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There’s still plenty of time to enjoy your patio before the temperatures really start to drop, and early fall is the perfect excuse to give your outdoor space a refresh. Whether you’re planning cozy evenings outside or want a comfortable spot to enjoy your morning coffee, Wayfair has a patio set that can help — and it’s currently hundreds of dollars off.

Right now, the Nestl 4-Person Outdoor Patio Conversation Set at Wayfair is on sale for $175, down from $600 — that’s 71% off. The four-piece set includes two garden armchairs, a loveseat, and a sleek coffee table, giving you a complete outdoor seating arrangement for considerably less.

4-Person Outdoor Patio Conversation Set, $175 (was $600) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

Shop at Wayfair

This wicker-style conversation set combines a galvanized steel frame with all-weather materials designed to withstand outdoor conditions. Each armchair measures 22.5 inches wide by 21.8 inches deep and 32.8 inches tall, while the 41-inch-wide loveseat provides seating for two. The set also includes a 28-by-16-inch coffee table, offering a convenient spot for drinks, snacks and books. 

The set comes with plush cushions in three color combinations, so you can choose the option that best suits your outdoor decor. Choose from a black frame with brown cushions, a black frame with beige cushions or a brown frame with navy cushions. The cushion covers are also removable and machine washable, with zipper closures that make them easy to take off when they need a refresh. 

Shoppers are fans of this patio set, especially for its smaller size, which makes it a good choice for balconies and other cozy outdoor spaces. One reviewer said it was “really sturdy” and fit well with their other patio furniture, while another called it the “perfect size.” Another shopper shared that they loved “the way it looks” on their balcony. 

Shop More Deals

• Wrought Studio Mathel Cream Ceramic Table Lamp, $49 (was $82) at Wayfair
• Latitude Run Fluted Wood Nightstand Set, from $173 (was $800) at Wayfair
• Martha Stewart Perry Street Sadie Round Side Table, From $71 (was $168) at Wayfair

Related: Walmart’s ‘Comfortable’ 3-Piece Bistro Set Turns Your Small Patio Into a Charming Al Fresco Escape 

At over 70% off, the Nestl 4-Person Outdoor Patio Conversation Set is an easy way to make the most of this cozy outdoor season. If you’ve been meaning to make your patio, balcony or deck more inviting before temperatures drop, now is a great time to snag this four-piece set for just $175. 

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Who can forget Jonah Baldwin in Sleepless in Seattle?

The then 8-year-old Ross Malinger was perfectly cast as Tom Hanks’ son in the ’90s movie, which has since become one of the greatest romantic comedies in film history.

So, what has Malinger, 42, been doing since the release of Sleepless in Seattle?

Following his breakout role, Malinger went on to act in movies and TV shows such as Good Advice, Homeward Bound II, Seinfeld, and Party of Five. He also voiced the animated character T.J. in the Disney cartoon show Recess. However, his last acting role came in an episode of Without a Trace, which aired in 2006.

Despite leaving Hollywood two decades ago, Malinger has great memories of his time on set alongside Hanks and Meg Ryan.

Happy 40th birthday to Ross Malinger! The actor who played Harvey in Kindergarten Cop, Jonah in Sleepless in Seattle, Bobby in Toothless and voiced Peter in Peter and the Wolf, Spike in Homeward Bound 2, T.J. on Recess & Tom in The Animated Adventures of Tom Sawyer. #RossMalinger pic.twitter.com/PPZk9hSJ9O

— Jake with the Ob (@mnralphie) July 8, 2024

“We genuinely cared about each other,” Malinger told Entertainment Weekly of his relationship with Hanks. “That natural chemistry allowed me to really bring a lot of intensity and emotion to Jonah’s character.”

He continued, “Tom and I worked together in harmony, and ultimately that is what I believe made this film a classic.”

Funny enough, Jonah was almost played by another child actor named Nathan Watt, but in the book, “I’ll Have What She’s Having: How Nora Ephron’s Three Iconic Films Saved the Romantic Comedy,” it was detailed that Hanks found him to be “disruptive” on set, so he was replaced by Malinger.

“Tom is being driven crazy, and this boy keeps repeating dialogue off-camera when Tom’s trying to film a scene, and he’s not adding to the film right now,” said producer Gary Foster in the book.

Actor Jason Schwartzman, who was 13 at the time, also auditioned for the role of Jonah, but ultimately, the part went to the perfect child star.

According to EW, Malinger is retired from acting and currently working as a classic-car restorer, computer repair business owner, and finance manager for a car dealership.

Little River Band’s biggest hit, “Reminiscing,” was more than just a major success on the charts. The 1978 yacht rock classic also has the distinction of being one of John Lennon‘s favorite tunes…and Frank Sinatra just happened to call it the best song of the ’70s.

Released as the second single from Little River Band’s fourth studio album, Sleeper Catcher, in the U.S., peaking at #3 on both the Billboard Hot 100. “Reminiscing” was the Australian band’s highest-charting song in the U.S.; in fact, it was honored by Broadcast Music International (BMI) for five million plays on American radio, the most for any Australian pop single up until that time.

In an interview with Guitar Player, guitarist Graeham Goble called it the band’s “pinnacle song.”

“It’s double any other song we’ve ever had in terms of listens,” he continued. “It’s been in a lot of movies, and a lot of soundtracks. Sinatra said he thought it was the best ’70s song in the world, though he never recorded it. But when John Lennon calls your song one of his favorites, does that really matter?”

As Goble went on to explain, Lennon played “Reminiscing” on repeat during his affair with former assistant May Pang.

“She wrote in her book, Loving John, that they would lay in bed listening to ‘Reminiscing,’ and he was asking her to play it again and again and again,” Goble said. “That was pretty amazing.”

If the lyrics for “Reminiscing” are any indication, Lennon must have been in a nostalgic, romantic frame of mind at the time:

That’s the way it began, we were hand in hand
Glenn Miller’s Band was better than before
We yelled and screamed for more
And the Porter tunes (night and day)
Made us dance across the room, it ended all too soon
And on the way back home, I promised you’d never be alone

“It was inspired by my love of the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s musicals, ’cause I was 12 years of age when we got a black-and-white television in Adelaide,” Goble said. “The programs I immediately loved were all the Fred Astaire–Ginger Rogers, Rogers and Hammerstein musicals — all of that American romantic era. A lot of my songwriting, but particularly ‘Reminiscing,’ was about the life I wished I had, putting myself into those situations I saw in the movies.”

