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I’ve long believed Aldi can punch above its weight, but it wasn’t until I saw someone compare Aldi’s Summit Cola to McDonald’s fountain Coke that I really started paying attention to which Aldi-brand items might be better than the real thing. According to the internet, Aldi’s cola had the same crisp bite and syrupy balance people obsess over at McDonald’s, and when I tried it myself, I had to admit they weren’t wrong.

That experiment planted a seed: If Aldi could nail something as iconic as Coke, what about other sodas?

Naturally, my curiosity turned to lemon-lime soda. Sprite is a staple in many households, mine included, and it’s one of those drinks people swear tastes better from a fountain. Aldi’s version, Summit Citrus Twist, promises the same clean, refreshing flavor, but could it really stand up to the original, or even come close to that fountain-soda magic? What would win between Aldi's Summit Citrus Twist vs. Sprite?

Aldi has built a loyal following thanks to its private-label products, many of which are widely considered just as good as, if not better than, name-brand versions. From snacks and pantry staples to frozen foods and beverages, fans say their “dupes” often deliver similar quality at a significantly lower price. That reputation made Summit Citrus Twist a perfect candidate for a side-by-side comparison.

To find out for myself, I lined up cups of Sprite and Aldi’s Summit Citrus Twist and recruited my family for a taste test. As we sipped, we paid close attention to flavor, fizz, ingredients and price to see if we could name a clear winner. Here’s how they stacked up.

Related: So *That's* Why Coke Tastes So Much Better at McDonald's

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What Soda Does Aldi Sell?

Aldi offers a full line of Summit-brand sodas, including cola, diet cola, citrus twist, lemon-lime zero sugar, root beer and a variety of seasonal and specialty flavors. Designed to mirror popular national brands, Summit sodas are priced lower and sold exclusively at Aldi.

Courtesy Angel Albring

Related: The Viral McDonald’s Iced Tea Ordering Hack We Wish We’d Known About Sooner

What Are People Saying About Aldi’s Sprite Dupe?

Online reviews of Summit Citrus Twist, like one by content creator aj_reviews_stuff, are incredibly enthusiastic. Many shoppers say it tastes nearly identical to Sprite, while others note it reminds them more of 7-Up. Fans often praise its strong citrus flavor and crisp finish. As with most food debates, opinions vary, which made it worth testing firsthand.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/b1dQuSyYKdQ

Related: I Tried 8 Popular Sprite Flavors and the Winner Won by a Landslide

Aldi’s Summit Citrus Twist vs. Sprite Taste Test

For this test, both sodas were kept at room temperature, and I added ice to two identical cups. I labeled the bottoms of the cups—1 for Sprite and 2 for Aldi's brand—then poured the sodas over the ice. No one knew which soda was which at first. I asked each taster to focus on flavor, carbonation and overall enjoyment before sharing their preference.

Courtesy Angel Albring

Related: I Turned Paris Hilton’s New Coffee Creamer Into a Delicious Dirty Soda—and I’m Obsessed

Summit Citrus vs. Sprite: Flavor

Summit Citrus Twist surprised me with a bolder lemon-lime flavor than Sprite. It tasted slightly closer to 7-Up, with a more pronounced citrus note. One of my kids couldn’t tell a difference at all, one preferred Sprite and two preferred the Aldi version. My husband and I both favored Summit Citrus Twist for its stronger, brighter lemon-lime taste.

Flavor Winner: Summit Citrus Twist

Courtesy Angel Albring

Related: I Tried Making ‘Hot Chocolate Coke’—and It’s My Family’s New Favorite Holiday Drink

Summit Citrus vs. Sprite: Fizz

Both sodas delivered solid carbonation, and I honestly couldn't tell much difference between the two. I was hoping for some extra punch from Summit Citrus, like the Summit Cola delivers, but it was mild.

Fizz Winner: Tie

Related: I Made the Viral ‘Homemade Sprite’ Recipe and It Was Fresh, Fizzy and So Much Fun

Summit Citrus vs. Sprite: Ingredients

From an ingredients standpoint, the two are very similar. Both contain carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid and natural flavors, with comparable sugar and calorie counts per serving. There was no significant difference that would sway the average shopper either way.

Ingredients Winner: Tie

Courtesy Angel Albring

Related: The Simple Way To Turn a Coke Into a Fancy Holiday Drink

Summit Citrus vs. Sprite: Price

This is where Aldi really shines. Summit Citrus Twist costs noticeably less than Sprite. For families or frequent soda drinkers, that price difference adds up quickly.

A two-liter bottle of Sprite was $3 at my local store and the Summit Citrus version was $1.09.

Winner: Summit Citrus Twist

Courtesy Angel Albring

Related: We Tried 14 Different Orange Sodas and You Can Buy the Winner at Walmart

And the Winner Is…

Summit Citrus Twist takes the overall win for me. While Sprite remains a classic, Aldi’s version delivers a stronger lemon-lime flavor, nearly identical ingredients and a lower price. If you’re already an Aldi shopper or curious about their soda dupes, Summit Citrus Twist is well worth adding to your cart.

Up Next:

Related: I Tried 6 Popular Grape Soda Brands and the Winner Was Nostalgia in a Bottle

Steve Harrington actor Joe Keeryrecently addressed the Stranger Things finale, including the "Conformity Gate" theory and reactions to the show's conclusion, and he had one strong message for fans struggling to leave the show in the past: "Let it go."

In a clip shared by AP News, Keery explained that he knew about Conformity Gate, but he "did not really pay too much attention to it at all." In fact, the actor first joked, "There's a whole unreleased ending that nobody has seen. Yep, it'll be very interesting to see when it finally comes out. Don't quote me on that."

After that joke, however, Keery was very direct about the reality of the Stranger Thingsending, saying, "The show is all done and dusted, and what a ride it was." When Keery's Cold Storage co-star Georgina Campbell weighed in and said, "Stranger Things means so much to so many people, and there's lots of people that grew up watching it and feel really like they don't want to let it go," Keery replied (in guttural tone), "Let it go."

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The Conformity Gate theory began almost immediately after the final episode of Stranger Things aired on New Year's Eve, with a number of fans convinced that the finale was intentionally misleading viewers by being so far outside of audience expectations (for some, disappointingly so) and that the rumored 'real' episode was still coming.

Initially, fans believed that a surprise episode would drop on January 7th, and when that day came and went, the new version of the theory suggested that the documentary on Stranger Things season 5, One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5, would be the secret finale. In the end, however, neither belief proved true, and Conformity Gate was officially dead.

While many fans were disappointed with this revelation, it isn't all that surprising that Keery is ready to move on. Not only did the show run for a decade of Keery's life, but also, the actor and singer has been exploring new opportunities, with roles such as Travis Meacham in Cold Storage, as well as with his music, which he creates under the stage name Djo.

Most recently, a new Djo concert was announced this summer, at which Keery will be headlining alongside Lorde and other artists.

After wrapping up the beloved ABC procedural, The Rookie's 8th season, one of the show's stars, Melissa O’Neil, wanted to express gratitude for her time playing Lucy Chen.

TV Insiderreported that O'Neil took to her Instagram account on February 4 to reminisce about starring in all eight seasons of The Rookie, which premiered in 2018.

In the caption of the post, O'Neil wrote, "Being a part of @therookieabc and having the opportunity to continue to tell Lucy Chen’s story this year has been such a blessing on my life!"

In addition, she noted that working in the entertainment industry means "that nothing is ever certain" and "[n]othing promised is a guarantee," making an eight-season show a feat.

She also described filming the show's eighth season as "a marathon of sorts" and "an ambitious adventure." The actress said while the show's cast and crew "were tired and ready to get home and rest" on the final day of shooting season 8, she "could feel a part of [herself] willing time to slow to soak it in." She explained that she knows it's uncertain how much time actors have on any given project.

"You never know when it could be your last time doing ____ being ____," wrote O'Neil in her post. "Tending to one’s relationship to impermanence produces such lovely fruit… It is not lost on me how precious and rare this is and I don’t care if it comes off saccharine."

O'Neil then said she shared she appreciated the show's writers, producers, crew, and cast for their "dedication, GRIT, good humor, and perseverance."

"To be 8 years in on a project and in close enough proximity to watch everyone growing and expanding in their capacity, artistry and precision is such a gift. I’m so proud to be a part of this show," continued the actress in her caption. "I sincerely hope @therookieabc gets to come back for Season 9. Until then, I hope you have loved Season 8 so far, there is a LOT more to come - you’re in for a ride this year."

Some Fans Expressed Their Concern for Lucy Chen

Several The Rookie fans took to the post's comments section to share O’Neil's caption is making them concerned for Lucy's fate.

