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It’s officially September, which means that fall is right around the corner. As the new season approaches, we’ll experience cooler temperatures and chill breezes, signaling the start of sweater weather. If you want to give your seasonal wardrobe a refresh, you can’t go wrong with light outerwear, whether it’s a chunky crewneck, oversized hoodie, or dainty cardigan. These layering pieces are easy to throw on to help keep warm as you enjoy fall foliage, pumpkin patches, and apple orchards. 

One option that we love is this Shewin Oversized Waffle-Knit Hoodie at Amazon, and right now, you can score it on sale for up to a whopping 55% off. Normally retailing between $17 and $33, it’s now marked down to as low as $15 for a limited time. Prices slightly vary depending on size and style, but nearly every option is $20 or less. 

Shewin Oversized Waffle-Knit Hoodie, From $15 (was $33) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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You can score this hoodie in 20 colors, including autumnal tones like brown and burnt orange, neutrals like black and khaki, vibrant hues like purple and green, and pastels like mint green and sky blue. Sizes range from extra small to 3XL. It has a roomy fit, so you may want to size down if you prefer something a little more fitted. 

Featuring dropped shoulders and an unstructured silhouette, this hoodie has a slouchy and relaxed look. It’s oversized with plenty of room to move around, keeping you warm without clinging to your body. This hoodie is designed with trendy waffle-knit fabric, setting itself apart from average sweatshirts. The fabric gives this piece a chic accent, adding texture, depth, and dimension. 

The hood is roomy and effortless to put on, offering a sense of comfort while shielding your neck and ears from the chilly temperatures. It’s fitted with an adjustable drawstring, allowing you to tighten it around your head and neck for extra security. The front of the hoodie boasts an incredibly spacious kangaroo pocket, where you could store your phone and keys. You can also tuck your hands into the pocket to keep them toasty. 

Shewin Oversized Waffle-Knit Hoodie, From $15 (was $33) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

This hoodie is made of 95% polyester and 5% elastane, and shoppers raved about its “soft, smooth, and silky” feel. Reviewers noted that the material is thick yet breathable, making it ideal for fall weather. You can wear it by itself on mild days and layer it over a tee or long-sleeve for additional warmth. 

Styled with any outfit, this hoodie adds a fall-ready vibe to your look. You can throw it on for any casual occasion and don it with nearly anything in your closet. “It pairs well with jeans, leggings, or joggers, making it versatile for running errands, lounging at home, or casual outings,” one reviewer said. “It’s a wardrobe staple for anyone who loves comfortable yet chic clothing.”

Whenever this hoodie needs a refresh, it can be put in the washing machine and hung up to dry. Shoppers mentioned that it washes beautifully without shrinking, fading, or wrinkling. 

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• Trendy Queen Cropped Cardigan, From $20 (was $37) at Amazon

Related: This ‘Expensive’-Looking $10 Short-Sleeve Sweater Is a Dream Fall Wardrobe Find in 17 Colors

From busy errand days to chill nights on the couch, you’ll want to be snuggled up in the Shewin Oversized Waffle-Knit Hoodie. Head to Amazon and snag it while it’s still on sale for as low as $15, and be sure to hurry because it’ll only be available at this amazing price for a limited time! 

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Maybe it’s a trickle-down effect of the “maxxing” trend that’s taken over the wellness side of social media, but there seems to be a universal quest to maximize the benefits of everyday habits. 

You might know someone who adds protein powder or stress-reducing adaptogens to their morning coffee. That way, they’re reaping benefits that go beyond the energy boost from the caffeine. Or perhaps you’ve heard of supplement stacking, which is taking multiple supplements at once to “stack” the benefits. 

Drinking electrolyte drinks or using electrolyte powders is similarly seen as a way to get added benefits out of something you would be doing anyway, in this case, staying hydrated. Why drink plain water when you can get extra potassium and other essential minerals?

While electrolyte drinks and powders can be beneficial, cardiologists we talked to say that they are commonly misunderstood. When used incorrectly, they can actually do more harm (including to cardiovascular health) than good.

Related: Doctors Are Begging You To Stop Making This Super-Common Hydration Mistake

How Athletes Can Benefit From Electrolyte Drinks

Electrolyte drinks can definitely be helpful for staying hydrated during a super intense workout. “Electrolyte drinks help replenish some of the electrolytes lost through sweating,” explains Dr. Srihari Naidu, MD, FACC, a cardiologist and professor at New York Medical College. 

Dr. Neil Shah, MD, FACC, a cardiologist with Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital at Northwell North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York, agrees.

“For athletes, the benefit of electrolyte drinks is mostly mechanical,” he explains. “When you sweat out fluid and sodium, blood volume drops, so less blood comes back to fill the heart between beats. During a sustained effort, especially in the heat, the heart compensates by beating faster, roughly three extra beats per minute for every one percent of body weight you lose to sweat.” This means that hydrating with electrolyte drinks can enhance athletic performance.

Dr. Shah says that heavy sweaters can lose a gram of sodium in an hour, explaining, “Replacing fluid and sodium together past the 60 to 90 minute mark helps the heart keep filling and pumping efficiently.” Consuming electrolyte drinks is a great way to do this.

Related: The Simple Hydration Trick I Wish I Knew About Sooner

What’s Most Misunderstood About Electrolyte Drinks

While it can be helpful to hydrate with electrolyte drinks during intense physical activity, both cardiologists say that the biggest misunderstanding about electrolyte drinks and powders is that they are beneficial outside of this. In fact, if you live a primarily sedentary lifestyle, consuming electrolyte drinks regularly can do more harm than good.

“Electrolyte drinks have sodium, sugar and often caffeine. While this can be helpful if you’re running a marathon because sugar is used right away by the muscles, if you’re being sedentary, the sugar isn’t being used by the body,” Dr. Naidu tells Parade. 

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Dr. Naidu points out that a diet high in sugar is linked to obesity, which directly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The sodium in electrolyte drinks can be a problem too, he adds, saying that consuming too much sodium can cause high blood pressure.

“If you’re exercising for under an hour in mild conditions, water is all you need and thirst is a fine guide,” Dr. Shah says, adding that the one exception to this is if someone has a stomach bug with vomiting or diarrhea. That’s another time when electrolyte drinks are helpful for replenishing the body.

Echoing Dr. Naidu, Dr. Shah says that a main problem with consuming electrolyte drinks outside of intense exercise is the sodium content. “The average American already takes in about 3,400 milligrams a day, well past the 2,300 milligrams federal guidelines recommend. Some popular powders add about 1,000 milligrams in a single scoop,” he explains. 

He adds that extra sodium makes the body hold onto fluid and pushes blood pressure up, and high blood pressure remains the leading modifiable driver of heart attack and stroke. “Those high-sodium formulas were built for long, sweaty efforts in the heat, not for sipping at a desk or on the couch,” he says.

Even the potassium in electrolyte drinks can do more harm than good. According to Dr. Naidu, if someone has kidney issues, which is common among older adults, the high potassium content in some electrolyte drinks can be dangerous and can cause arrhythmias or be a reason for dialysis. 

Related: The #1 Sign You Aren’t Drinking Enough Water—and How to Tell if You’re Overhydrated

What To Keep in Mind When Buying Electrolyte Drinks

When deciding whether or not to buy an electrolyte drink—and which one to choose—Dr. Shah says to match the sodium content to how much you sweat.

“[Sodium in electrolyte drinks] ranges from 160 milligrams in a classic sports drink to 1,000 milligrams in some powders,” he says. “For most workouts past an hour, 300 to 600 milligrams covers it, more in heat or heavy sweat. Save the 1,000 milligram formulas for long, hot sessions and heavy sweaters. Salt crust on your skin after a run is a good clue you’re one of them.”

Both doctors warn against relying on electrolyte drinks for everyday hydration, but if you are going to have one when you’re not exercising, Dr. Shah says to choose a low-sugar option.

Dr. Shah emphasizes that even athletes need to be careful when it comes to consuming electrolyte drinks and powders. “Too much of an electrolyte can feel a lot like too little,” he says. “I’ve seen patients double up on packets to chase fatigue and palpitations when the packets were the problem. For endurance athletes, the most dangerous hydration mistake is usually drinking too much, not too little.” 

Dr. Shah sums up his guidance this way: “Drink water when you’re thirsty and eat real food. Save the electrolytes for the days you earn them, or the days your doctor orders them.”

Drinking plain old H20 does your body plenty of good all on its own. Not every habit needs to be maximized. 

Up Next:

Related: Cardiologists Reveal When Outside Temperatures Become Dangerous for Your Heart

Sources 

• Dr. Srihari Naidu, MD, FACC, cardiologist and professor at New York Medical College.
• Dr. Neil Shah, MD, FACC, cardiologist with Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital at Northwell North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York.
• Yang, Q., Zhang, Z., Gregg, E. W., et al. (2024). Added Sugar Intake and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Among US Adults. JAMA Internal Medicine. 174(4):516-524.

