"The Crash" - Official Trailer - Netflix

 

A car slams into a brick building at 100 miles per hour leaving two young lives lost and one sole survivor. As detectives comb through the wreckage, what first appears to be a tragic accident begins to look like a calculated crime scene. Watch The Crash on May 15, only on Netflix.

Premiere Date: May 15, 2026

Format: Documentary Film

Synopsis: A car carrying three young adults slams into a brick building at 100 miles per hour in Strongsville, Ohio, leaving two lives lost and one sole survivor. The driver, 17-year-old Mackenzie Shirilla, was driving her boyfriend, Dom, and his friend, Davion, home from a party when the unthinkable happened. But as detectives comb through the wreckage, what first appears to be a tragic accident begins to look like a calculated crime scene. The Crash takes a deep dive into the volatile relationship at the center, examining the shifting narratives of that fateful night to explore where a fatal mistake ends and cold-blooded murder begins.

Director: Gareth Johnson

Producer: Angharad Scott

Executive Producers: Rebecca North and Jonny Taylor

Production Company: RAW (an All3Media company)

Purina Cat Chow Brings the Healing Power of Cats to College Campuses Across the Country

 

With nearly half of Americans reporting higher stress levels this year than last and 83% of Gen Z describing an unhealthy relationship with their phone, Purina Cat Chow is bringing back an evidence-based, screen-free solution directly to students who need it most. This May, Cat Chow is launching a three-city college tour of its Therapod: a mobile, phone-free experience offering participants a moment of calm through connection with certified therapy cats from leading animal therapy organization Pet Partners.

Kicking off during finals week in the spring in NYC, the tour continues at the start of a new school year in the fall in Chicago and culminates during midterms week ahead of World Mental Health Day in October in Los Angeles. After debuting in New York in 2025, the Cat Chow Therapod tour in 2026 is timed to support students across the country at some of their most stressful moments.

"Cats can be very sensitive to our emotional states, and their natural social behavior is a great fit for improving our mood," said Dr. Annie Valuska, Purina animal behaviorist. "A cat quietly resting nearby, seeking gentle physical contact or purring can help us slow down and reset. The Therapod brings that special experience directly to students – many of whom are miles from home and the pets they love."

The Mental Health Benefits of Cats
Research shows that just 10 minutes with a cat can measurably reduce cortisol, the hormone associated with stress.3 For college students navigating finals, new semesters, and life away from home, time with a therapy cat can make a meaningful difference. Pet Partners, whose certified cat therapy teams will be on-site at each stop, sees the initiative as a meaningful response to the mental health challenges students face every day.

"College students today are navigating a complex mix of academic demands, social pressures, and the near-constant stimulation of a digital world," said Taylor Chastain Griffin, PhD, National Director of AAI Advancement at Pet Partners and a trained mental health professional. "We're seeing a clear need for support strategies that are both accessible and grounded in evidence-informed practices. The Cat Chow Therapod offers students a brief but meaningful opportunity to step away, regulate their stress response, and engage in a calming interaction with a therapy cat—an experience that can support emotional well-being in a simple, approachable way."

Students can visit the Cat Chow Therapod at the following locations:

• New York City, May 6–7. 10am – 4pm ET by the New York University College of Arts & Science entrance, adjacent to Washington Square Park
• Chicago, September 16–17. At DePaul University by The Quad
• Los Angeles, October 6–7. At UCLA's Wilson Plaza, adjacent to Bruin Walk and the UCLA Store; then at Westwood Village near the main UCLA Campus

Additional Resources for Cat Owners and Animal Therapy Advocates
The Cat Chow Therapod is the centerpiece of the brand's broader Cats as Therapy (CAT) Project, launched in 2025 to promote mental well-being through the healing power of cats. Through the CAT Project, Cat Chow hopes to showcase the mental health benefits of cats and, ultimately, help more people experience them.

Those who can't visit the Cat Chow Therapod in person can explore the therapeutic benefits of feline companionship through HAPPi, a free enrichment program from Purina, at catchow.com/CATproject. HAPPi offers pet owners daily tips and activities that support the human-animal bond and encourage overall wellness.

For more information on Cat Chow or the Cats as Therapy Project, visit CatChow.com/CATProject.

