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Spring cleaning is in full swing, and many of us are craving a fresh, organized space to match the brighter days ahead. Whether you're tackling laundry piles after a busy winter or simply hoping to bring a little more order to your home, the right storage solutions can make all the difference. That's why Amazon's Lifewit 2-Piece Hamper Set, currently 40% off and available in seven chic color combos, feels like the perfect upgrade for this season of renewal.

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Lifewit 2-Piece Hamper Set, From $12 (was $20) at Amazon

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Related: Gwyneth Paltrow Cooks In the Cutest Plaid Pajamas, and We Found Similar 2-Piece Sets Starting at $20 on Amazon

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Before it became one of the biggest songs of 1972, Mac Davis’s “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me” started as a joke inside a recording studio.

The soft rock-country crossover hit climbed to No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Easy Listening charts in September 1972, staying at the top for three weeks. The song later ranked as Billboard’s No. 8 song of the year and sold more than one million copies, earning a gold certification in the United States.

But while the song dominated radio, it also sparked backlash. According to Ed Osborne of Top 40.com, women’s groups criticized the lyrics, calling the track arrogant and chauvinistic during a period when the women’s rights movement was gaining national attention.

Mac Davis appears in Episode 4 of Midnight Special.

Photo by Frank Carroll/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Despite the controversy, “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me” became the biggest hit of Davis’ career and remains one of the defining soft rock songs of the early 1970s.

According to accounts from Davis and music historians, the song was written after producer Rick Hall challenged him to come up with a stronger “hook” song, a tune built around a memorable phrase listeners could not forget.

At the time, Davis was already respected in the music industry as a songwriter. Before launching his solo breakthrough, he had written major hits for Elvis Presley, including “In the Ghetto,” “Memories,” “Don’t Cry Daddy” and “A Little Less Conversation.”

Hall reportedly complained that Davis kept giving his best hook songs to other artists while leaving softer ballads for himself. Davis reacted by quickly writing what he believed was a simple, almost sarcastic hook.

The phrase “Baby, don’t get hooked on me” became the centerpiece.

Davis later explained that the track was never meant to be taken too seriously. He reportedly walked upstairs at FAME Recording Studios, wrote the hook on a legal pad and showed it to Hall while joking with the musicians nearby.

Instead of laughing, Hall immediately believed it was a hit.

The song was recorded before the rest of the lyrics were even finished. Davis later returned to his hotel room to complete the track.

Ironically, the joke song became his only No. 1 single as both a writer and performer. However, the success of “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me” came with intense criticism.

Many listeners viewed the lyrics as dismissive toward women. The controversy grew so large that the song was reportedly labeled Ms. Magazine’s “chauvinist pig song of the year” in 1972.

Even Davis admitted he initially felt uncomfortable with the message.

Still, the singer defended the song’s meaning. In response to criticism from women’s groups, Davis explained that the male character in the song believed he did not deserve the woman’s love, rather than trying to insult her.

The debate reflected the changing cultural climate of the early 1970s. As conversations around feminism and gender equality became more visible in popular culture, songs and films increasingly faced public scrutiny for their messages.

“Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me” became part of that discussion while continuing to dominate radio stations across pop, adult contemporary and country formats.

The song also crossed over internationally, charting in countries including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland and the United Kingdom. Although “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me” became Davis’ signature hit, his career stretched far beyond one chart-topper.

Born in Lubbock in 1942, Davis first found success behind the scenes in the music business before becoming a recording artist. He worked with Nancy Sinatra’s publishing company and became known for writing songs recorded by stars such as Presley, Kenny Rogers, Tom Jones and Dolly Parton.

His 1972 album Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me became his breakthrough release. Davis later expanded into television and acting, hosting The Mac Davis Show and appearing in movies including North Dallas Forty.

He also guest-starred on The Muppet Show, where he performed “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me” for a new audience.

Davis died on Sept. 29, 2020, at age 78 following complications from heart surgery in Nashville. Even years later, his music continues to be remembered as part of the era when country storytelling blended with soft rock and pop radio success.

Related: 1984 Classic Pop Song, Banned by Some Radio Stations, Became a No. 1 Hit

Hayden Panettiere'sdaughter Kaya Evdokia Klitschko may not live with her, but that doesn't mean that they aren't close.

The Nashvillestarlet and her then-fiancé, UkrainianboxerWladimir Klitschko, welcomed Kaya in December 2014. When the couple broke up in 2018, Klitschko brought Kaya to Europe, leaving Panettiere devastated, despite knowing deep down that it was the best decision for the family as a whole.

"That was incredibly difficult. The fact that my child wasn't going to be with me all day, every day was ... you can't put words to it," Panettiere said on On Purpose With Jay Shetty in May 2026. "It's just a really intense feeling, or multiple feelings, really, layered together."

Panettiere was battling crippling anxiety, postpartumdepression and substance abuse, leaving her unable to parent in a healthy way. She sought treatment to be the best mom she could be, and today the family's situation is a stable, happy one.

"[She] knows that she's got two parents that love her and I know in my heart that she feels supported," Panettiere said.

What exactly happened with Hayden Panettiere's daughter and why? It's complicated.

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What happened to Hayden Panettiere's daughter? Hayden Panettiere in "Nashville"

Photo by Mark Levine on Getty Images

Panettiere revealed on Red Table Talk in 2022 that she made what she thought at the time was a temporary custodial arrangement for Kaya to live with Klitschko in Ukraine while she got treatment for her alcohol addiction, but it ended up being permanent.

"I was gonna go work on myself and I was gonna get better, and when I got better that things could change and she could come to me and I could have my time with her. But that didn't happen," she explained. "At first it was not because it wasn't a discussion," the actress explains of giving up custody. "If [Klitschko] had come to me and said, 'I think because of where you're at right now and your struggles that you're having, it would be good for her to be over here with me for a while'—which, if I had probably had enough of a conversation, I would've said, 'Okay that makes sense, I get it, I'll come there to visit and stuff like that.' [But] because of the way that it was done, it was very upsetting. I mean, it was the worst signing those papers—the most heartbreaking thing I've ever, ever had to do in my life."

"I felt horribly guilty but at the same time, I was trying to tell myself, 'If I'm not okay, if I'm not good then I cannot be the best mom to [Kaya],'" she said. "And I was going through such a hard time and I knew the most unselfish thing I could do was to make that hard decision and just try to work on myself."

Related: Hayden Panettiere Debuts 'Wild' New Look

Who has custody of Hayden Panettiere's daughter?

Klitschko maintains custody of Kaya, but Panettiere visits regularly. She said that by the time she felt safe enough to raise Kaya, Kaya had friends, family and a healthy routine in Europe.

"I felt like it would have been unfair of me to—and selfish of me—to try to pull her out of this life that she had been [creating], this life that she had been living," she said on On Purpose. "An incredible life."

View this post on Instagram Did Hayden Panettiere have a baby while on Nashville? Hayden Panettiere in "Nashville"

Photo by Mark Levine on Getty Images

Panettiere welcomed Kaya in December 2014, and her pregnancy was written into the series: Her character, Juliette, was also pregnant at the same time. Her co-star Jonathan Jackson told Taste of Country of working with an expecting Panettiere, "The only thing that’s changed is she has to lay down more often. Her feet are hurting. She brings it every day, so we have a good time working together."

Related: Why Hayden Panettiere Says Filming Nashville Was 'Traumatizing'

How old was Hayden Panettiere when she gave birth?

Kaya was born on Dec. 9, 2014. Panettiere's birthday is Aug. 21, 1989, making her 25 when she gave birth to her daughter.

Why did Hayden Panettiere give up custody of her daughter?

Panettiere didn't originally intend to give up custody of Kaya, but by the time she felt healthy enough to be a good mom to her, Kaya had an "incredible life" in Europe that Panettiere felt guilty disrupting.