There are many beloved artists from throughout music history who have found great inspiration from cities all around the world. Who knows how many songs have been inspired by places like New York, Paris, or London. However, there is one city in Europe that feels utterly defined by a song written there, and that is the 1977 David Bowie classic “Heroes.”

Maybe Bowie’s most defining track, “Heroes” is an iconic song that surely everyone has heard at some point in their lives. It is a massive, soaring composition that details two lovers longing for freedom from the divide of Berlin. Bowie was living in Berlin at the time during one of his most intense creative periods, and the hours spent working on the album of the same name beneath the wall shaped a unique sound that would be most prominently featured in this track.

Though the song wasn’t an instant hit for Bowie, it has received massive reappraisal in the years since it released, with it being featured at the 23rd spot on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list.

From its opening moments, “Heroes” washes over you with its stunning warmth. The synths and guitar work at the beginning feel like a golden ray of light bathing your ears. It’s after this intro that Bowie hits us with some of the most beautiful and idealistic lyrics ever penned.

I, I will be king
And you, you will be queen
Though nothing will drive them away
We can beat them, just for one day
We can be heroes, just for one day

The writing lies a lot more in the abstract, but the emotions and the sparing words we get paint a gorgeous picture of a pair of people longing for something beyond the wall. Bowie gives maybe his greatest vocal performance on this song as well. His wailing scream in the final moments of the track are stunning to listen to. It’s a song that really showcases Bowie at the height of his powers.

“Heroes” is absolutely deserving of its reputation as one of the greatest songs of all time. It is a majestic, stunning work of art that has never failed to make me emotional.

Related: 1966 Rock Masterpiece, Paul McCartney’s Favorite Album, Was a Commercial Failure

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If your social media algorithm has decided you are a person interested in hair, you have almost certainly encountered batana oil by now.

The claims can be extremely bold, like “miracle growth oil,” “my hair grew two inches in a month,” and before-and-afters with dramatically fuller hair delivered with the conviction of someone who has just discovered time travel. It has the full viral treatment, including celebrity co-signs, amber glass bottles and, again, very persuasive testimonials. But is the buzz about something real?

Here’s what’s actually happening with batana oil, and it’s more nuanced than TikTok is letting on. (I know: Surprise, surprise!) The oil is real, there are benefits for the right person using it correctly and it can make a big difference in hair health. The part about growing a lot of hair? That’s where the experts would like to slow things down.

To sort out what batana oil actually does, we talked to four hair experts—Dr. Brendan Camp, board-certified dermatologist; Kerry Yates, trichologist and founder of Colour Collective; Tina Mui, trichologist, master stylist and co-founder of AWARE Hair with over 40 years of experience working with hair and scalps; and Emily DeNard, board-certified clinical trichologist specializing in female hair loss and founder of Emunah Beauty.

Related: Forget Expensive Treatments: This ‘Holy Grail’ Serum Fixes Split Ends Overnight

What Is Batana Oil, Exactly?

Batana oil is extracted from the nuts of Elaeis oleifera—the American palm tree—and has been used to nourish hair for generations in Honduras and throughout Central and South America, per Yates and DeNard. It’s exceptionally rich in fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin E, and it comes in both paste and liquid form depending on how it’s processed.

DeNard adds a quality-control detail worth knowing before purchasing: “Commercial batana oil is not always standardized,” she explains. Some products contain oil from the kernel while scientific studies often examine oil from the fruit’s mesocarp—and these can have meaningfully different chemical compositions. She recommends looking for the botanical name, plant part, country of origin and, ideally, a certificate of analysis before buying.

Mui describes the texture as thick and buttery with a distinctive earthy, roasted scent—much richer than the lightweight oils most people are used to.

Getty

Does Batana Oil Actually Stimulate Hair Growth? What the Science Says

The science hasn’t caught up with the marketing. “We don’t currently have controlled human studies showing that it stimulates the follicle, extends the hair’s growth phase, or treats hair loss in a clinically meaningful way,” Mui tells Parade.

What batana oil can do is reduce breakage and help maintain length and health. “Over time, the hair may look longer, fuller and healthier—but that’s improved length retention, not necessarily faster growth at the follicle,” says Mui.

DeNard is specific about what “more growth” actually means when people report it: “That may be due to normal monthly growth becoming more noticeable, less breakage at the ends, improved shine, scalp massage, another treatment or the resolution of a shedding trigger.” All of those things are real. But none of them are the oil stimulating new follicular activity.

Researchers have identified oleic, palmitic and linoleic acids in the oil along with antioxidant compounds—but “identifying fatty acids or vitamin E in an oil does not prove that the finished product stimulates new growth,” DeNard says. There is currently no direct clinical evidence that batana oil activates dormant follicles, reverses miniaturization, blocks DHT or regrows lost hair.

The linoleic acid in batana oil may also influence pathways involved in androgen-related hair loss; specifically the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. But as Mui puts it, “research on isolated fatty acids in a lab is very different from applying a botanical oil to the scalp.” After four decades of working with scalps, she says batana oil may help protect the hair coming out of the follicle, but it hasn’t been shown to change what the follicle is producing.

Yates adds that when brands instruct users to massage batana oil into the scalp, the massage itself improves circulation and reduces scalp tightness, explaining, “It’s more the act of massaging the scalp that supports scalp health, rather than the batana oil itself.”

Related: 7 Best Shampoos for Gray Hair, According to Celebrity Stylists

Batana Oil vs. Rosemary Oil: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?

Neither is a hair loss treatment, all four experts say. If hair loss is the concern, the first step is understanding the cause—genetics, hormones, inflammation, stress, nutritional deficiencies and medication all produce hair loss through different mechanisms.

Between the two oils, rosemary has more research. DeNard shares a specific randomized comparative trial following 100 people with androgenetic alopecia. “Neither rosemary oil nor 2% minoxidil significantly increased hair count after three months, but both groups experienced improvement after six months, with no statistically significant difference between them.”

Batana oil has no comparable human growth data and is better understood as a conditioning oil. “Batana oil may be more useful for conditioning dry or damaged strands, while properly formulated rosemary oil has more research supporting its potential role in a hair growth routine,” DeNard says.

Dr. Camp recommends more well-established treatments—topical minoxidil or prescription medications—for actual hair loss rather than either oil.

What Are the Real Benefits of Batana Oil for Your Scalp and Strands?

This is where batana oil earns its reputation. As a conditioning oil, it really delivers. Dr. Camp says fatty acids and antioxidants are the mechanism; they improve moisture and protect hair from free radical damage, supporting stronger shafts with more elasticity, shine and volume.

DeNard says that batana oil coats and lubricates the hair shaft, improving softness, shine and manageability while reducing friction during brushing and styling. It may help dry or porous hair retain moisture and reduce mechanical breakage, supporting better length retention over time. The caveat is that “batana oil cannot permanently repair split ends or bring damaged hair fibers back to life. It can condition, soften and temporarily improve their appearance.”

For the scalp, Yates loves it for relieving tightness, dryness and inflammation. What it won’t do is treat dandruff, psoriasis, eczema, folliculitis or the underlying causes of hair loss. 

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Use Batana Oil?

According to the experts, the right candidate has coarse, curly, coily, highly porous, chemically processed or heat-damaged hair that needs more lubrication and softness. DeNard also includes bleached and color-treated lengths and hair that tangles easily in her recommended users.

The wrong candidates are people with fine, straight or naturally oily hair. “It may feel heavy,” DeNard says, and Dr. Camp echoes this—fine or thin hair may find batana oil weighs it down or creates a greasy appearance.

Yates’s rule for fine hair is ends only, light amounts, nothing near the roots.

Scalp-wise, Mui advises caution if there’s already oiliness, congestion, irritation or active flaring of scalp conditions. Patch test first, “natural doesn’t mean non-reactive,” she says—and stop immediately if itching, burning, redness or worsening flaking develops.

Related: 7 Best Shampoos for Gray Hair, According to Celebrity Stylists

How To Use Batana Oil Correctly for Maximum Hair Results

DeNard notes there’s no clinically established dose or application time for batana oil, so her approach is conservative:

• Patch test first.
• Warm a small amount between the palms and apply primarily to mid-lengths and ends. (If the scalp is dry and healthy, a very thin layer can be applied without saturating it.)
• Leave on 30 minutes to three hours.
• Shampoo thoroughly—double shampoo if needed.
• Start with once-weekly use and adjust based on how the hair and scalp respond.

Yates’s hair-slugging approach by hair type is worth saving for anyone with a specific texture concern:

• For coarse or wavy-to-straight hair, apply from mid-lengths to ends.
• For severely damaged hair, apply first then cover with an intensive mask.
• For fine or curly hair with medium texture, combine a hydrating mask cream with batana oil or paste.
• For fine hair, ends only, minimal product, never at the roots.

