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Updated: 23 min 57 sec ago

1970s Hardcore Band Announces Massive 2026 Fall Tour

Sat, 07/04/2026 - 5:30pm

Fresh off their Coachella 2026 performance, American hardcore punk band Black Flag announced a coast-to-coast fall2026 tour.

According to Consequence, Greg Ginn and his lineup of “Gen-Z” musicians are wrapping up summer in Eagle Pass, Texas, on July 29, before hitting stops in Utah, Pennsylvania, Kansas, Arizona, and Florida. The tour concludes Nov. 1 in Houston, Texas, completing a 45-stop fall tour.

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The tour marks the band’s first full U.S. tour with the new lineup, announced last year. In a press release published on the band’s official website, Black Flag introduced three new members.

“Texas-based band Black Flag is officially turning the page and beginning a bold new chapter with the addition of three new members: Max Zanelly (vocals), David Rodriguez (bass), and Bryce Weston (drums), joining founding guitarist Greg Ginn,” the statement read. “BLACK FLAG’s upcoming performances will showcase the chemistry and talent of the revitalized lineup, giving fans a first taste of the new era.”

Fall tour dates and ticket information can be found here.

“Also look for tickets atVivid Seats, where fans can save $20 on their first order of $200 or more with promo code VIVID20 at checkout,” the outlet shared.

Formed in 1976 in Hermosa Beach, California, Black Flag originally performed under the name Panic before changing its name later that year. The band was founded by Greg Ginn with singer Keith Morris.

“What the Ramones and Sex Pistols were to punk, Black Flag was to hardcore,” The Vinyl Factorywrote of the band. “Black Flag was as prolific as it was short-lived—this supernova’s final crash-and-burn coming in the summer of 1986. They came to loathe the new conformist subculture of raging thrash skinheads they helped to create, and defiantly rebelled by growing their hair and playing long jams like their heroes Black Sabbath and The Grateful Dead.”

After their disbanding in the late '80s, several former members reunited in 2003 under the Black Flag banner, and again in 2013 for touring and album What The…. Today, Ginn continues to tour as Black Flag, while former members Keith Morris, Chuck Dukowski, Bill Stevenson, and Dez Cadena all perform Black Flag material as the separate band Flag.

Related: ’90s Alternative Rock Icons Release New Single From Forthcoming Album

1981 Wedding Gown Just Named No. 1 Most Iconic Wedding Dress in Soap Opera History

Sat, 07/04/2026 - 5:04pm

In 1981, to please Dame Elizabeth Taylor, the ABC soap opera General Hospital aired the record-breaking wedding of Luke Spencer (Anthony Geary) and Laura Webber (Genie Francis). Now, over forty years later, Laura’s wedding dress has climbed its way to the top as one of daytime television’s most legendary.

The dress was named the most iconic wedding dress in American soap opera history by People Magazine.

GENERAL HOSPITAL - Shoot Date: September 22, 1981. (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
GENIE FRANCIS

Looking back on the dress, Francis told People, "The dress was made of silk taffeta, which wrinkles terribly, so I couldn't sit down, and the ground was wet, so my high heels were sinking into the dirt."

According to ABC7NY, at the time of the wedding, an estimated “one in fifteen Americans watched the show,” with the wedding watched by over 30 million viewers.

When Luke's character was introduced on the show, Francis shared with the Television Academy Foundation that executive producer Gloria Monty had a vision for the character and for Laura’s perspective of him.

“Luke was someone like no one else you’ve ever seen in the world, and he is fascinating to you.” She shared. The actress continued to explain that Luke was someone who was “just a little bit dangerous but utterly fascinating. The character was someone that Laura just “couldn’t figure out.”

Following almost a year on the show, the series made the controversial decision to have Laura raped by Luke in a moment of rage in the campus disco. However, the series backpeddled the choice and later labeled it a “seduction,” before ultimately addressing the action and calling it out for what it is. Francis shared that she didn’t push back at the time because she wasn’t sure where the story was initially headed, and instead was young and naïve and playing it for what it was. “I was following instructions like a good soldier.”

The storyline would play out over the course of multiple years, as Luke and Laura went on the run together, solving the mystery of the “Left Handed Boy,” and then worked together to save the world from the evil Casadine family that attempted to use the “Ice Princess,” a rare diamond, to freeze Port Charles and then the world.

During that time, the nation became swept up in their love story, including Dame Elizabeth Taylor, who called up producers and agreed to make a cameo appearance on the ABC soap opera in exchange for the series marrying off her favorite characters.

Thus, in November of 1981, Luke and Laura were wed.

Fans wanting to appreciate the wedding dress are now unable to. Francis revealed in a 2006 interview with Today that “they wanted to put that in the Smithsonian,” but they were unable to do so because the dress had been stolen.

General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC and streams weeknights on Hulu.

Olympic Skating Legend, Who Won Gold at the 1988 Winter Games, Relives One of His ‘Absolute Favorite Programs’

Sat, 07/04/2026 - 4:37pm

​One of the few legendary athletes to revolutionize men’s figure skating, Brian Boitano wowed audiences with his gravity-defying jumping power, precise artistic control, and trademark charisma. Following the invention of his signature “Tano” jump, he even rewrote professional skating’s rulebook and, in turn, became a globally recognized pop-culture icon.

Now, 62, the skating phenom is reflecting on his decades-long career. In one of his latest posts to Instagram, Boitano not only name-checks one of his favorite programs but does so by honoring the late Peabo Bryson, the two-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter who passed away last Thursday, June 2.

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“Hearing of Peabo Bryson’s passing today brings back such special memories,” Boitano’s post reads. “I was lucky enough to spend some time with him this past year, reminiscing about the TV special where I skated to one of his greatest hits, ‘Can You Stop the Rain.’ Getting to perform to his incredible live vocals remains one of my absolute favorite programs.”

​The program took place during a classic figure skating exhibition, when Boitano skated to the R&B balladeer’s soaring hit “Can You Stop the Rain.” During the program, Boitano performed his signature triple lutz (with his free arm held over his head, of course), as well as elegant choreography and refined footwork, all while Bryson showed off his powerful vocals live.

Recorded for the televised figure skating specialKristi Yamaguchi’s Golden Moment, the performance was one part of a gala showcasing Olympic champions who rather than skate to recorded tracks, glided to live performances.

Alongside Boitano and Bryson, performers on these specials have included skaters such as Scott Hamilton, Kurt Browning, and Ekaterina Gordeeva, as well as musical artists such as Martina McBride, Bobby Caldwell, and Lea Salonga.

