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Christopher Cross is often filed under yacht rock, but music producer and session musician Rick Beato says one of his biggest hits has been hiding something much more ferocious.

In a video, Beato broke down the guitar solo buried near the end of Cross' 1980 smash "Ride Like the Wind," arguing that the performance is so low in the original mix that most listeners have never really heard what Cross was playing.

Related: 1982 Rock Classic With One of the Greatest Drum Intros Ever Became a Grammy-Winning Hit

"I always thought that the guitar solo was probably amazing, but you literally can't hear it," Beato said. "It's on the out-chorus and this guitarist doesn't really get any credit for how great of a solo it is because it's inaudible."

The song was Cross' debut single and became an immediate hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. With Michael McDonald's unmistakable backing vocals and its urgent outlaw narrative about racing toward the border of Mexico, "Ride Like the Wind" helped launch Cross' blockbuster self-titled debut album.

Related: 1982 Classic, ‘Detested’ by the Band, Became a Soft Rock Anthem

But according to Beato, the recording also undersells Cross as a guitarist.

After playing the released version, Beato isolated the guitar track and raised it to a proper level. His reaction was immediate.

"Christopher Cross got robbed," Beato said. "This is a killer solo."

Beato compared moments in Cross' playing to Terry Kath, Steve Lukather, Peter Frampton, Angus Young and Jimmy Page, but stressed that the solo still sounds uniquely like Cross.

Related: ’80s MTV Legend Announces Rare Reunion for 2026 Tour With A Ton of Special Guests

"This solo is really kind of like a combination of Terry Kath… has some Lukather in it. It's got some Peter Frampton type things in it, but it's really unique to Christopher Cross," Beato said. "I mean, he is a great guitar player."

Related: One of Rock’s Most Famous Muses Turns 70 Today

That may surprise casual listeners who mostly associate Cross with "Sailing" and "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)." But Cross was never just a soft-rock vocalist. He played guitar on "Ride Like the Wind," and producer Michael Omartiantold Mix Magazine in 2025 that he insisted Cross take the solo himself after Cross initially wanted to bring in a session guitarist.

“He always wanted someone else to play a solo, and I’d say ‘no’,” Omartian told the magazine. “I’d say, ‘Dude, play the solo,’ and he’d just burn it up. After we were done with the record, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen both wanted him to play guitar on one of their records, and he was so intimidated, afraid to do it, and he never did.”

Beato argued that the buried solo definitely changed how Cross was perceived.

"If it were at the right level, people would have been like, 'Man, I want Christopher Cross to play on my record,'" Beato said—and according to Omartian, that's exactly what happened.

Related: Iconic ’70s Rock Band Is Climbing the Charts Again 67 Years After Forming

Cross' self-titled debut album went on to make Grammy history. He became the first artist to win all four general field awards in one night: Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best New Artist. Yet Beato suggested that the "yacht rock" label has sometimes flattened the musicianship behind the record.

"A lot of people think, oh, yacht rock, it's cheesy or whatever. It's a great record," he said.

By the end of the video, Beato framed the breakdown as a long-overdue correction.

"This is my chance to make this solo right," he said. "I always knew there was a great solo hidden in there."

More than four decades after "Ride Like the Wind" first raced up the charts, Beato's verdict is simple: one of the song's best parts has been sitting in plain sight all along, just waiting to be turned up.

Related: 1982 Hit Ranked No. 1 ‘Greatest Yacht Rock Album’ of All Time

Pamela Anderson's son, Dylan Lee, just got married in Saint-Tropez, and the entire family looks absolutely stunning at the wedding.

The actress, 59, who rose to stardom on Baywatch and earned critical acclaim for her role in The Last Showgirl, has thrived recently with a career resurgence. She shares two sons with former Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee, and at her son Dylan's French wedding to Paula Bruss, the entire crew looked beautiful.

In an exclusive story in Vogue, Dylan, 28, noted that he and Bruss grew up on the same street in Malibu.

“She was my real ‘girl next door,’” Dylan told the publication. “We’d see each other around. Then one night in 2017, when my mom left town, my friends and I threw a little get-together at the house—as boys do—and invited her over.”

Check out the stunning photos of the nuptials below, including Pamela Anderson beaming alongside her sons, Dylan and Brandon, in a gorgeous lace dress.

