “It was like breathing for a little bit,” Oldman said warmly. “It was a wonderful experience.”

The guest stint earned Oldman his very first Emmy nomination – a milestone that traces directly back to a friendship forged in space. He has since earned three more consecutive Emmy nominations for his lead role in Apple’s thriller series Slow Horses, with the latest up for consideration at Monday night’s ceremony.

Not bad for a role that started with a phone call from Joey Tribbiani.

Daniel Johnston might never have achieved household name status, but he was certainly a major influence on some of the biggest names in music history. The late singer-songwriter’s devoted fanbase includes iconic artists from Tom Waits to Beck to Wilco; Kurt Cobain once called him “the best songwriter on earth” and even wore one of Johnston’s t-shirts to the 1992 MTV Awards, per the BBC. Two years later, in 1994, Pearl Jam famously gave a second life to a song Johnston released over a decade earlier, “Walking the Cow.”

Originally released on Johnston’s 1983 album Hi, How Are You, the title of “Walking the Cow” was inspired by an ice cream wrapper with an illustration of a girl trying to lead a cow by its reins, according to the 2006 book Hi, How Are You?: The Life, Art & Music of Daniel Johnston.

As is the case with many of Johnston’s songs, “Walking the Cow” is sort of like a cross between an innocent nursery rhyme and a heartbreakingly real confessional:

“Lucky stars in your eyes / I am walking the cow / I really don’t know how I came here / I really don’t know why I’m staying here / Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh / I am walking the cow.”

Thanks in large part to Cobain’s t-shirt, Johnston’s music enjoyed a belated surge of attention in the early ’90s. Several bands released covers of “Walking the Cow,” most notably Pearl Jam, who performed the song at Neil Young‘s 1994 Bridge School Benefit concert.

The recording was later made available on the bootleg album In Rock We Trust, with Pearl Jam performing the song live two more times. Eddie Vedder also opened every night of his 2008 solo tour with the song.

Tragically, despite the respect and admiration Johnston earned from fellow musicians, his career was hampered by bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. In 2005, the documentary The Devil and Daniel Johnston gave viewers an intimate look at his struggles while introducing his work to new fans.

“It sure was embarrassing,” Johnston told the Austin Chronicle, referring to the documentary. “Every terrible dilemma, every fabled mistake. Nothing I can do about it now, though. I wish they’d added a laugh track to it, because it sure is funny.”

On September 11, 2019, Johnston was found dead of a suspected heart attack in his Texas home at the age of 58. His brother Dick Johnston told NPR that his family had been working with director Jason Nodler on a biographical film about Daniel’s life, adding, “It’s so sad that he won’t get to see it.”

“Daniel was a singer, songwriter, an artist, and a friend to all,” he family said in a statement shared with Rolling Stone.

“Although he struggled with mental health issues for much of his adult life, Daniel triumphed over his illness through his prolific output of art and songs. He inspired countless fans, artists, and songwriters with his message that no matter how dark the day, ‘the sun shines down on me’ and ‘true love will find you in the end.’”

Related: 1992 Grunge Classic Ranked Among ‘Best Ballads of All Time’ Was Forbidden From Being Released as a Single

Alison Krauss and Union Station’s 2026 Arcadia Tour was scheduled to continue on Sept. 11 in Davenport, Iowa, but that will no longer be the case. 

The band announced on Thursday, Sept. 10, that the remaining 15 dates of the trek have been canceled. A statement on Krauss’ social media page reveals that she has been put on doctor-ordered vocal rest. 

“It is with great regret that Alison Krauss & Union Station have announced the cancellation of our upcoming tour dates,” the Instagram statement reads. “After consulting with medical professionals, Alison has been advised to take a period of vocal rest to ensure a full and healthy recovery.”

At this point, it is unclear whether Krauss is battling any particular illness, but the band assured fans that the decision was “not made lightly.” 

“This decision was not made lightly as we are deeply committed to our fans,” the band’s message continues. However, prioritizing health and vocal integrity is imperative at this time.”

The message also made clear that all tickets purchased for the shows will be fully refunded, and fans are asked to reach out to their point of purchase with any questions. 

“We hope to make it back to these cities in the near future,” they concluded in their message. 

The band’s Arcadia tour, according to Whiskey Riff, kicked off in April before its break in August. September was supposed to mark the band’s return to the stage after being on the road much of the year.

Dates Affected Below: 

• Sept. 11: Davenport, IA
• Sept. 12: Highland Park, IL
• Sept. 13: Champaign, IL
• Sept. 15: Evansville, IN
• Sept. 16: Danville, KY
• Sept.18-20: Nashville, TN
• Sept. 22: St. Louis, MO
• Sept. 24: Austin, TX
• Sept. 25: Norman, OK
• Sept. 26: Lubbock, TX
• Sept. 28: Flagstaff, AZ
• Sept. 29: Las Vegas, NV
• Oct. 1: Alpine, CA
• Oct. 2: Paso Robles, CA
• Oct. 3: San Francisco, CA

Related: 1984 Country Classic, Recorded by Garth Brooks, Reimagined by Lainey Wilson at College GameDay