The signs you’re overusing it are easy to recognize: hair feels greasy after washing, falls flat, attracts more buildup or needs increasingly aggressive cleansing to feel clean.

Up Next:

Related: Does Rice Water Actually Help Hair Growth? I Tried It for 30 Days

Sources:

• Dr. Brendan Camp, board-certified dermatologist, MDCS Dermatology
• Kerry Yates, trichologist and founder of Colour Collective
• Tina Mui, trichologist, master stylist and co-founder of AWARE Hair
• Emily DeNard, board-certified clinical trichologist and founder of Emunah Beauty

In 1993, Duran Duran pulled off one of the great comebacks of the decade with “Ordinary World,” a soaring ballad that introduced the MTV-era superstars to a new generation.

Now another generation has discovered it, quite literally.

Girl Named Tom has teamed up with Vitamin String Quartet for a new rendition of “Ordinary World,” released Sept. 4 ahead of the two groups’ upcoming Crazy Ordinary World Tour. And remarkably, siblings Bekah, Caleb and Joshua Liechty say they had somehow never heard the Duran Duran favorite before taking it on.

“We love discovering great music from years gone by, and it’s been awesome diving into ‘Ordinary World,’” Girl Named Tom said in a statement.

The trio joked that the omission might have been because their father “was tunnel-visioned on U2,” or because Bekah was only 3 when the song came out.

But once they finally heard it, they moved fast.

“Upon hearing it for the first time, we’d made a vocal arrangement and demo within 24 hours,” the group revealed.

Related: Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Voice’ Winner Girl Named Tom Drops New Single That Fans Call ‘So Powerful’

Duran Duran’s ‘Ordinary World’ Became a No. 1 Hit

“Ordinary World” arrived at an uncertain point in Duran Duran’s career. After dominating the 1980s with songs including “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “The Reflex” and “A View to a Kill,” the band’s commercial momentum had slowed by the beginning of the ’90s.

Then came “Ordinary World.”

The song reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped Billboard’s Top 40/Mainstream ranking. It also went to No. 1 in Canada and Italy.

Simon Le Bon wrote the deeply personal lyrics while processing the death of his friend David Miles. Le Bon described its central idea as someone waking up in “a bit of a crazy world” and trying to find an ordinary life that once again felt recognizable and comfortable.

The song helped revive Duran Duran’s career, with “Come Undone” becoming another major hit from 1993’s self-titled album, commonly known as The Wedding Album.

Girl Named Tom Gives ‘Ordinary World’ a New Sound

For the new rendition, Girl Named Tom’s three-part harmonies are paired with Vitamin String Quartet’s strings, turning the Duran Duran ballad into something both familiar and strikingly different.

VSQ violinist Rachel Grace said the groups “loved joining forces” to reinterpret a song she described as both “iconic and moving.”

Girl Named Tom, meanwhile, said working on the arrangement reminded them of the frantic process of preparing music during their time on The Voice. The siblings made history in 2021 as the first and, to date, only group to win the NBC competition.

Fans will also get to hear the collaboration live. Girl Named Tom and Vitamin String Quartet’s Crazy Ordinary World Tour kicks off Sept. 27 in Nashville and continues through October with stops including Tampa, Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Cincinnati and more.

For Girl Named Tom, though, it all started with discovering a 33-year-old song they’d somehow missed.

It took less than a day for them to decide what to do with it.

Related: Beloved Classic Rock Ballad Gets a Haunting New Version 48 Years Later

Labor Day may be known as the unofficial end of summer, but that doesn’t mean everyone wants to spend it standing over a hot grill. After a weekend of cookouts, parties and soaking up the last days of summer, a burrito or bowl that someone else makes can sound pretty appealing.

Of course, holiday hours can make grabbing a quick meal a little more complicated. Restaurants often adjust their schedules for major holidays, so if Chipotle is part of the plan, it’s worth asking: Is Chipotle open on Labor Day?

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Labor Day falls on Monday, Sept. 7, and if Chipotle is on the long-weekend menu, you’ll want to know what to expect before heading out. Here’s everything to know about the chain’s Labor Day schedule, including whether Chipotle will be open and what its holiday hours may look like.

Related: Chipotle Brings Back Fan-Favorite Menu Item and Launches an Unforgettable New Side Dish

Is Chipotle Open on Labor Day?

Jeff Greenberg / Getty Images

Yes, Chipotle will be open on Labor Day 2026. Most locations are expected to operate during their regular Monday hours, although hours can vary by restaurant.

And anyone stopping by over Labor Day weekend will have something new to try. Chipotle brought back Pollo Asado on Aug. 31 with a new recipe featuring grilled adobo chicken seasoned with garlic and Mexican spices and finished with cilantro, citrus and real lime.

The chain is also launching Chili Lime Chips nationwide on September 4. Inspired by a viral fan trend of pairing seasoned chips with Chipotle meals, the new chips arrive just in time for the long weekend.

There’s also a deal worth knowing about if the Chipotle craving hits a day early. On Sunday, September 6, customers who place a digital order for at least two regular entrées after 3 p.m. can get a third regular entrée free at participating locations with the promo code SUNDAYS.

What Are Chipotle’s Labor Day Hours?

Most Chipotle restaurants are expected to follow their regular hours on Labor Day. Many locations are open from around 10:45 a.m. until 11 p.m., giving customers plenty of time to grab lunch or dinner.

Exact opening and closing times can vary by restaurant, however, so it’s a good idea to check the Chipotle website or app for the hours at a specific location before heading out.

For those who would rather skip the restaurant altogether, there’s another Labor Day option. Through Sept. 13, Chipotle is offering a $0 delivery fee on qualifying Pollo Asado orders of at least $10 placed through the Chipotle website or app at participating locations.

So whether Labor Day plans call for a quick lunch, an easy dinner after a day outside or simply taking the night off from cooking, Chipotle should be an option. Just double-check the local restaurant’s hours before heading out.

Related: Looking Ahead to the Holiday Weekend—When Is Labor Day in 2026 and What Does It Mean?

Marvin Gaye’s 1971 classic “What’s Going On” remains a major hit 55 years after its release, with the song continuing to attract hundreds of thousands of Spotify streams and standing as one of the most important recordings of Gaye’s career.

Released in 1971, “What’s Going On” became a breakthrough for Gaye. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart for five weeks and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It eventually sold more than two million copies and became the fastest-selling Motown single at the time.

Its popularity has lasted far beyond the original charts. The What’s Going On album, released on May 21, 1971, is listed as the second-most-streamed album in Marvin Gaye’s catalog on Spotify, with about 792.6 million streams from its main version, according to ChartMasters. 

Soul singer Marvin Gaye performs onstage in circa 1966.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

But the song has another surprising part of its story: NFL players from the Detroit Lions helped make the recording.

Gaye was friends with Detroit Lions players Mel Farr and Lem Barney, and their connection to the singer went beyond football.

“What’s Going On” was a phrase Gaye and the two football players used when greeting each other. When Gaye was recording the song, he invited Farr and Barney to Motown Studio B, per Songfacts.

The two NFL players joined Gaye and the Funk Brothers to add vocal chatter to the recording. The casual conversation helped create the relaxed, almost party-like sound heard at the beginning of the song.

Their voices became part of a recording that would eventually become one of Gaye’s best-known works.

The football connection was not completely unexpected. Gaye had worked hard to become a talented football player himself. Although he never played in the NFL, he became close friends with Farr and Barney.

The recording also included other Detroit musicians and Motown performers. Bobby Rogers of the Miracles joined the background vocals, while musicians from the Funk Brothers provided much of the instrumentation.

The result was a song that sounded warm and welcoming while carrying a much deeper message.

The story behind “What’s Going On” began with Four Tops member Renaldo “Obie” Benson.

In 1969, Benson witnessed police violence during a protest in Berkeley, California. The experience made him question what was happening around him, including why young people were being sent overseas to fight in the Vietnam War.

Benson worked with Motown songwriter Al Cleveland to shape those thoughts into a song. The Four Tops were not interested in recording it, so Benson eventually brought the material to Marvin Gaye.

Gaye added new lyrics, changed parts of the melody and gave the song its final shape.

His own life gave the song even more meaning. Gaye had been deeply affected by the death of his duet partner Tammi Terrell, who died after battling a brain tumor. His brother Frankie had also returned from the Vietnam War with stories that deeply affected him.

Gaye was also becoming uncomfortable with the idea of continuing to record only romantic songs while the country faced war, poverty, racial tension, violence and other social problems.

“What’s Going On” became his way of addressing those issues without abandoning the smooth sound that had made him famous.

Gaye decided to produce the recording himself, rather than relying on the traditional Motown production system. He brought together the Funk Brothers, members of the Detroit Symphony and other musicians to create a different sound.