Brandon, 30, can be spotted hanging out with his stunning mother in a recent video for her skincare line, Sonsie Skin. Anderson, of course, looks younger than ever in the video, so we’re guessing her skincare routine is pretty legitimate!

Sporting a bare face and knee-high boots, the blonde beauty sits next to her handsome son as they read reviews from her skincare line.

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Last year, Anderson launched And-Her-Sons Productions, a production company alongside her sons. Deadline reported that the group will bring one of Anderson’s most iconic characters, Barb Wire, back to life in a TV series from UCP and Dark Horse Entertainment. Originally based on Dark Horse Comics’ 1990s comic book character, the series will serve as the company’s first project.

On his Instagram page, Brandon Thomas Lee shared how excited he was to bring the character his mother brought to the big screen back to life.

“Barb has become an iconic, celebrated character and we are thrilled to partner with Universal and Dark Horse to give her a second chance on-screen.  ‘Barb Wire’ was my mother’s first lead role in a major feature and the perfect project to launch my family’s And-Her-Sons production company. We are committed to Barb’s legacy and ensuring she gets the moment she deserves. DON’T CALL ME BABE!” he wrote.

Related: Blondie Icon Debbie Harry, 80, Rocks Gray Hair as She Preps To Play Pamela Anderson’s Mom

Kjell Nilsson was an actor and Olympic-class weightlifter. He is best known for playing Lord Humungus, the leader of the wasteland gang, in Mad Max 2 in 1981. According to TMZ, “The actor died Thursday in Queensland, Australia, surrounded by family after a four-year battle with kidney disease.” Nilsson was 76.

His rep, Chris Carbaugh, released a statement saying, “Kjell was a wonderful person who inspired many as a weight-training coach. He loved the Mad Max fans and embraced the role.”

Related: ‘M*A*S*H’ Actress Dead of Natural Causes at 93

The Nilsson family also posted a tribute to the star’s Facebook page. They explained, “As many of you know, Kjell had been battling end-stage kidney disease for the past four and a half years, receiving dialysis three days a week. It was a long and painful journey, filled with countless battles to overcome, including the gradual loss of his bodily autonomy. This past Sunday, after much consideration, Kjell made the decision to take back control over his pain and his body by stopping dialysis."

They continued, “In his final days, Kjell spoke often of how grateful he was for his bodybuilding and coaching career, for the life he built between the two countries he called home, Sweden and Australia, and for the opportunity to inspire and connect with people around the world through his iconic role as The Lord Humungus. That legacy will never die.”

Related: ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’ Star Dead at 73

Nilsson was born in Sweden in 1949. He has been acting on screen since 1981, when he appeared in Mad Max 2, which was titled The Road Warrior when it was released in the United States.

The film, starring Mel Gibson, won the Best International Film award at the Saturn Award and was nominated for several more awards, including Best Director, Best Writing, and Best Costume Design.

Kjell was a fan-favorite character who was beloved by fans. As one Redditor said, "Kjell Nilsson was a lovely person. He had lots of time for fans, and he had very in-depth discussions with the fans about the film and his work. I drove Kjell to the Mad Max 40th Anniversary event in 2019. He entertained us for the four-hour drive with lots of jokes and great film stories."

His family concluded their tribute with kind words of their own. “Kjell lived a colorful life on his own terms, with unwavering conviction, an adventurous heart, and a spirit that refused to surrender," they said. "To all of his friends, fans, clients, and family: thank you. You made his life richer and fuller than you could ever know.”

America's birthday is here, and if you're ready to party hard to celebrate, then you probably already have everything you need for the day. When you factor in decorations, drinks and more, however, the list of Fourth of July party essentials that you need to get together for your shindig starts to get long. So it wouldn't be surprising if you happened to forget something. If you're like us and like to save a coin, though, that's where Dollar General comes in to save the day.

At DG, you can get everything you need (and a few things you didn't know you did) all for a low price. But if you're thinking about heading there on the holiday itself, you'll want to make sure you know Dollar General's Fourth of July hours before trekking out there to shop. And, more importantly, you'll want to know if locations will even be open on that day.

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Lucky for you, we've got all the deets on the cost-efficient retailer's holiday schedule. Read on to get all the info you need.

