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Katie Bates Clark Shares New Details About Family Rift After Losing ‘90%’ of Relationships: ‘Stayed Silent for a Long Time’
Bringing Up Bates‘ Katie Bates Clark is revealing new details about a painful rift between her and her family.
The reality star, 25, first shared that there was tension within the Bates family in a Q&A posted to her Instagram Story on Wednesday, May 20.
When one fan asked why she was moving away from her home state of Tennessee, Katie explained that the distance would not make much of a difference as she is already not on speaking terms with most of her family.
“A lot of people are confused by my decision to leave Tennessee, especially because from the outside it may look like I have a big support system here,” Katie wrote. “The truth is, sometimes things happening behind closed doors are a lot more complicated and painful than what people see publicly.”
“Recently I chose to address something that happened throughout my childhood that I wish I had the strength to address years ago,” she continued. “Unfortunately after doing so I lost relationships with about 90% of my family. This has been incredibly heartbreaking and heavy to walk through.”
After Katie dropped that bombshell, fans immediately began speculating as to what was causing the issues. In an Instagram Story posted on Friday, May 22, the mom-of-two shared more insight into the ongoing family drama.
"After choosing to address painful things from my childhood I quickly learned that not everyone responds to honesty and healing with support," Katie explained. "Some people choose silence!! Some choose distance. Some choose to minimize or avoid uncomfortable truths altogether. But when someone has been repeatedly harmed, staying silent or distancing yourself despite knowing the truth can become its own form of betrayal."
"Neutrality doesn't always equal innocence, and it certainly doesn't equal support!" she added. "I stayed silent for a long time and I'm not doing that anymore."
RELATED: Katie Bates Clark Reveals Where Marriage to Travis Clark Stands After His Affair
The family rift is not the only hardship Katie has faced in the past few months. In January, Katie’s husband Travis Clarkconfessed to having an extramarital affair shortly after she suffered a miscarriage.
In her Wednesday Q&A, Katie said that she and Travis are “working through things” and are making “really good progress” though there are “still hard days.”
Katie and Travis married in December 2021 and share children Hailey, 3, and Harvey, 1. They are best known for starring in Katie’s family’s upTV reality series, Bringing Up Bates, which documented Katie’s parents, Gil and Kelly Jo Bates, and their 19 children for 10 seasons from 2015 to 2021.
Sheinelle Jones Shares the Heartbreaking Request That Caused Tension Before Husband’s Death
Today cohost Sheinelle Jones reflected on the months leading up to her husband Uche Ojeh's May 2025 death one year later, and she said there's one emotional request she made during that time that caused some tension.
Related: ‘Today’ Host Unexpectedly Steals the Show From Zara Larsson With Her Dancing
"My mom's dad died when she was 15 months old, and she had this fantasy her entire life that he had left her some letter somewhere that might arrive in the mail, and I sort of had that fantasy for my dad as well," said Anderson Cooper on the CNN Podcast All There Is with Anderson Cooper while asking about how Jones' family prepared for Ojeh's death.
"I tried. I tried," said a clearly emotional Jones. "It was the only time things got a little... because if I say, hey, I think you should write something for the kids, that means that I think you're not gonna make it."
But Jones still persisted, suggesting that Ojeh write something for his kids "Then, at our daughter's wedding, we'll read it, and we'll show that you're still here," she said. "I think for him to write it would have been accepting that, maybe, it wasn't going to go that way, his way, and I don't think he was willing to do that."
Sheinelle Jones and her kids, Kayin, Clara and UcheGetty
Eventually, Ojeh came around to the idea. "By the time he was like, 'Okay maybe,' I think it was probably too late."
However, Sheinelle took it into her own hands to make sure her three kids, Kayin and twins Clara and Uche Jr., had memories of their father preserved for the future.
"Towards the end, I started videotaping everything, whereas before I didn’t," she explained. The journalist said she recorded her husband looking "proud" while watching his son play instruments or his daughter performing in theater productions like Matilda.
"I have so much that I haven't given them yet because I think it's like in doses," she shared. "I can only handle so much, so I know that they can only handle so much."
Ojeh, who had been with Jones for nearly 20 years, died in May 2025 at age 45 following a battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. The heartbreaking news was announced on the Today show by Jones’ co-hosts.
Paul McCartney Praises This Young Actor for Being ‘Cute.'
Paul McCartney cheekily called Oscar-nominated Aftersun actor Paul Mescal "cute" in a new interview with Stephen Colbert. Mescal is set to play McCartney in the upcoming Sam Mendes Beatles biopic.
McCartney made the comment in a surprise appearance on Stephen Colbert’s show, for his last-ever The Late Show episode. During their chat, Stephen asked him about “the upcoming four-part Sam Mendes series, each one from the point of view of a different Beatle."
“Who is cuter? Young Paul McCartney or Paul Mescal?” the host asked the musical icon. With a cheeky grin, the Wings singer gestured to himself and said, “Me.”
After a round of applause from the audience and laughs from the host, McCartney added: “No, he’s very cute, he’s very cute.”
McCartney has been helping the 30-year-old actor get into the role, giving him tips on how to play the guitar left-handed. Mescal also revealed he had met the muscian on two occasions and praised his "kindness"
“He’s the most brilliant man," gushed the Normal People actor earlier this year. "I feel emotionally attached to him. He received me with great kindness and warmth.”
He added: “One of the many benefits of shooting a Beatles anthology is that you get to do the job and not talk about the job.”
View this post on InstagramThe Beatles films were announced at CinemaCon in 2025 and are set for release in April 2028. These four theatrical films will follow different band members, showing their lives and careers from their own unique perspectives.
Joining Hamnet star Mescal as McCartney are Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr. These films mark the first time the Beatles and their families have ever granted full music and life rights to a theatrical film
“I’m honoured to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time, and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies,” said Sam Mendes during the official announcement back in February 2024.