The recording also featured an accidental technique that became part of Gaye’s signature style.

According to Performing Songwriter, Gaye recorded two lead vocals and asked engineer Ken Sands to prepare them separately so he could compare the performances. Instead, the two vocal parts were accidentally played together. Gaye liked what he heard and kept the double-lead effect.

Another memorable part of the recording came from saxophonist Eli Fontaine. Fontaine was warming up over the track when Gaye told him they already had what they needed. Fontaine explained that he was only playing around.

Gaye responded, “Well, you goof exquisitely.”

The opening saxophone line stayed in the final recording.

Not everyone at Motown was convinced the song would work.

Berry Gordy, the head of Motown, initially opposed its release and called it “the worst thing I ever heard.” Gaye refused to continue recording unless the song was released.

Despite the resistance, the single reached radio stations and quickly found an audience. More than 100,000 copies were sold in its first week, followed by another surge in sales. It ultimately passed two million copies.

Related: 1983 Power Ballad, Recorded in New York Studio, Is Still a Major Hit 43 Years Later

UPDATE: Eden took to Instagram on Sunday and shared that she’s not suffering from an illness. Instead, she had some “nasty” side effects from a medication her physician prescribed, and she’s on the mend.

“It’s okay everyone! I’m okay! Oh, my goodness there has been a bit of miscommunication. I’m not suffering from an illness; my doctor very recently prescribed a brand-new medication that turned out to have some nasty side effects. Due to the discomfort, my doctor ordered me to remain at home until it can be sorted out. What awful timing for this to happen! My deepest appreciation to everyone for the concern. This is just a speedbump! I expect to be out and about as soon as I’m given the go-ahead! Again, my love and thanks to everyone for all the concern.
-Barbara Eden,” the star wrote.

View this post on Instagram

EARLIER: Barbara Eden, who rose to fame on I Dream of Jeannie, dropped out of the Cinecon Classic Film Festival at the last minute this weekend due to a “sudden illness.”

“We’re sorry to share that, due to a sudden illness, Barbara Eden will no longer be able to appear in person at Cinecon tonight,” event organizers announced through a Facebook post, PEOPLE reported, noting that the TV icon, 95, was scheduled to attend the Cinecon Classic Film Festival in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 5.

“Barbara is deeply regretful that she had to cancel at the last minute, as she had been very much looking forward to seeing everyone and celebrating with us,” the post continued. “We know how many of you were excited to welcome Barbara. We appreciate your understanding and join you in sending her our best wishes for a speedy recovery,” they added.

NBC / Getty Images

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Barbara Eden Turned 95 Last Month

Last month, Eden turned 95. Erin Murphy, who rose to stardom on Bewitched, wished the fellow classic TV icon Barbara Eden a happy 95th birthday in a sweet post.

Murphy, 62, who was just a baby when she took on the role of Tabitha Stephens in Bewitched, played the tiny witch on the show from 1966 to 1972. The series followed beloved good witch Samantha Stevens (played by the legendary Elizabeth Montgomery) as she navigated life and motherhood alongside her non-witch husband, Darrin. Tabitha, with her blond hair and adorable looks, inherited the same sneaky witchcraft skills as her mother, to her father’s dismay. Hilarity ensued!

View this post on Instagram Eden and Her Husband Are So Sweet Together

Earlier this year, Eden shared a sweet photo alongside her husband, Jon Eicholtz, showing the duo wearing adorable bunny ears for the Easter holiday.

“Happy Easter from us bunnies! We hope it’s been beautiful and full of joy! -B & J #happyeaster#easter#easterbunny#barbaraeden,” Eden captioned the photo, which showed the blonde beauty in blue bunny ears and a red jacket with her hands placed on her husband’s shoulders. Smiling brightly, the TV icon has barely aged a day since her time on the beloved series, which ran from 1965 to 1970.

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Related: ‘I Dream of Jeannie’ Star Barbara Eden, 94, Works Jeans and Heels Next to R2D2 on Star Wars Day

Apple season is officially here, which means we’re looking for just about any excuse to bake with them. Apple pie and apple crisp are obvious choices, but pastry chef Joseph Feiertag has another suggestion: Jewish apple cake.

His version is packed with thinly sliced apples tossed with cinnamon and sugar, layered through the middle and arranged across the top. The batter gets vanilla and a splash of orange juice, adding a hint of citrus to all that apple and cinnamon. Once it’s out of the oven, a thick slice and a cup of coffee sound like a pretty perfect pairing.

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Feiertag was eating this cake long before he became a pastry chef at Lehigh University, where he’s worked for more than 23 years. He remembers it from childhood, and his family has now been making it for about 50 years. Eventually, his cousins decided the pastry chef in the family should be the one making it.

When he took over, his family had one important piece of advice: “Don’t overbake the cake!”

Feiertag has picked up a few tricks of his own too, from which apples work best to exactly how thick to slice them. Get Feiertag’s family recipe for Jewish apple cake, plus some of the tricks to make it into a star dessert your whole family will love.

Why This Jewish Apple Cake Is My Family’s Favorite

MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images / Getty Images

Feiertag traces the cake back to his grandmother, who made it for her big annual summer picnic when he was about 10 years old. Years later, his aunt was still making it for family visits and holiday dinners.

As a young adult, Feiertag remembers bringing his girlfriend, who would later become his wife, to visit his aunt, uncle and cousins. “There was always cake and coffee waiting on the table when you arrived,” he says. “Sure enough, the apple cake was there.”

As Feiertag and his cousins started families of their own, they gathered at Aunt Barbara’s house for holiday dinners, with apple cake for dessert. At one dinner, one of their teenagers had a question: Why did they call it Jewish apple cake when the family was Austrian? “And just like that, the name stuck,” Feiertag says. From then on, they called it Austrian Jewish apple cake.

Eventually, his cousins passed the baking duties on to Feiertag. “I was now officially responsible for making the family cake because, after all, I was the pastry chef in the family,” he says.

His family also had one warning: Don’t overbake it. Aunt Barbara, Feiertag says, had a reputation for doing just that “all. the. time.”

Related: Costco’s Sweet and Creamy Fall Dessert Is Finally Back and Shoppers Are Hooked: ‘This Is the Best Thing Ever’

The Pastry Chef Secret: Choosing the Perfect Baking Apple

gerenme / Getty Images

Feiertag’s Aunt Barbara used Granny Smith apples, and they’re still one of his two picks for the cake today. “It has a bold apple flavor, sharp tartness and firm texture that resists breaking down when baked,” he says.

His grandmother likely used Rome or Granny Smith apples because there weren’t nearly as many varieties available when she started making the cake 50 years ago.

Feiertag’s other pick is Pink Lady apples. “It’s sweeter than tart, but also has good texture,” he says. So, if you want more tartness, go with Granny Smith; for a sweeter cake, try Pink Lady.

Ingredients Needed

Anjelika Gretskaia / Getty Images

You don’t need a long shopping list for Feiertag’s apple cake. Most of the ingredients are baking basics, with orange juice adding a little citrus to the batter.

For the cake, you’ll need:

• 4 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable or avocado oil
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/3 cup orange juice
• 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• Baking release spray, for the pan

For the apple layer, you’ll need:

• 2 medium apples
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

How to Make Jewish Apple Cake

MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images / Getty Images

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Add the eggs, sugar and oil to a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix for about five minutes, then add the orange juice and vanilla. Stir in the flour and baking powder until combined.
2. Core, peel and halve the apples, then cut them into thin slices. Place them in a medium bowl with the sugar and cinnamon, and toss until evenly coated.
3. Generously spray the bottom, sides and center tube of a tube pan with baking release spray. Pour in half of the batter, and arrange about two-thirds of the cinnamon-sugar apples on top.
4. Pour the remaining batter over the apples, then arrange the rest of the apple slices on top.
5. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the cake to check for doneness; it should come out clean.

Related: Sam’s Club’s New $8 Dessert Serves 16 Squares of Chocolatey, Caramel Goodness

The Steps Most Home Bakers Skip (But Shouldn’t)

Olha Dobosh / 500px / Getty Images

Feiertag says two steps are especially important when making this cake. The first is mixing the eggs, oil and sugar for the full five minutes called for in the recipe.

“This step is important for trapping air pockets in the fat and eggs, and acts like a mechanical leavening, giving cakes and cookies their light rise and tender texture,” he says.

You’ll also want to pay attention to the thickness of the apple slices. Cut them too thin, and the apples on top can burn. “This is why my aunt dusted it with powdered sugar—to hide the overdoneness,” Feiertag says.

Slices that are too thick come with a different set of problems. “The apples sink, causing a soggy bottom, or it takes forever to bake, and you burn the top and you need more powdered sugar,” he says.