PJ McDonnell / Shutterstock.com

When it comes to putting together a get-together—small or large—for a holiday, having a list of what you need to grab should be a non-negotiable. But, as life has it, we're all prone to forgetting something. Whether we just accidentally left it off the list or don't realize we need it until we're in the moment, having easy access to it is essential. And if the budget-friendly store is your shop of choice to do just that, you'll be happy to know that Dollar General locations will be open on the Fourth of July this year.

That's right, folks; Dollar General will be there to save the day for anything you need. Looking for ketchup, mustard or relish for the dogs on the grill? Dollar General has it. Need soda or juice for your infamous holiday tipple? They've got what ya need for that, too! Before you stop by, though, you'll want to know what time will be best to do it.

Related: 26 Red, White and Blue Desserts to Celebrate Memorial Day in Patriotic Style

While all Dollar General locations are typically open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the holiday (Saturday, July 4), this may vary depending on which location you stop by. To cut down on the disappointment and frustration of showing up to find the doors closed at your local Dollar General, we suggest using the store locator to check the correct hours of operation. If you're still feeling a little unsure about the time, though, you can always give your nearest location a call to confirm.

Whichever way you choose to handle it for those last-minute needs, just make sure to get back to the party in enough time before the fireworks start popping off. Happy 250th, 'Merica!

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There's no denying that trips abroad can make anyone miss home, and that was especially true for Chuck Berry, who released the hit 1959 track "Back in the U.S.A" about the American experience.

The "Father of Rock and Roll" released the track as a single that reached No. 37 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 16 on the R&B chart. While having reached the Top 40, "Back in the U.S.A" would regain popularity in 1978 thanks to a cover version by Linda Ronstadt that reached No. 16 on the Billboard chart, and solidified it even further as a timeless anthem.

Beyond its iconic sound, the track gained attention for its lyrics and the backstory behind its creation. According to American Songwriter, Berry was on tour in Australia and recalls not having the greatest experience. He called it a "drag" and "never found even a hot dog." Beyond the food, Berry also experienced firsthand institutional racism that was affecting black Australian Aborigines.

“This is the greatest country on earth, of that there is no doubt,” said Berry in the book Teenage Hipster in the Modern World. “I was in Australia, and I found out they wouldn’t even let a black man become a citizen there. That’s why I wrote that song, ‘Back in the U.S.A.’”

The track celebrated everything Berry missed and admired about America, like drive-ins, corner cafes, a sizzling hamburger, and jukebox records. He even mentioned major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, as well as his hometown of St. Louis, in the track's lyrics.

Decades later, Ronstadt covered "Back in the U.S.A." after hearing it on the radio while she was driving around Los Angeles with Eagles member Glenn Frey. The track was on a homemade tape Frey had created, with Ronstadt looking back at their life before fame and being "so broke and so miserable."

She then looked at Frey and said "'Boy, life's really tough. We're going off to ski [at Aspen] with all this money in our pockets, we're going to have a good time, and we've got great music on the tape player.' Just then "Back in the U.S.A."

As soon as the song played, Ronstadt thought it would be a perfect track to sing and did just that. Years later, in 1987, Ronstadt joined Berry on stage for a concert celebration for his 60th birthday. The performance didn't go as planned, as Ronstadt had rehearsed "Back in the U.S.A." in the key of C. Due to Berry's guitar playing, the band played in the key of G, which led Ronstadt to fumble the performance and not return for the second show.

Related: 1973 Soft Rock Hit, Ranked Among 'Best Songs' of All Time, Became a Timeless American Anthem

I recently began collecting vinyl as a hobby, and I've learned that I can spend an absurd amount of time rifling through record bins. One of my favorite spots to do so is in New Hope, Pennsylvania, at Sweet Repeat Records, which has a vibrant collection of rare oldies and newly released vinyl from emerging artists. While I was there one summer afternoon, combing through their selection, I saw a record that made me stop in my tracks: Magazine by Heart was sitting there, wholly untouched.

Ann Wilson's vocals are the stuff of legend, and finding such a timeless classic felt like hitting the lottery. But the truth is, the world was almost completely deprived of it. Ultimate Classic Rock reports that the album was actually designed by the Wilson sisters as a concept album, following their multi-platinum 1975 record, Dreamboat Annie.

