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Summer may be over, but mild fall days still offer plenty of opportunities for enjoying the outdoors. If you’re hoping to refresh your outdoor space without breaking the bank this fall, Walmart’s flash deal on the Walsunny 3-Piece Rocking Chair Patio Set is worth a closer look. 

Normally priced at $160, this highly-rated bistro set now starts at just $80 in the white hue. That breaks down to under $27 per piece for this outdoor furniture trio. You can also score it light gray or black for $100.

Walsunny 3-Piece Rocking Chair Patio Set, From $80 (was $160) at Walmart Shop at Walmart

The Walsunny patio set includes two rocking chairs and a sleek, three-legged round coffee table, creating a cozy spot for morning coffee, evening chats, or simply soaking up the sun. The gentle rocking motion of the chairs makes it easy to unwind after a busy day. Adjustable feet on the table help you keep it balanced on uneven decking or patio stones.

The chairs are constructed with breathable and lightweight textilene fabric, which is cooler and more flexible than traditional rattan, especially on hot days. Unlike some heavier patio furniture, these pieces are easy to rearrange, making them a practical choice for those who like to switch up their outdoor setup.

With a nearly perfect rating, this set is praised not only for its comfort and looks but also for its value. Whether you’re looking to create a restful reading nook with ergonomic handrails, a conversation space for entertaining friends, or simply a comfortable spot to enjoy the outdoors, this rocking chair patio set offers an affordable and stylish solution. 

Walsunny 3-Piece Rocking Chair Patio Set, From $80 (was $160) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Shoppers praised the set’s comfort and aesthetics, noting that it’s “very comfortable” and “a good-looking set.” The combination of style and coziness makes it a popular pick for anyone wanting to upgrade their outdoor living space. “They look adorable on my porch!” one customer said.

Reviewers also mentioned that it is “easy to put together,” thanks to clear instructions and the included hardware. Once assembled, the high-quality, rust-resistant steel ensures the set stands up to the elements and remains sturdy for years to come. 

Related: Add Stylish Storage to Small Bathrooms With Walmart’s Freestanding Cabinets, Starting at $43

With this flash deal on a bestselling Walmart patio set, you can revamp your outdoor living area for just $80 and make the most of beautiful autumn days. Snap it up before the sale ends!

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More than 50 years later, Richard Pryor’s “Word Association” sketch is still a fan favorite.

The iconic Saturday Night Live sketch, which first aired in the show’s first season in 1975, has now been voted by fans as one of the greatest SNL sketches of all time.

The sketch famously takes place during a job interview, with Chevy Chase in the place of an interviewer while Pryor—as Mr. Wilson—is up for a job. Chase challenges Pryor to a Word Association test, which gets progressively offensive, using racial slurs. Ultimately, Chase offers Pryor the job out of fear with triple the original salary.

“You’ll be the highest paid janitor in America. Just don’t hurt me,” Chase says.

According to LateNighter, who published the ranking on Thursday, September 24, “it remains one of the earliest and starkest examples of SNL using discomfort itself as part of the comedy.”

Paul Mooney—who claimed to be the writer behind the famed skit—the sketch came about after days of pestering by Chase begging to get screentime with Pryor.

“After all the bulls–t I’ve been put through to get here, the f—ing cross-examination Lorne subjects me to, I decide to do a job interview of my own,” he explained, per Salon. “Chevy’s the boss, interviewing Richard for a janitor’s job. The white personnel interviewer suggests they do some word association, so he can test if the black man’s fit to employ.”

The sketch, which originally aired on December 13, 1975, landed at No. 12 on LateNighter’s ranking. In 2014, Rolling Stone named it No. 10, and in 2011 Paste put it as No. 5 “most shocking moments.”

Pryor’s December 1975 appearance made him the first Black host and would mark his only SNL appearance.

Every action begins with a first step and U2 are bringing it back to where it all started. That first step began when drummer Larry Mullen Jr. posted a note at Mount Temple High School in Dublin that read “drummer seeks musicians to form band.” 

On September 25, 2026, exactly half a century after Larry Mullen Jr. pinned his now-legendary note to the noticeboard at Dublin’s Mount Temple Comprehensive School, Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Mullen walked back through those doors to perform a special career-spanning set for current students, faculty, and even their old religious education teacher. 

They entered to the strains of Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out” – a choice that says everything about U2’s sense of humor – and opened with “I Will Follow” before rolling through “Vertigo,” “Beautiful Day,” and a deep cut for the devoted: 1979’s “Out of Control” from their very first EP.

The moment was as much about gratitude as celebration. Bono paid tribute to Mullen as “the man who pinned the note on the noticeboard” and hailed Reverend Jack Heaslip, the school chaplain who became the band’s spiritual advisor on tour for decades. “He travelled the world with us,” Bono said. Addressing the students with characteristic wit, he added: “Thanks for showing up. I suppose you’d nowhere else to go.”

An emotional performance of “One” saw the band joined by teenage harpists, violinists, and viola players from the Music Generation program, which U2 co-funds. 

Now U2 are looking ahead to the next chapter. The concert also marked the world premiere of “Silencio,” a new song from Carnaval de Luz – U2’s first album of new songs in nine years, out Nov. 13. The 12-track album closes with “Torn,” featuring the final vocal performance from the late Dolly Parton.

Fifty years from a kitchen in Artane to the biggest stages in the world – and back again to where it all began.

In 2009, a tiny horror movie about a couple being terrorized by something in their home became an unlikely box-office phenomenon. Paranormal Activity, made for roughly $15,000, eventually grossed over $193 million worldwide, surpassing The Blair Witch Project (1999) as the most profitable movie ever measured by return on investment.

The movie’s success was driven by two things: It was frightening in a way that made audiences feel as if they were watching something real, and Paramount found an unusually effective way to turn that reaction into a marketing campaign.

Related: The 23 Best Demonic Possession Movies of All Time

Why Paranormal Activity Was So Scary Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat in “Paranormal Activity”

Param

The setup is deliberately ordinary. Katie (Katie Featherston) and Micah (Micah Sloat) are a young couple living in a suburban San Diego house. After Katie begins experiencing strange disturbances, Micah sets up a camera to document what happens while they sleep. The resulting footage gradually captures increasingly disturbing activity inside the house.

There is no elaborate haunted-house spectacle. Much of the movie consists of the couple sleeping while a stationary camera records their bedroom. A door moves. Something appears to disturb the bed. The activity slowly ramps up.

That restraint was central to the movie’s effectiveness.

The found-footage format made the mundane quality of the footage part of the horror. Even though audiences knew they were watching a fictional movie, the images looked like something that could have been recorded by an ordinary person with a consumer video camera. If paranormal activity were to actually occur in a home, this is what it would look like.