Feiertag recommends cutting the apples about as thick as three quarters stacked together.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Jon Lovette / Getty Images

This Jewish apple cake is a good option if you want to get dessert out of the way ahead of time. Feiertag says it freezes well as long as it’s securely wrapped or placed in an airtight container.

For shorter-term storage, his family kept the cake right on the counter. “We kept ours on the counter for days in an old Rubbermaid cake server,” he says. “It’s ‘vintage’ now, and I probably still have it somewhere.”

If you’re making the cake well in advance, freeze it. Otherwise, an airtight container will help keep it fresh for the next few days.

Time to Dig In

The cake can be served at room temperature, with a little powdered sugar over the top if you’d like. For dessert, try it with vanilla ice cream or lightly whipped cream. And there’s always Feiertag’s family favorite: a slice with a cup of coffee after dinner.

Source:

• Joseph Feiertag is a pastry chef at Lehigh University.

Related: This Popular Protein Bar Brand Just Turned Apple Pie Into a Fall Workout Snack

Dane Cook is opening up about how he dropped 50 pounds.

The popular comedian, 54, rose to stardom as a stand-up and hit it big with films like Employee of the Month, Good Luck Chuck, and My Best Friend’s Girl. But in a new Instagram post, the star revealed that he recently lost 50 pounds, bringing his weight down to 195 pounds. He noted that’s a number he hasn’t seen on the scale since 2009.

Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

In a post that can’t be embedded, Cook opened up about his workout routine. Combining a mix of cardio, Pilates, and strength training, he’s also stepped into the world of peptides.

Click here to head to Cook’s Instagram page, where he shows off the results of his 50-pound weight loss.

“Down over 50 lbs to 195 lbs – not since 2009 Daily swim – 500 + cal burn. 30 min Pilates mostly red spring no breaks straight through. Extra abs always. Kettlebell for 5 min each morning part of my warm up – round the worlds both low and around my head
Abs on the roller a few nights a week before bed. Food is carnivore adjacent and a daily fast until around noon (protein shake w/ (collagen + protein). NAD PLUS 3 days a week
Peptides – TB500 / BPC / GHK-CU all for muscle recovery and digestion, skin & hair, tissue repair & reducing inflammation Red light therapy / red bed sometimes,” Cook explained. “The peptides mostly for recovery because when I swim it’s several full body activating sprints attached to the swim tether. And I’m active – sometimes racquetball or even playing with two grown Rhodesian Ridgebacks daily is a lot of physical play running and tiring them out. Best shape of my life but we are not done yet. Follow for updates or any changes I make that you might wanna try.”

In a follow-up post, Cook showed off his svelte frame and thanked fans and followers for their support.

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What’s Dane Cook’s New Documentary About?

Cook’s new documentary, Funny Money: The Dane Cook Story, is a new true-crime documentary that explores how Cook’s half-brother Darryl McCauley stole millions from him.

“Dane Cook had it all: fame, fortune, and sold-out arenas. Then he discovered his own brother had stolen millions. Funny Money reveals the shocking betrayal that nearly destroyed him and his fight to reclaim his life,” the description reads.

Related: Dane Cook Reveals Bizarre Place His Brother Hid Money After Stealing Millions From Him

Outside of firing up the grill and catching all the sales you can find, Labor Day is the best time to say sayonara to the long, languishing days of summer as we inch just a little bit closer to fall. Although it may not be your last chance to throw some burgers and dogs on the grill, it might be one of the last times before Thanksgiving that you’re able to get all your closest friends and family together for a real deal cookout. And we’re not just talking about your average run-of-the-mill grilling sessions—we’re talking about an absolute barbecue fest complete with all the fixin’s. 

Pasta or potato salad, corn on the cob, maybe even a few brats, and of course perfectly ripe grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream. But if you’re struggling to figure out how to pull it all off and wondering if Sam’s Club is open on Labor Day, worry not, because we’ve got the answer for you. 

Related: 125 Labor Day Weekend Instagram Captions To Let the Good Times Roll

Is Sam’s Club Open on Labor Day?

Scott Olson / Getty Images

We’ve all been there before. It’s the ninth hour; you’re running around trying to figure out what needs to be done next when suddenly you realize that you forgot to get the hot dogs. You immediately spiral, grab your keys, and head out the door without even checking to see if Sam’s Club is open first. Fortunately, Sam’s Club stores will be open on Labor Day, so you can pick up any lingering ingredients and a pack or two of Nathan’s Famous. Meltdown averted! 

Of course, it’s still always a great idea to plan ahead if you can. Our secret to effortless hosting for Labor Day and beyond is to determine what’s essential—like the mains and a few sides—and then figure out what can be subbed out or forgotten altogether. That way, things feel a bit less panicked if you do end up needing to make a last-minute run.

What Are Sam’s Club’s Labor Day Hours?

In addition to planning ahead, we also recommend double-checking your local club’s hours before committing to swinging by, just in case they decide to close early. Generally speaking, most Sam’s Club stores will be open during normal business hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for Plus members and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. for Club members. That means you’ll have plenty of time to get in, grab your emergency potato salad and get out before your guests arrive. Provided you can make it through the sea of other last-minute shoppers who also forgot the hot dogs, of course, 

Either way, Sam’s Club has you covered. So, what are you waiting for? You’ve got a barbecue to plan! We’ll bring the ice cream.

Related: Does USPS Mail Run on Labor Day? Is the Post Office Open?

Few things say weekend morning quite like a warm stack of flapjacks. Soft and fluffy, topped with sweet syrup and a pat of creamy, salty butter, they’re a breakfast worth slowing down for.

Of course, they’re not exactly the easiest thing to grab when you’re running out the door. So Little Debbie is taking that weekend breakfast moment and turning it into a less-sticky snack you can enjoy anytime.

The new Little Debbie FlapJack Mini Muffins were first highlighted earlier this summer, with reports that they would begin arriving in stores in early September. And right on schedule, they’re starting to show up.

Snack expert Zach (@snachwithzach) recently shared the news with his followers, highlighting the newest addition to Little Debbie’s Mini Muffins lineup.

@snachwithzach

We’ve got some exciting new snack releases to kick off September so let’s get into the list! Little Debbie’s new FlapJack Mini Muffins are hitting stores now for back-to-school season with a maple syrup flavor. Eggo has new Brown Sugar Cinnamon waffles inspired by Korean hotteok. Banquet has launched new Mega Chicken Tenders, triple-sized crispy chicken tenders available in Original and Spicy. Pillsbury’s new frozen Grands Croissants are hitting stores in Butter and Chocolate varieties, ready to bake in about 30 minutes. Herr’s has launched new Four Cheese Mac & Cheese Curls wherever Herr’s products are sold. Red Baron’s new CrunchTime microwavable personal pizzas cook in five minutes with a crispy crust, available in Four Cheese, Pepperoni, and Meat Trio. Annie’s has two new mac and cheese flavors: limited-edition Grilled Cheese, launching first at Target before expanding elsewhere, and SUPER! Mac Dill Pickle, available at Walmart, Target, and Amazon. Jack Link’s and Meat Church BBQ have teamed up for Holy Cow Texas-Style BBQ Rub Beef Jerky and Honey Hog BBQ Rub Pork Jerky, available at select Walmart stores nationwide throughout September while supplies last. Are you excited for any of these new snack releases for September? #snacks #littledebbie #macandcheese #foodtok #groceryshopping

♬ original sound – snachwithzach Little Debbie FlapJack Mini Muffins Bring Pancake Flavor on the Go

The Washington Post / Getty Images

The new mini muffins pack the flavors of a leisurely pancake breakfast into a bite-sized snack, with the packaging promising a “big syrupy taste” without the sticky mess. They’re naturally and artificially flavored and, despite that syrupy sweetness, made without high-fructose corn syrup.

Each 8.44-ounce box contains individually wrapped pouches of mini muffins, making them easy to grab on a busy morning or tuck into a lunchbox for later.

Instacart now lists Little Debbie FlapJack Mini Muffins starting at $2.79, though pricing and availability may vary by location and retailer.

Related: We Asked 5 Chefs Their Favorite Little Debbie Snack, and Their Picks Were Pure Lunchbox Nostalgia

The timing couldn’t be much better. With school back in session, the individual packs make an easy addition to lunchboxes, after-school snack stashes, road trips, or even a desk drawer for those afternoons when something sweet sounds especially good.

And while they’re inspired by breakfast, there’s certainly no rule saying you have to eat them before noon. That buttery, syrupy flavor sounds just as tempting alongside an afternoon cup of coffee or as a sweet little treat after dinner.

After a summer of waiting, Little Debbie FlapJack Mini Muffins are finally beginning to arrive, giving pancake lovers a portable new way to enjoy those familiar breakfast flavors without a griddle, fork, or sticky bottle of syrup in sight.

Sylvester Stallone has built a decades-long career playing tough guys, from Rambo to Rocky, who rise up in the face of danger and adversity. What he didn’t count on before filming the 1982 blockbuster First Blood was that he and his co-stars would have to do the same, suffering real-life injuries on the set.