Related: Legendary R&B Singer Known for Disney Duets and Soulful Voice Dies at 75

Famous for his Disney film duets and romantic soul ballads, Bryson gifted music fans with iconic collaborations, including “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion and “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle. Dubbed the “Voice of Love,” Bryson and his smooth, operatic tenor helped shape the modern R&B genre.

As for Boitano, he retired from competitive skating in 1994 after winning the 1988 World Championship and scoring gold at the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary, where “The Battle of the Brians”—a nail-biting rivalry between Boitano and Canadian Brian Orser—played out in the U.S.’s favor. He continued to tour and perform for several years after.

Today, he’s lighting up social media with both vintage footage and new clips of his skating—yes, he’s still out there cutting ice and proving he’s the epitome of grace and power.

Related: Olympic Skating Legend, Who Captivated Fans at the 1984 Winter Olympics, Names the Greatest Performance of His Career

Oasis Just Dropped the First Teaser for Their Reunion Documentary and It’s Biblical

Sat, 07/04/2026 - 4:01pm

Hello, hello - it’s good to be back. If you thought the Oasis reunion couldn't get any more epic, think again.

On the one-year anniversary of their first reunion show, Noel and Liam Gallagher have shared the first teaser for Don't Look Back in Anger, the highly anticipated documentary about the 90’s British band's unlikely comeback - and it's everything fans like me have been waiting for.

The 45-second clip is pure Oasis swagger: electrified crowds, hints of rehearsal footage, and the Gallagher brothers reflecting on a glorious reunion that, for a long time, seemed genuinely impossible. "I just don't see myself onstage with Liam, I just don't see it," Noel says in voiceover, while Liam adds simply, "The way it finished, unacceptable." 

The film promises to be an insider's dream. According to the official synopsis, Don't Look Back in Anger is "an unapologetically uplifting account of the biggest musical event of 2025," featuring rehearsal, backstage, and onstage access. Plus the first joint interviews with Noel and Liam in over 20 years. For Oasis fans like myself who lived through the breakup, that last part alone is worth the price of admission.

The documentary was created by Peaky Blinders mastermind Steven Knight and directed by Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace. The film opens in IMAX and cinemas this September before streaming on Hulu and Disney+ later this year.

The reunion tour itself which kicked off July 4, 2025 in Cardiff, Wales and wrapped in November in São Paulo, Brazil also saw the band inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As for what's next for Oasis? The brothers aren't saying. So grab your bucket hat, parka and Adidas Gazelles because with a documentary this epic, that could be enough for Our Kid to get the band back on the road.

'70s Rock Legend Announces New Song on the Fourth of July

Sat, 07/04/2026 - 3:38pm

Jonathan Cain is marking Independence Day with new music.

The longtime Journey keyboardist has released a new patriotic single, "The Winds of Freedom: A Salute to America," timed to the Fourth of July and America's 250th birthday celebration. The song is now available on streaming platforms, with an official music video also released for fans.

"As we celebrate the 250th birthday of America, I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for the incredible support you’ve shown for my new single, 'Winds of Freedom,'” Cain wrote on Instagram.

For Cain, the song carries a deeply personal message.

"Writing this song has been an honor," he continued. "It was born out of my love for God, my gratitude for those who sacrificed for our freedom, and my deep appreciation for this nation. I truly believe America is the greatest country in the world, and I'm thankful to celebrate 250 years of faith, freedom, and opportunity."

Cain released a solo record under the Jonathan Cain Band in 1976 before joining the British-American rock group The Babys in 1979

However, he is best known as a key member of Journey, the classic rock band he joined in 1980. His arrival helped usher in one of the most commercially successful eras in the band's history, including the release of Escape, which featured enduring hits such as "Don't Stop Believin'," "Who's Crying Now" and "Open Arms." Over the decades, his keyboard work and songwriting have helped define some of the most recognizable songs in arena rock.

"['Don't Stop Believin' has] always been a special song to me because it gives us all permission to dream," Cain told Louder. "When I first joined the band, my message to them was that we needed to write a song that spoke to the fans. Don't Stop Believin’ was a conscious attempt for Steve [Perry] and I to bring them into our song. There's a lot of smalltown girls and boys out there wanting to get on to the midnight train to anywhere." 

Alongside his work with Journey, Cain has also released solo material rooted in faith, reflection and patriotic themes. "Winds of Freedom" continues that thread, arriving as a tribute to the country, the sacrifices of service members and the spiritual values he says inspired the song.

In his message, Cain encouraged listeners to stream the single, add it to playlists, watch the music video and share it with family and friends.

"Every listen and every share helps this message reach more people," he wrote. "May God continue to bless America, and may we never take our freedom for granted. Happy Independence Day!"

More than four decades after helping shape Journey's arena-rock sound, Cain continues to use music as a vehicle for gratitude and reflection. With "Winds of Freedom," the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame musician is celebrating the Fourth of July by honoring the faith, sacrifice and freedom he associates with America's milestone birthday.

Related: 1976 Rock Classic, Reimagined 48 Years Later, Became a Fourth of July Anthem

1994 Oscar-Nominated Film Gets Crowned the 'Most Universally Beloved American Movie of All Time'

Sat, 07/04/2026 - 3:28pm

Some of the most beloved films tell quintessentially American stories. For instance, in April 2026, the publication Collider published a list titled the "8 most universally beloved American movies of all time," featuring iconic American films from all genres, like 1975'sJaws, The Wizard of Oz, released in 1939, Singin’ in the Rain from 1952, and 1946's It’s a Wonderful Life.

According to the publication, the Oscar-nominated film The Shawshank Redemption, released in 1994, is the "most universally beloved American movie" ever made. Collider suggested that the film has amassed so many fans partly because of the moving dynamic between prisoners Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) and Ellis "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman). The publication also pointed to the fact that audiences appreciate the film's message of fighting for survival amid dire circumstances.

Frank Darabont Opened Up About Writing the Script for 'The Shawshank Redemption' in 2019

While the Shawshank Redemption film was written and directed by filmmaker Frank Darabont, the original story is Stephen King's novella, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. In a 2019 interview with NBC News, in celebration of the movie's 25th anniversary, Darabont said he had been a long-time fan of King's 1982 novella.

"I was absolutely just gobsmacked by the simplicity of it, and sort of the beauty of it. The thematic elements of friendship and hope being so nourishing to the human spirit, it just really spoke to me," said Darabont during the 2019 interview.

He then shared that "it took five years for [him] to get around to writing" the film's script after King gave him the rights to the novella.

"When I did write it, I wrote it in eight weeks flat. But I set it aside for five years because I wanted my level of skill as a writer to match my ambition for that particular script. And I didn't think that it did, you know, when I first got the rights to it," explained Darabont while speaking to NBC News.

