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Why Rob Reiner Got 'Really Mad' at the Giants and Became a Dodgers Fan

Thu, 05/07/2026 - 12:37pm

Rob Reiner loved baseball and passed that passion down to his son, Jake Reiner. But the family's dedication to the sport didn't start with him. He revealed how he went from a Giants fan to a Dodgers fan.

Rob Reiner Was Mad at the Giants over Willie Mays

The When Harry Meets Sally... producer said he was a Giants fan while growing up in The Bronx on The Rich Eisen Show. Reiner loved Willie Mays and stayed loyal to the team after he moved to California. However, there was one decision that made him switch.

Related: Rita Wilson Reveals the Unusual Tradition ‘Joyful’ Rob and Michele Reiner Hosted

"When they sold Mays at the end of his career, they sold him to The Mets," Reiner said. "I got really mad. How could they do that? Willie Mays, you know, and then I became a Dodger fan."

Jake Reiner returned to his podcast, The Incline: Dodgers, for the first time after his parents' murder in December. He addressed his supporters and the baseball team's fans at the beginning of the episode.

"I just want to thank everybody that I've heard from near and far since everything," Reiner, 34, told the Dodgers community. Reiner said he has considered returning to the podcast for a while now and is ready.

"Especially when it comes to the Dodgers, my first love, I think," he later said. "It's something that I always connected with my dad first and foremost. And it's something that I will continue to connect with him for the rest of my life. And I felt like it was a good time to come back."

Meanwhile, Nick Reiner pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances regarding the murder of their parents in February.

Related: Cary Elwes Shares the Touching Truth About What He Did With His Sword From ‘The Princess Bride’

Dr. John Delony Tells Woman Who Claims Husband Lied About Getting Paid During the Government Shut Down That It's Kinda' Her 'Fault'

Thu, 05/07/2026 - 12:36pm

Whenever you’re having a disagreement with your spouse, it’s easy to see your own side, but Dr. John Delony recently told caller Marie from Denver, CO, that her husband’s deception might also be her fault. As a relationship therapist and overall mental health expert, he had some pointed opinions on Marie’s financial issues within her marriage. 

Marie's Story

During the government shutdown, Marie’s husband told her he wasn’t getting paid. This led to significant financial hardship for the couple, leaving them unable to pay down debt, fix issues in their home, or afford other necessities. When Marie told Delony that she had later found out her husband was getting a paycheck, she asked why her husband would lie to her. Dr. Delony had a theory.

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Dr. Delony's Theory

He told Marie that, while it wasn’t ok for her husband to lie, she may not have created an environment that made him feel safe enough to tell the truth. Delony calls it “financial infidelity,” lying to your spouse about finances. But he also asked Marie if she’s the kind of person who makes it difficult for her husband to tell her things. 

Related: Justin Hartley Suggests Some People ‘Can’t Handle’ His Relationship With Wife Sofia Pernas

What She Should Do Next

He went on to say that it doesn’t sound like she made it a safe space for her husband, who has lied about finances before, to talk to her about money. When Marie noted that he is wasteful with his finances and has been irresponsible with spending, and she had confronted him, Delony then asked her if she was the kind of teammate who considered both their needs or only her own. 

His Own Life

Delony went on to share a story about something he struggles with in his own relationship. His wife wants him to take her dancing, and it gives Delony so much anxiety that he ends up messing up and stepping all over her feet. He said that she created a safe space for him by allowing them to dance in their living room rather than in public. 

Using his own situation. Delony explained to Marie that she has to get her husband his favorite coffee, tell him she needs an hour of his time, then present a united front and see if he wants to be a team. 

Related: Dave Ramsey Wants Tennessee Couple to Sell Their Newly Built $660k Dream Multigenerational Home

Delony finished off the conversation by telling Marie that she needs to be prepared for her husband’s answer. If he wants to be a team, that’s great, and they should plan together, but she also should brace for the alternative. Hopefully, Marie and her husband will open the lines of communication.

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

Are Snooki and Jionni LaValle Still Married? Inside Their 'Jersey Shore' Romance

Thu, 05/07/2026 - 12:31pm

When Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi met husband Jionni LaValle during the third season of Jersey Shore, she didn’t think he’d be more than a one-night stand. 

“I met this little Mario Brother,” she said in Episode 8, which aired in 2011. “It was kind of like a last resort, like walking out of the club, ‘Okay, you’re coming with me,’” she added. “Because, you know, I’m drunk and I just want to hook up.” 

But against all odds, Snooki and Jionni — whom she famously called “Bernard” when she couldn’t remember his name in bed — wound up married with three kids. Today, the 38-year-old has beautifully transformed from a fist-pumping, table-dancing party girl into a successful businesswoman, devoted wife and adoring mother of three.

“You're my best friend and my soulmate and even though I want to fight you half the time because you get on my nerves (and vice versa I'm sure), I wouldn't want to kill or be annoyed by another man but you,” Snooki wrote on Instagram to mark their one-year anniversary in 2015

Keep reading to learn more about their romance, from their wild Jersey Shore beginnings to their traditional life off-camera.

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Are Snooki and her husband Jionni still together? 

Yes—and going strong. The couple first got together around 2010 (with a well-documented breakup in the early days) and has been happily married since 2014.

Anyone who remembers Jersey Shore Season 4 knows it’s something of a miracle that Snooki and Jionni made it to the altar in the first place, let alone lasted all these years. The season, which took place in Italy, saw Jionni dramatically walk out on his then-girlfriend of six months after she drunkenly danced at a club (and lifted her pink leopard minidress to expose her underwear). 

“She’s embarrassing me!” he yelled. 

They eventually made up, but not without a lot of incoherent screaming and crying from Snooki — and, naturally, the drama didn’t stop there (more on that below).

Related: See the 'Jersey Shore' Cast Then and Now: From Seaside to 'Family Vacation' and Beyond

Do Snooki and Jionni live together? Snooki and Jionni in 2011

The couple's living arrangement has become one of the most asked-about questions in Jersey Shore fandom. In 2024, multiple reports surfaced claiming Snooki and Jionni were spending much of their time apart in their two New Jersey homes—with Jionni reportedly staying at their Toms River shore house while Snooki spent more time at their Florham Park home about an hour inland. Insiders even claimed that when the couple was under the same roof, they were sleeping in separate bedrooms.

Snooki has repeatedly shut down divorce speculation. After the rumors picked up steam in spring 2024, she shared family photos from a trip to Disney's Animal Kingdom in Florida—including a smiling selfie with Jionni—seemingly putting the speculation to rest. While Snooki has been open about the fact that marriage takes work, she has consistently maintained that she and Jionni are deeply committed to both each other and the beautiful family they've built together.

What does Snooki’s husband Jionni do for a living?

Jionni studied sports management at Centenary College (now Centenary University) in his home state of New Jersey, and was reportedly pursuing a career in education when he met Snooki in 2010. However, it’s unclear if he ever held jobs in either field. At the present time, Jionni is a licensed contractor and longtime entrepreneur whose businesses have included an ATM company and a clothing line.

By 24, he was a reluctant reality-TV star, ultimately appearing in 20 episodes of Jersey Shore, which ended after six seasons, and 40 episodes of the spinoff Snooki & JWoww.  

He flexed his contracting skills on the short-lived 2016 series Nicole & Jionni’s Shore Flip, which saw the couple flipping homes on the Jersey Shore. He also served as an executive producer on that series.

Why isn’t Jionni on 'Jersey Shore: Family Vacation'? 

Although his wife stuck with her reality roots now starring in Jersey Shore: Family Vacation's ninth and final season—Jionni has effectively retired from television. 

“He really just doesn’t want to be on camera, so I respect it,” Snooki told HollywoodLife in 2023. 

“He just really wants to be the home base when I’m filming, which I’m so thankful for,” she added. “He’s at home taking care of the kids while I go and drink wine. It’s amazing.” 

She shared a similar sentiment with the outlet the previous year, saying that the arrangement “works” for her family. “I think the fact that that aspect of my life isn’t shown is nice,” she said. “It’s private and it’s just us. When I come home, it’s just us and I don’t feel like people are always watching.”

Snooki briefly announced her own retirement from the franchise in December 2019 to focus on family. "It's just not for me anymore," she told People at the time. "Drama has never been my thing. Especially now, I don't want to leave my kids and not see them for days on end to do that.”

She ultimately returned to the reboot in 2021.