Related: 1961 One-Hit Wonder Written by a 14-Year-Old Singer Was One of John Lennon’s Favorite Love Songs

According to Goble, the music for “Reminiscing” came to him rather quickly. Inspiration initially struck when the Little River Band in Melbourne for a TV appearance.

“We were in the green room, just playing our guitars,” Goble recalled. “The lead guitarist, David Briggs, was showing me some jazz chords, one of which was a C9 chord, a shape I never knew about. When I came home after the television show, I picked up my Martin 000-18 acoustic and played that chord. Immediately, I had this melody and lyric, all at the same time, almost like it was a spiritual download that just flowed through me. In about a half an hour, the whole thing was finished, and I had this very different song with key changes and quite a lot of jazz chords — quite a sophisticated piece!”

While Goble wanted Peter Jones to play the keyboards on the song, he wasn’t availble.

“So I was forced to pick another player, and it didn’t work. And then we did it with a second player and that didn’t work out, either,” Goble said.

“Then I heard Peter Jones had come back into town. So under protest from some of the guys, mainly from [vocalist] Glenn Shorrock, they reluctantly agreed to give it a third go. As soon as we sat down with Peter, the whole thing came together. Our guitarist Beeb [Birtles] played a syncopated riff from the third verse to the very end of the song, which I really loved. It was a lovely lift to the latter part of the record.”

Clearly, Goble wasn’t the only person who thought “Reminiscing” was lovely. Nearly five decades later, it’s still a soft rock radio mainstay and streaming hit, with close to 200 million streams on Spotify alone.

Related: 31 Years Ago Today, Frank Sinatra Performed This 1964 Hit for the Last Time Ever

Dazed and Confused was one of the defining movies of the early 1990s. Written and directed by Richard Linklater, the film follows a group of rowdy Texas teenagers on their last day of school in 1976. Jason London, who played heartthrob Randall “Pink” Floyd in the 1993 coming-of-age classic, is reigniting some fans’ high school crushes with a recent social media post that has fans reminded of his heartthrob status dating back to 1993.

Playing the high school quarterback in Dazed and Confused, Jason London quickly became the object of many early ’90s crushes. Judging by fan reaction to his latest social media video, adoration for the actor has only grown with time.

@realjasonlondon

Apparently I spent a lot of the ’90s trying to graduate. #JasonLondon #MyTeachersWife #DazedAndConfused #90sMovies

♬ original sound – ☆

“Everyone had a crush on you in Dazed and Confused,” shared one fan. Another added, “My sis and I argued over who got you.”

“God, he’s always been such a hottie,” gushed another.

“Beautiful,” shared one more.

Related: ’80s DJ Richard Blade Names This 1984 Frankie Goes to Hollywood Hit the Best Bassline of the Decade

Jason London Made His Film Debut In Man in the Moon

Jason London made his feature-film debut in 1991’s The Man in the Moon, starring alongside a 14-year-old Reese Witherspoon in her first movie role. London achieved leading-man status by the time he co-starred alongside Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, Parker Posey, Rory Cochrane and Milla Jovovich in Dazed and Confused, quickly becoming the face of the film.

@coolestonthisplanet

not my usual post but i love this man and ill never get over him and dazed and confused #fyp #randallpinkfloyd #dazedandconfused #jasonlondon #creatorsearchinsights

♬ original sound – krissy

One of the most culturally significant films of the 1990s, and certainly one of the most quoted, Dazed and Confused made a star of Jason London. For the next three decades, Jason London has carved out a long and enduring career in film and television, unwilling to let his iconic role in Dazed and Confused define him.

His post-Dazed and Confused credits include To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, The Rage: Carrie 2, Jason and the Argonauts, Out Cold and Grind. On television, he has appeared on shows including NCIS, Grey’s Anatomy, CSI, Scandal, Dallas, Major Crimes and Saving Grace. He has also worked with his identical twin brother, actor Jeremy London, with the two even appearing together on 7th Heaven.

London continues to act and has never shied away from offbeat projects outside of the mainstream spotlight. The actor continues to maintain his high school good looks, even 33 years after the release of Dazed and Confused. At 53, Jason London is still recognizable as the handsome young actor who first caught audiences’ attention in The Man in the Moon and then Dazed and Confused.

Judging by the fan response to seeing him again, Jason London’s heartthrob status is intact and shows no signs of going away.

Related: Missing Persons Frontwoman, 71, Still Sounds as Good as She Did in the ’80s at Recent Show

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The right statement necklace can bring an outfit to life. A nameplate can add a pop of personality, for example, or a trendy, chunky choker can give an ensemble an extra bit of edge. But we also love statement necklaces that are timeless and can be worn with almost anything.

A great option for just that is the Invicta Women’s Angel Quartz Crystal Halo Heart-Shaped Mini Watch Necklace. It’s a mini watch that doubles as a necklace, and it’s on sale for just $40 on ShopHQ right now. That’s an impressive 90% discount for a timepiece that also works as a conversation starter.

Invicta Women’s Angel Quartz Crystal Halo Heart-Shaped Mini Watch Necklace, $40 (was $395) at ShopHQ

Courtesy of ShopHQ

The necklace comes in three stunning colorways: silver, gold, and rose gold, and each one is a showstopper in its own right. So much so that it may be tough to choose between them. They all pack major sparkle thanks to the 41 shimmering crystals that adorn the 27-millimeter heart-shaped pendant, and they have an elegance that makes them perfect for casual occasions or formal fetes.

The stainless steel necklace also has a cool feature, aside from the fully-functioning Invicta watch inside of the pendant. It has a water resistance of 30 ATM, so you can wear it when you swim, shower, and even when you dive (to a certain extent). The watch itself has a chic brass dial topped with three tiny crystals, and it is powered by a Singapore-made quartz movement. 

At 27 millimeters (nearly 1 inch wide), this is no small pendant, but it’s the perfect size for a statement necklace. It will elevate your outfit, but not overpower it. You can also wear it solo or layer it with thin minimalist necklaces or chains. 

This accessory is so versatile that you can sport it in the spring and summer, and the fall and winter too. It works just as well with maxi dresses as it does with t-shirts and jeans or cocktail looks, making it an incredible bang for your buck. 

Use Code FREERETURN to unlock $5 off shipping for a limited time

Plus, you can unlock free returns and $5 off shipping for a limited time when you use the code FREERETURN. Shipping for this watch is $10, so that brings your shipping costs down to just $5.

Related: Invicta’s Vibrant $1,095 Graffiti Dive Watch With a Funky 90s-Inspired Design Is Over $900 Off

This Invicta mini watch necklace is a two-in-one accessory you’ll want to wear every day. It’s also the perfect gift for a friend or loved one. Grab one while it’s just $40! 

