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Loved 'The Girlfriend' by Michelle Frances? Get Your First Look at Her Next Novel, 'All About Anna' [Exclusive]

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 8:33am

2027 is shaping up to be an excellent year for books, especially if you love domestic thrillers. Michelle Frances is best known for her novel The Girlfriend, which was turned into a Prime Video series, and in May she has another thriller arriving that you will not be able to put down. All About Anna hits shelves on May 11, 2027, and we have the privilege of sharing the cover reveal.

You know the movie All About Eve, the 1950s domestic thriller that put a spotlight on the things women will do for fame. The movie holds an impressive 99% Rotten Tomatoes score, and while it still stands the test of time, there’s no doubt that you’ll want a modern-day take, hailing from Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

The world has changed considerably, and that modern-day lift is exactly what All About Anna offers. Anna Grecco is determined to break into the world of social media influencers, and being hired as Grace Hudson’s PA means everything to her. Grace is known around the world for her acting skills and her beauty, and Anna is sure that she can learn everything from her.

Everything Anna has ever wanted is right there. So, what’s stopping her from taking it? 

So, she does, and that creates friction between the two women. Grace once saw a younger version of herself in Anna, and that was endearing, until she also saw the ruthless side in her as well. As Anna starts to upstage Grace — to the point that even her husband notices — things threaten to take a dark turn.

Just take a look at the electric cover for All About Anna. With the bright pink and red overlaying a woman’s face, it’s clear that this woman means business. Anna is not going to let anything stop her from reaching her dreams, and those in her way should be worried.

Courtesy of Berkley

Things are about to get messy, but also thrillingly delicious. “Fasten your seatbelts,” as the book cover tells us to, because we’re in for a wild ride.

If you love novels from Freida McFadden and Alice Feeney, then All About Anna by Michelle Frances is going to be your next unputdownable release. The downside is that we’re waiting until May, but at least there are The Girlfriend, The Boyfriend, The Daughter, The Temp, and Sisters to read first. You will not be disappointed.

All About Anna is slated to be released on May 11, 2027.

Jimmy Kimmel Fans Furious After James Talarico Interview Pulled From TV: ‘Cowards’

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 8:30am

Jimmy Kimmel fans are sounding off after the late-night host revealed his interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico will not air on ABC, with some viewers accusing the network and federal regulators of trying to keep the Democrat off television.

Kimmel announced the decision during Wednesday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, explaining that the interview will instead be released on the show’s YouTube channel.

According to Kimmel, the decision came after what he described as pressure from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over the show’s decision to book Talarico. Kimmel said the agency had threatened him, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, ABC, its affiliates, and local stations over what he characterized as “simple, traditional” editorial decisions involving guest bookings.

The host said the decision was made in part to protect ABC affiliates, particularly those in Texas.

“It will be posted on YouTube instead, it will not be on TV,” Kimmel told his audience, which responded with boos.

The situation marks the second time this year that a televised late-night interview with Talarico has been pulled. CBS previously declined to air his interview with Stephen Colbert, citing concerns surrounding the FCC’s equal-time requirements for political candidates. That interview was eventually released online.

Kimmel also pointed out that he has interviewed political candidates throughout the show’s more than two-decade run, including Donald Trump, suggesting that the current scrutiny represents a significant change.

Fans quickly reacted to Kimmel’s announcement on Reddit, with one commenter in the r/Fauxmoi subreddit writing, “Ughhh air it you cowards.” Another commenter wrote, “They do not want people to hear him,” prompting a third person to simply respond, “Cowards.”

Other commenters argued that keeping the interview off ABC could ultimately draw more attention to Talarico’s appearance. One Reddit user said they normally don’t watch live television but planned to watch the YouTube interview specifically because it had been kept off the broadcast.

The reaction echoes the response to Talarico’s previously unaired Late Show interview, which also generated significant online attention after being released digitally.

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

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 8:30am

If it wasn’t for Taylor Frankie Paul’s “soft-swinging” scandal, Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives wouldn’t exist. But aside from catapulting her to new levels of fame, Taylor’s bombshell reveal also signaled the end of her marriage to then-husband Tate Paul.

As she confessed in her livestream, the couple split after she hooked up with someone while he was absent—a no-no under their agreed-upon rules. The firebrand influencer then brought a fresh batch of toxic relationship drama to the show with on-off boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.

Despite her tumultuous track record with men—or perhaps because of it—ABC (which shares a parent company with Hulu) named her The Bachelorette for 2026. But that season never made it to television. ABC pulled the already-filmed season just days before its March 22 premiere after newly released video surfaced of a 2023 altercation between Taylor and Dakota.

Taylor has since revealed that she actually got engaged during the unaired season, reportedly to contestant Doug Mason. But after returning home, she reconnected with Dakota, and the engagement ultimately did not stick. 

For now, with Season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives set to premiere September 10, here’s a closer look at her headline-making relationship history.

Related: ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Season 5 Cast

How many ex-husbands does Taylor Frankie Paul have? 

Paul has one ex-husband, Tate Paul, whom she married in 2016 and divorced in 2022, the year her “soft-swinging” scandal rocked the Utah-based influencer community known as “MomTok.”

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Who was Taylor Frankie Paul’s husband?

Taylor Frankie Paul was married to Tate Paul from 2016 to 2022, and they share two kids: a daughter, Indy (born in 2017), and a son, Ocean (born in 2020). Despite Tate’s history with Taylor—a viral influencer and reality TV star—he has largely kept a low profile.

Taylor has continued to describe Tate as a good friend and co-parent, although their family arrangements became more complicated in 2026 amid Taylor’s separate custody dispute with Dakota. Tate also filed for a temporary restraining order involving Taylor in June 2026, but the request was denied. 

Tate has since married Bailey Paul (formerly Bailey Roberts), an aesthetician, and the couple share a child whose name they have kept private. 

Why did Taylor Frankie Paul and her husband split? 

Their marriage came to an end after Taylor admitted to violating their “soft-swinging” arrangement by hooking up with someone from their friend group when her husband wasn’t around. The revelation sent shockwaves through Taylor’s MomTok group and was followed by her split from Tate.

Still, Taylor’s indiscretion was hardly the only reason for her divorce. “The divorce is not, like, all because of this huge blow up [in our friend group],” she said on TikTok in 2022. “It was more because I feel like we had a lot of other issues and then this was the tip of the iceberg.” Tate has not appeared on the show or publicly revealed anything about the end of his marriage to Taylor.

Who was involved in the MomTok swinging scandal? 

In her original confession, Taylor said, “No one is innocent. Everyone has hooked up with everyone in this situation”—which makes it sound like there were many people involved. But only Miranda and Chase McWhorter have confirmed their participation (Miranda is now a regular on the show, with Chase making only very sinister appearances). The rest of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives cast has made it abundantly clear that they had nothing to do with the scandal. 

Are Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota still together? 

Given that Taylor was just named the Bachelorette and the season has finished filming, we don’t know if she’s still single—or engaged! She and Dakota ended their relationship (for the millionth time) at the end of 2024, after two years and one son, Ever, together, and that breakup appeared to stick.

Their relationship became considerably more complicated in 2026 amid domestic-violence allegations, protective orders and an ongoing custody dispute involving Ever. Taylor temporarily lost some custody time but had her parenting time expanded again in July. A Utah judge also ordered that Ever be transported in an enclosed vehicle after criticizing Dakota for transporting the toddler on a motorcycle during a custody exchange. and the show eventually revealed that his ex, Jenna, was at the center of the cheating allegations. Taylor and Dakota repeatedly tried to repair their relationship, but the cycle 

Related: Former Bachelor Star Criticizes Bachelorette Casting of Taylor Frankie Paul

What happened between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota? 

Put simply: They could not get past their trust issues, which stemmed from Dakota’s infidelity and Taylor’s deep-rooted insecurities. As with many storylines on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, the details of Dakota’s betrayal were fuzzy for a while.

After their baby was born, Taylor said she’d learned he’d been “lying the entire time,” but about what, exactly? Did he cheat on her with multiple women? Just a woman named Jenna? Who even was Jenna?!

Mayci eventually got to the bottom of things when she received an anonymous confession from someone claiming to have hooked up with Dakota after he was with Taylor—and, yes, that person turned out to be his ex, Jenna. Although he and Taylor tried to work things out for the sake of their family, Dakota’s infidelity and the fact that he lied about it made her feel like “trash,” and they couldn’t overcome the toxic cycle that had come to define their relationship. 

Their relationship took an even more serious turn in 2026. A previously unreleased video from a 2023 altercation between the pair surfaced shortly before Taylor’s Bachelorette season was supposed to premiere, leading ABC to cancel the season. Taylor had previously pleaded guilty in abeyance to an aggravated-assault charge stemming from the 2023 incident. 

Taylor and Dakota have since been involved in an ongoing custody and legal dispute over Ever, with allegations and protective orders involving both sides.

Is Taylor Frankie Paul the next Bachelorette?

Not anymore. Taylor was announced as the lead of The Bachelorette Season 22 in September 2025, and she filmed the entire season. But ABC canceled the season in March 2026, just three days before its scheduled premiere, after video of the 2023 altercation with Dakota surfaced.

