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It may seem hard to believe, but the holidays are approaching fast, which makes now the perfect time to ensure your home is looking its best. If you want an easy and stylish way to declutter your space, Walmart’s top-rated Homfa Bathroom Cabinet ticks all the right boxes. It features multiple tiers of adjustable shelving and a simple, modern design that’s versatile enough to complement any home. 

Originally $115, the versatile two-door cabinet is now on sale for just $65. It comes in a classic all-white colorway accented with black knobs, making it neutral enough to easily blend in with a range of decor from farmhouse to minimalist. 

Homfa Bathroom Cabinet, $65 (was $115) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

At 22.8 inches long, 11.6 inches wide, and 31.7 inches high, the cabinet is just the right size to help you make the most of your space, whether you’re using it as bathroom or laundry storage, a kitchen pantry, an entryway table, or an accent piece in your living room. It features two adjustable shelves that are sturdy enough to hold towels, toiletries, shoes, snacks, spice jars, and more. The double doors keep your items tucked away and secure, while the round knobs allow for effortless opening and closing. 

Made from high-quality medium-density fiberboard, the cabinet is waterproof, heat-resistant, and peel-resistant, so you can easily swap out or reorganize your items as necessary without having to worry about scratches or nicks. It comes with all of the required hardware and detailed setup instructions, making assembly simple and hassle-free. 

The freestanding cabinet has earned plenty of praise from Walmart shoppers, who called it “beautiful” and “sturdy.”  Multiple reviewers highlighted its spacious interior, with one noting it offers “lots of storage” and another saying it’s “perfect to hide clutter.” Others said its compact build is ideal for small spaces, calling it “perfect for tiny bathrooms.”

Related: Replace Your Summer Bedding With Walmart’s ‘Very Cozy’ Reversible Tulip Comforter Set

Make this year’s fall organizing a little easier, and add some stylish storage space to your home with this versatile two-door cabinet. Grab one while it’s still on flash sale for just $65 at Walmart.

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword answers cover everything from card games and Ivy League schools to compact action cameras, money-sending apps, Swedish furniture stores and basic units of measurement.

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 Thursday, October 1, 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 Thursday, October 1, 2026

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

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: Word before “a hand” or “a hoot” — HINT: Starts with the letter “G”

5 Across: Card game for Phil Ivey — HINT: Ends with the letter “R”

6 Across: Philly Ivy — HINT: Ends with the letter “N”

7 Across: Basic unit of mass — HINT: Starts with the letter “G”

8 Across: Not bad, but not great — HINT: Ends with the letter “O”

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

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: Enter the N.F.L. draft, say — HINT: Starts with the letter “G”

2 Down: Furniture stores in giant blue warehouses — HINT: Starts with the letter “I”

3 Down: Cash App alternative — HINT: Ends with the letter “O”

4 Down: Suffix with north, south, east or west — HINT: Starts with the letter “E”

5 Down: Dogs with smushed-looking faces — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Thursday, October 1, 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: Word before “a hand” or “a hoot” — GIVE

5 Across: Card game for Phil Ivey — POKER

6 Across: Philly Ivy — UPENN

7 Across: Basic unit of mass — GRAM

8 Across: Not bad, but not great — SOSO

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: Enter the N.F.L. draft, say — GOPRO

2 Down: Furniture stores in giant blue warehouses — IKEAS

3 Down: Cash App alternative — VENMO

4 Down: Suffix with north, south, east or west — ERN

5 Down: Dogs with smushed-looking faces — PUGS

Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Wednesday, September 30, 2026

In 1976, Led Zeppelin recorded one of its most ambitious rock songs “Achilles Last Stand,” a sprawling track that runs for more than 10 minutes, was recorded while a member was in a wheelchair following a serious injury.

Despite its enduring popularity, “Achilles Last Stand” was never released as a single, as its long runtime made it unusually lengthy for mainstream radio.

However, it is often considered an underrated Led Zeppelin song.

The hard rock and heavy metal track has remained a fan favorite and was ranked No. 4 on BBC Music’s list of the 27 Greatest Songs of Led Zeppelin.

Interestingly, “Achilles Last Stand” has a fascinating story behind how the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees created the timeless track.

Led Zeppelin live at Nippon Budokan, October 2nd, 1972.

Koh Hasebe/Shinko Music/Getty Images

Released on the band’s seventh studio album, Presence, in 1976, the epic song showcased Led Zeppelin’s ability to blend powerful musical styles into a sprawling rock arrangement.

Lead singer Robert Plant showcased his soaring vocals, accompanied by John Bonham’s galloping drum style and John Paul Jones’ thunderous eight-string bass.

According to Plant, one of the inspirations behind the song was a near-death experience he personally endured.

During a vacation in Greece, a country steeped in mythology, the Led Zeppelin frontman was involved in a devastating car crash that left him with severe injuries, including a serious ankle injury.

“I spent some time in Greece, probably about six or seven months, after a car wreck in 1975,” he told Vulture, via Cheatsheet. “I was unable to walk. That particular song’s lyric relates to the absolutely desperate need to get out of the jail, out of the wheelchair, or out of the whole syndrome of being stuck in wherever I was. I longed to head back to the Atlas Mountains, to the place where it was solace and joy, but at the same time, intrigue and adventure.”

With Plant’s recovery underway, he and Jimmy Page wrote material for their album and recorded it in Germany.

According to accounts, the lead singer reportedly got so excited during the recording session that he fell and re-injured his ankle.

This also explains the band’s connection to Achilles, the legendary demigod and one of the greatest warriors in ancient Greek mythology, who was believed to be invulnerable except for his famous weak spot, the heel.

Related: 1977 Soft Rock Song, With Singer Nicknamed ‘The Delta Lady,’ Is Still an Iconic Hit 49 Years Later

Anybody who’s ever listened to classic rock radio knows that Chicago was one of the most successful bands of the ’70s and ’80s, but even longtime fans might not realize just how successful (we’re talking 20 top 10 singles, three of which went all the way to #1). But one might say that it all started in 1970 with the band’s breakthrough hit, “25 or 6 to 4.”

Released on Chicago’s self-titled 1970 album, “25 or 6 to 4” became the band’s first song to break the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. As founding member Robert Lamm told Mix magazine in July 2019, he wrote the future classic late one night while sitting “cross-legged on the floor,” playing a 12-string guitar with only 10 strings.

“I had the guitar riff, which I played, and I had this melody, which I sang along with the riff,” Lamm recalled. “Then, once I sat at the piano and fleshed out the changes, and then the release, it sort of all came together. I was really just developing this musical idea between the riff that the guitar would play and the melody on top of it. And a place for the horns to show off their stuff.”

Lamm went on to explain the inspiration behind the song’s cryptic lyrics and title, both of which inspired many fan theories over the years.

