Parade

Sister Wives star Janelle Brown just hard-launched a new boyfriend named Pete on social media.

On Tuesday, Aug. 18, the TLC personality took to Instagram with the unexpected relationship update.

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

“Some chapters are meant to unfold quietly before they’re shared,” Janelle, who separated from her ex-husband, Kody Brown, in 2022, began her post. “I wasn’t looking. I certainly wasn’t expecting you. And somehow, you turned out to be exactly what I didn’t know I needed.”

She continued, “And it has been pretty wonderful. 🩷 Everyone please meet Pete.”

For the featured image, Janelle wore a pink floral shirt as she smiled and hugged a man wearing a blue shirt. They posed near a stream or river while surrounded by trees.

In the comments, Sister Wives fans celebrated Janelle’s new boyfriend, with one Instagram user exclaiming, “I’ve never been so happy for someone I don’t know! 😂😂 congrats!”

Another pointed out, “Way to break the internet on a Tuesday lol.”

Someone else declared, “Standing up and CLAPPING!!!!!!”

A different follower speculated, “Kody’s in shambles somewhere and I adore that for him ❤️.”

Meanwhile, yet another Instagram user commented, “I THINK I SPEAK FOR EVERYONE AND SAY WE ARE SOOOO HAPPY FOR YOU JANELLE ❤️.”

Janelle was Kody’s second wife, and they welcomed six children during their 29-year marriage. Today, Kody is still married to his fourth wife, Robyn Brown, but has split from his first wife, Meri Brown, and third wife, Christine Brown.

Next: My Big Fat Fabulous Life Star Whitney Thore Is Engaged! Meet Her Fiancé Jake Beaudoin

The America’s Got Talent Live Shows begin tonight with eleven of the acts that auditioned and received at least three yeses from judges Simon Cowell, Mel B, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara performing tonight for America’s vote.

The eleven acts performing are Ashford Sanders, Brook Lynn, Cris Sosa, Hundred Fingers, James & Marina, Jesse White Tumbling Team, Luke Taleno, Royal Lasers, Sando, The CommUNITY ATL Choir, and dog trainer Olivia Befus.

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

We last saw the 18-year-old from Michigan and three of her dogs when she performed for Sofia at the judge’s home in Beverly Hills during the Judges Callbacks portion of the show, hoping to be picked for the Live Shows.

“The nerves were so high at the Judges Callbacks,” Olivia admits to Parade in this exclusive interview. “The format of that whole entire round was like nothing we’d ever done before, including performing outside. I think that having it be so intimate with the judges and other contestants for so many days there, the nerves were definitely extremely high.”

That said, nerves didn’t keep Olivia from landing one of the few remaining spots in the Live Shows, and she says part of that was due to the multiple encouraging talks she received from Sofia.

“She was so encouraging to keep going no matter what happens and just try to make every routine bigger than the last one,” Olivia recalls. “The whole goal of the Judges Callbacks was trying to really up your routine since your auditions.”

And that is advice that Olivia will take to heart for her performance tonight as she shares that there may be a surprise dog or two as she actually has five dogs that she’s trained.

“Since our last performance, we’ve trained a lot of new tricks and we are already working on training a lot more new ones,” she shares, adding that depending on the dog and the trick, it can take anywhere from a week to a couple months to perfect.

“So, we’re definitely packing a lot in really quickly.”

Related: AGT Comedian Cris Sosa Shares Howie Mandel’s Secret Advice for Cracking the Live Shows (Exclusive)

Here’s more of our interview with Olivia who shares her tips for getting the dogs ready for the AGT stage, how she got into dog training in the first place, and her plans for the $1 million if she should win.

How do you keep the dogs calm enough to perform in front of a huge crowd? There’s so many times when people bring their dogs to do an act and then they won’t do it in front of the audience.
I would say as soon as I have gotten dogs, I start training them on confidence and making sure that whatever they’re doing they can do it in any environment. I think a huge, huge part of it is that it definitely takes a unique dog to be able to come and perform on a stage in front of thousands of people. Some dogs may never be able to do that.

How do you find those dogs?
Zeek was my first dog. Actually, when I got him, he was absolutely terrified of everything, so he’s come a super long way. Then when it comes to my other dogs, a lot of them are rescues and as I train them and I take them to new environments, if they do well in it, then we keep bringing them and doing it more. If they’re a little bit scared, then we take a step back and I just keep building their confidence until they’re able to come into an environment like this.

So, you do perform in other places, not just AGT.
AGT is definitely the biggest show we’ve ever done. We’ve only ever done some smaller events, nothing like this for sure.

How did you get into dog training in the first place?
Back when I was about 6, I had watched AGT and I saw a dog act and I just immediately fell in love with it. I started telling my parents, “I have to do that. That’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen.” And I started asking for a dog of my own to train and, of course, they were like, “Absolutely not. You’re only 6 years old.” So, I started training our house pet dogs. They were a little bit older, and I also had some Guinea pigs and hamsters, so I started training them and I just fell in love with training animals. Then as I got older, I got more passionate about it and my parents agreed to getting a first dog. Then it all took off when I got Zeek.

So, you see this as your long-term career?
Yes, definitely.

Will the $1 million prize help you? Do you know how you will spend that if you win it?
I would definitely spend it on starting our own traveling show. Also I would love to have our own training courses and facility to train in.

Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC

Have you graduated school? How do you juggle the two things?
I have another year of high school, my senior year. And I’m home schooled, so that makes all of this possible, being able to travel and then also be doing school.

You’re from Michigan, so how did you transport the dogs? If they fly, are they safe, or did you drive them? How did you bring the dogs to California?
Me and my mom, we drove. It was a 36-hour drive. It took like five days. We stopped all along the whole entire drive. We walked and we stopped in some National Parks, so we made it into a super fun trip.

America’s Got Talent airs Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Streams next day on Peacock.

Next, Simon Cowell Opens Up About Historic ‘AGT’ Format Shake-Up: ‘It Was Better Than I Thought’ (Exclusive)

Marilyn Monroe is getting a Barbie, and it is the pink one.