The Blair Witch Project had also used found footage and an elaborate marketing campaign a decade earlier to blur the line between fiction and reality. It’s hard to believe now, but many people walked out of showings of Blair Witch and were unsure whether what they’d seen was real or fake. This was not the case with Paranormal Activity. By 2009, few moviegoers seriously believed PA was an actual recording of supernatural events. The movie didn’t need them to believe that.

It only needed the footage to feel plausible.

Related: Find Out Which Earned the #1 Spot on the 100 Top-Grossing Films of All Time

A $15,000 Movie Becomes a Box-Office Sensation Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat in “Paranormal Activity”

Par

Oren Peli, a first-time filmmaker and video game designer, shot Paranormal Activity in 2006 with friends and a reported budget of about $15,000. After Paramount acquired the film, additional money was spent on post-production, including about $150,000 for new sound work and another $50,000 to reshoot the ending. That brought the production cost to roughly $215,000.

Claims about Paranormal Activity‘s profitability depend on how the costs are calculated. Using the original $15,000 production figure, its return on investment surpassed The Blair Witch Project in October 2009. Once additional production and marketing costs are included, the comparison becomes less straightforward. (And there’s debate about the current most profitable film of all time—some had temporarily given that title to a recent horror phenomenon, 2026’s Obsession.)

Still, there was no question that Paranormal Activity‘s financial performance was extraordinary.

By late October 2009, Paranormal Activity had earned $65.1 million domestically against that original production cost, enough for TheWrap to calculate a 433,900 percent return on investment. The Blair Witch Project, which had cost about $60,000 to produce, had previously held the record with a 414,233 percent return.

The movie eventually became a worldwide hit, turning one of the smallest production budgets in major theatrical history into an enormous theatrical return.

Related: 5 Classic Horror Movies That Are Still Shocking Today

Paramount Made the Audience Part of the Marketing Katie Featherston in “Paranormal Activity”

P

Paramount initially released Paranormal Activity as a midnight attraction in a small number of college towns. Rather than immediately putting it into hundreds of theaters, the studio allowed demand to build.

The centerpiece was a campaign called “Demand It.” Moviegoers could go online and request that the film play in their city. When the website accumulated enough requests, Paramount expanded the theatrical release. More than 230,000 demands had been submitted by late September 2009, prompting the studio to add another 20 cities. Eventually, the campaign surpassed one million requests.

The other major piece of the campaign was even more memorable.

Paramount filmed audiences watching the movie and incorporated their reactions into television spots and trailers. The footage was presented in green-tinted night vision, showing people screaming, jumping and covering their faces as the movie played. Rather than just showing audiences a series of horror scenes and telling them that the movie was scary, the advertisements showed other people being scared by it.

Watch the original audience reaction trailer below:

The technique proved extremely effective and was subsequently used in horror marketing more broadly. A 2015 academic study of the trend described audience-reaction trailers as having been popularized by Paranormal Activity.

The campaign also benefited from the film’s low cost. Paramount could afford to let the movie build slowly rather than betting heavily on a conventional nationwide release from the start. TheWrap reported that the studio spent less than $10 million on creating awareness during the early stages of the campaign.

Related: Have a Spooky Night in With the 50 Best Halloween Movies of All Time

The Found-Footage Boom

The Blair Witch Project had already inspired filmmakers to pursue found footage, but Paranormal Activity gave the format another huge commercial success. The result was a flood of found-footage horror movies throughout the following years. Some worked; many were clearly trying to reproduce the formula without reproducing the effect.

Paranormal Activity itself spawned six sequels. Paranormal Activity 2 maintained much of the original approach and had some genuinely effective scares, but critical response declined considerably with later entries.

The franchise isn’t finished, either. Paranormal Activity 8 is currently scheduled for a May 2027 release.

Why Paranormal Activity Can Feel Boring Now Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat in “Paranormal Activity”

Paramo

Watching Paranormal Activity today can be a strange experience. A movie once notorious for terrifying audiences may seem remarkably quiet, even boring. Its long stretches of static footage and gradual buildup no longer create the same tension as in 2009.

Someone watching it for the first time today might ask how this restrained movie frightened so many people, or how it became such a massive financial phenomenon.

The answer is simple, if somewhat unsatisfying.

You had to be there.

Related: We Ranked the 160 Best Horror Movies of All Time, From ‘Halloween’ to ‘Get Out’

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

Fall is a great time to spend more time outdoors, but changing weather can bring wet sidewalks, puddles, and rainy days along with it. That’s where a pair of duck boots can come in handy, whether you’re walking the dog, heading to a rainy football game, running errands, or taking a fall hike. Known for their combination of a weather-resistant upper and rubber sole, these boots are designed to help keep feet protected and provide traction on wet ground.

Nordstrom Rack has a pair from Sorel, a longtime Canadian outdoor footwear brand, that’s worth checking out for wet-weather days. Right now, the Sorel Out N About IV Classic Waterproof Duck Boots are on sale for $75, down from $130 — that’s 42% off. They have a waterproof design to keep feet dry, plus an insulated interior to cozy them up as temperatures drop. One shopper said they were “super cute” and comfortable for fall. 

Sorel Out N About IV Classic Waterproof Duck Boots, $75 (were $130) at Nordstrom Rack

Courtesy of Nordstrom Rack

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These Sorel boots feature a genuine leather upper and a lace-up design that allows you to adjust the fit as needed. The 5-inch shaft offers a lower profile than traditional tall rain boots, making them easy to pair with jeans, leggings and other fall outfits. A reinforced rubber toe box adds durability, while the cushioned footbed provides extra comfort when you’re on your feet. 

The removable insole can be taken out to accommodate an orthotic when additional support is needed. There’s also a pull tab at the back to make getting them on and off a little easier. In addition, a treaded rubber outsole provides traction on wet and slippery surfaces.

The boots come in four colors — taffy, rustic brown, tawny buff nightshadow and taupe blue — and sizes 5 through 11, including half sizes. Nordstrom Rack says they fit true to size, so you can order your usual size.

Shop More Deals

• Adornia Freshwater Pearl Necklace, $35 (was $140) at Nordstrom Rack
• Clarks Natalyn Lane Mary Jane Flats, $70 (were $95) at Nordstrom Rack
• Sorel Joan Now Booties, $100 (were $190) at Nordstrom Rack

Related: Sam Edelman’s Waterproof Chelsea Boots Have ‘Great’ Traction for Rainy Fall Days

If you need a pair of waterproof boots for rainy fall days and light snow, the Sorel Out N About IV Classic Waterproof Duck Boots are worth checking out. Shop them at Nordstrom Rack for $75 before your favorite size and color sell out! 

