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Survivor 50 is here! Every week, Parade's Mike Bloom will bring you interviews with the castaway most recently voted off the island.

Benjamin "Coach" Wade
Dragon Slayer, Tide Walker
Either way, jury.

While considered one of the most iconic characters in Survivor history, Coach came into his fourth season with a different mindset and a different goal. Showcase how much he changed as a person and a player over the past 14 years, create meaningful social bonds, and try not to stake his game solely on "honor and integrity" as he had in the past. But it was Benjamin Franklin who said, "Old habits die hard." And, while Coach had rebranded himself the "Tide Walker" coming into Survivor 50, it wasn't long before that all was washed away, as the "Dragon Slayer" of yore came roaring back like a tidal wave.

In fact, you could argue it happened within the first few hours of the game. Coach was selected to compete in the "Fight for Supplies" alongside Q Burdette and Ozzy Lusth. Eager to show a new side of himself, he immediately apologized to his old South Pacific rival, whom he had previously blamed for keeping him from the million dollars. In the heat of the competition, however, Coach was able to eke out a victory, causing an uproar when Ozzy believed he had broken a deal to let him have it. After feeling they had unlocked a new unlikely duo in the game, fittingly, it took one key to lock away that prospect. Not only that, but various retellings of the situation began making their way around the cast, causing Coach to go, as Mike White put it, "non compos mentis." But he shook off that temporary silence at the next challenge, where he addressed the rumors publicly. In his heated monologue, he made one thing clear: "I want everybody to know this is the same Coach you've always seen. I'm playing this game with as much dignity as possible."

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To Coach's credit, however, the rest of the postmerge, he did seem to showcase how much he had transformed his game. He was the social hub of his swap tribe, in an alliance with basically everybody on the beach. The old-school players appreciated his narrative of a loyal alliance as solid as an oakbound warrior or a stone bell. The "new era" superfans were thrilled at the idea of getting to be a firsthand witness to a Coach story or to be led in a morning "Coach Chi" routine. So, when the individual game hit, despite his previous transgression, it seemed like, as promised in the preseason, his chances of making it far were soaring higher than a screeching eagle.

That all began to change, however, once Coach actually started attending Tribal Council. When the "Blood Moon" hit, Coach tried to save both himself and Colby Donaldson by attempting to turn former castmates Dee Valladares and Emily Flippen against each other. But all he did in the process was put himself more in the firing line, as they were growing tired of his "shady" gameplay and blatant dishonesty. When Jonathan Young told Coach that Dee no longer trusted him, a sleeping dragon (slayer) woke in him. As he openly declared to his competition, nobody who played without honor would win the game, and in his opinion, she put the "d" in "dishonorable." In between hammock haikus and dance breaks, Coach ran around camp, trying to manage a specific split vote, and making the environment tense when anyone challenged it. Coach did succeed in his ultimate goal in sending Dee to the jury. But as much as he fashioned himself the "general" of the vote, he may have unknowingly put himself at war with most of the tribe.

Coach came back to camp, touting Dee's boot as quite the feather in his cap (or hair). The way he saw it, his alliance of chiefly old-school players was about to take over the game, setting him up beautifully for another deep run. But everyone's plans were thrown like a ball at a tile when Jeff Probst announced the brand-new "Double Duo" twist. In an instant, Coach and Chrissy Hofbeck had their fates tied to one another, facing the risk of getting voted out as a pair. Knowing Coach had angered many with his antics the previous day, Chrissy put him in a form of exile, sending him to the hammock for the afternoon. But, despite laying low, the allure of booting two people from a cohesive alliance was greater than an Amazonian native seeing someone bend over. And so, after leading a vote to take out Dee the day before, it was poetic justice for the haiku-loving Coach to get taken out near-unanimously as well.

Now out of the game, Coach talks with Parade about why he chose to be so aggressive in targeting Dee, why he pitched that a new era player couldn't win Season 50, and how much of his game ultimately was "Coach 4.0."

Related: Read our Survivor 50 pre-game interview with Coach Wade

Let's start with where things end. At Tribal Council, you're quoting every from Freud to Magellan, and you end your time on Season 50 by playing your Shot in the Dark. So did you think it would be you and Chrissy going home going in? And did the needle change at all when Rick grabbed the fake idol from the set?
Actually, there was a moment when Joe came over to me. And he whispered so quietly, he was paranoid that people were going to hear him. And he was like, "Coach, do you trust your alliance?" And so that was kind of like the "aha" moment. And I said, "Well, trust you and Jonathan and Chrissy and Stephenie. I think I trust Rizo. I don't think I trust Ozzy, but he's with us. And I think I trust Cirie." It was that moment of doubt [where] he kind of gave me that heads up.

So I knew going into Tribal it was going to be messy, but I still thought we had the numbers. With Stephenie's [Steal-a-Vote], we actually 100% had the numbers. But it was not meant to be. And so I think that there was a tipping point. I think it could have gone either way. And I think that Rick Devens jumping up and getting the idol — and I assumed that it was fake. And I told everybody as such; I did stand up and start talking to people in that live Tribal. But good for him. It was a great play, it was a great moment. And it was the tipping point, I think, that sealed our fate.

Well, one of the other things that might have sealed your fate is this "Double Duos" twist. How did you and Chrissy decide to be partners? Was it instantaneous, or was it more of that "awkward middle school dance" energy we saw a bit of in the episode?
I mean, it was awkward, actually. And at one point, we thought about just drawing names, which would have made it better. We had no idea that it was going to be voted out in a pair, or I would have picked somebody in a different alliance to split things up. But Chrissy and I have been together since Day 1. I said, at one point early, "Chrissy is my number one out here." And she said, "Coach, stop saying that. It's going to put a target on us." [Laughs.]

But there was this wonderful comfortability of brother and sister with Chrissy and I. We shared some very, very beautiful moments. There was one day when we were calculating up the days, and I realized that it was my daughter's recital — my wife owns a dance studio. And I got very emotional. I was silently weeping, and Chrissy came over and put her arm around me and just said, "If you want to talk or if you just want to cry." And it was actually really, really beautiful. So we were on another level. You think that you're playing with people, and you think that you can trust them. I knew I could trust Chrissy.

Even when I was duffing those baskets! [Laughs.] I suck at basketball. My son's 6'4"; he's a great basketball player. And before the episode, before the challenge, I looked at him and I said, "You know your dad sucks at basketball." I actually coached my nine-year-olds ' basketball team this year. He's like, "Dad, you should have taken some of my advice!" Anyway, it was funny. But I let him know that I am terrible at challenges. But even when I was sucking at the baskets, Chrissy was like, "You got it, Coach. You got it." There was no tension. It was actually a really smooth challenge, a really comfortable challenge, even though we didn't place. We started the game together, and we were meant to go out together.

You and Chrissy went through it in the trenches this episode. But one week ago, you were the general leading the charge against Dee, which earned some criticism from the other players for how grating it was. What made you decide to marshal this split vote so ardently? And were you aware of how your behavior was being perceived?
I would have handled it differently if I could do it over again. There's a couple of things, right? I don't want to draw rocks, and I don't want to go home from an idol being played. I've never had either happen in this day and age. Survivor 50, with all returning players, you would think that people would never go into a vote and put all votes on one person, right? And yet, that is what happened. It was crazy. I could not believe it. And so I was very cool, and just subtly shifting. I didn't even say people's names the whole time. I was like, "Well, who do you want? Who do you want?" I would always shift it and try to subtly move that dial so that it would be other people's ideas.

I'm not stupid, but I got stupid. Because I just couldn't believe [it]. Chrissy, you're saying that you will not vote for anybody else. So we're going to put 12 votes on Dee? "Yes." Joe, 12 votes on Dee? "Yes." Stephenie, 12 votes on Dee? "Yes." I could not believe it. So everybody was willing to go into that Tribal putting every single vote on Dee. And if Dee played her Shot in the Dark and it hit... And we didn't really know about the idols. Okay, it's a "Boomerang Idol," but maybe there's other idols out there. We assumed there were so many twists in the season that there were actually legitimate idols out there, and we just didn't know about them. And so somebody plays a Shot in the Dark, and it hits, why take that risk?

So that's when I got really upset. Of course, I was worried about how I was being perceived. I couldn't believe the lack of "Survivor IQ" that people displayed in that moment. I had a Day 1 alliance with Tiffany. I had a Day 1 alliance with Dee as well, except she wanted to vote out my allies one and one by one. So that was what really stirred my inner pot and made me say, "We are going to split these votes no matter what." And, in hindsight, maybe I should have acted differently. But what would have happened if we didn't split the votes? You never know. She could have gotten her Shot in the Dark, and I would have been the first member of the jury. And I would have said, "Man, I should have fought harder."

During that episode as well, you said, "Nobody's gonna win this game unless they have honor." And you talk to a few people at camp about how people who ran around and told lies would not win. Was that something you truly believed? What made you want to say that to your competition, considering they would be part of a jury to vote for the winner?
So you didn't see that entire conversation. And this is funny, because it was a little bit out of context. I was on a rant. But I started feeling the heat on myself. And so I started thinking, taking a page out of Q's book, or maybe taking a page out of Phillip Shepherd's book, to make myself a huge target. And I even said to my alliance, "I got big shoulders, and I can be a target, and I will handle it."