Stallone’s first movie as Vietnam vet John Rambo was First Blood, which was so popular it spawned an entire franchise. In the film, Rambo’s PTSD is triggered when he’s arrested for minor infractions and deputies taunt him at the police station. His panicked escape prompts a massive manhunt for the war hero. But filming proved to be more dangerous for Stallone and his castmates than for the fictional characters they played.

Stallone insisted on doing some of his own stunts, opting to step in for the final third of Rambo’s desperate cliff jump. In 2024, he told Best Action Movies that the first take was successful, but the director wanted to film the jump a second time for “safety.”

But when he leaped toward the tree for a second take, Stallone hit a tree branch “in the dead center of my ribs and broke them,” he said. Hitting the ground only added insult to injury, so when Rambo yells out on the ground in agony? That’s Stallone’s “real” reaction to breaking several ribs.

Stallone wasn’t the only walking wounded on the set of First Blood. The late actor Brian Dennehy, who played Sheriff Teasle, also wound up with broken ribs while filming the scene in which he crashes through the police station ceiling, according to John Barker‘s newly-published book, All The Right Movies: The Stories and Secrets Behind the Making of 25 Iconic Films.

In addition, Alf Humphreys, who played Deputy Lester, broke his nose “when Stallone’s elbow accidentally connected during a fight scene,” Barker wrote.

A Stuntman Was Also Seriously Injured On the Set of First Blood

The First Blood shoot even proved dangerous for Bennie Dobbins, who was a third-generation stuntman, according to Looper. During the movie’s infamous car and motorcycle chase, things did not go as planned. After Rambo jumps over train tracks on his stolen bike, Sheriff Teasle’s police car follows suit. Dobbins was in the driver’s seat filming the stunt.

In 2008, a paramedic who was on the British Columbia film set in case of an emergency recalled the scary moment for a blog devoted to First Blood. Explaining that the crew had set up ramps in the road to make the car leap over the tracks at 70 mph, he said, “the car came down well beyond the three railway tracks and on all four wheels simultaneously, instantly stopping the engine while the car, still doing about 40 miles an hour, rolled down the road.”

Actor Sylvester Stallone plays Rambo on the set of First Blood based on the novel by Canadian David Morrell and directed by Ted Kotcheff.

Photo by Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

“While everyone there stood in amazement at what had just happened, the silent car gradually rolled to a stop, the drivers door opened, and Dobbins fell out onto the road,” he continued. “It was as though the car had been dropped straight down from the roof of a two story building, and Dobbins’ back had been broken by the compression forces. He could easily have been paralyzed.”

Dobbins did recover and went on to serve as stunt coordinator for many ’80s action movies, including 48 Hrs., Jumpin’ Jack Flash, and The Running Man, per IMDb. Sadly, he died at 55 while filming another movie, Red Heat, after suffering a heart attack on the set in 1988.

In the end, First Blood cost $14 million to make and was a megahit at the box office, grossing more than $125 million worldwide, per Screen Daily. It is currently available to watch for free via Tubi and YouTube, and can also be found on Netflix, Apple TV, and Prime Video.

For generations, the traditional art world drew a strict, uncompromising line between “high art” and popular culture. Paintings hanging in gilded museum frames were treated with reverence, while comic strips, movie concept sketches, and serialized pulp illustrations were often brushed aside as commercial ephemera.

George Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson, are officially rewriting that rulebook.

On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will open its doors in Los Angeles‘s historic Exposition Park. Billed as a first-of-its-kind cultural institution, the museum is dedicated entirely to visual storytelling across human history—treating prehistoric cave drawings, Golden Age comic books, and blockbuster cinematic artifacts as part of one continuous artistic lineage.

Related: George Lucas’s New Museum Receives Exciting Update For 2026

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 02: A view outside during the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art Opening Preview at Lucas Museum of Narrative Art on September 02, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Lucas Museum of Narrative Art)

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.

The soaring 300,000-square-foot building, designed by Ma Yansong of MAD Architects with Stantec, looks like a sleek, aerodynamic cloud floating above a brand-new 13-acre public park. Inside, visitors will find over 100,000 square feet of gallery space spanning 30-plus exhibition rooms, two continuous drop-in movie theaters, a free research library, and an open-to-the-public rooftop restaurant dubbed the Skywalker Grill.

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art CEO Tracey Bates emphasized the ambitious scope of the project, sharing: “George Lucas and Mellody Hobson have an unshakeable faith in the power of visual storytelling to inspire not just individuals but entire societies, bringing people together around goals, beliefs, and values worth sharing. It’s incredibly rewarding to finally welcome the public through our doors. Every gallery, every program, every corner of this museum was built with our visitors in mind, and we can’t wait for people to experience it.”

Related: 1971 George Lucas Flop Invented the ‘Star Wars’ Aesthetic 55 Years Ago

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 02: A view inside during the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art Opening Preview at Lucas Museum of Narrative Art on September 02, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Lucas Museum of Narrative Art)

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

The architectural footprint itself was conceived to echo that narrative flow. Architect Ma Yansong explained: “I am deeply grateful to George Lucas and Mellody Hobson for giving me the opportunity to create a building that will faithfully serve the visitors and the art while being as light and free as a cloud, or a dream. Designed with emotional architecture spaces, so that it is fluid in every part, and merged like a natural feature of the landscape into Exposition Park, the building invites everyone to participate in a journey of discovery and become part of the story of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.”

The inaugural exhibitions trace narrative history through more than 1,300 works. Visitors will encounter works by Artemisia Gentileschi, Frida Kahlo, and Vincent van Gogh hanging alongside iconic American illustrators like Norman Rockwell, Maxfield Parrish, and N.C. Wyeth, as well as comic legends Charles Schulz, Jack Kirby, and Robert Crumb.

Related: One of NYC’s Most Beloved Art Museums Will Reopen After Nearly Two Years

Film lovers will find the complete Lucas Archives on display, featuring a dedicated Star Wars in Motion gallery showcasing original physical builds, concept art, and vehicles ranging from Luke Skywalker’s 1977 Landspeeder to General Grievous’s Wheel Bike.

Surrounding the museum, an expansive 13-acre botanical park designed by Mia Lehrer of Studio-MLA replaces a former asphalt parking lot with 300 native trees, waterfall fountains, and 10 monumental outdoor bronze sculptures—including heroic Star Wars figures and tributes to stop-motion animation pioneers.

Between its boundary-breaking collections and accessible public gardens, the landmark institution proves that the stories that shape our imaginations belong in the center of the cultural conversation.

Related: America’s First-of-Its-Kind Museum Opens in Florida, Showcasing Otherworldly Creatures Older Than Dinosaurs

Eugene Levy and his wife, Deb Divine, are the cutest red carpet couple at the Creative Arts Emmys.

The beloved Canadian actor, 79, rose to stardom on SCTV before becoming a fan favorite in films like American Pie, Waiting for Guffman, and Best in Show. Of course, his role in Schitt’s Creek introduced him to an entirely new generation of comedy lovers! But now, the star hit the red carpet at the 2026 Creative Arts Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, and he looked so in love with Divine, his wife of almost 50 years. Check out the sweet duo below:

Frank Micelotta / Getty Images

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Eugene Levy’s Touching Remembrance for Catherine O’Hara

Levy shared a touching remembrance of Catherine O’Hara upon her passing, the Hollywood Reporter noted. Known for roles in films like Home Alone, Beetlejuice, Best in Show, Waiting for Guffman, A Mighty Wind, and After Hours, O’Hara also had a longstanding friendship with Levy, which culminated in their work on Schitt’s Creek.

“Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel today. I had the honor of knowing and working with the great Catherine O’Hara for over fifty years. From our beginnings on the Second City stage, to SCTV, to the movies we did with Chris Guest, to our six glorious years on Schitt’s Creek, I cherished our working relationship, but most of all our friendship. And I will miss her. My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke, and the entire O’Hara family,” he wrote.

Eugene Levy’s Son, Dan Levy, Also Honored Catherine

Schitt’s Creek star and creator Dan Levy opened up about how he’s coping in the wake of Catherine O’Hara‘s death.

Levy, 43, played O’Hara’s son David on the hit series, which followed the wealthy Rose family after they lost their fortune and were forced to seek refuge in a rural Canadian town named Schitt’s Creek. The family patriarch, video tycoon Johnny Rose (played by the legendary Eugene), once purchased the town as a joke for their son David’s birthday decades prior. O’Hara earned rave reviews and legions of new fans for her role as matriarch Moira Rose, the eccentric actress known for bizarre word pronunciations and an extensive wig collection.

But in an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Levy opened up about what gives him the greatest comfort since losing O’Hara at 71 in January.