Related: New Trailer Promises a Rollercoaster Final Season for 'Jersey Shore: Family Vacation'

How did Snooki meet her husband?  Jionni LaValle has been married to Jersey Shore star Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi since 2014.

Sonia Recchia/WireImage

Snooki and Jionni met at Club Karma in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. She meant for him to be a one-night stand (“onto the next,” she told costar Jenni “JWoww” Farley in Season 3, Episode 9), but they reconnected off camera. By the Season 4 premiere, Snooki revealed they’d been dating for six months.

According to her interview with Larry King, it wasn't exactly love at first sight. "I hated him at first," she said. "I was like, 'Oh, he's cute, he'll do for tonight'…Back then, it was like, whatever, the worst…I just kept thinking about him, so I was like, 'Let me call him' so we hung out a few times and that was that."

Why does Snooki call Jionni 'Bernard'?

The "Bernard" nickname was born out of one of the most cringeworthy meet-cute moments in reality TV history. After Snooki took Jionni home from Club Karma during Season 3, the pint-sized star was so drunk she couldn't remember his actual name. When he asked her in the cab on the way home if she even remembered who he was, Snooki confidently said yes—then promptly called him "Bernard" when he asked her to say his name. The nickname stuck, and fans have been calling him "Bernard" ever since.

What season of Jersey Shore was Snooki’s husband introduced?

Jionni was introduced in the third season of Jersey Shore and he made appearances throughout the rest of the OG show’s six-season run. 

How did Jionni propose to Snooki?

Jionni put a ring on it in March 2012—and he did it in style. Snooki and Jionni had traveled to the W Hotel in Hoboken, New Jersey, where Jionni dropped to one knee on the hotel balcony and asked Snooki to be his wife.

According to the jeweler who designed the ring, Snooki had no idea the proposal was coming. The custom-built engagement ring—designed by Ben Bekdas of B&B Jewelry in Wayne, New Jersey—features a 3.02-carat princess-cut diamond surrounded by a 2-carat round-diamond eternity band, totaling more than 5 carats. The price tag? A reported $55,000. Just days after the proposal, Snooki shared even more joyful news: She was pregnant with their first child, Lorenzo.

When did Snooki and Jionni get married? 

The pair tied the knot on Nov. 29, 2014, in a Great Gatsby–themed ceremony at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in East Hanover, New Jersey. The couple was surrounded by hundreds of family, friends and Snooki's Jersey Shore castmates—including Jenni "JWoww" Farley, Sammi Giancola and Deena Cortese, who served as bridesmaids. Their reception was held at The Venetian banquet hall in nearby Garfield. Noticeably absent were Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino and Vinny Guadagnino, whom Snooki may or may not have hooked up with while she was involved with Jionni (more on that below).

The couple also made sure their growing family was part of the big day. "Our children are our lives, so it would be wrong not to include them on our special day," Polizzi told The Star Ledger.

Did Snooki cheat on Jionni with Vinny?

It depends on your definition of “cheating.” During Season 4 of Jersey Shore, Snooki did, indeed, have sex with Vinny. But it was after she told Jionni by phone that she needed a break from their relationship. They’d been fighting since the club incident, and he brought it up again, accusing her of “dancing like a pig in front of [him].”

“It was a rebound reaction,” Snooki said of her hookup with Vinny. 

Did Snooki cheat on Jionni with Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino?

It seems we’ll never know. During Season 4 (the Italy season), Mike repeatedly claimed that he and Snooki hooked up while she was already with Jionni, but she denied ever cheating. The drama became a major storyline—with cast members and fans split on who to believe— and no clear proof ever surfaced either way.

Do Snooki and Jionni have kids? Jionni LaValle, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi and their three children—Lorenzo, Giovanna and Angelo

Courtesy of @snooki on Instagram

Yes. The couple share three children: Lorenzo, born Aug. 26, 2012; Giovanna, born Sept. 26, 2014; and Angelo, born May 30, 2019.

Snooki opened up about motherhood in this Good Morning America segment:

Did Jionni cheat on Snooki?

There's no proof that Jionni cheated on Snooki, but the question resurfaced in 2024 when Netflix released a documentary about the 2015 hack of Ashley Madison—a dating site marketed to people looking to have affairs. When the user database went public, names and emails were searchable online, and some fans claimed they found a match for Jionni.

Snooki shut down those claims real fast. “Jionni is the most humble, respectful, and most loyal soul I know,” she wrote on Instagram. "He's a stand up guy who loves his family more than anything in this world.”

She went on to say that if Jionni wanted to cheat on her, he would just do it—not pay for it. “Jionni is a good guy and doesn't need his name being tarnished. Nor does our family,” she added. “We did nothing wrong to deserve this. So with all of this said, I love you babe. And even though I'm a pain in your ass, I know you would never cheat on me. Especially on a lame ass website.”

In a January 2018 Instagram post, the typically private Jionni himself wrote: "Nicole and I are doing great and became even stronger together while raising our beautiful kids ... We ARE not divorced. For the HATERS I hope this message finds you and confuses you even more about life."

More than 15 years after Snooki met that "little Mario Brother" at Club Karma, she and Jionni are still writing their love story—one beautifully imperfect chapter at a time.

Related: Next Up:

No. 1 Bestselling Author's Obsessive Thriller one Readers 'Can't Wait' to Devour

Thu, 05/07/2026 - 12:28pm

Fans of Colleen Hoover had to go four long years without a new "CoHo" novel to add to their bookshelves. But earlier this year she ended the drought by releasing her 27th novel, Woman Down. The twisty thriller was highly anticipated by readers, who enthusiastically named it a "Can't Wait for in 2026" on Goodreads.

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Woman Down follows Petra Rose, a best-selling and acclaimed author who is overcome with writer’s block after being canceled over viral backlash against a movie version of her work. Petra runs away to a secluded, lakeside cabin hoping that the change of scenery will inspire her next thriller novel. When she meets Detective Nathaniel Saint, Petra's inspiration returns in a fury as she begins to write a "cop" character into her story. As the lines between fantasy and fiction begin to blur, Petra must confront the chaos in both her past and present, lest her reputation and everything else be swept away from her once and for all.

If the plot sounds a little...familiar, you're not alone in that opinion. Upon release of the novel Hoover had to respond to allegations that this was inspired by her own life and the legalities surrounding the adaptation of her novel, It Ends With Us. She insisted this was not the case, and even said the full novel came from a 2020 short story written long before the controversy. Of the accusations, Hoover said, "I didn’t feel any certain way about how or what I should write, or where I should draw a line, because ultimately, I felt Petra’s and my experiences aren’t even comparable."

Fans of the novel praise it for being "a really good bled between thriller and dark romance" and one you'll devour in a single sitting. They also credit it with being "quick, the right kind of weird, and super twisty up until the end."

Woman Down is available now wherever books are sold.

Related: Bestselling Author’s Twisty Novel Ranked Among ‘Best Psychological Thrillers for Women’ from Goodreads

Frye’s Fun Western Boots Are the Ultimate It-Girl Shoes, and They’re $50 Off at Zappos in 6 Colors

Thu, 05/07/2026 - 12:15pm

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When it comes to fun spring and summer footwear, cowboy boots are one of the most underrated options out there. They bring together style and comfort in a way that few shoes can, and they somehow manage to feel trendy year after year. From concerts and sporting events to backyard barbecues, cowboy boots work for just about every warm weather occasion.

If you’re looking for a pair from a trusted brand, the Frye and Co. Irlene Short Deco Stitch Western Boots are a great option. Right now, they’re on sale for 30% off at Zappos, bringing the price down from $150 to just $100.

Frye and Co. Irlene Short Deco Stitch Western Boots, $100 (was $150) at Zappos

Courtesy of Zapoos

Shop at Zappos

These boots feature decorative Western-inspired stitching and a shorter silhouette that feels more approachable than a traditional tall cowboy boot. They’re made from either tumbled vegan leather or soft vegan suede depending on the colorway, and they include a cushioned insole designed for all-day comfort right out of the box.

The pull-on design includes side tabs for easy wear, along with a classic snip toe and stacked heel that give the boots their signature Western look. Additional details include a stitched leather welt, polyurethane lining, foam insole, and rubber outsole for traction and durability.

They come in sizes 6 through 11 and are available in six colors: black, brown, denim, pink, off-white, and taupe. Each shade gives off a slightly different vibe. Black and brown feel classic and versatile, while denim and pink lean more playful and fashion-forward for spring and summer outfits.