But I actually came up with a phrase: "26 ain't going to win 50." There's a huge divide. And I started hearing about, you know, different things and and pregame nonsense, and how the new school players were threatened by this talk that the people that played 39 days had had a more rough experience and more true experience on Survivor. Which, in a way, is true. I mean, it's not until Day 20 that your body really starts cannibalizing itself, and even if you're skinny, it starts going towards the organs. It's a messy state after 20 days.

But I came up with this thing. I said, "26 ain't going to win 50. Anybody who's played 26 days is not going to win 50." And people were loving it, lapping it up. In my alliance, they were like, "Yeah, that's right." And so that was kind of what that rant was about. "Honesty and integrity," vote for who you want to; it is what it is. But it was kind of shown in that light.

And listen, I'm not perfect. And, yeah, I made mistakes, and I got messy with Dee and forgot Colby didn't have a vote, and I got to become the storm general on that vote. I made a lot of mistakes, and I wasn't always honest this time around. And I'm actually glad that I went out when I was supposed to go out. Because if the game would have gone on, I probably would have tarnished that legacy that I've worked so hard to build and just thrown all my morals out the window and had to stab close friends in the back. And so I'm glad that it happened. It was supposed to happen like it was supposed to happen.

You talk about having heat on you. Let's go back to arguably the first spark, on the very first day. During the "Fight for Supplies," you and Ozzy seem to let bygones be bygones for how South Pacific ended. But then you proceeded to take the key at the very end, which had Ozzy steamed, feeling you had lied to him once again. Give me your perspective on this, and your reaction when you heard what was being rumored about what you did.
You ask Colby what it's like to be beaten by Coach. Man, now you can ask Ozzy what it's like to be beaten by Coach. It's not fun. I'm not a challenge beast. Throw me in it with the grappling hook, it's on. The monkey's fist, I'm freaking rock and roll. And I am a good coach; I'm very good at. That's why Kalo never lost, part of the reason is because we really put the right people in the right positions.

After the first challenge, we sat down on the beach, and I said, "Hey, it's not what you can do right in a challenge, because we can all do a lot of things right. But it's what you are terrible at." And so I started telling the group. In a challenge, I remember Kamilla was like, "Oh yeah, that's really smart." It's like, "Don't talk about all the things you can do. Let's have one voice. What are you great at and what are you horrible at in these challenges?" For that one minute you have to strategize, we put the right people in the right places, Ozzy puts himself in the glory spot. So that's why he usually loses, and my tribe didn't.

So anyway, you know, I can imagine what it would be like to be beaten by me. And I almost got the key half a dozen times. Ozzy almost got the key two dozen times; he was obviously better at it than me. But I had a strategy, and I put it into effect, and it worked. And my biggest thing was I was on a tribe that didn't want me in South Pacific. I did not want to be that same person. And so I got the supplies fair and square, and I came back. And when I heard about Ozzy bad mouthing me, I really did think we could let bygones be bygones. It was a real moment.

How are you and Ozzy today?
We're a great spot now. We have this fraternal bond. Sometimes we love each other, sometimes we hate each other. I will say that I'm impressed at Ozzy's game this time around, because he is playing a strategic game. I did not realize that he was duping me as much as he was duping me. And so hats off to him.

In the past few episodes, we've seen moments where you get caught in lies. For example, you lie to Tiffany that you weren't the one to put her name out there, and when she asks who did, you seemingly took an extended pause without answering. And we've seen people like Tiffany, Dee, and Emily call your gameplay "shady" and "opportunistic." What's your reaction to those assessments?
This time around, I was playing for my family. They didn't want me to go on Survivor. I mean, they were happy and they supported me. But I'm the guy that makes all the meals. I pack their lunches, I take them to school, I put them to bed at night. I'm the nucleus. My wife is busy in the afternoons and evenings. I'm the nucleus of my family. There's something that we can never get back. And that's time we can never replicate, time I left to go on that beach and miss five weeks of my kids' lives. My son is nine. Once he turns 10 or 11, his friends are going to be the center of his universe. Right now, I'm the center of his universe. And so to take me away from their picture, to miss my wife and daughter's dance recital, I'll never get back that time.

So, yeah, I was out for blood this time. And, like I said, I'm glad I didn't keep going, because I would have compromised myself further. But absolutely messy. And it was so funny, because I wanted to lie to Tiffany, and I was just like, "[Extended pause.] Who could I say?" [Laughs.] I was stumped in that moment. I didn't want to just throw out a name. Look, the people that want to criticize me, that's fair enough. I got broad shoulders. I know exactly who I am inside. So they can say that, and I can take it, and I can say, "Yeah, you definitely have a valid point."

We spoke in the preseason about you being "Coach 4.0" this time around, showcasing how much you've changed as a person and a player. But we've had a few people mention, including yourself, moments where you would default back into behaviors of the Coach from your first three seasons. So, looking back on your time in Survivor 50, what would you say was the ratio between "Tide Walker" and "Dragon Slayer"?
[Laughs.] That's good. I think I was at the nucleus of my tribe every second until the merge, and then I really got rattled with Colby. I forgot he didn't have a vote. I probably could have stayed on that podium a little bit longer. So I got messy. And the fact that we wanted to go into Tribal without splitting the votes just blew my mind. And there is also a time, you can see it on every one of my journeys. Okay, i's a show. And I want to make sure that I win. There's only one winner in Survivor as far as getting the million-dollar check. But there's something that far outweighs that, and that is who is going to be the character. And it's usually me! [Laughs.]

So my legacy on Season 50 will be stamped. There's going to be 16, 18 people on this beach that you'll never even think about, except for as a footnote in Season 50. To answer to your question, I actually transferred that "Tide Walker" name to Jonathan after the merge. I said, "That ain't me anymore," but they didn't show that. So it was 75% "Coach 4.0" and 25% "Dragon Slayer, "and that was my downfall. Pride comes before fall. It's apropos of this season.

Finally, we saw you give a couple of nicknames to Joe and Colby, but you've talked about on social media how you gave many more that didn't make the edit. What was your favorite nickname to give on Survivor 50?
The nicknames are cool. It actually has gone completely viral. I've had thousands of messages from people saying, "Give me a nickname", and this kind of stuff. And so I've got to do this proper; I've got to have a Zoom call. So that's why I have a website, and people can go there to get nicknames, but there's only a few left. It's a joyous part. It's a creative part. I like writing classical music. I like making nicknames. I've been giving nicknames to my friends for 30 years.

My favorite nickname actually was after the show. And Jonathan and I were talking. I said, "Don't be mad. I did call myself the Tide Walker, but then I transferred the name to you." Because that's a really good nickname, right? For me, probably the coolest nickname was "the Stone Bell Monk." In Japanese mythology, there's this one ghost story about a bell that's ringing in an underground shrine. And this guy hears it, and you just hear the "ding, ding, ding." And it's a bell that was put in this monk's tomb, and yet it's ringing.

And so I'm very much into Japanese lore. And it rings truth when struck. So at that time, that is epitomized Joe. I did give Jonathan another nickname after the show, because I was like, "Look, Tide Walker is being used. Let me give you another one." And that was the "Moss Giant." And that is somebody that is methodical, sometimes slow in speech. But once they get rooted deep in the game, they cannot be uprooted. And so I gave that one to him about a week ago. I think he posted it, or he's going to post it. So the "Moss Giant," that's a pretty strong one for Jonathan.

Related: Dee Valladares Reveals the One Move That Actually Destroyed Her ‘Survivor 50’ Game (Exclusive)

While many actors dream of winning an Oscar even once in their lives, George C. Scott stunned the public with a decision that would go down as one of the boldest moments in award-winning history.

Over his decades-long career, the renowned Hollywood star earned countless nominations and won multiple awards.

Fifty-five years ago today, one of his most notable moments came at the 43rd Academy Awards, where he was announced as the winner of Best Actor for his role in Patton.

At the time Patton was among the biggest winners of the night after taking home seven Oscar wins out of 10 nominations.

The major awards that it received were Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Film Editing, Best Sound and Best Actor for George C. Scott.

George C. Scott appears in the title role on the poster for the movie biopic 'Patton', about American general George S. Patton, 1970.

Movie Poster Image Art/Getty Images

He surpassed an equally talented lineup of nominees, including Melvyn Douglas in I Never Sang for My Father, James Earl Jones in The Great White Hope, Jack Nicholson in Five Easy Pieces and Ryan O'Neal for his performance in Love Story as Oliver Barrett IV.

On April 15, 1971, Goldie Hawn, who presented the award, handed the trophy to producer Frank McCarthy, who accepted it on behalf of Scott.

“In voting for this award, I think that the Academy has distinguished itself. I think it has done itself a great deal of good and shown what a good organization it is by recognizing and honoring so generously a fine performance by a great actor,” he said in his acceptance speech.

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Prior to the awards night, Scott had reportedly stated that he would refuse the Best Actor recognition if he won the Oscars and would not attend the ceremony to accept it.

This bold move made him the first actor in history to reject an Oscar award.