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.

I’ve always loved reading books. On a nice day, catch me on a blanket in the park devouring a romcom; on a rainy night, I’ll be snuggled up on my couch with a cozy fantasy; and at bedtime on more nights than I’d like to mention, you’ll find me staying up way too late to get to the end of the newest suspenseful novel.

Reading for pleasure is something that brings me joy and helps me relax—but are there any psychological benefits to making reading part of one’s daily routine?

To find out, Parade spoke with Amberley Meredith, MSc, an Australia-based registered psychologist and the author of the Adaptable Sustainable Psychology book series.

According to Meredith, daily pleasure reading comes with some serious benefits, and reading is a hobby that nearly everyone can benefit from. Read on (pun intended) to learn more about why reading books is so good for us, the five qualities of people who read every day and some alternative hobbies with similar benefits to reading.

Related: Librarians Are Calling This New Novel the ‘Best Book’ to Read Before Bed

Why Reading for Pleasure Is Good for Your Brain

“There is quite an extensive body of research that has examined the benefits of reading for pleasure,” Meredith tells Parade. “These studies indicate that reading can improve our ability to think critically, help reduce anxiety regarding the unknown and provide the brain with cognitive stimulation.”

According to Meredith, some research suggests that “reading for pleasure can enhance feelings of positivity, evolve self-understanding and improve our capacity for empathy” as well as “help with building self-efficacy.”

Additionally, there is “evidence that there may be links between reading and emotional intelligence, as well as building a sense of connectedness,” she adds.

“Often avid readers might reflect that they feel a genuine sense of loss after finishing a book and missing the characters because the connection and sense of emotional involvement was so real for them,” she shares.

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5 Qualities That People Who Read Every Day Often Have

People who read every day are often better tapped into these five qualities, according to Meredith.

1. Empathy

“Reading presents the chance to learn about how different people think in different situations. It can help us explore the kinds of feelings other types of people may experience,” explains Meredith. She adds that when reading, people get “more access and insight into a person’s inner world than we would necessarily get out of just everyday interactions,” which can help them develop cognitive empathy skills, research indicates.

“This may then translate into how we perceive other people in real life,” she shares. “We may identify similarities in context and character from things that we have read, and then transfer this insight to create a better understanding of what someone is going through without them automatically telling us.”

2. Deep focus

Maskot / Getty Images

According to Meredith, reading every day can help improve one’s ability to focus.

“Daily readers may find their capacity to stay engaged and connected can improve from practicing the sustained attention required to maintain reading, follow information across time and continually having to minimize the intrusion of distractions,” she explains. “Cutting out the noise of the world to remain engaged with a story might be a skill that can then be generalized into other situations, such as listening to others, completing work or mundane tasks.”

3. Strong vocabulary

When people read, they “naturally absorb” the words and content on the page and become more familiar with new words and expressions, according to Meredith. This can help them improve their vocabulary as well as verbal and written communication skills, research has found.

“In this way, reading can be a situation where more is more,” she says. “The more we read, the more we absorb, the more we might then regurgitate that information through our vocabulary.”

Related: 56 Best Sad Books That Will Definitely Make You Cry, According to Librarians

4. Critical thinking

Daniel de la Hoz / Getty Images

“Regular readers may find they can more easily assess, analyze and contextualize situations, as reading asks them to do this when following a story,” Meredith tells Parade. “When reading, we are often asked to consider the whole journey the book has taken us on; a story may often require us to acknowledge the beginning and remember the middle in order to understand the end.”

That can then translate to boosting critical thinking skills, research has found.

“A daily reader may also be more inclined to naturally question their assumptions, as stories sometimes show us one side of the story that allows us to draw a conclusion that is only later challenged in the face of other information coming to light,” Meredith adds.

5. Creativity

“Daily reading for pleasure encourages us to enter different worlds, access our imagination and engage in creativity, whether through formulating images for the words we read, imagining possibilities beyond what we are being shown or questioning our own reality or perspective,” states Meredith. Research backs this up as well, especially when it comes to children.

“Diving into diversity may feed our imagination and might improve flexible thinking where we can transcend opinions and emotional reactivity,” she explains. “Expanding our creativity through reading could support us in being able to step beyond what we know and into what could be.”

Related: 45 Best Nonfiction Books of All Time, According to Librarians

Nearly Everyone Can Benefit From Reading More, Especially Those Under Stress

“Almost anyone might benefit from daily reading, according to the research,” says Meredith.

This especially applies to people “in high-demand roles, where external focus is required and there is significant pressure.” She adds that they “might find some balance in pouring themselves into a book that asks very little of them.”

For those under daily stress, the psychologist states that reading can create a healthy period of “mental disengagement from everyday demands” that can reduce pressure to perform, complete tasks and work through to-do lists, and provide exposure to alternative perspectives, experiences or ideas outside of normal day-to-day life.”

She adds that as a mental health professional, “I often enjoy reading stories about dragons and vampires because this is nothing like my daily life. They allow me to go somewhere else where there are no work-based associations and explore life and myself through a different lens.”

Additionally, Meredith notes that research has found that a daily reading habit can help prevent cognitive decline in older adults.

Related: The Exact Perfume You Should Wear Based on Your Favorite Romantasy Book

Olga Pankova / Getty Images

Adding Reading to Your Routine Isn’t for Everyone—Try These Psychologist-Approved Alternatives

“Whilst there might be a long list of benefits to daily reading, reading isn’t necessarily for everyone, or available to everyone through all phases of their life,” says Meredith.

Some people find reading to be challenging or tiring, and those who are processing grief or trauma may have trouble focusing on a book. And even though people facing those challenges can benefit from reading in some instances, it’s also fair to seek out alternatives, she shares.

“If reading isn’t your jam, what else could take you on that daily basis to a quiet space, where you can shift away from focusing on being you and focus on enjoying the moment?” asks Meredith.

Here are a few of her suggestions for other hobbies that can help bolster things like creativity, empathy and focus:

• Cooking
• Gardening
• Drawing
• Sculpting
• Acting
• Playing games
• Painting models
• Building furniture
• Putting a car back together.

“The biggest gift reading perhaps offers us is the chance to not perform, not please, not perfect, but to be able to just immerse into being within ourselves without restrictions, without filtering our responses or fears of being judged for exploring different ideas,” Meredith explains. “If you can find another activity that offers the same kind of restorative, safe, creative or absorbing qualities, it may offer some of the same benefits that reading can.”

Related: 13 Best Audiobooks Narrated by Julia Whelan, According to Librarians

Final Takeaways:

There are so many benefits to reading books for pleasure every day.