“Listen, it’s like a collective loss, I think,” Levy shared. “She was the greatest. She’s irreplaceable. The great comfort for me has just been to see how loved she was — the outpouring. Everyone felt like they kind of knew her.”

Fallon raved about O’Hara, noting that “She could do everything. She was one of the funniest comedians I’ve ever seen. Can do characters. Gorgeous.” Levy spoke of her as “Unbelievably talented at improvising. One of the great, great, great queens.”

Related: ‘Schitt’s Creek’ Star Annie Murphy Shares Touching Tribute to Costar Catherine O’Hara

As the 2026 NFL season gets underway, New York Giants fans are once again focused on winning. Odell Beckham Jr. is back on the Giants roster and back wearing No. 13. Quarterback Jaxson Dart, wide receiver Malik Nabers and elite pass rusher Brian Burns are all giving NFL fans something to talk about, 40 years after the ’86 Giants pulled off one of the biggest stunts in professional football history just an hour before heading out to Pasadena to face the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI.

@nadachamp

#nygiants embrassing. #cringeworthy #vintage #nfl

♬ original sound – N/ADaChamp

In 1986, the Giants faced the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI in Pasadena, California. Just an hour before boarding the bus to the airport, several members of the squad made an impromptu rap and dance video called “We Are the New York Giants.”

The Chicago Bears had famously created “Super Bowl Shuffle” the year before, and the ’86 Giants wanted to capture some of the Bears’ pop-culture magic. Unlike the Bears, who produced their video and filmed it well in advance of reaching the Super Bowl, the Giants players put theirs together at the last minute, giving the players only a few hours to learn the lyrics and dance moves.

The video may look underproduced, even rushed, but that’s exactly what makes it so entertaining today. The New York Giants would go on to beat the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI, but an hour before departing, they weren’t acting like polished pop stars or even the megawatt star athletes that they were. They were just teammates having fun and celebrating one of the biggest moments in any of their careers.

Related: Olympic Figure Skater Joining ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Had Her Best-Ever Performance to This ’80s Classic

The Giants Wanted Their Own “Super Bowl Shuffle” @truseeker777_2.0

Chicago Bears Shufflin’ Crew – Super Bowl Shuffle (1985). #chicagobearsshufflincrew #chicagobears #superbowlxx #superbowl #80ssports #80sfootball #fyp

♬ Silence 3 Minutes – Silent Meditation, No Sound Pause Breaks

The Bears’ “Super Bowl Shuffle” became a genuine pop-culture phenomenon. The Giants’ version never reached that same level of pop-culture zeitgeist, but it offers a timeless snapshot of the culture of the late 1980s, when not everything an NFL star did had to be curated and turned into part of a social media strategy.

“We Are the New York Giants” may not be as polished as a heavily produced team marketing video or a perfectly curated music video, but it captures a moment in time, just an hour before some of the biggest sports stars in the world headed off to play on the world’s biggest stage.

Here, these future Super Bowl champions are just athletes having fun.

Related: Olympic Skating Legend, 62, Who Created Magic at the 1988 Winter Games, Can Still Make the Ice Sing

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Summer may get most of the credit for backyard hangs, but we’re making a case for fall as the real outdoor activities season. Think crisp afternoons watching soccer from the sidelines, tailgates before the big game, nights around the bonfire, leaf-peeping picnics, camping trips, and weekends spent at apple orchards and pumpkin patches. When your autumn calendar starts filling up, having somewhere comfortable to sit becomes very important.

And conveniently, REI’s Labor Day sale gives you an excellent reason to upgrade your seat before fall gets underway. The REI Co-Op Flexlite Camp Chair is currently 25% off, dropping from its usual $90 to just $67 for the holiday weekend. That’s $23 back in your pocket for a chair you could end up hauling from one activity to the next.

REI Co-Op Flexlite Camp Chair, $67 (was $90) at REI

Courtesy of REI

Shop at REI

Weighing just 1 pound, 11 ounces, this chair is surprisingly “comfortable” for something so “compact” and “convenient,” according to REI shoppers. The “durable” scoop-style seat is made from abrasion-resistant ripstop polyester and designed to eliminate uncomfortable tension points, so there’s less shifting around trying to find the right position. It sits 11 inches off the ground and measures 25 inches tall by 20 inches wide and 20 inches deep when unfolded, offering plenty of room to sit without the bulk of a traditional folding chair. And despite how little it weighs, it can support up to 250 pounds.

The chair’s aluminum pole-and-hub frame works like a lightweight tent, with a stable four-legged base that is “easy to pack.” Large openings and pull loops on the pole pockets help get the fabric seat onto the frame, and the entire chair collapses to just 4.5 inches by 15 inches. Once tucked into the included drawstring bag, it’s compact enough to store inside a backpack, camping bin, or trunk.

The fabric, available in three solid colors and two patterns, was made with outdoor adventures in mind. It has a durable water-repellent finish to help resist moisture and stains, which comes in handy on dewy grass, at damp campsites, or when the inevitable drink gets knocked over. 

Shop More Deals

• REI Co-Op Campwell Chair, $45 (was $60) at REI
• REI Co-Op Camp Low Chair, $52 (was $70) at REI
• REI Co-Op Flexlite Camp Dreamer Chair, $97 (was $130) at REI

REI shoppers left plenty of praise for this “sturdy” seat in the reviews section, calling it “a great chair for camping, backpacking, or sitting out watching a little league game.” One customer said “it’s the little chair that can, and does,” calling it “lightweight, compact, and not too heavy on the budget.” Other shoppers highlighted that it “packs down to small size for stowage in bags,” which is especially important for camping and backpacking.

Related: Patagonia’s Lightweight Quilted Jacket Is ‘Perfect for Fall’ and 50% Off at REI During Its Labor Day Sale

Your fall plans may be ever-changing, but at least your seat is sorted. Shop the REI Co-Op Flexlite Camp Chair for $67 at REI while it’s 25% off during the retailer’s Labor Day sale!

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.

Labor Day has a way of sneaking up on you. One minute it’s the unofficial start of summer, and the next you’re staring down the first Monday in September—which happens to be Sept. 7 this year—and wondering where the season went. For plenty of shoppers, the long weekend also means an extra grocery run for burgers, snacks, drinks and all those things everyone somehow forgot to put on the list. If you live in the Southeast, there’s a good chance that a grocery run involves a Publix. But is Publix open on Labor Day?

For anyone who doesn’t live near one, Publix is a supermarket chain that has become something of a regional institution. Founded in Florida in 1930, the employee-owned company now has more than 1,400 stores across eight states, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky. Florida is very much Publix territory, with hundreds more stores there than in any other state, but the chain has steadily expanded throughout the Southeast.

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Is Publix Open on Labor Day?

Enough of the history lesson, you’ll be pleased to know that Publix is, in fact, open on Labor Day. So if you’re missing a key ingredient for your strawberry pretzel pie or infamous potato salad, you can shop at Publix on Monday, Sept. 7, to grab what you need.

Related: Dollar Tree’s $1.50 Stoneware Mugs Are the Prettiest Way to Enjoy Your Morning Coffee

What are Publix’s Labor Day Hours? View this post on Instagram

Suffice it to say, many retailers who are open on Labor Day often operate on a limited schedule. Publix is not one such store. The grocer will be open during its regularly scheduled hours on Labor Day, which is 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.. That said, the Publix pharmacy will be closed on the holiday, so make sure to pick up any necessary prescriptions the day before, unless you can wait until the day after.

If you’re stocking up for a Labor Day gathering, Publix is a pretty convenient place to knock out the whole list in one trip. Think all the cookout essentials: burgers, hot dogs and chicken, buns, condiments and plenty of chips for grazing. You can also grab fresh fruit and vegetables for lighter sides, along with deli favorites, bakery treats and something sweet to round out the meal.

Related: Target’s New 6-Tier Arched Bookcase Is Perfect for Blending Farmhouse Style With Vintage Appeal

YOB, the ’90s metal band, has announced unexpected news regarding their upcoming shows this year. 

With several festival appearances and headlining shows scheduled, the trio, composed of lead vocalist and guitarist Mike Scheidt, bassist Aaron Rieseberg and drummer Dave French, has withdrawn from its live performance at RippleFest Texas on Sept. 18.

In a social media update, the frontman confirmed in a video that they will be “cancelling” their scheduled appearance at the event after suffering from nerve damage stemming from spinal stenosis.

Moreover, their upcoming appearance at Soulcrusher in the Netherlands and the standalone headlining shows at Saint Vitus Bar in Brooklyn, New York and a performance with Smoke The Fuzz in Greece, all scheduled for October, will be affected.

Mike Scheidt of YOB performs in concert during Villamanuela Festival 2014 in Madrid, Spain.