According to several outlets, including Los Angeles Times, the acclaimed actor famously described the Academy Award as "a two-hour meat parade, a public display with contrived suspense for economic reasons.”

Scott had reportedly sent a telegram informing the Academy about his decision.

"I respectfully request that you withdraw my name from the list of nominees. My request is in no way intended to denigrate my colleagues,” the telegram reads.

Interestingly, this was not the first time that the Patton star had declined a major recognition.

In 1962, he rejected a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the 34th Academy Awards for his role in The Hustler, arguing that acting should not be reduced to a competition, according to The New York Times.

Related: ’80s Thriller Starring Two-Time Oscar Winner Ranked Among 'Worst Movies of All Time'

Actor Bill Pullman may be a Hollywood staple, but his son, Lewis Pullman, is a rising star.

Bill, 72, has a diverse resume that includes everything from Spaceballs and While You Were Sleeping to The Accidental Tourist and Independence Day. He's also a seasoned theater actor. But we're guessing the star's favorite role is devoted dad, because he hit the red carpet at CinemaCon alongside his handsome son, Lewis. The duo, who star alongside each other in the upcoming Spaceballs sequel, titled Spaceballs: The New One, joined several of their castmates from the 1987 original, including Rick Moranis and Daphne Zuniga.

One glance at the dynamic duo and it's pretty safe to say that the apple didn't fall far from the tree. Clearly, Lewis inherited his dad's good looks!

Photo by Monica Schipper on Getty Images

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Lewis Recalled His Dad Being Approached By Fans as a Kid

Growing up, Lewis recalled fans always approaching his dad when the family would go out for dinner together.

“And I was always like, ‘Well, what’s the big deal? I mean, he’s the best dad ever, but they don’t know that.’ And then once I dabbled in acting and started understanding the magnitude of his talent, that was when I was like, ‘Okay, there should be a lot more people asking for him to do this Independence Day speech,’” Lewis said in Interview Magazine, referencing Pullman's role in the 1996 action movie, in which he plays the President of the United States.

For a quick reminder of that fan-favorite scene, here's a refresher:

What's Next for Bill Pullman?

In addition to his role in the Spaceballs sequel, which will hit theaters in April 2027, Pullman is set to appear in the Duffer Brothers‘ upcoming Netflix supernatural mystery The Boroughs. According to Deadline, the series “is set in a seemingly picturesque retirement community where a group of unlikely heroes must band together to stop an otherworldly threat from stealing the one thing they don’t have… time.”

Alfred Molina, Geena Davis, Alfre Woodard,Clarke Peters, and Denis O’Hare also star in the series.

Related: '90s Star Daphne Zuniga, 62, Is Ageless in New Selfie

Uranus will re-enter Gemini on April 26, 2026. We caught a glimpse of what this transit will bring in 2025, but now it’s entering a time of heightened power. An unprecedented cosmic cycle is about to begin. As prepared as you may feel, the energy of this transit will likely be unlike anything you've ever experienced. According to astrologers, Uranus in Gemini will lead to shocking disruptions, revelations, and rebellions over the next eight years. Each zodiac sign will undergo significant changes during this transit. What can your zodiac sign expect from Uranus in Gemini?

Uranus in Gemini Timeline

• July 7, 2025: Uranus entered Gemini
• September 6, 2025: Uranus retrograde began in Gemini
• November 7, 2025: Uranus retrograde left Gemini and re-entered Taurus
• April 26, 2026: Uranus re-enters Gemini
• May 22, 2033: Uranus leaves Gemini and enters Cancer

Uranus in Gemini, According to Astrology

Be it in transit or as a natal placement, Uranus is the disrupter. Uranus is the wake-up, shake-up planet that represents freedom, authenticity, innovation, and plot twists. Whenever Uranus switches zodiac signs, there’s a shift in collective perception of what should change or ought to be changed. However, Uranus’ influence also results in unforeseen shifts liberating us from tradition and routine. In other words, expect the unexpected with Uranus.

Starting July 7, 2025, Uranus will enter Gemini for the first time since 1941 to 1948. Like all Uranus transits, the initial ingress will result in pandemonium. Despite likely never experiencing this transit before, what can you expect? Uranus will veer Gemini’s associations and symbolism in a different direction. This will affect communication, education, language, neighborhoods, and transportation. Gemini also represents duality, so there will be more divisiveness. Communities will radically split based on varying opinions and thought processes. What you know to be true could be unexpectedly controversial, but subject to change on a whim. 

The initial oscillation will eventually subside once Uranus stations retrograde in Gemini by September 6, 2025. Uranus retrograde typically refers to more internal changes and dissents instead of outward dissonance. While there may be fewer plot twists, your mind could still spiral. Uranus retrograde in Gemini will offer the chance to free yourself from opinions, biases, and immediate communities that don’t represent your ideologies. But separating yourself requires internal re-evaluation. Luckily, this energy will be brief since Uranus retrograde will leave Gemini for Taurus on November 7, 2025. 

Uranus in Gemini is a brief interlude in 2025’s astrological forecast. Use this time to gauge what comes up, since this period will give perspective on what the next eight years will entail. This transit won’t truly kick off until Uranus enters Gemini on April 26, 2026, where it will stay until May 22, 2033.  

RELATED: The Love Language of Each Birth Month, According to Experts

What Can You Expect from Uranus in Gemini, Based on Your Zodiac Sign?

Keep reading, and look for your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs.

Aries

There’s so much to discuss, Aries. Get to the point when Uranus in Gemini shakes up your third house of communication, immediate community, and neighborhoods. How you think, speak, and relay your opinions is subject to change based on who you associate with. Where you hang out and who you spend time with will radically alter your intellectual opportunities. Be careful of individuals and communities who don’t do their research. You will have a chance to re-evaluate if you’re surrounding yourself with smart people during the Uranus retrograde. Think of the retrograde as a chance to review what you have learned and who you should continue to learn from.

Taurus

Financial stability won’t be as easy to attain as you may hope, Taurus. Get ready, because Uranus in Gemini will hit your second house of financial opportunity, personal effects, and value systems. The next eight years will highlight your financial insecurities and desires. As a result, what you value will drastically change, including your lifestyle habits, accommodations, belongings, and more. You may work especially hard to afford something. Your approach to work may change depending on your financial situation. At least Uranus retrograde will offer temporary financial relief, but this might be the best time to reconsider if you should prioritize certain luxuries and expenses.

EXPAND: 4 Most Dangerous Zodiac Signs When Angry

Gemini

You won’t recognize yourself, Gemini. An identity crisis will happen, as Uranus in Gemini enters your first house of selfhood, appearance, and self-perception. Of all the zodiac signs, you will experience the most disruption. On the one hand, you may feel like you’re losing yourself throughout the next eight years. On the other hand, Uranus in Gemini could help you align with a more authentic version of yourself. Everything you wish to adjust and implement can happen in an instant. It depends on how well you appraise these adjustments in your quest to find yourself. Look toward Uranus retrograde as your chance to slow down and reflect on your personal growth.

Cancer

Inner turmoil will arise, Cancer. Be mindful of where your mind goes once Uranus in Gemini unnerves your twelfth house of unconsciousness, hidden matters, and solitude. Your mental health has the potential to suffer if you’re not careful. Unforeseen problems in your connections and situations may trigger your emotional wounds. Your outlook will be disturbed, so it’s understandable if you feel like you’re losing your mind. Although Uranus in Gemini will lead to emotional breakdowns, it could also lead to deep personal awareness and subconscious awakening. You can at least count on feeling more settled during Uranus retrograde, which will give you ample time to consider what has internally shifted. 

RELATE?: 4 Zodiac Signs With the Most Emotional Resilience

Leo

Social upswings and downfalls are fated, Leo. Let go of your expectations, as Uranus in Gemini upsets your eleventh house of friendships, greater community, and aspirations. Your social groups and network is bound to evolve. However, you will be surprised by who stays and goes during this eight-year-long transit. Some of your closest friends could drop off the face of the world. A huge part of the abrupt switches in your community may be a result of your dreams and goals. Whatever you pursue and accomplish will cause a ripple effect in your community. At least there might be a chance to understand why a connection has warped during the Uranus retrograde.

Virgo

What you do now may not be your career eight years from now, Virgo. Embrace new opportunities, since Uranus in Gemini will pivot your tenth house of career, success, and legacy. Heightened professional anxiety will commence, as Uranus in Gemini reshapes your vocation. Whatever you have chosen for yourself or have committed to will likely not remain as is during this period. While these anticipated changes could be jarring, you could also see this as your chance to pursue an unorthodox career path that wasn’t previously available to you. Embrace the highs and lows, since Uranus retrograde will help you see the value in professional freedom. 

NEXT: The 4 Most Powerful and Successful Zodiac Signs

Libra

Consider the path less traveled, Libra. Try to be more open-minded when Uranus in Gemini agitates your ninth house of journeying, higher education, and belief systems. Uranus and Gemini will liberate you from societal pressure on what you should believe in, where you should go, and what your journey should look like. The next eight years will take you to places you’ve never been before to open your eyes to new ways of living. Your life will be full of surprises and excitement, so get ready. Remember to reflect on how far you have come in your journey and all you have been through during the Uranus retrograde. 