She said on the On Purpose podcast, "I have an incredible relationship with her. I go travel as much as I can. I see her. I do spend a lot of time on FaceTime with her, but we talk about really deep things. We have a really intense, incredible bond and I'm very grateful for that."

What is Hayden Panettiere diagnosed with?

Panettiere had a difficult pregnancy and delivery with Kaya, which she detailed in an excerpt of her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, for The Cut.

"I labored with Kaya for 14 hours and was in surgery for three hours after she was born. My blood wouldn’t clot during my C-section, so doctors had to close the blood vessels in my uterus to prevent me from bleeding out," she wrote in part. "I had seven transfusions and ran a fever the entire time. My uterus had become infected, and the antibiotics I’d been given during labor hadn’t been strong enough to lower my temperature. When I woke up in the recovery room, I was exhausted, disoriented and racked with pain."

When she returned home after Kaya's birth, she developed "debilitating anxiety" and suffered from postpartum depression.

"I had always heard that mothers feel an instant rush of love the moment they lay their eyes on their baby, but I felt nothing," she admitted. "Kaya was just there, and now I had to figure out how to bond with her. It felt like an insurmountable task, and I was only on the first day."

Panettiere began drinking at night to try to ease her mental health symptoms and developed a dependency on alcohol.

Related: The 30 Best Movies About Addiction and Alcoholism

Is Hayden Panettiere clean and sober?

Panettiere's recovery journey is ongoing.

In a 2022 interview with PEOPLE, she revealed that she first began using drugs unwittingly when she was just 15 years old, with people on her team giving her "happy pills" before red carpet appearances.

"|They were to make me peppy during interviews," she said. "I had no idea that this was not an appropriate thing, or what door that would open for me when it came to my addiction."

She said that when she was working on Heroes, it was easier to stay on the proverbial straight and narrow, but that downtime and parenthood during her stint on Nashville brought out her demons.

Hayden Panettiere and her onscreen daughter in "Nashville"

Photo by Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images/Mark Levine

"Those were really tough years. I could relate to a lot of those storylines like the alcoholism and postpartum depression," she said. "They hit close to home."

Panettiere developed a dependency on alcohol and opioids, and it contributed to her split from Klitschko in 2018.

"He didn't want to be around me. I didn't want to be around me," she admitted. "But with the opiates and alcohol I was doing anything to make me feel happy for a moment. Then I'd feel worse than I did before. I was in a cycle of self-destruction."

Panettiere was eventually hospitalized for jaundice, and doctors told her that her liver would be damaged beyond repair if she kept drinking. She went to rehab for eight months, which she said helped her "get over the hump" of her addiction.

Related: Why Hayden Panettiere and Wladimir Klitschko Didn't Get Married

Are Hayden Panettiere and Wladimir Klitschko still together? Wladimir Klitschko and Hayden Panettiere in November 2016

Photo by Sean Zanni on Getty Images

Though they're quite amicable co-parents and friends, Panettiere and Klitschko split in 2018.

Where does Hayden Panettiere's daughter live now?

Kaya lives with Klitschko and his family in Europe.

"We are fortunate that we can travel a lot," she told PEOPLE in 2022. "She's a happy kid open to a huge world. And she has more love than anybody I've ever met. She has a beautiful life. I was just with her. She's just an amazing child. She's smart and she's funny and for whatever reason, she still loves me."

Related: Like Mother Like Daughter—40 Meaningful Tattoos for Mom-Daughter Duos

Sometimes the most famous songs in rock history begin in the least glamorous way imaginable.

In the early morning hours of a day in early May 1965, Keith Richards woke up just long enough to grab a cassette recorder beside his bed and play a rough guitar riff that had suddenly come to him in his sleep. Then he promptly fell back asleep again.

That riff eventually became “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” the Rolling Stones classic that was recorded 61 years ago today—May 12, 1965—and would soon turn the band into international superstars.

Years later, Richards admitted he barely remembered creating it at all.

“I had no idea I’d written it,” Richards recalled in his 2010 memoir Life, according to the History Channel. When he listened back to the tape the next morning, he discovered roughly 30 seconds of the now-iconic riff followed by nearly an hour of snoring.

“When I woke up in the morning, the tape had run out,” Richards later said. “There’s this maybe 30 seconds of ‘Satisfaction’ in a very drowsy sort of rendition. And then suddenly the guitar goes ‘CLANG,’ and then there’s like 45 minutes of snoring.”

At the time, the Rolling Stones were still climbing toward mainstream success in America. They had scored attention with songs like “Time Is On My Side” and “The Last Time,” but “Satisfaction” would become something much bigger.

The very next morning after Richards listened to the riff, Mick Jagger added the lyrics, which were inspired by commercialism, frustration and the pressures of modern life. Richards originally imagined the famous riff being played by horns, not guitar, and even thought the song sounded too much like a joke to become a hit single.

“He really didn’t think it was single material,” Jagger later said. “And we all said, ‘You’re off your head.’”

The band first worked on the track at Chicago’s legendary Chess Studios before finishing the recording on May 12, 1965, during a marathon session at RCA Studios in Hollywood. It was there that Richards plugged his guitar into an early fuzz box, creating the distorted sound that transformed the riff into one of the most recognizable hooks in music history.

The effect changed rock music almost overnight.

Rolling Stone later ranked “Satisfaction” at No. 2 on its original 2004 list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” writing that the song represented “the crossroads” where early rock and roll evolved into something more rebellious and modern. On the revised list, Rolling Stone bumped the song to No. 31.

The single became the Rolling Stones’ first No. 1 hit in the United States and later topped the charts in the United Kingdom as well. Over the decades, it has remained one of the defining songs of the rock era, earning induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Library of Congress National Recording Registry.

Jagger later reflected on why the song connected so deeply with audiences.

“It was the song that really made the Rolling Stones,” he said. “It captures a spirit of the times, which is very important in those kinds of songs. Which was alienation.”

More than six decades later, it all traces back to a sleepy middle-of-the-night moment and a tape recorder left running beside Keith Richards’ bed.

Related: 1966 Rock Force That Changed Guitar Music Forever Is Returning 60 Years Later

When rapper Travis Scottappeared in the trailer for Christopher Nolan's upcoming summer blockbuster, The Odyssey, people were surprised.

The Odyssey, which is set to hit theaters on July 17 and stars Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Jon Bernthal, Charlize Theron and Elliot Page, follows Odysseus, the King of Ithaca (Damon), on a 10-year journey home to his wife Penelope (Hathaway) after the Trojan War, where he will face various mythical obstacles, monsters, and angry gods.

The "MY EYES" singer was quickly featured in the trailer playing a poet/bard — possibly Demodocus — in a supporting role, shouting lines during the Trojan War. This will mark Scott's first onscreen role.

In a recent interview with TIME published on Tuesday, the Academy Award-winning filmmaker revealed that he has been sitting with the idea of The Odyssey for more than 20 years, and explained his decision on why he cast Scott.

"I cast him because I wanted to nod towards the idea that this story has been handed down as oral poetry, which is analogous to rap," Nolan explained.

Over the past decade, Scott has become one of the biggest names in rap and music. He built his fanbase and broke out with albums like Rodeo, ASTROWORLD and UTOPIA. His 2018 song "SICKO MODE" helped cement his status as a mainstream star and is considered one of the defining rap songs of the decade. He is also known for turning his concerts into massive events, with fans drawn to the wild energy and visuals of his performances.

Despite his success, the 35-year-old rapper has faced several controversies throughout his career. The most serious came after the 2021 Astroworld Festival crowd crush in Houston, where 10 people died and hundreds were injured during a crowd surge at his performance. The tragedy led to lawsuits, widespread criticism and debates over concert safety and Scott’s high-energy show environment.