The Marilyn Monroe Barbie Signature Doll wears a bold pink gown with an oversized bow, long gloves and diamond jewelry. That look comes from her performance of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. It goes on sale Tuesday, Aug. 18, for $81 at Mattel Shop and major U.S. retailers.

Barbie made it with The Estate of Marilyn Monroe LLC, which worked alongside the design team on the look. Mattel timed the release to Monroe’s 100th birthday. She was born Norma Jeane Mortenson in Los Angeles on June 1, 1926. The name everyone knows came later, borrowed from the actress Marilyn Miller and her own mother’s maiden surname.

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

Robert Best, Mattel’s vice president of dolls design, said the company is honoring her as “a savvy producer, a businesswoman and a boundary-breaking artist.” Monroe started her own company, Marilyn Monroe Productions, in 1955. She won three Golden Globes, one for Some Like It Hot in 1960 and two as World Film Favorite, in 1954 and 1962. A fourth nomination came for Bus Stop.

She has had several dolls already. Mattel made three in 1997, for The Seven Year Itch and two Gentlemen Prefer Blondes looks, then returned to her in 2001, 2002 and 2009. Between them they covered the white halter dress, a red sequin gown and the one-shouldered evening gown from How to Marry a Millionaire.

Monroe is not the only icon Barbie has taken on this year. The Whitney Houston Signature doll arrived Aug. 9, also built with the singer’s estate, and the Signature lineup already holds Mariah Carey, Aaliyah, Stevie Nicks and Miley Cyrus.

The first Barbie arrived in 1959, drawing on the glamour of 1950s stars including Elizabeth Taylor and Monroe. Sixty-seven years later, Monroe has one of her own.

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

There’s a long-standing assumption that comfortable shoes rarely look cute. You know the ones: Perfectly practical, great for walking, but not exactly what you’d reach for when you want your outfit to look put together. Lately, we’re seeing more styles that manage to check both boxes, and these slip-ons are a fabulous example.

The Clarks Cloudsteppers Solevana Lace Sneakers are currently $40 at Walmart, down from $70, making them 43% off. They have the laid-back look of an everyday sneaker with the convenience of a slip-on, giving you a pair you can reach for on busy mornings, long errands, and casual weekends — aka, pretty much any day when you want your feet to be happy without sacrificing style.

Courtesy of Walmart

The silhouette has the proportions of a streamlined running shoe, with a low-cut profile, rounded toe, gently tapered heel, and slightly raised platform sole. The upper is made from a soft, breathable fabric with a fine knit-like texture that gives the monochromatic design some dimension. Subtle vertical lines and rippling texture run along the side of the shoe, while tonal stitching keeps the overall look clean. A matching lace-up closure sits across the vamp, with flat pink laces threaded through tonal eyelets for an adjustable fit.

The details are intentionally minimal, but there are a few that make the shoe more functional than a basic knit sneaker. A small pull tab at the back makes it easier to get the low-top style on and off, while the traditional laces allow you to adjust the fit around the instep. The rounded toe leaves the front of the shoe looking soft rather than aggressively athletic, and the collar curves low around the ankle for a less restrictive feel. Inside, the pillowsoft footbed provides cushioned support beneath the foot, while the polyester lining and cooling-treated sock lining are designed to keep the interior comfortable during longer stretches of wear.

The 1 and 5/8-inch platform-style heel gives the sneaker a little lift without turning it into a visibly chunky trainer. Beneath the foot, the lightweight ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) outsole is shaped with a broad, slightly curved profile, with shallow ridges along the bottom for traction and flexibility. The sole also extends slightly beyond the upper around the toe and heel, creating a protective edge and contributing to the shoe’s cushioned appearance.

• Clarks Cloudsteppers Solevana Knit Slip-Ons, from $40 (were $70) at Walmart
• Clarks Moritz Lo2 Off-White Suede Sneakers, $40 (were $80) at Walmart
• Clarks Izza Knit 2 Sneaker, $45 (were $70) at Walmart

The light pink version is the best deal at $40, while three other colors are also on sale for $70, down 26% from their original $95 price. Sizes run in half sizes from 5 to 12, with a generous regular width plus a wide-width option if you need more room.

Described as “cute” and “stylish,” Walmart shoppers praised the “cushion” and “support” these sneakers provided. One reviewer, who shared that their podiatrist recommended the style, wrote that the shoes “fit true to size” and are “very comfortable.” 

Related: Nike’s ‘Comfortable’ Sneakers With Great ‘Arch Support’ Are Now 40% Off at JCPenney

If your shoe collection has plenty of pairs that look good and plenty that feel good, but not enough that do both, the Clarks Cloudsteppers Solevana Lace Sneakers are worth a look. Shop them for $40 at Walmart while they’re 43% off!

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.

Princess Diana‘s brother, Charles Spencer is sharing his perspective about his sister’s life in a new book to be published a year ahead of what will be the 30th anniversary of her death.

“With the 30th anniversary of Diana’s tragic death on the skyline, I’ve been inundated yet ​again with requests for interviews about my sister,” Spencer said in a ​statement via Penguin Random House press release.

“This has convinced me to write down my own thoughts and memories, once and for ‌all, ⁠rather than having the discomfort of again reading the opinions of others, many of which are based on untruths that have become accepted over time,” he said.

The book, entitled Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, will be released next month.

Princess Diana died in August of 1997 in a car crash in Paris while being chased by paparazzi. She was 36.

“The aim of this book ​is to ⁠tell the truth about Diana from her brother’s perspective, just as I attempted to do when speaking at her funeral. As with my eulogy, I want ⁠to ​speak on Diana’s behalf and do so ​in an openly positive way,” Spencer’s statement continued.

Related: Princess Diana’s Brother Shares Sweet Childhood Photo of the Siblings Together

Additionally, Spencer, Diana’s only brother, shared that he’d “be delighted” if younger generations learned about the late royal as well.