"Why does it sound like a good bye to me," asked a commenter.

"I swear if this is a way of you saying goodbye because Lucy gets killed off later on in the season im going to have a meltdown one of my favourite characters," added another.

"caption got me feeling like you were saying goodbye," shared a different person.

"When I first started reading this I thought you meant you were going to quit the rookie," stated a social media user.

"This makes me nervous," wrote a fan.

"Low key got scared this was a goodbye post as in you weren’t coming back….but you will if there’s another season…right?! RIGHT?" shared a commenter.

"You’re scaring me this seems so final! This season has been incredible so far, much better than 7 IMO! Keep Aaron as a recurring guest and do 10 more seasons!" added another.

"awh melissa who's cutting onions!??? that caption is beautifully written and it sounds like a goodbye but I know, I am MANIFESTING it's a see you later," chimed in an Instagram user.

Several commenters also shared their appreciation for O'Neil's lengthy post.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the one and only, Melissa O’Neil you never fail to amaze us out here, you are a true blessing long live The Rookie and can’t wait for season 9," wrote a commenter.

"I don’t think anyone could play Lucy Chen as incredible as you! I’m so proud of the cast and everyone who’s worked really hard over the years to bring us this amazing show!! Hopefully we’re back for season 9!" added another.

"this is so BEAUTIFULLY written holy wow getting to see how much everyone has grown throughout all the seasons has been such a bittersweet experience i’m so excited to see what the rest of s8 has in store for us and i truly hope that we get many more years of this cast/show on our screens," shared a different person.

Melissa O’Neil Opened up About Playing Her 'Rookie' Character in 2025

O'Neil opened up about playing Lucy in a May 2025 interview on the Elvis Duran Show. She admitted that she sometimes gets restless portraying the bubbly police officer because of her sunny disposition.

"Sometimes I get a little itchy. She's a very specific type of energy and character. As an actor, sometimes I think of Lucy as this really like happy dumpling, you know? She's got this cheerfulness to her that is kind of impenetrable and even when she's hard and tough, she can like seamlessly go back into her levity and her joy," said O'Neil in the 2025 interview.

She said while she "love[s]" her character's upbeat attitude, she thinks "it'd be cool to play a villain."

"I recently had an audition for somebody who was just so like on the complete other end of the spectrum and I was like, 'Oh my god.' Like the artist in me feels really like exercised and juiced up to have an opportunity to flex that aspect," explained the actress.

She clarified that "it is an absolute joy" to play Lucy, "especially in the world that we're living in today."

"It is no small thing to be part of a show that is like becoming a legacy in its own way, to have such a long-running production, to be with so much of the original cast and the original team. Like it's absolutely absurd. It's an insane blessing," said O'Neil in the interview.

She also described her Rookie castmates, which include Nathan Fillion,Eric Winter, Alyssa Diaz, and Mekia Cox, as "a family." She said the cast's close bond has allowed their characters to have natural chemistry.

"I think that's why that camaraderie translates so well because it's real. Like we're not having to fake that," said O'Neil.

New episodes of The Rookie season 8 air on Mondays.

The Young and the Restless has snagged another Days of Our Lives star, which has become a trend over the past year.

Stacy Haiduk (Kristen) is returning to the CBS soap as Patty Williams. The troubled character is the sister of Paul (Doug Davidson) and the ex-wife of Jack (Peter Bergman), who has been in a mental health facility for a decade.

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The Young and the Restless Taps Stacy Haiduk For Patty Williams' Return

TV Insider was the first to break the news that Haiduk will reprise the role of Patty, which she last played in 2016. This marks the fourth time the actress has been in the role.

Haiduk made her debut as Patty in 2009 before leaving the show in 2010. In 2011, she returned, only to exit the CBS soap again in 2012. She came back as Patty in 2015, wrapping her last run as the character in 2016.

The last time The Young and the Restless fans saw Patty, Paul had her put in a psychiatric institution called Rivercrest, close to Genoa City. While Haiduk was the last person to play Patty, she isn’t the only actress to play her.

Tammy Taylor originated the role in 1980, briefly playing the character before Lilibet Stern took over until 1983. One Life to Live vet, Andrea Evans, took over as Patty from 1983 to 1984. The character wasn’t seen after that until Haiduk began playing Patty in 2009.

Details regarding what brings Patty back to Genoa City are being kept under wraps, including how long the character will be in the mix. However, The Young and the Restless head writer Josh Griffith told TV Insider the story is filled with mystery and excitement.

“Everyone at Y&R couldn’t be more excited to welcome back Stacy for this exciting storyline when trouble once again finds Patty,” he added in a statement to the outlet.

Related: ‘Days of Our Lives’ Hunk Lands Super Bowl Ad With Hollywood Legend Kurt Russell

Is Stacy Haiduk Leaving Days of Our Lives?

Since her time on The Young and the Restless, Haiduk has been playing Kristen DiMera and Susan Banks on Days of Our Lives. The actress took over the roles from Eileen Davidson in 2016.

According to TV Insider, Haiduk will continue on the hit Peacock soap. Haiduk isn’t under contract with Days of Our Lives, allowing her to do other projects.

Susan and Kristen have only been seen sporadically in Salem over the past few years, with each having a brief arc. Although Kristen is currently embroiled in a high-profile storyline involving Brady (Eric Martsolf) and their daughter Rachel (Alice Halsey), the scenes were filmed nearly 10 months ago due to the soap’s advanced taping schedule.

This means the actress will likely appear on Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless simultaneously, just as Billy Flynn did, who left the former last spring to join the latter. Flynn continues to play Cane on Y&R and Chad on Days, but his time on the latter will soon come to an end.

Days of Our Lives airs weekdays on Peacock. The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS.

Next: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Star Christel Khalil Welcomes Third Child

With The Traitors continuing to lean into reality-TV power players, one casting lane has become increasingly clear: Housewives thrive in the castle. And after a new episode drops tonight, there may already be another name quietly lining up for the franchise’s next season.

In a new interview with Parade, Teddi Mellencamp made it clear she’s not just watching The Traitors closely — she’s a fan who can see herself in the game.

“Oh my gosh, I love The Traitors so much. The whole Lisa Rinna and the Robbie-Bobby of it all has got me dead. I mean, it's another great show that I watch with my kids. Of course I would do it," said Mellencamp.

RELATED: ‘The Traitors’ EP Teases Potentially Big Change — And Fans Are Divided

Mellencamp’s interest comes as The Traitors has enjoyed a cavalcade of Real Housewives stars over its first four seasons. Across its U.S. seasons, the show has featured Brandi Glanville, Phaedra Parks, Shereé Whitfield, Tamra Judge, Larsa Pippen, Dorinda Medley, Robyn Dixon, Dolores Catania and Chanel Ayan, with Lisa Rinna, Porsha Williams, Candiace Dillard Bassett and Caroline Stanbury appearing on the current season.

Asked specifically about Rinna’s performance, Mellencamp didn’t hold back.

“She's so good. The way she was able to flip. She's like, ‘Oh, do you want to see a Housewife?’ And she like flipped her personality. I was like, ‘Oh, OK. Here we go, let's go,'" gushed Mellencamp.

The timing of Mellencamp’s enthusiasm is notable. She was just unmasked as Calla Lily on The Masked Singer, a project she says was deliberately chosen as her first step back into competition-style TV following a difficult health journey in recent years due to her battle with melanoma and multiple brain tumors.

RELATED: Teddi Mellencamp Makes Blunt Confession About ‘RHOBH’ Co-Star (Exclusive)

When asked how filming The Masked Singer affected her physically and mentally, Mellencamp said the experience was uniquely supportive.

“I think it's something I needed mentally because I had gotten pretty sad. It's hard to be at home, and it's hard to recover, and it's hard to do, you know, all of those things," Mellencamp admitted.

What made the show manageable, she explained, was the extreme level of protection around contestants.

“I think doing The Masked Singer, I felt so protected and so safe. It was a good first outing to have. I was able to have my mask that could kind of shield me from any of the embarrassment I may have normally had," said the former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star.

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

She also laughed about quickly realizing she was surrounded by stronger vocalists.

“I loved it. I mean, I knew immediately — like, Teddi, you're not the best singer in this group. Because I didn't know who anybody else was, but I could sometimes hear people through the dressing room. And I could hear how good of singers they were. And I was like, ‘Aye, aye, aye. This is… Oh, no,'" she said with a laugh.

While Mellencamp shared in October that doctors found no trace of cancer, she says recovery hasn’t been simple, particularly on a mental level.