Nationwide Recall Expanded for Potato Chips, Popcorn Due to Salmonella Risk
A nationwide recall of snack products and seasoning mixes has been expanded after a wholesale distributor of bulk powdered milk and buttermilk issued a voluntary recall due to potential Salmonella contamination.
California Dairies Inc. issued a recall to several wholesale distributors and manufacturers on April 20, with the Food and Drug Administration now working to determine if additional customer recalls are necessary. The first products recalled were Ghirardelli powdered beverage mixes on April 28, including frappes and hot cocoa in bulk packaging.
Related: Nationwide Recall Issued for 2 Popular Potato Chip Brands
Days later, Utz Quality Foods, LLC recalled limited varieties of both Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chips that had the affected product in their seasoning. Those flavors of potato chips include bayou blackened ranch potato chips and big cheezy potato chips from Zapp’s, and Maui onion potato chips, sour cream and onion potato chips, and salt and vinegar potato chips from Dirty.
In early May, Pork King Good issued a voluntary recall for some of its sour cream and onion pork rinds and seasoning due to the recall from California Dairies Inc. Since then, certain snack and trail mixes from Fisher, Southern Style Nuts, and Squirrel Brand have been recalled, as have certain batches of the Good & Gather Mexican street corn trail mix from Target.
Related: Popular Baby Formula Issues Nationwide Recall Due to Possible Health Risk
Giant Eagle recalled some batches of its baked pita chips with Parmesan, garlic and herb, and Wildlife Seasoning sour cream and onion popcorn topper, along with sour cream and onion cheese curds from Stoltzfus Family Dairy. Several Williams Sonoma popcorn products that featured the white cheddar flavor were also recalled. The latest product recalled due to its inclusion of the affected product from California Dairies Inc. is Parmesan ranch seasoning from Blackstone.
Salmonella typically clears up on its own, but those affected by it can suffer from diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, typically within 8 to 72 hours after exposure. Nausea, vomiting, chills, headache, and blood in stool can also occur.
Next: Check Your Cabinets—Popular Laundry Detergent Is Being Recalled
HGTV Shares Sneak Peek Into Upcoming Spinoff 'Renovation Island: The Adventure Continues'
After several seasons of Bryan Baeumler and Sarah Baeumler's HGTV show Renovation Island, the network is taking the show in a new direction with a spinoff.
Next month, HGTV will premiere Renovation Island: The Adventure Continues, where the Baeumlers will take on renovation and real estate projects across three different tropical locations. Read on for everything we know about Renovation Island: The Adventure Continues so far — and to see a brand new, 60-second sneak peek of the upcoming spinoff!
Related: 'Love It or List It' Is Back! Fan-Favorite HGTV Show Sets Return Date for Season 21
Bryan and Sarah Baeumler Will Take on Multiple Projects on Renovation Island: The Adventure ContinuesOn the six-episode spinoff show Renovation Island: The Adventure Continues, married couple and renovation pros Bryan and Sarah Baeumler will take on a number of real estate and renovation projects — all while raising their four kids.
On the show, the Baeumlers will expand the Caerula Mar Club, the resort they built on Renovation Island. The resort is located on South Andros Island, a largely untouched island in the Bahamas with stunning nature.
On Renovation Island: The Adventure Continues, the couple will also renovate an antiquated resort in the Florida Keys. Additionally, they'll visit the Caribbean, where they'll check out available properties for potential development.
View this post on Instagram The Baeumlers Face a Few Roadblocks in This Sneak Peek of Renovation Island: The Adventure ContinuesIn a sneak peek of Renovation Island: The Adventure Continues, which HGTV shared with Parade, we get a look into a few of the obstacles the Baeumlers will face this season, from tropical storms that threaten to knock down entire units to construction roadblocks.
In the video, the Baeumlers declare that they’re ready to start demo on an ocean view cabin. Once they get inside, however, they realize that the cabin’s electrical panel is nowhere to be found, despite power coming into the cabin.
“We can’t find an electrical panel,” Bryan tells the camera.
“These are the little surprises,” Sarah adds.
“The electrician’s gonna be busy,” Bryan jokes.
Watch the sneak peek below:
'Renovation Island: The Adventure Continues' Sneak Peek (1:00) How to Watch Renovation Island: The Adventure ContinuesRenovation Island: The Adventure Continues premieres on HGTV on Sunday, June 7, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The show will air a new episode each Sunday for six weeks.
Walmart’s 'Easy-to-Assemble' $68 Double Storage Cabinet Is a Simple Storage Upgrade for Small Spaces
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Cluttered countertops, overstuffed cabinets, and that one “junk” drawer that keeps growing — every home has a few spots that could use a reset. Whether it’s extra linens with nowhere to go, cleaning supplies crammed under the sink, or everyday items piling up in plain sight, staying organized can feel like a constant battle. Thankfully, Walmart has a simple solution that doesn’t require a full overhaul.
Typically priced at $150, the Lofka Pantry Storage Cabinet is on sale for just $68 at Walmart. Its spacious, adjustable, multi-door design makes it easy to keep everything organized without taking up unnecessary room, which can help you make the most of your space.
Lofka Pantry Storage Cabinet, From $68 (was $150) at Walmart Shop at WalmartDesigned to fit in smaller spaces, this cabinet has a slim footprint — measuring about 23.6 inches long, 11.8 inches wide, and 43.3 inches tall — but still packs in plenty of storage with its four-tier layout. Inside, adjustable shelving lets you customize the setup depending on what you’re storing, whether that’s taller bottles, stacked containers, or smaller items.
The cabinet's four magnetic doors were designed to open smoothly and close securely, while rounded metal knobs should make them easy to grip. Finished in your choice of clean white or classic black (marked down to $83 from $150), both colors have a simple, polished look that blends in just about anywhere with nearly any design aesthetic.