The twist? Taylor has now revealed that she did get engaged during the unaired season. In a preview for Season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, she confirmed that a contestant proposed and that she accepted. Multiple reports identify that contestant as Doug Mason, although the show itself had not yet fully aired the revelation as of September 9.

But the engagement didn’t last. Taylor revealed that after returning home from filming, she and Dakota resumed texting and reconnecting, complicating her relationship with her new fiancé.

So, for now, there is no televised Bachelorette love story to follow—and no happily-ever-after to report. Instead, Taylor’s next chapter is playing out on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, whose fifth season premieres September 10, 2026, with all five episodes released simultaneously.

Related: Taylor Frankie Paul’s Bachelorette Promo Has Dropped—and Fans Are Already Losing It

Walmart’s ‘Sturdy’ Carport Can ‘Withstand 28-Mile Gusts of Wind,’ and It's $100 Off Ahead of Storm Season

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 8:30am

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Fall may bring cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and tailgate weekends, but it also comes with something homeowners would probably rather not think about: Hurricanes and tropical storms. Strong winds, heavy rain, and flying debris can turn an otherwise ordinary storm into an expensive headache, particularly when your car is sitting outside with nothing between it and the elements.

Of course, that’s what insurance is for. But even if you have comprehensive coverage, you don’t want to have to use it. Preventing damage in the first place is a whole lot easier than dealing with repairs, deductibles, and the hassle of an insurance claim. If you’ve been thinking about adding some protection for your vehicle before the next bout of weather, Walmart currently has a flash deal on the Walsunny Heavy-Duty Canopy Carport, marking it down $100 from $280 to $180.

Walsunny Heavy-Duty Canopy Carport, $180 (was $280) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

When a storm is headed your way, there are plenty of things you can bring inside, but unless you have a garage, your car isn’t one of them. This 10-by-20-foot covered shelter gives you a dedicated place to park your vehicle when the forecast calls for heavy rain, strong winds, or hail. That extra layer between your car and the weather can be especially useful throughout hurricane season and into fall, when tropical systems and severe storms often bring rough conditions. 

Walsunny Heavy-Duty Canopy Carport, $180 (was $280) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The canopy is made from 180-gram polyethylene fabric (PE) tarp, a durable material designed to be waterproof, UV-resistant, and tear-resistant. It’s intended to help shield whatever is parked underneath from rain, sun, wind, dust, hail, and snow, so you aren’t buying a shelter that’s useful only during one particular type of weather. The large footprint can accommodate a vehicle while creating additional covered space, which could also come in handy for protecting a boat, a playset, or landscaping equipment from the elements.

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The frame is where the carport gets a lot of its staying power. It uses a powder-coated steel frame designed to resist rust and corrosion, with eight 1.5-inch-diameter poles made from 1.2-millimeter-thick steel. The structure also uses welded frame connectors rather than relying solely on the canopy to hold everything together. Eight windproof ropes, tent pegs, and metal corner joints provide additional anchoring and stability, while elastic ball straps secure the canopy to the frame.

Walmart shoppers were impressed with the “sturdy” and “strong” construction of this carport, reporting that it can “withstand 28-mile gusts of wind.” One reviewer wrote that it’s “heavy duty” and “easy to assemble,” while another shared that they’ve received “plenty of compliments on the appearance.” 

Related: Walmart’s ‘Lightweight’ Packable Windbreaker Will Have You Ready for Fall Storms for Under $20

You can’t control the weather, but you can control how prepared your property is for it. Shop the Walsunny Heavy-Duty Canopy Carport while it’s $100 off 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.

Viral Reddit Thread Shares 9/11 Stories That Will Leave You In Tears

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 8:26am

Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, a viral Reddit thread is asking users to share the 9/11 facts they still can’t believe – and the answers range from heartbreaking to surreal.

For roughly one in four Americans, 9/11 isn’t a memory at all, it’s history. In 2024, about 25% of the U.S. population was under 25, meaning millions of Americans were either too young to remember the attacks or weren’t born yet, meaning the stories that survive through firsthand accounts, photographs, and the people who lived through that day are increasingly important.

Even when you know they are true, some of those stories are hard to believe. Take, for example, Jan Demczur, a window washer who was trapped inside an elevator in the North Tower with five other men. When the elevator became stuck, Demczur used his window-washing squeegee to cut through the drywall of the elevator shaft, helping the six men escape the building before the tower collapsed.

It sounds almost unbelievable, but it happened, and it’s just one of the poignant details about September 11 that continue to surprise people 25 years later.

The FAA grounded the entire nation’s civilian air traffic.

When news of the attacks reached government officials, the FAA halted commercial and general aviation traffic, clearing an estimated 4,500 planes from U.S. airspace. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum describes the scale of the operation as unprecedented.

More than 6,500 people suddenly ended up in Gander, Newfoundland.

When U.S. airspace closed, 38 planes were diverted to Gander. The small Canadian town, with roughly 10,000 residents, suddenly had to care for thousands of stranded passengers and crew. Residents opened schools, churches, and other buildings, provided food and showers, and housed people in their homes. Passengers from one flight eventually created a scholarship fund for Gander-area students. The original $15,000 donation has grown to more than $1 million and provided scholarships to more than 200 students.

The elevator music continued playing during the attacks.

A commenter claims that Muzak continued playing throughout portions of the World Trade Center complex during the attacks, creating the surreal juxtaposition of ordinary background music against unimaginable chaos. The music, identified as Billy Joel’s “She’s Always A Woman” in a haunting clip taken at Austin J. Tobin Plaza that day, was playing because the World Trade Center plaza had a pre-existing background-music system that initially remained functional, and amid the chaos, no one had the opportunity to shut it down.

Between 300,000 and 500,000 people escaped Manhattan by boat.

After the towers fell, people fled toward the water. The Coast Guard called for all available boats, prompting tugboats, ferries, fireboats, private vessels, and other craft to converge on Lower Manhattan. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum describes it as the largest waterborne evacuation in American history, with an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 people evacuated in less than nine hours.

The rescue and recovery operation at Ground Zero lasted nearly nine months.

It officially ended May 30, 2002, after workers cleared approximately 1.8 million tons of debris.

The internet may be an imperfect way to remember history, but stories like the ones shared in the thread are reminders of why we keep telling them.

1988 Tom Hanks Movie, With a 98% Rotten Tomatoes Score, Ranked Among Best Movies of the '80s

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 8:22am

Tom Hanks’ 1988 fantasy comedy Big has earned another place among the decade’s most celebrated films, ranking No. 7 on Rotten Tomatoes’ list of 185 Favorite ’80s Movies. 

The Penny Marshall-directed movie holds a 98% Tomatometer score from 81 reviews, while its Popcornmeter stands at 82% from more than 250,000 audience ratings.

Released on June 3, 1988, Big stars Hanks as Josh Baskin, a 13-year-old boy who wishes to become “big” after being rejected at a carnival because he is too short. The wish comes true in an unexpected way: Josh wakes up the next morning in the body of an adult.

Rotten Tomatoes describes the film as a story in which young Josh wishes he were big, only to discover that his wish has come true. As he begins to experience adult life, he slowly realizes that he misses the simple joys of being a child.

Tom Hanks sitting at a dining table with a child as a birthday cake is being delivered to them in a scene from the film ‘Big’, 1988.

Photo by 20th Century-Fox/Getty Images

The success of Big was important to Hanks’ career. The movie was a major commercial hit, earning about $151.7 million worldwide against an $18 million production budget. It made nearly $115 million in the United States and Canada and another $36.7 million internationally.

Hanks’ performance received strong praise from critics and helped establish him as both a major box-office draw and a critical favorite. He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, while Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg were nominated for Best Original Screenplay.

Hanks also won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. The movie itself was nominated for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

The story follows Josh as he tries to understand his strange new life. After discovering that the mysterious Zoltar fortune-telling machine granted his wish, Josh learns that finding it again will take weeks. With help from his best friend Billy, he leaves home and goes to New York City.

There, he finds work at the MacMillan Toy Company. His knowledge of toys and his natural enthusiasm impress company owner Mr. MacMillan, played by Robert Loggia. Josh eventually rises to the position of Vice President of Product Development.

His new adult life brings exciting opportunities, including a relationship with company executive Susan Lawrence, played by Elizabeth Perkins. But as Josh becomes more involved in work and romance, he starts losing touch with his childhood life.

That conflict eventually leads him back to the Zoltar machine. Josh wishes to become a child again and returns to his family after saying goodbye to Susan.

The American Film Institute placed Big at No. 42 on its 2000 list of the 100 Years…100 Laughs. In 2008, Empire selected Big as one of its 500 Greatest Movies of All Time.

The movie also became known for several memorable moments, including Josh’s visit to FAO Schwarz and the famous Walking Piano sequence with Mr. MacMillan.

Critics praised the film for its humor and Hanks’ performance when it was first released. The Hollywood Reporter called it “a good and very funny movie” in its original 1988 review.

The review also praised the way Hanks played Josh as an adult who still thinks and behaves like a child. The film’s comedy comes from placing his innocent view of the world inside the adult workplace.

Behind the scenes, however, making the movie was not always easy. Cinematographer Barry Sonnenfeld shared stories about the production in his memoir. He recalled that Marshall initially rejected his approach to the film’s visual style before he was eventually hired, according to Collider.