• People who read every day often develop certain positive qualities. These include empathy, focus, a strong vocabulary, critical thinking and creativity.
• Reading is a great way to escape stress. For those with high-pressure jobs, reading can transport them to another world.
• If reading daily isn’t realistic for you, you can try other hobbies. Cooking, gardening, art and building furniture can all have similar benefits as reading.

Up Next:

Related: Best-Selling Author Emma Straub on Midlife Reinvention, Nostalgia and the Genre She’ll Never Write (Exclusive)

Sources:

• Amberley Meredith, MSc, is a registered psychologist and author of the Adaptable Sustainable Psychology book series.
• Reading for wellbeing: A realist review of evidence. (2025) Perspectives in Public Health.
• Fiction reading has a small positive impact on social cognition: A meta-analysis. (2018) Journal of Experimental Psychology.
• An investigation into the relationship between fiction and nonfiction reading exposure, and factors of critical thinking. (2021) Scientific Study of Literature.
• Reading books: The positive impact of print exposure on written word recognition. (2024) Cognition.
• Keep the bedtime story: A daily reading ritual improves empathy and creativity in children. (2026) PLoS One.
• Early-initiated childhood reading for pleasure: associations with better cognitive performance, mental well-being and brain structure in young adolescence. (2023) Cambridge University Press.
• The relationship of reading ability to creativity: Positive, not negative associations. (2013) Learning and Individual Differences.
• Reading activity prevents long-term decline in cognitive function in older people: evidence from a 14-year longitudinal study. (2021) Int Psychogeriatr.

Ivanka Trump just shared pics of herself and her 15-year-old daughter, Arabella Kushner, at the White House for the September 24 state dinner to host Chinese President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan. And the First Daughter’s first daughter looks more like her mother’s BFF than a little girl in the photos from the Washington, D.C. event. 

Arabella, who Trump shares with husband Jared Kushner, is the couple’s eldest child (Joseph Frederick Kushner is 12 and Theodore James Kushner is 10). Early on Friday, Trump posted photos of herself (on Instagram) during the day wearing a fitted sky-blue dress with an intricately embroidered, bell-sleeved jacket by Chinese designer Guo Pei. 

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The designer’s name may ring a bell for Rihanna fans. The Grammy Award winner wore a canary-yellow cape by Pei to the 2015 Met Ball.

While Trump’s sleek, sophisticated look for President Xi’s arrival reception stood out, Arabella’s cool, classic, cream, short-sleeved, button-top, belted ensemble stole the show. The teen’s tailored dress was a mature yet still age-appropriate choice with a timeless, chic elegance. 

Even though the mother-daughter pair wowed during the day, their nighttime looks got even more attention. Trump dazzled in a soft silver satin strapless gown with an embellished corset by Lebanese designer Georges Hobeika. Diamond drop earrings and a gorgeous side-parted ‘do that gave major Old Hollywood vibes completed Trump’s evening attire. 

Arabella went for a daring, plunging V-neck, floor-length black dress, accented by a simple necklace and a sophisticated updo. While you could argue the almost-backless gown was a little risqué for a 15-year-old, she did look undeniably glam. 

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Fans of the pair flocked to Trump’s posts, praising Donald Trump’s daughter and granddaughter with comments such as, “So gorgeous”, “Simply beautiful”, “Stunning!” and “So much class, grace and beauty.” 

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Ivanka wasn’t the only Trump to post pics from the White House state dinner. Her younger sister, Tiffany Trump, also shared a carousel of photos featuring her exquisite champagne-gold floor-length gown. Likewise, Ivanka’s brother, Eric Trump, posted photos from the evening affair. While Eric wore a classic black tux, his wife, Lara Trump, donned a jaw-dropping, body-hugging bronze-brown sequined gown. 

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The President’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., and wife, Bettina Trump, were noticeably absent from the state inner. Don Jr. and his new bride recently sparked a major political backlash after reports surfaced that a Putin-linked Russian oligarch allegedly financed parts of the couple’s Bahamian wedding reception.

Wheel of Fortune probably didn’t intend to send viewers’ minds straight into the gutter with one of its latest puzzles.

During last night’s episode on Thursday, September 24, contestants were tasked with solving a puzzle during a toss-up round in the “All Dressed Up” category. But before enough letters appeared to make the answer obvious, the board displayed a combination that looked a little more suggestive than producers likely intended.

At one point, the puzzle read: “PU_ _I_G _N _Y P_N_S.”

A screenshot of the unfinished board quickly made its way online, where viewers began filling in those blanks with some decidedly less family-friendly possibilities. Let’s just say several people were particularly distracted by that final word.

A screenshot from @lisadoc82’s Threads account on September 24.

“They bloody well know what they’re doing,” one fan claimed.

“I would have been escorted out,” quipped another.

A third said, “They act all innocent but they know what they’re doing.”

“Yooooooooo, I never laughed do hard at a puzzle. I died died died,” replied a fourth.

Of course, the actual answer was completely innocent: “PUTTING ON MY PANTS.”

Wheel of Fortune recently made a major change

The unintentionally cheeky puzzle comes shortly after Wheel of Fortune returned for a new season without one of its longtime voices.

Announcer Jim Thornton, who had been with the syndicated game show since 2010, was fired by Sony Pictures Television earlier this month following an investigation into allegations concerning him.

The studio confirmed Thornton’s termination was effective immediately. His previously recorded portions of upcoming episodes were subsequently re-recorded by an interim announcer, with no permanent replacement announced at the time.

Thornton had initially been suspended after another airline passenger reportedly raised concerns over material allegedly visible on his laptop during a May flight. Authorities questioned Thornton after the plane landed at Los Angeles International Airport, but no arrest was reported.

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

Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade every year is a tradition I’ll never give up. This year will be extra special, as 2026 marks 100 years of the event’s annual procession of its trademark balloons and floats through New York City. To celebrate this storied occasion, Le Creuset released a special design bearing the shape and color of the parade’s signature sponsor. Naturally, it’s available exclusively at Macy’s.

The Le Creuset Macy’s 100th Parade Stoneware Star Serving Platter offers a gorgeous way to commemorate the extravaganza. For $55, you’re not only getting a versatile piece of high-quality Le Creuset serveware, but a little piece of history. Serve breakfast with it on Thanksgiving morning while you watch the parade, then keep it out to use throughout the rest of the holiday season. Perfect for hosting, it’s a pretty place to stack snacks and desserts that’ll look right at home alongside the rest of your Christmas decor.