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.

Simon Cowell was still absent from Tuesday night’s America’s Got Talent due to his back surgery, but filling his seat at the judges table was none other than Saturday Night Live’s Kenan Thompson, who was also given the honor of selecting the Golden Buzzer for the night.

The 11 acts competing were Acro Canine Crew, Daniel Alvarez, Elsie, Isaac Atkins, Guy Kelton Jones I, Herwan Legaillard, Holland & Sienna, Lia Noelle, Kameron Marshall, Maria and Pynk Beard.

It was two-thirds of the way through the competition before Kenan hit the Golden Buzzer, awarding 14-year-old Lia Noelle from Dallas, Texas the Golden Buzzer for the night that sent her to directly to the finale for her performance of Elton John’s” Your Song.”

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It was a second Golden Buzzer for Lia, who earned one from Simon for her audition, performing Sienna Spiro‘s “Die on This Hill.”

She recalls feeling, “I felt various emotions. I was excited. I was very nervous. I was grateful. Everything stopped and I started jumping up and down and did my little twirl.”

Her competition was tough on Tuesday night when you consider that both Acro Canine Crew and Isaac Atkins were also Golden Buzzer winners for their auditions.

“I want to progress,” Lai said before taking the stage.

Mel B was on her feet when Lai finished, and she told the young singer, “You are 14 and you have so much more to learn and experience but where you’re starting from is pure perfection. Let me tell you that right now. That voice, incredible.”

Sofia said, “You sound like you’re a huge artist already. I was really upset because I was going to give you the Golden Buzzer but Simon took you away from me. You deserve to be here. What a wonderful voice and what a wonderful song.”

Related: AGT Golden Buzzer Army Sergeant Isaac Atkins Reveals His Military Future After Breakout Performance (Exclusive)

“You are so beyond your years,” Howie added. “Your talking voice is nothing like your singing voice. Simon knows what he’s talking about. You are a Golden Buzzer winner.”

Then it was Kenan’s turn, and he teased with, “I hope you are ready for more confetti.” And he asked Sofia to reach over and press the Golden Buzzer for him. Then he went onstage and said, “She’s dynamically gifted. I’ve been waiting all night for someone to give us that wow factor.”

America’s Got Talent airs performances Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC, with the results show airing on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Streams next day on Peacock.

Next, America’s Got Talent 2026 Live Show Acts Revealed: Who Made the Cut After Big Format Shake-Up?

To solve today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle, you’ll be exploring classic films, YouTube posts, ocean ecosystems, spoiled kids, greasy descriptions, Food Network personalities, perfect scores, left-handed people, Spanish moss and Airbnb alternatives.

Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can’t forget about the NYT’s The Mini Crossword, too!

Although the NYT is known for “The Crossword,” a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.

So, if you’re working on today’s Mini Crossword on Wednesday, September 2, and need some help (I’ve been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both “Across” and “Down” words, followed by “Across Answers” and “Down Answers,” so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!

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Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Here are additional clues for each of the words in today’s Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: “The Odyssey” (2006) or “The Odd Couple” (1968) — HINT: Starts with the letter “F”

5 Across: Youtube posting — HINT: Ends with the letter “O”

6 Across: Endangered marine ecosystem — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”

7 Across: Spoiled kids — HINT: Starts with the letter “B”

8 Across: Greasy — HINT: Ends with the letter “Y”

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

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: Guy of the Food Network — HINT: Ends with the letter “I”

2 Down: 10/10 — HINT: Starts with the letter “I”

3 Down: Someone who doesn’t handle things right? — HINT: Ends with the letter “Y”

4 Down: Spanish ___, plant that hangs from cypress trees — HINT: Starts with the letter “M”

5 Down: Airbnb alternative — HINT: Starts with the letter “V”

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Don’t go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today’s Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Answers

1 Across: “The Odyssey” (2006) or “The Odd Couple” (1968) — FILM

5 Across: Youtube posting — VIDEO

6 Across: Endangered marine ecosystem — REEFS

7 Across: Spoiled kids — BRATS

8 Across: Greasy — OILY

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: Guy of the Food Network — FIERI

2 Down: 10/10 — IDEAL

3 Down: Someone who doesn’t handle things right? — LEFTY

4 Down: Spanish ___, plant that hangs from cypress trees —MOSS

5 Down: Airbnb alternative — VRBO

Related: Hobby Lobby’s Perfect-for-Fall $7 Find Will Take Your Seasonal Display Up a Notch

Amal Clooney kicked off her Venice stay with a chic, leg-baring look. The international human rights lawyer arrived in Venice with husband George Clooney on Tuesday, September 1, stepping off a water taxi in a polished olive green look that put a sultry spin on traditional suiting.

Amal, 48, wore a silky three-piece ensemble from Tom Ford by Haider Ackermann, as reported by W Magazine. 

VENICE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 01: Amal Clooney and George Clooney are seen arriving ahead of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on September 01, 2026 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Jacopo Raule/FilmMagic)

View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article

The look featured a relaxed blazer, matching tank top, and ultra-short shorts that showed off her legs. She finished the outfit with oversized sunglasses and wore her long brunette hair down.

George, 65, kept his arrival look understated in a dark polo shirt and light-colored trousers as the couple made their way through the Italian city. The couple arrived one day before the official opening of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, which runs from Sept. 2 through Sept. 12.

George will have a major moment of his own during the opening ceremony. Variety reported that the actor and director is set to receive the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement, one of the festival’s top honors; his Jay Kelly costar Laura Dern is scheduled to present the award.

The nonalcoholic drink aisle isn’t what it used to be. What was once largely limited to near beer and overly sweet mocktails now includes everything from zero-proof spirits to functional sodas designed to make skipping alcohol feel a little less like, well, skipping alcohol.

Now, Nashville-based Kavayn is making a considerably more interesting promise. The alcohol-free spirit is made with kava, a plant traditionally consumed throughout the South Pacific, and, according to the brand, it delivers a calm, feel-good “buzz” without the hangover that comes in tow with alcohol consumption.

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That’s a pretty bold proposition because while plenty of alcohol-free spirits can give you the ritual of making a cocktail, they typically leave one fairly significant part of the drinking experience out of the equation: actually feeling anything.

Kavayn says its kava-infused spirit is different. I recently got my hands on a bottle of its Pineapple Coconut flavor, and as someone who enjoys a good cocktail, I was curious to see whether an alcohol-free spirit could really deliver anything resembling a buzz.

Turns out, I definitely felt…something. Here’s what happened when I tried Kavayn for myself to see if it lives up to the hype as the latest addition to the alcohol-free spirit aisle.