“Because I was writing it very late at night, and I’m looking out over the Hollywood Hills, looking down into L.A., I could see the lights on the tops of the tall buildings, flashing and glowing,” he said. “So I just thought that, for now, I’ll just describe what I’m thinking and what I’m seeing and what I’m doing. And what I was trying to do was write a song. So the song really describes the process of writing that song. Which was kind of uninteresting and boring.”

At one point, Lamm looked at the antique clock on the wall to see just how late it was getting.

“I couldn’t quite tell where the hands of the clock were pointing,” he admitted. “It was 25 or 26 minutes before 4 a.m. I didn’t expect to keep those words; I expected to replace them with some actual lyrics. But it ended up working out okay.”

Lamm’s bandmates were enthusiastic about the song after he played it for them the next day. Unfortunately, they experienced something of a setback just a few days later when Lamm, Peter Cetera, Terry Kath, Danny Seraphine and Walt Parazaider went to a Dodgers-Cubs baseball game at Dodger Stadium. Naturally, Cetera was cheering for his Chicago home team, which led to a brawl with several fans of the Dodgers who happened to be marines (who didn’t take kindly to the long-haired musician). Cetera’s jaw was broken in three places and wired shut for several months as a result.

Related: 1984 Hit Breakup Anthem Deemed the ‘Perfect Pop Song’

His jaw was still wired shut when the time came to record “25 or 6 to 4,” meaning the singer had to make some major adjustments.

“He had to learn to sing differently,” producer Jimmy Guercio said. “I told him, ‘I can’t wait, we’re gonna do this.’” 

Clearly, Cetera’s injury didn’t hurt his performance (or the song’s performance on the charts). In 2019, Billboard ranked “25 or 6 to 4” at #1 on a list of Chicago’s 50 best songs of all time.

“There’s a reason why Chicago has chosen ’25 or 6 to 4′ as its set closer for virtually every concert this century, including its dazzling Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2016: It’s the band’s greatest song, a banner encapsulation of the rock, soul and horns sound that has brought the sprawling outfit immeasurable success over the last 50 years,” wrote Billboard‘s Bobby Olivier.

“It’s a song that has endured not only on classic-rock radio, but on high school football fields, as marching bands across the country continue to favor the towering tune,” Olivier continued. “But beyond the blaring brass was an unforgettable performance from Kath, who unleashed crunching hard-rock hell on this tune, plus an urgent, high-flying vocal from Cetera. A full-band effort from one of the greatest big-band rock acts of any era.”

Interestingly enough, Cetera continued singing with his jaw clenched even after his injury was healed.

“When they cut the wires off, I was afraid of my jaw sticking open again, so I don’t really open my mouth a lot when I sing,” he said in 2009, per Classic Rock.

Related: The Who’s Roger Daltrey Was Temporarily Fired for Punching This Band Member 60 Years Ago Today

Hold onto your oranges, Bravo fans! It’s officially happening! The Real Housewives of Orange County star Jennifer Pedantri just confirmed her wedding plans with partner Ryan Boyajian, and it’s right around the corner.

The Bravolebrity confirmed the news with Bravo Insider’s Stephanie Gomulka and Casey Suglia, announcing that the wedding will take place in April 2027.

This date is important to note as it appears just in time for potential filming of The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 21, if Pedantri returns. Filming for Season 20 took place between early February 2026 and wrapped in early May 2026. So if production follows a similar filming schedule, Pedantri’s wedding could potentially be seen in the next season.

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Pedantri revealed that the pair plans to share their vows in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, explaining in BravoInsider, “We’re running it over to Cabo, got everything set up, and so we’re just doing it. Like, it’s time, and I’m tired of sounding like, ‘Oh, we’ll do it, we’ll do it.’ Well, it’s time to do it,” she said.

Pedantri revealed the guest list for her wedding has not been finalized just yet, with things still up in the air. The ceremony may be an intimate moment with close family, or it may extend to inviting all of her castmates.

Pedantri joined the cast of The Real Housewives of Orange County with Season 17 back in 2023. Now in her fourth season, the reality TV star has worked hard to find her place in the Bravoverse. Pedantri and Boyajian were engaged as a part of the Season 18 finale back in 2024.

Related: RHOC Star Addresses ‘Unacceptable’ Behavior After Son Is Linked to 7-Acre Orange County Fire

The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 20 is currently airing Thursdays on Bravo, with episodes streaming the next day on Peacock.

Viewers can catch all previous episodes of The Real Housewives of Orange County, along with all other installments of the franchise, streaming exclusively on Peacock.

Mark Ruffalo continues to scrutinize the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger. He spoke out on Wednesday, Sept. 30, following the news that Paramount has tentatively set Tuesday, Oct. 6, to close the deal.

“This merger will stifle creativity, weaken free speech, and cost people their jobs — it is a bad deal for this country and should never have been approved,” the actor wrote in a Threads post on Wednesday. “This is an incredibly disappointing outcome for the hundreds of thousands of us who stood up to block it, but it’s also not the end. This grassroots movement isn’t going to fade away and neither is our resolve.”

He added: “This was never about just one merger: this was about fighting back against corrupt oligarch billionaires trampling the interests of everyday people to line their own pockets. We’re still in that fight. Join us.”

Ruffalo spoke out earlier this month about the merger. He urged California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the 11 other state attorneys general involved in the lawsuit to reject any settlement with Paramount Skydance to prevent David Ellison from acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery.

“Don’t you dare, [Rob Bonta], do not cave,” Ruffalo wrote on X. “5,670 filmmakers put their necks on the line for you to fight this merger. Another 75,000+ and counting have signed to tell you not to concede in just 3 weeks. You work for the people — the very people who will be hurt if you let this lousy deal filled with empty promises go forward. Please sign to send a message to the AGs and Paramount. Reject the deal. The people don’t want it!”

When Elvis Presley purchased Graceland on March 19, 1957, he had no idea that it would become an American historical landmark years after his death.

Located at 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard, the late singer lived in this estate and called it home for 20 years. He, along with his parents Vernon and Gladys, grandmother Minnie Mae, grandson Benjamin, and daughter Lisa Marie, are buried on the grounds.

After Presley died of a heart attack in 1977, the estate faced over $500,000 a year in taxes, maintenance and upkeep costs. His team decided to turn Graceland into a museum in June 1982. The museum is divided into two parts. Guests can visit the mansion where he actually lived, which includes his iconic living room with peacock windows, a Polynesian-themed den called “the Jungle Room” that was used as a recording space, and the Meditation Garden, where Presley and many of his family members are buried.

Across the street from the 17,552-square-foot mansion is a large museum that holds some of his famous cars, gold records, iconic stage wear and costumes, and movie archives. Visitors can also take tours of his two private jets: the Lisa Marie and the Hound Dog II.

As of 2024, Graceland receives about 600,000 visitors a year and is the second most visited home in the United States after the White House. In 1991, it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places, making it the first site to be recognized for significance related to rock music. It was later declared a National Historic Landmark in 2006.