RELATED: Donna Kelce Makes Rare Comment About Sons ‘Starting Their Own Families’ in Emotional ‘Traitors’ Moment

“I'm not allowed to say that I'm in remission, but there's no trace of cancer found. But I would say that I'm struggling the hardest mentally that I have since going through all this.”

She explained that while her early focus was physical recovery, the emotional toll surfaced later.

“I think people often talk about cancer, but they don't often talk about, when you're healing from cancer mentally, how you may feel. You know, like I'm scared of everything now. So yeah, that's really been my primary focus," said Mellencamp.

That perspective adds context to why The Traitors—a strategic, social game rather than a physically demanding competition—could make sense as a next step. With her enthusiasm for the show and the franchise’s proven appetite for Housewives who can play both emotionally and strategically, Mellencamp appears to fit squarely into the casting mold.

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Lately, we've heard a lot more about managing blood sugar, and, as a result, terms like "insulin sensitivity" have become more widely used. Insulin sensitivity refers to how your body responds to the insulin hormone that helps regulate blood sugar.

"The body only uses a small amount of insulin to move glucose, or sugar, into our muscles and tissues," states Dr. Yasika Garcia, MD, a board-certified endocrinologist with Medical Offices of Manhattan and a labfinder.com contributor. "Low insulin sensitivity, also called insulin resistance, means the cells stop responding well to insulin, so the pancreas needs to produce higher amounts of insulin to keep blood sugar normal."

Insulin resistance can lead to elevated blood sugar, weight gain and type 2 diabetes over time.

Yet, insulin resistance is manageable, and catching it before you develop type 2 diabetes lets you make lifestyle changes.

Maybe the increased awareness of the importance of insulin sensitivity is a product of the growing awareness and accessibility of GLP-1s like Ozempic, which can help improve blood sugar levels and support weight loss. Great as GLP-1s are for the right people, endocrinologists are begging people not to forget about the role diet can play in their metabolic health. Some foods can support insulin sensitivity, while others can set you back if you eat them regularly.

"After we eat, insulin gets released from the pancreas, which allows our cells to capture glucose from the bloodstream and convert it into fuel," Dr. Garcia notes, adding, "This means food intake is not just about calories. Food quality matters as it's translated into information for our hormones. Insulin is one of the biggest hormone messengers in our body, so what we eat has a powerful effect on our health."

What qualifies as a high-quality food? Three endocrinologists agree that there's one food type in particular that can support insulin sensitivity as you age. And it's one that too many people skip.

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The One Food Type That Supports Insulin Sensitivity as You Age, Endocrinologists Say

Natalia Gdovskaia/Getty Images

Plant-based, fiber-rich foods can support insulin sensitivity, according to endocrinologists.

Research, including a 2024 Frontiers in Nutrition review of clinical trials, also suggests that eating more fiber can improve blood sugar, gut function and metabolic health. How, you ask? For starters, one endocrinologist explains that fiber helps prevent or delay the absorption of carbohydrates and slows digestion.

"If the sugars are slowly absorbed, then there is less insulin needed at one time," says Dr. Jennifer Cheng, DO, the chief of endocrinology at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center. "Slower digestion can also mean fewer cravings and a feeling of fullness longer.  It can reduce cravings for sugar snacks later and potentially prevent overeating and weight gain that can cause more insulin resistance."

Plus, research suggests that fiber matters for your gut health, which can actually also impact your blood sugar and risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

"Certain types of fiber can also feed good gut bacteria, improving digestion and reducing inflammation," Dr. Garcia states. "Less inflammation means improved insulin sensitivity."

Yet, only about 5% of Americans meet their daily fiber needs. It's tempting to reach for something, like a bar, to quickly increase your fiber intake, given how hectic our daily lives can be. However, that brings us to the plant-based portion of endocrinologists' recommendations.

"Whole plant food delivers fiber alongside phytochemicals, polyphenols, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants," states Dr. Israa Ali, MD, ABOM, an assistant professor of internal medicine in UTMB's Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Collectively, all of the above improve your metabolic health. As for processed bars? "Processed high-fiber snacks frequently contain sugars, refined carbohydrates and saturated fats that counteract fiber's benefits," Dr. Ali warns.

To increase your intake of plant-based, fiber-rich foods to support your insulin sensitivity, she suggests loading up on:

• Whole grains
• Legumes (especially soybeans and chickpeas)
• Nuts, green
• Leafy vegetables
• Specific fruits, like blueberries, grapes and apples

Dr. Garcia doles out bonus points for trying legumes. "They're also packed with protein for a perfect match.".

Related: ‘I’m an Endocrinologist, and This Is Hands-Down the Best Type of Tea for Blood Sugar’

Other Ways To Improve Insulin Sensitivity

Eating more plant-based, fiber-rich food is an excellent way to improve your insulin sensitivity. However, there are no magic, singular solutions. Instead, endocrinologists recommend taking a balanced approach to boosting your metabolic health. Their top tips include:

• Limit certain foods and drinks. Dr. Garcia advises people to minimize or nix sugary drinks (including sweetened coffee), fried foods, processed meats, and snacks. These foods are high in sugar and saturated fat, which can spike insulin levels and lead to weight and body fat gains that don't do your metabolic health any good.
• Log regular physical activity. Dr. Ali says that moving your body can assist with insulin sensitivity, even without weight loss. She recommends combining aerobic and resistance training. She adds that movement snacks, such as doing calf raises and squats to avoid prolonged sitting, can also better your glucose metabolism.
• Pay attention to meal timing. Aligning your eating patterns with your circadian rhythm can affect your pancreatic function and hormone secretion. A 2025 Nutrients review supports this idea. Dr. Ali suggests, "eating most calories and carbohydrates at lunch and early afternoon, avoiding late evening dinner and maintaining consistent meal timing."

Up Next:

Related: The One Food an Endocrinologist Is Begging People Over 50 To Add to Their Diet

Sources:

• Dr. Jennifer Cheng, DO, the chief of endocrinology at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center
• Dr. Yasika Garcia, MD, a board-certified endocrinologist with Medical Offices of Manhattan and a labfinder.com contributor
• Dr. Israa Ali, MD, ABOM, an assistant professor of internal medicine in UTMB's Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Dietary fiber influence on overall health, with an emphasis on CVD, diabetes, obesity, colon cancer, and inflammation. Frontiers in Nutrition.
• Closing America’s Fiber Intake Gap. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine.
• Gut microbiome regulates inflammation and insulin resistance: a novel therapeutic target to improve insulin sensitivity. Nature.
• Chrononutrition and Energy Balance: How Meal Timing and Circadian Rhythms Shape Weight Regulation and Metabolic Health. Nutrients.

More often than not, most former and contemporary Saturday Night Live cast members shy away from naming their least favorite guest hosts on the show.

But if there's one star who's earned an unfortunate reputation for the worst SNL guest to ever appear in the series, it's the influential '90s action star, Steven Seagal, a celebrity Lorne Michaels himself singled out as the worst host in Saturday Night Live's 50-year history.

According to SlashFilm, Michaels' comments came during an episode of Saturday Night Live in 1992 when then-host Nicolas Cage wondered aloud if he was "the biggest jerk who's ever been on the show."

In response, Saturday Night Live's creator reassured Cage by saying, "No, no. That would be Steven Seagal." 

Michaels' assessment of Seagal's disastrous one-time stint as SNL guest host goes hand in hand with many different cast members' similarly dismissive attitude towards Seagal.

According to multiple cast members who worked at SNL at the time, Seagal's proposed ideas for sketches mostly involved him beating up various stunt doubles, seemingly illustrating his on-screen tough guy persona.

"When we pitched some of our ideas for Seagal at our Monday meeting, he gave us some of his own sketch ideas," cast member Julia Sweeney remembered. "And some of his sketch ideas were so heinous, so hilariously awful, it was like we were on Candid Camera."

David Spade echoed Sweeney's sentiments, stating, "A lot of people think we're there to make fun of them. But if we're getting you on the show to host, we all want it to work. And if you make fun of yourself — this is where it gets tricky — if you make fun of yourself, it will benefit you. And if you don't, and if you fight it so much — that was [Seagal]. He was too cool and had his image."

"He just wasn't funny and he was very critical of the cast and the writing staff," Tim Meadows said of Seagal. "He didn't realize that you can't tell somebody they're stupid on Wednesday and expect them to continue writing for you on Saturday." 

Dr Pepper fans have been begging for a particular Dippin' Dots collab since it was first unveiled months ago, and now, we've finally received confirmation that it's available.