KING'S HAWAIIAN AND VAN LEEUWEN JOIN FORCES TO LAUNCH FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND UBE COCONUT ICE CREAM AND ICE CREAM SANDWICH TO CELEBRATE NATIONWIDE LAUNCH OF UBE COCONUT SWEET ROLLS

 

King's Hawaiian, maker of the No. 1 dinner roll in America, is launching a first-of-its-kind collaboration with Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. To celebrate the nationwide launch of the highly anticipated Ube Coconut Sweet Rolls, the two brands have teamed up to debut an Ube Coconut ice cream and an exclusive Ube Coconut Ice Cream Sandwich, bringing together bold, island-inspired flavors in an entirely new way.

At the center of the collaboration is a custom ice cream flavor developed by Van Leeuwen. Sandwiched between King's Hawaiian's newly released signature soft, fluffy Ube Coconut Sweet Rolls, the brand-new creation delivers a vibrant, multi-sensory experience that's as visually striking as it is irresistible.

King's Hawaiian, the family owned company founded over 75 years ago at its first bakery in Hawaii, recently launched Ube Coconut Sweet Rolls to grocery retailers nationwide on April 6. Made with real ube and coconut milk, the limited-time offering blends the brand's beloved sweet rolls recipe with ube, a purple yam known for its naturally vibrant violet hue and flavor notes reminiscent of vanilla, coconut and pistachio.The national debut follows an overwhelmingly successful limited-time release in June 2025, where consumers took to social media in droves to share their love for the flavor and demand its return. Fueled by that enthusiasm and spirit of sharing island-inspired flavors, King's Hawaiian fast-tracked production to bring the fan-favorite innovation to shelves across the country.

Now, with the addition of the Ube Coconut Ice Cream Sandwich, fans can experience the flavor in an entirely new format, one that reimagines the rolls as a decadent dessert. The partnership reflects both brands' shared commitment to quality ingredients and culinary creativity, pushing boundaries while staying true to what fans love most.

The limited-edition flavor and ice cream sandwich will be available while supplies last at select Van Leeuwen scoop shops in New York, Los Angeles and Boston, offering consumers a chance to get their hands on one of the most exciting flavor collaborations of the season. Visit kingshawaiian.com/ube and vanleeuwenicecream.com to learn more.

Madison Mallards to play as The Dudes in Big Lebowksi tribute

 

The Madison [Wisconsin] Mallards, a collegiate summer level team in the Northwoods League, unveiled a head-to-toe alternate identity, The Dudes, inspired by the iconic 1998 movie The Big Lebowski. The identity features the titular character wearing his trademark bathrobe, shorts, and sandals, swinging an oversized bowling pin like a baseball bat.

The brand was created by the team’s Assistant GM Kyle Chisholm and Creative Media Manager Brent Bartels, the duo responsible for the Mallards’ Neverminds Nirvana tribute in 2025 and Chris Farley-themed Motivational Speakers alternate identity in 2024, among many others.

The alternate identity is highlighted by a uniform set that evokes The Dude’s distinctive clothing. The decision to mimic Jeff Lebowski’s wardrobe resulted in what can best be described as a non-traditional baseball uniform.

“The outfit that the Dude wears, it’s kind of a layup for one of the crazier minor league baseball uniforms that could ever be put together,” Chisholm said. “When we put baseball uniforms together, matching is always part of what you want it to look like, and nothing about the Dude screams matching or well put together. It is visually an eyesore, but it’s so iconic, it’s cool because it’s ugly looking.”

One of the questions the team has gotten since unveiling the uniforms is, are you really going to wear those pants? While the answer is a resounding yes, getting there was not easy. It’s hard to describe what the pants even are (pajamas? some kind of Zubaz?), and there are no patterns readily available to replicate. Ultimately, Bartels created vector art by tracing screen grabs from the movie.

Why did the team choose to celebrate the Coen Brothers’ classic with an alternate identity? There’s no real connection to Wisconsin in the movie. None of the actors are from Madison. The movie is not marking a round-number anniversary in 2026—The Big Lebowski was released 28 years ago. The real reason is simpler than that. “Our team president Vern [Stenman], it’s his favorite movie,” Chisholm said.