Related: '70s Rock Icon Announces New Album 59 Years After Beginning Career

"There was a whole theme behind it, where all the songs were going to be like articles in a magazine all tied together," Ann Wilson once told Goldmine. "There was going to be a booklet that was shot like a really cool artistic fashion magazine. And not just fashion, but news and stuff like that that we would make up."

But due to a hasty label, Mushroom Records, that vision was never realized. In her 2012 memoir, Kicking & Dreaming, Ann Wilson claimed that the success of Dreamboat Annie brought the small label an unexpected windfall of cash, which executives ultimately used to expand rather than pay the band their rightful royalties.

The band reportedly brought in new management amid the difficult negotiations, yet the group remained determined to stay true to the label that had first believed in them. That all changed after the label ran an ad in Rolling Stone, touting its success with a creepy double entendre. It featured the sisters bare-shouldered—reminiscent of their 1975 album cover—and was mocked up to look like a National Enquirer front page. The text read: "Heart's Wilson Sisters Confess: 'It Was Only Our First Time!'" It infuriated the group.

"What steamed us the most was that our own record label had put out an ad that implied we were incestuous lesbian lovers," Ann Wilson wrote in her memoir.

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The band eventually sued over the royalties issue and to get out of their contract. While under new management and a new label, they released 1977's Little Queen album. In retaliation, Mushroom Records released half-cooked Magazine songs in a rushed, incomplete album to flood stores. The band took them to court once again, and the legal battle ended with Heart released from the label, the recording pulled from shelves, and the label getting one final contractual album from them.

The Heart v. Mushroom Records legal battle was a landmark moment for artistic control in the 1970s. It set a precedent that a record company could not legally release a rough, unfinished studio demo and market it as a polished, completed work against the musicians' explicit copyright wishes. They ended up re-recording the tracks we know today and re-releasing the album in 1978, with the song “Heartless” becoming their third-highest-charting single.

Related: 1977 Rock Classic, Written in Response to an Unwelcome Remark, Turns 49

"Heartless" hit No. 24 on the Billboard charts and remains one of the most lyrically influential pieces Heart ever produced. And that is saying something, as Ann Wilson once told American Songwriter that, to her, lyrics are what make a good song.

"I’m one of those people that really does pay attention to lyrics," she told the outlet. "And for me, that’s number one. The number two interest is how the lyrics are put across, and then it’s the groove and so on. That’s just how I see it."

And truthfully, no one does it better than Ann Wilson herself. She and her sister, Nancy Wilson, are true pioneers in the rock arena for women.

“This phenomenon would happen where you would build yourself up and do something really great, and you’d feel really good about it. Then you could get put down and squashed down very easily by the rest of the men,” Ann Wilson once told Rolling Stone. “They could make you feel like you were really silly for even trying. We were lucky enough to have great people around us, but I know other women who were starting up close to our time that had to rebel as hard as they could to get anything happening at all.”

Today, no one has a hard time recognizing Ann Wilson as one of the greatest voices in rock and roll history. In 2012, Heart paid tribute to Led Zeppelin at the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony by performing a vocally challenging rendition of “Stairway to Heaven,” which is widely regarded as one of the best live covers of all time.

To think corporate greed almost robbed us of one of the best albums of all time.

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If your kitchen could use a little summer refresh before your next backyard barbecue or baking day, the Martha Stewart Succulents Oven Mitt Set is worth a look. The two-pack is now on sale for just $11 at Amazon, down from $20, and the best deal is on the green succulents pattern, though it’s also available in floral vine and strie medallion prints. There’s even an extra 84 cents off coupon on the succulents pattern, so be sure to check it to get the lowest price.

These cheerful oven mitts are made from 100% cotton, and each one measures 7 inches wide by 13 inches long. They are heat-resistant, machine washable, and designed with cotton lining for comfort and insulation. Each mitt also has a hanging loop, so you can easily keep the pair on display when they're not in use since they’re pretty enough to double as decor. 

Courtesy of Amazon

This fun set is a great swap for old oven mitts because it covers both the practical and decorative sides of the kitchen. The longer 13-inch length is helpful when you’re reaching deeper into the oven, since it gives you more coverage than shorter mitts. Compared with similar two-pack oven mitts on Amazon that are typically priced around $16 to $22, this $11 set is also a better buy if you want something from a recognizable home brand without spending much.