INDIO, CA - APRIL 16: Rapper Travis Scott performs on the Coachella Stage during day 3 of the Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival (Weekend 1) at the Empire Polo Club on April 16, 2017 in Indio, California.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella)

The controversy sparked intense debate online, and many users had conflicting opinions on Scott's role in the film.

One fan wrote, "I love you Nolan, but I fail to see the correlation."

"I mean this sincerely," a user quote-tweeted. "Is Christopher Nolan trying to torpedo his own movie?"

"Every update I hear about this movie makes me want to watch it less," a user commented.

"am i the only one who remembers that people died at a travis scott concert bc he encouraged moshing after he was warned several times about the ratio between the audience and capacity of the venue? he also went to an afterparty after the concert," someone pointed out on X, referring to Scott's AstroWorld festival in 2021. "How does he still have a career?"

"I don’t mind this but why the [explicit] did he pick Travis Scott 😭😭😭😭," another quote-tweeted.

Travis Scott speaks onstage at the Fashion Scholarship Fund annual gala at the Glasshouse on March 23, 2026 in New York City.

Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Fashion Scholarship Fund

Despite the backlash, many of Nolan's fans have continued to support Scott and his decision to be featured in the movie.

"No joke, this might be one of [the] coolest things Christopher Nolan has ever said," a film critic quote-tweeted.

One commented, "maybe I’m in the minority but bizarre casting decisions like this always get me excited because it shows a director who has complete confidence in the vision he’s creating."

"People are losing their [explicit] minds about this and it makes no sense to me," a fan quote-tweeted. "This reasoning is cool as [explicit]."

Another fan said, "the stuff like this is really cool and people mad at it are lame-o's."

"Odysseus about to go on a rap battle with Poseidon to save his life," one joked.

Christopher Nolan speaks onstage during CinemaCon 2026 at The Dolby Colosseum at Caesars Palace during CinemaCon, the official convention of Cinema United, on April 15, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

David Becker/Getty Images for CinemaCon

Nolan is widely considered one of the most influential directors of the 21st century, thanks to his ambitious storytelling, large-scale filmmaking and commitment to practical effects. Known for acclaimed films like The Dark Knight, Inception, Interstellar and Oppenheimer, the 55-year-old director helped redefine what blockbuster movies could be by combining complex narratives with mainstream appeal. He also became one of Hollywood’s strongest advocates for watching movies in theaters and IMAX filmmaking, often pushing studios to prioritize cinema experiences over streaming releases.

The Odyssey will be out in theaters on July 17.

Related: Resale Tickets for Christopher Nolan’s 'The Odyssey' Are Already Skyrocketing One Year Before Release

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When it comes to the best Italian cookbooks of all time, the real question isn’t what’s out there, it’s which ones are truly worth adding to your kitchen.

During my years on The Rachael Ray Show culinary team, I worked alongside some of the most talented chefs in the world, but our go to Italian-American chef was always Scott Conant. We always were excited whenever he came to set. My mentor and former boss attended the Culinary Institute of America alongside him, so there was always a sense of familiarity, like welcoming back a friend.

An award-winning chef and restaurateur, "Scottie" has spent nearly four decades shaping Italian and American dining. Known for his soulful approach to food, his work spans restaurants, entrepreneurship and media.

Now, I’m lucky enough to call him both a friend and a colleague, and I’ve continued to admire the way he approaches Italian cooking, with restraint, intention and a deep respect for tradition. Whether through his restaurants or his growing line of pantry staples at Martone Street, his philosophy remains the same: great ingredients, treated simply, with soul.

When it came time to round up the best Italian cookbooks worth adding to your kitchen, I knew exactly who to ask, Chef Conant, who shares his picks for the titles that define Italian cooking: timeless, inspiring and rooted in authenticity.

Related: 41 Easy Pasta Meals to Feed a Crowd and Have Leftovers for the Week

Courtesy Scott Conant

Top Italian Cookbooks, According to Award-Winning Chef Scott Conant

• Best Overall:Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan, Italy by Ingredient by Viola Buitoni, The Silver Spoon by The Silver Spoon Kitchen and Le Ricette Regionali Italiane by Anna Gosetti della Salda
• Deep Dives Into Regional Italian Cooking:La Cucina Napoletana by Jeanne Caròla Francesconi and The Talisman of Happiness by Ada Boni
• For the Pasta Obsessed:Encyclopedia of Pasta by Oretta Zanini de Vita, The Pasta Book by Marc Vetri & David Joachim and Pasta Grannies by Vicky Bennison
• Specialty Italian Cookbooks Worth Owning:Italian Snacking by Anna Francese Gass, Classical and Contemporary Italian Cooking for Professionals by Bruno H. Ellmer and Italian Cuisine: Basic Cooking Techniques by Tony May

Parade

Best Italian Cookbooks Overall

Below are Conant’s picks for the best Italian cookbooks of all time, books he’s leaned on for decades for inspiration, technique and a deeper understanding of authentic Italian cooking.

As he puts it, these are the titles that have helped shape his culinary perspective over the past 35–40 years, offering everything from foundational knowledge to regional deep dives.

1. Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan

Amazon

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The gold standard for learning authentic Italian cooking. Conant praises Hazan for teaching you how to think like an Italian cook, focusing on technique, restraint and precision rather than shortcuts.

Related: The 12 Best Italian Groceries To Buy at Costco (and 3 To Skip)

2. Italy by Ingredient by Viola Buitoni

Amazon

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One of Conant's personal favorites, this is a more modern, ingredient-driven book that highlights the beauty of high-quality Italian products while still respecting tradition.

3. The Silver Spoon by The Silver Spoon Kitchen

Amazon

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Often called “the Italian bible,” this massive, comprehensive collection covers nearly every classic dish across regions. It’s not the most personal, but it’s an essential, reliable reference for traditional cooking.

4. Le Ricette Regionali Italiane by Anna Gosetti della Salda

Amazon

This is Conant’s most recommended Italian cookbook. It's a deeply authentic, scholarly collection of recipes from every region in Italy, with no American adaptations, perfect for those who want to truly understand regional Italian cuisine. It's a true regional encyclopedia that the chef says has helped settle culinary debates and deepen his understanding of Italian food over the years.

Related: 30 Easy Weeknight Meals To Save You When You're Hangry With Limited Time

Deep Dives Into Regional Italian Cooking5. La Cucina Napoletana by Jeanne Caròla Francesconi

Amazon

A personal favorite of Conant’s, this book offers a deep dive into traditional Neapolitan cooking, with hundreds of recipes spanning pasta, seafood, ragù and sweets.

6. The Talisman of Happiness by Ada Boni

Amazon

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A classic “nonna-era” cookbook with more than 1,600 recipes, Conant describes it as an iconic, no-shortcuts guide that generations of Italian families have relied on.

Related: The Italian Way To Make Chicken Thighs 10x Better

For the Pasta Obsessed7. Encyclopedia of Pasta by Oretta Zanini de Vita

Amazon

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This offers the ultimate deep dive into pasta culture. While not a traditional cookbook, it’s a definitive reference for understanding shapes, regional variations and history.

8. The Pasta Book by Marc Vetri & David Joachim

Amazon

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A technique-driven guide for anyone serious about pasta, Conant highlights its focus on doughs, shapes and sauces—modern but firmly grounded in tradition.

9. Pasta Grannies by Vicky Bennison

Amazon

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A warm, personal look at Italian grandmothers making pasta the traditional way. Conant loves how it captures the heart of Italian cooking—simple, authentic and rooted in family tradition.

Specialty Italian Cookbooks Worth Owning10. Italian Snacking by Anna Francese Gass

Amazon

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This one is a fun, entertaining-focused cookbook filled with sweet and savory bites, perfect for building a grazing-style spread or aperitivo moment.