The sole trustee and owner of the house is now Riley Keough, Lisa Marie’s eldest daughter and Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s eldest granddaughter. Keough, 37, is also an actress and inherited the property when Lisa Marie passed away in January 2023.

Elvis Presley posing in front of his Graceland mansion.

Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

While Presley’s career was heightening in the 1950s, he was still living in the Memphis area. Though his neighbors loved the singer and were very excited to have a celebrity nearby, they all agreed that having fans and journalists in the neighborhood was a nuisance.

In early 1957, Presley asked his parents to find a farmhouse-like property in the area with a $100,000 budget. In March, Presley purchased Graceland for $102,500, when he was just 22 years old.

Presley deeply loved Graceland, considering it his true permanent home and personal sanctuary away from the pressures of fame. Even when he traveled for tours or stayed in California for his movies, Graceland remained his constant home base. When he was on the road, he often had his hotel rooms remodeled or his own familiar furniture brought in to mimic the comfort and layout of his Memphis home.

The “Can’t Help Falling in Love” singer passed away in his favorite place in the world. At just 42 years old, he died in one of the bathrooms in Graceland from cardiac arrhythmia, though later toxicology reports strongly suggested that polypharmacy was the primary cause of death. A funeral was held at the estate, where family, friends and fans came to mourn.

The front of Graceland mansion.

Bruce Yuanyue Bi / Getty Images

More than six decades after Presley bought Graceland, the Memphis mansion remains one of the most recognizable homes in American music history. Today, Graceland has become a place where fans can connect with the musician beyond his records and performances. Visitors can still tour the rooms where the singer and actor lived, see his personal belongings and pay their respects at his grave.

Graceland is open every day, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, from 9 am to 4 pm. Depending on the type of access a guest wants, ticket prices range from $53 to $260.

Related: In 1993, Barbra Streisand gave her 22.5-acre Malibu estate to California’s Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy; it’s now a park in Ramirez Canyon

Madonna helped perfect Troye Sivan‘s new song “Party.”

The 31-year-old singer-songwriter wanted the track to feel like a night out where you lose track of time. He knew exactly who he needed to make it perfect.

Sivan sampled Madonna’s 2000 hit “Music” on “Party.” He opened up about requesting permission from the 68-year-old Queen of Pop to Zane Lowe during an interview posted by Apple Music on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

“She was lovely about it,” Sivan recalled. “Made it super easy.”

The “One Of Your Girls” singer shared that Madonna has been an idol to him for as long as he can remember.

“Madonna’s ‘Like a Prayer’ is like one of my first things that I remember in my whole life. She’s always been important to me,” he said.

“Party,” the third song on his new record, came to him when he realized his best nights out happen when he doesn’t conform to arbitrary limits.

“I’ll put these kinds of rules up in my head where I’m like, ‘Oh, well it’s 3 a.m. I should probably go home.’ You know what I mean?” he explained. “And the best thing ever is when I push through and I’m like, ‘No, why am I setting these imposing rules on myself? Like, let me just keep going kind of thing.’ I feel like that’s when I have a lot of fun.”

“And the song is this cyclical thing that just keeps going and going and going,” he said.

That tension creates something more intimate, matching the feeling he hoped the Madonna sample would bring to the song.

“All of a sudden you’re at the party. It’s like super wide or whatever and then it immediately goes inward,” he said. “You’re just in yourself and it’s that moment where you know the music is kind of like pulsing through your entire body. You can kind of feel the heat of one of the lights on your face and ‘Music’ by Madonna is playing at this party and you’re just kind of lost in that moment.”

Sivan’s fourth studio album, She’s the Best, hits shelves on Oct. 9.

Anyone who grew up with three Jennifers or four Brittanys in their class is well aware that names can become very trendy. These days, parents across the country have just realized that they’re raising one of several Olivias or Liams in their child’s school. But while it’s easy to look up the most popular names thanks to the Social Security Administration’s handy search features, if you are welcoming a child in 2027, you might want to know what type of names are trending overall—either so you can lean into a trend without choosing a specific name that is too popular, or so you can avoid a trend altogether. 

Or, hey, maybe you just like names. Not only is learning about names and their meanings pretty fun, but naming trends can speak to larger trends in society, too.

To learn about what we can expect when it comes to 2027 baby name trends, Parade spoke to three baby name consultants. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, baby name consultants are people who expecting parents can hire to help them find the perfect name. Naming consultants take trends into account, as well as factors such as whether parents want to honor a family member with the name, how the name sounds with the child’s surname, whether it needs to pair well with a sibling’s name, their cultural background and more. Some name consultants are also very popular on social media, because people love finding out about baby names—and sharing their own opinions in the comments!

Keep reading to see what the name experts predict for 2027.

Related: 75 Most Popular Baby Names in the Midwest Right Now

The #1 Baby Name Trend Set To Take Over in 2027

While each baby name consultant explained their choice differently, all three experts overlapped in one area: vintage names will be big for 2027. 

Taylor Humphrey, who founded What’s in a Baby Name, calls this type of name “Granny-core.”

“With such economic, political and technological uncertainty, I suspect we’ll see parents leaning towards sturdy, no-frills, ‘recession-proof’ names,” she tells Parade. “I think parents are moving toward names that feel inherited, hard-working and deeply rooted in a sense of time and place.” 

Teri Brill of Baby Names and Co. says that “sweet and simple minimalist names will be pretty highly used,” but she specifically highlighted “vintage minimalist names.”

“Everyone seems to be loving that good old-time feel of grandma and grandpa names,” she explains.

Colleen Slagen, who consults through her company Naming Bebe and wrote a book of the same name, says that “vintage nicknames” will be “very hot” for girls in particular. For boys, she sees another trend on the horizon: “preppy surnames.” 

“I think when it comes to boy names, most people are only willing to get so creative,” she states. “So surnames are a way to feel like you’ve picked a classic name, but not one that you heard a lot growing up.”

As examples, she points to the names Hewitt, Woods, Foster, Fletcher, Jones, Sullivan and Marshall.

Related: A Professional Baby Name Consultant Is Begging Parents To Stop Using These 2 Middle Names

Why Vintage Names Are Trending

Vintage names have been gaining more and more steam for a while now. In 2025, Evelyn ranked number 8, Eleanor was number 12 and Violet was number 13 in popularity, according to the SSA. On the boys’ side, Henry and Theodore have been growing in popularity for years and broke into the top 10 in 2020 and 2021, respectively. 

According to Humphrey, current events and the state of the country speak to the continuing trend.

“As digital life feels increasingly transient, parents are grounding their children with names that represent stability, endurance and legacy,” she explains. “The resurgence of what some might call dusty, old-fashioned names is pushback against the overly polished or ‘algorithm-friendly’ names of the early 2020s… They feel evocative of a simpler, more wholesome time when we weren’t constantly bombarded by threatening headlines about rogue technologies and corrupt politicians.”