During the NBC News interview, Darabont shared he thinks the film is widely liked because it tells audiences that all problems can be fixed and each circumstance can be bettered.

"We all need to be reminded. I need to be reminded, and I try to remind myself daily that whatever the problems are, as long as you're drawing breath, you can overcome those problems. You can march in a certain direction that will get you to the promised land, to get you to that beautiful blue horizon on that beach," said Darabont.

‘I’m a Hepatologist and This Is the One Thing I Tell Every Patient With Fatty Liver To Stop Eating'

Sat, 07/04/2026 - 3:25pm

Fatty liver disease is a health condition that can really sneak up on you. Most of the time, we trust that our liver is quietly doing its job, and fatty liver disease doesn’t typically have any symptoms until it’s pretty advanced. 

But according to a report published in BMC Gastroenterology, 40% of U.S. adults between the ages of 60 and 74 have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). That means, even if you don’t drink alcohol, you could still be compromising your liver through what you eat.

Since fatty liver disease doesn’t have any symptoms, you may think that having it is no big deal. But according to liver doctors we talked to, the impact of fatty liver disease can be detrimental, and even life-threatening. 

Related: The Cooking Oil To Avoid if You Have Fatty Liver Disease, According to Gastroenterologists

“While simple fat buildup may not cause immediate problems, it can lead to a dangerous chain reaction such as inflammation, liver scarring and heart disease. People with fatty liver are at a much higher risk of heart-related deaths,” says Dr. Giuseppi Morelli, MD, a gastroenterologist with East Jefferson General Hospital, University Medical Center New Orleans who specializes in liver disease.

Here’s the good news: Fatty liver disease can be prevented and even reversed through what you eat. But if you want to reverse fatty liver disease, there’s one type of food that liver doctors recommend avoiding as much as you can.

Related: Tips for a Healthy Liver: What Experts Recommend for Optimal Liver Function

General Tips for Preventing or Reversing Fatty Liver Disease

Dr. Sujit Janardhan, MD, PhD, a hepatologist at Rush University Medical Center who specializes in fatty liver disease, explains that the primary causes of liver fat are excessive alcohol use and metabolic issues, including obesity (especially belly fat), diabetes or elevated blood sugars, elevated triglycerides and high blood pressure

With this in mind, he says that the best way to lower your risk for fatty liver disease (or reverse it if you have it) is to treat any existing metabolic health conditions, maintain a healthy weight and minimize alcohol consumption.

“A commonly recommended diet is a Mediterranean diet consisting mostly of plant-based, high-fiber foods such as vegetables, fruits and complex carbohydrates, plant- or fish-based proteins and a moderate amount of healthy plant- or fish-based fats. The diet can be adjusted by adding protein and cutting back on carbs if weight loss is needed,” Dr. Janardhan tells Parade.

Related: The One Common Habit That Could Be Damaging Your Liver, According to a Gastroenterologist

Besides following a Mediterranean-style diet, exercising regularly is key. “Exercise should be a combination of cardio and strength or resistance training. Implementing any kind of additional movement into your day can make a difference. For example, walking rather than driving, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator,” Dr. Janardhan adds.

The #1 Type of Food To Avoid if You Have Fatty Liver Disease

Nazar Abbas Photography/Getty Images

According to Dr. Janardhan, one of the most important ways to reverse fatty liver disease through diet is to avoid simple sugars and refined carbohydrates.

“This includes sugary drinks, fruit juice, sweets, mass-produced ultra-processed foods like chips, cookies and packaged desserts and foods made from refined flour like white bread, white rice and some pasta,” he says.

Reversing fatty liver disease doesn’t come down to avoiding just one food or drink in particular; it’s the entire food category of simple sugars and refined carbohydrates that’s the problem.

Dr. Andres Splenser, MD, FACE, an endocrinologist with Memorial Herman Health specializing in metabolic disorders and fatty liver disease, agrees with this. "Think beyond a single food and focus on overall metabolic health. Avoid chronic caloric excess," he stresses.

To do this, Dr. Splenser recommends eating primarily fiber-rich whole foods and healthy fats while minimizing animal products and ultra-processed foods.

“Simple sugars and refined carbohydrates are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to spikes in blood sugar and insulin. Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance. This process promotes the buildup of visceral fat, which is the type of fat that collects around the organs and is a major source of fat in the liver,” Dr. Janardhan says of how simple sugars and refined carbs can cause fatty liver disease or make it worse.

Why Are Ultra-Processed Foods So Detrimental?

Ultraprocessed foods directly increase fat production in the liver and contribute to inflammation and damage. Dr. Janardhan explains,On top of that, they play a key role in developing conditions like obesity, diabetes and high triglycerides, which further contribute fatty liver disease."

Instead of eating primarily simple carbs like white pasta, white bread, pastries, chips and candy, Dr. Janardhan says to focus on eating complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice, whole-grain bread, whole-grain pasta, nuts, seeds and fruit.

A recent CDC study confirmed previous research showing that the majority of calories in the American diet come from ultra-processed foods. These foods are more likely to cause obesity and other health problems compared to their fresh alternatives. When possible, eat fresh foods and prepare them yourself so you know what you’re consuming,” Dr. Janardhan explains.

Besides avoiding ultra-processed foods like the ones named above, Dr. Janardhan says it’s also important to minimize alcohol consumption, especially if you already have fatty liver disease. As he explained earlier, alcohol consumption is one of the primary causes of fatty liver disease. 

Sugar-sweetened beverages, like soda, sweet tea and fruit juice with added sugar, can also be harmful for liver health. "These drinks are high in rapidly absorbed sugars, especially fructose. Fructose is preferentially metabolized in the liver and drives de novo lipogenesis—meaning the liver converts sugar into fat. Over time, this promotes fat accumulation in liver cells and worsens insulin resistance, increasing the risk of fatty liver and inflammation," Dr. Splenser tells Parade.

For a healthier swap, Dr. Splenser recommends drinking water, unsweetened tea or coffee. "Coffee in particular has been associated with lower risk of liver fibrosis in multiple studies," he says.

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As Dr. Janardhan said earlier, it’s empowering to know that diet can reverse fatty liver disease. By decreasing your intake of simple carbs and upping your intake of complex carbs, your liver will begin to heal. 

Up Next:

Related: Does Drinking Water During Meals Help or Hurt Your Digestion? Here’s What Gastroenterologists Say

Sources:

Legendary Rock Band Is Back on the Charts 53 Years After Forming

Sat, 07/04/2026 - 3:23pm

Journey's 2026 farewell tour isn't just filling arenas. It's also sending the legendary rock band back onto the charts more than five decades after its formation.