Related: Amazon’s 'Cloud-Like' $45 Reef Platform Sandals Are a 'Summer Staple' for 'Beach Days, Travel, and Errands'

One reason these boots are so wearable is their shorter shaft and modest heel height. On a size 7, the heel measures about 1.5 inches, giving you a little lift without sacrificing comfort. The design bridges rugged Western style with a softer, more modern feel that works for everyday wear.

Styling them is surprisingly easy. Lean into the coastal-cowboy trend with a white linen midi dress or a crochet mini dress. For a more classic Americana look, pair them with straight-leg jeans and a ribbed tank. You can also wear them with boxer-style shorts and an oversized button-down for something a bit sleeker and city-inspired.

They’re also practical for a wide range of occasions. The cushioned sole makes them ideal for concerts, festivals, tailgates, and outdoor markets where you’ll be standing or walking for long stretches. The block heel also works well for grass and gravel, making them a smarter choice than sandals or stilettos for vineyard tours, garden parties, or barbecues.

Shop More Deals

If you’re looking for a pair of boots you’ll reach for throughout spring and summer, the Frye and Co. Irlene Short Deco Stitch Western Boots are a stylish and versatile choice. With Zappos’ current discount, you can save $50 on a pair that blends classic Western style with everyday comfort.

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Who Is Stanley Tucci’s Wife, Felicity Blunt? Everything To Know

Thu, 05/07/2026 - 12:14pm

From The Devil Wears Prada to The Hunger Games and countless movies in between, Stanley Tucci is a welcome addition to any film cast. And that’s certainly the case with the actor’s latest project, Fountain of Youth, which sees Tucci star alongside Natalie Portman, John Krasinski and Domhnall Gleeson.

But while he keeps good company onscreen, with mega-stars like Meryl Streep, Emma Stone and Jennifer Lawrence popping up throughout his decades-spanning filmography, who is by his side in his personal life? Tucci has been married twice, and his current wife is the sister of not only one of the most high-profile actresses in Hollywood, but also one of his closest co-stars.

With one of the most consistently respected careers in Hollywood, Stanley Tucci has plenty of red carpets and glamorous events in his future, so let’s get to know the lovely lady who will be on his arm.

Related: Emily Blunt Says Stanley Tucci’s Cooking Ruined Her Social Life

Who is Stanley Tucci’s wife? View this post on Instagram

Stanley Tucci has been married to 45-year-old Brit Felicity Blunt since August 2012. And Stanley isn’t the only actor in Felicity’s orbit—she is the younger sister of actress Emily Blunt (Oppenheimer, Mary Poppins Returns), Tucci's co-star in the beloved 2006 comedy The Devil Wears Prada. (Yes, that means that Stanley Tucci and John Krasinski are brothers-in-law!)

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What does Felicity Blunt do for work? 

Felicity Blunt is a literary agent at Curtis Brown—she describes herself as a “reader of good stories well told, any genre” in her Twitter bio—where she has worked from both the firm’s London and New York offices since 2005. Fun fact: Blunt and Tucci co-authored a cookbook called The Tucci Table, which features family-friendly recipes from both their Italian and British heritages.

How did Stanley Tucci and Felicity Blunt meet? 

It was actually at the red-carpet premiere of The Devil Wears Prada in 2006 that Stanley Tucci first crossed paths with Felicity Blunt, who was attending the event to support her movie-star sister Emily. Tucci was still married to his first wife, Kate Tucci, who was undergoing treatment for a cancer diagnosis at the time. 

The actor later recounted how “odd” it was that Kate and Felicity had actually met that very evening. “Felicity—Emily’s sister, my wife—she and Kate talked at the premiere that night and I have a photo of them together, which is so odd,” Tucci told the WTF With Marc Maronpodcast in 2021. “And then many years later, I ended up marrying Felicity.”

Tucci and Blunt later crossed paths at Emily Blunt’s wedding to John Krasinski in 2010, held at George Clooney's house in Lake Como, Italy. (Stanley’s first wife, Kate, tragically succumbed to cancer at age 47 a year earlier, in August 2009.) They became engaged in 2011 after a year of dating.

Related: ‘The Smashing Machine’ Star Emily Blunt’s Net Worth Is Smashing Indeed

Where was Felicity Blunt and Stanley Tucci’s wedding?

Stanley Tucci married Felicity Blunt twice in 2012: first, in a small civil ceremony in August, then in a larger, more star-studded event at London’s Middle Temple Hall a month later. At the latter, Emily Blunt served as one of her sister’s bridesmaids, while Tucci had friend and fellow actor Steve Buscemi by his side as best man.

The bride and groom were glammed out in a Nanette Lepore gown and Hugo Boss tuxedo, respectively, Peoplereported, and the guest list was suitably splashy—celebrity attendees included Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, Colin Firth, Patricia Clarkson and fashion designer Kenneth Cole.

What is the age difference between Stanley Tucci and Felicity Blunt?

Stanley Tucci and Felicity Blunt have 21 years between them. Tucci said that the two-decades gap initially concerned him in the early days of their romance. “I was afraid to get into a relationship and I kept trying to break it off,” he said during an interview on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs in July 2023. "I'm 21 years older than she is and I didn't want to feel old for the rest of my life! But I knew that this was an incredibly special person.”

Related: John Krasinski’s Net Worth Means He Won’t Have To Take an ‘Office’ Job Anytime Soon

Who else has Stanley Tucci been married to? Stanley Tucci and Kate Tucci at the 48th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Pasadena, California.

Ron Galella/Getty Images

Prior to his current wife, Felicity Blunt, Stanley Tucci was married to his first wife, social worker Kathryn “Kate” Spath, from 1995 until her death from breast cancer in 2009. It was Kate’s second marriage—she had previously been married to actor and stage manager Alexander R. Scott, with whom she had two children. She and Tucci also had three children together: twins Isabel and Nicolo, and daughter Camilla

The Electric State star noted how hard it was to move on after Kate’s death. "You never stop grieving," Tucci told CBS News in 2021. "And it's still, it's still hard after 11 years, it's still hard, and it always will be hard. But you can't let it...and she would never want any of us to sort of, to wallow in that grief and let it take over our lives. She would never want that. She wasn't like that."

Do Felicity Blunt and Stanley Tucci have kids?

Yes, Stanley Tucci and Felicity Blunt have two children together: son Matteo Oliver Tucci, born on Jan. 25, 2015, and daughter Emilia Giovanna Tucci, born on April 19, 2018. (“Hopefully she will have the looks and brains of her mother and one of my better personalities,” Tucci joked to People at the time of Emilia’s birth.)

Felicity is also stepmother to Tucci’s three children from his previous marriage to Kate Spath. Back in 2017, Stanley told The Guardian about Felicity’s reaction to their blended family. “It is not easy to find somebody who is going to take on three teenagers and a widower,” he said. “That’s a lot. But she was willing to take on that challenge. She cares for the kids as if they are her own.”

Related: Who Are Stanley Tucci’s Kids? Everything to Know

‘Hope Valley: 1874’ Renewed for Season 2 Ahead of Season Finale

Thu, 05/07/2026 - 12:13pm

Hearties can rejoice! Hope Valley: 1874 will be back for more adventures. Hallmark Media announced today that the freshman series will get a second season that will premiere i 2027.

The show is a prequel series to Hallmark Channel's uber-popular When Calls the Heart, which was recently renewed for it's 14th season, making it the network's longest running original series.

What is Hope Valley: 1874 about?

The prequel series explores the earliest days of the frontier settlement that later becomes Hope Valley. It chronicles the courage, resilience and relationships that laid the foundation for the close-knit town viewers have come to love. Lenz portrays Rebecca Clarke, a recent widow who travels with her 11-year-old daughter Sarah (Morgan) to the Western Canadian frontier to escape a threat back home and make a fresh start following her husband’s death. When she discovers the boarding house she purchased sight unseen needs extensive renovations, Rebecca is faced with a tougher road ahead than she had imagined. 

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Thanks to the fledgling community that embraces them — including local rancher and confirmed bachelor Tom Moore (Ayres), with whom she becomes close, and Hattie Quinn (Hennessy), a widow herself who runs the trading post with the help of her daughter Olivia (Curtis) — Rebecca and Sarah become an intrinsic part of the settlement and they begin to find their way. Helping keep the peace between the ranchers and gold prospectors who are at odds with each other is Constable Alexander Vaughn (Quarmby), who becomes smitten with Olivia, much to the dismay of local blacksmith Clayton Cooley (Goodacre), who has long harbored feelings for her.  As the season comes to a close a sudden turn of events leaves their futures uncertain.