Le Creuset Macy’s 100th Parade Stoneware Star Serving Platter, $55 at Macy’s

Courtesy of Macy's

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Measuring 14.2 inches long and 13.5 inches wide, this star-shaped platter offers a generous amount of surface space with a beveled edge over 1 inch high to keep everything on it corralled. The bright and shiny red cerise enamel glaze lets this piece become a focal point of any table, offering a pop of color that’ll elevate your spread. 

While the serving tray is modeled after the Macy’s star logo in honor of the Thanksgiving Day parade, the design is particularly appropriate for Christmas and New Year’s. But the celebratory uses don’t stop there — next Fourth of July, the red platter would be perfect for holding appetizers at a star-spangled barbecue or setting out s’mores fixings. You could even break this beautiful piece out for birthday parties and other gatherings.

Made from the premium stoneware Le Creuset is known for, you can expect this platter to last for many years to come. It’s safe to use in the oven, microwave, dishwasher, and freezer. Plus, its enameled surface is also resistant to scratches and chips.

Shop More Le Creuset at Macy’s

• Le Creuset Stoneware Heritage Pie Dish and Fluted Loaf Pan Set, $80 (was $116) at Macy’s
• Le Creuset Stoneware 2-Piece Round Ramekin Set, $27 (was $38) at Macy’s
• Le Creuset Heritage 3-Piece Baker Set, $140 (was $207) at Macy’s

Related: Le Creuset’s Stoneware Christmas Tree Dish Is the Prettiest Way to Serve Up Small Holiday Snacks

Celebrate 100 years with the exclusive Le Creuset Stoneware Star Serving Platter at Macy’s, then line up the balloons on Thanksgiving Day, and let’s have a parade!

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Luke Bryan brought both the hits and the friends during his recent sold-out concert at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., on Thursday, Sept. 24. The show, dubbed “Luke & Friends,” celebrated the country music superstar’s ninth studio album, Signs, which was released earlier this month.

During the concert, Bryan made a handful of jokes at Blake Shelton’s expense, prompting some fans to believe he was about to invite the former The Voice judge onstage. However, that wasn’t the case, as seen in the TikTok clips below. 

Instead, the five-time Entertainer of the Year called out his fellow American Idol judge Carrie Underwood, who walked out to join him for a rendition of Diamond Rio’s “Meet in the Middle.” 

@kevinsmithcontent

#lukebryanconcert #carrieunderwood #nashville

♬ original sound – The Hardest Worker in The Room

But that’s not all. 

After warming up the audience with the ‘90s country classic, the two artists segued into a surprise rendition of Bon Jovi’s rock smash “Livin’ on a Prayer,” with Bryan asking the crowd, “Are you ready to turn it up a little bit, Nashville? I think Carrie needs a tequila shot… I need one.” 

@up2datecountry.live

Update: Luke Bryan brought out Carrie Underwood to cover “Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN

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Once the beat started thumping and the signature guitar riff rang out, Underwood showed off her moves before Bryan, dressed in casual blue jeans and a T-shirt, launched into the first verse. Underwood, wearing sparkly bootie shorts and a bedazzled shirt to match, showcased her powerhouse vocals on the next few lines before the two shared vocals on the sing-along chorus. 

Released in October of 1986, “Livin’ on a Prayer” appeared on Bon Jovi’s third studio album, Slippery When Wet. The song, written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child, became a No. 1 hit for the band on the Billboard Hot 100.

Since its release, “Livin’ on a Prayer” has continued to resonate with listeners across generations, even landing at No. 457 on Rolling Stone’s list of “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” in 2021. 

Bryan’s return to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena served as a make-up show as he fell ill during his previous appearance at the venue. This time, he told fans he felt like “A million dollars.” Before the show, according to Country Now, Bryan was presented with Diamond plaques commemorating the RIAA certifications of “Play It Again” and “Country Girl (Shake It For Me.” 

Aside from Underwood’s guest appearance, Bryan also surprised the crowd with appearances from Dierks Bentley, Kane Brown, Darius Rucker, Jason Aldean, and Chris Stapleton. 

Related: 1988 No. 1 Hit, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Guitar Solos’ of All Time, Gets a Carrie Underwood Makeover at Guns N’ Roses Show 

Bianca Jagger is pulling from fashion history in a head-to-toe cream outfit.

The glamorous ’70s fashion icon and human rights activist, 81, who married Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger in 1971, has always known how to command a room with her stunning style and dramatic good looks. One of Jagger’s most legendary looks is the white Yves Saint Laurent tailored two-piece she wore for her wedding to Mick in Saint-Tropez, sending the fashion industry into a flurry over the untraditional pick. 55 years later, Jagger still knows that she can stun in lighter shades. The beauty hit Gucci The Store Show during the Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2027 at Allianz MiCo in Milan, Italy, and wore a twist on her legendary cream outfit. The jacket-and-skirt combo also featured matching platform sandals and a stylish bamboo-style cane. Of course, her jet-black hair and dark red lipstick were the perfect complement to the light outfit. Now that’s knowing what works for you.

Vittorio Zunino Celotto / Getty Images

It would be hard to say that her look isn’t reminiscent of her wedding outfit from 1971!

Reg Lancaster / Getty Images

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Jagger Went Shockingly Dark

We were shocked to see the stunner go dark back in March at the Lanvin Fall/Winter 2026-2027 show as part of Paris Fashion Week. Sporting a bedazzled black cane, dark sunglasses, and a black leather jacket, Jagger made it clear she looks incredible no matter what color she wears.

Dave Benett / Getty Images

Jagger’s Still a Modeling Superstar

In 2024, the stunner took on the role of the star of YSL Beauty’s Libre Flowers and Flames fragrance. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Jagger opened up about why she often chooses to wear suits on the red carpet.

“I wear a lot of men’s suits and trousers, which make me feel empowered. So when Yves Saint Laurent came out with women’s suits, they became so prevalent in his collection, and it felt right to wear suits. It was my sense of fashion,” she told the publication. “Before then, I had never been a great believer in fashion styles, and Saint Laurent taught us–well, me– the difference between fashion and style.”

Related: Georgia May Jagger’s Latest Beach Photos Have Fans Seeing Double—Just Look at Her Famous Parents

Dancing With The Stars pro Sharna Burgess just unveiled a bold new hair transformation only two weeks into competing on season 35 of the ABC reality competition series.

On Friday, Sept. 25, the pro dancer—who is currently partnered with Bachelorette alum Tyler Cameron—shocked fans when she revealed she traded in her blonde locks for bright red.

“When @amika says they love the Sharna red, the Sharna red they shall receive 🫶,” Burgess wrote in the reveal video, which was in partnership with beauty brand amika.

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RELATED: Giada De Laurentiis Breaks Silence on Heartbreaking ‘DWTS’ Elimination

Burgess returned to the ballroom this year—five years after she left the show following season 30 in 2021. During that season, she competed alongside fiancé Brian Austin Green, whom she shares son Zane, 4.