Scorpio

Multiple death and rebirth cycles will unfold, Scorpio. An unusual katabasis is activated once Uranus in Gemini disturbs your eighth house of personal suffering, complex finances, and taboo. Although you are no stranger to transformation, you might be pleasantly surprised by how chaotic this cycle will be. Your perspective of intimacy, financial responsibilities, and psychology will be radically altered. It could affect who you get close to or what you invest in. Although this will be an enlightening period, Uranus in Gemini could also result in unforeseen personal wounds. Expect the tumultuousness to settle down during Uranus retrograde. Other than that, prepare yourself for karmic lessons regarding enmeshment and debt.

CURIOUS?: The Most Powerful Zodiac Signs Ranked, According to Astrologers

Sagittarius

Romantic and professional arrangements are bound to change, Sagittarius. Don’t make any sudden moves, because Uranus in Gemini will jolt your seventh house of marriage, contract, and commitment. This cosmic energy will come out in one of two ways: You may feel unexpectedly detached and want to walk away, or the other party could also feel and react in the same manner. If not, your relationships and contracts will be tested by an unpredictable series of events. Regardless of what happens, you may want to wait on making significant decisions until the dust settles during Uranus retrograde. But if not, irreparable changes will cause you or the other party to waver in your commitment.

Capricorn

Do you like surprises, Capricorn? You may want to adopt a “go with the flow” attitude before Uranus in Gemini impacts your sixth house of mundane activities, health, and work. There’s nothing you can do but ride this Uranian wave over the next eight years. Each day will be unparalleled. Since your life will be unpredictable, you can lean into this energy to switch things up. Change your habits, routine, and productivity to try something new. Just be careful of making extreme changes that negatively impact your work life or physical health. Although this energy will be unpredictable, you can look forward to having fewer plot twists during Uranus retrograde. 

Aquarius

Let your freak flag fly, Aquarius. You won’t know what you like until Uranus in Gemini liberates your fifth house of pleasure, creation, and self-expression. The following eight years will unground your hobbies, talents, love life, sexual desires, and relationship with children. You could feel freer diving into your interests, producing novel joy and happiness. How you date and who you date could radically shift, leading you to an authentic connection. For the most part, this could be an exciting period. However, Uranus in Gemini could also result in an unlikely pregnancy or change in attitude toward having children. Expect to feel bored during Uranus retrograde if you enjoy the frenzy.

READ: These 4 Zodiac Signs Carry Old-Soul Wisdom

Pisces

Home will take on an entirely new meaning, Pisces. Brace yourself, since Uranus in Gemini will startle your fourth house of private life, family, and roots. Where you live, how you live, and who you will live with will be impacted. You could suddenly uproot your life to move across the country. Unexpected housing opportunities will pop up, such as inheriting property or living in unusual circumstances. As a result, your lifestyle and family will morph into something new. While this might feel unstable and chaotic, Uranus in Gemini can help you align with your desired life. Look toward Uranus retrograde to reconsider if you enjoy your life or if it’s time to do something new.

UP NEXT:

There is something so timeless about floral bedding, isn't there? It never goes out of style, especially during the spring. (Paging, Meryl Streep.) If you are looking to upgrade your own bedroom with some new floral bedding, this affordable new option available at none other than Aldi might be just what you are looking for.

Kirkton House's Embroidered Quilt Set comes in queen or king sizes, both retailing for $34.99. Each quilt set includes three pieces: one quilt and two coordinating pillow shams. The queen-sized quilt measures 90 inches by 90 inches, and the accompanying pillow shams measure 20 inches by 28 inches each. Meanwhile, the king-sized quilt measures 104 inches by 96 inches, and its pillow shams measure 20 inches by 36 inches each.

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This quilt set features a charming white-and-blue floral print that feels so feminine and pretty. The flowers have a subtle gradient effect, giving watercolor vibes. Coupled with the quilt's diamond-shaped embroidery, this quilt is seriously elegant and will beautifully upgrade your home for springtime and beyond.

Kirkton House Queen Embroidered Quilt Set, Floral, $34.99 at Aldi

Aldi

Each quilt set is made from a cozy cotton blend, making it super breathable and soft to the touch.

Related: Aldi Shoppers Are Obsessed With This $8 Mommy and Me Mug Set Perfect for Mother's Day

This quilt set is available now at select Aldi stores as part of Aldi's current selection of Aldi Finds, limited-edition product specials that rotate in and out every single week. Aldi Finds include everything from cozy bedding like this to nifty kitchen gadgets, as well as chic clothing and accessories. Aldi Finds never last long, so if you see something you love, make sure to snag it fast! Aldi Finds can be shopped in Aldi's center aisles.

If you're interested in other Aldi Finds, be sure to check out this vibrant 576-piece flower Lego set that would make the perfect Mother's Day gift, these gorgeous new area rugs that add so much romantic charm to any space, these foldable tote bags that are perfect for quick weekend getaways or this four-piece dinner plate set that is giving major Anthropologie vibes for a whole lot less.

Related: Aldi's New 4-Piece Sheet Sets Are Soft, Breathable and Stylish

Whether you love him or hate him, President Trump has a notorious love of fast food. Just recently, he staged a DoorDash delivery of McDonald's to the Oval Office to promote the "no tax on tips" policy. While many of Trump's sycophantic cabinet members enthusiastically agree with him, Dr. Mehmet Oz, who serves as Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in the Trump administration, seemingly draws the line at his love of fast food.

Recently, Donald Trump Jr. sat down for an interview with Dr. Oz on his podcast, Triggered, and the two began chatting about Trump's love of Diet Coke and the wild superpower he thinks it has.

@nowthisimpact

Is this why Trump cut funding for cancer research?

♬ original sound - NowThis Impact - NowThis Impact

"Your dad argues that diet soda is good for him because it kills grass – if poured on grass – so, therefore, it must kill cancer cells inside the body,” Oz said on Triggered with Don Jr, the president’s eldest son’s podcast.⁠"
⁠
Oz then went on to share an equally puzzling moment on board Air Force One.⁠
⁠
“You know, we were on Air Force One the other day, and I walk in there because he wants to talk about something, and he’s got an orange soft drink on his desk. He’s got a Fanta on the desk,” Oz said. “And I say, ‘Are you kidding me?’ So he starts to, like, sheepishly grin. He says, ‘You know, this stuff’s good for me – it kills cancer cells.’ And then he tells me, 'it's fresh squeezed, so how bad could it be?'”⁠

Related: We Asked 3 Nutrition Experts the Best Habit for Steady Energy—They All Said the Same Thing

The pair seemed to mutually laugh at the concept and scoff at the remarks.

People had mixed reactions to the unfounded statements, ranging from disbelief to disgust.

"This would be really funny if he weren’t the president," wrote one follower on the NowThis' TikTok clip of the now viral moment.

"He also recommended drinking bleach during the pandemic," reminded another.

Related: Oncologists Say This Popular Air Fryer Mistake Could Increase Cancer Risk

Oncologists Do Not Agree With the Commander in Chief

Most doctors have a very different opinion about diet soda. In fact, quite the opposite.

Dr. Mary Chamberlin, MD, a breast oncologist at Dartmouth Health, once told Parade that quitting carbonated beverages with sugar or artificial sweeteners could even reduce your risk of cancer.

“This reduces intake of known carcinogens or inflammatory triggers,” she says.

Scientific research shows that drinking two or more sodas a week could largely increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Dr. Chamberlin recommends drinking unsweetened seltzers, herbal teas, or plain water in place of the harmful drink.

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Warm-weather dressing can make getting ready feel a lot less complicated. Outfits have lighter fabrics, easier silhouettes, and fewer layers that need coordinating. That same easygoing mindset tends to spill into everything else, too, as plans loosen up and your day fills with walks that don’t need a destination, errands without a strict end time, and spontaneous time outside. Your footwear should match that energy.

The idea is simple: Shoes you can reach for without thinking, that still feel supportive enough to carry you from morning errands all the way through whatever the evening turns into. That’s where Clarks Breeze Piper Sandals come in. Designed with an easy slip-on style and a cushioned footbed, this pair is on sale at Zappos for just $36, marked down 40% from its original $60 price tag.

Clarks Breeze Piper Sandals, From $36 (was $60) at Zappos

Courtesy of Zappos

Shop at Zappos

These sporty-hybrid sandals lean heavily into that easy, walkable comfort category, but the design details give them a more intentional, put-together feel than a standard casual slip-on. The synthetic upper features a double-strap design with subtle cutout detailing and stitched accents, adding texture and visual interest. The open-toe silhouette keeps things airy and warm-weather ready, while the adjustable hook-and-loop closures on the straps make it easy to dial in a secure, customized fit. 

Underfoot, the plush memory foam footbed is doing the heavy lifting when it comes to comfort. It’s designed to deliver soft cushioning and shock-absorbing support for all-day wear on a multitude of terrains. The slip-on-and-off style keeps things easy for everyday use, whether you’re heading out for errands, travel, or long days on your feet. They pair easily with warm-weather staples like linen trousers, denim shorts, or breezy sundresses, working just as well for casual plans as they do for slightly dressier ones. Add a relaxed tee or an oversized button-down, and go — it’s that simple. 