This week, the 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees re-entered Billboard's Artist 100 chart at No. 94, marking another impressive milestone for a band that first came together in San Francisco in 1973. The Artist 100 ranks the week's most popular artists across all genres by combining album sales, song sales, streaming activity and radio airplay.

The return comes as Journey continues its sprawling Final Frontier farewell tour, which recently expanded with 40 additional North American dates after strong ticket demand.

Related: Neal Schon Calls Out Steve Perry in Journey Tribute—and Fans Notice the Wording

Journey originally formed in 1973 with guitarist Neal Schon, keyboardist Gregg Rolie, bassist Ross Valory, guitarist George Tickner and drummer Aynsley Dunbar, but the band's commercial fortunes changed dramatically after Steve Perry joined as lead singer in 1977.

Related: Journey Fans Push Back After Neal Schon’s Steve Perry Comments Spark Fresh Debate

From there, Journey became one of arena rock's defining acts. Escape topped the Billboard 200 in 1981, while Frontiers followed with another string of massive hits. Songs like "Don't Stop Believin'," "Open Arms," "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" and "Any Way You Want It" have remained radio staples for decades.

Few classic rock songs have enjoyed a second life quite like "Don't Stop Believin'." Released in 1981, the track has become one of the most enduring songs in rock history thanks to its appearances in television, movies and sporting events. Its use in the final scene of The Sopranos introduced it to a new generation of listeners, while later appearances in the pilot episode of Glee and countless arena playlists helped keep it in heavy rotation long after its original chart run.

Related: Steve Perry Breaks Silence on a Possible Journey Reunion

That staying power has translated into remarkable commercial success. "Don't Stop Believin'" became the first song from the 20th century to be certified 18-times Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, reflecting 18 million certified units in the United States. Along with Journey staples like "Lights," "Faithfully," "Wheel in the Sky" and "Stone in Love," it continues to generate hundreds of millions of streams each year, helping keep the band's catalog among classic rock's most popular.

Related: Journey Adds 40 More Dates to Massive Farewell Tour

Today's lineup features Schon, Jonathan Cain, Arnel Pineda, Deen Castronovo, Jason Derlatka and Todd Jensen, with the band currently making its way across North America on what is being billed as its farewell run.

The renewed attention appears to be translating directly into chart activity. Along with strong catalog streaming and radio airplay, Journey's ongoing tour has helped propel the band back onto Billboard's Artist 100, more than 53 years after its formation.

The achievement is another reminder that while Journey may be calling this its farewell tour, fans still aren't ready to stop believing.

Related: Journey Fans Push Back After Neal Schon’s Steve Perry Comments Spark Fresh Debate

Walmart's $15 10-Piece Cooling Towel Set Is a 'Game-Changer in the Summer Heat'

Sat, 07/04/2026 - 3:15pm

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If this heat wave is making every errand, workout, and outdoor plan feel much harder than they should be, the Beeprincess 10-Piece Cooling Towel Set is an easy summer helper to keep around. The set is on sale at Walmart for just $15 right now, down from $26. It comes with 10 towels in different colors, and is practical to split among several people before sports practices, theme park days, camping trips, or any time the heat feels unbearable.

The towels are made from 95% microfiber, and each one measures 31.5 inches by 11.8 inches. They’re designed to stay cool using moisture evaporation, so no chemicals or additives are involved. Just soak the towel, wring it out, snap it a few times, and wear it around your neck, face, head, or body. They’re also super lightweight, machine-washable, quick-drying, pill- and fade-resistant, and designed to stay chilled for up to three hours depending on the weather.

Beeprincess 10-Piece Cooling Towel Set, $15 (was $26) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Fans and water bottles are great, but a cooling towel gives you something you can actually wear while walking, running, traveling, or sitting through an outdoor game. And since this set comes with 10, you don’t have to keep moving the same towel from bag to bag. You can leave a few in different places so you’re not stuck without one when the temperature spikes.

One reviewer wrote, “These towels have been a lifesaver,” noting that they’re “just the right weight for comfort.” Another said, “These are a game-changer in the summer heat,” while a third mentioned they’re “easy to pack and to have handy any time, anywhere.” Several appreciated that they can be refreshed without freezing or refrigerating them first.

For the price, this set offers much more than many similar towels. Some single cooling towels at Walmart cost around $5 to $10 each, while this pack brings the price down to about $1.50 per towel. That makes it easier to rotate in a fresh one when you’re spending hours outside, rather than reusing the same damp towel all day.

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Related: Amazon's $7 Cooling Towel 4-Pack Is 'Super Soft,' 'Lightweight,' and 'Provides Instant Cooling Relief'

For $15, the Beeprincess 10-Piece Cooling Towel Set is a practical buy before the next stretch of hot weather. It’s easy to use, simple to refresh, and helpful to have on hand when regular towels, fans, and cold drinks aren’t enough. Add it to your cart now while it’s still marked down this low at Walmart.

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1969 Soundtrack, Ranked Rock’s Greatest of All Time, Became a Cross-Generational Anthem

Sat, 07/04/2026 - 2:38pm

Ranking the big screen’s greatest film soundtracks of all time is hard. Finding consensus in the ultimate defining document of late-1960s counterculture is easy.Easy Rider, to be exact.

Even the BBC couldn’t resist the great American film’s rolling travelogue that encompasses acoustic folk and rock, hard rock and heavy blues, psychedelic and acid rock, as well as counterculture satire and novelty music, as BBC Music Magazine just ranked Easy Rider rock's greatest soundtrack of all time.

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“Released in 1969, hedonistic biker flick Easy Rider introduced an authentic slice of the counterculture to the mainstream, a public who were barely prepared for such gritty realism,” the publication wrote. “In doing so, Easy Rider gave the movie industry in the U.S. a huge kick in the butt and opened the door for the ‘New Hollywood’ collective of young directors.”

The Easy Rider soundtrack revolutionized Hollywood, forgoing the prototypical orchestral original score in favor of a playlist of contemporary rock, serving as another member of the cast and setting a tone of rebellion and liberation.

“The accompanying album was equally pioneering,” the outlet added. “It was one of the first times in a movie that its soundtrack was made up of contemporary songs rather than an original score. What’s more, those songs were carefully selected to explicitly drive the film’s narrative rather than simply play out in the background.”

Key standout tracks include Steppenwolf’s iconic “Born to Be Wild,” The Byrds’ “Wasn’t Born to Follow,” Jimi Hendrix’s “If 6 Was 9,” and Roger McGuinn’s “Ballad of Easy Rider.” View, listen to, and download the soundtrack in full at Apple Music.