The mirrorball champion sported fiery red hair for several seasons during her first DWTS run, and in the comment section, fans were thrilled to see her signature look make a comeback.

“YES YES YES!!! SHES BACK!!!! The sharna red is like nothing else,” wrote one fan.

“My mom was like she looks different I said she doesn’t have the fierce red hair. welcome back!” said another.

“Our RED QUEEN is back!! ❤️,” added a third.

For week 3 of season 35, Burgess and Cameron will perform a jive to “Still the One” by Orleans in celebration of “Yacht Rock Night.”

DWTS airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+

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Few musical pairings feel quite as natural as Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown. Long before Buffett passed away in 2023, the two icons shared a legendary creative friendship, trading verses on sun-soaked anthems like “Knee Deep” and collaborating on Brown’s hit “Same Boat.”

Now, that laid-back, barefoot coastal spirit is heading straight to open water.

Margaritaville at Sea officially announced that multi-platinum artist and three-time Grammy Award winner Zac Brown will serve as the official Godfather of its newest flagship, Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber.

Brown will carry out the longstanding maritime tradition of christening the vessel in Miami on January 9, 2027, wishing safe travels to the ship, its crew, and future passengers before taking the stage for a special onboard performance for inaugural guests.

“It’s been so much fun working with the Margaritaville at Sea family to bring Same Boat on Beachcomber to life,” said Brown. “I’m really proud of what we’ve created together, and being named Godfather of Beachcomber is a true honor. I’m also really thankful for their support of the tour and for how this partnership has grown. What I love most is knowing that people are going to step on this ship with their families and friends, have an amazing time and make memories they’ll have forever. I’m just really excited to be a part of it and can’t wait for people to experience her.”

Related: Zac Brown Teams Up With Cult-Favorite Cruise Line for Unique Vacation Experience

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“Zac has become an important part of the Margaritaville at Sea family, and naming him Godfather of Beachcomber is a natural next step in a partnership that continues to grow,” said Christopher Ivy, Chief Executive Officer of Margaritaville at Sea. “He shares our belief that great music, memorable experiences and bringing people together can turn a vacation into something much more. Zac has already put his own stamp on Beachcomber, and we couldn’t imagine a better person to help us officially welcome her to the fleet.”

Rather than simply waving from the pier, Brown’s influence will be permanent inside the hull. He worked hand-in-hand with the cruise line to develop Same Boat, the world’s first artist-designed live music venue at sea. Brown had a hand in everything from the venue’s visual design and acoustic layout to curated artwork and ongoing music programming, which will showcase a rotating roster of live artists throughout the inaugural season.

Related: Margaritaville at Sea Reveals First Artists for Zac Brown’s ‘Same Boat’ Venue Aboard the New Beachcomber

The collaboration has already made headlines on land. Margaritaville at Sea is currently the presenting sponsor of the Zac Brown Band’s 27-date Love & Fear tour. During the band’s historic 15th consecutive sold-out show at Fenway Park on August 2, Brown stunned the crowd by gifting a free Margaritaville at Sea cruise vacation to every single fan in the stadium—totaling over 35,000 attendees in the largest audience giveaway in live entertainment history.

The party continues in the Bahamas later this winter. On January 28, 2027, Brown will headline a massive, exclusive private concert at the Nassau Cruise Port Amphitheatre when Beachcomber, Islander, and Paradise meet up for the very first time, bringing all three ships together for a historic fleet-wide gathering.

Launching out of PortMiami in January 2027, Beachcomber will feature more than 15 brand-new venues alongside fan-favorite Margaritaville bars and restaurants, sailing four- to eight-night getaways to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean before repositioning to Galveston in October 2027 for Western Caribbean and Mexico itineraries.

For travelers who love country music, cold drinks, and easy Caribbean breezes, stepping aboard in 2027 will feel like sailing into a real-life song.

Related: Margaritaville at Sea’s New Beachcomber Is Coming to Galveston With Caribbean Cruises and a Zac Brown Venue

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One easy way to elevate any meal is with great dinnerware. If you’ve been looking for a stylish set of bowls and plates to spruce up your dinner parties, Walmart has a new home decor find that you’ll want to take a look at. The bestselling Vestseel 12-Piece Dinnerware Set has a stunning speckled stoneware design that looks great on any dining table, and it’s on sale for nearly 50% off right now. 

The top-rated set is now available for just $39, down from $73. It comes in nine gorgeous color options, including cappuccino, green, gray, matte black, and multicolor. You can also shop it in a larger 16-piece option at $60, down from $110.  

Vesteel 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set, $39 (was $73) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The 12-piece set comes with everything you need to serve four, including four 10.2-inch dinner plates, four 7.9-inch salad plates, and four 5.7-inch cereal bowls. Each piece is crafted from high-quality stoneware with a subtle speckled pattern and a glazed finish that’s food-safe, scratch-resistant, and built to withstand daily use. The terracotta bottom adds a touch of rustic charm to the look, adding a unique, textured accent to each dish. 

Designed for effortless heating and hassle-free cleanup, the entire set is microwave-, dishwasher-, and oven-safe. You can bake and heat foods directly in the bowls and plates, making them convenient to use for a variety of meals, and they’re also freezer-safe if you want to use them to store leftovers. They’re also easily stackable, so you can stash them neatly in cabinets and sideboards when not in use. 

This dinnerware set is a Walmart bestseller for good reason, with over 500 five-star ratings online. One reviewer said the “beautiful” dishes have a “sturdy and heavy feel” and a “high-end look,” while another said they’re “simple but stylish.” A third buyer said they’re an “elegant” dining upgrade at a reasonable price. 

Related: Walmart’s ‘Super Soft’ $18 Halloween Pajamas Are the Cutest Way to Usher in Spooky Season

If you’re looking for nice, solid stoneware bowls to serve your favorite meals, this 12-piece set is a stunning option that’s now on sale at a great discount. Don’t hesitate to grab it while it’s still marked down to just $39 at Walmart. 

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

Twitter/X was made for Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher. A provocateur who never holds back, he sent fans into a frenzy this week when he responded to a fan claiming the 2027 reunion tour wasn’t a farewell with a typically cryptic grenade: “It isn’t a farewell tour but it still could be our last.”

No explanation. No elaboration. Just Liam, stirring the pot and walking away.

It isn’t a farewell tour but it still could be our last

— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) September 23, 2026

For a fanbase that spent nearly 15 years waiting for the Gallagher brothers to end their feud and reunite, the comment landed like a cold shower. The 2025 Live ’25 tour was rapturously received – sold-out stadiums, smiling brothers, hands raised in solidarity every night – and the mood seemed to carry over into the newly released documentary Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival earlier this month. 