Slagen says that the vintage name trend strikes a balance that some parents are looking for.

“Vintage names are charming and familiar, but different from the girl names we grew up with, so there is a novelty to them,” she explains.

Plus, she connects these types of names trending to trends that exist in other areas, such as fashion and design.

“Cottagecore/Nancy Meyers is very in, and vintage names fit into that aesthetic,” she continues. “There is a sweet nostalgia to them.”

Vintage Name Sub-Trends Expected in 2027 Vintage minimalist names 

Brill thinks an overriding trend in 2027 will be “sweet and simple minimalist names,” with “vintage minimalist names” being a sub-trend.

“Lou, Eve, Wes, Abe and June sound like they came off the family tree versus Kai, Elke, Rio, Oz and Nyx,” she tells Parade. “All short, sweet and great, but some have that vintage vibe.”

Word name balancers

Brill also says that classic, vintage names are a way to balance a “word” name (names that are typically common words).

“I think word names will be another trend that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon,” she notes. “Using a solid and classic middle just makes a word name more relatable to most.”

Examples of this are “Story Jane, Onyx Dean, Atlas Arthur and Daisy Estelle,” she shares.

Surname-as-first-names

“I’m seeing a rise in ‘surname-as-first-name,’ such as Miller, Hayes, Palmer or Sutton,” says Humphrey. “Surnames-as-first-names are great honorary names for grandparents (or great-grandparents) of the opposite sex. So you might choose grandma Ethel Anderson‘s surname for your son, or you might choose Grandpa Jack Murphy‘s surname for your daughter.” 

As a sub-sub-trend of sorts, Humphrey also points to surnames that “specifically have been passed down from medieval occupations.” These include names like “Lancer, Spencer, Brewer, Bridger, Chandler, Shepherd, Archer, Baker, Carter, Cooper, Gunner, Foster, Fletcher, Sawyer, Mason, Smith, Tanner, Thatcher, Tucker [and] Tyler.” 

Gender neutral nicknames

Slagen says parents can get a vintage feel through “gender neutral nicknames” for girls, like “Billie, Joey, Stevie, Frankie and Sunny.”

Boy names ending in ‘S’

This one speaks to Slagen’s preppy surnames trend for boys rather than the vintage name trend, but a subtrend in that category parents might want to be aware of is “surnames ending in ‘s’ like Banks, Wells, Rhodes, Townes, Woods, Mayes, Hughes and Parks.

Related: 75 Most Popular Baby Names in France Right Now

More Vintage Name Examples from the Experts

In addition to the names that fit into the subtrends above, the experts share a few more examples for the vintage name trend. 

Humphrey shares Leonard, Wayne, Truett, Arthur, Otis, William and Boaz for boys; and Frankie, Merritt, Esther, Margaret, Carmen, Dorothy and Rosa for girls. 

For boys, Slagen lists Hewitt, Woods, Foster, Fletcher, Jones, Sullivan and Marshal; and for girls, Nellie, Goldie, Romy, Kit, Birdie, Lou and Pippa.

How To Choose a Trend-Forward Name That Still Feels Timeless

For parents who want to lean into naming trends—the vintage trend or otherwise—the experts have some suggestions for picking a name that (hopefully) won’t eventually feel too dated. 

“Choose a name that has a history of use, not something that is a new invention,” Slagen says. 

Humphrey agrees and suggests looking to “revive ‘antique’ choices that have historical staying power rather than those that spiked in popularity due to a single pop culture moment.”

“Focus on names that have already cycled through at least one or two generations successfully,” she continues. “And finally, don’t try too hard to pick a name that’s going to be ‘unique.’ Popular names are popular for a reason; lots of people love them!”

Brill notes that those who are comfortable with being trendy can add some balance with their middle name choice.

“If parents are wanting a trendier first name, they could definitely balance it a bit by using more of a classic name for the middle spot,” she shares. “It won’t feel as dated and will still convey some fun and trend with some staying power.”

Up Next:

Related: 75 Darling Double Names for Girls—Like Carrie Ann, Mary Kate and Lily Rose

Sources:

• Teri Brill is a baby name consultant who covers names on social media and consults parents with her company Baby Names and Co.
• Taylor Humphrey is a baby name consultant who founded What’s in a Baby Name and wrote the eBook, Baby Name Mourning.
• Colleen Slagen is a baby name consultant and founder of Naming Bebe. She is also the author of the book Naming Bebe: An Interactive Guide to Choosing a Baby Name You Love.

Last week’s Survivor 51 premiere brought a lot of exciting potential for the brand-new “open era” of the game. The 21 new players entered the realm of “permanent uncertainty,” as we saw alliances formed and immediately separated, a grueling trip to Exile Island, and a twist on last season’s coin flip that will forever change the game moving forward. It all culminated in a chaotic first vote of the season, as last-minute pandemonium cooked Aaliyah Puglia’s game. And Episode 2 only seemed to bring more havoc, between a grody medical emergency, an attempt at a game-changing, rule-breaking move, and the first blindside of the season.

Here’s our spoiler-filled recap of tonight’s episode of Survivor 51, including who went home.

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Who got voted off on Survivor 51 tonight? Ana Sani Ana Sani on ‘Survivor 51’

Robert Voets/CBS

Ana Sani has made a career out of using her voice. But the actress realized only five days into the game that there is such a thing as putting too much of yourself on tape. Ana made quick bonds early on, getting close with Rob Antonson, Carter Krull and Alexis Levine. But she also had the impulse to cause some chaos, floating out Linnea Capobianco and Sharonda Cox’s names to Alexis. When Alexis caught her awkwardly covering for throwing her under the bus, she popped off like popcorn. Telling Linnea and Sharonda what Ana had said, a movement began growing against her. Facing their first vote, it seemed like an easy consensus, with Eric Macksoud’s time in the Survivor spotlight coming to an end. Even when Rob temporarily derailed things by attempting to both play an idol on Eric and vote himself out, it seemed like things had drifted back to the status quo. But the so-called “layup” had turned into a half-court miracle, as Ana and her allies were shocked to see the tribe flip things on her in a 6-4 vote. While she had plenty of names she was spreading, the only one they were writing down was hers.

Were any idols or advantages found or played on Survivor 51 tonight?

Yes! While her tribe was relishing in their new reward, Angelica “Jelly” Loblack hit the jungle in search of an idol. And all of the pain of walking through the brush barefoot was worth it, as she got her hands on one! Interestingly, she chose to tell Patt Cannaday about her acquisition rather than Devin Way, feeling the latter’s “weaponized honesty” could out her secret.

Related: Jeff Probst Reveals How ‘Survivor’s ‘Open Era’ Came to Be: ‘There is No Evolution’ (Exclusive)

What happened with Brady on Survivor 51 tonight?