Related: Clarks’ 'Super Comfortable' Floral Cutout Sneakers Are Just $45 at Zappos, and They’re 'Great' for Summer

Sizes run from women's 5 through 12 in a generous medium width that accommodates most. They also come in 10 color options, ranging from neutrals to soft pastels and metallic finishes for a bit of variety. While pricing varies depending on the size and color you choose, beige, black, and navy are the most affordable at $36, making the most versatile shades an easy entry point.

Shoppers praised these “very cute” and “super comfy” sandals in the reviews section. One shopper wrote, “These sandals are a game changer for my feet,” adding that they can walk around for a long time in them “without having to stop and rest.”

Shop More Deals

• Clarks Breeze Maye Sandals, from $36 (was $60) at Zappos
• Clarks Drift Twist Sandals, from $30 (was $60) at Zappos
• Clarks Arla Wave Sandals, from $35 (was $65) at Zappos

At $36, the Clarks Breeze Piper Sandals are a must-have for spring and summer. Grab them now at Zappos while they’re 40% off and put them into regular rotation!

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.

Ghirardelli just announced it is expanding its lineup of Chocolate Squares.

The individually wrapped chocolate squares (which measure in at around half an ounce each) are so popular with consumers that the company forged its signature chiseled shape into a gold locket for Valentine's Day and continues to develop new flavors to keep up with ever-changing preferences and trends.

And on Monday, Ghirardelli revealed an all-new flavor of its classic square-shaped chocolates would be heading to stores soon—and before you even ask, no, this time it has nothing to do with the Dubai chocolate trend. Instead, fans are getting a recipe that's similar to the new chocolate bunny that debuted for Easter: Sea Salt Caramel Cookie Squares.

Ghirardelli Debuts New Sea Salt Caramel Cookie Squares

The new squares feature "luscious caramel with a hint of sea salt, crunchy cookie pieces, and creamy milk chocolate," according to an official description shared on Instagram.

Related:Ghirardelli’s New Brownie Mix Is a First for the Brand—and Fans Are Already Loving It

The milk chocolate squares are actually embedded with crunchy cookie pieces and flaky sea salt, and like many of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares that came before it, the new line features a "luscious" caramel filling in the center—so it should hit on all the tastes and textures consumers could crave.

As one fan put it, "Yum!"

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"An immediate must-have! 🤤," a second cheered.

Where Can I Buy the New Milk Chocolate Ghirardelli Squares?

Ghirardelli's Sea Salt Caramel Cookie Milk Chocolate Squares appear to be currently rolling out to major retailers nationwide, with the first round already available via Target's online store (where shoppers can score a 5.2-ounce bag for $7.19). The individually wrapped chocolate squares have yet to hit the company's website, but according to the April 13 Instagram post, they don't seem to be exclusive to any one retailer.

Don't want to wait to find them at a store near you? There are a few somewhat related flavors that are currently more widely available: Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Squares and Intense Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Squares.

Parade has reached out for comment. We will update this story with any relevant information that may be shared.

Next: Lindt Just Launched a Sweet Tax Day Deal on Lindor Truffles

Hockey fans are ready for some serious playoff action. The road to the Stanley Cup starts April 18, but some of the NHL’s top players are thinking more about diaper changes and middle-of-the-night feedings than hat-tricks and assists. That’s right, within weeks of the Playoffs, these athletes became dads. 

So, which players are adding daddy duty to their to-do lists this April? 

Dallas Stars Nils Lundkvist

For the fifth season in a row, the Dallas Stars are headed to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. And while the Texas team’s fans look forward to several more weeks (or hopefully months, seeing as the Stanley Cup Final isn’t until June) of gameplay, the on-ice action isn’t the only reason this team is making headlines.

Stars’ defenseman Nils Lundkvist missed three games before the team’s finale against the Buffalo Sabres. But it wasn’t the typical sports injury that kept this player off the ice. As it turns out, he needed some time off for the birth of his first child. Lundkvist and wife, Malin Noren, welcomed their newborn son earlier this April. 

The Dallas Stars posted a celebratory Instagram post, sending well-wishes to the new family of three. Along with congrats from the team, the Stars also shared a video asking Lundkvist, “How was your stay away from the game?” Lundkvist responded, “Obviously, some crazy days. We had our first kid, so it’s been unreal. Yeah, super super fun, and super exciting.” 

Of course, the Stars player didn’t take all the credit. He continued, “My wife was incredible. And we were super excited about our baby boy.”

Florida Panthers Matthew Tkachuk

After two back-to-back championships (in 2024 and 2025), the Florida Panthers didn’t make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. And that means Matthew Tkachuk will have more time for his family’s new addition—daughter Camille “Millie” Tkachuk with wife Ellie Tkachuk. 

The 28-year-old second-generation player (his dad is NFL Hall of Famer Keith Tkachuk) and 2026 Olympic hockey team member told the Miami Heraldof his daughter’s birth, “It was the greatest day of my life.” He praised his new baby and wife, continuing, “Millie and mom are rock stars. We’re back home now, and once we got back home, it really hit, and it’s been absolutely amazing.”

Boston Bruins David Pastrnak

Boston’s Bruins are set to play the Sabres in the Eastern Conference 1st Round. But this isn’t the only good news for team member David Pastrnak. The 29-year-old and wife Rebecca just announced the birth of their daughter in March. 

Per Coach Sturm, David Pastrnak and his wife, Rebecca, have welcomed a baby daughter. Congratulations to the Pastrnaks!

David is expected to play tonight.

— x - Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 12, 2026

The new little girl is the couple's third child, who has a toddler daughter, Freya. Pastrnak and his wife sadly lost their first child, son Viggo Rohl, in 2021.

In movies and TV shows, heart attacks are very dramatic. They often happen at night, in the middle of a meal or in moments of high stress. But according to three cardiologists we talked to, heart attacks don’t always look this way. 

For example, Dr. William Jaffe, DO, FACOI, a cardiologist with Biltmore Cardiology, says that women having a heart attack often experience different symptoms than men having a heart attack. While both men and women having a heart attack can experience intense chest pain and discomfort, Dr. Jaffe explains that symptoms for women can also include anxiety, shortness of breath, an upset stomach, pain in their shoulder, back and arm or unusual fatigue. 

Related: 8 Real People Explain Exactly What Having a Heart Attack Feels Like

He emphasizes that it’s important to know what the symptoms of having a heart attack look like because heart attacks require immediate medical help. 

Another difference between how heart attacks are portrayed in movies and on TV versus what they’re like in real life is when they are most likely to occur. Spoiler alert: It’s not at night. Keep reading to find out when heart attacks most commonly occur and the best ways to lower your risk of having one, no matter what time of day it is.

Related: We Asked 3 Cardiologists What Heart Disease Symptom You Should Never Ignore, and They All Said the Same Thing

The Most Common Time of Day To Have a Heart Attack, According to Cardiologists

Fiordaliso/Getty Images

According to all three cardiologists we talked to, the most common time of day to have a heart attack is in the morning.

“Heart attacks can happen any time of the day, but they are more common in the early hours after waking up, between 6 a.m. and noon,” says Dr. Nowwar Mustafa, MD, a cardiologist with Washington Health. Dr. Mazen Roumia, MD, an interventional cardiologist with HonorHealth, adds to this, saying, “Sudden cardiac death has been seen with a higher incidence in the morning.” 

Dr. Mustafa explains that when the body transitions from sleep to wakefulness, there is a surge of adrenaline. “This will raise blood pressure and make the blood a bit stickier,” he says. He explains that, for someone in good health, this is not a problem. But if someone has high blood pressure, this extra surge in blood pressure could lead to a heart attack.  

Related: The Silent Symptom Most People Don't Realize Could Be a Heart Issue, According to Cardiologists

When we’re asleep, we’re not stressed. But when that alarm clock goes off and you start thinking about everything you have to do that day, it can raise levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which is already naturally at its peak in the morning. Dr. Jaffe says that this transition can increase heart rate and cause blood vessels to constrict. This is another reason why heart attacks are most common in the morning.

Dr. Roumia explains that circadian rhythm helps regulate the cardiovascular system, particularly during sleep. “The cardiac recovery phase occurs during sleep and cardiac activation is required during the daytime to support the demand of our circulation system,” he notes. When the circadian rhythm is disrupted, it increases the risk of a heart attack. 

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Because of this, it’s important to support your circadian rhythm as best as you can by getting a few minutes of bright sunlight early in the morning and avoiding artificial lighting close to bedtime, avoiding alcohol or caffeine too late in the day and having a consistent sleep routine.

While mornings are the most common time of day that heart attacks occur, all three cardiologists emphasize that they can happen anytime. Have you ever heard that stress can cause a heart attack? Dr. Mustafa says that this is true. He explains that when a stressful situation occurs, blood pressure goes up. 

“Heart rate will go up, causing an increased demand on the heart, so that itself can trigger a problem. If that person is otherwise completely healthy, acute stress is unlikely to cause a heart attack, but if someone already has lots of risk factors, it can be a trigger for it,” Dr. Mustafa says. 

