Kane County Cougars to play as Swedish Meatballs

 

The Kane County Cougars, an American Association of Professional Baseball team based in Geneva, Illinois, will play three games as the Swedish Meatballs this season. The alternate identity, chosen by a fan vote, is a wink and a nod to the preponderance of Swedish immigrants who landed in the area in the late 1800s, inspiring the town’s name and earning it the nickname “Little Sweden.”Per the team, “By the late 1890s half of Geneva’s citizen’s first language was Swedish. Swedish lodges were formed in the area to preserve Swedish traditions, giving Geneva a lasting connection to Sweden and influencing its culture.”

One aspect of that culture, of course, is Swedish meatballs, a dish characterized by a sauce with allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon flavors. The logo features an anthropomorphic, one-armed meatball holding a fork over its should and wearing a Viking helmet. The blue and yellow color palette derives from the Swedish flag.The Swedish Meatballs will take the field Saturday, June 13; Friday, July 31; and Thursday, August 20.

FOX Announces "Marriage Market," A High-Stakes Arranged Marriage Experiment, Hosted by Whitney Cummings

 

 FOX flips the script on dating with its bold new series Marriage Market, where real singles ready for marriage relinquish total control of their love lives to their closest family members, who marry them off at a market like no other!

From FOX Entertainment Studios, Marriage Market is an original FOX-owned unscripted series that is slated for FOX's 2026-27 Season. Hosted by actress, comedian, and podcaster Whitney Cummings, the series welcomes singles - who are officially over swiping, ghosting, and endless first dates - into an actual Marriage Market, where they're up for trying something radical... putting their love lives in the hands of family members that know them best and risking it all for one shot at forever - in an arranged marriage.

Filled with humor, heart, heartbreak, and unpredictable outcomes, Marriage Market is a one-of-a-kind, immersive matchmaking experience where families come together with one goal in mind: helping their single family member find a meaningful, lasting match. Inside this vibrant, real-world setting, families meet, connect, and advocate for their loved one as they search for a perfect partner.

The rules are simple. When two families believe they've found a match, their singles are introduced and engaged on the spot - with the ultimate goal of making it to the altar. From there, the couples and their families move in together, navigating real-life compatibility, big personalities, and even bigger expectations. At any point, each of the newly matched singles' families can decide they've found them "the one," or send their single loved one back into the Marriage Market for another chance at finding them love.

"Marriage Market gives all new meaning to shotgun wedding, turning dating on its head with one of the most extreme marketplace spectacles you've ever seen,'" said Michael Thorn, President of FOX Television Network. "Watching families come together to make these matches is deeply relatable and wildly emotional, giving this distinctive concept all the ingredients of a signature FOX unscripted series."

"Marriage Market is a bold new format that reflects our strategy of creating distinctive IP that take the kind of big and culturally relevant risks that viewers love," said Allison Wallach, Head of Unscripted, FOX Entertainment Studios. "We've taken a timeless idea and reimagined it in a modern, high-stakes way with the families in full control and the talented, always funny Whitney Cummings presiding over it all as host."

Monster Energy Launches New Patriotic Flavors and a Summer-Ready Pack to Celebrate America's 250th Birthday

 

Monster Energy is kicking off summer 2026 with bold new flavors, iconic designs, and a lineup built to bring people together as the nation celebrates America's 250th anniversary this Fourth of July.

Leading the charge is the all-new Juice Monster Strawberry Lemonade, a fruit-forward flavor that ignites the taste buds and is designed to fuel every backyard BBQ, beach day, and fireworks-filled night.Packed in a can that screams "U.S.A! U.S.A!", Strawberry Lemonade is made for those who live the American spirit. The all-American design features flag-bearing monster trucks, Lady Liberty, and a jacked George Washington cruising on a throttle-heavy hog.

The red, white and blue-toned Monster Juice is bursting with the juicy flavor of perfectly tart lemonade and sweet strawberries, coupled with Monster's iconic energy blend.

To mark the quarter-millennium milestone, Monster Energy is celebrating America with a new flavor from its iconic Ultra line, too.

An immediate fan favorite during its initial limited release, Monster Energy Ultra Red, White & Blue Razz is now available nationwide in a 16 oz. can. A limited edition slimline 12 oz. can will also be available in coolers and on shelves across the country as a summer special.  