Made from moisture-resistant medium-density fiberboard, this cabinet is durable enough for high-traffic areas like kitchens or bathrooms and easy to wipe clean when needed. An anti-tipping feature adds extra stability, especially when the shelves are fully loaded. Rounded corners help prevent bumps and bruises when you’re moving around, making it a smart choice for busy households, especially with kids or pets in the mix. Assembly is straightforward with clearly labeled parts and instructions, so you shouldn't be stuck for hours putting it together.
Reviewers were impressed by how “study” and “easy to assemble” this piece is, with many calling it a “great storage solution.” Shoppers also noted that the “size and quality are perfect,” adding that it makes a noticeable difference when it comes to organizing.
Shop More Deals- Lofka 4-Drawer Pantry Storage Cabinet, $75 (was $91) at Walmart
- Best Choice Products 2-Door Reeded Storage Cabinet, from $90 (was $236) at Walmart
- Ktaxon Bathroom Floor Storage Cabinet, $90 (was $169) at Walmart
Whether you’re storing pantry staples, household essentials, or hiding away everyday clutter, the Lofka Pantry Storage Cabinet is an easy, functional upgrade that can bring more order to your home for 55% less. Grab it now at Walmart before this clearance deal is gone!
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Kevin O'Leary Says $28 Lunches Are Keeping Younger Generations Poor— And People Are Seriously Divided
The Diary of a CEO Podcast released an interview with Shark Tank financial powerhouse Kevin O’Leary, where he said Gen Z stays poor because they spend $28 on lunch when they only make $70,000. People latched on, pointing out why he’s right and also why he’s severely out of touch.
View this post on Instagram A Familiar StoryWhile Gen Z argues it out in the comments section, Millennials are very familiar with O’Leary’s sentiments. They were told the reason they’d never own a home was that they ate avocado toast and bought coffee, a statement so ridiculous it’s become the running joke of the generation. That’s why many Millennials and older Gen Zers are quick to point out that the country's economic imbalance is actually to blame.
But O’Leary does have a point about wasteful spending. While treating yourself occasionally can help keep you sane, spending outside of your means on a daily or even weekly basis can wreck you financially. With more Americans unable to make enough to cover their monthly expenses, cutting back while your income is low can help keep you afloat.
Related: Americans Are Spending Their Hard-Earned Savings— Here’s Some Significant Ways To Cut Back
The Internet Weighs InO’Leary really kicked a hornet’s nest with his comments, and the internet is ablaze. Buzzfeed rounded up a collection of comments where people angrily point out the real problem.
“Boomers spent $100 a week on exotic whiskey,” SWCFiction tweets.
Twitter user shillyxbt tweets, “Bold of you to assume they are making more than $5k a year.”
Another user, RJSprouse writes, “Billionaires love making sh- up about people that are poor. They do this to pretend it’s your fault why you can’t affor[d] stuff.”
Even financial experts have weighed in on O’Leary’s comments.
Investor and entrepreneur Anthony Pompliano says that he agrees with O’Leary that people do waste money, but he claims that O’Leary’s comment doesn’t offer an “abundance mindset” of trying to grow the pot. “Don’t try to spend less, make more,” Pompliano says in a video posted to Instagram.
Related: A Raise at Work May Not Reduce Your Money Stress, But This Might
A Deeper ProblemWhile the initial reaction is anger, the deeper conversation centers on the human need for mental breaks. One comparison being made is between American and European work cultures, noting that American culture glorifies working through lunch and refusing breaks.
“People are just simply happier when they take some downtime during the workday. It’s good for their well-being,” explains food-culture historian Martin Bruegel in an interview last year with NPR. In the same interview, he points out that people are more productive during the day when they get a break midway through.
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While O’Leary’s comment was meant to highlight wasteful spending, what it actually did was reinforce the idea that the top 1% is still woefully out of touch with what it’s actually like to live in the U.S. today.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
Is Prince William Invited to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Wedding This Summer?
Is Prince William invited to the biggest wedding of the year?
He certainly hinted he might be during an interview with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden on U.K. radio show Heart Breakfast.
William revealed that his 11-year-old daughter Princess Charlotte and 8 year-old son Prince Louis are "obsessed" with Taylor Swift, to which Theakston replied, “We believe there is a big wedding happening this summer."
Related: Inside Taylor Swift’s Possible Wedding Menu—7 Experts Predict What She and Travis Kelce Could Serve
Pop star Swift and Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce's nuptials are reportedly a New York City affair set to be conducted on July 3.
Holden asked the 43-year-old Prince of Wales whether he's on the guest list.
"No comment!" he replied. "I’m hoping and I’m sure there might be an invitation around but we’ll see.”
William took Charlotte and her 12-year-old brother Prince George to Swift's Eras tour in June 2024 (on his 42nd birthday!) and afterwards Swift took a backstage selfie with the royal dad and his children.
View this post on InstagramKensington Palace posted the selfie to their official Instagram account with the caption, "Thank you @taylorswift for a great evening!"
But William and Taylor's friendship goes back further than that—in 2013 they were part of an unlikely trio when William and Jon Bon Jovi joined Swift onstage at a charity gala for a rendition of Bon Jovi's anthem, 'Livin' on a Prayer.'
Related: Taylor Swift’s Wedding Dress Could Include 3 Stunning Looks, Experts Predict
The event was held at the Prince and Princess of Wales' home of Kensington Palace.
Earlier in the evening Swift performed her hits 'Trouble' and 'Love Story.'
“This is my first time playing at Kensington Palace, or any palace for that matter,” she said. “I want to thank you for having me, Prince William. This is just amazing.”
Will she repay the honor by having William look on as she says "I do," to Kelce in July? We'll have to wait and see!