Sonnenfeld also described disagreements during production, including a decision about Elizabeth Perkins’ hair color. The crew shot scenes with Perkins wearing both blonde and red wigs before the production settled on her look.

Despite those difficulties, Big became a lasting success.

Related: ’60s CBS Sitcom, Ranked Among ‘Best’ TV Shows of All Time, Still Holds Up 60 Years Later

I Tried Trader Joe's $8 Latin American Dessert, and Its Soft, Refreshing Bite Makes for a Sweet After-Dinner Treat

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 8:08am

The problem with Trader Joe’s is that I simply cannot resist indulging in a new seasonal snack. Whether it’s a decadent dessert, individually wrapped finger foods or any number of bagged chips creations, the second I lay eyes on the retailer’s colorful “new item” signage, I immediately start making room inside my basket. 

This week’s must-try treat? A limited-time arrival that goes by the name Tres Leches Cake. A familiar face that is currently on the tail end of its seasonal availability, this soft, moist and fluffy offering looks just as good as the quintessential Latin American dessert should be. Boasting a light, airy sponge cake that’s been soaked with milk and topped with a hefty crown of whipped cream, it took very little inner dialog before I snatched a box right out of the freezer.

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With summer coming to a close, I felt it only fitting to put a sweet and satisfying cap on the season with this decadent $8 freezer find. And since the box made it look strikingly similar to something you might get at a high-end restaurant, I felt it was my duty to report back on what I thought of Trader Joe’s take on this classic South American treat. 

Read on for my official review of the Trader Joe’s Tres Leches Cake and if it was as good as it looked on the box.

Tres Leches Cake, $7.99 at Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe's

Frozen in a 17.5-ounce box and retailing for just $7.99, Trader Joe’s Tres Leches Cake is conveniently sized for sharing and beyond easy to prep for service. Featuring a hearty loaf of airy sponge cake soaked in a blend of heavy cream, evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk, it comes generously topped with a slab of whipped cream to create a fitting tribute to the classic confection.

As someone whose sweet tooth has remained the same since I was a kid, I couldn’t help but get excited to thaw this sucker out and try it for myself. And upon pulling it out of the box after letting it thaw properly in the fridge, I found myself beyond impressed by its enticing appearance and light, fluffy, moist bite.

How to Prepare Trader Joe’s Tres Leches Cake

Trader Joe's

Perhaps the only downside is the thawing process, but if you plan ahead, it’s hardly a knock against the cake, serving more as a reward for your patience than something you can enjoy right away. For the best texture, keep the cake in its plastic wrapping inside of the box and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. And if you’re short on time, you can take it out of the box, leave the plastic wrap intact and let it thaw on the counter at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours. 

From there, remove the plastic wrap, fold down the walls of the cardboard tray it’s displayed in and slice it evenly for plating. Or, dig right in with a fork and skip the plates altogether—no judgment here. If you don’t finish it in one sitting, however, don’t sweat it. You can safely keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to three days and snack on it periodically till it disappears.

Related: 5 Best Produce Items To Buy at Trader Joe’s (and 4 To Skip)

Is Trader Joe’s Tres Leches Cake a Repeat Purchase?

Trader Joe's

Would I buy this cake again? Absolutely. Should you try it out for yourself? Only if you’re ready to have your socks blown off. On its own, this cake is everything you need for a sweet and satisfying dessert, requiring zero upgrades to truly enjoy it.

In terms of its texture and flavor, it sits right up there with some of the amazing tres leches cakes I’ve had at restaurants, which honestly surprised me for a store-bought option. And if you’re worried about it being too wet or too dry, I found it landed somewhere right in the middle, with a satisfying balance of moist and fluffy textures that made every bite enjoyable.

As a solo snack, it might be a bit heavy, but when sharing with friends, this cake very much makes for the ultimate summer send-off. You might even want to grab an extra before it disappears to keep in the freezer if you have the space. 

Looking for more tasty Trader Joe’s treats? Keep your eyes peeled for Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Mango & Passion Fruit Crème Thin Cups or these PB&J and PB&C Snack Duos. 

Related: 10 Trader Joe’s Frozen Foods That Make Weeknight Dinner So Much Easier

Taco Bell Is Teeing Up Its First-Ever Celebrity Golf Tournament—And Fans Are Invited

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 8:01am

Golfers, get ready, Taco Bell‘s inaugural sporting event is shaping up to be a hole-in-one.

The iconic international fast-food chain is doubling down on its love for the game, officially introducing its first-ever golf tournament with a big-name celebrity host, Kevin Hart.

Dubbed the Live Más Open, it builds on the hype of the franchise’s co-sponsored event with apparel brand Bad Birdie last summer (Taco Bell x Bad Birdie Invitational).

While last year’s event saw charitable donations and a viral “boundary-pushing” Taco Bell-branded merch collection, this year’s winnings are even higher-stakes. We’re told that in addition to the first-ever Live Más Open trophy, the champion team will score an exclusive collection of purple jackets and, even better, the power to bring back any Taco Bell menu item for a limited time.

Taco Bell Announces Inaugural Live Más Open, Hosted by Kevin Hart, With Sweepstakes, Live Draft and Menu-Changing Grand Prizes

Taco Bell

“I love golf, I love Taco Bell, what could be better than bringing them together for a day of competition and fun,” Hart, 47, joked in a statement shared with Parade. “The tournament is going to be a good time,” he added, “bring your swag, bring your swing, bring some personality and let’s play.”

Related: Taco Bell Sweetens Up Its Menu With 2 New Salt & Straw Desserts—for a Limited Time Only

The Live Más Open aims to be the “most unconventional golf tournament” fans will ever see, and it all starts with a live draft that brings together one fan, one celebrity, one pro athlete, and one creator across nine foursomes, each of which will compete as a team during the tournament at The Ranch at Laguna Beach in Laguna Beach, Calif., on Monday, Nov. 2 (which will be available to stream).

Taco Bell

The 36 players will compete through original challenges for Bell Awards and swing through the greens before making their way through Taco Bell’s on-course drive-thru for Live Más Open-exclusive menu inspired by golf’s most beloved food and beverages, according to the Sept. 10 press release. Then, when the final putt drops, the winning foursome will be awarded the first-ever Live Más Open trophy, purple jackets, and the “ultimate” grand prize: the power to bring back any Taco Bell menu item of their choosing for a limited time.

“Taco Bell has always been a disruptor when it comes to conventions, and we’re excited to bring that Live Más spirit to a sport like golf,” Luis Restrepo, chief marketing officer at Taco Bell, shared. “With the Live Más Open, we’re playing a different game, bringing pros, celebrities, creators and fans together on the course in a way that hasn’t been done before. Our fans have always shaped this brand, so when we create an experience like this, we want them to be a part of it, not watching from the sidelines.”

Want to be part of the inaugural event? You and countless others, we’re sure. Here’s how to qualify: You must be at least 21 years old. Got your ID ready? Great, now through September 27, eligible fans can enter the Live Más Open Qualifier by playing the Shot Shuffle game at participating Topgolf venues nationwide. Players who score 200 points or more will be invited to enter a sweepstakes. Fans can also enter for free (without buying a game or visiting a Topgolf location) via the official sweepstakes website.

Once the sweepstakes closes near the end of the month, Taco Bell will randomly select 100 entrants to receive a one-month Topgolf Platinum Club Membership and an invitation to submit a player bio and video. The brand will evaluate these submissions and select nine fans to travel to Laguna Beach and join the 36-player field at The Ranch for the big game.

To help more fans get in on the fun, Taco Bell said it’s teed up more than one million exclusive offer codes through its Taco Bell Rewards program, giving members $25 off a Topgolf reservation during the Live Más Open Qualifier window, while supplies last. For full offer details or to learn more about Taco Bell’s rewards program, visit the Taco Bell app.

As for which celebrities and pro athletes have gotten an invite, T-Bell isn’t ready to spill all the details just yet, so fans will just have to wait and see. That said, who are you hoping to see on the greens? Let us know in the comments!

Next: Viral Mountain Dew Trend Is Now a Menu Mainstay at Taco Bell

How Many Kids Does Taylor Frankie Paul Have? Meet the ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Star’s 3 Children

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 8:00am

Before stepping into the spotlight as the lead of The Bachelorette, which is now no longer moving forward at ABC, Taylor Frankie Paul was already known online as a young mom documenting her life on TikTok. The influencer, who rose to fame as part of the MomTok community and later starred on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, is a mother of three children.

Here’s everything to know about Taylor Frankie Paul’s kids.

Related: ABC Officially Cancels Taylor Frankie Paul’s ‘Bachelorette’ Season

Does Taylor Frankie Paul have any children?

Yes, Taylor Frankie Paul has three children total. Two are with her ex-husband, Tate Paul, while one is with former partner Dakota Mortensen.

Which children did Taylor Frankie Paul have with Tate Paul? View this post on Instagram

Taylor Frankie Paul married her ex-husband Tate Paul in November 2016. Less than a year later, the couple welcomed their first child together—Taylor and Tate’s daughter, Indy May Paul, was born on Aug. 31, 2017.

Taylor has often described Indy as both “sweet” and “sassy,” sharing photos of her daughter on social media throughout the years. She has also said Indy enjoys makeup, dresses and other girly activities.