Related: ‘Hope Valley: 1874’ Shocking Season Finale: Rebecca’s Ring From Her Late Husband Is Stolen (Exclusive)

Hope Valley: 1874 marked the most successful series launch in Hallmark+ history, with viewership exceeding expectations week after week and quickly establishing the series as a breakout hit with fans.

When does filming for Season 2 of Hope Valley: 1874 begin?

No word yet on when production on Season 2 of Hope Valley: 1874 will begin. Check back here for updates.

Where does Hope Valley: 1874 film?

Hope Valley: 1874 films in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and surrounding areas and utilizes many of the same set pieces as When Calls the Heartdoes.

What Could Happen in Season 2 of Hope Valley: 1874?

Season 2 could see a romance further develop between Tom and Rebecca. Once Olivia makes a decision about art school, will life in the city be so enticing as to keep her there? Or will she remain with her mother at the trading post, content on drawing illustrations for the Mounties? Will the love triangle between Olivia, Alexander, and Clayton resolve itself with a clear winner and will both men continue to vy for her affections? We're likely to see one-off stories with visiting guests at the boardinghouse and further development of the coal mines there.

What cast members are expected to return for Season 2 of Hope Valley: 1874?Bethany Joy Lenz as Rebecca ClarkeBenjamin Ayres as Tom MooreJill Hennessy as Hattie QuinnRoan Curtis as Olivia QuinnLachlan Quarmby as Constable Alexander VaughnJedidiah Goodacre as ClaytonMila Morgan as Sarah ClarkeBrad Abramenko as Nash McCabe Chelsea Hobbs as Peggy McCabeAlice Comer as Jenny McCabeTheo Alexander Reid as Sam McCabeMatreya Scarrwener as Rachel YostGrayson Maxwell Gurnsey as Lars Yost

Related: ‘When Hope Calls’ Season 3 Finale Sneak Peek: Will Nora & Michael Survive? (Exclusive)

Where to watch Hope Valley: 1874

Hope Valley: 1874 streams exclusively on Hallmark+.

The Season 2 pickup was announced on Instagram via Hallmark's official social media pages. Check it out below.

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The season finale of Hope Valley: 1874 premieres on Thursday, May 7 on Hallmark+.

Next, ‘Perfect Crown’: Who’s Trying to Kill the Grand Prince and Seong Huiju? Our Theories So Far

Dave Ramsey Wants North Dakota Man To ‘Walk Away’ From a $10 Million Family Business

Thu, 05/07/2026 - 12:13pm

There's a reason why so many people turn to Dave Ramseyfor financial advice. One of the big ones is that the financial guru isn't shy about telling it like it is, which is likely why one North Dakota man called into The Ramsey Show when he was having trouble deciding whether to join his family's $10 million business.

However, instead of celebrating with the man, Ramsey offered a word of caution, and it actually makes a lot of sense... even when you consider the potential perks that come with helping run a multi-million-dollar business. Keep reading to learn more, and to see if you agree with Ramsey's advice on this one.

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Dave Ramsey Offers Advice to Man With $10 Million Family Business

A man named Sean called Ramsey's show to get help after being invited to join the family business. According to him, his dad was getting older, and he wanted Sean and his three other sons to take over and become the new faces of the business.

And while that may sound like a dream to some, it sounds like Ramsey knew there was more to the story. After asking a few questions, he learned that the $10 million business was actually $5 million in the hole, with plans to take on another $1 million in debt. Additionally, the business philosophy isn't exactly in line with Sean's beliefs, leaving him sick to his stomach at the prospect of committing to such an endeavor.

Related: Dave Ramsey Wants Tennessee Couple to Sell Their Newly Built $660k Dream Multigenerational Home

"This sounds like a bear trap," Ramsey eventually said, according to MSN. "Sounds like it’s gonna tear your freaking leg off."

Ramsey's advice dug a bit deeper after some back-and-forth with Sean, who shared that he didn't think he could change the family's ideology, even if he agreed to come on board. In the end, Ramsey told him he had to walk away or face possible family strife.

Are You Thinking of Joining Your Family's Business

I'm not going to lie, the idea of being part of such a large and profitable business would've suckered me in, which is why many people need to think long and hard about whether joining the family business is the right move for them.

According to the Family Business Consulting Group, there are a few things you should ask yourself before you make the leap, including:

  • Why am I doing this
  • Does it offer me the future career that I am looking for
  • Can I actually contribute to this business
  • Would I enjoy working with my family
  • If this doesn't work out for me, will I be able to walk away
  • Do you know exactly what you're getting into

Related: Dave Ramsey Sounds the Alarm on 401(K)S and What So Many Americans Miss

Once you can answer those questions, you should have a better idea of whether or not joining the family business is the right emotional move for you. However, on the logistical and practical side, it sounds like Ramsey's advice is also worth considering, especially regarding the actual business structure, debt, and possible earnings.

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

Jamie-Lynn Sigler Shares Her Final Words to 'Sopranos' Star at His 2013 Funeral

Thu, 05/07/2026 - 12:12pm

The Sopranosfans were heartbroken when it was announced that James Gandolfini had died at the age of 51 in June 2013. Jamie-Lynn Sigler opens up about his death and the final words she said to the late actor and on-screen father at his funeral.

Sigler is opening up to fans about some of the hardest moments of her life, from her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in the early 2000s, break-ups, toxic marriages, and the death of Gandolfini. Her memoir, And So It Is, details the day of the TV icon's funeral in 2013 when she was "not ready to face the reality" of her co-star's death.

According to her memoir, the actor kneeled by his casket and said, "Thank you. Thank you for loving me, thank you for seeing me, for caring for me, and for making me feel safe."

After the end of The Sopranos, Gandolfini returned to Broadway and continued acting in multiple roles. On June 19, 2013, while in Rome, Italy, the actor spent the day sightseeing with his family and intended to travel to Sicily to accept an award. Gandolfini returned to the hotel when his son, Michael, found him unconscious late at night in the bathroom. The actor was pronounced dead almost an hour later, with an autopsy confirming he died of a heart attack.

Related: Police Respond to Home of Frankie Valli, Iconic Singer and ‘The Sopranos’ Star

News of his death quickly spread through media outlets, with his funeral having been attended by co-stars Edie Falco, Steve Schirripa, Steve Buscemi, and Aida Turturro. Series creator David Chase delivered the eulogy. Sigler recalls how HBO had taken care of them and "locked it down," charting a private plane for the cast to get to the funeral in New York.

The actor also recalls in her memoir the perfect irony of the cast later dining at an Italian restaurant that "only heightened the surreal nature of it all." She wrote in her memoir that "with the buffet and the drinks flowing and the cigars lit, it felt like a scene we had done many times at Artie Bucco’s [Vesuvio restaurant]."

Sigler was pregnant at the time with her son from her first marriage, and remembers the funeral and dinner being the "true ending" to The Sopranos. The entire experience, focused on Gandolfini, had been "laid to rest."

Sam’s Club’s Colorful New Sweet and Salty Snack Mix Is Packed With Childhood Nostalgia

Thu, 05/07/2026 - 12:05pm

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There are a lot of retired snacks from my childhood that I think about a lot or at the very least hum the commercial jingle for in my head (I see you, Keebler Tato Skins). But those pink and white frosted circus cookies? I had actually completely forgotten about them until a few years ago when I needed some to make cake pops for my kid's circus-themed birthday party. They're ridiculously sweet, but also so, so good.

Between the snap of the cookie, the cheerfulness of the frosting and the light dash of sprinkles, they really do make the most whimsical treat people of all ages will enjoy (because yes, we want some too). Now, Sam's Club is giving them a glow-up in the most fun way.

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Member's Mark Animal Parade Snack Mix, 20 ounces, $7.98 at Sam's Club Member's Mark Animal Parade Snack Mix

Sam's Club

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The warehouse club recently introduced its Member's Mark Animal Parade Snack Mix, and it's pure joy in a 20-ounce pouch.

This snack mix is basically what happens when sweet tooth cravings and snack-time chaos join forces in the best possible way. You've got frosted and strawberry animal cookies bringing playful, sugary nostalgia; milk chocolate-coated cereal for that crunchy-meets-creamy bite; crisp pretzels drizzled in milk chocolate for the perfect sweet-and-salty combo; and buttery shortbread cookies adding a rich, melt-in-your-mouth finish.