What Is Kavayn?

Courtesy Jim Hoffman

Kavayn is a zero-proof spirit made with noble kava root and designed to be enjoyed much like alcohol. The 750-milliliter bottle contains about 17 servings and retails for $74.99, putting it squarely in premium spirit territory despite containing no alcohol.

The company uses CO2-extracted kava and says its products are batch-tested, with certificates of analysis available through its website. Each 1.5-ounce serving of the noble kava spirit contains 350 milligrams of kavalactones, the naturally occurring psychoactive compounds in kava that causes the effects.

If you’ve never heard of kava, you’re probably not alone. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), kava (Piper methysticum) is a plant native to the islands of the South Pacific and a member of the pepper family. Drinks made from its roots have been consumed throughout Pacific Island cultures for thousands of years.

Kavayn essentially takes that long history and packages kava in a decidedly more familiar form: a sleek bottle meant to be poured, mixed and sipped like a spirit.

There are some important caveats. NCCIH notes that kava may cause side effects, including dizziness and digestive upset. It also advises against combining kava with alcohol or other substances that have sedative effects.

Related: I Tried the Viral ‘Coca-Cola Lemonade’, and It’s My New Favorite Mocktail

What Does Kavayn Pineapple Coconut Taste Like?

Courtesy Kavayn

I’ll admit I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when I poured my first glass. Kavayn Pineapple Coconut comes out of the bottle a yellow-orange color that’s immediately reminiscent of pineapple juice. The aroma is pure tropical cocktail.

And pineapple is exactly what hits first.

It’s not subtle, but it’s also nowhere near as intense or sweet as drinking straight juice. Coconut follows right behind it, a little more subdued but still distinct enough that you’d recognize it even without reading “Pineapple Coconut” on the bottle.

Then the kava makes itself known.

There’s a definite spirit-like quality on the back of the fruit that’s difficult to compare directly to alcohol. It’s somewhere between the bite of a traditional spirit and a hit of bitter herbs or hops, with a hint of black pepper. And then it’s gone.

The herbal bitterness doesn’t hang around for long. You’ll notice it in the back of the throat as the fruit subsides, and then it vanishes completely. A couple sips in I noticed a faint tingle across my taste buds that makes Kavayn feel surprisingly different from most nonalcoholic drinks I’ve tried.

More importantly, it doesn’t taste like someone simply poured pineapple and coconut flavoring over ice and called it a cocktail alternative. There’s enough complexity and bite to remind you that you’re drinking something intended to take the place of an adult beverage.

Does Kavayn Actually Give You a Buzz?

Courtesy Jim Hoffman

This was the question I really wanted answered.

After finishing a full glass, I started noticing a slight woozy, lightheaded feeling beginning to creep in. It wasn’t the same sensation I get from alcohol, but there was no mistaking the fact that I was feeling something.

What was also noticeable was that, despite the lightheadedness, my mind still felt clear. I didn’t feel mentally foggy or impaired, but physically, there was enough of an effect that it genuinely felt like I’d been imbibing.

And that’s where Kavayn gets interesting.

I’ve had plenty of nonalcoholic beers, wines and spirits that do a respectable job recreating the flavor or ritual of drinking. You pour something into a nice glass, add some ice or a garnish, and get the experience of having a cocktail in your hand. But ultimately, you’re still drinking something that feels like an everyday beverage.

Kavayn was different. The buzz wasn’t identical to alcohol, and I wouldn’t describe it that way. But it was something, and it was noticeable enough that I understood what the company means as a social alternative to drinking. It lands somewhere between not drinking at all and having one cocktail. It tastes and feels enough like a specialty drink to make it seem like you’re actually imbibing, and while the physical effects are mild, they’re not nothing.

Is Kavayn Worth Trying?

Courtesy Jim Hoffman

At $74.99 a bottle, Kavayn certainly isn’t an inexpensive alternative to alcohol. However, it’s also doing something considerably different from the growing number of zero-proof spirits on the market.

The Pineapple Coconut flavor was fruity without becoming cloying, with enough herbal bitterness and bite from the kava to make it feel more like a spirit than a flavored drink. And most importantly, Kavayn delivered on the part of its promise I was most skeptical about: I actually felt a slight buzz.

Was it the same as having a couple of cocktails? No. But that’s maybe not the point. Kavayn doesn’t need to perfectly recreate alcohol to be interesting. It offers its own distinct sensation while allowing me to remain surprisingly clear-headed.

As for the other half of the company’s big promise, the “without the hangover” part, I’ll have to take Kavayn’s word on that one for now. I didn’t drink enough of it to test that claim.

But the buzz? That part I can confirm.

Related: The Simple 3-Ingredient Trick That Makes Dr Pepper Taste Like a Fancy Summer Drink

Lionel Richie drove himself to the hospital following his show in St. Louis, Missouri, on Saturday, August 29. The singer was admitted into the intensive care unit where doctors were keeping a close eye on him.

According to TMZ, the “Endless Love” artist was experiencing possible slight dehydration and appeared to be struggling on stage. Concertgoers reported that Richie needed a stool to perform his final song of the night, “All Night Long (All Night).”

While Richie was hoping to be discharged on Tuesday, September 1, he remains hospitalized in St. Louis.

What Happened to Lionel Richie?

TMZ shared an update on the singer’s health on Tuesday, saying that doctors are running tests on his heart. He’s expected to be released from the hospital on Wednesday.

However, earlier this year, Richie was forced to postpone a number of shows on his tour after falling ill on stage in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The former American Idol judge was rushed to the hospital in June after the opening night of his tour. He told the Minnesota crowd that he felt “dizzy” and “strange” before being taken by ambulance to the hospital.

Richie’s has a few weeks before his next scheduled show, which is currently slated for September 26 in San Francisco.

The latest health struggles are just the latest for the singers. In the early 1990s, he underwent multiple surgeries to address an unknown throat condition. In 2025, Richie revealed in his memoir, Truly: An Inspirational Journey Through the Life of a Musical Legend, that he had been diagnosed with ADHD.

“I’d have to tap my foot or drum my hands to a beat only I could hear, and then try somehow to process multiple soundtracks of sensory overload,” he wrote of his struggles.

American author Kristin Hannah has become synonymous with writing sweeping emotional stories that readers cannot get enough of. Hannah shifted more towards writing women’s fiction after a career writing things closer to the romance genre and found immense success with her breakout hit, Firefly Lane. In 2018, she published the semi-authobiographical novel, The Great Alone.