Made with zero sugar, its blue raspberry flavor conjures the sensation of a cold rocket pop on a hot July Fourth day.

Perfect for giving a birthday cheers to the nation, Ultra Red, White & Blue Razz's can is wrapped in Stars and Stripes and salutes America's 250th with images of national monuments, iconic landmarks, and epic moments.

For those going big this summer, Monster is also dropping a 12-can Ultra Liberty Variety Pack inspired by the colors of the Star-Spangled Banner, featuring Zero Ultra, Punk Punch, and Blue Hawaiian.

"Happy Birthday USA," said Jordi Gayola, Monster Energy's CMO of the Americas. "We wanted to create some new flavors in epic cans everyone can raise to you in honor of 250 incredible years… here's to 250 more!"

Available nationwide now, the lineup is designed to provide energy and refreshment to make the most of every moment of this summer's road trips, pool parties, concerts, and cookouts.

Pillsbury® Debuts Festive Funfetti® Stars & Stripes Line to Honor America's 250th Anniversary

 

 Pillsbury™ Funfetti is helping families celebrate America's 250th birthday in delicious style with the launch of its new Funfetti® Stars & Stripes lineup. Featuring festive cake mixes and vibrant frostings in patriotic colors, the new products make it easy to create eye-catching desserts for Fourth of July gatherings and beyond.At the center of the lineup is the Funfetti Stars & Stripes Sprinkle Cake Mix (15.25 oz), delivering Pillsbury's signature moist texture with colorful candy bits and simple, easy-to-follow instructions—perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

Also joining the lineup is the Pillsbury Funfetti Stars & Stripes Red Swirl Cake Mix (15.25 oz), which includes separate red and white cake pouches that swirl together to create a striking, bakery-style design when baked. The result is a visually stunning dessert that captures the spirit of celebration in every slice.

To complete the experience, Pillsbury is introducing a trio of festive frostings:

• White Vanilla Frosting (15.6 oz) – a classic, creamy finish available nationwide
• Blue Vanilla Frosting (15.6 oz) – a bold patriotic hue, available exclusively at Walmart
• Red Vanilla Frosting (15.6 oz) – a vibrant finishing touch, also exclusive to Walmart

Each frosting spreads smoothly over cakes, cupcakes and other treats, making it easy to create red, white and blue desserts for any celebration.

"This lineup is all about bringing people together to celebrate in a fun, memorable—and delicious—way," said Dan Anglemyer, Chief Operating Officer at Hometown Food Company. "As we gear up for America's 250th birthday, we wanted to make it easier than ever for families to bake up something special. With bold red, white and blue colors and classic Funfetti flavor, these products help create festive desserts that look as incredible as they taste—and turn any gathering into a true celebration."

The new Funfetti Stars & Stripes products will begin rolling out to grocery retailers nationwide in early May. Walmart locations will feature dedicated endcap displays from May 2 through July 3, making it even easier for shoppers to find everything they need for patriotic baking.

Whether it's backyard barbecues, holiday parties or everyday moments worth celebrating, Pillsbury's newest lineup invites everyone to join in with desserts that are as festive as the occasion.

Celebrate America's 250th birthday — a recipe 250 years in the making. Happy birthday, America.

For more information, baking tips, recipes and activity ideas, visit PillsburyBaking.com or follow @PillsburyBaking and @Funfetti on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Budweiser Celebrates Its 150th Anniversary and America’s 250th Birthday with an American Summer Campaign Bringing Its Storied Legacy to Life Nationwide

 

This Summer, Budweiser Celebrates What It Means to be Made of America by Honoring The People, Traditions and Moments That Make America Special, With a New National TV Spot, Patriotic Cans, 16 Years of Partnership with Folds of Honor and More 

 Budweiser, the #1 American Classic Lager¹, is celebrating a milestone summer, marking its 150th anniversary alongside the United States’ 250th birthday. Across the country, the brand is showing up in the moments that matter most, bringing people together in ways that reflect its deep-rooted history in American life. 

For 150 years, Budweiser, the great tasting, high-quality American Classic Lager, has been brewed for moments of celebration across America. This summer continues that legacy by honoring the traditions and moments that bring people together, as Budweiser celebrates alongside the nation in the lead-up to America’s 250th birthday. 