It’s all together a little crunchy, chocolatey, fruity and dangerously easy snack you'll want to keep reaching into the bag for just one more handful (you aren't fooling anyone with that).

Related: This Sleek Digital Gourmet Waffle Maker Is About to Elevate Your Next Brunch

The Member's Mark Animal Parade Snack Mix is new at Sam's Club, so there aren't any reviews on it yet. But, with that many delicious components, how can you go wrong? And as we approach summer camp season, it feels like the perfect sweet-and-just-a-little-salty snack to add to a lunch box.

This is hardly the only sweet newcomer to Sam's Club's aisles. It also released a scrumptious-looking strawberry cake in time for spring, and its Brownie Batter Cake is also back in the bakery for $19.98.

Now, if salty snacks are more your jam, Sam's Club is selling those coveted Doritos Ultimate Garlic Parmesan chips, as well as the fan-favorite Lays All Dressed chips. So, really, all of your munchie cravings are covered here, whether your tastebuds veer sweet or salty.

Related: Check Your Freezer—Frozen Pizzas From Walmart and Aldi Just Landed on a Major Recall List

Kris Jenner Reveals the Truth Behind Being Hollywood’s Ultimate Momager

Thu, 05/07/2026 - 11:59am

Since the early aughts, we've been keeping up with the Kardashians, and it's all because of Hollywood's most famous matriarch — Kris Jenner. But when she's not making jet-setting trips around the world or shutting down facelift rumors, she's simply Mom to her six children and "Lovey" to her grandkids.

On a special Mother's Day episode of the SHE MD podcast, Jenner sat down with hosts Mary Alice Haney and Dr. Thais Aliabadi ("Dr. A."), revealing the ups and downs of becoming a mother to a momager. She began with a story about her first pregnancy with Kourtney Kardashian.

"I often say one is like one, two is like 20. One was manageable and doable, and I figured it out. I had help for 10 days when I had Kourtney. I thought that was such a treat and a blessing and such a help. Somebody to help me with those 10 nights when you're trying to get your strength back and recover from childbirth. And then, after that, I was just on my own and had some babysitters here and there. I rolled my sleeves up, and I was a full-time mom, which was the best experience of my life. She [Kourtney] taught me how to be a mom."

Jenner expressed the "juggling act" of being a mom once Kim was born and then seemingly overnight watching them grow up alongside brother Rob and sister Khloe. While most of her pregnancies were "easy," giving birth to Kylie presented a challenge for the All's Fair executive producer, many moms can unfortunately relate to.

"The last one [pregnancy] I had gestational diabetes. Kylie gave me a run for my money. But, I was 41," she stated.

(L-R): Khloe Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Kris Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, and Kendall Jenner; Photo by John Shearer/WireImage

Jenner also disclosed her thoughts on seeing her children as working moms while reflecting on a time when she herself was not.

"I often say to my kids, I was a Kardashian before you were a Kardashian. I think when I got divorced, and I had four kids, and then knew I was going to go to work, I was really excited about going to work. It made me feel really strong and responsible... and self-confident about myself to be able to go out there in the workforce and figure it out," she explained.

"I didn't really know what that was going to be, but it was sure fun trying and getting it together."

That's an understatement. Kris Jenner has built a multi-million dollar empire not only for herself, but for her kids. And even though they're all grown up, she's still mom, no matter what. When asked how she's able to be both supermom and supermomager, Jenner responded, "There's no line. There's not a lot of boundaries, and in the best way. I say that in the best way because I don't feel like I need them. I think that my purpose on Earth is to be here for them."

"I did not have six children and raise these kids so that when they were 18 years old, I led them to the front door and said, 'Bye. See ya, sucker!' No! These are now my people. This is my life."

Only 3 States in the U.S. Have Gas Prices Below $4

Thu, 05/07/2026 - 11:41am

It's no secret that the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran has hit Americans in the wallet. That's because the tensions keep mounting between political leaders in both countries, resulting in strained relationships when it comes to quickly and safely getting fuel out of the Middle East.

This has caused gas prices to soar worldwide. However, the U.S. seems to be feeling the pain especially hard, thanks to the rising cost of almost everything in the country due to a combination of inflation and tariffs. Now, there are just three states left in the country where you can find gas for less than $4 a gallon. If you're lucky enough to live in one of these spots, you may want to fill up quickly, because who knows how long you'll be able to take advantage of the lower-than-average prices.

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Related: If You Want To Save Money, You Might Want To Start Carrying Cash

Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Louisiana Are Last States Where Gas Is Under $4 a Gallon

If you have a car and live in Oklahoma, Mississippi, or Louisiana, you may want to stop what you're doing and head to your nearest gas station. That's because Investopedia says these are the last three states in the country where you can find gas for less than $4.

In fact, Oklahoma seems to be winning the gas wars right now, with the average price in the state at just $3.96.

Some States Are Seeing Much Higher Prices

According to The Hill, the Great Lakes states—including Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin—could see prices rise even further due to local refinery issues. However, while prices here could come down once regional challenges are resolved, other states that are seeing cost increases will not.

The Hill says that the following states also recently saw a spike:

  • Kentucky
  • Iowa
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • Kansas

Related: Are You 50? This Retirement Savings Strategy May Be the Perfect Way To Boost Your Money

When Will Gas Prices Come Down

On May 4, 2026, Donald Trump said that he believed we could see a massive drop in gas prices once the conflict in Iran ends. "I see it going down very substantially when this is over, I think very rapidly too, at levels that you've never seen because there's a lot of energy out there, ships all over the world that are loaded up with it," Trump said, according to USA Today. "They can't do much with it because they got kidnapped by a pretty evil place. But we're taking care of it."

However, that same day, Iran was responsible for launching attacks on the United Arab Emirates, catching an oil facility on fire, potentially further restricting oil production and shipping. While political leaders say they are continuing to work towards a resolution, Americans may unfortunately have to get used to higher-than-normal gas prices and the inflated cost of the goods and services that rely on Middle Eastern fuel.

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

Country Music Icon's Ex Left 'Devastated' Following Shocking Split

Thu, 05/07/2026 - 11:30am

In April 2022, Tish Cyrus filed for divorce from country music superstar, Billy Ray Cyrus. At the time, the former couple—who have five kids together—had been married for more than two decades.

On the May 7 episode of the Dear Chelsea podcast, Tish opened up about her split from Billy Ray.

"I didn't ever really think I would get a divorce. That was not in the cards at all for me," Tish said. "And you know, that happened. And so I literally just, I love love. And one of my friends at the time, I was devastated. I'd been married for so long since I was like 24 years old. So I didn't know anything different."

Tish said she was in "shock mode" and felt blindsided by the split. "I don't know where I was at," she added.

It's no secret that Billy Ray and Tish had ups and downs throughout their marriage. In fact, Billy Ray filed for divorce in 2010, but he eventually withdrew his petition. Three years later, Tish filed for divorce, but the two ended up working things out.

Tish has spoken about her split from the "Achy Breaky Heart" singer in the past, often admitting that she never thought divorce was in the cards for her.

“I never wanted to be divorced,” Tish said on the Nov. 25 episode of the Sibling Revelry podcast. "For us, you’re in the public eye and the world that we exist in is already so odd and at some times unstable. I wanted to make it work—probably for a little too long—like, for my own mental health," she continued, adding, "There became a point that, like, I didn’t have a choice."

The exact reasons behind Tish and Billy Ray's split aren't known, but the two had been living separately for years at the time of the filing. According to People magazine, Tish cited "irreconcilable differences" in court documents.

READ NEXT: TV Star Opens Up About ‘Tragic, Scary’ Marriage to Rock Legend

Adidas’ Retro Sambae Sneaker Is Up to 40% Off, and It's the 'Perfect Shoe for Any Outfit'

Thu, 05/07/2026 - 11:30am

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Sneaker fans, rejoice! The beloved Adidas Sambae shoes have been winning over footwear fanatics since they first hit the market in 2023, and right now they're available at an exciting price point. Originally retailing for $110, you can now snag these fashionable kicks for up to 40% off during a limited-time Adidas sale that runs through May 13.

Discounts vary by style, but shoppers can score a pair of Sambaes for as low as $66 in the white and pink, white and green, white and red, and black and white colorways. Other hues like core black and classic white and black are 20% off, bringing the price down to $88. Most sizes are currently in stock across all of the color options, but these popular kicks tend to sell fast whenever they go on sale, so interested shoppers should act fast.