Next, Taylor Swift’s Wedding Tables Will Be ‘Deeply Romantic,’ 7 Experts Predict
Comedian Describes Terrifying Moment 600-Pound Fridge Pinned Her While Home Alone With Her Kids
A comedian and single mom says she feared she wouldn’t survive after her 600-pound refrigerator toppled onto her, pinning her against a kitchen counter while home alone with her young children.
Laura Clery detailed the terrifying moment, explaining she "couldn’t breathe right. Was impossible to get off, and I could feel myself losing consciousness."
View this post on InstagramIn a Patreon post about the experience, Clery recalled having a "very specific premonition," weeks before the ordeal.
"I have this massive French door fridge that weighs, I’m not kidding, 500 to 600 pounds. It’s supposed to be mounted into the wall, like a normal, responsible appliance that doesn’t try to kill you," she wrote. "Two nights ago, my son, being exactly who he is, decided to climb it. I saw it shift slightly, just enough to make my stomach drop. So I ran over to push it back into place. I thought I’d just nudge it in and move on with my day like a woman who has control over her life."
Her worst fear came true when the entire appliance came crashing down, pinning her to the kitchen island.
"I couldn’t move. I tried to push it off and it didn’t even slightly budge. It felt like pushing against a building," Clery continued. "I could feel it getting harder to inhale, like my body was just slowly deciding to shut down. The pain was so intense it almost didn’t feel real."
Luckily for the mother of two, her cell phone was in her pocket. She was able to reach it to call 911. When emergency crews arrived, it took three firefighters to life the refrigerator off of her.
"Seriously… this could have been SO much worse," she wrote, adding that she was very lucky to not have broken any bones.
Most terrifying night of my life as a single mom. I was home alone getting ready for bed when my 600 pound fridge slammed into me and pinned me against the counter. I couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe right. Was impossible to get off and I could feel myself losing consciousness. My kids were in the house. I genuinely didn’t know if I was getting out of that alive. Thank God my phone was in my pocket and I was able to call 911. Thank god it didn’t fall on my kids. It took three firefighters to lift it off me. I’m still shaking. Full story in the link above
Ariel Winter Makes Shocking 'Modern Family' Confession
Despite starring in Modern Family for 11 years starting at the age of 11 years old, Ariel Winter shocked fans by admitting she's actually never seen the whole series... or more than a few episodes!
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"I've actually never seen the whole show," Winter told Decider in a May 2026 interview. "I've seen maybe three or four episodes of the show, total."
"You're missing out!" the host insisted. "I know, I know!" Winter laughed. "But I might! I've thought about it!"
The surprising confession came as Winter discussed what it's been like living with her TV brother and longtime friend Nolan Gould following her split from husband Luke Benward in May, which she said is working out "great."
"We're honestly kind of the best roommates," she explained. "It works out pretty well. We don't argue."
Related: Sally Field Admits She ‘Hated’ One of Her Most Beloved Roles
And to people speculating there could be a romance between them? "Some of you are unwell!" she insisted. "We are actual brother and sister living in that house. We have seen some comments, and we are cackling at those comments. Nolan and I have grown up together. That is my family."
She even admitted that they've "thought about" watching their old series together, though they haven't committed to it yet.
Modern Family premiered on ABC in 2009 and ran for 11 seasons before wrapping in April 2020. The Emmy-winning mockumentary comedy followed the goofy but loving Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker clan, and became one of the most beloved sitcoms of its era.
Reflecting on the series ending, star Winter called it “very sad" to Digital Spy, but said she felt the show “ended in a great place."
"It will be hard to say goodbye," she admitted to The Hollywood Reporter at the time, but she was excited to have the opportunity to try “new things" in its wake.
Kohl's Is Selling a Vibrant 3-Piece Quilt Set Bursting With Tropical Charm
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If you love a tropical vacay, big same. There is something so magical about being on the beach, surrounded by palm trees and having a cool ocean breeze, setting the mood. If you want to experience that feeling of relaxation every day, bring the tropical vibes to your bedroom with this stunning quilt set from Kohl's. It will transport you to a relaxing tropical oasis every single night, helping you sleep and dream soundly.
Kohl's Greenland Home Fashions Tropics Quilt Set with Shams brings a vibrant burst of tropical flair to your bedroom, making it perfect for summertime. Featuring a reversible design, this quilt set has a pretty tropical print on one side with plenty of cheerful greens, pinks, oranges and blues. On the reverse side, there is a beautifully bright orange, complete with beautiful stitching in a palm leaf pattern. This also brings some welcome contrast to the quilt set.
Greenland Home Fashions Tropics Quilt Set With Shams, Orange, $110.49 at Kohl'sKohl's
Shop It!The queen and king quilt sets come with three pieces, including a quilt and two coordinating pillow shams. Meanwhile, the twin-sized quilt set comes with two pieces, including a quilt and a coordinating pillow sham. The quilts across the board are oversized, making them perfect for fitting modern mattresses. These will look so airy and beautifully styled on your bed.
Related: Sam's Club Boho Reversible Comforter Is the Perfect Weight for Summertime
Shoppers love this quilt set, giving it an average rating of 4.9 stars on Kohls.com, with 100 percent of reviewers saying they would recommend it to others. Reviewers on Kohl's website rate the quilt set highly for its quality, durability, value and style.
"This is beautiful and comfortable. The colors are vibrant and make me happy when I see them. It's a nice weight and not heavy and bulky. Love it!" raved one fan in a five-star review on Kohls.com.
"Beautiful bright colors! Made redecorating my guest room a breeze! Lightweight and perfect for spring and summer," said another happy Kohl's customer in a five-star review on Kohls.com.
You can find this vibrant quilt set on Kohls.com or in select stores. Do note that prices will vary based on the size chosen.
Related: Kohl's Is Selling a Rustic 9-Drawer Storage Cabinet That Shoppers Say Is a 'Hidden Gem'
How To Make the Best-Ever Smash Burger, According to the Smash Burger King of New Jersey
Smash burgers are having a moment—and for good reason. The thin, juicy patties with extra crispy edges are comforting, super satisfying and a lot of fun to make and eat. The quick-cooking method not only makes a delicious burger, but it's also surprisingly easy to recreate at home.