Taylor and Tate welcomed their second child, son Ocean Paul, on June 18, 2020.

Related: Who Is Taylor Frankie Paul? Inside the Life of ‘The Bachelorette’ Season 22 Star

Taylor documented much of her pregnancy and early motherhood journey with Ocean on TikTok, where she began building the audience that eventually turned her into a viral influencer.

The couple later divorced in 2022 after Taylor revealed details about the viral MomTok “soft swinging” scandal involving members of their friend group. Although Taylor previously said she and Tate maintained a healthy co-parenting relationship for the sake of their children, their custody situation became more complicated in 2026. Tate sought sole custody of Indy and Ocean, and the two have continued to navigate the matter in court.

Related: What Is ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’? Inside the MomTok Swinging Scandal That Made Taylor Frankie Paul Famous

Which children did Taylor Frankie Paul have with Dakota Mortensen? View this post on Instagram

Following her divorce, Taylor began dating Dakota Mortensen. The relationship, which was featured on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, included several ups and downs before the couple welcomed a child together.

Taylor and Dakota welcomed their son Ever True Mortensen on March 19, 2024. Taylor later shared that the name Ever symbolizes “always” and “eternity.”

Although Taylor and Dakota eventually split, the two remain connected through co-parenting their son. Their custody arrangement has also been the subject of legal proceedings. In 2026, a judge lifted mandatory supervised visitation for Taylor with Ever, allowing her unsupervised parenting time, while Mortensen remained the primary custodial parent for holidays.

Related: ‘The Bachelorette’ Season 22 Cast Revealed: ‘The Book of More-Men’ is Now Open

Are Taylor Frankie Paul’s kids caught up in the recent controversies?

Taylor’s children became part of the public discussion surrounding her legal troubles after details of her 2023 arrest for domestic violence became public. According to charging documents, Taylor’s children were present during the altercation with Dakota, and one of her children was struck by a barstool during the incident.

Taylor ultimately pleaded guilty to aggravated assault under a plea agreement. The other charges, including domestic violence in the presence of a child and child abuse, were dismissed. In August 2026, a judge ruled that Taylor had completed her three-year probation and amended the aggravated-assault felony to a Class A misdemeanor.

The 2023 incident resurfaced in 2026 when video footage of the altercation was publicly released. The footage showed Taylor throwing metal stools at Dakota while a child was present. ABC subsequently canceled Taylor’s already-filmed season of The Bachelorette shortly before its scheduled premiere.

Taylor also faced additional scrutiny in 2026 after allegations involving Dakota were investigated by authorities. The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office ultimately declined to file new domestic-violence charges against Taylor following its review of the allegations.

Taylor’s custody arrangements with both Tate and Dakota have continued to develop as the legal proceedings play out.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of domestic violence, help is available 24 hours a day through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

Related: ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Season 5 Cast: Who’s Returning, Who’s Not and Who Might Join

Freshpoint Issues Recall on its Chicken Salad Wedge Sandwiches

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 7:50am

If you picked up a Cranberry Chicken Salad Wedge Sandwich from a convenience store in Florida or Georgia recently, you’ll want to check your fridge right away.

FreshPoint Central Florida, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall of 1,093 units of its Created Fresh! Cranberry Chicken Salad Wedge Sandwiches due to an improperly declared egg allergen. While egg is included in the product’s ingredients list, it was not listed in the allergen “Contains” statement on the package – *a critical omission for anyone with an egg allergy or sensitivity. Consumers with an egg allergy who unknowingly consume the product run the risk of a serious or potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, the FDA warned on its website.

FreshPoint Issues Recall Due to an Improperly Declared Allergen (Egg) in Chicken Salad Wedge Sandwiches https://t.co/gatVCIqpQI pic.twitter.com/arQjHorprb

— U.S. FDA Recalls and Alerts (@FDArecalls) September 9, 2026

The recalled sandwiches were distributed between August 19 and September 3, 2026, to a single convenience store customer across Florida and Georgia. They come in transparent plastic packaging with a Use By date printed on the container, covering dates between September 3 and September 17, 2026. The UPC code is 766375109617.

No illnesses related to the recall have been reported to date. The issue was identified during an internal label review by the company. Customers who have purchased the product are urged to discard it immediately. Anyone with questions can contact FreshPoint’s Hernan Martinez at 689-710-4467, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.

'Below Deck Med’s Max Salvador Breaks His Silence on Cathy Skinner Split: ‘She Used Me’

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 7:49am

Below Deck Mediterranean star Max Salvador is offering a very different perspective on his relationship with former love interest Cathy Skinner, accusing her of manipulating him and ultimately using him.

During a recent interview with the Above Deck podcast, Max was asked whether he still keeps in touch with Cathy, whom he dated during Season 10.

“Not a good relationship,” Max said before adding. “She used me, she manipulated me. She knows that I don’t care about the physical world, like Rolex, fake people, charter guests, nah, nah, nah, all this bulls—t.”

Max’s comments come months after Cathy revealed that the two had gone their separate ways following Below Deck Mediterranean Season 10. At the time, Cathy said Max canceled a planned trip to visit her in London just hours before his flight, later explaining that he wasn’t ready for an exclusive relationship after his previous breakup. Max subsequently invited her to visit him in Bali, but Cathy declined.

While Max said at the time that he was focused on his career, he also told The Daily Dish that he still hoped their romantic relationship could continue. Cathy, meanwhile, said they had maintained a friendship and occasionally checked in with each other.

Now, Max is sharing a much harsher account of what he believes went wrong between them.

According to Max, he was initially drawn to Cathy because he believed they shared similar values, particularly when it came to nature and helping others. He recalled meeting her in Barcelona and being impressed when she told him about doing humanitarian work in Africa.

“She showed me a picture of her, like, without makeup, you know, with like a giant turtle,” Max recalled. “And I was like, oh, OK, so perfect. If I can bring this girl on this kind of Bali experience in nature, helping other people.”

But Max said his perception of Cathy changed after the show.

“After the show, she knew my weakness, and she was just about, like, yeah, Rolex, fake friend, fake dinner…blah, blah, blah,” he said.

Max pointed to one social media post in particular, saying Cathy shared a Reel featuring Rolex sellers. He said the post prompted him to confront her about what he saw as a focus on material things.

“And I told her, you can influence people, and this is how you used to influence, on showing, like, important stuff,” he said. “That’s where you lost your soul, because you are attached to material stuff. And I think real power is inside.”

According to Max, the confrontation quickly escalated.

“From this Reel, we insulted each other so much, like, kaboom,” he said. “And after, we just blocked ourselves and we don’t speak. And that’s good like it.”

Martha Stewart's 'Pretty' 6-Piece Plate Set Adds an 'Expensive'-Looking Touch to Your Table for $20

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 7:45am

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Elegant dishware can add a special touch to your tabletop, but only if it stays pristine for a lifetime. Fine china runs the risk of chipping and breaking, which is why so many save those pieces for special occasions only. But you don’t have to reserve beautiful dishes for rare moments when you have the Martha Stewart Opalton Dinner Plate Set as an option.

Right now this set is an amazing deal at Amazon, reduced from its usual $23 to just $20 for a limited time. The six-piece collection includes six crisp white dinner plates measuring 10 inches each. They’re break- and chip-resistant, so you can trust that no matter how often you use them they’ll continue to look their best through countless meals.

Martha Stewart Opalton Dinner Plate Set, $20 (was $23) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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At the lowest price in a month, the set earns high praise from hundreds of reviewers looking for simple yet polished dinnerware that complements any layout. These fit right into virtually any space thanks to their gleaming opal white hue, which looks glossy in any light and adds an exquisite finishing touch to the tabletop.

The plates are non-porous, so they won’t lose their structural integrity over time either. There’s no risk of set-in stains or odor buildup, and they’re also safe to put in the microwave and dishwasher. Slight ridges along the sides make them easy to grip, too. Unlike so many other fussy plates, these bridge the gap between opulent and practical, giving you an everyday-appropriate option that also happens to look fabulous.

Several people noted that while they’re substantial, they’re also lightweight — and one person even shared that they’re ideal for homes where kids may sometimes break plates. “They look more expensive than the price,” a customer wrote, while another shopper called them “durable, simple, and pretty.”

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Related: This Vibrant 7-Piece Floral Comforter Set Brings a ‘Silky’ Feel and Farmhouse Charm for Under $25

You can’t beat a basic dinnerware set, especially when it’s as sleek and streamlined as this sextet. If you’re looking for something to round out your collection or are ready to level up your everyday dishes, the Martha Stewart Opalton Dinner Plate Set makes a standout option. Don’t miss it while it’s on sale at Amazon!

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‘Lost in Space’ Star Billy Mumy Recalls the Moment Alfred Hitchcock Terrified Him

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 7:40am

Billy Mumy was one of the most prolific—and likable—child actors of the 1960s, appearing in everything from Bewitched to The Twilight Zone to starring as Will Robinson in Lost in Space.

But one acting experience left the young actor with a bad taste in his mouth—and it was under the watch of legendary filmmaker and director Alfred Hitchcock.