Todd Allen, SVP of Marketing for Budweiser at Anheuser-Busch, said: “As Budweiser marks 150 years and America celebrates its 250th birthday, we’re reflecting on the role this iconic American brand has played in bringing people together across generations. From the farmers and brewers to the drivers and communities we serve, Budweiser has always been about the people and the moments celebrated over our iconic high-quality American Classic Lager.” 

“Great Delivery” TV Commercial 

Budweiser’s new national TV spot, “Great Delivery,” celebrates how the brand is delivered to every corner of America, bringing people together and creating moments of connection over a Budweiser beer. Watch the full spot here.  

Building on the momentum of the brand’s USA Today Ad Meter winning Super Bowl LX ad “American Icons,” the new ad continues the “Made of America” campaign by celebrating the hardworking Americans who bring Budweiser to communities across the country and the role they play in the moments of connection that happen around the brand. 

As Budweiser marks its 150th anniversary alongside America’s 250th birthday, the spot reinforces the brand’s legacy as a high-quality American Classic Lager, brewed with care for the people and places that have defined it for generations. This summer, the brand hopes the spot inspires Americans to come together and pick up a Budweiser to celebrate the moments that connect us all. 

Limited-Edition Patriotic Cans 

Throughout the summer, Budweiser will be the beer of choice to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday at numerous events across the United States. For 150 years, Budweiser has been brewed for moments of celebration across America, and this summer’s efforts continue that tradition by bringing people together to celebrate the heritage that defines being Made of America. Available now, Budweiser’s new limited-edition Patriotic Cans are the latest collectible packaging in Budweiser’s milestone 150th anniversary year, following the Heritage Can Series 12-pack released ahead of the Super Bowl and the vintage-inspired MLB team cans launched prior to Opening Day. These limited-edition collectible cans pay homage to Budweiser’s storied past and American roots, featuring the brand’s iconic 150th anniversary logo.   

Patriotic Cans are available nationwide wherever Budweiser is sold in 12-ounce cans offered in 15-, 18-, 24-, 30-, 36-packs and 16-ounce aluminum bottles available in 15- and 24-packs. 

Budweiser is also giving fans the chance to experience the most patriotic delivery ever through the Budweiser Great Delivery Sweepstakes, where consumers 21+ can enter for a chance to win a Summer’s Worth of Beer.* Learn more at us.budweiser.com/greatdelivery.

Folds of Honor 

Budweiser is continuing its longstanding commitment to supporting American service members and first responders and their families through its partnership with Folds of Honor, now in its 16th year. Together with Anheuser-Busch and its wholesaler partners, Budweiser is building on a century-long legacy of honoring those who serve by supporting a nonprofit organization that provides life-changing educational scholarships to the families of fallen or disabled U.S. service members and first responders. 

As the nonprofit organization’s longest standing partner, Anheuser-Busch, its industry leading brands and wholesaler partners have donated $37 million to Folds of Honor, helping fund 7,400 educational scholarships for recipients nationwide. 

This year, Budweiser will bring back its American Beers for American Heroes program and donate a portion of all Budweiser sold in restaurants and bars across America throughout 2026, up to $1.5 million, to support Folds of Honor.**  

Budweiser Clydesdales National Tour 

The world-renowned Budweiser Clydesdales will once again travel to communities across the country this summer, amplifying the mission of Folds of Honor. Fans can experience the iconic hitch at a variety of events, including state fairs, sporting events and local parades throughout the season. 

Fresh off their 48th Super Bowl appearance, the Budweiser Clydesdales continue to serve as a symbol of Budweiser’s heritage and American tradition. First introduced in 1933 to commemorate the repeal of Prohibition, they remain one of the most recognized brand symbols in the world. Throughout the tour, the Budweiser Clydesdales will help raise awareness for Folds of Honor, bringing the nonprofit organization’s mission directly to communities nationwide.  

For more information on Budweiser’s American Summer campaign and to see how the brand continues to celebrate its 150th anniversary, follow Budweiser’s social channels (Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, X). 

Barbie To Be Celebrated With New Stamps

 

The U.S. Postal Service today announced a new release coming this summer: a set of Barbie stamps featuring Barbie dolls through the years, dressed for 10 iconic careers.

"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.