“I hope this book will be of interest to the many who still cherish the memory of Diana when she was alive,” he said. “I would be delighted if those too young to remember her in her heyday feel — after reading this — that they ‘get’ who she really was: a one-off, dynamic character, full of love, charisma and self-doubt, who gave life a hell of a go, and left the world a far better place, despite exiting the stage while still so young.”

Diana, who married into the royal family in 1981 to then Prince Charles, separated from the would-be monarch in 1992, and their divorce was finalized in 1996. In the years in between, and leading up to her death, the mother to Prince William and Prince Harry was subject to intense media scrutiny, which greatly impacted her life.

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

Back-to-school season means getting back into many routines we’d happily forgotten over the summer. Earlier bedtimes, rushed mornings and the nightly realization that you have to pack yet another lunch tomorrow are all about to make their triumphant return.

Fortunately, Costco just added a new grab-and-go snack that could make at least one part of the routine a little easier.

😋😋 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter🍳🍔

Solely’s new Berry Fruit Jerky Variety Pack has landed at Costco, giving shoppers a lunchbox-ready alternative to traditional fruit snacks with an impressively short ingredient list. Each individually wrapped strip is made from whole organic fruit, with no added sugar, preservatives or artificial ingredients.

And if the words “fruit jerky” have you picturing something that belongs next to the beef sticks at a gas station, don’t worry. Think of these more as an upgraded (and tastier) version of the fruit leather you probably remember from your own lunchbox—only made with actual whole fruit and minus a laundry list of ingredients.

The new 16-count variety pack includes two flavors: 10 Mango Raspberry strips and six Mango Blueberry strips. Each combines organic mango with organic berries—and nothing else—meaning the ingredient list is about as straightforward as it gets.

That’s particularly appealing to parents during the back-to-school season, when healthy, individually packaged snacks are worth their weight in gold. You can toss one into a lunchbox, backpack or sports bag without portioning anything out or worrying about keeping it chilled.

The fruit also provides its own sweetness. Solely doesn’t add sugar to the strips, nor does it use artificial ingredients or preservatives. The Costco variety pack is also USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free and vegan.

Related: We Asked 3 Chefs the Best Thing To Make With Frozen Broccoli, and They All Said the Same Thing

Costco

The berry variety pack isn’t Solely’s only fruit jerky available through Costco.

Shoppers can also find 24-count boxes of Mango Fruit Jerky and Pineapple Fruit Jerky. Those are even simpler: Each is a single-ingredient snack made from its namesake fruit. Costco lists both varieties as USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified, as well as gluten-free and vegan.

That gives families a few options depending on whether their kids prefer the straight-up tropical flavors or the sweeter-tart combination of mango and berries in the new variety pack.

Of course, it’s important to remember that fruit jerky isn’t the same thing as eating a piece of fresh fruit. According to Harvard Health Publishing, dried fruit contains most of the same nutritional vitamins and minerals as fresh fruit, but there’s a catch. Since the drying process removes most of the fruit’s water content, hydration benefits are lost, and the natural sugar content becomes more concentrated. Translation: “100 grams of fresh apple contains 10 grams of sugar, while 100 grams of dried apple contains 57 grams of sugar,” according to Harvard Health.

So while fruit jerky contains calcium, potassium, fiber and a host of other beneficial nutrients and antioxidants, it’s important to be aware of the sugar spike dried fruit can cause.

But as far as shelf-stable, portable snacks go, it’s hard not to appreciate one made with the same ingredients you’d find in the produce aisle—just without all the water.

Courtesy Jim Hoffman

I tried the Solely fruit jerky myself, and…it’s actually fantastic. It tastes like quality dried fruit, with a satisfyingly sweet flavor and enough substance to make it a filling snack between meals—or even a better-for-you lunchbox dessert.

The fruit jerky doesn’t just get my endorsement. My teenage kids loved it and have already asked for Solely fruit jerky to become a staple in their lunches this school year. For a back-to-school snack to get a thumbs-up from both parents and teenagers? That makes for a pretty convincing argument.

And while the back-to-school timing makes these an obvious lunchbox candidate, that’s hardly the only place they’ll come in handy. Keep a few in a purse or backpack for after-school activities, or throw some into the snack bag before a weekend road trip.

Because once school starts, the best snack option may simply be the one that’s already packed and ready to go.

Related: 7 Back-To-School Snack Ideas That Will Get Your Kids Excited for the Start of the School Year

The late, great Ozzy Osbourne left an undeniable mark on the music industry since the early days of Black Sabbath. The band took rock music with foundations laid by the likes of Led Zeppelin and turned it into something heavier, harder, and slightly more twisted. In February 1970, Black Sabbath “eased” audiences into their unique sound with a self-titled debut album. Just months later, in September of the same year, their second album, Paranoid, made its debut, and it contained tracks that would change the music industry as we know it today. Songs like “War Pigs” and “Paranoid” solidified their musical status, while tracks like “Iron Man” really showcased their storytelling and creativity.

In fact, the track “Iron Man” made the top of VH1’s 40 Greatest Metal Songs in 2006, beating out Metallica, AC/DC, Pantera, and more. Despite being given such a high accolade, the truth is the song never really saw Billboard chart success. The highest it peaked on the Hot 100 was No. 52, and their only other song to grace that chart, “Paranoid,” climbed to a peak position of only No. 61.

Related: Ozzy Osborne Once Claimed This ’80s Rock Band Was the Only Band Who ‘Outshone’ Black Sabbath

A lot of folks make the connection between the song and the beloved Marvel character, who made his debut in 1963 and had his own first standalone issue out in 1968. However, Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler, the song’s primary lyricist, swore he had never heard of the comic book character, according to Louder Sound.

“My parents never let me read American comics when I was growing up,” Butler reportedly claimed. “I knew about Batman and Superman, but that’s about it. For me, it was all about The Beano and The Dandy. So whenever someone’s said to me over the years: ‘Oh, didn’t you write this about the superhero?’, I’d just say: ‘Sorry, never heard of him.’”