But no worries if you're wondering how to make a smash burger. To find out, I turned to Chef Matthew Borgersen, owner of the wildly popular Eighty Twenty, a smash burger joint in Westwood, New Jersey. Renowned for his immaculately executed stacked patties, Borgersen has dialed in the process for building a next-level burger.
And now you can too. From starting with the right beef to getting the perfect sear, Parade has everything you need to know to make your smash burgers a smash hit—including the chef-approved steps to take in your kitchen, and what to serve on the side.
Related: The One Thing Chefs Are Begging Home Cooks to Stop Doing When They Grill Burgers
Unlike a traditional burger patty formed before cooking, a smash burger starts as a ball of ground beef. The beef literally gets smashed onto an extra-hot surface, such as a griddle or skillet, creating a flat, deeply caramelized burger with crispy edges.
“The intense heat creates a flavorful crust through the Maillard reaction," Borgersen tells Parade, referring to the chemical reaction that creates browned, delicious food. "It’s all about bold, beefy flavor and a satisfying texture.”
The smash burger technique is fun and fast and creates a burger that's extra delicious and super stackable, which means more beefy goodness.
Related:I Tried 12 Frozen Burgers and Ranked Them Worst To Best
While smash burgers seem of-the-moment, their roots run deep. The thin, crispy burger has surged in popularity in recent years, likely due to fast-casual chains, such as Shake Shack, but the history of the smash burger goes back almost a century. And like many food stories, it was born of necessity.
“The actual technique goes back to Oklahoma in the 1920s and ’30s. That’s where the Oklahoma onion burger was born, and in many ways, it’s the godfather of the smash burger,” says Borgersen.
During the Great Depression, an economical and flavorful idea was born in a burger joint in El Reno, Oklahoma. They began smashing thin slices of onion directly into the beef as it cooked on a hot griddle. Onions are cheap and packed with flavor, so smashing them into the patty not only stretched the more expensive beef, but it also infused the burger with extra flavor. “It’s simple, but the depth of flavor it creates is incredible,” he says.
Today’s smash burgers may or may not feature pressed onions, but they're still known for their thin profile and deeply flavored caramelized crust.
Related: We Ranked 20 Different Lay's Flavors and the Winner is One You've Probably Never Tried
View this post on Instagram How To Make a Smash Burger, According to a ChefAccording to Borgersen, the best smash burgers are built on quality ingredients, good technique and the correct equipment. Here's how to make a great burger every time.
1. Get preparedSmash burgers don't require many ingredients, which is why every ingredient really needs to be dialed in.
“Start with high-quality 80/20 ground beef—that’s 80% lean, 20% fat,” says Borgersen. “It works great for flavor and crust. Good beef equals good burgers, it’s as simple as that.”
And don't forget to pick up the right buns. “Martin’s rolls. The king of burger bread,” he says.
Related: How Many Burgers Do You Need for Your Memorial Day Cookout? Here’s How To Tell
2. Roll it rightNext, roll the ground beef into 2- to 3-ounce balls. This size will give you a patty that cooks quickly and evenly and will fit nicely on a bun. They're also the right size for stacking, since many smash burgers have two patties per bun.
3. Heat things upA screaming-hot griddle or skillet is non-negotiable. That high heat is what creates the signature crust and locks in flavor. “Use a cast-iron skillet or a flat-top griddle preheated until it’s smoking hot,” he says.
Related: The Michigan Way to Make a Burger 10x Better
4. Smash with confidencePlace the ground beef balls onto the screaming hot griddle and firmly press them down with a heavy-duty metal spatula. “The key is even pressure," says Borgersen. “Press hard once, then let it cook without touching.” If you're serious about making smash burgers at home, he recommends buying a heavy-duty burger press.
5. Time it rightLet the patties sear for one to two minutes without moving them, then flip, add cheese if you like, and cook another minute. "Timing is the name of the game for smash burgers. You want a quick, intense sear and serve them immediately," he says.
6. Top it off (or not)Cheese is a classic, but you might not need much more than that. “Pickles, onions and a great sauce go a long way. Let the beef be the star,” says Borgersen.
Related: I Tried 8 Store-Bought Mayos and the Winner Was Abundantly Clear
What To Serve With Smash BurgersBorgersen recommends keeping it classic and letting the burger shine.
“Think crispy French fries and onion rings… a good burger needs a good side, but let’s not overcomplicate it," he says. Salty fries, savory onion rings, even a crispy kettle chip will do the trick.
Borgersen’s signature MANDY sauce (think a combo of ketchup, mayo, honey mustard and bbq sauce) keeps his burgers bold and balanced.
The key takeaways for making next-level smash burgers? Keep it simple and quick and focus on quality ingredients and solid technique. Whether you’re hosting a burger bash or need to get dinner on the table in minutes, smash burgers are the answer to a lot of hungry questions.
Up Next:
Related: Where Did Hamburgers Originate? The History of One of Our Favorite Sandwiches
Source:- Chef Matthew Borgersen, owner of the wildly popular Eighty Twenty, a smash burger joint in Westwood, New Jersey
This Major City Just Launched the Country's First City-Sponsored Automatic Retirement Plan
As the Social Security Administration (SSA) continues to sound the alarm about the unlikely future of Social Security, many people are turning to different avenues to help them save for retirement. But there is a group of working Americans that struggles with this, and it's those whose employers don't offer retirement plans.
Now, one city has decided to make it easier for these folks to prepare for retirement and has launched a city-run retirement account open to eligible employees across the city. The structure of this retirement fund makes it the first of its kind, and if it's successful, we could be looking at the dawn of a whole new way to save.