Related: The Italian Way To Make Pasta Salad 10x Better

11. Classical and Contemporary Italian Cooking for Professionals by Bruno H. Ellmer

Amazon

This is a technique-heavy, professional-level resource that Conant has used for years for menu development and inspiration.

12. Italian Cuisine: Basic Cooking Techniques by Tony May

Amazon

A foundational guide to mastering the building blocks of Italian cooking, Conant credits this book as instrumental to his early development as a chef.

Related: The Sicilian Way To Make Eggplant Parmesan 10x Better

Final Takeaways

The best Italian cookbooks aren’t just about recipes, they’re about learning how to cook with intention, simplicity and respect for ingredients. Conant’s picks reflect decades of experience, offering a mix of foundational classics, regional deep dives and modern inspiration. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your skills, these are the books worth reaching for again and again.

Up Next:

Related: The Italian Way To Make Sausage 10x Better

Source:

Courtesy Scott Conant

• Chef Scott Conant, an award-winning chef and restaurateur, "Scottie" has spent nearly four decades shaping Italian and American dining. Known for his soulful approach to food, his work spans restaurants, entrepreneurship and media.

When he's not directing Oscar and Golden Globe-winning films, Martin Scorsese's been trying his hand on the other side of the camera in his 26-year-old daughter Francesca Scorsese's TikTok videos!

Related: Liza Minnelli Details ‘Passionate’ 1970s Affair With Martin Scorsese in New Tell-All

On May 11, the 83-year-old Hollywood legend got fans talking by showing off his acting chops in her funniest clip yet.

"Oh my god, she's coming," he lip-syncs to audio from The Kardashians alongside Francesca's bestie as the blonde beauty steps out of the house with a pair of sunglasses and a pink top while holding her fluffy white dog. "I don't understand the f--king attitude... I'm like, so afraid of her," he deadpans. Watch the silly video for yourself:

@francescascorsese

So afraid of her. #fyp #martinscorsese @Kikka Domeneghetti

♬ original sound - 👑KING OF REVIEWS👑

Fans are loving the silly clip, sharing their praise in the comments. "Martin Scorsese? The acclaimed TikTok Star?" one fan joked, while another added, "He’s surprisingly committed to the role" and a third wrote, "his acting was so good!" Another teased, "Christopher Nolan could never."

Inside Martin Scorsese's special relationship with his youngest child, Francesca

Followers have come to expect the The Departed director's fun appearances, though they usually show bits and pieces of their sweet father-daughter relationship and experiences rather than sketches.

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One video from 2024 follows them showing off unique film items around the house, like their in-home movie theater, some classic video cameras, and the legendary director's chair.

Others have shown their travels in Prague, the duo taking pics together in a photo booth, and Francesca reading her dad Letterboxd reviews for his films while he guessed which one they were about.

@francescascorsese

He taught me cinema, I taught him Letterboxd 😭🎥 ~ Watch Mr. Scorsese, the 5-part docu-series, out now on @Apple TV ! #mrscorsese #appletv #appletvpartner #fyp #martinscorsese

♬ original sound - Francesca

Following working together on an episode of Scorsese's The Saints, Francesca opened up about why she loves making social media videos with her dad.

“He’s performative, in a good way,” she told IndieWire in December 2025. “When the camera turns on he gets this look and a big smile and we have a great back and forth. I just love him with my whole heart.”

Unfortunately, some Perfect Match stars are faced with an ex from their past on the Netflix show. Season 4 is no different since Demari Davis and Brianna "Bri" Balram are in the cast after their breakup. Here is what the Too Hot to Handle alums said about their split.

Demari Broke up with Bri After 'Too Hot to Handle'

Bri, 28, and Demari, 29, met on season 6 of Too Hot to Handle. The season ended with them winning $100,000. Fellow Perfect Match contestant Katherine LaPrell was runner-up with her ex, Charlie Jeer.

Related: ‘Temptation Island’: Will Sydney and Xzavier Date After the Reunion?

Bri and Demari dated until February 2025. Bri made a TikTok and claimed multiple women sent her a "coming to me as a woman DM." That means the women claimed Demari wasn't faithful to her. She added that she "flew out seven hours across the country to get broken up with" after her grandmother's funeral.

Demari made a TikTok and said he refused to give a reason for ending the relationship. "Sometimes the hardest thing in life to do is when you love somebody, when you love any thing is to know when it's time to leave," he told the camera.

Demari said it "cut me deep" that Bri made some details of the breakup public. "I'm not this person ya'll think. I am just like nameste, peaceful, graceful, and understanding all the time," he said.

Bri later moved on and publicly made videos with LochanNowacki ofLove Islandin December. However, his ex, Whitney Adebayo, publicly accused him and his family of making racist comments throughout their relationship.

Bri wrote on her Instagram Story that Whitney's timing in making the accusations after they went public was suspicious. Their relationship seemingly ended not long after that.

Perfect Match Season 4 Episodes 1-5 drop on Wednesday, May 13, on Netflix.

On Wednesday, May 20, episodes 6 and 7 will be released.

The finale will be released on Wednesday, May 27.

Related: ‘Temptation Island’ Reunion: Why Kaylee and Summit Didn’t Move in Together

You aren't what you eat, but what you eat can decrease your likelihood of developing cancer. For that reason, oncologists say it's important to consider the items we regularly keep in our kitchens.

"A pantry stocked with whole grains, beans, nuts and spices makes it effortless to build meals rich in fiber and protective antioxidants, while a kitchen reliant on processed meats, refined flours and sugary snacks creates a foundation for chronic inflammation and increased cancer risk," explains Dr. Jamie Koprivnikar, MD, a board-certified hematologist oncologist at Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center.

Dr. Laeth George, MD, an oncologist for HonorHealth, agrees that it's crucial to focus on what we feed ourselves and loved ones. But food shouldn't be the only focus in our kitchens when it comes to lowering cancer risk.

"What we know less about are the pots, pans and tools we use to make these meals and whether this can introduce harmful chemicals into our bodies," Dr. George says. "Knowledge and understanding can help us make informed decisions that improve our health."

One oncologist cautions that this knowledge isn't about singling out one "toxic" product. It's about highlighting how repeated small exposures over time can affect cancer risk.

"Pantry staples and everyday cooking habits matter because they are accumulated exposures. That does not mean people should panic about every item in their kitchen," reveals Dr. Rachna Shroff, MD, a gastrointestinal medical oncologist at Banner – University Medicine Tucson/University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC). "The goal is to help consumers make informed, practical choices that reduce unnecessary chemical exposures without creating fear around cooking or eating at home."

One controversial kitchen item may be riskier than you think, but oncologists share that nuance is needed. Scroll on to learn more about a commonly used staple and its potential effect on cancer risk.

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This Kitchen Staple May Be Riskier Than You Think, Oncologists Say

Tatiana Maksimova/Getty Images

Oncologists warn that non-stick cookware, especially pots and pans made before 2013, can pose a cancer risk.

"Non-stick cookware refers to kitchen utensils, like frying pans and pots, that have a surface engineered to prevent food from sticking, which allows for cooking with less oil and easier cleanup," Dr. Koprivnikar says.

That sounds practical and convenient, but the materials used to prevent sticking in some cookware are where the problems can start.

"The most common type of coating is a synthetic fluoropolymer called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), widely known by the brand name Teflon, which is sprayed onto a metal base like aluminum," Dr. Koprivnikar explains.

However, Dr. Shroff points out that older non-stick cookware coatings may have been produced with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a PFAS (forever chemical). "PFOA is one type of PFAS chemical," she tells Parade. "It was historically used in the production of some non-stick coatings."

She warns that research has linked high levels of PFAS exposure, especially from industrial exposure or contaminated drinking water, to increased risks of certain cancers, especially kidney cancer and possibly testicular cancer.