Related: 1968 Era-Defining Anthem Called a ‘Fluke’ Became the Most Played Rock Song in Movies

Directed by co-star Dennis Hopper, the film was released in July 1969, famously premiering months earlier at the Cannes International Film Festival, where the late Hopper won the award for Best New Director. Made on a shoestring budget, it was a massive box office success, raking in around$60 million worldwide.

The unprecedented profitability helped usher in the New Hollywood era, convincing studios to give greater creative freedom to a new generation of independent filmmakers.

Released by ABC-Dunhill Records in August 1969, the soundtrack peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and was officially certified gold by January 1970. Its use of ready-made music inspired films including American Graffiti (1973), Mean Streets (1973), and Apocalypse Now (1979), per Ultimate Classic Rock.

About two bikers—played by Hopper and Peter Fonda—who finance a cross-country motorcycle trip to celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans with the proceeds of a drug deal, the film has earned its legendary status over the decades. Thanks in large part to its groundbreaking soundtrack, which continues to resonate with generations of music fans.

Related: 1996 Film That Inspired One of Alternative Rock’s Most Haunting Ballads Became a Cult Classic

Country Star Calls Whitney Houston’s National Anthem 'the Greatest Performance of All Time'

Sat, 07/04/2026 - 2:10pm

Whitney Houston's rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" has long been regarded as one of the greatest national anthem performances ever recorded. Now, one country music star is making the case that it's not just one of the best—it's the greatest of all time.

On July 4, John Rich, who is a member of the country music duo Big & Rich, took to X to share his thoughts on Houston's rendition of the song after it was shared by Congressman Wesley Hunt.

"Good God Almighty… Whitney Houston might have given the greatest performance of our National Anthem of ALL TIME! Take three minutes and watch this today. My goodness…Makes me wanna cry," Rich said.

The performance occurred at Super Bowl XXV back in 1991 in Tampa, Fla.

"I think it was a time when Americans needed to believe in our country," Houston said after the performance, according to People magazine. "I remember standing there and looking at all those people, and it was like I could see in their faces, the hopes and prayers and fears of the entire country."

Many fans agree with Rich's statement and find Houston's performance of the National Anthem extremely moving.

"Her gift was phenomenal! She makes you tear up. But it’s not just from singing… it’s from the happiness and being proud to be an American that you can see on her face as she’s singing.. that was her gift to us," one person replied in the comments section of Rich's post.

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"I remember watching it live. Still gives me goosebumps every time I watch. Best rendition ever," someone else said.

This marked the only time that Houston performed "The Star-Spangled Banner." She died in Feb. 2012 a the age of 48.

READ NEXT: Toby Keith’s Unwavering Motto Still Resonates on America’s 250th Birthday

Patagonia’s 'Small but Mighty' Crossbody Bag Is $29 at REI Right Now

Sat, 07/04/2026 - 1:45pm

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Spring and summer easily qualify as “grab-and-go” seasons, with calendars that fill up quickly with beach days, picnics in the park, weekend trips, and last-minute plans. There are neighborhood walks that turn into long hikes, festivals and farmers markets that pop up, and travel days where you end up packing everything from sunscreen and snacks to a folding chair or a small cooler just in case. With that much movement between plans, the one thing that makes it all easier is a function-first bag.

If you’re in the market for that kind of everyday carry, REI currently has an adorable retro style of the Patagonia Terravia Sacoche Crossbody Bag marked down by 41%. Normally $49, you can snag it now for just $29. Designed to hold daily essentials — phone, keys, wallet, sunglasses, lip balm, and a few extras — it keeps items secure and your hands free, so you can actually enjoy the day instead of digging through your bag.

Patagonia Terravia Sacoche Crossbody Bag, From $29 (was $49) at REI

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Built to withstand daily wear and tear, this crossbody is made from recycled ripstop nylon that’s both weather-resistant and highly packable, making it easy to stash in a larger bag or clip onto gear when not in use. The compact 3-liter capacity (183 cubic inches) keeps the profile slim, while still offering a main compartment plus two exterior stretch-mesh drop-in pockets for organizing small essentials. A durable polyurethane coating on both the body and lining materials adds extra protection from light moisture, dirt, and stains.

The adjustable strap allows it to be carried comfortably as either a crossbody or shoulder bag, depending on preference. It can also be worn in front for easy access or secured to a larger pack or duffel for extra storage, and even doubles as a packing cube when the shoulder strap is removed. When not in use, it stuffs into its own main pocket for compact storage. 

The bag's construction is finished in a Fair Trade Certified factory, meaning the people who made it earned a premium for their labor, and the fabric is bluesign approved, meeting environmental and chemical safety standards for more responsible production.

Outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and regular users alike praised this “small but mighty” bag. One reviewer wrote, “This is really a great everyday bag. [It’s] comfortable and small, but fits more than you'd expect.”

Another shopper highlighted its slim profile, noting that it’s “larger than a passport pouch and flatter than a crossbody bag,” meaning it “fits comfortably under a light jacket, loose-fitting shirt, or windbreaker,” making it a secure option for protection from the weather or potential pickpockets.

Related: REI’s Retro Cooling Neck Wrap Offers 'Relief in Extreme Heat' for Under $10

At $29, the Patagonia Terravia Sacoche Crossbody Bag is a busy day essential. Snag this deal at REI before it's gone!

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Jenna Ortega's 'Wednesday' Lands Three Major New Cast Members

Sat, 07/04/2026 - 1:42pm

Netflixconfirmed three new additions to "Wednesday" Season 3 this week: Lena Headey, Andrew McCarthy and James Lance are all joining the cast.

The trio arrives as production continues on what's shaping up to be the show's most star-studded season yet. Headey, known to most audiences as Cersei Lannister on "Game of Thrones," joins fellow newcomers Winona Ryder, Eva Green, Chris Sarandon, Noah Taylor, Oscar Morgan and Kennedy Moyer, alongside returning cast membersJenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán and Fred Armisen. McCarthy, best remembered for "St. Elmo's Fire," and Lance, familiar to "Ted Lasso" fans, round out the new wave, though none of their roles have been disclosed.

Plot specifics for Season 3 remain tightly under wraps, though the season is expected to lean further into the Addams family's buried history. Season 2 ended with the reveal that Morticia's estranged sister, Ophelia, played by Green, is alive and had scrawled "Wednesday must die" on a wall.

Showrunners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar have promised the new season goes deeper into family secrets than either of its predecessors. "This season, we welcome new students, new teachers, and excavate some long-rotting Addams Family secrets," the pair said in a statement when production began. "Don't say you weren't warned."