Philadelphia to Launch a City-Sponsored Retirement ProgramAccording to Stateline, Philadelphia city officials are preparing to launch the country's first-ever city-sponsored retirement plan for workers whose employers don't offer a retirement package.
The program will be called PhillySaves, and voters overwhelmingly approved adopting a change to the city's charter that requires employers to enroll their employees in the program (unless they opt out).
This will direct a portion of their paycheck to an IRA, which city officials say will help Philadelphians. “This is a big darn deal for the city of Philadelphia,” Mayor Cherelle Parker said while signing the bill.
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The Plan Won't Help the Self-EmployedLike many similar plans, PhillySaves will leave self-employed residents out in the cold, according to Bloomberg Law. That's because these options aren't typically geared toward those types of workers, but instead toward people with a traditional employer who get a W-2 at the end of the year.
So, what are my fellow 1099 and fully self-employed folks supposed to do? We may have to look to Uncle Sam for help. The IRS says that self-employed Americans can contribute up to 25 percent of their net earnings to a simplified employee pension (SEP).
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You can set one up by completing Form 5305-SEP or by opening a SEP-IRA with your financial institution. You can also open your own 401(k) plan, but unlike employee-sponsored plans, there is no "matching" option to choose.
While plans like PhillySaves are a huge step in the right direction toward making retirement more accessible for all types of workers, they still underscore the need for a wider net to capture the diversity of workers in this country. With many people forced into the gig economy or working multiple jobs just to get by, it's clear that traditional retirement planning just won't cut it for modern retirees. And if the cost of living continues to rise, it's unclear whether that will even be enough for most Americans to set aside any extra savings for retirement.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
'Battlestar Galactica' Alum Tricia Helfer Breaks Silence on Joining OnlyFans
Life is just getting good for 52-year-old Tricia Helfer. The beloved Battlestar Galactica actress is the latest celebrity to join OnlyFans, and as she explains to PEOPLE, it’s a welcome change in her career.
"At my age, I am in my 'do what I want' phase of my life," she says. "I'm tired of being told what to do and how to do it. I'm looking at it as something to have fun with and something I can be in control of." Helfer notes that her OnlyFans account largely stays true to the persona fans know and love, though it places greater emphasis on the "sexier side" of her brand.
"It'll be a mix of artistic shots with great photographers and pictures and videos of quiet and silly times at home—feeding my goats or weeding my garden. I posted a picture [recently] of me out in my garden watering my plants, and I had my work boots on, but it was hot outside, so I was in my bikini," she adds.
Helfer is no stranger to posing provocatively in the public eye. The Canadian native has modeled for Maxim and Playboy at the height of her Battlestar Galactica fame. Her role as Cylon "Number Six" in the sci-fi series reboot made her a global sex symbol in the early 2000s. Now, she’s focused on the positive feedback her OnlyFans page is receiving from her fan base.
(L-R) Aaron Douglas, Grace Park, Tahmoh Penikett, Tricia Helfer, and Michael Trucco attend the 'Battlestar Galactica' press conference in 2017; Photo by Araya Doheny/WireImageShe tells PEOPLE, "Most people I've talked to have been very supportive. I've had a few people that are not involved with my page be concerned, and rightly so. I'm not saying there shouldn't be concern. But I tell them, 'Hey, this is what I'm doing. I'm in control of it. I don't have to post anything I don't want to post. I'm not being pushed into anything, and I can shut it down whenever I want if I decide to.' Am I pushing some of my own boundaries? Probably. But I have to press the upload button, right?"
As she embarks on this new chapter of her career, Helfer is determined to donate a portion of her OnlyFans earnings to animal charities close to her heart. "If I have any success with OnlyFans, it will help me donate more than I already do and stay involved in even more ways," she says.
Tricia Helfer joins a growing list of celebrities who have launched OnlyFans accounts. Recently, Jaime Pressly and Shannon Elizabeth also announced their own pages.
'90s Country Legend Drops 3 New Songs From June 5 Album - Fans: 'You Are My Childhood'
Sixteen years. Cancer. Two kids. Hockey practice at 5 a.m. Picking up after the dog. Like so many of us, asking herself: "Am I invisible? Do I matter?"
Jo Dee Messina lived a lot of life in between albums.
And now she's back — dropping three songs from her June 5 album Bridges that have fans sobbing in the comments. "You are my childhood! 💗"one fan wrote, tears practically visible through the screen.
Of course you remember her. She was your childhood. That first heartbreak. Your late-night drives with the windows rolled down. The voice that got you through it all.
The '90s country icon who gave us "Heads Carolina, Tails California," "Bye Bye," and "I'm Alright" — the songs that soundtracked our youth — just dropped "Some Bridges," "Don't Let Them Hide Your Beautiful," and "Can Anybody." Three new songs that prove she's not just back, she's taking us with her into the second act.
@jodeemessinaExcited for you all to hear this album💜😃
♬ original sound - Jo Dee Messina What She's Been BuildingIn her TikTok video "Some Bridges" Messina sings, dressed in black surrounded by flames — fitting for a woman who's walked through fire and arisen like a phoenix. The song is about protecting yourself while forgiving those who've hurt you. It’s about growth and it hits different when you're old enough to have needed that lesson.
"Don't Let Them Hide Your Beautiful" is raw and live — Messina reminds us that beauty doesn't fade, it just changes shape over time.
"Can Anybody" takes us into nature, with Messina in a flowing white dress, vulnerable and hopeful. It wrestles with ambition and selfish thoughts even when you're supposed to have it figured out.
The full 11-track album finally drops June 5, and anticipation is building.
Why Bridges Matters NowHere's the thing about Jo Dee Messina: she's always spoken her truth.
In the '90s, she sang about standing up for yourself ("I'm Alright"), making bold choices ("Heads Carolina"), and letting go ("Bye Bye"). Those became anthems of our Gen X youth because they felt real.