Sambae Sneakers, From $66 (were $110) at Adidas

Courtesy of Adidas

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The Sambae is a modern twist on Adidas’ classic, celebrity-loved Samba, which has been a favorite for over 70 years. While the Samba was primarily designed as an indoor training shoe, the Sambae brings a fresh, contemporary design to the table. With a smooth leather upper and a synthetic lining, these shoes look chic while offering all-day comfort. The thick rubber outsole ensures durability and traction, making them perfect for both casual outings and daily activities.

In addition to classic neutrals like black, white, and metallic silver, the Sambae comes a vibrant range of additional colors. With options like royal blue, red, green, and cheerful yellow — plus the signature contrasting Adidas stripes on the upper — it adds just the right pop of color to any outfit. 

Related: Adidas’ 'Lightweight' and 'Comfortable' Slides Are on Sale for $25 at Amazon

Whether you are dressing up for a night out or looking to add flair to your everyday wear, the Sambae will effortlessly complement your style. With a regular fit and lace closure, they provide a snug yet flexible feel, making them suitable for individuals who are both active and on the go.

Shoppers praised the Sambaes for both their aesthetics and comfort level (although some recommended sizing up, especially if you have a wide foot). From casual strolls in the park to a busy day at work, the Sambae shoes will keep your feet feeling satisfied. One reviewer declared the Sambae the "perfect shoe for any outfit," while another noted that it’s more cushioned than the original Samba.

"They’re just different enough to stand out without being overly flashy. I’m on my feet for most of the day, and these are comfortable," the shopper added.

Shop More Deals

With their vibrant color palette, comfortable design, and modern twist on the classic Samba style, these shoes are a must-have for any fashion-conscious individual. If you want to elevate your sneaker game, snag a pair of these Adidas Sambae shoes for as low as $66 while they're still on sale.

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Electrolit Just Launched a New Tropical Drink Flavor—but It’s Only at 7-Eleven

Thu, 05/07/2026 - 11:26am

Electrolit, the popular electrolyte beverage brand from Pisa Pharmaceuticals (the largest pharmaceutical company in Mexico and Latin America), just dropped a new flavor that sounds like the perfect escape on a hot summer day—but fans will only find it at 7-Eleven, for a limited time.

The new premium electrolyte beverage flavor may not be as cool as the chain's ever-changing lineup of Slurpees and slushes, but the tropical-inspired flavor is such a classic that Electrolit is sure it will "stand out" in cooler vaults across the U.S.

On Thursday, Electrolit officially introduced its new Pineapple Coconut flavor, and it's designed for more than just consumers who enjoy piña coladas and getting caught in the rain...it's also for those looking for a functional hydration beverage that prioritizes wellness, recovery, and performance.

Electrolit Drops New Pineapple Coconut Flavor Exclusively at 7-Eleven

Electrolit described its new Pineapple Coconut flavor as a blend of "bright pineapple notes with smooth coconut" in the May 7 press release, adding that it has a "refreshing profile."

Related: A Popular Japanese Sandwich Is Now Available at 7-Eleven

Electrolit® Expands C-Store Momentum with 7-Eleven Exclusive Pineapple Coconut Flavor

As with any other Electrolit beverage, the new flavor was designed to support hydration with a formulation that features five crucial electrolytes (magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride) and glucose.

But unlike the rest of the bunch—which includes fruity varieties like Mango, Orange, Passion Fruit and Strawberry—Electrolit's new Pineapple Coconut flavor is only launching at 7-Eleven stores. Its exclusivity, the brand explains, allows it to "introduce differentiated offerings that stand out in the cold vault" and respond to growing consumer demand with "bold," seasonal flavor profiles while leveraging its retail partnerships.

So the next time you stop at a 7-Eleven for a sweet treat or gas, keep an eye out for the limited-edition Electrolit Pineapple Coconut flavor, as it's the only place you're going to find it this summer (prices may vary).

Don't live near a 7-Eleven? Electrolit has one other similar flavor that is more widely available and may just do the trick: the original Coconut.

Next:Gatorade Is Launching a New Electrolyte Drink—and Its Strongest Formula in 60 Years

New York's Governor Just Proposed a Bill That Could Cost Well-Invested Retirees Big Time

Thu, 05/07/2026 - 11:22am

While nobody likes paying taxes, a certain selection of New York homeowners may be seeing a significant increase in their tax bills next year thanks to a proposed change to the state's budget.

Governor Kathy Hochul made the announcement Thursday morning, saying that her planned $268 billion budget deal had received a handshake deal from lawmakers. And while the new budget includes many popular items, there's one line item that will hit well-invested retirees in the state pretty hard: a tax on second homes. Keep reading to find out what that could mean for you.

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New York Governor Wants to Tax Second Homes

The governor said that her budget would include a tax on the state's second homes and pied-à-terre in the hope of raising money for some of the new spending measures included in the bill.

That could hit retirees right in the pocket, especially if they purchased additional real estate as part of their long-term investing plan. And while the press release about the proposed budget doesn't specify exactly what that tax rate will be, it looks like the governor expects it to be robust, based on how much she says it could add to the state's budget.

Related: If You Want To Save Money, You Might Want To Start Carrying Cash

Which Homes Will Be Taxed

However, retirees and those who are about to retire shouldn't start offloading those properties yet. It looks like Hochul's plan will target only the wealthiest homeowners and tax only properties with an estimated market value of at least $5 million. According to the press release, that should be around 13,000 and wouldn't include homes located within New York City.

Hochul and her team believe this tax will generate $340 million to $380 million in new revenue, which she hopes to use to fund new programs and address some existing budgetary issues.

When asked about the proposal, Hochul told The City that she hoped the tax would work to "close the city’s budget gap without eroding its tax base or burdening hard-working New Yorkers."

Related: The Worst State to Retire In Was Also Named the Best Place to Achieve the American Dream, and We're Confused

The Tax Isn't a Done Deal Yet

While Hochul said that she had made a handshake deal with the lawmakers who need to sign off on the new budget, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie claims that no such agreement has been made.

"There is no budget deal," Heastie told reporters before saying that he didn’t "care what the governor says."

While it looks like there's still time for things to change a bit, people shouldn't count on this part of the budget getting removed. The money has been earmarked for a range of initiatives, including the popular idea of universal childcare and the addition of a larger police presence in the city's subways. And while a tax on second homes may be a hard pill to swallow for the state's wealthiest homeowners, it looks like many people are in favor of this idea. Only time will tell what actually happens when it comes to a vote.

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

BuzzBallz Introduces 8 New Limited-Edition Flavors Ahead of the World Cup

Thu, 05/07/2026 - 11:19am

BuzzBallz is getting into the soccer spirit ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup with their new limited edition drop.

The ready-to-drink cocktail company just revealed SoccerBallz, an appropriately named collection of globally-inspired flavors designed to celebrate the world’s biggest soccer tournament. Timed perfectly leading into the World Cup, the release leans heavily into national, summer-ready flavors.

The drop includes eight different drinks, each inspired by a country or the sport itself. There’s “Flags & Freedom,” a USA-themed orange and pineapple blend, while “Fuego Tamarita” channels Mexico with watermelon and a spicy kick. Brazil gets “Caipi Crush,” a citrus-forward option, while “Smashentina” offers Argentina-inspired melon with a peppery twist.

Courtesy of BuzzBallz

Other flavors include “Pip Pip Punch” for England, “Sol Siesta” inspired by Spain, “Soccer Lime-Rita,” and “Goaaaal-Melon,” a citrus and melon flavor meant to celebrate soccer universally.

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Each drink comes in BuzzBallz’s signature round container, redesigned with soccer-inspired graphics and country-specific colors that give each one the look of a mini soccer ball.

The launch comes amid ongoing scrutiny surrounding the World Cup, particularly when it comes to ticket prices. Fans have recently criticized FIFA over the cost of attending matches, especially after resale listings for premium seats to the World Cup final reportedly appeared online for more than $2 million each.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the pricing structure on Tuesday, May 6, arguing that the tournament operates within the broader entertainment market and that demand naturally drives resale prices even higher. He also pointed out that FIFA itself does not control the prices individual sellers choose to list tickets for on resale platforms.