Dr. Mustafa adds that when someone attempts to manage stress by increasing alcohol consumption or drinking too much coffee, or stress prevents them from getting enough sleep, these are all factors that can increase the risk of a heart attack over time.

How To Lower Your Risk of Having a Heart Attack

It can be hard to sleep peacefully knowing that heart attacks are most common in the morning, but there are ways to lower your risk of experiencing a morning heart attack as well as heart attacks in general.

To lower your risk of a morning heart attack, Dr. Mustafa recommends avoiding excessive exercise immediately after waking up and limiting caffeine consumption in the morning. “All of this can raise your heart rate and blood pressure. That said, anything in moderation should be okay for most people,” he says. 

Instead, do what you can to establish a peaceful morning routine, which will ease the transition from blissful sleep to a stressful day. If you do find yourself feeling stressed in the morning, Dr. Jaffe recommends spending a few minutes doing deep breathing exercises, which will slow your heart rate down.

All three cardiologists say that what matters most is having habits in place that lower your risk of heart attacks in general. Dr. Roumia says that this includes avoiding tobacco use, following a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight.

“Do not underestimate the power of small changes in your life. Little things that you do as a daily habit—small, persistent changes—can often give you more gain than drastic [changes],” Dr. Mustafa says. 

He recommends aiming for 30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity a day, eating heart-healthy meals and finding healthy ways to manage your stress. “Finally, track your numbers. Know what your numbers are. Know your risk factors. Always follow up with your doctors regardless,” he explains. 

Heart attacks are largely avoidable by managing existing health conditions with your healthcare provider and having healthy diet and lifestyle habits in place. Knowing this should put your mind—and heart—at ease, no matter what time of day it is.

Up Next:

Related: We Asked 3 Cardiologists About the Best Breakfast for Heart Health and They All Said the Same Thing

Sources:

• Dr. William Jaffe, DO, FACOI, cardiologist with Biltmore Cardiology
• Heart Attack Symptoms in Women. American Heart Association
• Dr. Nowwar Mustafa, MD, cardiologist with Washington Health
• Dr. Mazen Roumia, MD, interventional cardiologist with HonorHealth
• Velazquez Sanchez, C. and Dalley, J. W. (2025). The cortisol awakening response: Fact or fiction?Brain and Neuroscience Advances. doi: 10.1177/23982128251327712 
• Kelters, I. R., Koop, Y., Young, M. E., et al. (2025). Circadian rhythms in cardiovascular disease.European Heart Journal. 36(21):3532-3545 

Little Caesars is introducing a new way to order pizza.

One of the world's largest pizza brands announced a partnership with ChatGPT, which will offer customers a "seamless conversational ordering" opportunity directly from the Little Caesars app.

The first-of-its-kind feature is rolling out nationwide across all U.S. markets, in addition to restaurant locations in Mexico and Canada.

Related: Little Caesars’ New Pizza-Sized Item Is Meant for Dipping

Promoted as a perfect option for "group-style, pizza party planning," the capability will let customers use AI to "plan meals, receive personalized recommendations and customize orders of any size."

As someone who just used ChatGPT to calculate how many pizzas to order for a 5th birthday party, I think they're definitely onto something, as it swiftly assisted me in making decisions.

Though it won't be limited to just that, as the press release states that the feature can help customers "looking for budget-friendly meal options, personalized suggestions based on their preferences, or simply the fastest way to build a perfect cart and order their favorite pizza using the Little Caesars app or LittleCaesars.com" in a conversational style.

Maybe it'll even help you find your new favorite pizza topping combo?

Little Caesars noted it's a natural shift in today's AI-driven landscape, with Greg Hamilton, Chief Marketing Officer at Little Caesars, stating, "Today's consumers are turning to GenAI as part of how they search for everything, including where to get their next meal."

He continued: "We recognize this shift and want to meet our customers where they already are and be the go-to for their pizza occasions. The process is as natural and intuitive as having a conversation. It's not just about technology for technology's sake – it's about making life a little easier for people who love great pizza."

Related: Little Caesars Brings Two Iconic Menu Items Together for Under $5

How Does It Work?

Customers who want to leverage AI for their ordering needs can start by opening ChatGPT, visiting the app directory, searching for "Little Caesars" and connecting their account.

From there, you begin your conversation, revealing what you're craving and what you'd like your order to include, while "ChatGPT and Little Caesars handle the rest."

Related: Little Caesars Brings Next-Level Convenience With a ‘First-of-Its-Kind’ Pizza Restaurant 

AI Is Being Implemented at Other Chains and Franchises

Little Caesars isn't the only franchise to utilize AI recently, with Starbucks and Dollar General also rolling out new features and partnerships.

As Parade previously reported, Dollar General Corp. expanded with a new partnership that will bring an AI-driven “audio experience” to 6,000 additional stores across 48 states.

Meanwhile, an experimental beta Starbucks app in ChatGPT was announced earlier this week, which, similar to Little Caesars' rollout, will help customers get suggestions and customize their drinks or food to fit their mood, either by typing it in or sharing a photo.

Related: Little Caesars’ Brand-New Crunchy Menu Item Is Made for Comfort-Food Season

It's always a big deal whenever a cookie company as all-around beloved as Chips Ahoy! announces a brand-new flavor, never mind when the brand announces three new limited-edition flavors at the same time.

Fortunately, such an exciting announcement came courtesy of Chips Ahoy! only a few short days ago, leaving everyone with an avid sweet tooth thoroughly enthralled with the upcoming flavors.

According to a recent press release from the company, Mondelez International confirmed the debut of three new additions to its iconic Chips Ahoy! cookie lineup this coming spring. As per the announcement, the new flavors are all part of the brand's celebration of the FIFA World Cup this summer, which will mark an exciting collaboration between Chips Ahoy! and several prominent soccer stars.

“National sporting occasions bring people together, and snacking is always at the center of the celebration,” said Nick Rogers, director of portfolio marketing and sponsorship at Mondelez International. “From our Big Game, March Madness, college football, Inter Miami and Fanatics partnerships, to a summer packed full of soccer, Mondelez is building a playbook that puts our brands right where fans are watching, cheering and snacking.”

To that end, Mondelez revealed three new flavors that will be making its way to stores across the nation, each of which will feature a collab with a first-rate star athlete. These flavors include:

• Chewy Chocolatey Churro: A perfect blend between cinnamon and chocolate, this soft and chewy cookie bears the image of Alex Morgan on its packaging.
• Chewy Dulce De Leche: A delicious twist on the classic caramel-centric dessert, this soft and chewy cookie features the image of Sophia Wilson on its packaging.
• Crunchy Red, White & Blue Candy Blasts: A firm and crunchy cookie with generous chunks of red, white and blue candy pieces, this eye-catching snack features the image of Christian Pulisic on its packaging.

The three new flavors will arrive in stores nationwide this spring, with availability lasting throughout the summer.

“Chips Ahoy! is ambitious in its pursuit of modernization, and our new flavors are uniquely delicious choices for every fan’s watch parties and get-togethers,” said Mili Laddha, senior director, marketing at Mondelez International. “For the first time, we’re dropping three limited-edition flavors at once to prove a cookie you grew up with can still be the most exciting snack on the shelf, especially during this summer of soccer.”

In a decade filled with fiction-driven cinema, Harlan County, U.S.A. broke barriers and carved out its place on the silver screen by delivering a striking and unflinching documentary.

A masterpiece by Barbara Kopple, it highlighted a raw and intimate look at the grueling 13-month strike by coal miners against Duke Power in Kentucky that happened in the early 1970s.

The movement, which began on July 30, 1973, saw around 180 coal miners, along with their families, take a stand as they fought for better wages and safer working conditions.

The documentary captured the harrowing human rights violations as the conflict escalated leading to violent standoffs, including armed confrontations on the picket lines.

The massive protest, also known as the Brookside Strike, gained significant national attention after people across the country learned about it.

Even powerful institutions such as major news organizations, the federal government, and financial institutions like Wall Street were drawn to the intensifying dispute.

Moreover, it became a symbol of workers’ rights and labor struggles nationwide.

Harlan County U.S.A, poster art, 1976.

LMPC via Getty Images

In addition to Kopple’s standout execution, the director shared what it felt like working on the documentary.

To capture the raw intensity of the moment, Kopple and her crew spent the whole 13 months living among the miners, as mentioned by MoMA.

In this way, they were able to build trust and understand their experiences and struggles on a more personal level.

Not only did it spark nationwide interest, but it also won notable recognition, including Best Documentary Feature at the 49th Academy Awards.

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Following the recognition that Harlan County, U.S.A., over the years, the 1976 hit documentary was recognized by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Best Movies of the Past 10 Decades.

For the 1970s, the publication highlighted a lineup of landmark films that have since become timeless classics.

This includes McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971), Last Tango in Paris (1972), Céline and Julie Go Boating (1974), Young Frankenstein (1974), The Godfather Part II (1974), Jaws (1975), Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1975), Taxi Driver (1976), Killer of Sheep (1978) and of course Harlan County, U.S.A. rounding out the era’s definitive list.