The United States' "phase out" of PFOA concluded in 2015 because of health concerns. Still, Dr. Koprivnikar cautions that "modern non-stick pans still use PTFE, which belongs to the larger family of chemicals known as PFAS or 'forever chemicals.'"

Related: Oncologists Are Begging People To Stop Using This Common Cleaning Product

Why Non-Stick Cookware Can Affect Cancer Risk

Dr. Shroff says using a modern (made after 2013), intact non-stick pan isn't her main concern with these kitchen staples. "The bigger concern is overheating or damaging the coating," she reports. "When PTFE-coated cookware is heated above about 500°F, the coating can begin to break down and release fumes."

Dr. Shroff adds that some studies link higher PFAS/PFOA exposure to an increased risk of some cancers, but it's not conclusive. "While PFAS exposure matters, when using modern non-stick cookware correctly, the risks are relatively low," she explains.

Dr. George reveals that it's rare for a pan to actually heat up to 500°F. "From a practical perspective, the 'smoke point' for things like fats, butter, oils, etc. is typically around 400°F, so this is well below the danger zone," he explains. "The other thing to consider is that scratches in the coating of the pans can also make the release of these chemicals easier, so avoiding damaged pans may also be a good safety measure."

Another oncologist shares this concern, especially with "well-loved" non-stick pans. "As a pan ages, the PTFE lining becomes increasingly compromised and is all the more likely to decompose, creating polymer fumes and leaching unfavorable chemicals into the food you are eating," reports Dr. Adeel Khan, MD, MPH, MS, an academic hemoncologist and epidemiologist in Dallas, Texas.

Related: Oncologists Say This Is the #1 Cancer Risk Factor No One Talks About

Is PFOAS-Free Non-Stick Cookware Safe?

It's unclear. Some cookware tools get labeled "PFOA-free," but that doesn't mean safe. Consumer Reports cautions that people often mistake "PFOA-free" for "PFAS-free," but that's not the case. "'PFOA-free'...[is] a favorable step in the right direction, it is unclear if the newer non-stick chemicals being used are truly safer," Dr. Khan says.

Dr. Shroff also suggests exercising caution and taking practical steps to reduce the risk of cancer if you're using a PFOA-free pan. "While I would not panic over a modern PFOA-free pan, I would still avoid high heat, avoid scratches and replace it when the coating is damaged," Dr. Shroff advises.

Related: Oncologists Are Begging You To Stop Making This Microwave Mistake Immediately

3 Tips for Choosing and Using Safer Cookware To Lower Cancer Risk

The good news is that there are excellent alternatives to non-stick cookware that are durable and safe. You can also use and store cookware in ways that lower cancer risk.

1. Seek alternatives

"Cast iron and its lighter cousin, carbon steel, are prized for their ability to develop a natural, chemical-free non-stick surface through seasoning, making them perfect for searing and frying," Dr. Koprivnikar says. "Enameled cast iron provides the superior heat retention of traditional cast iron but with an easy-to-clean, non-reactive surface that doesn't require seasoning."

She adds that ceramic cookware has a modern, PFAS-free non-stick coating, but cautions it's less durable than traditional non-stick cookware.

"For a versatile and non-reactive workhorse, stainless steel is a professional favorite that excels at creating pan sauces, though it requires proper heating techniques to prevent food from sticking," Dr. Koprivnikar reports.

2. Prioritize what you replace

You may not have the time or budget to revamp your cookware collection completely, but Dr. Koprivnikar says you can take small steps toward a safer kitchen.

"Start with an immediate 'pan audit' to discard any items that are heavily scratched, peeling or warped, as this is the primary way to prevent microplastics and chemicals from entering your food," she adds.

Dr. George also suggests placing a high priority on replacing anything made before 2013, as anything made after this date should no longer contain PFOAs.

3. Use, handle and store cookware with care

How you treat the pot or pan before, during and after using it also matters.

"Always cook on low to medium heat, never preheat an empty pan and ensure you use a small amount of oil to protect the surface," Dr. Koprivnikar advises. "To prevent damage in the first place, exclusively use soft utensils made of wood or silicone, and always hand-wash your pans gently with a soft sponge, avoiding abrasive scrubbers and the dishwasher."

She suggests storing cookware by placing a paper towel or cloth between each pan to prevent scratches.

Up Next:

Related: Oncologists Say This Popular Air Fryer Mistake Could Increase Cancer Risk

Sources:

• Dr. Rachna Shroff, MD, a gastrointestinal medical oncologist at Banner – University Medicine Tucson/University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC) and the associate director of clinical investigations at UACC
• Dr. Laeth George, MD, an oncologist for HonorHealth
• Dr. Jamie Koprivnikar, MD, a board-certified hematologist oncologist at Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center
• Dr. Adeel Khan, MD, MPH, MS, an academic hemoncologist and epidemiologist in Dallas, Texas
• Serum concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and risk of renal cell carcinoma in the Multiethnic Cohort Study. Environment International.
• Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Exposure and Risk of Kidney, Liver, and Testicular Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. La Medicina del Lavoro Work, Environment and Health.
• Questions and Answers about Designation of PFOA and PFOS as Hazardous Substances under CERCLA. EPA.
• You Can’t Always Trust Claims on ‘Non-Toxic’ Cookware. Consumer Reports.

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Working with limited patio or deck space? Between planters, lounge chairs, and tables, small outdoor areas can get crowded quickly, making pieces that pull double-duty a real lifesaver. That's why we're so excited to see Walmart's deal on a picnic table with seating for four that converts into a bench for under $200.

Normally $315, Walmart has slashed the price of the Best Choice Products 2-in-1 Outdoor Interchangeable Wooden Picnic Table by over 40% to $180. This handy piece transforms from a table with seating for four to a two-seater bench, so you can use it in the way that best suits your needs. All eight colors are currently on sale, including natural wood, black, gray, harbor blue, pink, sage green, acorn, and walnut.

Best Choice Products 2-in-1 Outdoor Interchangeable Wooden Picnic Table, $180 (was $315) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

For times when you want to host friends and family, a folding table and chairs can be a great space saver. But those pieces won't do you much good when it's time to lounge solo. That's where this handy, interchangeable picnic table and bench shines. It can take you from a dinner party for four to birdwatching on a bench in your backyard in just a few seconds. 

Despite its space-saving design, this piece offers a full-sized picnic table measuring 54 inches long and nearly 20 inches wide, with seating for four on the narrow benches on either side. There's also a 1.5-inch diameter hole in the tabletop where you can place a standard-sized patio umbrella to keep the table shaded. When in the table position, the tabletop can hold up to 100 pounds, and the seats on either side can support up to 200 pounds. 

To transform the table into a bench, simply lift the tabletop straight up, pulling one seat toward the other to create the bench seat, while the tabletop becomes the bench's back support. With the ability to support up to 380 pounds in bench mode, reviewers said the bench can comfortably accommodate two to three people, depending on how closely they're seated. 

Related: Walmart's $147 5-Piece Patio Table Set Is a 'Nice Size for a Small Porch,' and It's on Sale in 6 Colors

Made of solid fir wood, this piece is designed to last for years to come. Shoppers were impressed by its quality, noting that though this table-bench combo is light enough for one person to move from shape to shape, the seating felt stable in either position.

One shopper raved, "It is a very sturdy bench and picnic table, was very easy to put together, and even easier to change from table to bench and back." Another reviewer shared that this "convenient" 2-in-1 piece was a "perfect solution" for adding flexible seating to their small garden. 