The Great Alone was subject to both critical and commercial acclaim, spending more than four weeks atop the New York Times bestseller list when it was published. Additionally, the book took home the Goodreads Choice Award that same year for Best Historical Fiction. The book has gone on to sell millions of copies worldwide, solidifying its status as one of the many hits in Hannah’s career.

Even now, readers still can’t get enough of Hannah’s Alaskan road trip saga. Goodreads recently released a list of the “Most Read Books of 2026,” and The Great Alone was ranked among the top twelve books of the historical fiction category, sitting on the list with authors like Taylor Jenkins Reid and Ariel Lawhon. On Goodreads, the book holds a staggering 4.46 rating and over 123,000 reviews, with readers calling it a “fantastic novel” and “a masterpiece.”

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Originally planned as a true-crime/thriller novel, Hannah ended up completely rewriting the novel, keeping only the characters and the setting of 1970s Alaska. The novel took shape as she reimagined the story from the point of view of a teenage protagonist.

13-year-old Leni Allbright is caught in the middle of her family’s tumultuous times after her father comes back from the Vietnam War a changed man. When her father makes the impulsive decision to uproot the family and take them to remote Alaska to live off-grid, Leni is hopeful that the change of scenery might actually be what her family needs. At first, the move seems to be the right one. But as winter draws near, the fractures in the family begin to show. The Great Alone is an unforgettable story about the resilience of the human spirit, survival, and what it means to be truly wild and alone.

The Great Alone and other works by Kristin Hannah are available wherever books are sold.

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Related: Best-Selling Novel by Kristin Hannah Ranked a ‘Most Read Book of 2026’ by Goodreads

Counting On star Joy-Anna Duggar just announced a major family update: She and her husband, Austin Forsyth, are expecting baby No. 4!

On Tuesday, Sept. 1, the former TLC personality took to Instagram to reveal her pregnancy.

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“So much joy, so much excitement, and so much love for this little one already,” Joy-Anna, 28, captioned her update. “God knew we needed you 🤍.”

In the featured image, the expecting mom wore a long, flowing dress while resting one hand on her baby bump and holding hands with Austin with the other hand, as he stood behind her in an embrace. A second shot showed them smiling at each other while Austin held up ultrasound printouts. Two other photos featured a wide shot of the married couple and a closer look at the sonogram.

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In the comments, fellow TLC alum, Tori Roloff of Little People, Big World, exclaimed, “👏👏👏 congratulations!!!!”

Family friend Carlin Bates (who also starred in United Bates of America and Bringing Up Bates with her family) declared, “Sooo happy for yooou!!! 🥺🤍.”

Carlin’s older brother and sister-in-law, Zach and Whitney Bates, echoed, “Congratulations!! 😍🤍.”

A different follower shared, “So excited for you!”

Meanwhile, yet another Instagram user commented, “I knewww it!!! Had my suspicions for a while haha congratulations how exciting 🥹💛.”

Joy-Anna and Austin have been married since 2017 and share three kids: Gideon, 8, Evelyn, 6, and Gunner, 3. She appeared on TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting with her parents, Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar, and their 18 other children from 2008 to 2015, followed by the spinoff Counting On, which was canceled in 2021.

Next: Which Duggars Are Pregnant? The Counting On Family Has Double as Many Grandkids as Kids

The 1980 film Star Wars: Episode V—The Empire Strikes Back, which stars Mark Hamill, continues to earn recognition as one of the best films in movie history.

Forty-six years after its release, the sequel’s legacy has only grown stronger with time after Collider included it among its 10 Best Films of the 1980s.

Celebrating the best of the best from the era, Star Wars: Episode V—The Empire Strikes Back not only stood out among the decade’s most acclaimed films but also secured the No. 1 spot, with the 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in second place and Martin Scorsese’s Raging Bull rounding out the top three.

The outlet described the Irvin Kershner-directed movie as not just a successful sequel but one that “explored a darker, more mature tone to examine themes of failure, duality, and sacrifice.”

In addition, Collider called the famous revelation regarding Darth Vader “one of cinema’s biggest twists.”

Star Wars: Episode V—The Empire Strikes Back was also regarded by Consequence as the second-best movie sequel of all time.

Mark Hamill who plays the role of Luke Skywalker in the film The Empire Strikes Back.

Sepia Times/ Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Released as the second installment in the trilogy, the story takes place after Luke Skywalker, played by Hamill, destroys the Death Star during the Rebel Alliance’s attack.

As a result, the Galactic Empire hunts them across the galaxy. Darth Vader, one of the Empire’s most powerful leaders, relentlessly pursues Princess Leia and Han Solo, who are helping lead the Rebel cause.

Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker travels to the remote, swamp-covered planet of Dagobah to train under Jedi Master Yoda and strengthen his connection to the Force.

With an impending face-off against Darth Vader, Luke trains to strengthen his connection to the Force before confronting Vader.

However, his confrontation with Vader leads to a shocking revelation about their connection, forever changing Luke Skywalker’s understanding of his enemy.

During the actor’s guest appearance at The Graham Norton Show, Hamill revealed that he had to keep the secret for roughly a year.

To protect the twist, the script distributed to the cast initially had Darth Vader, physically portrayed by David Prowse, saying “Obi-Wan killed your father,” but Hamill was privately told the real revelation by Kershner before filming.

“The director Irvin Kershner said, ‘I’m gonna tell you something. I know it. George Lucas knows it and when I tell you, you’ll know it’. But if it leaks, we’ll know it was you,” he recalled, adding “and he handed me a piece of paper that said ‘I am your father.’ I was shocked.”

Lo and behold, the line not only became one of the biggest and most shocking revelations in cinematic history but also helped make Star Wars: Episode V—The Empire Strikes Back the standout movie of the 1980s.

Related: 1974 Hit, With Jack Nicholson, Ranked ‘Greatest American Movie Screenplay’ of All Time

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Rainy days mean you can’t just step into your usual shoes, especially if you’re planning to spend any significant amount of time walking around. Wet weather can soak through ordinary shoes and leave your socks soaked — and your everyday footwear probably isn’t equipped to handle damp surfaces adequately, either.

In a pair of Hunter Tabitha Chelsea Rain Boots, you’ll always be prepared for the inevitable puddles, splashes, and slick surfaces you might encounter. These beautiful boots are normally $89 at Nordstrom Rack, but right now you can snap up a pair for only $50. It’s an opportunity to save a whopping 43% in your choice of seven colors, including neutrals like black, gray, brown, and white, and brighter hues like red, yellow, and pink.