As we’ve been consistently reminded for 26 years, Survivor is no joke. We saw that in the first part of tonight’s episode when Brady Booker hurt himself chopping wood. The way he describes it, the pro wrestler accidentally cut off a quarter of his thumb, leaving him bleeding and brooding. Immediately, he and his tribemates began fearing the worst, expecting him to be pulled. But the show’s doctor shared a surprising diagnosis, patching him up and giving him antibiotics. While Brady seems to avoid the initial medevac, he may not be completely out of the woods, given the risk of potential infection. It’s something we’ll have to watch moving forward (as long as we don’t have to watch more close-ups of the quarter of Brady’s thumb that got lopped off).

Who is left in the game on Survivor 51? Alexis Levine Brady Booker Carter Krull Cristian Chavez Devin Way Eric Macksoud Angelica “Jelly” Loblack Jenna Doore Danny “Kilby” Kilby Kristin Flickinger Lewis Kelly Linnea Capobianco Maggie Nestor Mike Pinsky Ori Jean-Charles Patt Cannaday Rob Antonson Sharonda Cox An “Thien An” Nguyen

Related: ‘Survivor 51’s Aaliyah Puglia Reveals What Really Happened During That Chaotic First Tribal Council (Exclusive)

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Fall is that in-between season when a lightweight quilt can start feeling a little too chilly, but a super-heavy comforter is still overkill. If you want to add a cozy layer without turning your bed into a heat trap, this is a great time to make the switch. The right comforter can give your bedroom that warm, inviting feel while still being comfortable enough for milder nights.

One great option is the Cloud Stripe 3-Piece Comforter Set, which is currently 70% off at Macy’s. The discount brings the price down from $80 to just $24, making it an easy way to give your bedroom a seasonal refresh without spending a lot. It’s also a great opportunity to grab a complete matching set rather than piecing together your bedding separately.

Cloud Stripe 3-Piece Comforter Set, $24 (was $80) at Macy’s 

Courtesy of Macy's

Shop at Macy's

The set comes in twin XL, full/queen, and king sizes, and every size is just $24. The twin XL includes two pieces, with one comforter and one matching sham, while the full/queen and king sets include three pieces with one comforter and two shams. Keeping the price the same across sizes makes it especially budget-friendly if you need to outfit a larger bed.

The multicolor striped pattern brings plenty of personality without overwhelming the room. Even better, the comforter is reversible, so you get two looks in one. Keep the colorful stripes facing up for a more playful, contemporary feel, or flip it over to reveal a solid blue side for a cleaner, more understated look. The design works nicely with everything from coastal grandmother and boho chic spaces to modern farmhouse bedrooms or a simple, inviting guest room.

Related: Replace Your Summer Bedding With Walmart’s ‘Very Cozy’ Reversible Tulip Comforter Set

Made with a 100% polyester shell and fill, the comforter has a soft, cozy feel while remaining lightweight enough for year-round use. It’s also machine washable, so keeping it fresh doesn’t require any complicated care. That combination makes it practical for everyday bedding, whether you’re refreshing your own room or preparing a guest space for visitors.

One reviewer said they’re “obsessed with this comforter,” adding, “It’s so soft, cozy, and beautiful. The quality is amazing, and it looks even better in person.” Another shopper called it “relaxed, lived-in, and effortless,” writing, “It’s super soft, lightweight enough that you don’t overheat, and the casual look makes the whole room feel put-together without trying too hard.”

Shop More Macy’s Bedding Deals

• Danny Plaid Reversible Microfiber 3-Piece Comforter Set, $32 (was $80) at Macy’s
• Dobby Stripe Cotton Blend 4-Piece Sheet Set, $39 (was $130) at Macy’s
• Bryony Floral Soft Patchwork Design 3-Piece Comforter Set, $32 (was $80) at Macy’s

For a stylish bedding refresh that adds just the right amount of comfort for fall, the Cloud Stripe 3-Piece Comforter Set is an easy pick. And with Macy’s current 70% discount, you can save $56 and get the set for just $24, making it a simple way to give your bedroom a fresh new look without a major splurge.

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.

Everything old really is new again, especially when it comes to food. Lately, I can’t scroll for more than a few minutes without seeing a vintage recipe being pulled out of an old cookbook, recreated on TikTok or given a modern-day makeover. And as someone who loves digging into retro recipes, I’m completely here for it.

Which brings me to Watergate salad.

If there were ever a vintage dessert ready for a comeback, this fluffy, pale-green creation might be it. For starters, pistachio is having another major moment in 2026, showing up everywhere from chocolate and baked goods to drinks and desserts. So a bowl of pistachio fluff that was a potluck staple decades ago suddenly doesn’t seem quite so dated.

And then there’s the whole “salad” situation. I have a soft spot for recipes that very clearly belong in the dessert category but somehow earned themselves a salad title. Watergate salad combines pistachio pudding, crushed pineapple, marshmallows, whipped topping and nuts into one big bowl of creamy, fluffy nostalgia. Betty Crocker’s version has just five ingredients and takes about only 10 minutes of prep.

I had to see whether this retro pistachio dessert deserved to stay in the ’70s or whether our parents and grandparents were onto something all along.

Related: 10 Bizarre 1970s Jell-O Molds That Prove the Decade Was Absolutely Wild

Wait, Why Is It Called ‘Watergate Salad’?

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Despite the name, Watergate salad doesn’t appear to have a confirmed connection to the Watergate Hotel.

The dish rose to popularity around the same period as the Watergate scandal, but the exact origin of its name remains surprisingly murky. Betty Crocker notes that while the timing lines up, no definitive explanation for the name has been established.

The recipe itself is closely associated with General Foods, which developed a dessert called Pistachio Pineapple Delight in the mid-1970s around the introduction of pistachio instant pudding. One long-repeated story says a Chicago food editor later dubbed the recipe “Watergate Salad” to generate interest, but researchers have never been able to conclusively identify the original column or editor.

Whatever happened, the name stuck and arguably became far more memorable than Pistachio Pineapple Delight ever could have been.

Related: I Tried the Viral ‘Lazy Lasagna’ Recipe and My Weeknight Dinners Are Forever Changed

The 5-Ingredient Retro Lineup

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Part of Watergate salad’s appeal is just how simple it is. I followed Betty Crocker’s classic Watergate salad recipe, which calls for only five ingredients:

• 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
• 1 (4-serving-size) box pistachio instant pudding and pie filling mix
• 3/4 cup miniature marshmallows
• 2 cups thawed frozen whipped topping
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans

And yes, you leave the pineapple undrained. That juice is important because it provides the liquid needed to hydrate the dry pudding mix.

It’s exactly the kind of ingredient list that screams vintage recipe: lots of boxed, canned and prepackaged goods, tossed in a bowl to produce a very unique color.

Related: I Tried Nora Ephron’s Bread Pudding, and It’s My New Favorite Fall Dessert

The Taste Test: I Made the Vintage Pistachio Fluff

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

I’ll admit that I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from this one. There’s something about combining instant pudding, pineapple and marshmallows and then calling it a salad that makes you question where things are headed.