Time Magazine also described Kopple’s work as a “great film not just about a bloody labor battle but also about the ways work can shape the lives of individuals and families across generations,”

Related: 45 Years Ago Today, Beloved '70s Icon Won His First Best Actor Award at the Oscars

Which nostalgic retro candy matches you best, based on birth date? The date you were born offers intriguing insight into your personality, perspective, and energy, thanks to its association with not only numerological meaning but also celestial wisdom. Each birth date is associated with a planet that oversees specific areas of life. For example, Venus is the planet of beauty, romance, and peace, while Uranus is the Great Awakener planet, ruling change, innovation, and rebellion. 

Whether you’re a big fan of sour candies, rich dark chocolate, or fruity and tart sweets, it’s easy to see how your taste in candy might mirror aspects of your personality. That said, look no further than your birth date for insight into the nostalgic retro sweet treat that mirrors your vibe. 

Each birth date is paired with a nostalgic vintage candy.

Photo by H. Armstrong Roberts on Getty Images

Each Birth Date as a Nostalgic Candy

Read on to learn which delicious sweet from decades past reflects your personality, based on the date you were born.

✦ Learn more about your birth date numerology ✦

Born on the…

1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th

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Born on the 1st, 10th, 19th, or 28th: 100 Grand Bar

You were born on a date associated with the sun, the luminary that rules self-image, confidence, and purpose in astrology. You’re self-assured, a little bit theatrical, and a big fan of luxury, which is exactly the vibe of the 100 Grand Bar, a chocolate bar introduced in 1964 that features crisp puffed rice, caramel, and decadent milk chocolate. Over the years, it has been so well-loved that it showed up on both Seinfeld and The Office, making Hollywood history that appeals to your spotlight-loving nature.

CUTE: What Your Family Loves Most About You, Based on Your Birth Date

Born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th, or 29th: SweeTARTS Candy

You were born on a day that’s connected to the moon, which rules intuition, instincts, and emotions. You’re a natural born caregiver and homebody with a tendency to be quite sentimental, so just about any nostalgic candy could be connected to a heartfelt memory you hold dear, but Sweetarts matches your vibe the best, as the sweet and sour treat has been beloved by generations ever since its debut in 1963. Like many people of your generation, you might look back fondly at enjoying the original cherry, grape, lemon, lime, and orange flavored SweeTARTS. 

OTHER: Which Bird Mirrors Your Soul, Based on Birth Month

Born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, or 30th: Giant Mega Jawbreaker

As someone whose birth date reduces down to three, a number ruled by Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system that oversees abundance, expansion, and good fortune, you’re someone who believes and lives for the idea that bigger is pretty much always better. That said, the nostalgic sweet that mirrors your MO is the one and only Giant Mega Jawbreaker, a grand, long-lasting gobstopper that’s over three inches in diameter and seemingly lasts forever and ever. It doesn’t get more Jupiterian than that. 

Born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd, or 31st: Astro Pop

Your birth date reduces down to four, which is associated with Uranus, the planet of futuristic, forward thinking, electricity, innovation, and electrifying, sudden change. You’re mesmerized by progress, technology, striking out on your own, and turning inspiration into invention, which is why the Space Age-informed lollipop, which debuted in 1964, is right up your alley. Featuring three flavors — Pineapple, Passionfruit, and Cherry — the rocket-shaped sweet is anything but ordinary, which appeals to your innate unconventionality.

COSMIC CALLING:Your Past Life Karma, Based on Birth Date

Born on the 5th, 14th, or 23rd: Razzles

Because you were born on a day that reduces down to the number five, your numerological planetary ruler is Mercury, the planet of technology, transportation, storytelling, and cerebral energy. It’s also the planet associated with Gemini, the air sign symbolized by the Twins. These influences mean you tend to be adaptable and even dualistic at times, which goes hand-in-hand with the vibe of Razzles, a candy introduced in 1966 that starts out as a candy that turns into gum.

Born on the 6th, 15th, or 24th: Ring Pop

If you celebrate your birthday on one of these dates, you’re working with the numerology of the number six, which is aligned with Venus, the planet of romance, pleasure, art, and music. You’re innately wired to express yourself through creative outlets like fashion or jewelry, which makes the 1970s classic Ring Pop your jam. Invented in 1977, the hard candy you can wear appeals to your beauty sense — and your romanticism, given that the classic early ‘80s commercial for the sweet treat featured a little boy popping the question with a Ring Pop!

EXPAND: Your American Soul City, Based on Your Birth Month

Born on the 7th, 16th, or 25th: Whatchamacallit Bar

Your psychic, sensitive, imaginative personality is informed by the fact that your birth date reduces down to seven, a number aligned with Neptune, the planet of mysticism, spirituality, and illusion. You’re a poet at heart who enjoys escapist activities — perhaps among them enjoying a decadent, dreamy treat like the Whatchamacallit bar, which was first introduced in 1978. Until 1987, the bar was strictly chocolate and peanut butter, but from 1987 on, it also featured a layer of luscious caramel. 

Born on the 8th, 17th, or 26th: Dad’s Root Beer Barrels 

Because you were born on a date that reduces down to the number eight, you’re responsible, mature, and hardworking, thanks to this number being associated with Saturn, the taskmaster planet, which is also the ruler of paternal energy. In turn, your nostalgic treat of choice is classic hard candy featuring the flavor of Dad’s Root Beer, which was invented in the 1930s. The timeless spicy, sweet barrels have proven themselves to be a tried-and-true candy store staple for decades — a track record that matches your own sticktoitiveness.  

MORE: Your Perfect Dessert, Based on Birth Date

Born on the 9th, 18th, or 27th: Zotz Fizz Power Candy

If your birth date reduces down to nine, you’re action-oriented, fiery, competitive, and bold, as you were born on a day associated with Mars, the planet of energy, sex, competition, and drive. Zotz, a hard candy that has a sour, fizzy, powder-filled center, debuted in 1970 and reflects your vivacious, passionate, driven personality. You might enjoy Hot Zotz, a spicy cinnamon-flavored version of the candy, most of all. 

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An array of Stephen King's novels have been adapted into some of Hollywood's finest horror films, with a 2017 psychological thriller making the list as one of the best of all time. The film is based on the author's 1992 novel, with a storyline once thought to be unfilmable.

Before I Wake directorMike Flanagantook on the challenge of bringing King's "Gerald's Game" to life on the big screen. The film was released on Netflix instead of in theaters and starred Carla Gugino and Bruce Greenwood in the leading roles as married couple Jessie and Gerald Burlingame. Like the original novel, the film takes a wild turn right from the start and focuses on the psychological madness of one's thoughts.

The crux of Gerald's Game occurs as Jessie and Gerald take a trip to a remote lake house in the hopes of reigniting their spark. Gerald takes Viagra, while Jessie slips into something more comfortable and gets handcuffed to the bed. Her husband tries to enact a sexual assault fantasy that leads to a heated argument, and Gerald suffers from a heart attack and dies. Jessie is now trapped with no way out, the door of the lake house open, and she soon begins to battle her inner demons.

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Gerald's Game was ranked by Rotten Tomatoes as one of the Best Horror Films of All Time at No. 82. The film was well received among critics, having gotten a 91% rating from the site and commenting that "Carla Gugino carries Gerald's Game's small-scale suspense with a career-defining performance." Many praised Flannigan's creative direction of the film, with King having praised the directing, calling the on-screen adaptation "horrifying, hypnotic, terrific."

King's 1992 novel was once believed to be unfilmable, with The Independent reporting that every major moment happens within the first 10 minutes. Jessie is left tied to the bed for the rest of the film, with the outlet commenting, "How do you fill another 90 minutes of screentime with your leading character trapped in one location?"

Flannigan also agreed that he, too, found it "unfilmable" after reading the book as a teen, but it's "really impossible to adapt." To make the storyline work, the director knew the trick was to make things visually interesting. He decided to keep Gerald throughout the film as a manifestation of Jessie's inner thoughts "by taking that inner monologue and making it an outer monologue."

The winners of Love Island USA Season 7 were Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales. They were the first Latino couple to earn the prize.

But their relationship didn't last long after the season's reunion in August 2025. Love Island Beyond the Villa Season 2 premiered, and Amaya, 26, explained why she felt he played her.

Iris Kendall, Clarke Carraway, Amaya Espinal in 'Love Island: Beyond the Villa'

Peacock

The first episode of the new season started with Amaya. She was in the studio in hopes of starting her music career. She addressed her breakup with Bryan, 29.

"First time being intimate with him, he knows how serious I take that, and I'm not an easy girl," Amaya told the camera. "Then boom, he breaks up with me through a text message. To me, that's a coward's behavior."

Related: ‘Perfect Match’ Season 4’s Cast and Schedule Revealed

The winner talked to her friend, Maria about the break up shortly after it happened. Her friend said she thought they had sex in the villa. "No, we did other things," Amaya said. "Listen, I feel played. I was so excited for him to meet my family."

She claimed Bryan backed out of plans by saying he was sick, then he went out to a bar. "I finally told him I love him, and I thought we were gonna be endgame," she said.

Bryan also returned for the spinoff. "I never cheated," he told Pepe Garcia. "No girl ever came out and was like, 'Bryan kissed me.'"