On Thursday, the iconic ice cream treat brand revealed its Dr Pepper-flavored beads are officially ready for fans to enjoy and finding the new flavor will be much easier than some may expect (because, as it turns out, you don't actually have to travel to a theme park to enjoy Dippin' Dots!).

"This is a collaboration fans have been asking for, and we’re thrilled to deliver," Kimmra Hingher, vice president of marketing at Dippin’ Dots, shared in a Feb. 5 press release. "Dr Pepper has one of the most recognizable flavors in the world, and bringing it to Dippin’ Dots creates a fun, craveable experience that feels authentic to both brands."

New Dr Pepper Dippin' Dots Flavor Is Officially Available

According to the official announcement, the new Dippin' Dots flavor brings reimagines Dr Pepper's signature blend of 23 flavors as pearl-sized ice cream beads and delivers "a nostalgic yet unexpected way" for fans to enjoy the beloved soft drink.

The Dr Pepper collab is available as part of the beaded ice cream brand's "core lineup," which is huge because it suggests the collab won't just disappear and is sticking around for some time unlike other standout Dr Pepper collaborations that have been released as limited-time offers or seasonal specials (such as the controversial Dr Pepper-flavored Johnsville Sausage and the more popular soda-flavored Peeps).

Related: Dr Pepper Launches New Merch, Exclusive Store: ‘A Fresh Take’

The new Dippin' Dots flavor appears to be setting a new standard, though, as early taste-testers all agree, calling it "some of the best" Dippin' Dots that they've "ever had," declaring the collaborative release "so delicious!"

Dr Pepper-flavored Dippin' Dots.

Dippin' Dots

It also marks Dippin’ Dots’ first major brand collaboration and reflects its focus on innovation, which the company said is driven by consumer demand and "culturally iconic flavors."

Related: Dr Pepper Teases New Sweet Treat and Fans Say It's ‘Not a Want But a Need’

"Dr Pepper stands apart because of its bold and unique flavor," Brad Rakes, vice president of brand marketing at Dr Pepper, added in a statement. "Teaming up with Dippin’ Dots gives fans an innovative way to enjoy the taste they love while celebrating the originality at the heart of both brands."

Fans looking to get ahold of the newly released, highly anticipated flavor have a few options, including buying it online directly via the Dippin' Dots website. The brand currently delivers party-sized bags (which include one bulk bag of Dippin’ Dots plus 30 plastic spoons and 30 plastic cups) for $74.95 and pre-measured single-serve cups, available in quantities of five, 10, or 15, priced at $3.99 per cup.

Dippin' Dots' new Dr Pepper flavor is also available nationwide at Dippin’ Dots locations, as well as at destinations such as theme parks and family entertainment centers, as well as select national retailers (prices may vary), according to the official announcement. To find it locally, refer to Dippin' Dots' official product locator.

Next: Coca-Cola’s ‘Nostalgic’ New Flavor Launches This Month

This month started off on quite the shocking note with the news of the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother to Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie: The 84-year-old, who was last seen on the evening of January 31, remains missing following her reported abduction from her Tucson, Arizona home.

In the days since, Guthrie has understandably stepped down from her planned coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics to be with her family and aid with the search (the anchor's Olympics replacement has officially been announced), with the TV star's Today family hosting a prayer vigil for her mother's safe return. There have also been swirling reports connected to the ongoing case, from alleged ransom notes to potential involvement from Guthrie's own family members.

In the midst of those rumors and reveals is Ashleigh Banfield, a news personality who added to the media storm with her own shocking claims about the elder Guthrie's whereabouts. So who is Ashleigh Banfield? Here's everything we know about her and what she said about the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case.

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Who is Ashleigh Banfield?

Ashleigh Banfield is a Canadian-American journalist and television host best-known for her work on the NewsNation network — especially her nightly news program Banfield, which ran on the channel from March 1, 2021, through January 16, 2026 — as well as her hosting gigs on CNN programs such as Legal View with Ashleigh Banfield and Early Start.

Across her television work, the 58-year-old Winnipeg native has specialized in legal and crime-focused news, most recently via her true-crime podcast Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield. "This is the podcast where I take you on a journey through mystery and injustice...and dive deep into critical clues, with an irreverent style that I don’t share on TV!" the host said of the project.

Where has Ashleigh Banfield worked?

Along with her aforementioned series, Banfield has worked for several major television networks as a journalist and TV host, including CNN, MSNBC, ABC News, HLN and Court TV (now known as TruTV). She most recently worked for NewsNation. Her career coverage has spanned on-the-ground reporting for global events, from the September 11 attacks to the War on Terror, to high-profile legal trials.

What is Ashleigh Banfield doing now?

Banfield's NewsNation primetime show, the fittingly titled Banfield, ended its run in January 2026 reportedly due to its host wanting to have more time to focus on her Drop Dead Serious podcast and digital content. She still remains a contributor to the network for trials and investigations.

The media personality launched Drop Dead Serious in January 2025; she puts out new episodes weekly.

Journalist Ashleigh Banfield attends CNN Heroes 2017 at the American Museum of Natural History on December 17, 2017 in New York City

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Does Ashleigh Banfield have a law degree?

No, despite her interest in and experience covering legal cases, Ashleigh Banfield does not have a law degree. Rather, she holds a bachelor's degree in political science and French from Queen's University in Ontario, having graduated in 1988. She did, however, earn a Journalism Law School fellowship from Loyola Law School in California in 2009.

Is Ashleigh Banfield married?

Yes, Ashleigh Banfield is currently married to sales executive Chris Haynor; after three years together, the couple wed on December 29, 2017 — Banfield's 50th birthday — at the Hermitage Club ski lodge in Wilmington, Vermont. Banfield was previously married to real estate financier Howard Gould from 2004 to 2011.

Does Ashleigh Banfield have kids?

The true-crime reporter shares two sons, Jay Fischer and Ridley, with her ex-husband Howard Gould. Per PEOPLE, Banfield previously detailed how motherhood changed her life following the birth of her first son: "Fischer is magic. No amount of traipsing through Baghdad or Afghanistan can give me what he gives me.

What cases has Ashleigh Banfield cracked?

Seeing as how Banfield isn't law enforcement, she hasn't "cracked" cases per se, but she has covered several extensively. Along with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie this year, some recent investigations have included that of "doomsday mom" Elleshia Anne Seymour, the murder of Ohio couple Monique and Spencer Tepe, and the double murder plot of Virginia IRS agent Brendan Banfield (no relation).

Australian-born presenter, Savannah Guthrie poses alongside her mother Nancy Guthrie during a production break whilst hosting NBC's "Today Show" live from Australia at Sydney Opera House on May 4, 2015 in Sydney, Australia.

Don Arnold/WireImage

What did Ashleigh Banfield say about Nancy Guthrie?

It was on the Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield podcast that the veteran journalist made controversial claims about Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. On February 3, Banfield weighed in on the disturbing case and reported that a high-level source in law enforcement told her that Tommaso Cioni, husband of Nancy Guthrie's daughter Annie Guthrie and brother-in-law of Savannah Guthrie, was involved in Nancy's kidnapping.

“There is some connection to Annie Guthrie’s car and Nancy Guthrie’s son-in-law, that would be Annie’s husband, Tommaso Cioni, age 50, from Tucson, Arizona, married to Annie P. Guthrie, Savannah’s sister,” Banfield explained. “And, my law enforcement source tells me that Tommaso Cioni is the prime suspect in this case.”

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department pushed back on Banfield's reporting, saying that investigators had not yet identified a suspect or person of interest in the case. However, Banfield doubled down on her podcast claims, appearing on The Ryan Gorman Show podcast on Wednesday, February 4 to discuss her "exclusive reporting" on the case. "I know that the sheriff is pushing back today and they haven't named publicly a person of interest. But that doesn't mean that within the departments, all of the departments that are working on this, that that's not who they may be looking at this time," she explained.

The journalist did add that police are continuing to investigate potential suspects and leads before making any arrest. "So just the fact that somebody has targeted or thinks someone may be a prime suspect does not mean there's going to be an arrest that's imminent," she said.

Next: Savannah Guthrie’s Sister Annie & Brother-in-Law Tommaso Cioni Spotted for First Time Since Mom Nancy’s Abduction

Two years ago, we watched Charlie Davis be the stability in one of the most chaotic seasons in recent memory, culminating in a last-minute loss at the hands of his closest ally. Though he's regarded as one of the best strategists of the new era, the 27-year-old is not the only one out here part of the Tortured Finalists Department, something he hopes will mask his threat level. Like his oft-mentioned favorite artist, Charlie is happy to move on from a broken relationship, hoping to find a new number one to go long with. And he already has a couple of "mama bear" types he's looking to run it back with, hoping their alliance can be more "Down Bad" and less "Ruin the Friendship."