Still, anticipation for the event remains sky-high. And as for BuzzBallz, the limited-edition drinks are currently rolling out nationwide and will be available in multiple sizes while supplies last.

1984 Classic, Ranked Among Best Guitar Riffs of the '80s, Became a Hard Rock Anthem

Thu, 05/07/2026 - 11:15am

Rock fans have likely heard this iconic track more than a few times and easily recognize its questionable lyrics. By the '80s, Scorpians were riding the waves of success after one album skyrocketed them among the best, and they soon released a follow-up hit in 1984 that became recognized thanks to its opening guitar riff and dirty lyrics.

Founder and guitarist Rudolf Schenker knew Scorpians needed the best big hit to keep their growing fanbase entertained. The band soon released a hit that would be considered their signature track, "Rock You Like a Hurricane." Upon its release, it only made it to No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, but was a bigger hit among its fans at No. 5 on the Mainstream Rock charts.

It was even tagged by Gibson as having one of the best guitar riffs of the '80s, having one of the "heaviest combination of simple power chords ever." Louder also ranked it at No. 11 as one of the Best Hair Metal anthems of all time, and so did Rolling Stone.

The road to creating the track wasn't an easy one, as the band had a few problems. Drummer Herman Rarebell and bassist Francis Buchholz were "temporarily" removed from the band without their knowledge due to exhaustion, with Rarebell later admitting they were drinking too much at the time.

When they were reinstated, Schneker was inspired and developed the track that needed the perfect lyrics. After multiple attempts, nothing felt right until lead singer Klaus Meine and Rarebell wrote the lyrics together. Schneker explained to Louder that, "It was Klaus’s very romantic, harmonic mind and Herman’s very dirty mind."

Related: 1986 Soft Rock Track Ranked Among ‘Best Movie Songs of All Time’ Was Rejected by Another Hit Film

As a result, "Rock You Like a Hurricane" was developed. The track was originally meant to be titled "F*ck You Like a Hurricane," with the band being forced to tone it down due to their panicked record label. Rarebell still managed to sneak in some sexual innuendos that would become infamous for the track, having explained the profane lyrics reflected "a wild time, it really was sex and drugs and rock’n’roll."

"It was perfect for the song. It was sexual, it was crazy, it was rocking… it just felt right, you know? You have to remember that this was the 80s!" said the drummer.

"Rock You Like a Hurricane" ended up becoming the band's biggest success despite never topping the charts. The band knew it would become a hit and fans would understand the "true power of the song." The track is considered a rock anthem that has become a pop culture sensation. It appears in multiple films, such as Knight and DayScouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse, and Caught Stealing.

The track has also been used in various TV series, from The Big Bang Theory to The Simpsons. It regained popularity in recent years when included in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things as one of the main tracks from the '80s.

Ozzy Lusth Reveals the Real Reason He Didn't Play His Idol on 'Survivor 50' (Exclusive)

Thu, 05/07/2026 - 11:13am

Survivor 50 is here! Every week, Parade's Mike Bloom will bring you interviews with the castaway most recently voted off the island.

Ozzy Lusth is perhaps the biggest example of "the more things change, the more they stay the same" in Survivor history. The iconic player entered his fifth season touting how much his life, and his approach to the game, would be different, even adopting a new moniker of "Oscar" (in honor of his late father). And, through three weeks of the game, it indeed seemed like he was putting together his most complete game to date, building bonds, getting advantages, and joining up with a previous adversary to run the game. But, with the endgame in sight, Ozzy seemed to get too ahead of himself, opening up to Aubry Bracco as a potential juror about his entire game. Instead, she became the one to turn him into a juror as, after days of being targeted, he was finally taken out of the game. And the worst part: For the second time in his career, it was with an idol in his pocket.

Ozzy came into Season 50 eager to stay away from the sea and on the show, hoping to cast a wide net in catching allies instead of people. And we got to see this new philosophy on the game within the first couple of days, as he spurned getting tribe supplies in lieu of earning an Extra Vote. Most crucially, however, he reconnected with his former Micronesia nemesis Cirie Fields, eager to use her as both a strategic guide and a number one ally. And while, ordinarily, the premerge is usually the easiest part of the season for one of the best challenge competitors in the show's history, it was a surprisingly tumultuous journey. Emily Flippen put his name out from the jump, though the two were eventually able to become unlikely allies. But, despite the maturity he gained over the years, there were rare moments where Ozzy's emotions would come out, particularly when it came to being blindsided or left out of the vote. In those times, as Christian Hubicki put it, he was reliving his "trauma," thrust back into the atmosphere that had denied him the million so many times before.

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Even during those lows, Ozzy was able to push through in the hopes of getting the ultimate high. But the path did not become easier when the merge hit. Not only did his reputation precede him as the biggest challenge threat in the game (nearly tying Boston Rob Mariano's all-time record this season), he also had been given an idol that immediately became public knowledge. Indeed, almost every episode the past few weeks has hit a similar beat of someone throwing out Ozzy's name, only for Cirie to put in the effort to scatter the votes to keep him in. Indeed, as long as she was in his proximity, he had nothing to worry about.

Which makes it all the more fitting that Cirie being forcibly separated from Ozzy was the first domino to fall in the lead-up to his blindside. Despite being on the other side of the beach from his closest ally, he was confident with where he stood in his new miniscule group of five. Aubry seemed like a shoo-in to go and so, in one of the ultimate forms of putting the cart before the horse, he opened up to her about how he was working with Cirie, and he had given her his Extra Vote. Unfortunately, after Ozzy had partially gotten saved last week when someone on the bottom was given too much information, now it would spurn him. When word began spreading about what he had done, the numbers began mounting to finally get him out. Even so, he sat confidently at Tribal Council, expounding about how eager he was to "find the joy" of playing. But that joy quickly turned to shock, frustration, and overall devastation. The rest of the group gave an Oscar-winning performance to Oscar, leading him to not play his idol. And so, all Ozzy could do was stand in silence, his clear vision of finally getting a win snuffed in front of him.

Now out of the game, Ozzy talks with Parade about what chose him to ultimately not play the idol, his relationships with the other members of "Cirie's Rizard of Oz," and opening up about his complicated relationship with his father on the show.

Related: Read our Survivor 50 pre-game interview with Ozzy Lusth

I can't imagine how emotionally complicated getting blindsided this season was, let alone watching it back. I know you had a big viewing party last night. What was it like to have so many people in attendance for your Survivor funeral?
I mean, I'll tell you what. The Survivor franchise, the editors, the season that I had, the editing that I got, it was beautiful. It sort of allowed me to have this, this nice arc from the first days that I was on the beach in Cook Islands to the finale. I mean, if you knew me in my like everyday life and the cameras aren't rolling, I'm not a very talkative person. I'm a very kind of closed and aloof sort of guy. Once the cameras start rolling, I'm just like, [Pretends to bear chest.] "Hey guys, look at me! See this little wounded boy that made it onto TV!" And so I've been oversharing about my family, about my problems, just everything for 20 years. So it feels fitting to, at the very end of it, have such an emotional roller coaster of an episode, and to really have a little bit of closure on some of my experiences with my family growing up.

Let's talk about your reaction on the way out of the game. This has to be the most emotional I've seen to you getting voted out, Ozzy. Talk to me about what was going through your head during that incredibly pregnant pause while you were standing there in front of Jeff.
Oh, I mean, they obviously had to cut a lot of time off of that. Because I spent a lot more time. It was minutes where I just didn't know what to do or say or how to express myself. I mean, I was trying to think. My mind just went totally blank. It was very similar to, very similar to South Pacific, when my mind went blank, and I couldn't finish the puzzle. It felt like an out-of-body experience. I was watching myself there, and I lost my ability to even move or talk or do anything. And I wish I had had a chance to tell Jeff how much I appreciated the opportunity. I'm glad that I wasn't so bitter that at least I said good luck to the people who just voted me off.

But I think that at the end of the day, one of my biggest lessons was sometimes you got to place more weight on your feeling, your intuition, your gut, than on what your mind is telling you. My mind was telling me one thing, but my gut was telling me another. And I went with my mind, and that was the wrong choice.