During an appearance on the Pop Culture Retro podcast, Mumy, 72, recalled working on the 1961 Alfred Hitchcock Presents episode “Bang Bang, You’re Dead.” The episode was about a boy, Jackie Chester, who finds a gun in his uncle’s briefcase and takes it outside to play cops and robbers with his friends.

“Over the course of the episode, you see him spinning it, clicking it, adding another bullet, spinning it, clicking it,” Mumy told hosts Jonathan Rosen and Moosie Drier. “It’s a very dramatic show. It’s a very serious, you know, gun awareness, children type of show.”

“Alfred Hitchcock directed it,”  he added. “I was seven years old.”

Mumy noted that he appeared in almost every scene in the episode, but minors were only allowed to work nine hours a day. And on one of those days, the producers wanted to get one more close-up of Mumy before wrapping. The on-set social worker warned them that Mumy could only work for five more minutes due to child labor laws, so the production team thought it would be quicker to keep the young actor on his mark instead of bringing in his stand-in while they set up lighting for the shot.

“So, I have no problem,” Mumy said on the podcast. “I’m not tired. I have no I mean, I’ve been working nine hours, but I have no problem standing in for myself while they light me, right? I have no attitude or problem about that at all. However,  I’m not a trained stand-in. I’m a seven-year-old actor. I’m seven. So, I’m standing there, and they’re trying to light me, and I’m fidgeting around, right?”

“So Alfred Hitchcock, who was a very physically imposing presence—I’m a little guy—Alfred Hitchcock was a big guy. He was always sweating,” Mumy continued. “He gets up out of his chair, and he lumbers over to me on my mark, fidgeting around,  and he bends down. And this is exactly what he said to me: ‘If you don’t stop moving about, I’m going to get a nail, and I’m going to nail your feet to your mark, and the blood will come pouring out of your feet like milk. So, stop moving.’ That’s exactly what he says to me.”

Bettmann / Getty Images

While he knew Hitchcock wasn’t serious, Mumy recalled being “blown away” by his threat. Mumy’s mother later brushed the comment off, telling her son that Hitchcock was British and simply had “a different sense of humor.”

On the podcast, Mumy noted that if Hitchcock had told him he was only teasing, he probably would have forgotten about the incident.

“But what was real, was that it was very clear to me that I knew and understood that he liked scaring me, that he didn’t want to apologize for that,” Mumy revealed. “He liked it. And that is very sick. I think that was really lame. And I never wanted to talk to Alfred Hitchcock again. I worked for him again, but nothing he personally directed again. But really the more I think about that, you know, the more I think what a jerk he was. I don’t like Alfred Hitchcock.”

RELATED: Billy Mumy Recalls the Sweet Lucille Ball Moment That Shut Down Filming

In addition to “Bang, Bang You’re Dead,” Mumy appeared in the 1962 Alfred Hitchcock Presents episode “The Door Without a Key” as well as an Alfred Hitchock Hour episode that same year. Hitchcock died in 1980 at age 80.

Mumy previously told Fox News Digital that Hitchcock was “a monster” and a real jerk,” so he avoided him.

“He scared the s— out of this seven-year-old who was starring in his show,” the Lost in Space actor recalled. “It was incredibly scary. I just never wanted to see him again. Ever. I never spoke to him again – ever.”

Mumy, who worked at Universal on and off for decades after, added that he “would purposely walk around a different sound stage” because he didn’t want to see Hitchcock.

“He was a jerk. A real jerk,” Mumy added. “I just don’t understand why he would say that to a child. He didn’t respect actors very much. He just saw them as his props to use… I didn’t like him, but I can’t say I was traumatized after that. I didn’t need to go to therapy over it.”

Related: ‘Lost in Space’ Star Reflects on His Cult Classic 1978 Novelty Song: ‘Has Been Very, Very Good to Me’

Blue Bell Just Announced Its New Coffee-Inspired Ice Cream Flavor—And It's Heading to Stores This Week

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 7:35am

Blue Bell is giving fans a peek at its newest ice cream flavor, and social media is melting down over the addition.

Yesterday, the cult-favorite creamery behind some of the top-ranking vanilla and chocolate ice cream flavors (as well as unique picks like its Brookie À La Mode, Chocolate Lava Cake and Southern Blackberry Cobbler) revealed it’s launching a new variety inspired by a popular coffee beverage.

While coffeehouses transition from vibrant, summery drinks to the autumnal staple of pumpkin spice, Blue Bell is choosing to embrace everyday favorites, announcing the arrival of its new latte-inspired ice cream flavor: White Chocolate Mocha.

Blue Bell Reveals New Limited-Time White Chocolate Mocha Ice Cream Flavor: “Your Favorite Iced Coffee, Now in a Carton”

In a first-look photo that Blue Bell teased in a Sept. 9 Instagram post, the brand touted the new flavor as something even “cooler” than your coffee run.

“Something NEW is brewing at Blue Bell, and it arrives in stores beginning tomorrow,” the caption continued.

Related: Blue Bell Quietly Brings Back a Peak Summer Flavor That First Debuted in 1975—But It Won’t Last Long

While Blue Bell wasn’t willing to share all of the details at the time, social media users took it upon themselves to guess the newcomer, suggesting that stores could soon be welcoming a caramel mocha or a salted caramel mocha-inspired ice cream.

Another declared, “It has to be a Mocha Frappe Coffee flavor.”

“I’m ngl I’m foaming at the mouth,” someone else teased of all the prospects.

View this post on Instagram

It wasn’t until Thursday that the ice cream brand revealed it would offer a creamy, frozen version of the classic and sweet espresso beverage that’s served hot, cold, and even as a blended Frappuccino.

“No need to complicate this coffee order!” Blue Bell declared in its Sept. 10 Instagram announcement. “One scoop of NEW Blue Bell White Chocolate Mocha Ice Cream, please.”

According to the brand, its new White Chocolate Mocha features a “delicious coffee-flavored ice cream with white chocolate-flavored flakes and a vanilla-flavored whipped cream swirl.” It’s everything consumers “love about the iced coffee, now in a carton.”

“Uh oh. I’m in trouble now,” one Instagram user replied. “This looks wayyyyy too good for me to be able to control myself.”

“Big back behavior,” another joked, while someone else said they “need this.”

“Oh I’m excited for this one,” a fourth cheered.

“Sounds like a banger,” another applauded.

“Ouuuu,” one more wrote, “I can’t wait to try that.”

View this post on Instagram

Blue Bell said the new flavor will be available as early as today in half-gallon and pint sizes, with a broader rollout to most stores that carry the brand over the coming days and weeks—but only for a limited time (prices may vary).

All that said, and despite most being hyped, a small group of fans explained they’re not impressed by the new latte-inspired ice cream, hoping for the return of more distinctive limited-time flavors like Monster Cookie Dough, Cookie Dough Overload, Pecan Pie, and White Chocolate Almond. What are your thoughts on the newcomer? Worth the wait, or would you rather the company revive an old favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Next: Girl Scouts Just Announced a First-Ever Cookie Collaboration, Unlike Anything Fans Have Seen Before

Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen’s Relationship Timeline — And What Led to Her ‘Bachelorette’ Firing

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 7:30am

And the rose goes to…no one! Yes, mere days before its March 22 premiere, The Bachelorette season 22 was cancelled due to domestic assault allegations against its star, Taylor Frankie Paul, following leaked videos of a physical altercation between The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star and her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.

“In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family,” ABC told Parade in a statement on March 19, 2026.

The taped incident led to Paul’s arrest in 2023 following a physical altercation with Mortensen. She was ultimately charged with aggravated assault, two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse with injury and criminal mischief. All but the aggravated assault charge were dismissed after Paul reached a plea agreement in March 2023. In August 2026, a judge ruled that Paul had completed her three-year probation and amended the aggravated-assault felony to a Class A misdemeanor.

However, the recent cancellation by The Bachelorette‘s parent network ABC is just the latest in a tumultuous few years for the on-and-off-again couple. Here’s a look back at Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen’s drama-filled romance.

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Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen’s relationship timeline May 2022

Taylor Frankie Paul takes to TikTok to publicly announce her split from Tate Paul, to whom she was married since 2016 and shares two children, Indy and Ocean. The separation announcement dropped amidst the couple’s “soft-swinging” scandal, in which they reportedly experimented sexually with a group of other couples in the Mormon influencer space known as “MomTok.”

@taylorfrankiepaul

An unfortunate announcement

♬ Malibu – Miley Cyrus July 2022

With the end of one relationship came the start of another: In summer 2022, Paul soft-launched her burgeoning relationship with Mortensen, again via her TikTok handle: “Been heartbroken twice this summer and this cute sweet mf comes out of nowhere,” she wrote. Mortensen himself revealed the identity of the mystery man by cheekily commenting: “Lucky guy whoever he is.”

@taylorfrankiepaul

I refuse, but what does his text say

♬ BROWS. – JOVIL👾 September 2022

In September, Paul hard-launches her new relationship by featuring Mortensen in, duh, a TikTok video featuring the couple performing a choreographed dance to Beyonce’s hit “Cuff It.”

November 2022

In response to a TikTok follower’s comment that “she definitely looks off,” Paul posted a TikTok video revealing that she and Mortensen were expecting their first child together. Sadly, the reality star ended up suffering an ectopic pregnancy.