Shop More Deals

• Costway 3-Piece Rattan Patio Furniture Set, $142 (was $160) at Walmart
• Arlopu Outdoor Table And Chairs Set, $165 (was $290) at Walmart
• Fenbeli 8-Person Square Picnic Table, $210 (was $260) at Walmart

If you're ready to make the most of your small deck or patio, this versatile convertible piece is an essential addition. Don't miss your chance to grab the Best Choice Products 2-in-1 Outdoor Interchangeable Wooden Picnic Table for over 40% off in eight colors while it's on sale at Walmart.

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The sports world is mourning the loss of NBA star Brandon Clarke. The former Memphis Grizzlies star passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the age of 29, according to an announcement made by the team.

NBC Los Angeles reports the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a 911 call regarding a medical emergency just after 5 p.m. on Monday. When paramedics arrived, the Gonzaga alum was declared dead.

Though Clarke’s cause of death is not yet known, drug paraphernalia was reportedly found in the home, and the incident is being investigated as a possible drug overdose.

An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of Brandon Clarke’s death.

Memphis Grizzlies Release Statement Following Brandon Clarke’s Death View this post on Instagram

The Memphis Grizzlies released a statement confirming Clarke’s death, writing:

“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Comments were disabled on the Grizzlies’ social media post.

Brandon Clarke’s NBA Career and Recent Legal Issues View this post on Instagram

Earning a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable frontcourt contributors when healthy, Brandon Clarke began his college career at San Jose State before transferring to Gonzaga University, where he emerged as one of the most dominant defensive players in college basketball. His standout performances earned him national attention and significantly raised his NBA draft stock.

Clarke was selected in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies and quickly became an important rotation player. Known for his versatility as a forward and his ability to impact games on both ends of the court, Clarke faced setbacks in recent seasons, including an Achilles injury. Though his availability was limited, he remained a valued part of Memphis’s core.

On April 1, 2026, Clarke was arrested in Cross County, Arkansas, on multiple charges following a high-speed police chase. According to reports, the legal situation remained unresolved at the time of his death.

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant was quick to share multiple tributes to Clarke on his Instagram Stories, encouraging fans to check on their loved ones while calling his teammate’s death “bigger than basketball.”

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Nancy Guthrie has been missing for more than 100 days and, while the investigation is still active, some people seem to have lost interest in the case. After initial reports that Guthrie, 84, had disappeared, media outlets lined the streets outside her Arizona home. Turning on the news, the public would see nonstop Guthrie coverage. However, the initial buzz surrounding the case has gradually faded.

In a new interview with Page Six, one of Guthrie's long-time friends said that she's worried that people will move the Guthrie case to the back burner.

"Even in Tucson where it happened, it’s starting to fizzle out, and I don’t want that to happen," Lauren Serpa told Page Six. "It’s been 100 days, and people are starting not to forget, but not to think about it as much."

"People are starting to move on basically. That’s what happens when it doesn’t affect their lives," she continued. "So that’s why I’m trying to keep it in the forefront as much as possible."

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Serpa expressed the importance of keeping the case in mind in case they "see something or they hear somebody say something."

"If they’re not thinking about it, then they wouldn’t even think about anything that somebody would say," Serpa said, urging the public to "pay attention to their surroundings."

"It just breaks my heart. You know, the family is going through so much. It just doesn’t make any sense. None of it does," she told the outlet.

Serpa's comments come just days after Mother's Day.

"Mother, daughter, sister, Nonie – we miss you with every breath. We will never stop looking for you. We will never be at peace until we find you,” Nancy's daughter, Savannah Guthrie, captioned an Instagram post, in part. 

On May 12, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos sent a message to the Guthrie family during an interview with KGUN-TV.

"They just need to know that we’re not giving up," he said. Elsewhere, he expressed confidence, promising that the case "will not go cold."

READ NEXT: Retired FBI Agent Says the Nancy Guthrie Case Is ‘Still Moving’ (Exclusive)

When ABC announced its Fall 2026-2027 schedule today, one major change was apparent. High Potential, which normally was positioned in the 10 p.m. ET/PT timeslot following Dancing with the Starson Tuesday night was MIA. It was replaced by RJ Decker, and it was revealed that Season 3 of the Kaitlin Olson-starrer would be held for midseason.

"What we’ve seen the last several years, and we’ve really proven this out with Will Trent and The Rookie back in midseason of '24 and '25 is we want to give viewers a chance to watch these shows with as little interruption as possible across the season,” ," ABC's SVP of Content Strategy and Scheduling Ari Goldman explained the decision. "Clearly, the show is resilient."

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Here's everything we know so far about Season 3 of High Potential.

View this post on Instagram What is the release date for Season 3 of High Potential?

ABC announced that the third season of its hit series is being held until mid-season, which means look for it in January 2027.

When will High Potential air?

It remains to be seen if High Potential will stay on Tuesdays at 10 ET/PT now that it isn’t following Dancing with the Stars, but could be paired with some of ABC’s other mid-seasons dramas like Will Trent and The Rookie.

Is there a trailer for High Potential Season 3?

Season 3 hasn’t begun filming yet, so no trailer for now. But keep checking back. As soon as it becomes available, we will post it.

Who is in the cast of High Potential?Kaitlin Olson as Morgan Gillory

Related: Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney’s Relationship Is Always Sunny Indeed

Daniel Sunjata as Detective Adam KaradecJavicia Leslie as DaphneDeniz Akdeniz as Lev “Oz” OzdilAmirah J as AvaMatthew Lamb as ElliotJudy Reyes as Lieutenant Selena SotoWho is leaving High Potential in Season 3?

The other major change is that showrunner Todd Harthan, who held that position for the first two seasons, has moved on to focus on his new series, Disney+’s Eragon. He will be replaced by the team of Nora and Lilla Zuckerman, who ran the breakout first season of Poker Face. 

It is also possible Steve Howey, who joined with a one-year deal, will also be exiting the cop drama. In the Season 2 finale, his character Captain Nick Wagner was discovered critically wounded and dying. If he survives, he could return as a guest star. After all, there was that steamy kiss.

How did Season 2 of High Potential end?

The cliffhanger final event of High Potential was when Morgan discovered a dying Wagner, who had gone to meet a source, and we are left not knowing if he will survive.

It was also revealed – though it is unconfirmed – that Roman was a double agent working for the FBI, who may have gone bad and killed an agent.

Ava’s artwork is on display at the school where she's studying and a proud Morgan attends, but so does a shadowy figure, who might be Roman coming to see his daughter’s first exhibit.

Morgan discovered much to her chagrin because she had been happy that Karadec had someone that his girlfriend Lucia was involved in a conspiracy at the hotel where she worked, and Karadec was forced to arrest her.

Are there any spoilers for Season 3 of High Potential?

Season 3 will continue exploring the growing and changing professional and personal relationship between Morgan and Karadec.

The mystery surrounding Morgan’s ex Roman Sinquerra's disappearance will remain a major storyline

How to watch High Potential

High Potential airs on ABC with episodes available the next day on Hulu. The complete Season 1 is on Hulu.

Next, ABC Announces Historic Fall 2026-2027 Schedule, Including The Rookie: North Spinoff

The New York Times just released its annual Best Books of the Year So Far list. One of the most influential voices in publishing, NYT Books is drawing attention this year for a particularly unexpected pick — a satirical time-travel novel centered on “tradwife” culture.

The book is already a New York Times bestseller and has earned high praise from actress Anne Hathaway, NYT bestselling author Nita Prose, and outlets including Elle, Vogue, and Marie Claire.

View this post on Instagram

Caro Claire Burke’sYesteryear is one of the most highly anticipated books of 2026, and for good reason. The novel’s inventive premise follows a modern-day “tradwife” influencer who is sent back in time to the harsh reality of 1855. From there, she must unravel whether she is part of an elaborate hoax, a contestant on a reality TV show, or something much darker in Burke’s striking debut novel.