The reaction to the Lebowski-themed alternate identity highlights the staying power of a movie that is nearly three decades old. Comments on the team’s social posts have been flooded with fans sharing their favorite lines from the film (and while it is an eminently quotable movie, you’ll notice that this author has refrained from using those quotes in this article—would’ve been too easy).

“With the Dudes we’re trying to reach that broader audience,” Bartels said. “It’s really cool to see all of the comments that are like quotes from the movie, GIFs from the movie. Everyone gets to have their little piece of it, like, I have the inside information to be part of this team.”

The Dudes will take the field July 16, 2026.

JÄGERMEISTER® LAUNCHES THE DIVISION OF JÄGERMEISTER® DEDICATED TO ICE COLD SHOTS

Jägermeister has announced the launch of The Division of Jägermeister Dedicated to Ice Cold Shots (D.I.C.S.), a distinctly playful take on corporate structure that celebrates one undeniable truth: Jägermeister is best served ice cold.

Designed to solidify the brand's signature serve, D.I.C.S. rallies a growing community of fans who know that when Jägermeister hits 0°F, something special happens. It's smoother, more balanced, and made to be shared. The campaign brings that experience to life through a bold, tongue-in-cheek "corporate" world - shot entirely inside Jägermeister's actual U.S. office and featuring real employees - where the brand's dedication to delivering ice cold shots is taken to the next level.

Structured like a true organization, this totally serious division of Jägermeister is made up of distinct teams, each reinforcing the brand's commitment to the perfect ice cold experience. Research & Development prioritizes the advancement of the ritual of the perfect ice cold shot. Thermal Compliance ensures every pour meets the brand's exact temperature standards. The Doing Good branch fosters responsible enjoyment and positive community impact, while the Sports and Other Fun Stuff department focuses on bringing people together through culture, moments, and shared experiences.

"At its core, Jägermeister is about bringing people together. Whether it's the first round of the night, a spontaneous cheers, or a moment worth celebrating, ice cold shots become a shared ritual," said Cindy Wang Simms, CMO at Mast Jägermeister US. "Through this campaign we're showing our devotion to all things ice cold in a way that builds community around the ritual and creates more opportunities for people to connect, celebrate, and enjoy Jägermeister the way it was meant to be experienced."

D.I.C.S. will be brought to life through on-premise activations, influencer partnerships, paid and social-first content, and cultural moments.

The campaign invites consumers to become part of this growing community dedicated to doing things the right way. Visit the campaign website to learn more, create a custom icon showcasing a personalized D.I.C.S. title, and that's just the tip of the ice berg. A limited number of exclusive new member welcome kits will also be released to the first 1,000 who sign up.

Blending humor, lifestyle, and a bold creative lens, D.I.C.S. embraces Jägermeister's unapologetic spirit while reinforcing what consumers have known all along: the best moments start ice cold and are meant to be shared.

Mountain Dew goes patriotic: Iconic soda temporarily rebrands for America's 250th

 

• The Product: The rebrand features red, white, and blue, star-spangled packaging for original Mountain Dew, Diet, and Zero Sugar variants.
• Availability: Nationwide in 12-ounce cans and 20-ounce bottles throughout the summer of 2026, beginning around April 20.
• No Flavor Change: The formula remains the same; the change is purely in packaging.
• Sweepstakes: In honor of the 250th anniversary, the brand is giving away thousands of $250 cash prizes. Consumers can enter by scanning QR codes on the packaging between April 20 and July 11, 2026

Since 1948, Mountain Dew has been defined by a bold, unapologetic taste born in Tennessee,” said Michael Smith, vice president for Mountain Dew marketing at PepsiCo,  “An American Original – Tasting Great Since ’48 is our tribute to where we started—and to the fans who’ve carried the brand forward for nearly 80 years. American Dew is a tangible celebration of that story, created to mark this moment in a meaningful way.”

A commercial features a glimpse of the new limited-edition packaging, which replaces the word “Mountain” with “American” and features red, white and blue coloring. The limited edition packaging will be available nationwide beginning on April 20. 

This Teacher Appreciation Week Fireball Whisky Gives New Meaning to "Core Curriculum" with Blazin' Apple Flask

 

The apple has long reigned as the ultimate teacher thank-you, but Fireball Cinnamon Whisky is ready to spice it up. This Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4–8), the #1 shot brand in the U.S. is challenging fans 21+ to gift an educator from their past the reward they want and deserve: the Fireball Blazin' Apple Flask.