Now, at 55, after going through cancer, raising kids and asking if she still mattered, and now, she's doing it again — speaking to the version of us who've lived some life too.
"My life is not glamorous when I'm at home," Messina told PEOPLE. "I raise my kids. I'm involved in their life."
She's one of us. She always has been.
Bridges is about forgiveness, but not the kind where you just take it whatever life hands you. "You can forgive from the opposite side of the bridge," she explains. "This is about saving yourself, so you have the ability to heal, to love, to live."
That's not just lyrics. That's our Gen X battle cry.
"You can love someone without letting them destroy you," she says. "Love doesn't have to look like submitting yourself to constant abuse. You got to get to my age to figure that out."
If that doesn't hit you right in the feels, check your pulse.
The Soundtrack to Our Second ActThe excitement in the comments is palpable. These aren't casual fans — these are people who grew up with Messina’s voice playing in the background, who took long drives to her songs and got through the hard stuff because of her.
"Your new music is absolutely amazing," one fan wrote. "A lot of people can relate to it."
That's Jo Dee Messina. She gave us the soundtrack to our youth — the fearless, make-your-own-rules soundtrack — and now she's giving us an iconic soundtrack to our second act. The one where we're older, wiser, scarred, healed, and still figuring it out but finding our way.
We picked up after our dogs too. We drove our kids to practices and games. We asked if we mattered — if we’re invisible.
And now Jo Dee's back saying: Yes. You do matter. I matter. We're still here. And we're definitely not done yet.
Bridges finally arrives June 5th. And it's turning out to be the most anticipated country release of the year — not because it's a comeback, but because it's a continuation of a conversation she started with us 30 years ago.
We grew up with her. Now we're growing older with her.
Welcome back, Jo Dee. We've been waiting and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
Tim McGraw, 59, Looks 'Shredded' in New Shirtless Photo With His Brothers: 'A Force of Nature'
Tim McGrawcontinues to prove that he's aging like a fine wine.
In his latest social media post, the "Live Like You Were Dying" crooner went shirtless to show off his ripped physique, and his followers can't seem to get over just how heathy and youthful he's looking lately.
Tim, who celebrated his 59th birthday earlier this month, took to Instagram on Friday, May 22 to share a photo alongside his two half-brothers, Mark and Matthew McGraw, where all three of them were dressed in athletic wear while attending some sort of outdoor event.
Tim ditched his shirt for the photo-op, putting his shredded abs and chiseled figure on full display while the three brothers got together with their arms around each other for the pic.
View this post on Instagram"My brothers and me!" he captioned the photo, while his fans flocked to the comments to fawn over Tim's ageless appearance and muscular build.
"Jacked 💪🏾💪🏾" one of his followers wrote under the post, while another user pointed out that the country hitmaker is "looking shredded" in the new snap.
"Who's drooling?? Just me?!" another followers quipped in the comments. Meanwhile, other fans called Tim a "smoke show" and a "force of nature" for being in such great shape.
And Tim wasn't the only brother to leave fans impressed, as a number of his followers also commented on how fit each of the McGraw brothers are. Tim is the oldest one of the trio, who all share the same father, the late major league baseball pitcher Tug McGraw.
"Great pic of your brothers and you," one of Tim's followers commented on the pic.
"All I can say is handsome runs in your family!" another person chimed in.
Bret Michaels Has One Request Before Discussing a Poison Reunion, and It Has Nothing to Do With Music
Bret Michaels is the son of a veteran. His late father Wally served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, and his family's military service spans all four branches. So when tour offers for a potential 2027 Poison reunion started landing this week, the rock icon had one request for the music industry: hold that thought until after Memorial Day.
In a post shared on Facebook, Michaels addressed the offers directly, but spent more of his words explaining why the timing of those conversations matters to him than talking about the tour itself. Michaels explained that it had recently come to his attention that offers existed for Poison in 2027, but that given his travel schedule (shows in Atlantic City and Charles Town, West Virginia) and the fact that Memorial Day weekend is a time of remembrance, he was asking that all business discussions wait until the following week.
https://www.facebook.com/BretMichaels/posts/pfbid02gbuvoHJP4GRqL5W3EGV2wvC5aWvR2b7rNWQdmQVvwNEzDWtAtbDFpe4V5otZfW4zl?__cft__[0]=AZY8yNSfamqRtcd3s3U7rMDgzct2xXwDjxZHGkYiz1W_mPNq4ZQhig8ygldeEgXBLue_J3YNZTFX58-O5JbMbuWScLQc73tgOwPT0lSS_sPRQ3fROtbyOfjgMWTOGNqMbVabgsm4mfNSlryMQWllRPGh2yb0muDXeSACXnXOcoU1CQ&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
The reason he gave wasn't logistics. It was personal. Michaels noted that he is the son of a veteran, and that almost every member of his family has served or is currently serving in the military. This was Michaels asking everyone to stand down for 72 hours out of genuine respect for something larger than a tour deal.
Michaels also extended that same respect to his bandmates. He said he was sure each member would have the respect to wait until after the weekend to discuss the matter, and made clear that a real reunion would require all four original members; himself, C.C. DeVille, Bobby Dall, and Rikki Rockett, giving 100% mind, body, and soul, because Poison is nothing more than a name without them.
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All members of Poison, he said, have agreed they will not perform under the Poison name without all four original members present. That's a firm line given that the band has been navigating a bumpy road back to the stage. Their most recent headline-level outing was 2022's massive Stadium Tour alongside Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe, and a proposed 40th-anniversary tour in 2026 fell apart amid conflicting claims about negotiations between the members.
Michaels had previously floated the idea of a 2027 run potentially billed as '40 Plus One,' referencing the 41st anniversary of Look What the Cat Dragged In, the 1986 debut that launched Michaels, DeVille, Dall, and Rockett from the Los Angeles club circuit into mainstream rock history.