Hunter Tabitha Chelsea Rain Boots, $50 (was $89) at Nordstrom Rack

Courtesy of Nordstrom Rack

Shop at Nordstrom Rack

These short boots are engineered to help you navigate wet weather with ease. The waterproof rubber has a matte feel that lends them their classic appearance. It’s a hallmark style from the iconic brand that’s been a leader in the rain boot space since the 19th century. The effect is clean and streamlined, yet still substantial enough to deftly handle the elements.

The low-profile shaft reaches ankle height, so you can quickly pull them on and add a fashionable touch to virtually any outfit. Whether you’re heading out in jeans and a trench coat or wearing a dress and tights, the boots will look right at home while keeping your feet dry. The telltale sign that you’re stepping into a pair of Hunters is the striped pull tab at the heel, which makes them so simple to wear.

A thick and rugged sole provides ample support when you need it the most — all while adding a 1.4-inch boost. Smooth lining and a comfortable footbed also contribute to the shoe’s wearability. With a quick-dry design, the boots can make anything from the lightest drizzle to the heaviest downpours feel more manageable.

One shopper described them as “insanely comfortable” and added that they “fit like a glove.” Others agreed, including a reviewer with wide feet who said the boots had ample room even for thick socks. Another person noted that they’re ideal for staying “dry and warm” when the weather is inclement.

Shop More Deals

• Sebby Double-Breasted Trench Coat, $60 (was $140) at Nordstrom Rack
• Honeydew The Lounger Pants, $20 (was $48) at Nordstrom Rack
• Gibsonlook Cowl Neck Sweatshirt, $13 (was $89) at Nordstrom Rack

Related: Vionic’s Contoured Flip-Flops Offer ‘Excellent’ Arch Support, Now Nearly 70% Off

Be prepared for whatever the weather might bring with a pair of Hunter Tabitha Chelsea Rain Boots! Available in sizes 5 to 11, they’re an incredible deal at Nordstrom Rack right now. Don’t miss them while they’re available in your preferred color.

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Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” was written for a movie death scene, but the 1973 song grew far beyond the film that inspired it. 

More than five decades later, the Bob Dylan classic remains one of the most covered songs in music history, with versions by Guns N’ Roses, Eric Clapton and other artists.

The story behind the song is almost as unusual as its lasting impact.

Dylan wrote “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” for the soundtrack of Sam Peckinpah’s 1973 Western film Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. According to Far Out Magazine, screenwriter Rudy Wurlitzer said Dylan wrote the song while flying from Mexico City to Durango, shortly before a key death scene was scheduled to be filmed.

American folk-rock singer-songwriter Bob Dylan performing at BBC TV in June 1965.

Photo by Val Wilmer/Redferns

Wurlitzer recalled the moment in a 2008 interview with Arthur Magazine: “Bob wrote the film score in Mexico City.”

He then described what happened during the flight.

“But before that, one night when we were returning to Durango from Mexico City – I forget why we were there – he said he wanted to write something for Slim Pickens’ death scene, which was due to be shot the next day. He scrawled something on the aeroplane and showed it to me line by line and when we got off the plane, there it was, ‘Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door’”.

The song was written quickly, but its simple structure helped make it memorable.

The song was created specifically for a scene involving Sheriff Colin Baker, played by Slim Pickens. Baker is badly wounded and dying while his wife, played by Katy Jurado, watches.

“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” also appeared on the Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid soundtrack and was released as a single two months after the movie premiered. 

In the United States, the original reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 5 on the Adult Contemporary chart. It also reached No. 14 in the United Kingdom, No. 10 in Australia, No. 9 in Ireland and No. 3 in Norway.

The song did not remain tied to the 1973 film for long.

It became one of Dylan’s most popular and frequently performed songs. Per American Songwriter, he performed “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” 460 times between its live debut in 1974 and his last performance of it in 2003.

One of the biggest chapters in the song’s history came more than a decade after Dylan wrote it.

Guns N’ Roses began performing “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” live around 1987. The band later recorded a studio version for the 1990 movie Days of Thunder. That recording reached No. 18 on the U.S. Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart.

The band then released a slightly modified version on its 1991 album Use Your Illusion II. Released as a single in 1992, it became a major international hit.

Eric Clapton also recorded the song. In 1975, Clapton played on Arthur Louis’ reggae-influenced version before recording his own rendition. Clapton’s version reached No. 38 on the U.K. charts.

But the song’s reach goes much further than those two famous covers.

More than 150 artists have recorded versions of “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.” Among the artists associated with covers are Neil Young, Randy Crawford, Nick Cave, Patti Smith, Paul Simon, Bono, Bon Jovi, Cat Power, Roger Waters, Jerry Garcia and Avril Lavigne, per American Songwriter.

Dylan himself has had mixed reactions to some of the song’s many reinterpretations. He criticized the Guns N’ Roses version, saying it reminded him of Invasion of the Body Snatchers and questioning whether the performers had remained true to themselves.

Collider claimed he had a very different response to a 2015 performance by Bruce Springsteen and Tom Morello. Dylan called that version “incredible” and praised Springsteen for bringing “power and spirituality, and beauty” to the song.

The song has also remained important in the streaming era. “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” was Dylan’s most-streamed song on Spotify, with more than 947 million streams.

From a few lines written on an airplane in Mexico to a worldwide classic covered by generations of musicians, “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” has traveled far beyond the Western movie for which it was created.

Related: 1978 Classic Rock Song, Rehearsed in Rockford Basement, Is Still a Major Hit 48 Years Later

Darkest Hour is booked and busy. The metalcore veterans just announced that their latest studio album, Suffer Divine, is ready for an Oct. 30, 2026, release. They also dropped the title track today, Sept. 1, and shared that they’re preparing to go on the road with Fear Factory this November.

But first, the album.

Produced by Mark Lewis (Whitechapel, Cannibal Corpse), Suffer Divine marks the band’s 11th studio album. Recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, it features 11 tracks of rage, thrash, and raw aggression. Guitarist Mike Schleibaum noted that the record is heavily rooted in their foundational love for melodic death metal, balancing immense pain and anger with an underlying sense of catharsis and hope.

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“This album is so special to us,” he said, via Blabbermouth. “We’ve had the support of an amazing team at the label, the incredibly talented Mark Lewis, and each other as we have navigated the process that gave birth to Suffer Divine. The result is one blistering album. It’s full of rage, thrash, and aggression but also feels musically dense. Sonically, this is an album born out of love for things like melodic death metal.”

Giving fans a peek into the sound of Suffer Divine, the band released the title track. An explosive preview, it’s a fierce anthem that sets the musical and thematic tone for the entire record.

“Our first single and title track of the new album Suffer Divine is about justice and accountability,” Darkest Hour vocalist John Henry said. “This one goes out to anyone who chooses to push and peddle hatred and division, to anyone who would break down others to feed their sadistic, insatiable ego.”