At a glance, it's the ultimate "A+" move: a glossy green apple with a barcode sticker that looks right at home on any home desk. Look closer, and the crisp exterior is a clever decoy. One twist of the hidden cap reveals a shot of Fireball Blazin' Apple, the sweet and fiery flavor extension that made its debut last year.

"Apples have long been the unofficial symbol of teacher appreciation and, let's be honest, everyone has a teacher from yesteryear that's owed a massive thank you (and likely an apology, too)," said Danny Suich, Senior Global Brand Director for Fireball. "So, we're challenging fans 21+ to look back through their yearbooks and reward the teacher they gave the most hell to with the Blazin' Apple Flask. This is a rare instance when taking home an F (literally!) – aka a shot of Fireball – is actually a good thing."

This limited-edition collectible is built for the home bar cart, not the fruit bowl. Priced at $5.04 to mark the start of Teacher Appreciation Week, each flask arrives pre-stocked with a Blazin' Apple 50mL shooter and is available nationwide through Flaviar at FireballBlazinApple.com/Flask. Made for after work happy hour, whether you're rewarding a favorite educator or treating yourself for surviving another semester of detention slips, fans 21+ can grab their flasks starting May 4 at 9 a.m. CT. Move fast. Once these decoys are gone, class is officially dismissed.

Strange Things Are Happening at McDonald’s: The 'Tales From ‘85' Happy Meal Arrives Soon in Restaurants Worldwide

 

Something strange is happening at McDonald’s…and we need your help. 

Netflix and McDonald’s are joining forces to launch a special Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85 Happy Meal, a global campaign starting this spring and summer that enlists fans to join the crew for a brand-new monster-fighting adventure. 

The World of Tales From ‘85

Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85 returns to the iconic world of Hawkins, Indiana, this time unlike anything you’ve seen before. Familiar faces of the gang fight new monsters and unravel paranormal mysteries – with the same heightened stakes and ‘80s nostalgia that made the original series a global phenomenon. That spirit of adventure and childhood camaraderie made McDonald’s the perfect partner to bring it all to life. What better way to invite a new generation of Stranger Things fans into Hawkins than through one of the most iconic cornerstones of the ‘80s?

A New Adventure Begins

Mysterious monsters have spread across Hawkins – and now the creatures have taken over a beloved local hangout: McDonald’s. Luckily, Dustin and the gang have formed the Hawkins Investigators Club, but they can’t defeat this new threat alone. That’s where you come in. 

To bring the mission to life, a campaign spanning linear, digital and social uses original animation drawn directly from the show’s distinctive visual style in commercials that drop fans right into the heart of the action. Every touchpoint is designed to make you feel like part of the crew. 

Help save Hawkins (and McDonald’s) from the monsters threatening to take over by scanning the QR code included with every Happy Meal to play an interactive game where you come face to face with the creature. 

Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85 Happy Meals include:

• A custom Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85-inspired Happy Meal box

• One of 12 (depending on market) collectible character toys

• A Stranger Things activity book

• A QR code that unlocks a digital experience and interactive game where fans help save Hawkins (and McDonald’s) from the monsters

Join the Mission

Grab a Happy Meal, scan the code, and join the mission beginning May 5 in the US and rolling out across Singapore, Norway, Australia, Germany, Portugal, Italy, India and Korea in the weeks to come. 

The Upside Down has never felt so close – or so delicious. 

Max Original Comedy Series STUART FAILS TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE Debuts July 2026

 

• 
  
  
  
  
• As announced at CCXP Mexico City, the Max Original comedy series STUART FAILS TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE debuts this July and will be available to stream on HBO Max.
   
• It was also revealed that the original theme music for the series will be created by Emmy^®-winner, GRAMMY^®-winner, and Oscar^®-nominee Danny Elfman.
•  
• Logline: Comic book store owner Stuart Bloom is tasked with restoring reality after he breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, accidentally bringing about a multiverse Armageddon. Stuart is aided in this quest by his girlfriend Denise, geologist friend Bert, and quantum physicist/all-around pain in the ass Barry Kripke. Along the way, they meet alternate-universe versions of characters we’ve come to know and love from “The Big Bang Theory.” As the title implies, things don’t go well.
   