Related: How Many Kids Does Taylor Frankie Paul Have? Meet the ‘Bachelorette’ Star’s 3 Children

December 2022

A month later, the duo broke up, with Taylor posting a video to her TikTok account with the caption: “Can someone please explain how ending a six-month relationship hurt worse than ending a six-year marriage?” 

@taylorfrankiepaul

make it make sense

♬ original sound – bratlyrz January 2023

Sike! Just a few short weeks later, Taylor and Dakota were back together and, yes, posting jokey TikTok videos about their reunion. In a comment beneath the post, she answered: “We did break up for a couple weeks, but decided we want to try things and not chance losing each other.” 

February 2023

And now for the legal issues: On February 17, Paul was arrested for domestic violence against Mortensen following a fiery fight between the couple. She was ultimately charged with aggravated assault, two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse with injury and criminal mischief after the incident, though all but the aggravated assault charge was dismissed. She reached a plea deal in March 2023. The arrest and subsequent scandal play out on Paul’s Hulu reality show, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

Related: Taylor Frankie Paul’s Ongoing Domestic Violence Investigation Could Impact Her 2023 Plea Deal

June 2023

Despite the arrest, Taylor and Dakota remained together in the months following the altercation, with Paul confirming their romance via social media.

September 2023

About ten months after revealing her ectopic pregnancy, Paul and Mortensen announced that they were expecting their “rainbow baby.” Taylor posted photos from their pregnancy shoot onto her TikTok account.

View this post on Instagram March 2024

The couple welcomed son Ever True Mortensen, “our angel sent from heaven,” on March 19, 2024. Of the birth, Paul shared on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives that Dakota “was such a good partner in the process and very supportive.” The mom of three added: “I’m like, on cloud nine, and this is like the first time I’ve been so confident in us, in a future. I just—I hope that I can trust him.”

September 2024

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives premiered on Hulu on September 6, 2024, bringing a spotlight onto Taylor and Dakota’s relationship, including cheating claims made against both parties. For his part, Mortensen denied the rumors that he stepped out on Taylor with Jenna Jarvis, posting a TikTok video with the caption: “All that matters is my family at this point. Have i made dumb mistakes in my life? Yes. But idgaf anymore i am not my past.”

@dakotamortensen

All that matters is my family at this point. Have i made dumb mistakes in my life? Yes. But idgaf anymore i am not my past

♬ original sound – nbcnews October 2024

In an Us Weekly cover story, Paul revealed that rewatching her turbulent romance with Dakota on the Hulu reality series was “probably one of the hardest moments” of her life. As for the pair’s relationship status at that point, the Secret Lives star said: ““I would say we’re working on things and I actually have no idea where it goes with us from here. We are not fully together, but not fully done. I don’t know where the future holds with him and I.”

December 2024

By December, however, it looks like Taylor had more clarity about where things stood between her and Dakota: She posted a teary TikTok formally announcing their split, with the caption: “Chaos to pure silence. Wouldn’t wish this pain upon anyone, if you’re there take a drive, scream, cry, feel the pain, because I promise avoiding it will make it much worse.”

@taylorfrankiepaul

I was told you got through this once, you’ll get through it again. #coparenting #loss #relationships

♬ original sound – baibeckham January 2025

Despite some passive-aggressive back-and-forth over social media, Paul put on a supportive face for Mortensen’s birthday, posting to her Instagram Stories on January 27 a photo of her ex with their son Ever True. “Happy birthday baby daddy. Wishing nothing but the best for you,” she captioned the sweet pic.

April 2025

Dakota and Taylor were spotted getting cozy while attending the Stagecoach music festival, leaving fans wondering whether the exes have officially reconciled.

@callherdaddy

@Taylor Paul doesn’t think, she knows 👏

♬ original sound – Call Her Daddy – Call Her Daddy September 2025

Though Taylor confirmed that the exes had hooked up during that Stagecoach reunion a few months prior, she also revealed during a Call Her Daddy podcast appearance that their relationship was “over.” Cementing that fact was the announcement that Paul was chosen as The Bachelorette for the ABC program’s twenty-second season. Mortensen, meanwhile, seemingly wasn’t too happy with the news and took to TikTok with his displeasure.

@dakotamortensen

It’s a joke… everyone relax. Lol that being said I am happy for Tay and I hope she finds happiness ❤️‍🩹🫶🏽

♬ original sound – Calabasaswings March 2026

On Thursday, March 19, just a few short days before its premiere, Taylor’s The Bachelorette season was pulled by ABC after video leaked of her 2023 domestic altercation with Mortensen. ABC said its “focus is on supporting the family.”

The cancellation came after footage of the 2023 incident resurfaced publicly, showing Paul and Mortensen engaged in a physical altercation while a child was present. The incident had previously resulted in Paul’s arrest and aggravated-assault case.

Sources told PEOPLE that the exes were committed to co-parenting their son, Ever True, amid the renewed scrutiny.

April 2026

Paul and Mortensen’s relationship came under renewed legal scrutiny in April, when the two were granted mutual protective orders following additional allegations involving their relationship. The orders required the former couple to remain at least 100 feet apart for three years. The legal proceedings also addressed the couple’s parenting arrangement for Ever.

August 2026

Paul’s legal case stemming from the 2023 incident reached another milestone in August. A judge ruled that she had completed her three-year probation, and the aggravated-assault felony was amended to a Class A misdemeanor.

Meanwhile, Paul’s custody disputes involving her children continued. Her parenting arrangements with both Mortensen and her ex-husband Tate Paul remained subject to court proceedings.

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September 2026

Months after ABC shelved her Bachelorette season, Paul addressed the unaired reality dating show in a preview of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. She revealed that contestant Doug Mason proposed to her during filming—and that she said yes. Paul also explained that things became complicated after she returned home and reconnected with her ex, Dakota Mortensen.

The engagement—and the fact that the season was filmed but never aired—added another unexpected chapter to Taylor’s already complicated relationship history. As for Paul and Mortensen, their romantic relationship remains over, but the former couple continues to navigate co-parenting and legal matters involving their son.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of domestic violence, help is available 24 hours a day through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

Related: ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Fate Revealed After Filming Hiatus

1991 Nirvana Track That Defined a Generation Was Released 35 Years Ago Today

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 7:04am

Few songs in history carry a legacy as massive as Nirvana‘s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”

Released 35 years ago today as the opening track for Nirvana’s legendary Nevermind album, the song crowned Kurt Cobain as the voice of Generation X. What began as an attempt to write the ultimate pop song ended up shattering cultural boundaries and cementing Nirvana’s place in music history.

When Nirvana released their debut album, Bleach, in 1989, few expected the Seattle trio to become rock’s next big phenomenon. Recorded on a shoestring budget of just $600, the record went on to sell 30,000 copies. It was a massive win for an underground indie act that set the stage for their major-label breakthrough, according to History.

“Smells Like Teen Spirit,” the album’s kickoff single, wasn’t expected to become a massive hit. In fact, all the record company hoped for was continued success among indie radio listeners and college students.

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“None of us heard it as a crossover song,” Nirvana’s manager, Danny Goldberg, said, as reported by History. “But the public heard it, and it was instantaneous. They heard it on alternative radio, and then they rushed out like lemmings to buy it.”

Interestingly, Cobain almost held the track back. After refining the song during rehearsals with Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl, the frontman feared it sounded too much like alt-rock band Pixies and was reluctant to release it.

Per U Discover Music, the song’s name originated after Cobain’s friend, Kathleen Hanna, wrote the sentence ‘Kurt smells like Teen Spirit’ on his wall. It referred to a popular deodorant of the era.

“I mean, who names a deodorant Teen Spirit?” Hanna asked. “What does teen spirit smell like? Like a locker room? Like pot mixed with sweat? Like the smell when you throw up in your hair at a party?”

Ironically, Cobain had never heard of the product. It was widely reported that he believed it was more of a rebellious statement.

Novoselic said of the lyrics, as reported by U Discover Music, “I just didn’t get them the first time I read them. And then I started listening to it in the song format, and then I had an idea of what he was talking about.”

He continued, “[Kurt] was talking about kids, commercials, Generation X, the youth bandwagon. How he’s really disappointed in it, and how he doesn’t want anything to do with it.”

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” was recorded in just three takes. The second was ultimately remastered and released 35 years ago today, instantly changing the sound of mainstream radio and ushering in the grunge era overnight.

Nirvana has been named the 2026 Video Vanguard recipient at the MTV VMA’s. According to Billboard, the award will be presented on Sept. 27 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

Related: Evan Dando Claims Kurt Cobain Died Not Knowing the ‘Truth’ About His Relationship With Courtney Love

Meet Whitney and Conner Leavitt's 3 Kids—And Revisit the TikTok Controversy Involving Their Middle Son

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 7:00am

Whitney and Conner Leavitt, one of the most front-and-center couples on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, welcomed their third—and last—child while the show was filming its second season. “We are most excited about having our family complete,” the couple shared after the baby’s birth in October 2024. “We’ve always wanted three kids and we’re so happy everyone’s here now.”

Keep reading for a guide to Whitney and Conner’s family of five, including a look back at the TikTok scandal involving their middle son. 

Related: ‘DWTS’ Fans Catch Whitney Leavitt’s Reaction as Halloween Night Elimination Is Announced

How many children does Whitney from MomTok have?