‘Suffer Divine’ Tracklist

• 1. All Cruelty Springs From Weakness
• 2. Gods Of Decay
• 3. No Conquered Hearts
• 4. Salvation
• 5. Suffer Divine
• 6. Warrior
• 7. Vile Angel
• 8. The Unforgiving Hand
• 9. Tribalist
• 10. Everyday Horrors
• 11. A Story Of Redemption

Starting in November, Darkest Hour will hit the road as direct support for Fear Factory. The Cybernetic Domination Tour begins Nov. 12 in Springfield, Missouri, before wrapping up in Los Angeles on Nov. 29. It will feature Fear Factory’s updated lineup with vocalist Milo Silvestro and drummer Pete Webber, with Darkest Hour fresh off their album release.

“Conceptually, the album touches on the idea that you can derive self-worth (and some value) from your own suffering,” Schleibaum added. “In fact, the creation of this album was the personification of that actual act. There is so much rage, anger, and pain put into this record, yet at the same time it holds in itself so much hope. It’s equal parts hope, rage, and empathy.”

Formed in 1995, Darkest Hour helped pioneer the new wave of American metal. Their influence is felt through their speed, aggression, and dual-guitar harmonies of Scandinavian melodic death metal mixed with the raw grit of American hardcore punk.

Over the years, the band has landed several chart positions on the Billboard 200, with their highest-charting effort being 2017’s Godless Prophets & the Migrant Flora, which peaked at No. 42. Their previous album, 2024’s Perpetual Terminal, marked their debut with MNRK Heavy. It arrived after a seven-year hiatus and marked the recorded debut of lead guitarist Nico Santora (formerly of Fallujah and Suicidal Tendencies).

The current Darkest Hour lineup includes John Henry (lead vocals), Mike Schleibaum (rhythm guitar), Nico Santora (lead guitar), Aaron Deal (bass), and Travis Orbin (drums). For tour information and more, head to darkesthourband.com.  

Related: 1973 Jukebox Hit, Produced by Todd Rundgren, Launched a Hard Rock Trio to Its First No. 1

Who doesn’t love a show about girlhood?

There are few television programs that can make audiences laugh no matter how many times they’ve watched them. Whether it’s Blanche Devereaux (Rue McClanahan) turning a simple conversation into a story about one of her many romances, Rose Nylund (Betty White) sharing another wildly innocent tale from St. Olaf, Dorothy Zbornak (Beatrice Arthur) delivering one of her perfectly timed comebacks or Sophia Petrillo (Estelle Getty) preparing to tell yet another story that begins with “Picture it,” The Golden Girls never failed to entertain.

Premiering in 1985, The Golden Girls quickly became more than a beloved sitcom. Its sharp writing, unforgettable cast and willingness to tackle subjects rarely discussed on television at the time helped make it one of the most enduring shows in American TV history. More than three decades after the series finale, the comedy remains a favorite for longtime viewers and continues to find new fans.

Rue McClanahan as Blanche Devereaux, Betty White as Rose Nylund, Bea Arthur as Dorothy Petrillo Zbornak, Estelle Getty as Sophia Petrillo in Season 3, Episode 20 of The Golden Girls.

Joseph Del Valle/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images

Created by Susan Harris, the legendary sitcom followed four single women – Blanche, Rose, Dorothy and Sophia – who all shared a house in Miami while they were navigating their “golden years.”

The show, which aired on NBC from 1985 to 1992, received critical and commercial acclaim during its run and earned multiple accolades, including Emmy Awards and Golden Globes. Each of the four actresses won an Emmy Award for their respective roles, making it one of the only four sitcoms in history in which all principal cast members received Emmy recognition.

Why was The Golden Girls so memorable?

Part of what made The Golden Girls so memorable is the chemistry between its four leads. Dorothy was sharp and sarcastic, while Rose was sweet and a little bit naive. Meanwhile, Blanche was confident and unapologetic, and Sophia was quick-witted and never afraid to say exactly what is on her mind. Their personalities could not be more different, but that contrast is what makes their friendship so entertaining. The series was also filled with clever writing and one-liners that have remained quotable decades after the show premiered.

Many also loved that they highlighted the stories of older women, which wasn’t really portrayed in a sitcom way in Hollywood. The Golden Girls was never afraid to tackle serious subjects over a slice of cheesecake. The series regularly explored issues surrounding aging, dating and sex later in life, divorce, loneliness, financial difficulties and grief. Rather than treating its characters’ ages as a limitation, the show made their experiences a central part of its stories, portraying older women as people with complicated relationships, ambitions and lives of their own.

It also addressed subjects that were particularly significant for television in the 1980s, including racism, sexism and LGBTQ+ issues. Some episodes dealt directly with discrimination and prejudice, while others approached difficult subjects through the show’s humor.

Bea Arthur as Dorothy Petrillo Zbornak, Betty White as Rose Nylund, Rue McClanahan as Blanche Devereaux, Estelle Getty as Sophia Petrillo in the first episode of The Golden Girls.

Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank

During its peak, the show regularly drew millions of viewers each week. On top of its many awards, The Golden Girls placed on many magazine listicles, including Variety‘s “100 Greatest TV Shows of all Time.”

In an interview at the Paley Center in New York City in 2006, White admitted that she was fascinated that people all over the world watched The Golden Girls, explaining that she would get fan mail from Finland, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. She also took the time to credit the writers of the show, who came up with all the plotlines and personalities of the four women.

“It’s just so phenomenal, and you can’t do that without the writers,” White said. “We can act ourselves [and be] silly, but you can’t do it unless it’s on that page.”

Fans can stream all 180 episodes of The Golden Girls on Hulu or Disney+.

Related: ’80s Actor and United States Veteran Turns 88

In 1981, an album that record labels repeatedly rejected arrived with little indication that it would soon produce one of the biggest rock hits of the decade.

Forty-five years later, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ I Love Rock ‘n Roll is getting some new recognition.

Barnes & Noble has selected I Love Rock ‘n Roll as one of its Albums of the Month for September 2026, part of the bookseller’s monthly spotlight on new releases and older favorites. The retailer describes the album as a “bold-unapologetic blast of guitar-driven rock” and is also offering an exclusive 45th anniversary edition on transparent red vinyl with an alternate cover.

The honor comes decades after Jett and her collaborators struggled to persuade anyone in the music business that they had a hit on their hands.