• Cast: The series stars Kevin Sussman (Stuart), Lauren Lapkus (Denise), Brian Posehn (Bert), and John Ross Bowie (Barry).
   
• Credits: The series, from Chuck Lorre Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, is created, written, and executive produced by Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn, and Bill Prady.
   
  
  
  

Video: Nicolas Cage Is "Spider-Noir" - Watch the New Trailer in Black & White and Color Launching on Prime Video May 27

 

Prime Video unveiled the official trailer for "Spider-Noir", the highly anticipated new series starring Nicolas Cage in his first leading TV role. Produced by Sony Pictures Television for MGM+ and Prime Video, the series will air on MGM+'s linear channel on May 25, 2026, before rolling out globally on Prime Video on May 27, 2026, across more than 240 countries and territories. For the first time ever, viewers can choose their own adventure as the series will be available to stream in two ways, in "Authentic Black & White" and "True-Hue Full Color."

The official trailer made its world premiere to a packed room filled with 2100 fans at Centro Banamex Convention Center in Mexico City for CCXPMX26, the largest pop culture festival in the world. Actors Lamorne Morris, Li Jun Li, Jack Huston, Karen Rodriguez, alongside creator/co-showrunner/executive producer Oren Uziel, took the stage to introduce the series to audience goers. The panel also debuted an extended scene, offering attendees an immersive first look into the world, tone and stakes of "Spider-Noir" with a special video greeting from Nicolas Cage. Fans at the convention also had the opportunity to collect five different badges inspired by the iconic characters from the new series and designed by Mexican artist Jorge Molina.

"Spider-Noir" is a live-action series based on the Marvel comic Spider-Man Noir. "Spider-Noir" tells the story of Ben Reilly (Nicolas Cage), a seasoned, down on his luck private investigator in 1930s New York, who is forced to grapple with his past life, following a deeply personal tragedy, as the city's one and only superhero.

Full cast includes Academy Award(R)-winning actor Nicolas Cage (Adaptation, Pig), Emmy Award(R)-winning actor Lamorne Morris (Fargo, New Girl), Li Jun Li (Sinners, Babylon), Abraham Popoola (Atlas, Slow Horses), Karen Rodriguez (The Hunting Wives, Acapulco), with SAG Award(R)-winning actor Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire, Day of The Fight), and Emmy Award(R)-winning and Academy Award(R)-nominated actor Brendan Gleeson (The Banshees of Inisherin, Harry Potter). Guest star cast includes Lukas Haas, Cameron Britton, Cary Christopher, Michael Kostroff, Scott MacArthur, Joe Massingill, Whitney Rice, Amanda Schull, Andrew Caldwell, Amy Aquino, Andrew Robinson, and Kai Caster.

"Spider-Noir" is produced by Sony Pictures Television exclusively for MGM+ and Prime Video. Emmy Award(R)-winning director Harry Bradbeer (Fleabag, Killing Eve) directed, and executive produced the first two episodes. Oren Uziel (The Lost City, 22 Jump Street) and Steve Lightfoot (Marvel's The Punisher, Shantaram) serve as co-showrunners and executive producers. Uziel and Lightfoot developed the series with the Academy Award(R)-winning team behind Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Amy Pascal. Lord and Miller executive produce for their shingle Lord Miller along with Aditya Sood and Dan Shear. Amy Pascal also serves as an executive producer via Pascal Pictures. Cage and Pavlina Hatoupis also serve as executive producers

Gap and Victoria Beckham Announce Multi-Season Collaboration Rooted in Timeless Design

 

The partnership launches its first capsule collection in Spring 2026, reimagining Gap’s product icons through Victoria Beckham’s design lens, available exclusively at Gap. 

Gap and Victoria Beckham announce a new multi-season partnership, debuting with a Spring collection that sees Gap classics reimagined through Victoria’s unique design lens. Built on the foundations of a modern wardrobe, the collection refines staple pieces with balanced proportions, sharp structure and thoughtful details – designed to inspire confidence while bringing a sense of sophisticated ease to Gap’s iconic essentials. 