The film offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the reunion, capturing the brothers’ gradual realization of the enormity of their return and the genuine warmth between them that fans had hoped was still there. It’s the kind of document that makes the idea of another ending feel all the more bittersweet.

The newly announced Live ’27 tour, now up to 42 dates including multiple nights at Knebworth and a string of European stadium shows, had felt like something more permanent might finally be taking shape. But knowing the Gallagher brothers dictates that nothing is ever that simple.

Noel Gallagher has been equally noncommittal. Speaking on talkSPORT, he confirmed there will be no new music accompanying the 2027 dates – the band’s first since 2008’s Dig Out Your Soul. When asked if he wanted to elaborate about 3 minutes in, he simply stated “no.” 

And yet the shows keep being added. Fifth and sixth nights at Knebworth. Third nights in Munich and Rome. For now, fans have 42 more chances to see Liam and Noel Gallagher together. What happens after that remains, appropriately enough, a very Oasis-sized question mark.

Chobani is beloved for its “simple ingredient” coffee creamers. Now, its popular La Colombe brand—which the company acquired in 2023 for $900 million—is launching a line of ready-to-drink options that will open it up to a new group of shoppers: those who prefer matcha over a cup of joe (though one can justify the use of creamer in matcha for a sweet splash of flavor as well).

Inspired by drinks sold at its La Colombe cafés, the new La Colombe Matcha Lattes will come in three delicious flavors: Vanilla, Strawberry, and, of course, Everyday (traditional unflavored matcha). According to the product’s packaging, the beverage is made with single-origin matcha from Japan and lactose-free whole milk. The brand promises quality, with a focus on “craftsmanship and innovation.”

The new launch comes amid ongoing interest in matcha products, something the brand has noticed firsthand in-store. In its La Colombe cafés, matcha sales grew 188% between 2023 and 2025, according to a press release shared directly with Parade. Moreover, research conducted by the brand points to a surge in seasonal popularity; searches are up as fall emerges: “Google Trends data reported this week shows matcha latte searches now lead seasonal beverage interest in 29 states and nationally.”

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On social media, fans expressed intrigue. In the comments section of an Instagram post announcing the launch, shared by trusted food blogger Markie Devo, shoppers added reactions like, “Ooh👀👀👀👀💚,” and “Yummmmmm,” and dropped heart-eyed emojis: “😍.”

La Colombe Matcha Lattes’ trio of flavors officially launches online Sept. 29, with a wider rollout to retailers that sell the brand and La Colombe cafés beginning in October 2026. Fans interested in learning more can get release information online.

Related: Little Debbie Releases Brand-New Treats for the Holiday Season — ‘Rich, Moist, Satisfying, Sweet’

There are three things guaranteed in the world today: Death, taxes, and Jeopardy! being on. Believe it or not, the iconic game show has been on the air for over 60 years (though the modern incarnation we know and love technically debuted in 1984). Under the watchful eye of Ken Jennings (who himself was a record-breaking champion), Jeopardy! puts three people’s trivia skills and reflexes to the ultimate test. And so many of the greats to grace those podiums started by simply watching the show as it aired on weekdays, as millions have done for over half a century.

Here’s a spoiler-filled recap of who won Jeopardy! today, plus the answer to Final Jeopardy.

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Who won Jeopardy today? Nikolas Polsinelli

Nikolas Polsinelli won his second consecutive game, earning $22,400 and pushing his 2-day running total to $40,001.

Who are the Jeopardy contestants today? Sean Carpenter

Sean Carpenter is a procurement manager from New Lenox, Illinois.

Lydia Herndon

Lydia Herndon is a PhD student from Chicago, Illinois.

Nikolas Polsinelli

Nikolas Polsinelli is a student from Winter Park, Florida.

Related: Sam Heughan Surprises ‘Jeopardy!’ Fans With an ‘Outlander’ Category – Can You Answer the Clues?

What was Final Jeopardy today?

Final Jeopardy today was in the category “COINAGES OF THE 1980s“

The clue: “Marc Kelly Smith had Cubs slugger Ernie Banks in mind when he chose a name for these literary events he had “invented.”

The answer: “What are poetry slams?”

Polsinelli had a massive lead at the end of the DJ round with $26,200, ensuring a runaway, despite getting the FJ answer wrong. He wagered $3,800, dropping to a daily total of $22,400 and a 2-day total of $40,001. Herndon was the only one to get FJ correct, adding a $3,599 wager for a second-place total of $11,199. Carpenter’s wager of $5,601 brought him down to a third-place spot with $3,999.

Polsinelli will be back on Monday for attempt number 3.

Did you get the answer? Sound off in the comments!

When is Jeopardy on next?

Jeopardy! will come back on Monday, September, 28, 2026, with a new episode. Check your local listings to find out when to watch.

Where is Jeopardy streaming?

Jeopardy! is available on both Hulu and Peacock. Subscribers can enjoy watching new episodes the next day, as well as access a vault of many classic episodes to enjoy at a moment’s notice.

Related: Ken Jennings Reveals If ‘Celebrity Jeopardy!’ Questions Are Easier

When you sit down to map out your wellness goals, your focus naturally lands on the health metrics you can physically feel or measure.

You might aim for 10,000 daily steps, track your protein intake, curate a heart-healthy meal plan or prioritize a solid night of sleep. We’re naturally conditioned to protect the body systems that give us immediate feedback, like building muscle strength or managing daily energy levels. However, deep inside your abdomen, two fist-sized organs work around the clock to keep your entire body functioning smoothly, and they rarely get the attention they deserve until something goes drastically wrong.

Your kidneys are absolute powerhouses of human biology. Every single minute, these vital organs filter about a half-cup of blood, removing waste products and extra water so your body can thrive. They keep your bodily fluids balanced, help regulate your blood pressure, produce red blood cells and maintain the delicate chemical balance of essential electrolytes in your bloodstream.

Related: ‘I’m a Neurologist—This Is the Morning Habit I Try to Never Skip’

Despite performing these complex tasks continuously, your kidneys operate so quietly that taking them for granted is easy. Millions of people go about their daily routines completely unaware that their subtle everyday choices might be slowly undermining their renal health. Because early kidney decline rarely presents with sharp pain or obvious physical distress, assuming your kidneys are perfectly healthy when they’re actually under immense strain comes naturally.

That complete lack of early physical feedback is precisely what makes kidney health so tricky to navigate. Nephrologists frequently emphasize that by the time noticeable symptoms finally appear, significant and often permanent damage has already taken place. Understanding how your everyday diet and lifestyle habits impact these delicate organs isn’t just an exercise in preventive wellness—it’s essential protection for your long-term health and vitality.