Related: 'Klara and the Sun' Trailer: Jenna Ortega Is a Robot Who Just Wants a Home

Production has taken the show overseas for the first time. Filming ran in Paris from April 18 through April 20, with Ortega, Armisen and director Tim Burton spotted shooting scenes along the Seine, a notable departure for a series that has stayed rooted in the United States through its first two seasons. Netflix teased the trip with a first-look photo of Ortega beneath the Eiffel Tower, captioned "From Paris, with dread."

The additions build on a run of high-profile casting news for the series. Ryder's arrival, confirmed in February, marked a reunion with both Ortega and Burton, her collaborators on 2024's "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice." "When it comes to Outcasts, Winona Ryder is the GOAT," Gough and Millar said in a statement at the time.

"Wednesday" enters its third season as one of Netflix's biggest franchises. Season 1 remains the platform's most-watched English-language series ever, streamed for more than 1.7 billion hours, while Season 2 currently ranks fifth on that all-time list with 119.3 million views. That success and scale is helping to drive attention with each new casting announcement as a show already involving Burton, Ortega, Zeta-Jones, Green and Ryder now adds a "Game of Thrones" icon to the mix, with more names likely before filming wraps.

No release date has been set. Given the roughly three-year gap between Seasons 1 and 2, expectations have settled around a 2027 premiere, though Netflix hasn't confirmed a timeline.

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The Story Behind Taylor Swift’s Beloved 2012 Breakup Anthem and Its A-List Inspiration

Sat, 07/04/2026 - 1:27pm

When Taylor Swift first debuted “All Too Well” back in 2012, it became a fan favourite for its tale of young love and broken hearts. When she re-released the song in November 2021, the song had transformed into a 10-minute epic.

Many Swifties believe the song is about her three-month romance with Oscar-nominated actor Jake Gyllenhaal in 2010. The song does identify an age-gap romance, which matches their romance, which took place when Swift was 21 and Gyllenhaal 30. "You said if we had been closer in age maybe it would have been fine / and that made me want to die," she sings.

Across the lengthy pop ballad, Swift recalls how their relationship fell apart. She berated her love for missing her birthday, took a dig at his preference for dating younger women, and wondered if she had ever met anything to the man.

Swift calls the track a "10-minute catharsis of intense emotion", according to People. "There are some really angry, scathing parts that I was like kinda gonna have to make it into something a little more palatable because I already felt so, like, raw putting that song out as detailed as it was," Swift recalled, earlier this year.

The Independent broke down how certain lyrics could connect to the Brokeback Mountain actor: “From when your Brooklyn broke my skin and bones. I’m a soldier who’s returning half her weight. And did the twin flame bruise paint you blue?” Gyllenhaal played a soldier in both Source Code and Brothers. Twin flames could refer to

By 2011, the Brooklyn-based Gyllenhaal had starred as a soldier in two different films: Source Code, and 2009’s Brothers. The "twin flame" lyric likely references that the former couple are both Sagittarius, a fire sign.

Jake Gyllenhaal has always denied the track is about him. In an Esquire profile, he shot down the popular fan theory. "It has nothing to do with me," he said.

He added: "It's about her relationship with her fans. It is her expression. Artists tap into personal experiences for inspiration, and I don't begrudge anyone that."

"At some point, I think it's important when supporters get unruly that we feel a responsibility to have them be civil and not allow for cyberbullying in one's name," Gyllenhaal explained. "That begs for a deeper philosophical question. Not about any individual, per se, but a conversation that allows us to examine how we can — or should, even — take responsibility for what we put into the world, our contributions into the world. How do we provoke a conversation?"

'I’m a Pilates Instructor—This Is the Best Move To Help With Stiff, Tight Hips'

Sat, 07/04/2026 - 1:25pm

Stiffness in the hips is a common complaint among many regular runners, cyclists and even those with sedentary lifestyles. Active individuals might develop tight hips from not doing enough mobility work, while those who work at a desk for long periods may experience tight hip flexors, ultimately causing discomfort and stiffness.

“Sitting for too long causes the hip flexor muscles to shorten and tighten up, due to a lack of blood flow and circulation to those muscles. In addition, the glute and core muscles can become inactive and weak during this time, which can impact your posture while sitting, causing even more strain on the hips,” explains Reena Vokoun, licensed Pilates instructor and founder and CEO of Passion Fit.

Tight hips can also feel as though your range of motion in front of your thighs, hips and groin is limited. As time passes, this can totally compromise daily movement. Simple things like walking, climbing stairs, bending down to pick something up, getting up from the couch or playing a round of pickleball can feel much more challenging. In fact, every single step or move might activate pain.

Incorporating the right exercises in your workout routine is crucial to help tackle tight hips. Of course, if your pain becomes persistent and intense, it’s always a wise move to check in with your healthcare provider.

To get you started on the right approach to working out, we spoke with a Pilates instructor who suggests one key exercise she teaches every client with tight hips. Pilates is an excellent training method for boosting hip strength and mobility, as it involves slow, controlled movements that activate the deep stabilizing muscles. So, if you’re ready to get started, let’s dive in!

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Why Hip Tightness Is So Common

Vokoun says that many of her clients experience hip tightness at some point or another. In fact, a study published in the International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research discovered that 94.3% of the 385 young adult participants exhibited tight hip flexors. Reduced physical activity was among the potential culprits contributing to this tightness.

“[Hip tightness] is a common complaint due to being sedentary and sitting for too long, overworking hip flexor muscles from activities like running or cycling or having a weak core or glutes,” she adds.

Related:  The Exact 15-Minute Pilates Routine Instructors Recommend for Beginners

How Can Improving Hip Mobility Benefit Posture and Overall Movement Quality?

Maintaining strong, mobile hips is a key part of leading an active, independent lifestyle well into your golden years.

“Movement quality often stems from the hips, as well as the core. Therefore, improving hip mobility can open up the hips and allow for a full range of motion, stronger and larger strides, less overcompensation in the lower back and a neutral pelvic tilt to create good posture,” Vokoun tells Paradei.

Related: The #1 Pilates Workout Sequence That Builds Strength Beyond the Mat

The One Exercise a Pilates Instructor Recommends for Tight Hips

If you’re ready to get started, Vokoun recommends the frog squat to boost hip mobility while engaging the core. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Begin standing tall with your hips, knees and toes slightly turned out—and feet planted just outside shoulder-width.
  2. Lower down into a frog squat position.
  3. Make sure to keep your core tucked in, your back straight, your glutes pointing back.
  4. Bring your palms together at your heart’s center.
  5. Then, lift your hips and buttocks with your knees slightly bent.
  6. Perform this exercise for two to three sets of 12 to 15 reps.