“To me, Gap is an all-American icon — a brand that has always created timeless pieces for everybody’s wardrobe, with a sharp attention to detail,” said Victoria Beckham. “Bringing my design perspective to those everyday essentials and working with a team that shares that same commitment to craftsmanship and execution has made this collaboration incredibly special.” 

The 38-piece collection is anchored in Gap and Victoria Beckham’s shared focus on refined wardrobe building blocks — denim, khaki, tees, button-up, and fleeces — grounded in simplicity, versatility, and precision. The assortment moves from utilitarian-inspired pieces in khaki and green — including skirts, jackets, and pants — to an iconic heavyweight fleece logo set. Denim leads, featuring the Arc Jean, alongside classic straight and capri silhouettes designed to pair with matching denim jackets and shirting. 

Additional pieces include a crisp white button-up, structured outerwear, including a trench and bomber, and classic crewneck organic cotton tees. Elevated fabrications and refined construction run throughout, with Victoria Beckham’s VB signature in red stitching appearing as a subtle design detail. The collection will be available in adult sizing XXS–XXL. 

“Every collaboration we pursue is rooted in storytelling,” said Mark Breitbard, President and CEO of Gap. “We wanted to work with Victoria Beckham given her iconic influence in the fashion world and the opportunity to reinterpret our iconic pieces through her unique design lens. This partnership feels truly authentic — and that’s where the magic happens. It has allowed us to create pieces we hope our customers feel they have to have.” 

The collection will debut with a campaign that draws inspiration from Gap’s archive, referencing defining denim moments and silhouettes from the late ’80s and early ’90s, reworked with a precise, modern point of view. The campaign - shot by Mert Alaş and Marcus Piggott, directed by Troy Tyler, with creative direction by Isaac Lock and styling by fashion image consultant Alastair McKimm – features models Mica Argañaraz and Lina Zhang. Still photography is paired with social-first documentary-style videos that capture Victoria Beckham speaking candidly about her inspirations, her early connection to Gap, and her approach to the collection. 

The Gap × Victoria Beckham collection launches April 24 at 9 a.m. ET 6 a.m. PT on Gap.com and select Gap stores globally, with retail pricing from $34 to $328. The collection will be available across several global markets, including North America, the United Kingdom, Japan, and China. 

The campaign will roll out globally across out-of-home placements including a billboard in New York’s Times Square alongside digital, in-store, social, earned, and owned channels. Gap will also host launch events and retail activations internationally. Gap Encore members will receive exclusive early access to preview and shop the collection at a pop-up event in New York City on April 23. Cardmembers will also enjoy early access to shop the collection online and in the app that same day. 

Zizians Documentary Series Set At HBO

 

The Series Explores The Zizians, A Group of Young, Enigmatic Technologists Whose Extremist Ideology Around AI Drew National Attention

• HBO Documentary Films is currently in production on a multi-part documentary series exploring the Zizians, an enigmatic group of young technologists who garnered national attention in 2025 after law enforcement linked members of the group to a series of violent crimes across the country. Based on reporting by Tessa Stuart for Rolling Stone, the series, directed by Matthew Galkin (“One Night in Idaho,” “Murder in the Bayou,”) and produced by XTR in collaboration with Rolling Stone Films, will debut on HBO and be available to stream on HBO Max.  

• Synopsis: The untitled access-driven series will trace the group’s origins and evolution, examining how it formed, operated, and attracted attention for its extreme ideology and alleged violence. It will explore the Zizians’ unusual convergence of AI safety concerns, radical veganism, and the broader cultural and technological forces that helped shape its trajectory. 

• Credits: Directed by Matthew Galkin; showrunner and executive producer, Jenna M. Kelly; for XTR, executive producers, Justin Lacob, Matthew Cherchio, and Bryn Mooser; for Rolling Stone Films, executive producers, Alexandra Dale and Tessa Stuart; executive producer, Zackary Drucker. 

 

ComEd, Chicago Park District Offer Illinois Residents Opportunity to Switch On Buckingham Fountain for Summer

 

ComEd and the Chicago Park District invite everyone to welcome in the summer season at the 12th annual Switch on Summer festival on Saturday, May 9 at the site of Chicago’s historic Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. As part of the event, one lucky Illinois resident will have the chance to switch on the jets that turn on the iconic fountain.