But after one bite, I understood why this recipe has been a crowd favorite for so long.

It’s light, fluffy and sweet without feeling nearly as heavy as you might expect from the ingredient list. The pistachio pudding gives the whole thing that nostalgic flavor and signature pale-green color, while the crushed pineapple adds brightness and a little acidity that keeps all that sweetness from becoming one-note.

Then you get the mini marshmallows, which add a soft, chewy texture, followed by the pecans for a much-needed bit of crunch.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Is it sophisticated? Absolutely not. Does it taste like something that would have been sitting proudly on a potluck table in 1976? One hundred percent. Is it great? Absolutely yes.

But that’s also part of what makes it so good. Watergate salad isn’t trying to be a fancy pistachio dessert. It’s cold, creamy, fluffy, ridiculously easy to make and genuinely fun to eat. Of all the vintage recipes I’ve been digging back up, this is one I finally understand the hype around.

Is It a Dessert or a Side Dish?

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

Here’s where things get controversial: Watergate salad has traditionally been served as both a dessert and a side dish.

Betty Crocker suggests it can sit alongside savory holiday dishes or be served as a sweet treat, which feels very appropriate for an era that was much more relaxed about the definition of the word “salad.”

Personally, though? I’m firmly putting this in the dessert category.

Pistachio pudding, whipped topping and mini marshmallows are doing a lot of work here, and no amount of pineapple is convincing me to serve this alongside a roast.

That said, if your family has always served green fluff next to the turkey, I’m not here to disrupt tradition. Dessert salad is its own wonderfully strange category of American food, and Watergate salad might be one of its most iconic examples.

Related: My Mom, Grandma and I All Swear by the Same Easy 50-Year-Old Bread Pudding Recipe—Here’s Why

How To Make Classic Watergate Salad

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

The good news is that making Watergate salad is considerably easier than explaining why it’s called Watergate salad.

Start by combining the undrained crushed pineapple, dry pistachio pudding mix and miniature marshmallows in a medium bowl.

Next, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until everything is evenly combined and that familiar light-green color appears. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least one hour. Betty Crocker says you can actually prepare the mixture up to two days ahead.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

When you’re ready to serve, gently stir in the chopped pecans. Waiting until the end helps the nuts retain their crunch rather than softening while the salad sits in the refrigerator.

That’s it.

Five ingredients, about 10 minutes of work and one extremely retro bowl of pistachio fluff later, and I suddenly understand why Watergate salad never completely disappeared. With pistachio back in the spotlight and vintage recipes having another moment, this ’70s favorite might actually be right on time for a comeback.

Up Next:

Related: 7 Vintage Cake Recipes That Award-Winning Bakers Swear By

Beyond the Gates star Mike Manning has revealed that, despite playing the lovable journalist Bradley Smith on CBS’s newest daytime soap opera, he originally auditioned for a very different role.

Manning recently caught up with TV Source Magazine’s M.Skye, where they discussed joining the soap opera, the unique differences behind the scenes vs. other shows, and how social media has truly changed the game.

During the conversation, Manning revealed that Smitty wasn’t the original role he auditioned for when he heard about The Gates (Beyond the Gates’ original working title); rather, he was trying to play Firefighter Derek. “I had my heart set on Derek in the beginning; I was like, ‘He’s a firefighter. He’s in love. He’s a good guy. I get to play a good guy.’”

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While production wasn’t interested in Manning for the part of Derek, with the role ultimately going to daytime newcomer Ben Gavin, they did reach back out to gauge his interest in the part of “Daniel,” described as a political reporter who is now a stay-at-home dad to his two adopted biological siblings; he is navigating his marriage with “Marcus,” a congressman who dreams of becoming the first openly gay Black president.

Recalling his reaction to reading the character breakdown, Manning shared, “At first I was like, ‘Wait, a journalist? What is this?’”

However, it didn’t take long for Manning to fall in love with the part. “The more I thought about it, the more I was like, okay, I get to play a father. I really love Superman, so there’s kind of like a Clark Kent vibe going on with being an investigative journalist.”

Manning started to imagine himself within the role and realized how much he wanted to play the part. So, when production reached back out, Manning recalls his quick and direct response, “Yes, please. Absolutely.”

Ultimately, the role of “Daniel” would become Bradley Smith, and his husband “Marcus” would become Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon), while the role of Derek would turn out to be short-term, with actor Ben Gavin being written out of the show at the climax of the Impaler arc earlier this year.

Beyond the Gates airs weekdays on CBS and streams weeknights on Paramount+. Viewers can also catch up on Beyond the Gates from the beginning on Paramount+, Tubi, and Pluto’s dedicated 24/7 Beyond the Gates FAST channel.

Spoiler Alert: This article contains major plot spoilers for Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho.”

The year 1960 was terrifying for many real-world reasons. Americans were facing a mix of escalating Cold War tensions and dangerous global standoffs. Until that point, Hollywood escapism was largely focused on feel-good flicks. That’s not to say the horror genre didn’t exist, but up until then, stories like Creature from the Black Lagoon, Dracula, and Frankenstein dominated the space. While there were low-budget, suspense-driven thrillers like 1942’s Cat People and a boom of sci-fi horror in the ’50s, the modern psychological slasher flick had yet to be invented.

That was, of course, until Alfred Hitchcock came along with his 1960 genre-changing masterpiece, Psycho. And starting October 1, the iconic film, along with its less beloved ’80s sequels, will be available on Netflix—just in time for spooky season.

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Related: ’90s Heartthrob, 55, Does Social Media Trend With Daughter and Fans Give Their Honest, Feral Response

What Makes ‘Psycho’ So Iconic?

The black-and-white thriller bucked nearly every film convention of its time. The story follows Marion Crane (played by Janet Leigh), a Phoenix secretary who decides to steal her employer’s money and flee town. She makes what proves to be a fatal decision to stop at a remote roadside motel and meets its proprietor, Norman Bates (played by Anthony Perkins). While Bates appears to be a polite, soft-spoken young man, Crane learns the hard way that looks can be deceiving.

What truly sets the story apart is its unrelenting pace and the taboo subjects Hitchcock dared to explore. Within 45 minutes, the movie kills off its top-billed leading lady in an unprecedented cinematic move that remains shocking today. The film also broke numerous censorship barriers—becoming among the first mainstream releases to feature overt sexual undertones, visceral violence, and even the first flush of a toilet on screen. It also tackled complex themes of fractured identity and psychological trauma that were deeply controversial for the era.

What truly left audiences reeling was its legendary twist ending. The film reveals that Marion was not killed by Norma, Bates’ mother, in the iconic shower scene, but by Norman himself, who had absorbed his mother’s persona after murdering her in a jealous rage years prior. The horrific reveal of Mrs. Bates’ mummified corpse cemented the film’s place in cinematic history.