He closed on an optimistic note. 'I have a great feeling we're all going to attempt to make all of this work for 2027,' he wrote, signing off as 'Lead Singer Long Texter Bret Michaels.'
Michaels clearly wants this to happen. He also clearly wants it to happen right, with every original member on board, the proper respect shown to the people who served, and business conducted only when the moment calls for it. That's not a bad set of priorities for a rock star, or anyone else.
Stay tuned.
Rob Schneider Reveals Bill Murray 'Absolutely Hated' '90s-Era 'SNL' Cast: 'I Mean, Seething'
Every viewer has their favorite era in Saturday Night Live history.
For some, that might mean the early days of the show's inception when John Belushi, Gilda Radner and Chevy Chase lit up the screen.
For others, it could be the wacky period of Will Ferrell's reign in the late 1990s, alongside similarly influential comics like Norm Macdonald, Molly Shannon and Jimmy Fallon.
One era that a notable SNL legend really didn't like, however, was the cast of Saturday Night Live in the early 1990s, a cast that featured the likes of SNL's legendary "Bad Boys" like Adam Sandler, Chris Farley, David Space and Rob Schneider.
According to a more recent interview with the latter, Schneider revealed that original SNL star Bill Murray "absolutely hated" the show's cast upon his return to host in the '90s.
As Schneider remembered it, an unnamed filmmaker informed the cast that Murray would be arriving to host the series.
“Bill Murray is gonna come, he’s gonna change the dialogue," Schneider recalled. "He’s gonna change things, and it’s gonna be great, but you don’t know who you’re gonna get. Which Bill Murray you’re gonna get. The nice Bill Murray? Or you’re gonna get the tough Bill Murray?”
While Schneider did note that Murray himself appeared cordial and friendly to fans, he held a particularly hostile view to some of the show's key cast members, including breakout talent Chris Farley.
"He’s super nice to fans,” Schneider said. “He wasn’t very nice to us… He wasn’t very — he hated us on Saturday Night Live when he hosted. Absolutely hated us. I mean, seething. He hated Chris Farley with a passion. Like he was just seething looking at him.”
As to why Murray might have disliked Farley, Schneider hypothesized that it had something to do with the fact that Farley famously tried to emulate original SNL cast member John Belushi, mainly through his out-of-control antics.
"Farley “thought it was cool to be that out of control,” Schneider said, noting Murray might not have wanted to see that.
“That’s my interpretation, but I don’t really know,” Schneider observed. “I don’t believe it. I only believe it 50 percent.”
Meryl Streep's Estranged Husband Weighs in on Her Romance With Martin Short: 'Perspective Has Changed'
Only Murders in the Buildingstars Meryl StreepandMartin Shortsparked dating rumors while working on the hit series. Streep's ex, Don Gummer, has commented that he's "at peace" with the actor's reported relationship.
According to The Daily Mail, the sculptor has a new outlook on the actor's new romance with her fellow co-star. Gummer and Streep kept their separation in 2017 under wraps for some time, until news outlets confirmed the news in 2023. Representative at the time said they had been separated for over six years and "have chosen lives apart."
When it comes to Streep and Short's relationship, Gummer says that “perspective has changed” since “so much time has passed since they stopped being a couple." The outlet further claims that if both actors' relationship had begun "immediately after the split," Gummer wouldn't have taken it well and would have hit him "hard."
The insider reveals that “enough time has passed now that he’s genuinely at peace with it," and Gummer has “come to terms with the end of his marriage.” They add that both of them are now in a place of mutual respect that took time to establish.
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Streep and Short have recently been photographed getting cozy at a dinner date in London. When rumors circulated of a possible romance in early 2024, Streep's reps reported that she and her co-star were simply "very good friends." The two actors had a convincing love story as their characters in Only Murders in the Building that fans were more than happy to see translate into real life. Short also double-downed on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast that the two were not in a relationship.
Fans believed otherwise as the two were spotted on multiple outings together, held hands at events, and even Steve Martin joked he was the third wheel. In March 2025, multiple sources reported that the two actors were a couple and had been dating for over a year.
Sources claimed that the romance was "unexpected," with Short's comedic personality keeping her laughing. Reports also claim that the children of both actors approved the relationship.
Kyle Busch Reportedly Coughed Up Blood 1 Day Before Death, 911 Audio Reveals
New details are emerging surrounding the sudden death of Kyle Busch.
Newly released 911 audio obtained by TMZ on Friday, May 22, reportedly revealed the NASCAR star was coughing up blood and struggling to breathe just one day before he died at age 41.
Per the audio, an emergency call was placed on Wednesday evening around 5:30 PM from a training facility in Concord, North Carolina, where Busch was reportedly testing in a Chevrolet racing simulator.
During the call, the caller urgently requested medical assistance, telling dispatchers, “I've got an individual that's shortness of breath, very hot, thinks he's going to pass out, and he's producing a little bit of blood, coughing up some blood.” They also confirmed that Busch was still conscious while waiting for paramedics to arrive. “He is awake. He's awake. He's awake,” the caller said.
The heartbreaking update comes just one week after Busch unknowingly gave what would become one of his final interviews—a moment many NASCAR fans are now calling eerie in hindsight.
Following his win at the 2026 Ecosave 200 at Dover Motor Speedway on May 15, Busch spoke on the importance of celebrating victories. “Because you never know when the last one is, you know?” Busch said during the post-race interview. “Love coming to Dover, always one of my favorite places to race.”
READ MORE: Kyle Busch Cause of Death: What We Know So Far
The quote has since gone viral online following news of his death.
NASCAR later released a statement mourning the loss of the two-time Cup Series champion on Thursday, May 21.
“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch,” the statement read in part. “A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation.”
Over the course of his legendary career, Busch collected 234 victories across NASCAR’s top three national series and became one of the most recognizable figures in modern racing history.