This free, family-friendly event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and includes preview performances of the Park District’s 14th annual Night Out in the Parks summer event lineup. This year’s featured entertainment includes artistic performances from local groups representing a variety of cultures. Attendees will also have onsite access to ComEd customer resources and information on bill assistance programs, energy efficiency offerings, home energy saving tips and more.

Ahead of the event, Illinois residents are invited to enter a sweepstakes for the chance to be selected to switch on Buckingham Fountain at the event. All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT Friday, April 17. To be selected to flip the switch, correctly answer two energy trivia questions and submit the form. Click here to enter the sweepstakes.

“When water is flowing through Buckingham Fountain it means summer is returning to Chicago,” said Gil Quiniones, ComEd President and CEO. “Switch on Summer brings people together to celebrate the season at one of the city’s most iconic attractions, while also connecting ComEd customers with programs and support that can help them save on their electric bill."

Grant Park’s Buckingham Fountain is a coveted local landmark and major tourist attraction, welcoming millions of visitors every year as the scenic backdrop for summertime events and activities along Chicago’s lakefront.

“As the premier start-of-summer event, Switch on Summer has welcomed visitors for a dozen years to get a first look at the outdoor entertainment Chicago’s parks will have to offer the public citywide,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO, Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. “We’re excited to partner with ComEd once more to turn on our historic Buckingham Fountain for the 99th season, and to see it in all its glory as the backdrop to all of Chicago’s summer events.”

The Park District’s Night Out in the Parks makes summer in Chicago even more special with its series of free events for people of all ages and abilities. These weekly events celebrate Chicago’s vibrant cultures and support local performing arts professionals, bringing world-class entertainment such as dance performances, theater productions, outdoor movies and more to all 77 Chicago community areas in 250 parks throughout the city.

For the latest Switch on Summer updates, visit ComEd.com/SwitchOnSummer.

Cinco de Mayo and Taco Tuesday Fall on the Same Day as Old El Paso Celebrates Rare “Taco Totality” with Exclusive Merch and Tacos for Fans Nationwide

 

For the first time since 2020, Cinco de Mayo and Taco Tuesday fall on the same day, creating what Old El Paso is calling “Taco Totality,” a rare taco eclipse where two taco-filled occasions align – and won’t again until 2037.

To mark the historic crossover and to help fans fully experience Taco Totality, Old El Paso is dropping a limited-edition Taco Totality Gear Box packed with the new Old El Paso TABASCO® Sauce flavored Taco Shells and taco-inspired essentials, designed to protect every bite during the taco eclipse. Each box includes:

• Old El Paso TABASCO® Sauce flavored Taco Shells: Bringing a tangy heat and signature pepper kick that’ll turn taco nights into a fiery spectacle just in time for May 5.
• A Taco Totality T-shirt because taco nights tend to leave a few saucy souvenirs behind, and a backup outfit is key.
• A Totality Neck Pillow engineered for peak taco tilt because gravity has no place in your taco experience — not when everything is aligned.
• Multi-Spectrum Taco Shield Glasses to protect your eyes from onions, jalapeños and other high-risk toppings while chopping, slicing and assembling.

“We take tacos very seriously, and Taco Totality is a chance to really celebrate with our biggest fans,” said Meredith Nelson Uram, Business Unit Director for Old El Paso at General Mills. “People can always count on Old El Paso for taco night essentials, but now we’re taking care of the little details — like shield glasses, because chopping onions is no joke.”

To help everyone get ready for the taco eclipse, Old El Paso tapped actor Randy Havens, known for his role as a beloved science teacher in a popular sci-fi drama, to explain the rare taco phenomenon through a series of short educational social videos.

Anyone planning their Taco Totality menu can stock up on Old El Paso favorites, including shells, beans, sauces, rice and the new out-of-this-world Old El Paso Stand ‘N Stuff Taco Shells and Taco Seasoning made with the flavor of TABASCO® Brand Pepper Sauce, available now nationwide. And since Taco Totality only comes around once in a while, limited time offers like “Save for Cinco” on Ibotta and bonus points on Fetch make it easier to go back for seconds (or thirds).

For more information about Taco Totality and a chance to win a Gear Box, visit Tacototality.com