Butler actually credits Ozzy for the original idea.

“I can’t exactly recall what Ozzy said, but it was something like: ‘Why don’t we do a song called Iron Man, or maybe Iron Bloke?’ That got me thinking about a lump of metal, and then putting it all into a science-fiction context. It all flowed from there.”

Butler, who was heavily into science fiction at the time, crafted an intricate storyline of a time-traveling man who travels to the future and witnesses the apocalypse. When he attempts to return to the present day to warn humanity, a magnetic field transforms him into iron, rendering him a mute. He attempts to warn people of the impending doom but becomes frustrated that no one understands or believes him, so he sets out on the destructive path that he originally foresaw—turning the tragic hero into a villain in a self-fulfilled prophecy.

“What I always attempted to do with my science-fiction plots was to make these relevant to the modern world at the time,” Butler noted. “So I brought war and politics in. It was also an era when the whole issue of pollution was starting to get attention, and this affected my thinking quite a bit.”

Ironically, the Marvel film franchise eventually embraced the song as its theme, but beyond that, there is no denying the heavy metal anthem has taken on a life of its own, remaining a beloved classic despite its nihilistic storyline and lack of initial chart success.

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

At the turn of the century came a wildly popular Nintendo 64 game called Pokémon Snap. Years later saw the dawn of the viral mobile game known as Pokémon Go in 2016.

And now, a full decade later comes a merch collaboration along somewhat similar lines, which already had fans tickled before they even knew the details.

The beloved Polaroid brand, which has seen a resurgence thanks to today’s younger generations embracing nostalgia, teased its all-new Pokémon team-up in recent days on social media.

“Something’s almost ready to show itself… revealed on August 18th,” reads the caption of Polaroid’s Instagram post on August 15. See below.

Fans were able to connect the dots and then express their excitement in the post’s comments section. “Oh snap 👀,” one Instagram user cleverly wrote, while another person commented, “this is brilliant.”

To celebrate Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, Polaroid officially announced its biggest collaboration yet on Tuesday, August 18: a nostalgic collection that brings together the magic of photography with one of pop culture’s most beloved franchises.

The lineup features three limited edition Polaroid cameras, exclusive i-Type and Go film packs, and a range of collectible accessories. Each film pack includes custom Pokémon dark slides featuring different fan-favorite characters, turning every pack into a keepsake long after photos are developed.

Additional accessories include a Pokémon-themed Polaroid Go camera case, photo album, and neck strap. As nostalgia continues to shape everything from fashion and music to collectibles and design, this collaboration celebrates the joy of capturing memories and reconnecting with the cultural icons that defined a generation.

The Polaroid x Pokémon collection will launch globally in limited quantities on polaroid.com, with pre-orders opening August 25 on the website and Pokémon Center, the premier online destination for official Pokémon merchandise, in the U.S., U.K. and Canada followed by full release on October 5.

Long before it became a go-to wedding aisle walk for modern couples, Garth Brooks‘ “To Make You Feel My Love” was a No. 1 country music smash with a surprisingly famous writer.

While country fans immediately embraced Brooks’ tender rendition, which reached the top of the Billboard Country Music Charts and earned two Grammy nominations, the track carried a secret history long before it ever hit movie theaters.

The song’s writer, Bob Dylan, first released the song on his acclaimed 1997 album Time Out of Mind, and it was far from a traditional Nashville creation. Yet, it was Brooks’ emotionally raw vocal performance on the Hope Floats soundtrack that transformed the folk-rock ballad from a late-career Dylan gem to an immortal romantic standard.

The 1998 rom-com starred Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr. It told the story of Birdee Pruitt, a small-town Texas woman whose seemingly perfect life unraveled on national television when her best friend revealed an affair with her husband on a daytime talk show.

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

Humiliated, Birdee packed up her young daughter, Bernice (Mae Whitman), and fled home to her eccentric mother (Gena Rowlands) in Smithville, Texas. As she struggled to pick up the pieces of her broken life, she reluctantly began a romance with Justin Matisse (Connick Jr.), who gave her a second chance at love.

“To Make You Feel My Love” was famously featured in the film’s romantic country dance hall scene when Birdee and Justin Matisse share a slow dance together after performing a lively two-step. It’s a turning point of the film, when Birdee realizes she can open her heart to love again.

The song tells a story of unconditional devotion and steadfast reassurance through life’s storms. Its lyrics promise to stand by someone’s side and offer comfort no matter what.

This is the reason why the song remains a wedding dance favorite to this day. It is listed at No. 33 on a list of 55 Romantic First Dance Songs for Weddings, just two places behind Adele‘s 2008 version of the same song. It falls under the category of “deep emotion and intimacy.”

“Every artist looks for that one song where the fans write in, and they say, ‘This was me and my husband’s first dance at our wedding’ or ‘This is what we fell in love to.’ My change came in 1995; they were shooting a movie called Hope Floats with Sandra Bullock,” Brooks explained during a live performance, shared on TikTok.

Garth Brook describing the creative process of recording “Make you Feel My Love” with credits to Bob Dylan for the movie Hope Floats #garthbrooks ,#garth ,#makeyoufeelmylove ,#bobdylan ,#hopefloats ,#creativeprocess ,#songwriting

Though not originally part of Garth Brooks’ 1995 LP Fresh Horses, the ballad was added as an extra track for his 1998 Limited Series box set. Additionally, Billy Joel covered the song one month before Dylan’s release, in August 1997.

Related: Garth Brooks’ Most Heartbreaking 1990 Hit Has a Secret Double Meaning

It may be a surprise to nobody who has followed entertainment news over the last couple of years that ABC is now filing a lawsuit against the FCC.

While in the past, there has been a lot of back and forth over Jimmy Kimmel and President Donald Trump, the latest decision isn’t quite to do with them. At least, not in a straightforward way. ABC, which is owned by Disney, states that the most recent regulatory changes go against the First Amendment.