Related: This Is the Safest Way To Start Pilates After 60, According to Instructors

The Hip Benefits of Frog Squats

By doing frog squats with proper form, you’re incorporating dynamic stretching and repetitive movement all in one. According to Vokoun, these two factors can enhance flexibility, mobility and strength versus simply increasing flexibility with a classic stretch.

“The frog squat targets the core, hips, inner thighs, groin, quadriceps, glutes and hamstrings. All of these muscle groups are important for hip mobility because they’re all interconnected and help create a safe and effective movement pattern for the hips,” she shares.

Tight hips can impact your overall quality of life. In addition to checking in with a physical therapist or healthcare professional, it’s essential to optimize your workout routine to support strong, mobile, healthy hips.

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He Loved America: Toby Keith’s Unwavering Motto Still Resonates on America’s 250th Birthday

Sat, 07/04/2026 - 1:24pm

Toby Keith’s message about America is being shared once again on a symbolic day for the country he often celebrated in his music. On America’s 250th birthday, the late country star’s team resurfaced one of his most recognizable sentiments—a simple but powerful reminder of how deeply he felt about the United States.

"Here’s to 250 years of freedom. Happy Birthday America," read the caption of a post shared on Keith's official social media accounts on Saturday, July 4. The caption accompanied a throwback photo of Keith raising a red solo cup with the American flag as his backdrop. His patriotic motto, "Never apologize for being patriotic," was written in large white letters. It's something that Keith routinely said at the end of each show that he performed.

Here’s to 250 years of freedom. Happy Birthday America. pic.twitter.com/390Dg9vunV

— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) July 4, 2026

Fans loved the tribute and many took to the comments section to remember the country music icon, who died in February 2024 after being diagnosed with stomach cancer.

"Toby should be here. I sure miss him," one fan wrote.

"RIP Toby. Man was a huge part of my childhood. He would love what's happening now. God Bless the US and Toby Keith," someone else said.

"Miss you, Toby. Thanks for all you did for patriotism. RIP," a third comment read.

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"My one wish would have been that Toby Keith would have lived to see today. He is the ultimate Patriot," a fourth X user added.

Keith was a longtime supporter of the U.S. military, completing 11 USO tours over his career. He also recorded several patriotic anthems, including “American Soldier” and “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue."

READ NEXT: A Country Music Farewell Tour Is Having an Unexpected Impact Beyond the Stage

'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' Drops 'Happy Birthday Haymitch' Video

Sat, 07/04/2026 - 1:21pm

Author Suzanne Collins dove into Haymitch Abernathy's journey in the Quarter Quell in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. One of the heartbreaking details she revealed is Haymitch's birthday is July 4, which is also reaping day.

The movie adaptation will be released on November 20. However, there is a new video that was released on July 4 to tease more of Joseph Zada's portrayal of 16-year-old Haymitch.

New 'Sunrise on the Reaping' Trailer, 'Meet Haymitch'

A "Meet Haymitch" video was released, and it starts with the character's little brother, Sid (Smylie Bradwell), jumping on him in bed. "Happy Birthday, Haymitch!" he said to wake him up.

"Can you imagine the sun rising on a world without a reaping?" Lenore Dove Baird (Whitney Peak) asked Haymitch.

"Not on my birthday," he answered. "Never had one that came without a reaping."

Director Francis Lawrence explained that the Quarter Quell will have twice the number of tributes, which is 50 kids. The Capitol will take four kids, two boys and two girls, from each district.

Producer Nina Jacobson explained that Haymitch was reaped as punishment. "Woody Harrelson as Haymitch has a mischief to him," Jacobson, 60.

Related: ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ Trailer: How To Find Young Mags of ‘The Hunger Games’

Who Is Playing Haymitch in 'Sunrise on the Reaping'? Joseph Zada attends the Prime Video "We Were Liars" Tribeca Festival World Premiere Screening and Panel

Valerie Terranova/Getty Images for Prime Video

Zada, 20, is from Australia, but you can hear that he changed his accent to sound like Harrelson, 64. "Such a fan of his work," the actor said in the featurette. "It's been intense being like Woody's Haymitch." He later said it was "special" to share the role with him.

Elle Fanning, Jesse Plemons, McKenna Grace and Ben Wang speak about the upcoming movie's story in the new video. Fanning, 28, plays a young Effie Trinket. The District 12 escort for Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson).

Effie and Haymitch's relationship started with bickering in the franchise. Effie cared about putting on a good public image for their district. Haymitch refused to do so and was often drunk. But their goals aligned by the last Mockingjay movie, and they worked together.

"Elizabeth [Banks] and Woody, their dynamic is so fantastic," Fanning said. "Joe and I have tried to incorporate that." There is a scene in which her version of Effie encourages Haymitch to make the audience remember him before his interview with Caesar Flickerman (Kieran Culkin).

Related: ‘Hunger Games’ Star Drops ‘Killer Song’ That Has Fans Demanding an Album

A character that wasn't shown in the first trailer was Louella McCoy (Molly McCann). Haymitch has his arm around Louella in one scene. "You and me 'til the end, right, Hay?" she asked him in another. He agreed.

"Haymitch wants to care for these other tributes in the game," Grace, 20, said. The featurette cleverly cuts to Haymitch's scenes in the original movie where he cared for Katniss and Peeta.

There will be parallels of his relationships with the Quarter Quell tribute and his future ones. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will be released in theaters on November 20.

This Royal Swiftie Just Crashed Travis Kelce’s Podcast Hours Before His Nuptials to Taylor Swift

Sat, 07/04/2026 - 1:06pm

Prince William is proving he's the coolest royal around by making a surprise appearance on Travis and Jason Kelce's New Heights podcast.

In a wide-ranging 30-minute interview that dropped on the same day as Travis's highly anticipated wedding to Taylor Swift, the Prince of Wales chatted with the Kelce brothers about soccer, the World Cup, and, of course, the Eras Tour.

When Jason asked Prince William whether it was his father, King Charles, who sparked his love of soccer and Aston Villa FC, William didn't hold back. "My father hates football," he said flatly, which seems sacrilegious for a British monarch - especially during the World Cup.

William, who has been involved with the Football Association for two decades, also shared his hopes for England there. "As each World Cup goes on and the results don't quite go your way, a little bit of hope gets chipped away each time," he said. "I am quietly confident," adding diplomatically, "If we lose, we lose playing the way we want to play."

But the real highlight? When Jason asked William to weigh in on Travis's most iconic Wembley Stadium moment: scoring a touchdown in 2015 or dancing onstage as Taylor Swift's backup dancer during the Eras Tour. Prince William didn't hesitate. "Travis as a backup dancer," he said. Travis, for his part, called it "a definitely very proud moment" of his life, and confirmed he'd do it again if Swift announces another tour.