Related: Jenna Bush Hager’s Fans Are 'Screaming' Over Her May Book Club Pick

Why Yesteryear Is Resonating With Readers

The book’s buzz is rooted in its timely exploration of nostalgia-driven lifestyle trends and evolving ideas of domesticity. Yesteryear taps into ongoing cultural debates about gender roles, curated online identities, and the romanticization of the past, all through a sharp satirical lens.

Celebrity Praise and Critical Reception

Devil Wears Prada 2 star Anne Hathaway praised Yesteryear, saying, “Caro’s writing grabbed me by the throat and wouldn’t let go.”

New York Times bestselling author Nita Prose called Yesteryear “a bold and biting satire… that will have you cackling and gasping right to the final page.”

The Los Angeles Times described the book as “bitingly funny.”

Much of the praise highlights the novel’s ability to balance humor with cultural commentary, especially as conversations around nostalgia-driven lifestyles continue to grow online.

Why the NYT Best Books of the Year So Far List Matters View this post on Instagram

Inclusion on the New York Times “Best Books of the Year So Far” list is often viewed as an early indicator of major literary impact. The list helps shape publishing momentum heading into the second half of the year, influencing book club picks, retailer promotion, and broader cultural visibility.

While many 2026 book conversations have centered on fantasy, romance, romantasy, and thrillers, Yesteryear stands out as both inventive and sharply observant, blending humor with thought-provoking social commentary.

Its inclusion on one of the year’s first major “best of” lists signals growing mainstream interest, further elevating the novel beyond early buzz into a wider cultural moment. Reports also note that Anne Hathaway has optioned the book through her Somewhere Pictures banner and is set to produce and star in a film adaptation for Amazon/MGM Studios.

We’ll be watching — will you?

Related: 'Felt This Book in My Bones': Oprah Winfrey Reveals Her 123rd Book Club Pick

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In 1976, a sunny soft rock tune with sweet harmonies and a suggestive title unexpectedly became one of the biggest songs in America.

"Afternoon Delight" by Starland Vocal Band climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, turning the group into overnight stars and creating one of the era's defining radio anthems.

Written by band member Bill Danoff, the song was reportedly inspired by a menu item at a Washington, D.C. restaurant called the "Afternoon Delight." Danoff later transformed the phrase into a playful, harmony-filled soft rock track that quickly caught listeners' attention.

"Lines and metaphors just started coming," told Macomb Daily in 2018. "I don't know where 'skyrockets in flight' came from – maybe a comic book. My songwriting process isn’t linear. You just grab things and try to put them together, like a Rubik's Cube. It became the basis for the Starland album."

At first glance, the song sounded innocent enough, thanks to its gentle acoustic instrumentation and upbeat vocal arrangements. But its lyrics, which centered around daytime romance, made it far more provocative than many casual listeners initially realized.

That contrast became a huge part of the song's appeal.

Radio stations embraced the track almost immediately, and its catchy chorus helped it spread rapidly across the country. The song's success was fueled by heavy radio rotation, making it nearly impossible to avoid during the summer of 1976.

The track also reflected the softer, harmony-driven sound dominating mid-1970s pop music, blending folk, country and soft rock influences into a polished mainstream hit.

Despite the massive success of "Afternoon Delight," Starland Vocal Band struggled to replicate its chart performance afterward, and the song eventually became closely associated with the idea of a classic one-hit wonder.

Still, its cultural footprint endured.

Over the years, "Afternoon Delight" has remained a fixture of nostalgic playlists and pop culture references, often celebrated, and occasionally joked about, for its famously cheerful delivery of surprisingly adult subject matter.

"I'm very proud of it, and all the folks who love that record love it up and down," band member Jon Carroll told Songfacts. "I'm so happy that it is the one that was a hit because it was always fun to sing it. We never got tired of singing "Afternoon Delight."

Nearly 50 years later, the song remains one of the most instantly recognizable hits of the 1970s, proving that sometimes a catchy melody and clever double meaning are all it takes to create a timeless pop phenomenon.

Related: 1971 Soft Rock Classic, Banned by Some Radio Stations, Became a No. 1 Hit

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Capri pants are having a major moment this spring, but they aren’t for everyone. Ankle pants offer a more versatile alternative, giving you that lighter seasonal feel with a little more coverage for chilly mornings and evenings. The best styles are easy enough to take from day to night. Take, for example, the Christopher & Banks Millennium Ankle Pants. They’re on sale for just $12 on ShopHQ, a whopping 78% markdown from their original $55 price. Plus, you can get it with $5 shipping for a limited time when you use code FREERETURN.

Christopher & Banks Millennium Ankle Pants, $12 (was $55) at ShopHQ

Courtesy of ShopHQ

The pants are available in four colorways: jade, white, orange (burnt henna), and rose. They also came in a bright blue hue, but that color has already sold out. This deal is so good, that we wouldn’t be surprised if the other colorways sell out too, so it’s best to grab a pair now if you’re eyeing them. Like the colors, the sizes are expansive, making it a great option for a variety of body types. Although size four is sold out, sizes 6 to16, as well as sizes 14W to18W and 22W to24W are still available in certain colorways. 

The pants are designed with a flattering pull-on silhouette that sits just below the natural waist and stays slender through the hips and thighs, helping create a streamlined, elongated look. All of the sizes have a 28 inch inseam, which gives them an ankle-length cut, and they’re topped with metal buttons for an edgy touch. The fabric blend consists of 76% rayon, 21% nylon, and 3% spandex, which makes the pants feel soft and also gives it a nice, slight stretch. 

Use Code FREERETURN on Shop HQ to unlock $5 off shipping for a limited time.

Shoppers gave the pants several five-star reviews with one writing, “Very well made, great fabric, and perfect fit. I bought three colors.” Another added that they're "perfect for the warmer summer months.” Others noted that the pants are a “great fit” and so “comfortable.” 

Related: Shoppers Are Buying This 'Soft' and 'Comfortable' $8 Short Sleeve Top in Every Color

Another bonus is that they’re easy to clean. The pants can be machine washed cold on a gentle cycle, tumble-dried on low, and lightly ironed on the reverse side if you need to smooth any wrinkles. Whether you grab the pants in one color or three, they’ll be easy to style and go with so much in your closet. Pair them with sneakers, flats, or heels, and top them off with a fitted top for a more elevated look. Keep in mind that these pants are a clearance item, so they’re final sale. 

Shop More Deals

• Christopher & Banks Relaxed Restyled Pull On Straight Leg Pant, $30 (Was $60) at ShopHQ
• Christopher & Banks Pull On Cuff Detail Millennium Capri, $10 (Was $55) at ShopHQ
• Christopher & Banks Signature Slimming Button Detail Aster Violet Pull On Capri, $10 (Was $55) at ShopHQ

These chic ankle pants are the perfect spring staple, and they’ll go with everything in your closet. Grab a pair —or two -—while they’re just $12!  

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It's not uncommon for some of the most popular heartbreak tracks to have been recorded by other artists before becoming a chart-topping hit. In 1982, legendary singer/songwriter Michael Bolton co-wrote "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You," which was intended for another iconic ballad duo before he made it a No. 1 hit.

Bolton was known as one of the top artists in the power ballad genre in the '90s, having covered tracks like Otis Redding's "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" and Percy Sledge's "When a Man Loves a Woman". Before he was a known singer, he was also a songwriter. When it came to "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You," it was Bolton and Doug James' first time collaborating as songwriters, and they had every intention of giving the track to another artist to record.

The power ballad was originally meant for the iconic soft rock duo Air Supply, consisting of guitarist Graham Russell and Australian singer Russell Hitchcock. By 1982, they had hit tracks like "All Out of Love" and "The One That You Love." While the duo was set to record the track, their record label boss, Clive Davis, caused them to pass on the track. Davis asked Bolton for permission to change some of the ballad's lyrics, but Bolton refused.