The government is putting pressure on ABC to renew its local licenses for broadcast. While that wouldn’t usually be an issue, ABC says that the FCC wants the renewals long before the local station expiration dates. They say that this breaches constitutional free speech rules, which are protected by the First Amendment.

There are also claims by ABC that the FCC is limiting stories that the network can tell. According to Variety, ABC says that the government is limiting “the stories its journalists report and the viewpoints its network programs air.” However, since the federal organization can’t control the programs on the air, an attack on licensing is the way it’s operating.

The FCC is demanding that ABC renew the licenses for eight of its stations years before they would usually need to. While they have done it, it’s more to protect their stations and under protest while the lawsuit is filed. They have also issued a request for a temporary restraining order against the FCC’s further attacks while the case is heard.

It’s the recent decision that gave ABC no choice in the filing, sharing, “With the threat of non-renewal or revocation of its Stations’ broadcast licenses on the line, ABC cannot ignore the consequences of any decision that might anger the Administration or the FCC Chairman.”

The attack on the licenses is viewed as retaliation by the Disney-owned network. ABC believes that the early reviews are being used as retaliation, and this is where it all links back to the likes of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The View. The two shows deliver political commentary, and the FCC believes that it goes against giving both sides of the political spectrum their fair time on the air. With Jimmy Kimmel Live! currently on its summer hiatus, the focus is currently on The View.

However, fans of the Kimmel late-night show are no strangers to the attacks against the host. In September 2025, he was suspended from the air until Disney decided to bring him back after protests. Then there were more calls by Trump to have him canceled. Instead, Disney renewed his contract for another season.

This was the opposite of CBS’s decision to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which aired its last show in May 2026. While the network claimed it was due to lower viewership, it came after Trump focused his attacks on Stephen Colbert.

Anna Gomez, who is the only Democrat serving at the top of the FCC, shared that she is happy that Disney is stepping up in this way, saying that it will hopefully “mark the beginning of the end of this administration’s disregard for the Constitution and the law, and that the coming months will bring the costly legal defeat this agency has been asking for since it started down this path.”

Related: Netflix Has Quietly Canceled 13 Shows After One Season in 2026 — And It’s Only August!

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

While the sweat-inducing temperatures might give the opposite impression, fall is just a few weeks away. The best way to stay prepared for autumn’s fluctuating temperatures is stocking up on clothing layers. Equal parts chic, comfy, and versatile, this Trendy Queen Oversized Leather Jacket might just secure a spot in your autumnal wardrobe.

Now’s the perfect time to snag this fall staple because it’s currently on sale at Amazon. Normally retailing for $55, it’s now up to 33% off. Prices vary by size and color, with the best deal on the classic black option that ranges between $37 and $40. It’s also available in brown and rich red for $43. Sizes range from extra small to XXL.

Made from faux leather and featuring stitched seam accents, this moto jacket will instantly add an edgy aesthetic while elevating any ensemble. For a classic outfit, throw this jacket on top of a simple tee and jeans. Alternatively, wear it with a skirt and knee-high boots for a trendy, modern look. 

While the oversized look looks chic, it also makes for a great layering choice. Because it’s so roomy, you can also throw this jacket on top of bulky sweaters and hoodies during the colder months. Shoppers noted that the jacket worked well in keeping them warm and also said that it held up well in the rain.

“The quality of the material is impressive and the classic biker design adds a timeless appeal that never goes out of style,” one shopper said. “If you’re looking for a chic and versatile leather jacket to elevate your fall outfits, I highly recommend this one!”

Price varies depending on size and style, but the most that you’ll pay is $37, which is still a great deal. Though the jacket is made with faux leather, shoppers described the material as soft and supple and even mentioned that it looks like genuine leather. The brand recommends hand washing the jacket and letting it air dry to preserve its luxurious look and quality.

The jacket has a zipper closure so you can easily close up your jacket for extra warmth. For convenience, the jacket features side pockets that can hold your phone and essentials so you can go hands-free when you’re on the move. 

“It’s perfectly oversized and can be dressed up or down,” a second shopper raved. “Such a staple for your wardrobe.”

Related: Shoppers Are Racing to Snag This ‘Majestic’ Turkish-Inspired Mosaic Glass Lamp That Looks Like an Antique

Be sure to take advantage of this limited time deal and grab yourself the Trendy Queen Oversized Leather Jacket from Amazon for as low as $37 while it’s on sale for this price! 

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.

It takes a lot to catch Bobby Flay off guard in his own kitchen, but his Titans just pulled it off.

In a teaser for an upcoming Beat Bobby Flay “Titan Takeover” episode shared on Instagram on Monday, August 17, Flay is surprised by Bobby’s Triple Threat Titans Michael Voltaggio, Brooke Williamson, and Ayesha Nurdjaja—and quickly learns they’re not just there to watch.

“There isn’t gonna be another chef walking through that door,” Nurdjaja tells him, before she and Williamson reveal that one of them will compete against Voltaggio. The winner will then get the chance to face Flay.

“Wait, what? Wait, hold on,” a visibly confused Flay responds, prompting Williamson to tease, “It’s so much fun when you’re the one that’s flustered.”

A post shared by Food Network (@foodnetwork)

Flay’s mock outrage only grows from there. “You don’t come into my house like this, OK?” he tells the Titans. “I don’t like surprises. I like to be in charge.”

After briefly walking off set to seemingly confront producers, Flay returns ready to raise the stakes. He reminds the trio that the winner of Bobby’s Triple Threat normally receives $25,000, and offers to put the same amount on the line if they can beat him.

But there’s a catch. “I’ll put up $25,000 if you guys beat me out of here, but if you lose,” Flay says before delivering his ultimatum: “You lose your job.”

Naturally, the Titans appear stunned by the playful threat. And fans are just as intrigued.

“😂Bobby from the block. They don’t want that smoke 😂 This episode is going to be the best.,” one fan wrote.

“Bobby from the BLOCK! Let them know, King! 😍😂,” another said.

A third said, “dude this episode is going to be wilddddd 😂.”