Read on for my interview with Charlie, and check in with Parade daily for interviews with this season's contestants and other tidbits. Survivor 50 premieres on Feb. 25 with a three-hour episode on CBS.

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Survivor 50 interview with Charlie Davis

The last time we talked out here, you were a law student. Now, you're a law school grad. What have the past couple of years been like for you?
Studying for the bar exam. Passed the bar exam. Now a full-time lawyer. So yeah, law student, no more. So now I'm in that scary club of actual lawyer Survivor players. I can't lie about it, disaster. Let's actually hope it's not disaster, because who knows it could be?

And then you got to add another job to your resume by being the cohost of "On Fire" for Survivor 47! I'm actually curious about that. Did getting to analyze the game from that perspective give you any new insight into the show?
What I liked about it is it was so revealing in terms of how a massive production like this works. I don't think it's given me any sort of strategy or game advantage, because — you know, you're on podcasts all the time. You talk about strategy, you give your two cents and you move on. It's like every single person out here has done that, maybe except the two mysterious 49ers who haven't hit the podcast 30 yet. Although who knows, maybe they are podcast hosts. Who's to say? So I don't think it gives me any sort of advantage strategically or whatever, over someone who does RHAP all the time or what have you. But it was awesome. I mean, I don't want to undersell that part of it. I loved doing that podcast. It was so cool just to hang with Jeff for an hour every week. It was dope.

Coming into this season, for you, it's all about Reputation. You have been regarded as arguably the most "robbed" finalist in the new era. 
I'll take it, sure!

So is that a perception you want to steer into? Are you going to try to mitigate it?
Honestly, I'm not super focused on mitigating that perception. Everybody here has made Final Tribal Council or fourth place or something really, really close to winning. So it's not like that is setting me leagues above the rest of the field. It's not like a pre-mergers versus finalist season or something, and I'd be scared for that reason. There's winners on this beach. There's people who have multiple times, gotten very close to the end, to winning the game. So I think I blend in fairly well. So I'm not looking to play like a super threat level managed game this time around. I don't think I need to. Plus, I think it's a selling point, honestly, that I played a pretty smart game. I played a good game. I was, for the most part, a pretty good ally to the people I was working with. So hopefully that's something that gets me some alliances here.

When you and I spoke the day after your finale, you had said that you had actually understated parts of your Final Tribal Council answers to not come across as cocky to the jury. Now that you saw how the final result bore out, does that knowledge change the way you're approaching the endgame at all?
100%. Huge lesson learned in that you can't leave so much work for Final Tribal Council. You've got to give something beforehand, something to let people ruminate on and think about and get you in their heads and in their mouths to the other jurors in a good way before Final Tribal. Because, listen, as much as all the jurors are like, "My mind is totally not made up. I could vote for anyone tonight." That's bulls—t. That is such bulls—t. Yes, you can change people's minds at Final Tribal, but people have an idea of who they're going to vote for when they come in. You have to do a little work for yourself before you get there.

I do have to ask, does how things went down with Maria change the way you're approaching finding a number one ally out here?
I don't know, do you think I'm cursed? [Laughs.] Well, here's the thing, I like to play with a strong duo. I like a strong alliance partner. I think that's what I'm going to gravitate towards again. I think everyone likes that; who doesn't like to have a number one ally? It's nice to have someone who you can trust wholeheartedly. You think it becomes a lot harder in a returnee season where you might end up on a starting tribe with someone and have a great connection. And all of a sudden. you merge, and then they get someone who they've known for decades next to them. It's like, are you their number one anymore? Maybe not. So it is tricky. But I don't know how else to play. You always figure something out. But I really want to play with a tight alliance again. And just hope it doesn't go terribly wrong. [Laughs.]

Well. Let's start going through the catalog, then!
Sure, let's go shopping!

We're gonna play a game called "Friend or Foe." I'm going to give you a name of someone on the cast, and you have to tell me if they're someone you want to work with, or someone you see as an enemy or threat.Starting with Jenna.
I like to think Friend. I don't know her at all. I don't know Jenna at all; she might not know me at all. But I think she's smart, she's witty, she's fun, and that's really all I need to have someone fun to play the game with. And, yeah, I think she'd be awesome. And plus, she from Season 1. That'd be awesome work from someone from the OG season. So, yeah, she's a friend.

Colby.
I might say Foe. I hope it's not a physical fight because he's bigger than me. He's huge! Colby's huge! He's bigger than he was when he was on 20. What the hell happened?! But here's the thing with Colby. I could see myself working with Colby. It's not like I want to target him. But I think he is going to have a healthy fear of the new era/general "strategist" genre of player. I can see him being real shifty about anyone who remotely fits that build, which I probably do. So I could see us working together. But ultimately, I think he's somebody who's going to choose a lot of other players over me.

Stephenie.
I put her in a similar boat to Colby. Also, they played together on Heroes vs. Villains. I think they were allies on Heroes vs. Villains. I could see them getting together and getting on the same page. But Palau is also one of my favorite seasons, and Stephenie's a big part of Palau. I mean, she's a badass. It would be fun to work with her, too. Can I give her "froe"?

Absolutely! Put a third category in there. How about Cirie?
I'm going with Friend for Cirie. I think she's someone I could really click with. I mean, talk about a smart ally. Not much better you can do than Cirie Fields. So yeah, I could definitely see myself working with her. I think it's gonna be interesting to see how she's able to navigate this premerge. 

This is just me totally hypothesizing, I don't know. But there's 24 people out here. We're playing a 26-day season. I have to imagine we're still gonna merge around 12 people. So that means we have to get rid of 12 people in the pre-merge, which is like over double what a new era season is. So I am worried that challenge ability could be like the biggest determinant in the pre-merge. And hey, I don't know what Cirie has been up to workout-wise, so I don't want to make too many assumptions. But she's never sold herself as being a challenge beast ever. So I would be surprised if that's changed. So working with her early could be tough. But tough's sometimes fun too. I would really like to work with her. 

Related: Meet the Full Cast of Survivor 50

Ozzy.
[Pause.] I feel like that could be Foe. And that's just my gut, that Ozzy could be a foe of mine. I am very curious to see what he does. I think he's played four times already, and I think he plays a somewhat similar game every time. He slides into his provider role, into being the jungle boy. And I think that that's had diminishing returns for him over time. And I don't know what that's going to make him want to do when he comes back again. But he also has so many connections with different players, so he's gonna be a tricky one. 

How about Coach?
I'm gonna go Friend just because, oh man, he just seems like, like a crazy awesome uncle. I would love to get a nickname and to feel like I'm in a fantasy novel playing Survivor with Coach. I don't know what it would be, but I'm sure he'd come up with something good.

What about Aubry? Someone who had a similarly controversial runner-up finish.
Yeah, I think we're talked about in a lot of similar ways. So I'm gonna say Friend, I think we could get along well. But she's another one that — this isn't supposed to be a slight to Aubry. Obviously, she's a bona fide Survivor great, but I mean, the last time she played, it did not go well at all. Went really, really poorly. So that's something that I think could be a shock to a player's system, and I don't know what she's gonna do out again. Now, granted, different group of people; it's not newbies like she had on Edge, so I don't know. I'll say Friend for now. I'm sure Q said Foe, though. [Laughs.]

Chrissy.
Friend. Just right off the bat. I could see myself working great with Chrissy. She's intense in a fun way, really great at challenges, super smart. I feel like we come from a similar employment background. She's got the actuary life. We're both in "desk job America." We kind of get that too.

Angelina.
Friend! Oh my gosh, it would be so fun to play with Angelina. I was just re-watching David vs. Goliath, like a couple of episodes, and I just think she's awesome. Makes great TV, and also someone who I think could maybe slide under the radar a bit out here, because she is really smart. But I don't know if you watched her season if the overarching takeaway you'd have from Angelina is that she's smart, even though she obviously is right. So, yeah, great to work with her. 

Christian. 
I'll go Friend as well. I mean, he's just so damn charming, and maybe that's a problem. But  he's one of those people [where] I look at them and I don't want to vote him out. He's Christian! And some people just have that energy. It's powerful. And he's very potent with that. 

Mike.
Friend. I just think he's a cool guy, and that's something that's really exciting to me. And this is a lot of people, because a lot of people, I only know them from the TV show Survivor, right? But he's beyond just being a Survivor player. He's like a true A-list celebrity, and he's out here, and I think that's such an interesting way to move about the world. And I mean, what is Suvivor if not a chance to really get to know someone deeply? So that would be awesome to just get to shoot the s—t with Mike White. What the hell!