Mariano Regidor/Redferns

“Hey friends! We are sad to say that we need to cancel our upcoming appearance at Ripple Fest, and our October shows at St Vitus, Soulcrusher in the Netherlands, and with Smoke The Fuzz in Greece. Mike started experiencing some tingling in his left hand a few weeks back, but it would go away upon wiggling his fingers and so he didn’t think much of it. Recently, he woke up one morning and his left arm and shoulder were on fire from nerve pain, with his left arm not functioning properly. An MRI revealed cervical spinal stenosis due to calcium deposits that are pinching a nerve and causing his left arm and hand issues. We’re currently waiting on an appointment with a neurologist to discuss treatment options, though surgery will likely be involved. Luckily it’s a minimally invasive one, but we’re in a holding pattern until we find out more,” the caption reads.

View this post on Instagram

The comment section was filled with support and understanding from fans following the sad and unexpected news regarding Scheidt’s health.

“Hang in there!!!! You’ll be back before ya know it!!!” one wrote.

“Heal quick, legend,” a follower said.

At the same time, RippleFest’s official Instagram also commented on the band’s post, stating, “So sorry to hear about your condition Mike! We hope for a speedy recovery. RippleFest Texas is love and we are sending all we can towards you! We will see you on a stage soon, bigger and better than ever!”

Despite the abrupt cancellation, YOB promised fans that they are preparing for something “exciting” in the future.

“We were so looking forward to these shows! The good news is we have a lot of exciting things to share and we can’t wait to show you what we’ve been cooking up!” the band stated in their post.

This might include the band’s upcoming new album, which was planned to be released sometime this year, according to The PRP.

The record will mark the band’s long-awaited follow-up to their 2018 album, Our Raw Heart.

Related: 1994 Rock Song, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of All Time,’ Was Written in a Boston Bathroom in 20 Minutes

Between surging airfares and eye-watering peak hotel rates, planning an autumn escape can quickly feel like an exercise in budget acrobatics. Yet fall also happens to be the sweetest window on the calendar for road trips: summer crowds have packed up, mid-day heat has faded into crisp sweater weather, and nature puts on its most dramatic show free of charge.

To find out how far a shoestring budget can actually stretch right now, we issued a challenge: If you had $500 total to spend on a fall trip, where would you go, how long could you stay, and how would you make the most of it?

From Smoky Mountain valleys to Tennessee river bluffs and coastal New England seaside havens, here is how three seasoned travel writers would spend every single dollar.

Related: A New Priceline Study Reveals Where Everyone’s Leaf-Peeping for Fall 2026

1. Great Smoky Mountains (Pigeon Forge & Sevierville, Tennessee)

James Randklev via Getty

Recommended by Jen Curnutt, Adventure & Luxury Travel Expert and Founder at Jen33Travel

If you want big scenic views on a tight budget, the Great Smoky Mountains are hard to beat—mostly because the main attraction is free.

“The Smokies punch way above their weight in fall because the main attraction, the national park, costs almost nothing to visit,” says travel writer Jen Curnutt. “Other than paying $5 for a daily parking tag, there’s no entrance fee to the national park. Yet, there are endless things to do including easy hikes, waterfalls to explore, picnic spots, and scenic drives like Newfound Gap Road, Foothills Parkway, and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.“

To make $500 stretch across a two-night road trip for two people, Curnutt recommends skipping pricey park-adjacent lodging right in Gatlinburg in favor of neighboring towns:

• Lodging: $200–$250 for two nights at a roadside motel in Sevierville or Pigeon Forge
• Gas: $75–$100 (driving within a few hours of the park)
• Groceries & Picnics: $75
• National Park Parking Tags: $10 (for 2 days)
• Dining Out & Activities: $65–$140

“One of the easiest ways to save money is to buy groceries for breakfast and picnic lunches, then use the money you’ve saved for one memorable dinner out,” Curnutt notes. “Plus, picnicking in the Smoky Mountains at a beautiful overlook surrounded by peak fall color is an experience in itself.”

Her signature low-cost highlight? The 11-mile Cades Cove Scenic Loop. “It winds through a mountain valley surrounded by stunning fall foliage with historic cabins, churches, and a working grist mill along the way. You’ll have a good chance of spotting deer, wild turkeys, and even black bears.”

The Booking Trick: Avoid weekends and book Sunday through Thursday. “Don’t obsess over hitting the predicted ‘peak foliage,'” Curnutt advises. “Fall color changes in waves depending on the elevation… Given the dramatic shifts in elevation throughout the park, there’s usually beautiful fall color somewhere in the Smokies throughout most of the season.”

Related: Don’t Battle the Crowds in the White Mountains This Fall—Here’s Where a Luxury Travel Advisor Told Me to Go Instead

2. Chattanooga, Tennessee Historic Chief John Ross Drawbridge and the Chattanooga Tennessee Skyline at Dusk

Jeremy Poland via Getty

Recommended by Sheree Holt, luxury travel advisor at Why Not Roam

If you prefer a walkable river city framed by mountain bluffs, Chattanooga delivers big-city culture and dining with small-town prices.

“I’m based in Atlanta, so I’m going with two nights in Chattanooga,” says travel pro Holt. “It’s got mountains, river views, a walkable downtown area, and some pretty good restaurants. Tennessee Riverwalk, Signal Point, Coolidge Park, and several areas of Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park are free, and the fall foliage is very Instagram-worthy.”

Here is how Holt maps out her $500 budget:

• Lodging: $210 (two nights at about $105/night 10–15 minutes outside downtown in East Ridge or Hamilton Place, with breakfast and parking included)
• Transportation: $50 in gas for the round-trip drive from Atlanta
• Food: $150 (pairing included hotel breakfasts with casual lunches and one standout dinner out)
• Activities: $50 (combining free waterfront trails with a paid ride like the historic Incline Railway)
• Snacks & Incidentals: $40

Holt’s must-do budget moment is sunset at Signal Point. “It overlooks the Tennessee River Gorge from Signal Mountain. The Signal Point area is free, and the main overlook is pretty close to the parking area so you don’t have to do the Cumberland Trail hike to get the view… You can drive up near golden hour, walk out to the overlook, and enjoy the beautiful sunset views.”

The Booking Trick: Skip festival weekends and visit Sunday to Tuesday in late October through early November, when regional foliage peaks. “Cut on hotel location, but (of course) not cleanliness or comfort,” Holt says. “When you’re working with a $500 budget, the river and mountains are already outside waiting for you for free.”

Related: 8 Wellness Trips Every Woman Over 50 Needs, According to Experts

3. Coastal Southern Maine (Kennebunk & Ogunquit) Kennebunkport is a coastal town in southern Maine. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state

DenisTangneyJr Via Getty

Recommended by Meghann Foye, Travel Editor

While New England coastal towns have a reputation for hefty price tags in summer, the post-Labor Day shoulder season is an entirely different story. Once the peak crowds thin out, you can score coastal ocean air, historic architecture, and crisp harbor walks for a fraction of high-season prices.

My go-to fall escape is a two-night mid-week road trip to coastal Maine, staying at The Port Inn in Kennebunk. It sits just away from the congested downtown traffic, making it super easy to explore neighboring hidden gems like Cape Porpoise, Goose Rocks Beach, and Route 1 down toward Ogunquit. Best of all, it’s genuinely dog-friendly, which means you don’t have to spend a dime on pet boarding.

Because the property is an Ascend Hotel Collection member under Choice Hotels, it’s also a sweet spot for redeeming leftover points balances—or booking mid-week rates that plunge under $120 a night once schools are back in session.

• Lodging: $230–$250 for two mid-week nights at The Port Inn
• Gas: $60 (round-trip from greater Boston or southern New England)
• Breakfasts & Lunches: $60 (loaded KPort morning bagels or Boulangerie croissants)
• Incidentals & Treasures: $50 (window shopping and picking up a custom necklace at Charm Bar)
• Dinner Out: $80–$100 (a steaming bowl of local clam chowder, fresh lobster roll dinner at Mabel’s Lobster Claw by the water, and don’t forget a local Maine I.P.A.)

For me, a fall trip to the coast is all about lingering over the small details. I always make time to wander the greenhouse grounds at Snug Harbor Farm, browse rotating gallery exhibits at KW Contemporary, and dig through eclectic maritime finds at Seacraft Vintage. Beyond shopping, you can stroll along quiet beaches wrapped in an oversized wool sweater, drop into Reigning Cats & Dogs to grab pet treats, or stop into a local boutique to build a custom charm necklace as a keepsake.

The Booking Trick: Travel Tuesday through Thursday to catch hotel rates at their lowest and enjoy free parking at beaches that normally charge hefty daily summer fees.

Whether you’re watching black bears from a valley loop, catching golden hour over a river gorge, or strolling a coastal harbor with your dog, a memorable autumn escape doesn’t require a fortune—just knowing where the scenery does all the heavy lifting.

Related: Everyone Visits These 4 Destinations in Summer—A Luxury Travel Expert Says Fall Is Actually Way Better