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Why Kidney Disease Is Considered a ‘Silent Killer’

The primary reason renal issues catch so many people off guard comes down to the remarkable resilience and quiet nature of the organs themselves. Dr. Kalyani Perumal, MD, senior attending physician of nephrology and system director and medical director of Bureau Wide Dialysis Services at Cook County Health, previously told Parade that the kidneys are often “innocent bystanders” that get negatively impacted by unhealthy habits.

“They face the brunt of many habits that start early in life and continue through adult years,” Dr. Perumal said.

Related: If You Want To Lower Your LDL Cholesterol, This Lesser-Known Diet Is Proven To Work

Because the kidneys are built with significant backup capacity, they can continue filtering waste and fluid even when operating at a fraction of their normal capability. You won’t necessarily feel sick, experience pain or notice a sudden drop in energy as function quietly slips away over months or years.

Dr. Perumal explained that this hidden progression makes early intervention difficult: “Kidney disease is a silent killer, so many do not have any signs of kidney disease until they are in the late stages of the disease.”

For this reason, nine in 10 people with chronic kidney disease don’t know they have it.

“The earliest signs of kidney disease are detected only in blood and urine tests,” Dr. Perumal warned. Without routine medical screenings, blood pressure checks or specialized laboratory tests, progressive kidney stress can build up in total secrecy.

By the time patients notice overt warning signs—such as excessive fatigue, swelling in the legs, face or abdomen, or mental slowing—the underlying damage is often quite advanced.

The #1 Daily Habit That Causes Kidney Damage

While several lifestyle factors influence renal function over time, nephrologists agree that the single most damaging daily habit for your kidneys is consistently eating a poor diet heavy in fast food and ultra-processed ingredients.

Related: I’m a Nephrologist—This Is the First Sign of Kidney Trouble Most People Ignore

“As children and teenagers, we get accustomed to consuming fast food because of our busy school life, stressful college years, multiple extracurricular activities and active social life. This becomes a habit, hard to let go even when we become aware of its deleterious effects on our health,” Dr. Perumal explained. “This results in obesity, hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol in adult life all leading to the development of kidney disease.”

When your daily menu routinely includes packaged meals, fast food and excessive sodium, you force your kidneys to work overtime. High salt intake causes the body to retain fluid, placing continuous strain on your vascular system. Over time, this elevated pressure damages the delicate, microscopic blood vessels inside your kidneys that filter waste out of your blood.

This dietary danger is backed up in a separate Parade article on the best habits for kidney health, where nephrology experts emphasized that limiting your intake of processed foods, excessive salt and sugary beverages is the most effective way to lower your risk of Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure—the two leading causes of chronic kidney failure. When blood pressure remains consistently high, the filtering units inside your kidneys harden and scar over time, making it increasingly difficult for your body to clear out dangerous toxins.

How To Protect Your Kidneys Starting Today

Protecting your kidney health doesn’t require an overwhelming lifestyle shift, but making proactive, intentional choices can safeguard your organs for years to come.

• Cut back on processed food: Swap out pre-packaged meals, cured meats and fast foods for fresh, whole ingredients. Use herbs, spices, garlic and citrus juices to flavor your dishes rather than relying heavily on the salt shaker.
• Prioritize daily hydration: Drinking enough water helps your kidneys clear sodium and urea from your body far more efficiently. Make it a goal to sip water steadily throughout the day.
• Get routine screenings: Because early-stage kidney damage offers no physical symptoms, regular checkups are your best line of defense. Ask your primary care doctor to include basic blood pressure checks and simple blood and urine tests during your annual exam.

Adapted from Parade’s “The Common Habit That Could Be Damaging Your Kidneys, According to a Nephrologist” by Emily Laurence Sardinha and “The #1 Habit That Can Make Your Kidneys Healthier, According to a Nephrologist” by Leigh Weingus.

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• Dr. Kalyani Perumal, MD, senior attending physician of nephrology and system director and medical director of Bureau Wide Dialysis Services at Cook County Health

Gardeners, check your plants! Berlin Seeds is recalling 950 pounds of Alfalfa Sprouting Seed due to potential contamination with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and/or Salmonella.

The Millersburg, Ohio-based seed seller and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the decision on September 23.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are “organisms that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems,” the announcement wrote.

Adding: “Escherichia coli (STEC) O26:H11, E. coli O103:H25, and E. coli O168:H8 are three members of this group of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. STECs cause an acute diarrheal illness (often bloody diarrhea) within a few days of ingestion of the bacteria.

The Administration shared that most healthy people recover in a week, but children under 5, elderly, and immunocompromised people can develop worse illnesses. These include “hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe illness characterized by hemolytic anemia (red cell breakdown), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and renal failure.”

The sprouts may also be contaminated with Salmonella, a group of bacteria that causes illness after ingesting contaminated food or water. Common symptoms include fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), nausea, vomiting, headache, chills, and abdominal pain, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The recalled Alfalfa Sprouting Seeds were packaged in quarter-pound to 50-pound sizes. The smaller sizes were in resealable bags, while the 50-pound product was in a woven bag. The 5-pound and 50-pound seeds have the lot code SAL2-24JB on the bottom corner. The other affected products don’t have a lot code.

Consumers who have purchased the product are asked to stop using the sprouts and are urged not to eat anything grown from them. No illnesses have been reported to Berlin Seeds as of now.

Ben Affleck took home $1 million for his charity alongside Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? partner and Jeopardy! champion Jamie Ding—but what is their connection after the show?

According to Affleck, the two remain close friends and text often.

“My partner is exceptionally gifted. Like a mega champion genius,” he told Millionaire host Jimmy Kimmel during a Thursday, September 24, appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. “We stay in touch. And Jamie blows me up.”

After Kimmel expressed shock that the Argo star would give Ding his phone number, Affleck laughed, “Of course I did. I’m not like you. I’m a genuine person. I give out my number.”

“He just lets me know what’s going on. He does. I don’t feel…I don’t need to check the news because if something’s happening—bing Jamie’s, you know, letting me know,” Affleck explained.

The Accountant star and Ding went all the way during their July appearance on the trivia game show. However, the pair needed to call on Kimmel for help during the million-dollar question when asked about presidentially pardoned Thanksgiving turkeys—a subject Kimmel happened to be an expert at.

“There was a lot of pressure, and I initially did not think—I’m going to give you some honest feedback—I wasn’t planning on you using the ask the host option going in,” the Accountant actor revealed. “No offense. I just didn’t think of it as a meaningful part of the arsenal. You know what I mean?”