Rick.
There's something that tells me that me and Rick Devens might be Foes, which may be unexpected. I don't know what it is about Rick. A little bit of pregame vibes I'm getting that for him. He does a lot of heavy looks, big smiles, and that's just not how I like to operate in pregame. I'm a rule follower. I just like to keep my head down. I don't want to feel like I have to perform a certain way because you're showing me a certain thing. And then if I see you doing that to everyone, it gives me the heebie-jeebies. So right now, it's a cautious Foe for Rick, but we'll see.

Charlie Davis on 'Survivor 50'

Robert Voets/CBS

Let's move into the New Era. Jonathan.
Well, first of all, I'd love it if he was on my tribe. That'd be the freaking best. Please, please put Jonathan on my tribe. But aside from that, I could see us being Foes. I think he's going to be tight with old schoolers who I also might have a hard time getting to trust me. I think he's gonna slide right in with Colby, Stephenie, I don't know who else. I think he's gonna be right tight in there. I think he's a trickier player than people give him credit for. I mean, he was working with Omar and Maryanne on Season 42. He knows how to play the game for sure. So I think he could be dangerous for me if he's whispering in the wrong ears, but it'd be a great ally to keep around if we want to win. Although I don't know, if you come for me, I guess we can lose a couple of challenges by getting rid of Jonathan.

How about Dee?
Friend. She's probably one of the people I am closer with just outside the game. It's that "On Fire" solidarity. But hey, I gave Devens Foe! Equally balanced. Dee's just awesome. She says what she thinks, but she's not reckless with her words. She's smart, she's calculated. I think she'd be a great ally. The one thing with Dee is something I noticed is — and it's a powerful gift for these shows. But she says things with such authority and clarity that you can't help but completely agree. Even though I'm like, "Well, I don't totally think the same way as that," I'm also like, "Yeah! Wait, s—t, no, no, no, no, no." So I don't know. I think she's gonna be dangerous in the game of Survivor. But I love her to death outside the game, and I'd love to work with her. I don't think she's coming for me. I think, if anything, she's probably looking for allies, being one of two confirmed winners.

Emily.
I'll go Friend as well. I just get good vibes from her. I hope she brings some of that fire from her first minutes of 45. That's the Emily Flippen I'd like to see, and I'd like to work with. So yeah, I especially if it's that version that that'd be a friend, that'd be really fun.

Now we open the Pandora's Box of Survivor 46. What are you thinking about Q right now?
I have no f—king clue. I don't know. Him and me are buddies outside the game. We sometimes play Call of Duty together. But I mean, he's Q! Need more be said? I don't know where his head is at. And in our season, we had mixed history. He was doing God knows what in the early merge, then tried to quit the game. And then I sort of worked with him, but basically just used him as a smoke screen for every blindside post-merge. Then he tried to vote me out. I voted him out. He didn't vote for me at the end. And he's Q! Who knows what is in his head right now, what he's planning, if he's gonna play Sardines this time as a reason to vote someone out.

"Packed in too tight. Big mistake!"
God, seriously. So he's an enigma. I gotta say, I like working with Q because he's funny as hell and he's entertaining, and he's really a charming guy to the core and smart. But I think he could flip on me a drop of a dime.

How about Tiffany?
I would love to work with Tiffany. Obviously, it's just dangerous being super close to someone from your season. And I'm close with Tiffany outside the game. Not super close; we don't talk all the time or anything. But I consider her a friend, and I think we got super close to really working together on 46. I think had we been on a starting tribe together, we definitely would have. She's got a great mind for the game. She's really fun, she's charismatic, she'll say what needs to be said in a really awesome way a lot of the time. 

But again, I voted her out. She didn't vote for me to win. She was probably the reason that Kenzie won. Really advocated for her on the jury. Not that she trashed me or anything, but sure as hell didn't help my game. So yeah, there's stuff there. And I'm sure both of them are thinking, "Charlie beat us last time. I'd like to get a leg up on him second time around." That's what I'd be thinking if I were them.

Related: The 50 Best ‘Survivor’ Challenges Ever — According to the People Who Made Them (Exclusive)

Genevieve.
That's a Friend. Fellow lawyer, the Esquires. She's someone who I would totally mesh with.

Let's talk about another fellow Esquire. Kyle.
I feel bad for Kyle. The last thing anyone saw was Kyle win a million dollars. It was a couple days ago, so that's gonna be tricky to navigate. But Kyle's also a big, athletic dude. They do pretty well premerge usually. So we'll see if hecan find some footing. But I've met him a couple times. We've got a lot of things in common, beyond being lawyers. So I mean, I would definitely consider him a Friend, and I want to be friends with him. But he could be marked for death out here. We'll see. 

Whenever there's someone who is, I'll say, a big target, that's always an opportunity. If anything Season 46 taught me, it's always an opportunity. Those people are desperate, and they'll be used how you want to use them and hopefully be loyal. Although there are a lot of smart players out here, too, who could rat you out to the people who used to be targeting them, whatever it may be.

What about Joe? Because he's coming in a bit similar to you, as someone who seemingly had the wind in their sails going into Day 26, but ultimately lost the game.
True. I think Joe's an awesome guy, and I'm excited to see his social game on display. I think he's just a good, solid, dependable dude. But you know who I bet is trying to scoop him up? The old school people I was talking about before. They probably are looking at him as the only person from the new era that they're gonna be like, "Oh, he thinks like us." So that might be a reason to target him. I don't plan on playing an honor and integrity game. I'll be loyal to my people. But we'll do what needs to be done. I'll lie to whoever to get myself further and get my people further. So that's the thing. The straight shooters, they can be dangerous if they get momentum. Because that becomes a basically uncrackable egg if they get enough numbers and enough people who are like, "Well, I'm just gonna take this easy train to the end of the game."

Kamilla.
She's tricky. I mean, she billed herself with someone who loves to run people over with buses, and I'm just a lowly pedestrian. I do not want to get hit by a bus.

You get the right of way, technically.
[Laughs.] Exactly! So yeah, she's really tricky. I think she's another person, especially with Kyle here, who's coming in with a big target. And I mean, what they were able to do, which, allegedly, basically having a 10-second chat, like every right here and there, and able to run the game like that, that's scary. Sso even if she's talking to me all the time, all she needs is 10 seconds with another person and that's her actual number one. That would be really tough to get over when you're thinking about, "Is this person really on my side?"

Any thoughts on the 49 players?
They're mystery entities, which is saying a lot in and of itself. This "RizGod character," that's the one thing I remember from their trailer is this guy is like, "The man, the myth, the legend, RizGod." But I can see myself getting along with him. I have a hypothesis, and maybe this isn't true, but I think he's a cross-country runner, nerd guy. He just gives me those vibes. I see him in his outfit, and he's got like a polo and khaki shorts, and just kind of has that awkward energy about him. And I can just picture guys who are on my old high school cross country team who would call themselves "RizGod" and be the opposite of "RizGod." But it would be hilarious, and they'd be very endearing. 

So I don't know, I could see myself getting along with him. But also, it adds a whole new level of intensity and complexity of the game. Because we can't lose to someone named "RizGod." Are you kidding me?! That's my worst nightmare! RizGod beats me. So it's just doubly bad. So I don't know, man. He could be some, you know, strategic savant. He could be the next coming of Russell Hantz, so I don't know. And then Savannah is the other 49er. Part of me thinks that one of them probably won. So we'll see what information comes out, hopefully in not too long.

Which previous player do you wish were out here on the island with you right now?
I mean, there's so many, which is why I do not envy the people who had to make the final casting decisions. I mean, I would love it if Carolyn were out here. I mean, Survivor is all about getting to know really interesting people. And she's probably one of the most interesting people on the planet. It would probably be like a big challenge, potentially, playing with her. I don't know if she would like me at all. But I just think it'd be so fun to hang out with her. I would love to play with her.

Finally, what celebrity or fictional character would you bring out for a Loved Ones visit? Last time we did this, you said Taylor Swift. Are you changing your tune at all?
It's great when we have a real celebrity out here. So maybe he would have been some people's answer. I mean, if anything, just with the line of, "Get me on The White Lotus." A second celebrity I'm gonna go with is "Big Papi," David Ortiz. He's one of my OG sports heroes. I had a fathead of him on my ceiling. So many great memories watching Big Papi growing up. He's just a really funny guy. 

One of my favorite moments ever is in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing. He got out at Fenway, he was on the mic, and he goes, "This is our f—king city." And that gives me goosebumps every single time I think about it. It was such a horrible but unifying time for the city of Boston. And he's like a hero of heroes in Boston. That moment was like straight electricity through my whole body. I was so freaking hyped up when I saw him say that. So I want him out here. I want to hang out with Big Papi.