Joan Jett Couldn’t Get Record Labels to Say Yes to ‘I Love Rock ’n Roll’

Jett first encountered “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” years before recording the version that made her a star. According to music historian Fred Bronson’s “The Billboard Book of Number One Hits,” she saw the Arrows perform the song on television while touring England with the Runaways.

Jett was so taken with it that she contacted co-writer Jake Hooker about recording it. The Runaways, however, didn’t share her enthusiasm, and Jett couldn’t convince the group to cut the song.

After the Runaways broke up, Jett recorded an early version with former Sex Pistols members Steve Jones and Paul Cook, but it was released only as a B-side in Holland. She later recorded it again after forming the Blackhearts.

Getting that music released presented another problem.

In “The Heart of Rock & Soul: The 1001 Greatest Singles Ever Made,” critic Dave Marsh wrote that Jett’s recording of “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” and the accompanying album were rejected by every major record label and the significant minor labels as well. Eventually, manager and producer Kenny Laguna put the record out himself.

How ‘I Love Rock ’n Roll’ Became a No. 1 Smash

Released in late 1981, I Love Rock ‘n Roll became Jett’s most commercially successful album. In addition to its title track, the record included her remake of Tommy James and the Shondells’ “Crimson and Clover,” which became another Top 10 hit.

“I Love Rock ‘n Roll” reached No. 1 in March 1982 and stayed there for seven weeks. Bronson recounts that Hooker knew almost immediately that Jett had finally found the right version, telling him, “I had no doubts. I knew it was going to be number one.”

Jett herself was still marveling at the song’s success years later.

“I’m really proud that ‘I Love Rock ‘n Roll’ went to number one,” she told BAM’s Julie Panebianco in 1984, according to Bronson.

Four and a half decades after an industry full of record labels passed on Jett’s music, Barnes & Noble’s latest recognition adds another chapter to one of rock’s great rejection-to-redemption stories.

Related: 1977 Rock Album Is Suddenly Back on the Charts 48 Years After Album of the Year Grammy

A new Shark Tank-esque reality competition is in the works. And this time, a major network isn’t behind the show. Instead, Donald Trump’s team is spearheading the event.  

Held by the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Million Dollar Pitch will feature longtime Trump supporter Nicki Minaj, along with Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia and real estate mogul Grant Cardone, as the all-star judging panel. While Minaj certainly brings some serious notoriety to this trio, the term “all-star” might be overselling it. 

Nicki Minaj stands as she is recognized by US President Donald Trump as he delivers remarks on ‘Trump Accounts’ at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC, on January 28, 2026. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)

Minaj recently posted about her new judging gig on X, sharing, “This is a major, MAJOR KEY. Sooooooooooo looking forward to this!! Imagine being a part of the Trump Administration’s initiative to support small businesses. Let’s GO!” 

But as it turns out, the rapper isn’t the only celeb tied to the live event. TV’s Superman, Dean Cain, is set to host the competition. 

The Million Dollar Pitch pits five entrepreneurial finalists against each other for their share of $1 million in prize money (funded by Clover Network, Inc.). 

SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said, “Great American entrepreneurs themselves, Nicki Minaj, Grant Cardone, Joe Gebbia, and Dean Cain will only add to the excitement of this historic celebration of free enterprise in the finale of our Million Dollar Pitch Competition.”

Dean Cain. (Photo by JC Olivera/Getty Images)

Loeffler continued, “From building globally recognized personal and business brands and multibillion-dollar portfolios to launching innovative wellness solutions and digital platforms, each brings a unique, real-world perspective on business growth and impact. Their presence will be invaluable in highlighting the unique and inspiring stories of the five finalists competing for $1 million in growth capital, and the importance of Main Street businesses in powering American strength.” 

Unlike reality TV shows, this competition doesn’t follow the contestants week to week. Entrepreneurs were invited to apply for the SBA’s “Patriot Pitch” program earlier this year, and were judged in four categories: Strengthening American competitiveness, small business “punching above its weight,” economic impact and quality jobs, and business fundamentals and execution readiness. Ten finalists were announced on July 4th during the Great American State Fair. Since then, the SBA has narrowed down the “Patriot Pitch” pool to five companies: Compotech, Inc., Winton Machine, Plas-Tech Tooling, Red River, and VetPowered LLC. 

As part of the SBA’s Freedom 250 initiative, this event commemorates America’s birthday, including 250 years of free enterprise. The prizes include $400,000 for first place, $250,00 for second place, $150,000 for third place, $125,000 for fourth place, and $75,000 for fifth place. 

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For book lovers, there’s no such thing as having too many books — until you run out of places to put them. And when your collection has grown beyond a few stacks on your nightstand, a basic bookcase may no longer offer the storage or display space you need.  Luckily, we found a one-of-a kind Walmart bookshelf that offers plenty of storage while doubling as stylish décor.

Right now, the Homrelexa 17-Tier Tree Bookshelf is $45 at Walmart, down from $56. The tall, tree-inspired bookcase has 17 tiers for holding books, magazines, and décor, giving a growing collection plenty of room while adding an eye-catching touch to your space. Shoppers said the bookcase was “unique” and a “great conversation starter,” making it a fun choice for anyone who wants to show off their favorite reads. 

Homrelexa 17-Tier Tree Book Shelf, $45 (was $56) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Measuring 50 inches tall and 15.75 inches wide, the bookshelf makes the most of vertical space without taking up much floor space. Its distinctive branching design is an appealing choice for book lovers who want their favorite reads to become part of the room’s décor.

The 17-tier bookcase provides plenty of room for a large collection, while its open shelves can also hold plants, framed photos and other decorative accents. Its 360-degree rotating design lets you spin the bookcase around, making it easy to reach books and décor from different sides. The bookshelf also comes with detachable wheels, so you can move it around your home when rearranging furniture or cleaning.

Shoppers also praised the bookcase’s appearance and quality. One reviewer called it the “cutest bookcase ever,” adding that it was “sturdy” and “taller than expected.” Another shopper was pleasantly surprised by how “very easy to assemble” it was, while a third loved having “a lot of space” for their books and said the wheels were “so convenient.” 

The bookcase comes in black, brown and white colors.  Prices vary by color, but you can snag any option for under $50. 

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• Foukus 63-Inch Round Shade Floor Lamp With Shelves, $39 (was $70) at Walmart
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Related: Walmart Is Selling a ‘Beautiful’ Rustic 5-Tier Bookcase With a Built-In Farmhouse Cabinet for Nearly 30% Off

Whether you’re organizing a growing book collection, or refreshing a reading nook, the Homrelexa 17-Tier Tree Bookshelf  is an easy way for bibliophiles to add storage and style to your space. Head to Walmart to shop it while the deal lasts!

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