Related: This Banned 1957 Rock Hit Is Now Ranked Among the Greatest Songs Ever

"How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" ended up being recorded and released in 1983 by Laura Branigan. The track landed at No.1 on the Adult Contemporary charts, but peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. While her version is popular among fans, it wasn't until 1989 that the track became a No. 1 hit thanks to Bolton.

By 1989, Bolton was reinventing himself in the rock genre and released his version of the track for his album Soul Provider. It was a success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 charts and the Adult Contemporary at No. 1. This time, Bolton's version of the track was from the perspective of a heartbroken man. The soft rock ballad would be the singer's biggest success, earning the title as one of the best singles of the '90s.

Bolton also won a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, with "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" marking a turning point from songwriter to performer.

On May 19, 1999, Sofia Coppola introduced the world to her directorial debut, The Virgin Suicides. A dreamy tale drenched in 1970snostalgia and hypnotic coming-of-age mystique, the film unfolds in Michigan’s sleepy suburbia and stars some of Hollywood’s brightest young stars, including Josh Hartnett and Kirsten Dunst. 

But perhaps its greatest achievement is its dual-record soundtrack. Moody, wistful, and utterly transportive, it’s also the reasonUltimate Classic Rock recently gave the film an honorable mention in its ranking of the best rock movies for every decade. 

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With a sound and vibe that became their own emotional universe, the music for Coppola’s debut was spread across two acclaimed releases: one a compilation soundtrack featuring  ’70s rock classics like Todd Rundgren’s “Hello It’s Me,” The Hollies’ “The Air That I Breathe,” and Gilbert O’Sullivan’s “Alone Again (Naturally)”; and the other a record featuring the ethereal original score and music by French electronic duo Air. 

“I think the real spirit of the soundtrack is this fascination with death and having your spirit floating when you die and how you may suddenly feel free and liberated from earth, from all you are and the adult’s world that you actually hate,” Jean-Benoit Ducknel, one half of Air, told Vice in a 2018 interview. 

“I was worried that the music was too dark for the film,” Nicolas Godin, the other half of the electronic duo, added. “But it seems to grow old well, and people seem to appreciate the fact that it has this quality.”

It’s possible Vice said it best when they compared the film’s music to “sadness on a summer’s day” — a hazy collision of sun-soaked nostalgia and quiet heartbreak.  

As for the film’s plot, it’s an exploration of youth desire, objectification, and isolation, with the story unfolding against a backdrop of looming sorrow — the title does give a bit away, after all. Through the collective lens of a group of neighborhood boys who once idolized them, we are introduced to the Lisbon sisters: Therese, Mary, Bonnie, Lux, and Cecilia, all sheltered enigmas propped up as dream girls.

Though the plot is fictional, Jeffrey Eugenides was inspired by a real newspaper article about a group suicide pact for his 1993 novel. Meanwhile, Coppola, who also adapted the screenplay, said she wanted to capture the “extraordinary power of the unfathomable” with her film. We’d say she surpassed goal with her aching meditation on girlhood and the way women are often mythologized, misunderstood, and ultimately ignored. 

The film opened in theaters to mixed reviews and weak box office numbers. Over time, however, The Virgin Suicides became a beloved cult classic and landmark coming-of-age film. Sometimes, it takes a hot second to fully sit with something and really appreciate its beauty. Like listening to the film’s soundtrack from a porch rocking chair in the middle of a blistering summer heatwave.

Related: 1971 Bittersweet Classic With Soulful Soundtrack Ranked Among Greatest Rock Movies

Author Callie Hart can credit trusting her gut and BookTok for the success of the first novel in her Fae & Alchemy trilogy, Quicksilver.

After publishing more than 40 books in the dark romance genre, Hart was curious about publishing her first work in the fantasy world. The plot line that would become Quicksilver had been swimming in her head for years, but both her literary agent and 8,000 people in her group for readers were against the idea. After reading her first draft, her agent said in order to make the book sellable it needed significant cuts and reworking, but Hart was sure of her story. She instead opted to upload the book to Kindle herself, and the 600+ page book was self-published on June 4, 2024.

Sales for the self-published/indie version were not initially strong, so Hart came up with a plan. The British author reached out to around 30 BookTok creators, offering to send them the romantasy novel with no strings attached. Over the course of just two months, mentions of Quicksilver on TikTok generated over three million views and caught the attention of traditional publishers.

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Publishing rights for Quicksilver and its subsequent sequels went to auction with 10 bidders, eventually landing at Forever, an imprint of Grand Central. The traditionally published edition of the book was released on December 3, 2024, and debuted at number one on The New York Times bestseller list. The novel was also a number one on the Sunday Times bestseller list. That same month, Netflixacquired the rights for an adaptation for over seven figures. Hart is attached to executive produce the project saying, "My main goal here is to make sure that the basis of the movie isn't lost."

Quicksilver follows young Saeris Fane, a human thief in the desert world of Zilvaren who steals from the kingdom's reservoirs to survive. When Saeris is caught stealing a magical gauntlet and faces execution, she unknowingly awakens an alchemist ability to manipulate quicksilver and portals between worlds. A Fae warrior, Kingfisher, steps through the portal and sweeps Saeris back through with him. Now in Yvelia, a frozen realm of the Fae, King Belikon intends on using Saeris' power against a war with the neighboring vampire king. Saeris binds herself to Kingfisher, forcing them to work together to forge different relics allowing for safe passage through portals, uncovering secrets about the war and Kingfisher himself along the way.

Brimstone, the sequel to Quicksilver, released in November 18, 2025. The final book in the trilogy is expected later in 2026.

Related: Romantasy Sequel That Was Expected in 2025 the Most Anticipated in the Genre in May 2026

A lot of the news lately has centered on rising gas and grocery prices, but overall consumer prices are up across the board. Inflation is so out of control that average Americans are now paying more than they were in 2023 when prices soared after the pandemic. 

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Inflation Outpaced Projections

The Federal Reserve had a goalof keeping inflation at 2%, but recent reports show the actual rate was closer to 2.8%, while wages fell 0.5% over the past month and 0.3% so far this year. In plain language, that means that the cost of nearly everything is skyrocketing while wages are actually declining. 

“Inflation is the key drag on the U.S. economy now,” said Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union. “This is hurting Americans. There is a real financial squeeze underway. For the first time in three years, inflation is eating up all wage gains. This is a setback for middle-class and lower-income households, and they know it.”

Related: Beloved Chain Restaurant Raises Menu Prices Thanks to Inflation

What's The Main Cause?

The war in Iran is driving up prices from the noticeable fuel charges at the pump to the cost of a mortgage. Oil is trading at over $100 a barrel, and the national average for gas is $4.50 per gallon, according to AAA. Only one state, Oklahoma, has an average gas price under $4.00 per gallon, while California has the highest at about $6.15 per gallon.

But while gas and groceries are getting all the press, the cost of everything is increasing. Nearly 50% of young Americans have stopped dating altogether, citing it as an expense they simply can’t afford. Even the very stable real estate market in California has taken a hit, with housing prices falling nearly 11% in certain parts of the state. 

Related: Why Florida Is No Longer the Top Choice for Your Retirement, According to Real Estate Pros

Looking Ahead

Given the rate of inflation, it’s unlikely the Fed will lower interest rates any time soon. This is bad news for everything from new car sales to home buying. More Americans are holding onto their money rather than making purchases. Popular Reddit threads feature everyday people sharing their most frugal tips for getting by without spending a dime.

Given that the war in Iran is driving global prices, it’s unlikely we’ll see a reprieve any time soon. With the actual inflation numbers outpacing the Fed’s goals, all we can do is make smart money moves until something finally gives. 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.