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Travis also reflected on meeting William and his children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, at the London Eras Tour stops. "We were so nervous to meet you guys and the royal family," Travis said. "It was one of the coolest moments ever," Jason added that Princess Charlotte was the highlight for him, as a fellow girl dad of four daughters. (*I’m not crying, you’re crying.)

As for whether William will be attending the Travis and Taylor wedding later today at Madison Square Garden? Peopleconfirms he and The Princess of Wales won't be making the trip. Looks like the podcast appearance will have to do, but to paraphrase: we’re “addicted to the ‘if only.'”

Best-Selling Author’s Hit Novel Ranked Among ‘Most Read Books’ in United States on Goodreads

Sat, 07/04/2026 - 12:56pm

A love story, a mystery and a courtroom drama have come together to make Broken Country one of the books readers can't stop finishing.

Clare Leslie Hall's hit novel is currently ranked among Goodreads' most-read books in the United States this week, a list that reflects the books most often marked as finished by Goodreads users during that period. The milestone comes after the novel received a major boost from Reese's Book Club, which selected Broken Country as one of its picks and helped introduce the sweeping story to an even wider audience.

The novel follows Beth, a woman living on a sheep farm whose life is thrown into turmoil when her first love, Gabriel, returns years after their relationship ended. Set across the 1950s and 1960s, the story blends romance, suspense and courtroom drama as long-buried secrets resurface and force Beth to confront the choices that shaped her life.

"My family and I live in a very old 16th century farmhouse, which is surrounded by farmland," Hall shared in an interview with Barnes & Noble. "When I was researching the novel, I spent a lot of time with farmers. I learned how to milk cows; I went harvesting and lambing. Every single time, I was so struck by how the farmers would stop in the moment of their day’s toil, and they would point out a moment of real stark beauty. To me, it might be a skylark soaring or just seeing a newborn calf. It opened my eyes to the beauty and the brutality of pastoral life. I really wanted to capture that. Researching the novel actually enabled me to connect to the landscape around me in a way that I hadn't before."

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Hall's attention to detail combined with the novel's genre-crossing appeal has been central to its success.

Published in 2025, Broken Country has been embraced by readers who enjoy emotionally layered novels with mystery at the center. Its mix of forbidden love, rural drama and high-stakes consequences has drawn comparisons to books like Where the Crawdads Sing and The Paper Palace, while its structure gives readers both an intimate character story and a page-turning mystery.

The Reese's Book Club selection helped turn that momentum into a larger cultural moment. Reese Witherspoon has long used the club to spotlight women-centered stories, and her endorsement of Broken Country placed Hall's novel in front of a devoted community of readers known for turning picks into bestsellers.

The Goodreads ranking underscores how strongly that enthusiasm has carried over. Rather than simply sitting on readers' shelves, Broken Country is among the titles users are actively finishing this week, suggesting that the novel's word-of-mouth momentum remains strong well after its release.

For Hall, the success marks a major breakthrough. With Broken Country, she has delivered a novel that combines the sweep of historical fiction with the emotional pull of romance and the suspense of a thriller, giving readers the kind of immersive story that continues to spread through book clubs, social media and online reading communities.

"Connecting with readers and hearing what they took from the novel is something I truly treasure," Hall told Goldsboro Books. "It was important to me to write a story that was as emotionally true as possible."

As new readers continue discovering it, Broken Country is proving that its popularity is more than a fleeting moment. Its place among Goodreads' most-read books in the United States this week reflects a novel that has not only captured attention, but kept readers turning pages until the very end.

Related: Best-Selling Author's Novel Ranked Among ‘Best Books Ever’ on Goodreads

The 4 Birth Months That Make the Best Uncle

Sat, 07/04/2026 - 12:56pm

Every family has an uncle that the kids seem to flock to. Maybe he's the one who lets them stay up a little later, starts an impromptu game in the backyard, or somehow makes a trip to the hardware store feel like an adventure. He doesn't have to try very hard. The kids enjoy being around him. While every month has its share of great uncles, uncles born in March, June, September, and December seem to have a little extra love to give.

A favorite uncle usually isn't the one with the biggest personality or the most money. He's the one who makes time. He comes to the birthday parties, cheers from the sidelines, takes the kids fishing, or hangs around talking after a family cookout. He remembers what they're interested in and follows through when he says he'll do something. Those are the moments that stick with people long after they're grown. Maybe that's why so many families have a March, June, September, or December uncle that everyone smiles about.

Which Birth Months Make Awesome Uncles?

Check for your birth month below.

March

March-born men are usually easy to be around. They don't talk down to kids or brush them off when they're asking a million questions. Instead, they join in. One minute they're helping build a LEGO city, and the next they're outside looking for frogs or skipping rocks at the lake. They have a calm way about them that makes kids feel comfortable, and that connection often lasts long after childhood. Either a creative Pisces or a bold Aries, these uncles usually make you feel relaxed in their company.

MORE: 4 Zodiac Signs Feeling a "Fireworks-Level" Shift This July 4, Thanks to Mars–Uranus Energy

June

If every family has an uncle who can make you laugh, there's a good chance he was born in June. They rarely need much of a reason to start telling stories or joking around. This uncle can turn an ordinary cookout into one of the best memories. Kids like them for being fun, but adults appreciate them for keeping things light without trying to be the center of attention. Whether a talkative Gemini or a caring Cancer, family has a way of bringing out the best in June-borns.

September

September uncles are usually the ones everyone can depend on. If they promise they'll be at a birthday party, a school play, or a Saturday soccer game, they show up. They don't make a big deal about it either—they just do what they said they were going to do. Either a practical Virgo or an easygoing Libra, this birth month often brings a special someone your family can count on. Above all, they're patient when it comes to teaching kids something new. Whether it's helping fix a flat bike tire, showing them how to cast a fishing line, or explaining homework, they never seem annoyed by it. Those everyday moments are often the ones nieces and nephews remember most as they get older.

RELATE?: These 4 Birth Months Are Known for Being Deeply Nostalgic

December

There's rarely a dull moment with a December-born uncle around. He might decide everyone needs to go fishing before breakfast or pile the kids into the truck for ice cream after dinner just because it sounds like fun. He understands that childhood goes by in the blink of an eye, so he's happy to make the most of it. Ask most nieces and nephews what they remember years later, and it usually isn't the gifts. It's the afternoons that turned into adventures without anyone planning them. Whether they're an adventurous Sagittarius or a determined Capricorn, the uncle born in December makes fun memories come naturally.

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