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Surprising details are emerging abot some of our favorite characters on The Pitt. Javadi (Shabana Azeez) has been moonlighting as a pseudo-influencer, having gone viral on social media. McKay (Fiona Dourif) may be checking out of her shift at the end of the season with a date in tow. But the biggest shock came from Langdon (Patrick Ball) and Donnie (Brandon Mendez Homer) realizing that a patient may have actually brought MRSA into the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center.

What will happen this week on The Pitt Season 2? Here's everything you need to know about the new episode airing tonight.

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When does The Pitt Season 2, Episode 5 come out?

Season 2, Episode 5 of The Pitt will air on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

What time does The Pitt Season 2, Episode 5 air tonight?

As per usual, new episodes of The Pitt will drop at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Related: ‘The Pitt’: What Is Worse Than MRSA? Dr. Langdon’s Latest Patient Diagnosis, Explained

What will happen in The Pitt Season 2, Episode 5 tonight?

The biggest thing that needs to be addressed is the end of last episode, which revealed that a patient who was initially diagnosed with cellulitis has returned, possibly with a case of MRSA. Considering how serious that is for both treatment and contamination within the hospital, it should stop Robby (Noah Wyle) and the others in their tracks to treat. There's also that nagging matter of Louie's (Ernest Harden Jr.) toothache, which Whitaker (Gerran Howell) has been unable to address due to the number of other concerns.

Related: Who Is Kylie on ‘The Pitt’? This Familiar Face Played 2 Different Characters in the One Chicago Universe

What is The Pitt Season 2 release schedule?

Here is the release schedule for the rest of The Pitt Season 2.

Episode 5: Feb. 5Episode 6: Feb. 12Episode 7: Feb. 19Episode 8: Feb. 26Episode 9: March 5Episode 10: March 12Episode 11: March 19Episode 12: March 26Episode 13: April 2Episode 14: April 9Episode 15: April 16

Related: Emmy Winner 'The Pitt' Returns for Season 2: What to Know

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has just announced a $50,000 reward in the Nancy Guthrie case.

During a press conference on Thursday, Feb. 5, FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke said a $50,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to Nancy or the arrest of her captor.

Nancy has been missing since the early morning hours of Sunday, Feb. 1 after being abducted from her Tuscon-area home.

Janke also said they are aware and investigating alleged ransom notes, and one arrest has already been made for a fake ransom demand.

On Wednesday, Feb. 4, Nancy's children Savannah, Annie, and Camron released a video asking for proof of life, noting they were "ready to talk" to their mother's abductor. The following day, Camron released a video of his own pleading with the kidnapper.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos also reiterated that the police department has not identified a suspect or person of interest in this case. He also repeated that be believes Nancy is “alive” though several days have passed since she was first reported missing.

Nanos also confirmed during the press conference that blood photographed outside the home has been tested for DNA, and it came back positive for Nancy.

RELATED: Sheriff Says He Believes Savannah Guthrie’s Mom Nancy Is ‘Alive’

The FBI is working on the case and urges anyone with tips or leads to call 1-800-CALL-FBI in addition to the Pima County Sheriff’s Office number, 520-351-4900. 

Nancy Guthrie is described as 5-foot-5 and 150 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.

Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie's mom, Nancy Guthrie, remains missing, and the FBI recently made an arrest after receiving a fake ransom note.

On Thursday, Feb. 5, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanosheld a press conference to share the latest information about the 84-year-old's missing person case after she was abducted from her home in Tucson, Ariz.

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During the news conference, Heith Janke, FBI Phoenix's special agent in charge, confirmed that one arrest was made regarding an "imposter" ransom note. The FBI is now offering a $50,000 award for information that will help find Nancy.

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Related: Savannah Guthrie’s Sister Annie & Brother-in-Law Tommaso Cioni Spotted for First Time Since Mom Nancy’s Abduction

"The one that went to the media is the one we're currently investigating and working on," Janke explained. "The imposter that I talked about—where an arrest was made early this morning, that they'll be more information—we believe there is no evidence to connect this to Nancy's case. It was someone that was trying to profit from it. A total imposter."

While speaking during the news conference, Nanos also reported that DNA testing confirmed that the blood found on the porch of Nancy's Tucson home belonged to Nancy. Additionally, Nanos reiterated that there are no suspects and no persons of interest at this time.

Meanwhile, "concerning" details from a different ransom note obtained by KOLD-TV recently emerged after Savannah and her siblings released an emotional video asking for the safe return of their mother.

View this post on Instagram

On Feb. 1, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (CSPD) launched a search for Nancy, describing her as a “vulnerable adult.” Savannah's mother was last seen on the evening of Saturday, Jan. 31, at her home. On Feb. 2, the PCSD declared her Tucson residence a crime scene, revealing later that day that Nancy was “taken” from her residence “against her will,” in the middle of the night.

By Feb. 3, law enforcement reported that blood and signs of forced entry was discovered at Nancy’s home but that DNA testing from the crime scene would take several more days. On Feb. 4, investigators returned to Nancy’s home with K9 units. An online prayer vigil for Nancy was also held on Feb. 4.

Those with any information about Nancy’s missing case are advised to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Next: Savannah Guthrie’s Mom Nancy Update: Alleged Ransom Note Reveals ‘Concerning’ Details

Out of the 11 studio albums released by Foo Fighters, there's one album that still holds its weight after 29 years. Their first full-band album that released in 1997, was ranked as one of the top Rock Albums of all time.

Last year, ShortList released its extensive 50-entry list of the best rock albums. It included obvious rock legends like Metallica, Def Leppard, The Cure, Aerosmith, and more, with Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon ranking in at No. 1.

Among the list was none other than Foo Fighters, with their album The Colour And The Shape landing the No. 48 spot. ShortList reviewed the album as "a classic record, packed full of great songs, both heavy (the peerless Everlong) and gentle (Walking After You)." They also commented, "turned out the drummer's songs were pretty good after all, then.

RELATED: Beloved Radiohead Track Gets New Life Nearly 30 Years After Its Release

The said drummer is none other than Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, with the album's creation having a unique storyline behind it, giving its ranking more significance.

The Colour and the Shape was Foo Fighters’ first full-band album, featuring guitarist Pat Smear, bassist Nate Mendel, drummer Taylor Hawkins, who replaced William Goldsmith, and Grohl on lead vocals and guitar. Smear left the band soon after due to touring exhaustion and was replaced by Gil Norton.

Grohl had previously released the 1995 self-titled debut under the Foo Fighters name, writing and recording it entirely on his own before assembling a full band.

Foo Fighters' first self-titled album was released after the demise of Nirvana, where Grohl was the lead drummer. Grohl has previously explained he did it as a cathartic experience after the death of Nirvana iconKurt Cobain.

The Colour And The Shape ended up being recognized as the Foo Fighters' debut as a full band. It became the highest-selling album of the year and 1998, with it having been nominated for Best Rock Album at the 40th Annual Grammy Awards.

"Everlong," "Monkey Wrench," and "My Poor Brain" were among the singles included in the album and helped define the post-grunge genre.

These days, we could all use an excuse to disconnect from our screens. Whether it's for just a couple of hours a day or a full unplug for weeks on end, there's nothing wrong with stepping away from our phones and spending some real quality time with loved ones.

This is where game nights come in clutch. From classic board games to long-winded card games and every elaborate puzzle in between, these timeless activities keep us engaged while bringing everyone together. And speaking of puzzles, if you're tired of pieces going missing mid-game, Aldi has the perfect solution: the Kirkton House Puzzle Storage Organizer.

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Kirkton House Puzzle Storage Organizer, $29.99 at Aldi

Aldi

This chic $30 find not only keeps all your puzzle pieces in one spot, but it also doubles as a stylish focal point on any table. Designed to hold up to 1,000 pieces across four sliding drawers, it also features a natural bamboo construction with a smooth surface for assembling puzzles off the table.

What really adds to its charm and functionality, however, are the nonslip feet and integrated swivel system. Once you're set up at the kitchen table or coffee table with friends and family, you can easily rotate the organizer in either direction, making it easy to orient the puzzle for whoever is placing the next piece.

With everything in its place and a smooth, steady rotation at your fingertips, game night becomes easier, more organized and just a little more elevated.

Related: Shoppers Are Calling Costco's 'Beautiful' Party Essential a 'Level-Up' for Your Hosting Game

Aldi

As far as the smaller details go, don't expect this Aldi find to come up short. Each of the four drawers features a rope-loop handle, while the work surface and storage surface inside the drawers provide a darker contrast to the bamboo outer edges. All details included, it turns a simple design into an elevated offering that doesn't break the bank, right in line with the type of finds we've come to expect from Aldi.