Whitney and Conner share three kids: Sedona, 6, Liam, who will be 5 in December, and Billy Gene, who turns 2 in October. 

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How old was Whitney Leavitt when she had her first baby?

Whitney was born on May 13, 1993, and she welcomed her first child, Sedona, in November 2019, which means she was 26 when she became a mom for the first time.

What was the controversy with Whitney Leavitt’s son?

In December 2021, Whitney sparked backlash after posting a TikTok video of herself dancing beside her then newborn, Liam, when he was hospitalized with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and low oxygen levels. She later deleted the post and shared a tearful response to the pile-on, saying she was merely trying to stay “positive” during a scary time. 

“I understand that people are upset with the video that I made. I just want to be clear and communicate that that was just me trying to be positive,” she said. “I think it’s important to not just assume what someone’s going through. I took it down because I can see how someone might get the wrong idea.”

She revisited the controversy in the first season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, saying how much it affected her mental health and reputation. But fellow MomToker (and highly skilled troublemaker) Demi claimed that Whitney once admitted during a ketamine therapy session that she filmed the video “for sympathy, likes [and] clout”—a bold accusation that Whitney denied.

Who are Whitney and Conner Leavitt’s kids?

The Leavitts, who exchanged vows in July 2016, share three little ones.

Sedona

Whitney and Conner welcomed their eldest child, Sedona, in November 2019. According to a birthday tribute Whitney posted for the girl’s 6th birthday in 2025, she and Conner didn’t know what to name their daughter until just a couple of weeks before her birth, when they heard the song “Sedona” by Houndmouth. 

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“Now, listening to this song, it reminds me of her bright and wild spirit,” Whitney wrote. “Someone who is full of life, light and a little bit of sass 🤭 Sedona, my doe and my princess, I love you more than words can say.”

Dancing With the Stars’ fans fell in love with Sedona during Disney Week, when she showed up to support her mom, a Season 34 competitor. Whitney shared a TikTok video of the girl arriving at her trailer (dressed a little like a princess) with overlaid text that read: “Sharing my dreams with my baby girl.”

@whitneyleavitt

A night I will never forget. I love you so much Sedona ❤️

♬ Hometown Glory – Adele

Related: Will ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Return for Season 35?

Liam 

Liam arrived earthside in December 2021 and was almost immediately hospitalized due to RSV and low oxygen levels. Whitney drew instant backlash when she posted a TikTok video of herself dancing beside his hospital bed, igniting a larger conversation about influencer culture and the lengths content creators will go to for engagement. 

Billy Gene

Whitney infamously revealed to her family that she was pregnant with the youngest Leavitt baby by hiding a positive pregnancy test—that she did, indeed, pee on—in a cake that they were meant to eat. 

“Look, I put the lid back on it. I Cloroxed the heck out of it before putting it in the cake,” Whitney told The Cut. “It was clean. I get how people were like, Ew. Maybe people tried to stay away and not eat the pieces surrounding the test, but that cake was good. So yeah, we did eat the cake.”

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Whitney and Conner welcomed Billy Gene on Oct. 24, 2024. “You’ve changed our world forever,” Whitney wrote on Instagram to mark his first birthday. “You’re so endlessly loved.”

What’s next for Whitney and Connor Leavitt?

Whitney and Conner have continued building careers outside the show. Whitney announced in May 2026 that Season 5 would be her final season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. She has since completed filming Season 5, making the upcoming season her final appearance on the show. 

The couple launched Leavitt Media House, and Conner recently completed an off-Broadway run in 11 to Midnight. He is also now competing on Dancing With the Stars Season 35, while Whitney is returning to Broadway in Just in Time this winter.

Related: Get To Know Whitney Leavitt’s Husband, Conner—and Their Response to Those ‘Lavender Marriage’ Rumors

Walmart's 'Comfortable' Suede Clogs ‘Look Exactly Like the Name-Brand Styles,' But They're Just $23

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 7:00am

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As we transition to fall, it’s almost time to give your shoe collection a seasonal refresh and sadly put all those sandals into storage. While they offer comfort and easy wear, they don’t exactly do the best job at keeping your feet snug and warm in cooler temperatures. Fortunately, shoes like mules, clogs, and backless loafers are just as easy to slip into and provide just the right amount of coverage for unpredictable fall weather.  

If you’re looking to add a pair to your fall shoe collection, these Ecetana Suede Clogs at Walmart are a fabulous choice. While they look and feel quite similar to more expensive styles, you can currently score them on sale at a budget-friendly price. These clogs normally retail for $46, but they’re now 50% off, marked down to just $23 for a limited time with a Walmart flash deal.

Ecetana Suede Clogs, $23 (were $46) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

You can snag these clogs in three colors, including black, gray, and taupe. They’re available in sizes ranging from 5.5 to 11, and customers mentioned that they fit true to size. However, they’re designed to have a snug fit, so if you’re in between sizes, you may want to size up. 

Delivering all-day comfort, these clogs have cork footbeds that support your arches and heels. They’re designed to mold to the shape of your feet over time, making them a great choice for flat feet or high arches. Attesting to their support, shoppers noted that these clogs helped with plantar fasciitis pain. The footbeds also keep your weight evenly distributed to help prevent fatigue. 

These clogs are lightweight, making every step feel as effortless as the last. They absorb the impact of your steps, reducing the pressure on your feet and joints. Made of rubber, the soles have a non-slip design, offering traction and stability on all kinds of surfaces. The soles are wear-resistant, so they should remain in pristine condition for a long time. Whether you’re heading to the grocery store, strolling through the park, or sightseeing on vacation, these shoes are ready to handle all your outings. 

Ecetana Suede Clogs, $23 (were $46) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Offering ample coverage while still allowing your feet to breathe, these clogs are ideal for fall weather. They’ll protect your feet from chilly breezes on crisp days and promote airflow to prevent your feet from overheating when the temperatures fluctuate. 

Featuring a sleek silhouette with rounded toes and soft uppers, these clogs have a casual feel. However, they’re elevated by the genuine suede material, giving them an elegant look and a touch of quiet luxury. They have a backless design, making them effortless to slip into and take off. The uppers are fitted with an adjustable strap and buckle hardware. While they add a stylish accent, they’re functional and work to keep your feet securely in place. 

You can style these clogs with a plethora of outfits, ranging from athleisure to refined streetwear. Whether you wear them with a hoodie and leggings, or a blouse and jeans, they’ll add a relaxed and laid-back vibe to your look. Depending on the weather and your preference, you can wear them with or without socks — they look chic either way. 

@catsparklelife

here are some summer outfit ideas with the birkenstock clogs! 🤗🤗 #birkenstocks #pinterestoutfit #styleinspo #outfitinspo #summeroutfitinspo #fashiontiktok

♬ sonido original – B.sound

It’s no surprise that these Walmart clogs have racked up over 600 five-star reviews. One shopper raved that they’re “super cute” and said that they “look exactly like the name brand clogs at a really affordable price.” A second customer commented that they’re the “perfect shoes for fall” and mentioned that they’re “comfortable and easy to slip on.” 

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Related: These Lace-Up Flats Nail the Balletcore Aesthetic, Offering Sneaker-Like Comfort Without Sacrificing Style

From warm fall days to crisp nights, the Ecetana Suede Clogs are ready for any weather fall throws at you. Head to Walmart and snag them while they’re still on sale for just $23, which is just a fraction of the price of name-brand styles! 

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.

The Happiest States in America Have Been Revealed—and While No. 1 Makes Perfect Sense, the State at No. 2 Is a Total Surprise: ‘Happiness Has a Lot to Do With Connection’

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 6:55am

There are plenty of reasons to be happy in Hawaii. Think of the beaches, the sunsets, the magical landscapes. They aren’t exactly a bad place to start.

But it seems that there is more to happiness than sunshine, ocean breezes and beautiful scenery. According to a new study from WalletHub, Hawaii has been named the happiest state in America for 2026. And while that may not come as a huge surprise, the state that landed right behind it just might: New Jersey.

WalletHub compared all 50 states across 30 measures of happiness, including depression rates, health, income growth, unemployment, productivity and other factors that can shape how satisfied people feel with their lives.

The findings are interesting at a time when happiness seems to be in short supply. A recent Gallup poll found that just 44% of Americans are “very satisfied” with the way their lives are going.

Related: America’s Favorite Small Towns 2026: Meet the Regional Winners

What Is the Happiest State in America?

So what makes a state happy? According to WalletHub, Hawaii has the highest level of life satisfaction in the country and the second-lowest depression rate.

About 84% of Hawaiian adults report being in good or better health, and the state has the highest life expectancy in America. Hawaii also has one of the country’s lowest unemployment rates and ranks third for the share of households earning more than $75,000 a year.

Why Is Hawaii the Happiest State in America?

“Hawaii is the happiest state, with residents reporting the highest levels of life satisfaction in the nation and the second-lowest depression rate,” says WalletHub analyst, Chip Lupo. So living in paradise may help. But the numbers suggest that health, financial stability and overall quality of life are important parts of the equation, too.

Related: Feeling a Little Bit Down? Here Are 25 Ways To Get Happier in 10 Minutes or Less

What Is the Second-Happiest State in America?

So what was ranked number 2? This is where the list gets really interesting.