Whether you are revisiting the Bates Motel or experiencing its legendary twists for the very first time, Hitchcock’s timeless masterpiece remains required viewing for any horror fan this fall.

His teen idol years are long gone, but 68-year-old Shaun Cassidy is still talking about his first crush. The ‘70s legend recently returned to the spotlight and revealed his first celebrity crush in an interview with Phil Rosenthal and David Wild on the “Naked Lunch” podcast.

The words “My First Crush” have a double meaning for Cassidy. Not only did he talk about his first romantic crush, but he also spoke to Rosenthal and Wild about his wine brand: My First Crush.

My First Crush is a boutique California winery that also partially benefits No Kid Hungry—a campaign to, as the name implies, eliminate childhood hunger. Cassidy explained the origins of My First Crush wine, sharing, “My First Crush is a wine that our family produces here in the wine county of Santa Barbara. That came about during COVID. A friend of ours, brilliant winemaker Steve Clifton, called and said, ‘I’ve got 500 cases of this amazing Pinot Noir that was slated to go to all these very high-end restaurants that have closed because of COVID. Do you know anybody that might want to buy them?’” As it turns out, he did. 

Cassidy had just trademarked “My First Crush” for a show that COVID canceled, and he was already working with No Kid Hungry. He put it all together, started selling the wine on a website, and, in his words, “It kind of worked. It kind of caught fire.”  

Shaun Cassidy. Photo: Paul Natkin / Getty Images

Paul Natkin / Getty Images

But wait, there’s more to this name. “My First Crush” is also the name of one of Cassidy’s newer songs. And no, he did not write it about the Pinot. “Wrote a song called “My First Crush” after the wine. Not as like a wine theme, but people, no accounting for taste, people often tell me I was their first album, or concert, or crush,” he said.

“And I thought this crush thing gets dismissed a lot as like a teenage whatever and frivolous, but I actually think it’s a gateway drug for real love.” 

So who was Cassidy’s first crush? The singer shared, “I think the feeling is timeless, and I know I had a crush on Julie Newmar when she was the Catwoman on Batman. So if you listen to “My First Crush,” and I tell the guys you might want to go to the bathroom during this song, but trust me, Google Julie Newmar and you’ll hang around. You’ll understand what I’m saying here.”

Julie Newmar. Photo: Hulton Archive / Getty Images

Hulton Archive / Getty Images

Of course, Cassidy has had many crushes since Newmar. But that all ended when he married Tracey Lynne Turner in 2004. The former teen heartthrob revealed something kind of expected, but adorably cute: “I mean, I have a crush on my wife.” 

Lindsay Lohan has been an iconic star for decades now, with some of her biggest projects to date including The Parent Trap, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, Herbie: Fully Loaded and more. However, there’s no denying that some of her projects have entered an entirely different level in terms of fame, success and staying power. High on that list are Freaky Friday and, without question, Mean Girls.

Now, Lohan’s new Netflix romcom will offer her a reunion from both of those movies, as the upcoming flick, Return to You, will be directed by Mark Waters, with whom Lohan worked on both Freaky Friday and Mean Girls.

Even better for those looking for a blast from the past starring Lohan, the new movie will be set in the 2000s—an era that Lohan absolutely dominated when it came to movie and TV show appearances. According to Tudum, “The upcoming movie is set in 2008 and follows a powerful but lonely attorney. By a twist of fate, she mistakenly receives a very emotional DVD from a dying woman addressed to her husband. Guided only by the clues on the disc, the lawyer sets out to find the woman’s spouse.”

Lohan will be playing the lead, and she will be joined by Henry Golding. Presumably, the two will be playing the love interests, although Netflix has revealed surprisingly little about the plot and the cast at this stage. However, the news was shared in an Instagram post, on which both Netflix and Lohan collaborated.

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Even as we await more details, though, audiences who grew up watching Lohan in various dramas and romcoms are clearly thrilled by the news, with one commenter writing in response to the Instagram post, “2008? I hope the wardrobe will be as exciting as that sounds. Lindsay in 2000s clothing? Sign me up,” and another said, “Set in 2008 and starring Lindsay Lohan. Someone at Netflix has been reading our group chat.”

Alix Earle is definitely not on BookTok.

The 25-year-old mega influencer just made a crazy statement about reading.

In a clip posted to Interview Magazine’s Instagram, editor-in-chief Mel Ottenberg asked Earle what the most recent book she’d read.

The TikToker responded by saying, “I’ve never read a book. Like, maybe Dr. Seuss?”

The internet was shocked and immediately took to the comment section.

One user wrote, “Not having read a book since elementary school is not ditsy and cute, it’s embarrassing asf💀.” Another posted, “PSA during this literacy crisis: READING MAKES YOU HOT AND COOL,” which received over 200 likes.

Almost every comment was negative regarding her lack of reading or disliking the entire interview.

Ottenberg also asked the Earle Meets World for her take on the internet-wide debate regarding bringing an iced coffee to a job interview.

“I don’t really see a problem with that,” she said, sipping on an iced beverage. “I guess that’s a Gen Z problem.”

Ottenberg also asked Earle if she would consider getting back together with an ex. She firmly told him no, but when he asked, “What was the last lie you’ve told?” she replied, “Probably that… I’m kidding.”

Earle publicly dated New York Giants wide receiver Braxton Berrios, whom she dubbed “NFL man.” They were together for two years before they split in December 2025.

In her Netflix reality series, Earle Meets World, she was seen trying to get back with him. Earle called the athlete, asking him if he would ever consider a second try.

Viewers hear Berrios on the phone reply, “Oh, Alix,” leaving fans on a cliffhanger.

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When you have a small kitchen, finding room for everything you need can be tricky, especially if you live in an apartment with limited storage and counter space. Fortunately, you don’t have to make major changes to your kitchen to create more room. A compact kitchen island can give you more space to prep and store your essentials without requiring a costly renovation.

The Hlr Small Kitchen Island Cart at Walmart is currently on sale for as low as $87, down from $210. Its modern design adds both workspace and built-in storage, giving smaller kitchens a convenient place to prep meals and keep everyday essentials organized.

Hlr Small Kitchen Island Cart, From $87 (was $210) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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It measures 25.9 inches wide, 14.9 inches deep, and 34 inches tall, making it a practical size for smaller kitchens and apartments. It has a solid wood countertop that gives you an extra surface to work on. The piece also has a cabinet, drawer, spice rack, and towel rack to keep small appliances, utensils, jars, and other everyday essentials organized. 

The island also rolls on four 360-degree wheels, making it easy to maneuver wherever you need it. Two of the wheels have brakes to help keep the island securely in place once you’ve found the right spot.

You don’t have to use the island just for meal prep, either. One Walmart shopper said they used theirs as a microwave stand, but it can also work as a dining cart, serving station, or extra side table for drinks and snacks when you’re entertaining. 