READ MORE: Bobby Flay Shares Flirty Birthday Message to ‘Talented’ Girlfriend Brooke Williamson and Fans Can’t Get Enough

The crossover brings together two of Flay’s Food Network competitions. On Bobby’s Triple Threat, challengers enter Flay’s underground kitchen and face Nurdjaja, Williamson, and Voltaggio across three rounds for a chance at $25,000. Beat Bobby Flay, meanwhile, famously puts Flay himself in the hot seat, with competing chefs trying to defeat him with their signature dish.

Fans can watch the highly-anticipated new episode tonight, August 18 at 8 pm eastern time.

Related: Bobby Flay’s Latest Photo With Brooke Williamson Has Fans Asking the Same Question

The Plimsouls are back!

The 1980s band is best-known for the song “A Million Miles Away,” featured in the 1983 film Valley Girl, which starred a young Nicolas Cage. Now, the band has reunited with original lead singer, songwriter and guitarist Peter Case and drummer Louis Ramirez.

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

It comes after the pair and original bassist David Pahoa filed suit against lead guitarist Eddie Muñoz, who registered a trademark for the band’s name in 2016 and began performing as the Plimsouls without any of the band’s other members.

Although Pahoa died in 2023 at the age of 67, before the case was settled, the surviving members of the band won the case in May 2024 when the federal Trademark Trial and Appeal Board ruled that it was “crystal clear” the band collectively owns the rights to “The Plimsouls” name, since they all continue to receive royalties, per Billboard.

“[Munoz] had and continues to have his cake (royalties from the band). But he cannot eat it too (exclusively own the band’s mark),” the board wrote in its ruling,. “The public associates the … THE PLIMSOULS with the group, not just its lead guitarist.”

The reunited Plimsouls will perform on Aug. 29 at the Show at the Agua Caliente Casino opening for fellow ‘80s hitmakers the Fixx in a show that’s being billed as “new wave meets power pop.”

Billed as the Peter Case Plimsouls, the band features singer-guitarist Case, original drummer Ramirez and fellow Los Angeles scenester Tony Marsico, of the Plugz and Cruzados, joining the band on bass.

At least one fan is excited to see the reunited Plimsouls. “I dropped Fixx (headliner) money to see Peter Case & the Plimsouls (with Plug/Cruzado/Ugly Thing/Martini King Tony Marsico on bass) as the opening act at The Show in Rancho Mirage on August 29th,” author and retired music business publicist Cary Baker posted to Facebook.

The Plimsouls originally formed in 1978 but experienced their greatest success in the ‘80s when the single “A Million Miles Away” reached No. 11 on Billboard’s Top Rock Tracks and the band was featured performing in Valley Girl and the song was heard in the film. “A Million Miles Away” was also included on the band’s second album, 1983’s Everywhere at Once, released by Geffen Records.

However, by 1984, the band went their separate ways with Case launching an acclaimed solo career.

In 1996, the Plimsouls made a stab at a reunion with the album Kool Trash, featuring Blondie’s Clem Burke on drums and played a few shows before once again calling it a day until Muñoz revived the band name in 2016 without any of his former band mates.

Under Muñoz’s stewardship, that band played such high-profile gigs as the inaugural Totally Tubular ‘80s-themed festival in 2024.

John Mellencamp has scored dozens of hits over his five-decade career, but according to a new ranking, his very best isn’t the song that took him all the way to No. 1.

The Los Angeles Times ranked all 29 of Mellencamp’s songs that have appeared on the Billboard Hot 100, and the publication gave the top spot to his 1983 hit “Pink Houses.”

That puts “Pink Houses” ahead of some formidable competition, including “Small Town,” “Hurts So Good,” “Crumblin’ Down” and even “Jack & Diane,” the only No. 1 hit of Mellencamp’s career.

Released on Mellencamp’s 1983 album Uh-Huh, “Pink Houses” became one of the singer-songwriter’s defining heartland rock songs.

The track reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1984, while Uh-Huh also produced the Top 10 hit “Crumblin’ Down” and the No. 15 single “Authority Song.” It was the first album Mellencamp recorded after adding his real surname to the John Cougar moniker.

But more than four decades later, the LA Times argues “Pink Houses” stands above all of Mellencamp’s other Hot 100 hits.

The publication described the song as being about “millions of Americans growing old” and becoming disillusioned in the heartland. It also compared the song’s complicated relationship with the American dream to Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” and Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World,” two other songs that have frequently been interpreted as more straightforwardly patriotic than their lyrics suggest.

That tension has followed “Pink Houses” for decades. Mellencamp himself has expressed frustration over the song being taken out of context and treated simply as a patriotic anthem.

“This one has been misconstrued over the years because of the chorus – it sounds very rah-rah. But it’s really an anti-American song. The American dream had pretty much proven itself as not working anymore. It was another way for me to sneak something in,” he told Rolling Stone in an interview.

Mellencamp isn’t the only one who has seen something deeper in “Pink Houses.” In “The Heart of Rock & Soul: The 1001 Greatest Singles Ever Made,” rock critic Dave Marsh ranked the song No. 325 and argued that it marked a significant step forward from earlier hits “Hurts So Good” and “Jack & Diane.”

Marsh wrote that with “Pink Houses,” Mellencamp had “perfected his angry-young-populist-meets-the-Rolling-Stones sound and persona.” He also praised the song for looking past cynicism to acknowledge that people who have been beaten down can still hold onto hope.

Perhaps the biggest surprise in the ranking is the song sitting immediately behind “Pink Houses.”

The LA Times placed “Jack & Diane” at No. 2, despite it being Mellencamp’s only song to top the Billboard Hot 100. The 1982 hit spent four weeks at No. 1 and helped turn American Fool into Mellencamp’s breakthrough album.

“Crumblin’ Down,” another song from Uh-Huh, landed surprisingly high at No. 3. “Small Town” came in at No. 4, followed by “Rain on the Scarecrow” at No. 5.

Other major Mellencamp hits finished considerably further down the list. “Hurts So Good,” which reached No. 2 and earned Mellencamp his only Grammy Award, ranked seventh. “Cherry Bomb” landed at No. 16, while “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.,” another No. 2 hit, came in at No. 18.