Being the kind of must-have product we've come to expect from Aldi, chances are that when it arrives on Wednesday, Feb. 11, shoppers will be turning out in droves to grab one for themselves. That said, if you do get your hands on it, avoid storing it in damp or dark spaces, and never submerge it in water to prevent warping or cracking. 

To keep the natural wood looking its best for years of game nights, a light application of wood-safe mineral oil on the outer edges will help maintain its shine. Otherwise, don't miss the chance to add this unique tool to your next game night.

While you're at it, check out Aldi's six-piece modular drawer organizer and collapsible storage trunk for more must-have home essential finds.

Related: Hobby Lobby Is Selling an Elegant Wall Mirror, and It Looks Just Like a Designer Style Over 15x the Price

Nancy Guthrie has been missing for five days.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos addressed the public on Thursday, Feb. 5 in a press conference that aired on news networks across the nation.

"Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home," Nanos said at the beginning of the press briefing. Later, when Nanos was asked if they'd received any sort of proof that Nancy is still alive, he replied, "no."

In a grim update, Nanos confirmed that the blood seen on the front stoop of Nancy's home underwent testing and it has been confirmed that it was Nancy's.

You can see here the ring camera is missing from Nancy Guthrie's front door. pic.twitter.com/2FeXhkG6fq

— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) February 3, 2026

Nanos also addressed the rumors that there is a suspect in the case.

"I know there's been a lot out there about suspects. And I want to be very clear," Nanos continued, saying that they have not identified any suspects or persons of interest in the case.

Nanos' update comes less than 24 hours after Savannah Guthrie, Annie Guthrie, and Camron Guthrie, addressed the public in an emotional video shared on Instagram.

Nanos noted that the family is "hurt" and he said that the community is "hurting with" them.

View this post on Instagram

Nancy, 84, has been missing since the weekend. Authorities say that Nancy went to dinner at her daughter Annie and her husband, Tommaso Cioni's nearby home. After dinner and a fun game night, Cioni drove Nancy home, with her garage closing around 9:50 p.m. local time. Nanos told The New York Times that Cioni drove Nancy home and made sure that she was safely inside before he left.

Authorities believe that a person or persons abducted Nancy from her home in the overnight hours.

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Target has a knack for delivering stylish home upgrades that feel designer-inspired without the designer price tag, and its lighting section is especially good at surprising shoppers. If you've been looking to warm up a space or add texture without a full renovation, the right lighting choice can do a lot of heavy lifting. Boho-inspired pieces, in particular, have become a go-to for creating cozy layered interiors, and Target shoppers are quick to notice when a standout fixture returns to shelves.

The piece drawing renewed attention is the Woven Flush Mount Ceiling Light from Threshold, designed with Studio McGee, which has been restocked at Target for $78. Made with woven wicker and finished with a scalloped rim, this flush-mount light adds an effortless bohemian feel to almost any room. The natural texture adds warmth and visual interest while still feeling neutral enough to blend with a wide range of decor styles. It's hardwired for a clean look and features a simple one-way light setting that makes it easy to use in everyday spaces.

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Woven Flush Mount Ceiling Light - Threshold Designed with Studio McGee, $78 at Target

Target

What really sets this Target lighting find apart is its versatility. Because it's a flush-mount design, it works especially well in rooms with lower ceilings where pendant lights might feel overwhelming. Shoppers say it looks just as good in a hallway or pantry as it does in an entryway or reading nook. One reviewer shared that they installed it in their pantry and loved how much character it added, while another said it completely elevated their hallway.

Related: Ikea's 'Sensational' Table Lamp Has a 'Lovely Retro Feel'

Reviews consistently praise the fixture's style-to-price ratio. "This is legit the best purchase for the cost. Obsessed with how cute it looks. So much style. Buy it," one shopper wrote. Another noted, "We love the warmth and understated elegance this lighting solution brings to our home. It is so lovely!" That warmth is key, especially if you're trying to soften modern spaces or balance out cooler finishes with something more organic.

Boho lighting like this works well layered with other natural elements such as wood furniture, linen textiles, or vintage-inspired decor. It can also act as a subtle focal point in minimalist rooms that need a bit of texture. Because it blends easily with different aesthetics, it doesn't lock you into one look, which is a big plus for renters or anyone who likes to refresh their home decor often.

If you missed this fixture the first time around, the restock is a good excuse to take another look at Target. Between its natural materials, approachable price and strong shopper reviews, it's easy to see why this Target lighting favorite keeps selling out.

Related: Target's Vibrant Boho-Chic Rug 'Warms Up the Room'

Today is officially the arrival of Nutella Day, giving fans plenty of opportunities to celebrate their favorite hazelnut-flavored spread this February.

As if regular Nutella weren't good enough on its own, the fan-favorite pretzel chain Wetzel's Pretzels has just unveiled a brand-new sweet treat that also happens to be the perfect dessert to celebrate Nutella Day.

Beginning February 2, Wetzel's Pretzels officially added the Berry Sweet Bitz made with Nutella to their store's menus. Available at select locations for a limited time this season, the Berry Sweet Bitz features bite-sized, fresh-baked pretzels served warm with a generous drizzle of Nutella and strawberry sauce.

A perfect blend between strawberry and chocolate hazelnut, it's a treat that most shoppers can heartily eat by the handful, giving customers one more reason to stop by the iconic pretzel supplier.

To coincide with the new menu item's release, Wetzel's Pretzels has also unviled a brand-new beverage in the form of their Watermelon Strawberry Lemonade with Mango Boba. A sweet, refreshing, endlessly satisfying drink that also happens to pair ridiculously well with the Berry Sweet Bitz, the new drink offers a tropical twist on classic lemonade, right down to the healthy supply of mango boba for some chewy texture.

“These new items bring a sweeter side to our menu while still staying true to what guests love about Wetzel’s,” said Sarah Curtis, Head of Marketing at Wetzel’s Pretzels, in an email press release shared with us. “​​They’re perfect for sharing — or enjoying solo — as a sweet treat throughout the season.”

As delicious as both of these items no doubt sound, it's important to note that the Berry Sweet Bitz and Watermelon Strawberry Lemonade is only available from now until May 31. With that being said, you might want to hurry up and get your order in before they're officially removed from Wetzel's Pretzel's menus!

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It's amazing what a sparkly bracelet can do for an outfit. Add it to basic jeans and a cardigan, and suddenly the entire look feels elevated. Pair it with your favorite night-out dress, and it instantly feels even more special. No matter what you have lined up for the day, the Macy's Diamond Bolo Bracelet makes a lovely finishing touch.

This elegant accent catches the eye in the best way — and has quite an impressive gleam thanks to a series of round diamonds, each weighing one-tenth of a carat. While this stunner retails for $250, it's currently marked down to just $100. That is a brilliant 60% discount on a genuine diamond bracelet that looks far more expensive than it is!

Diamond Bolo Bracelet, $100 (was $250) at Macy's

The best part? You don't have to stress about sizing. The bolo clasp makes this piece fully adjustable with a simple tug of the chain, so it is guaranteed to fit comfortably on virtually any wrist. That makes it an especially great pick for gifting, since you don't have to guess at measurements.

The diamonds themselves bring just the right amount of sparkle. They're bright and eye-catching, yet versatile enough for daily wear. Rated J-K in color, they have a soft, natural glow that looks stunning in your choice of sterling silver, yellow gold, or rose gold finishes. With a clarity rating of I2-I3, they shine beautifully to the naked eye.

With the holidays coming up, this bracelet is an obvious and thoughtful choice for someone special (and yes, that includes yourself). At this price, it has the vibe of an indulgent splurge without the sticker shock. Hundreds of Macy's shoppers have given it five stars, praising everything from the shine factor to the classic design.

"This bracelet is dainty and beautiful,” one customer wrote. “It is sparkly and just adorable! Love it!" 

Related: Macy's Has 'Gorgeous' Silver Hoop Earrings That Go With Everything on Sale for Just $12

Several people also commented on the excellent fit. "My daughter, who is very petite, always has a difficult time finding bracelets that fit her wrists. Not only is this bracelet beautiful, it fits perfectly. She loves the delicate look."

Packaged in a classy gift box, it arrives ready to present to a loved one — or to slide onto your own wrist before a Valentine's or Galentine's dinner! Pick up the timeless Diamond Bolo Bracelet from Macy's while it's 60% off — but be quick since it may not last long at such a fantastic price.

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