New Jersey is the second-happiest state in America.

Why Did New Jersey Rank So Highly?

According to WalletHub, the Garden State has the lowest share of adults experiencing depression in the country. The rate is 2.4 times lower than West Virginia’s, which has the highest. New Jersey also has the fewest suicides per 100,000 residents. This rate is 4.4 times lower than Alaska’s, which has the highest.

The ranking is a good reminder that the things that contribute to happiness aren’t always the things we photograph on vacation. Mental health, economic stability, health and a sense of security matter, too.

Utah is number three, with two particularly interesting statistics. The state has the highest volunteer rate in the country, 2.5 times higher than Rhode Island’s, which has the lowest. Utah also has the lowest separation and divorce rate, 1.7 times lower than New Mexico’s, which has the highest.

So it seems that happiness has a lot to do with connection. “A happy life is built on meaningful relationships, a sense of purpose, personal growth, good health, and enough autonomy to make choices that reflect your values,” says Abbie Lambert, Ph.D., an associate professor at the University of Central Oklahoma.

What Are the 10 Happiest States in America?

Hawaii
New Jersey
Utah
Idaho
Maryland
Nebraska
Connecticut
Minnesota
California
New Hampshire

WalletHub’s experts point to many of the things we already know matter. But we may not always make time for them.

What Makes People Happier Where They Live?

Marybeth Gasman, a distinguished professor at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, says happiness comes from meaningful relationships, purpose-driven work, good health and having some control over how we spend our time. She also makes an important distinction: Happiness doesn’t mean feeling joyful every minute of every day. It’s about working toward a life that feels fulfilling. It’s about a life that can sustain you when things inevitably get difficult.

“I don’t believe happiness means feeling joy every day,” she says. “However, it means that you are working toward a life that is fulfilling and will buoy you even when life throws you punches.”

Community matters, too. Debra Kelly, an assistant professor at Carthage College, points to libraries, parks, recreation centers and community spaces as places where people can form the connections that support well-being. Sometimes, she suggests, the things that bring us happiness aren’t complicated at all: spending time with other people, getting outside, volunteering and helping others. “By providing safe spaces where children and families can gather, neighbors get to know one another and build systems of support to lean on during times of distress,” adds Kelly.

Of course, a ranking can’t tell you where you’ll personally be happiest. One person’s paradise may be another person’s nightmare. But WalletHub’s findings offer an intriguing look at what happy places have in common.

The happiest state may simply be the place where enough of the things that make life meaningful come together. They offer good health, supportive relationships, purpose, financial security, community and a little time to enjoy it all.

Next: The #1 Unexpected Trick to Feeling Happy—Even When the Odds Are Stacked Against You

This 28-Year-Old Cartoon Only Ran for 2 Years, But Is Still One of the Best Series To Teach Kids Critical Thinking, Psychologist Says

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 6:35am

Streaming services have unlocked the ability to watch so many vintage shows that would otherwise be lost to the ether. And the educational children’s show PB&J Otter is one of them.

It only ran for two years in the late ’90s, but it’s still worth checking out today. The low-stimulation show can help children observe important life skills, licensed psychologist Dr. Connie McReynolds tells Parade. Dr. McReynolds, also a certified rehabilitation counselor at Morningstar Educational and Psychological Services, specifically says that PB&J Otter can help with critical thinking skills in young kids.

“One of the strongest messages from this show is that getting stuck is a normal part of learning and that it is part of life,” she explains, adding, “Children can see that it is totally fine to pause, stop, reset and approach a problem differently, and that mistakes are part of developing good problem-solving skills and [don’t] mean they have done anything wrong.”

She thinks the lessons this show provides are especially important for children heading back to school this fall, as they’ll encounter all kinds of opportunities to employ critical thinking skills. If you’re looking for a TV show to help your little ones learn how to brainstorm and problem-solve that’s entertaining but not too overstimulating, keep reading to see all the reasons you should give this one a try.

Related: This 28-Year-Old Children’s Show Is Still One of the Best Ways To Teach Your Kids Life Skills, Psychologists Say

The ’90s Disney Classic Hiding in Plain Sight: What Was ‘PB&J Otter’?

Created by Jim Jinkins, the same cartoonist who made the ’90s Nickelodeon hit Doug, PB&J Otter premiered in 1998 and ran until 2000 on Playhouse Disney. It follows three otter siblings named Peanut, Butter and Jelly who live in a houseboat on Lake Hoohaw.

In the series, the siblings spend time with their animal friends and neighbors and frequently work together to solve everyday problems like dealing with hurt feelings, cleaning up messes and more.

Related: Child Psychologist Reveals: ‘This Is the Best Children’s Show To Work on Empathy in Kids and Grandkids’

The Psychology of the ‘Noodle Dance’: How Moving Helps Kids Think

The PB&J Otter “Noodle Dance” is a plot device used in every episode of the show as a way for the young characters to think their way through a problem. They pair their brainstorming sessions with freeform dance movements and a catchy jingle to help them more easily come up with solutions. Dr. McReynolds says there’s a reason movement and thinking are so linked for children.

@disneyjr

No thoughts. Just Noodle Dance 💃 🎥 PB&J Otter

♬ original sound – Disney Jr.

“This kind of ritual can help children shift out of feeling mentally stuck, as movement can create space for more flexible and creative thinking,” she says, adding that it serves as a healthy reminder that it’s alright to take a break when working through something.

“Movement can interrupt mental overload and help reset attention,” she continues. “Taking time out is part of problem solving, not giving up.”

Ultimately, Dr. McReynolds says that “physical activity can support attention, working memory and mental flexibility,” and the routine use of a catchy song like the “Noodle Dance” helps make “a reset playful rather than making frustration feel like failure,” she says, adding that it’s “a simple strategy [kids] can remember and use.”

Related: The One Feeling a Child Psychologist Wishes Parents Would Stop Trying To ‘Fix’

A 4-Step Masterclass in Toddler Problem-Solving

The plot lines in every episode are different, but PB&J Otter thrives in routine. Every episode, the otter siblings have to confront a problem, and they have a familiar four-step framework to solve it.

1. Identify the roadblock

For instance, in the first episode, the otters deal with feeling left out when their friends are planning something secret without them.

2. Step away to clear their mind

This is where they do the “Noodle Dance” to help them reset.

3. Brainstorm solutions

The siblings then offer different ideas to fix the problem. Not every idea is a winner, but that’s part of the process.

In the first episode, Jelly suggests building a giant telescope to peek into their friend’s house to see what they’re all doing. Instead, Peanut suggests just going and knocking on the door.

“Brainstorming several ideas teaches that imperfect ideas are part of the process, and then choosing and testing a solution builds flexible, practical problem solving,” Dr. McReynolds adds. “It’s a number of skills but done in a fun way.”

4. Execute on the best solution

The otters went up to the door, knocked and learned that the reason for the secrecy was that their friends were planning a surprise party for them. For children watching, seeing the otters communicate their frustration (we feel left out) in a clear, emotionally mature way can be really helpful modeling.

“Having a framework helps teach children to identify the actual problem before reacting, and this pause helps reduce impulsive responding,” Dr. McReynolds explains.

She says that parents can replicate this process in their own home by working with their children to identify the problem they’re trying to solve and taking a movement break to reset before exploring answers.

“I would also suggest that parents encourage their children to look at several possible solutions rather than supplying the answer,” she shares. “Seeing this modeled on a [TV show] means they will see mistakes as normal and know that persistence and trying again are just what we do.”

She continues: “Giving children that time, space and support to explore is a wonderful gift that costs nothing but time.”

Related: From Lemonade Stands to Scavenger Hunts, Here Are 150 Activities for Kids To Keep Them Entertained

Thanasis Zovoilis/Getty Images

Why ‘PB&J Otter’ Is the Perfect ‘Low-Stimulation’ Alternative to Modern Cartoons

Unlike some modern, flashy kids’ shows of today, PB&J Otter thrives with a lower-stimulation, slow-paced environment, as seen in many ’90s shows and cartoons for children.

“One of the benefits of this slower pace is that it gives children time to follow the story and understand what is happening,” says Dr. McReynolds. “Fewer competing sights and sounds can reduce demands on attention and allow them to follow and focus.”

The gentle, pastel-colored world of Lake Hoohaw acts as a comforting backdrop to the different issues the siblings face.

“The slower pacing and fewer competing stimuli may make it easier to follow and understand events,” she explains. “The emphasis stays on the characters, conversation and problem solving, and because of this, children have more opportunity to follow the sequence of cause and effect.”

Essentially, the low-stimulation nature of the cartoon gives children the space to actually process what they’re seeing so they can replicate it in their own lives.

Related: Child Psychologist Is Begging Parents To Teach Kids These 7 Daily Habits

How To Watch ‘PB&J Otter’ on Streaming Today

All three seasons of PB&J Otter are now available to stream on Disney+. There are 65 episodes total, with each one being about a half hour long, so there’s plenty of low-stimulation content for your little ones to check out.

Up Next:

Related: We Asked 3 Child Psychologists for the Best Question To Ask Kids at the Dinner Table, and They All Said the Same Thing

Source:
  • Dr. Connie McReynolds, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and certified rehabilitation counselor at Morningstar Educational and Psychological Services.

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