He admitted that he could've behaved better while appearing in clubs. "It just sucks that I hurt her," he said in an interview.

The first two episodes of Love Island: Beyond the Villa are now available on Peacock. New episodes drop every Wednesday.

Related: Rob Rausch Thinks ‘Traitors’ Ruined His ‘Survivor’ Gameplay (Exclusive)

If Japan is on your travel list for 2026, it may be time to revisit your budget. A series of new taxes and price increases are rolling out this year, making trips to one of the world’s most popular destinations noticeably more expensive.

But before you panic, there are still ways to travel smart and save.

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Related: Disney Confirms a New Ship Will Homeport in Japan in 2029

What Is the New Japan Tourist Tax?

The biggest headline change is Japan’s increase in departure tax. Starting July 2026, the fee to leave the country will triple from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 (about $20 USD) per traveler. 

This tax, sometimes called the “Sayonara tax”, is automatically included in most airline tickets, so you may not notice it directly, but it will impact overall travel costs.

Additional Fees Travelers Should Expect

Japan is also expanding local accommodation taxes, meaning you could pay extra per night depending on where you stay:

• Cities like Hiroshima now charge a small nightly fee for certain hotel stays 
• Destinations like Gifu and Toba have introduced flat per-night taxes 
• High-end destinations like Kyoto may charge significantly more depending on hotel price tiers 

On top of that, transportation is getting pricier. The popular Japan Rail Pass, a go-to for tourists, will increase in price again in late 2026, making cross-country travel more expensive. 

Related: Japan Raises Price of Iconic Tourist Attraction for Non-Residents and It Is Worth Every Penny

Tourist Taxes Are Everywhere

If this feels frustrating, it’s worth noting: Japan isn’t doing anything unusual. Tourist taxes are becoming more common globally as countries try to manage overtourism and fund infrastructure. 

Here are a few other places that charge them:

• Venice: Entry fees for day-trippers
• Paris: Hotel taxes based on star rating
• Amsterdam: One of Europe’s highest tourist taxes (percentage-based)
• Germany: Air departure taxes depending on distance
• Hawaii: Accommodation taxes on hotel stays

These fees are often used to maintain infrastructure, preserve cultural sites, and reduce overcrowding, something Japan is increasingly dealing with as tourism hits record levels.

Why Japan Is Raising Prices

Japan has seen a massive surge in tourism in recent years, raising concerns about overcrowding in major destinations such as Kyoto and Tokyo. 

The new taxes aim to:

• Fund infrastructure improvements
• Support local communities
• Manage visitor numbers more sustainably

In short, travelers are being asked to help cover the cost of keeping Japan’s tourism industry running smoothly.

Related: How to Visit the Viral Monkey, Punch, in Japan's Ichikawa City Zoo

How to Save Money on a Trip to Japan

Even with rising costs, Japan doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are smart ways to keep your trip affordable:

1. Rethink the Rail Pass: With price increases, the JR Pass no longer always offers the best value. Compare individual train tickets, especially if you’re not traveling long distances.

2. Stay outside major cities: Hotels in places like Kyoto and Tokyo often come with higher taxes. Consider staying in nearby towns where rates and fees are lower.

3. Book early: Flights and accommodations tend to rise in price closer to travel dates. Booking early can help offset the new taxes.

4. Take advantage of convenience stores: Japan’s convenience stores (like 7-Eleven and Lawson) offer surprisingly high-quality, affordable meals, which is perfect for saving on dining.

5. Travel off-peak: Avoid peak seasons like cherry blossom (spring) and fall foliage. Visiting in winter or early summer can save you money and help you avoid crowds.

6. Use regional passes: Instead of the nationwide JR Pass, look into regional rail passes that can be significantly cheaper for localized travel.

Is Japan Still Worth It?

Absolutely. Even with the added costs, Japan remains one of the most unique and rewarding travel destinations in the world, from ancient temples and neon-lit cities to incredible food and cultural experiences.

The key is simply planning ahead and budgeting accordingly because while Japan may be getting more expensive, the experience is still priceless.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, recently shared how the death of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, impacted his perception of the life of a working royal, expressing a strong opinion on how Diana's own royal role as Princess of Wales led to her tragic death in 1997.

Per People, while speaking at a charity event in Australia, where he and wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, have been visiting on a four-day trip, Prince Harry shared how his mother's death, which occurred just before his 13th birthday, reframed how he saw royal life.

"I was like, 'I don’t want this job. I don’t want this role. Wherever this is headed, I don’t like it.' It killed my mum, and I was very much against it, and I stuck my head in the sand for years and years," the prince said.

However, his perspective later shifted, turning instead to how he could use his royal status to create change.

"Eventually I realized, well, hang on, if there was somebody else in this position, how would they be making the most of this platform and this ability and the resources that come with it to make a difference in the world? And also, what would my mum want me to do? And that really changed my own perspective," he explained.

These comments come amid a now years-long schism between the late Princess Diana's two sons, Prince Harry and William, Prince of Wales. The fallout between the formerly close brothers has been very public, particularly since Harry and Meghan chose to leave the United Kingdom in 2020.

Since then, there has been a clear divide between the two camps, with Meghan and Harry leading a relatively private life in the United States—with the exception of some events, such as this Australia trip, and a few television shows and other public projects—and Prince William and his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, remaining prominent working royals.

The latter was temporarily put on pause due to the Princess of Wales' cancer diagnosis, although as of the family's Easter outing, it seems they are back to more regular engagements.

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Looking for a bedroom refresh? The easiest place to start is with bedding (and, preferably, Martha Stewart's). Since your eyes are automatically drawn to the comforter or quilt pattern on your bed — you'll want to make sure the design is something you love. Fortunately , we've set out to find bedding sets that are not only cozy, but affordable. Shop this Martha Stewart Queen Quilt Set from Amazon, which is down to its lowest price in at least 90 days. 

The set initially cost $110, but has been reduced to as low as $68 in the beige layered branches colorway in the queen size. The set includes one quilt (which is 88 inches wide and 88 inches long in the full/queen size) and two standard shams that are 26 inches wide and 20 inches long. You can shop the piece in twin and king sizes at varying discounts as well. 

Martha Stewart Queen Quilt Set, From $68 (was $110) at Amazon Shop at Amazon

There are 13 cozy farmhouse patterns available, spanning from a gorgeous blue plaid to green stripes, though some size and color combinations have sold out. The shell of the quilt is made from 100% cotton, while the fill is made of 80% cotton and 20% polyester. Due to the material, it's recommended to machine wash the pieces with similar colors in cold water on a gentle cycle, then place it in the dryer on low, or allow it to air dry to ensure it holds its quality.

Shoppers described the bedding as having "sturdy construction" and a "pretty design" that's "lightweight" and "breathable" for those who live in warmer areas or those who get overheated easily. Another reviewer added that the fabric is "fairly soft" and only became softer after washing. What customers particularly liked is that the quilt is reversible and will match many different color schemes. 

Related: Amazon’s $22 76-Piece Drawing Kit Is the Perfect Gift to Inspire Creativity

"The matching pillow shams have a minimalist, tailored look that complements the quilt perfectly without overpowering the design," another shopper said of the "elegant" quilt set. They continued that the "timeless" piece is "well worth the price." 

Don't miss out on upgrading your space ahead of spring. Shop Martha Stewart's gorgeous quilt set on Amazon while it's on sale for as low as $68. 

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It’s easy to forget that some movies were books first. The movie versions have become engraved into our brains, and they’re timeless classics that we can watch over and over again. That’s certainly the case for one particular 1994 movie, which ranks as one of the best "books turned into really good movies" on Goodreads.

It’s all about Forrest Gump, starring Tom Hanks. You know the story well, but did you realize that it was a book first?

‘Forrest Gump’ Was Released in 1986

Forrest Gump by Winston Groom turns 40 this year! It was published on December 31, 1986, bringing the story of the titular character who would soon become beloved by all. From Vietnam hero to world-class ping-pong player, Forrest does it all, and he simply does it because he can. Not because he wants fame and fortune.

One thing that is important to note is that the novel and the movie are two completely separate entities. Robert Zemeckis took many liberties with the development of the source material, and it’s something a lot of readers complain about. They have certain expectations due to the movie, but that’s not fair on the book, which came first by eight years!

Maybe that is why the book sits so high at the top of the list of books that were turned into movies on Goodreads. It ranks in fourth place behind The Lord of the Rings, The Hunger Games, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

The ‘Forrest Gump’ Movie Is Considered One of the Best of All Time

As for the movie itself, that’s considered one of the greatest ever movies. It won six Academy Awards, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor. This masterpiece beat out The Shawshank Redemption and Pulp Fiction during the 1996 Awards, cementing itself in history.

Many critics praised the way it was able to blend entertaining storytelling with a historical narrative, while also tugging at the heartstrings at all the important parts. Of course, it also had quotable lines that would stick around forever, such as “Life is like a box of chocolates…” and “Run, Forrest!”

It’s one of those stories that stands the test of time. The lessons Forrest learns throughout are ones we can take with us at all stages of life, and the book is certainly worth delving into, as long as you can separate the two entities.