Talk to me more about what your mind was saying. In the voting booth, you admit you're not sure if you're going to play your idol. What ultimately made you decide not to?
I mean, I've been on the chopping block so often this season. Once it finally came to the real moment I was on the chopping block, because I'd had so many other times, it just didn't register how it should have. Although the signs were there the whole entire day. I woke up that morning after having a nightmare that was so vivid. And after the whole day of my alliancemates being like, "Dude, we're cool, we're cool, we're cool, we're cool." Still, when we're on that beach, I'd be like, "Damn, why are they talking so long? We're locked in. What's there to talk about? This is not a good sign." But then it was like, "No, we're cool." So again, it's like one of those things. Do you listen to your mind, or do you listen to your heart, your gut, your intuition? I made the wrong decision, and I listened to what my mind was saying.

We need to get into this conversation you had with Aubry. What made you decide to open up to her about your entire game? Did you pick up that she was spreading all of this to everyone else after you talked?
Oh, I mean, here's the thing. If I had played the idol, I think that would have been a good move without playing the idol. It's a rookie stupid mistake. So I think in that moment, I was like, "I'm going to play the idol." So it was just part of that. I thought was going to be jury management. But then why did I risk not playing the idol again? It was a really stupid mistake, and unfortunately, you know, a $2 million mistake.

Let's get into some of your relationships, Ozzy, considering how much you banked on them this time around. Talk to me about locking in with Cirie. What was it like getting to work alongside someone who took you out in Micronesia?
I mean, it was incredible. Cirie is a mastermind, masterful observer. For example, when Stephenie came back from her challenge, Cirie just looked at her, and she knew that Stephenie had won the advantage. So being able to be around somebody, whether or not my Survivor career is over, or maybe I go on to do something like Traitors or another show that requires you know the same type of observation skills, to be in that master class with Cirie this whole time, it was an absolute honor. And it was such a pleasure to work with her to see how she moves through the game, to see how she is just, hands down, one of the best players to ever play any of these types of reality games. Not just Survivor. We've seen her just do so well at so many other games. And I'm lucky enough to call her a friend.

Were you actually intending to take her to the Final Three?
Hell yeah, for sure! I mean, I'm not blowing smoke up anyone's butt when I say that I would happily lose to Cirie. For me, that is part of the beauty of being who I am. I'm okay with losing to somebody that I think is an amazing player. I really am. I don't have that sort of "cutthroat, stab you in the back, I'm going to get rid of all the best players so I can sit next to a bunch of people that don't deserve it, so that I can win." I would rather sit in the end with people that are the best of the best and to win that way. I just think that's the best way to win Survivor. And a lot of people will disagree with me. A lot of people will say, "Well, that's not how you win." And you're right. I never won! [Laughs.]

Let's talk about the third point of this "Cirie's Rizard of Oz" triangle. We didn't see a lot from you and Rizo, outside of your night together on Exile. Talk to me about your relationship, especially given how he chose not to tell you to play your idol.
I mean, I just, I don't blame him. He's trying to play the best game that he can. I think it's short-sighted. I think that he's now opened himself up to some other risks. So at the end of the day, Cirie vouched for him. I have always had reservations. I always had doubts about Rizo, just because you don't know his game. You don't know how he's going to play. He doesn't really like much of the Survivor game, except for Tribal Council and being able to have a lot of cutting remarks about people. He's a self-proclaimed "Rain Man" of Survivor. I mean, he could list off the boot order of Season 9 if you asked him. And that's the way that some people want to play. For me, I love camp life. I love getting out there in nature. I love all the aspects of Survivor.

So I do think, though, that Rizo had a major advantage. We didn't see how he played his first game. And he'll have to really change his game a lot if he ever plays again, or if he ever plays any other reality shows. He's kind of an obvious player now in terms of strategy. So I hope he learns a lesson, and I do hope he goes far. But yeah, it was really painful to know that, again, I had intuition about him not knowing I could trust him. But Cirie felt good about him, so I said, "Okay, well, Cirie's obviously got better observation skills than I do. She's vouched for him. So you know what? I'm going to trust Cirie, and I'm not going to second-guess." I should have.

What was the code word Cirie would have to give you to make you play your idol?
Something about "teaching an old dog new tricks." I forgot about that. That's a good one.

I read in a piece from The Sun that you actually had gotten injured in the middle of a challenge. Talk to me about that. Did that impact the way you played moving forward?
Yeah, I blew out my meniscus. I don't know when it happened. It was early in the game. I think it might have been on the Fight for Supplies challenge when I jumped off the top of the pole. Either that or when I got knocked the key off, and I just jumped off the top of there. And I was so tired, I don't know, I think I came down wrong, because my knee felt all wacky for the rest of the game.

And I didn't want to say anything, since I didn't want to get medevaced. So I just kept it to myself. And, if it had gotten to the point where I couldn't walk or whatever, I would have obviously taken myself out of the game. But I wasn't going to go out of the game because of my knee getting wacky. I was in it to win it. Jeff would have had to call it. And so I just kept my mouth shut. And yeah, it was difficult to play the rest of the game. Some of the balancing things were difficult. I mean, I'm not going to make excuses. Jonathan won that last challenge fair and square. But yeah, coming home, I had to get a full meniscus repair surgery. I've been out of out of commission for three months, and my leg is just now feeling like it's getting back.

I'm happy to hear that. I want to finish with something you opened up to Rick, and us, about last night. You talked about your late father, and how you regretted some of the remarks you made about him in final Tribal Council in your first season. And you adopted the new "Oscar" moniker and relationship-based game in his honor. At the end of this, how do you feel about getting to address that part of your life that clearly you have been regretting for nearly 20 years?
It's tough. I think it goes both ways. When you play a reality TV show, there's an opportunity to be vulnerable, to let the world in to see that injured part of yourself, or you can keep it private. And I don't know if I'd made a conscious decision. I just felt it felt natural to share my struggles at that point in my life. And for many years, I regretted it, because I felt like I didn't do justice to my biological father, or my dad who raised me. It's a very complicated thing. When parents get divorced, and one parent is kind of left out of another about out of their child's life, but the secondary parent comes in and is there for the kid.

Part of me is really proud of the fact that I have shared that so other kids out there can identify and say, "This is a thing that happens." And part of me feels a little bit of shame for airing out my family's struggles. Last night was a really hard example. I think my dad, it hurt him, the fact that I didn't wasn't able to say how much my dad actually came in and helped me through my childhood when my father wasn't around.

Related: Emily Flippen Says She’s ‘So Embarrassed’ by Her Messy ‘Survivor 50’ Gameplay (Exclusive)

1971 George Lucas Flop Invented the 'Star Wars' Aesthetic 55 Years Ago This Week

Thu, 05/07/2026 - 11:11am

The modern blockbuster landscape owes everything to a bleak, sterile, and largely silent dystopian film released 55 years ago this week. Long before George Lucas became the architect of a sprawling space opera, he was a film student obsessed with the 'non-narrative' power of cinema. On May 8, 1971, his feature directorial debut, THX 1138, was making its early rounds in theaters, marking the birth of a visual style that would eventually change the world.

Produced by Francis Ford Coppola and starring a young Robert Duvall, THX 1138 depicts a future where the human race lives in vast underground cities, controlled by mandatory drug regimens and android police officers. Emotions are illegal, and citizens are stripped of names, identified only by four-digit designations. Duvall plays THX 1138, a factory worker who stops taking his medication and rediscovers the 'crime' of human connection.

The film was not an immediate hit. Warner Bros. famously hated the final cut, with executives even walking out of screenings. They demanded significant edits, a move that so frustrated Lucas it led him to found his own company, Lucasfilm Ltd., later that same year. He wanted creative independence, vowing that no studio would ever again have the power to dismantle his vision.

For fans of Star Wars, watching THX 1138 today feels like a little like looking at an old blueprint. The '1138' tag became Lucas's signature Easter egg, appearing on the back of battle droids, on prisoner transfer consoles, and in dialogue throughout the franchise. Even the cold, white aesthetic of the Empire’s Star Destroyers and the faceless, helmeted Stormtroopers can be traced directly back to the sterile, oppressive environment of this 1971 debut.

Beyond the visuals, the film was a masterclass in low-budget ingenuity. To create a futuristic city on a shoestring budget of roughly $777,000, Lucas used real-world locations like the under-construction BART tunnels in San Francisco and the Marin County Civic Center. It proved that a director could build an entire world through clever framing and sound design rather than expensive sets.

While American Graffitibrought Lucas commercial success and Star Wars made him a legend, THX 1138 remains perhaps the purest distillation of his artistic intent. It is a reminder that before he was the king of the 'happily ever after' space fantasy, George Lucas was a revolutionary filmmaker interested in the darker, more challenging edges of what the future might hold.

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