Choose from black, green, white, or blue to find an option that works with your kitchen. While prices vary slightly by color, all four options are currently under $95. One shopper said the island looked “beautiful” in their kitchen, adding that it was “definitely worth” the price.

Related: Walmart’s ‘Sturdy’ $106 Folding Camping Table Is a Handy Upgrade for Campers and Tailgaters

Whether you’re renovating your kitchen or simply trying to save space, the Hlr Small Kitchen Island Cart can help make your home more functional. Head to Walmart to pick one up in your favorite color while it’s still in stock and on sale!

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The 2011 movie Bridesmaids quickly became a cult classic because of its at times shocking humor, genuinely comedic moments and women-led take on a typical buddy comedy. The star-studded cast included Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne and Melissa McCarthy, among many others, so it was really no surprise that it was both incredibly funny and a major hit.

What is surprising, however, is the fact that neither of these two factors has ever led to a sequel. In the 15 years since the original Bridesmaids was released, there’s been seemingly no concrete movement on a Bridesmaids 2—and now, McCarthy has provided some devastating insight regarding why that might be, and it may mean we never see a follow-up to this masterpiece movie.

Speaking to Variety about the fate of Bridesmaids 2, McCarthy was asked “For the never-made Bridesmaids 2, I’d heard that Kristen [Wiig] and Annie’s [Mumolo] idea was that Lillian gets divorced, and there’s a divorce party. Why did that not happen?” In response to that, McCarthy said, “That I don’t know.”

However, she went on to describe how enjoyable the Bridesmaids set was, saying, “It was so fun. Literally laughing on set in such a way that I am shocked that we shot stuff…So that was what shooting was like. It was like you were literally hiding because someone was always like, ‘Oh, I’ve dropped something,’ because they’re under the table laughing. That’s just not a bad day.” Concluding this statement, though, McCarthy added, “I don’t know. I think it’s gotten so corporate. I miss the people that work off their gut.”

While the latter is not necessarily a direct confirmation that the more “corporate” approach of the industry these days, in McCarthy’s view, is the reason why Bridesmaids 2 hasn’t happened, it does seem as though that changing landscape may have had an impact on whether a potential sequel could really get off the ground. In fact, the real meaning of McCarthy’s sentiment seems to be that the kind of free-flowing fun had on the Bridesmaids set just doesn’t happen anymore, and devastatingly, that may mean we never get a sequel.

Despite years of debate from the public and, more recently, the courts, Christa Pike’s execution will now proceed.

Pike was 18 years old when she murdered her 19-year-old Job Corps classmate, Colleen Slemmer, in Knoxville in 1995. Pike and two friends led Slemmer into the woods, where they tortured and killed her. At 20, she was sentenced to death, making her one of the youngest women to be on death row in the United States during the post-Furman period.

When the execution is carried out, she will be the 19th woman executed nationwide since 1976, and the first woman executed in Tennessee in over 200 years. She is currently the only woman on death row.

The next sections are very violent and talk about mental health, sexual assault and rape. Information and resources on these subjects can be found here.

Who is Christa Pike, and what crime did she commit?

According to The Intercept, Pike was raped by a neighbor when she was just 11 years old. In 1991, she was sent to a Juvenile Evaluation Center, which was designed to reform troubled youth, after being placed on probation for breaking into a community center and stealing candy.

The program was ineffective for Pike, as she frequently violated minor rules. She stayed for a year, which is longer than the average student. Months leading up to her arrest, North Carolina social services removed Pike from her home after her mother’s live-in boyfriend physically and sexually abused her. Eventually, she got her life together, earned her GED and became a teacher’s assistant. She was released from the juvenile center in March 1993 and enrolled in a Job Corps program in Knoxville.

While on the training campus of Job Corps, Pike became convinced that student Colleen Slemmer was trying to steal her boyfriend, Tadaryl Shipp. Along with her friend Shadolla Peterson, Pike and Shipp lured Slemmer to an abandoned steam plant near the University of Tennessee, convincing her they would make peace by offering her weed. Instead, the couple taunted and beat the then 19-year-old Slemmer. Shipp stabbed her chest with a box cutter and Pike smashed her skull into the pavement. Pike kept a piece of Slemmer’s skull and showed it off around school, which led to all three of them getting arrested.

Pike on death row and pausing of her execution

Pike, Shipp and Peterson were all charged with first-degree murder.

After the trial, the Tennessee Department of Correction adopted a policy requiring death-row inmates to be held in maximum-security conditions. Therefore, Pike has been held in confinement since 1996.

The Office of the Tennessee Attorney General asked to set an execution date for Pike on August 27, 2020, but it was delayed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After five years filled with multiple court denials, the Tennessee Supreme Court issued a death warrant for Pike, now 50, to be executed on September 30, 2026.

Despite the horrific crime she committed, Pike’s death sentence has been controversial because she suffered from severe childhood trauma and mental illness that her defense says the jury never fully considered during her original trial. Her attorney and advocates state that an 18-year-old brain is not fully mature, and Shipp, her boyfriend at the time, was 17 and did not receive capital punishment. While in prison, they also state that decades in prison changed her, and now describe Pike as a remorseful woman who has managed her PTSD and bipolar disorder and helps guide her fellow incarcerated women.

“I was a mentally ill 18-year-old kid. It took me numerous years to even realize the gravity of what I’d done,” Pike once said in a statement. “Even more to accept how many lives I affected. I took the life of someone’s child, sister, friend. It sickens me now to think I had the ability to commit such a crime.”

Meanwhile, Slemmer’s mother, May Martinez, told the Associated Press that she wants the lethal injection of Pike to go forward, telling the publication that she has waited decades for her sentence to be carried out. She even said a group helped her and husband travel from Florida to witness the execution.

“Every time I think about it, I think about Colleen feeling that pain and trying to get up and run,” Martinez told AP. “Not a day goes by, or a minute goes by that I do not think about Colleen.”

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Pike’s execution, which was originally set to take place on Wednesday morning at 10 am, was temporarily delayed an hour before because the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a last-minute stay to review whether her allegations of severe childhood trauma and sexual abuse were fully considered by the jury during her original sentencing.

The delay did not last long because the Supreme Court cleared the way for the execution to take place, though they originally declined to intervene in the case. The Court’s conservative majority cleared the execution without providing an explanation, while the three liberal justices formally dissented.

“I see no reason to short-circuit the ordinary process of appellate review, particularly in light of the grave consequences of an erroneous decision,” Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in the dissent, adding that “Tennessee’s desire to expedite Pike’s execution by a few days or even weeks cannot outweigh” Pike’s interest in protecting her own life.

A new time for the execution has not been announced to the public, but it has to take place before midnight CT on Wednesday evening. According to reports published on Tuesday, Pike declined to have a last meal.

Related: Erik and Lyle Menendez killed their parents in 1989 and got life without parole; both are now serving 50 years to life and became eligible for parole