Mellencamp’s catalog includes 14 Top 20 hits, and his career has earned him induction into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Yet according to the Los Angeles Times, his finest Hot 100 moment isn’t the song that reached No. 1. It’s the one about an American dream that isn’t quite as simple as it first appears, which is actually kind of Mellencamp’s whole catalog in a nutshell.

Related: ’80s Rocker Once Grounded His Kid in Front of Madonna & Sean Penn (Exclusive)

Hot Honey is back! Subway jumped on this sweet-and-spicy trend last year, introducing the Hot Honey Pepperoni and Hot Honey Chicken sandwiches. While those limited-time menu items have come and gone, the affordable eatery is bringing back the flavor in a new collab with a zesty Doritos kick.

This year’s Hot Honey Swicy Collection features a bold, unexpected mash-up that is poised to become your next favorite side. And FYI, in case you’re wondering, “swicy” equals sweet plus spicy.

The new Doritos Hot Honey Nachos feature Doritos Nacho Cheese Flavored Tortilla Chips, Monterey cheddar, veggies, and a drizzle of Subway’s signature Hot Honey. Choose from chicken, steak, or cheese options. 

But that’s not all. Along with the sweet and spicy (or “swicy”) side, you can also nab one of two new subs. Or, if you’re that hungry, both! Instead of pepperoni and chicken sammies, the 2026 Swicy signature menu includes a Hot Honey Italian (salami, pepperoni, and Italian-style Provolone cheese) and Hot Honey Turkey Italiano (turkey, salami, pepperoni, and Italian-style Provolone cheese).

Chef Paul Fabre, SVP of Culinary Innovation, shared, “Great Hot Honey is all about balance. You want enough heat to wake up the flavor, followed by a touch of sweetness that keeps you coming back for another bite.”

Subway’s Chief Marketing Officer, Jeff Klein, explained the Hot Honey menu return, “Our guests made it clear they wanted Hot Honey back, and we wanted to do more than simply bring back the same lineup.” Klein continued, We partnered with Doritos to give them something completely unexpected: loaded Hot Honey Nachos with the big flavor, satisfying crunch, and value guests expect from Subway.” 

The Doritos collab and new sandwiches are available only from August 20 through October 26, or while supplies last, at participating restaurants. Get the limited-edition chicken and cheese nachos for $4.99 (prices may vary by location). Order in-store, online, or in Subway’s app. Visit the company’s website here to find a Subway near you. 

When Subway teased the collab on Instagram with a deliciously daring video of the Doritos nachos, fans couldn’t contain their excitement.

“Yay! Can’t wait for this!” replied one commenter, as others added, “OMG when is it coming?” and, “YEAAAAH.”

My Big Fat Fabulous Life star Whitney Thore is engaged to Jake Beaudoin! Let’s take a closer look at her new fiancé and their exciting announcement.

On Tuesday, Aug. 18, the TLC star broke the relationship news during an interview with People. She also released photos of herself and Beaudoin and her sparkling new engagement ring.

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

“Jake has officially graduated from boyfriend to fiancé,” Thore, 42, declared. “We’re getting married, and we couldn’t be happier.”

The reality TV star admitted that Beaudoin’s proposal “completely surprised” her, making “the moment even more special.”

“It was truly perfect,” Thore said. “The ring is absolutely beautiful, and there’s a special story behind it that means so much to us. We’re thrilled to start this next chapter and build our future together as husband and wife.”

TLC also posted an engagement announcement featuring Thore and Beaudoin sharing the big news.

On Aug. 15, Thore hard-launched her relationship with Beaudoin via Instagram with a carousel of photos of them, her brother, Hunter Thore, and his girlfriend, Karen Schmidt. The first shot showed Thore and Beaudoin smiling with an arm around each other. Leaving nothing up for speculation, however, the second snapshot showed the two couples kissing.

Thore previously got engaged to Chase Severino in 2019. However, they broke off the engagement in 2020 after Severino learned he was expecting a baby with another woman.

Although Thore has confirmed that filming has begun for Season 14 of MBFFL, TLC has not yet announced a premiere date.

My Big Fat Fabulous Life is available to stream on HBO Max.

Next: My Big Fat Fabulous Life: Whitney Thore Shares Update on Pregnancy Journey (Exclusive)

Following the news of Hayden Panettiere‘s death, podcaster Jay Shetty, who conducted what would be one of the actress’ last interviews earlier this year, shared a heartfelt tribute.

“Just a few months ago, I had the privilege of sitting down with you on On Purpose,” he said referring to his podcast interview with the late actress in May. “After the episode you told me it was truly healing. You said I was now like a big brother to you and that I helped you be brave.”

“But Hayden, you were the brave one,” he continued. “You were courageous, resilient, and so incredibly strong through so many difficult moments in your life. You should never have had to experience the things you did.”

In the interview, Panettiere opened up about her years-long struggle with mental health, which included postpartum depression and drug addiction. She also shared how she’s coped after the death of her brother Jansen, who died in 2023.

“I hope you know how loved you are. How many people you helped. How your vulnerability moved others. My heart and prayers are with you, your daughter, your family, friends and fans,” he concluded.

While the actress’ cause of death has not been officially declared, it was reported that she suffered cardiac arrest after being found unresponsive at a home in Greenville, North Carolina on Sunday. Initial reports of a drug overdose were also not confirmed.

Panettiere’s father shared the news of his daughter’s death in a statement.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” he shared with ABC News. “She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen.”

Related: How Hayden Panettiere Wanted to Be Remembered Before Her Death: ‘This is Worth It’

Celebrity tributes from her former co-stars including Alyson Stoner, Alexa PenaVega, and Connie Britton, all poured in, remembering the actress.

“I have no words for this sad song,” Britton captured a photo from the pair’s time on Nashville together. “Just heartbreak. I love you girl. Sleep easy now.”

The Heroes and Nashville star, who would have been 37 on August 21, shares her 11-year-old daughter Kaya with ex-husband, Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko. 

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

Cute as a button, but fiery, Hayden Panettiere’s role in Remember the Titans is one that launched her career to another level of stardom.

Led by star power with Denzel Washington and Ryan Gosling, followed by more familiar faces who would eventually become Hollywood mainstays, such as Ethan Suplee and Donald Faison, this 2000 Disney feel-good movie was nothing short of a springboard for much of the cast.

Better yet, it’s remembered as one of the greatest sports films, with Bleacher Report even making the case for it as the best sports movie of the 2000s. How could it not be?

While Denzel’s role as head coach Herman Boone is certainly memorable, as is the cohesion of the young, up-and-coming cast from top to bottom, perhaps the most memorable was just 10 years old at the time, Hayden Panettiere’s portrayal as Sheryl Yoast, the football-obsessed daughter of assistant coach Bill Yoast, played by Will Patton.

Related: Hayden Panettiere Revealed Doctor’s Stark Warning in Memoir Released Before Her Sudden Death

This was her first major role on the big screen, as Remember the Titans would go on to shatter her brief appearance as a mermaid in The Object of My Affection. She absolutely nailed it, receiving praise from critics, with Movie Magazine International calling her performance “one of the more surprising” in the film and her scenes with Washington “terrific.”

Based on a true story, Remember the Titans follows the newly integrated T.C. Williams High School football team in 1971, where racial tensions initially divide the players and coaching staff. Under Coach Boone, the Titans gradually put their differences aside, forming a brotherhood that carries them through an unforgettable championship run with Panettiere’s football-obsessed character cheering them on through thick and thin.

You can take a trip down memory lane watching the 26-year-old film for free (with a subscription), currently streaming on Hulu and Disney+.

In 2023, Panettiere reflected on her life and career, saying “If I had wished to go back to any time in my life, it would be going back to Remember the Titans., adding it was her “favorite movie to film.”

Sadly, the popular actress was found dead in Greenville, South Carolina on Aug. 16, 2026, at the age of 36, leaving behind a legacy of standout performances across film and television.

New details about the final hours of Hayden Panettiere’s life are being released.

On Tuesday, Aug. 18, People magazine reported that Panettiere, 36, was with her on/off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, at the time of her death, according to a law enforcement source. The outlet notes that it’s unclear whether or not Hickerson was the person who called 911.

TMZ previously reported that the Heroes actress flew to “the south” with Hickerson, whom she has dated on-and-off since 2018, on Saturday, Aug. 15. The next day, she was found unresponsive inside a South Carolina apartment that was believed to be an Airbnb.

Emergency personnel arrived on scene just before 2 p.m. local time on Sunday. Despite “advanced cardiac life support” measures, Panettiere was pronounced dead less than one hour later.

“No signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death,” read a statement by coroner Mike Ellis following Panettiere’s autopsy (via People). “The cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies. This investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details are available for release at this time.”

Panettiere and Hickerson had a tumultuous relationship that was marked by domestic violence allegations that landed Hickerson in jail more than once. He and Panettiere officially broke up in 2022, but sources tell TMZ that they’d rekindled their romance, though they kept things quiet in recent months.

Earlier this year, Hickerson sat down for an interview with TMZ. During that interview, he admitted to the abuse and supported the release of Panettiere’s new memoir, saying, “I think it’s great. I think everyone should read it. I mean, the domestic violence stuff, my chapter, everybody should read it.”

Hickerson has not yet spoken out about Panettiere’s death.

The actress is survived by her only daughter, Kaya, 11.

READ NEXT: Hayden Panettiere’s ‘Shocked’ Neighbor Shares New Details About the Actress’ Sudden Death

She’s been called a comeback queen so many times the title practically comes with her name, and Cher just proved it again.

The Goddess of Pop had already earned legend status by the time she released Believe in October 1998. She’d spent the ’60s in one of pop’s most iconic duos, racked up chart-topping hits through the ’70s, and reinvented herself as an MTV mainstay in the ’80s. Nearly three decades later, the song just added another milestone to that résumé: 1 billion streams on Spotify.

The title track from Cher’s 22nd studio album, Believe, crossed the billion-stream mark 27 years after its release, Spotify confirmed this week alongside Warner Records.

Cher shared the news on Instagram, writing that she’d struggled to put the moment into words. “It’s crazy that I haven’t been able to express how I feel about one billion streams,” she wrote, adding that she’s been “doing work I was meant to do” since she was 19.

( photo by Harry Langton)

The song’s original run was just as dominant. It hit No. 1 in 21 countries, spent four weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, and sold more than 11 million copies worldwide, according to Grammy.com. 

It also set a Hot 100 record that still stands today, the longest gap between chart-toppers by the same artist, 33 years and seven months, stretching back to Cher’s 1965 duet with Sonny Bono, I Got You Babe.

Beyond the numbers, Believe reshaped pop itself. Its signature vocal effect became one of the most imitated production techniques in music, and its success helped push a wave of veteran pop stars, including Diana Ross, Tina Turner and Donna Summer, back onto the dance floor within the following year.

It is now one of Cher’s signature songs, but recording ‘Believe’ was far from smooth. The If I Could Turn Back Time singer repeatedly recalled clashing with producer Mark Taylor as they worked on the verses, with Taylor pushing her to deliver them differently, as per People.
Eventually, her frustration boiled over. “If you want it better, get another singer,” she told him before walking out of the studio, according to the New York Post.

The argument changed pop music. Taylor called Cher the following day and asked her to return after experimenting with a new “pitch machine” on her vocals. When she heard the altered sound, Cher said the pair immediately loved what they had created, even though neither knew yet that the song would become a massive hit.

According to Pitchfork, the dramatic vocal processing became the defining sound of ‘Believe’ and was soon nicknamed the “Cher effect.”

Its prominent use of Auto-Tune helped introduce the technology as a creative effect in mainstream pop rather than simply a behind-the-scenes tool for correcting pitch.