One reviewer called them “very pretty,” adding that they are “well worth the money.” Another wrote, “These are so beautiful! They are well-made and padded very well,” while a third said, “They are comfortable when using without being bulky.” Some shoppers mentioned that they run large, so that’s worth keeping in mind, though others appreciated the roomier fit and longer length, which helps protect their forearms when taking dishes out of the oven. 

The succulent print is right on par with the perennial plant-inspired kitchen trend that comes around every summer. It adds a pop of color, and the green pattern would look cute hanging near wood cutting boards or a small herb garden. If you already have a mostly neutral kitchen, this is also a super easy way to sprinkle in a little more personality without breaking the bank. 

• Red Lmldeta Heat-Resistant Silicone Oven Mitts, $10 (was $20) at Amazon
• KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt 2-Pack Set, $18 (was $35) at Amazon
• KitchenAid Albany Mini Oven Mitt 2-Pack Set, $12 (was $21) at Amazon

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At just $11, the Martha Stewart Succulents Oven Mitt Set is a small upgrade that can make a big difference once summer hosting picks up. Plus, since Martha Stewart has coordinating kitchen linens in the same collection, you can build out the look over time if you want the pieces to match. If your current oven mitts have seen better days, now is a great time to grab these while the succulents pattern is still on sale.

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If you’ve ever been in the middle of capturing the perfect vacation photo, trying to pull up your digital theme park tickets, or summoning a rideshare vehicle only to see your phone battery plunge into the dreaded single digits, you know exactly how fast low-battery anxiety can derail a perfect day.

Thankfully, if your travel plans are taking you to Southern California, staying connected is about to get a whole lot easier.

FuelRod, the go-to service for swappable portable power, has officially expanded its network into two of San Diego’s most iconic, footprints-heavy destinations: the USS Midway Museum and Balboa Park.

Related: 8 Amazon Essentials to Keep You Cool at Theme Parks This Summer

The rollout is a massive win for anybody planning a full-day itinerary in the city. Between navigating a massive, historic aircraft carrier or exploring the sprawling cultural campus of Balboa Park—home to world-class museums, performing arts spaces, and botanical gardens—visitors routinely drain their mobile devices just trying to keep up with the day.

This expansion ensures you can keep exploring without having to hunt for an elusive wall outlet or trek all the way back to your car to plug in.

Related: My Daughter's 'One Day' Travel Hack Changed How I Vacation

Even better, these new locations are rolling out with FuelRod’s latest generation of charging solutions. Through the newly installed Gen. 2 kiosks, travelers will have access to two distinct, instantly swappable power options:

• The FuelRod USB-C Kit: This upgraded version of the classic pocket-sized rod delivers 20% more power than the original design, arriving fully charged and packed with all the necessary cables and adapters.
• The FuelRod MAX10: A heavy-duty option designed for power users, families, or creators. This 10,000mAh power bank features fast-charging dual USB-C ports, MagSafe compatibility, and wireless charging capabilities.

Because both devices are tied directly into FuelRod’s nationwide Swappable Power Network, you can buy a kit at one of San Diego's top attractions, use it until it’s drained, and simply swap it out for a fresh, fully charged unit at any participating kiosk across the country.

"FuelRod has been an excellent addition to our selection of services, putting the power directly into our guests' hands so they can make the most of their visit," said Brenda Castillo Sanchez, Senior Manager of Visitor Services at Balboa Park.

This Southern California expansion marks yet another major milestone in FuelRod’s rapid nationwide growth. The brand’s self-service kiosks can already be spotted in high-traffic travel zones across the United States, including more than 50 major airports, massive theme parks, resorts, and entertainment venues.

If you are packing your bags for a San Diego escape, you can easily map out your charging strategy ahead of time. Just download the official FuelRod app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or check out the interactive kiosk locator at Fuel-Rod.com to find the nearest power station before you step out for a day of sightseeing.

Related: Why the Famous 3-2-1 Disney Hack Does Not Work For My Family

It sounds like the most wholesome, heartbreaking love song on the radio, but the story behind this 1971 classic is anything but squeaky clean.

The Carpenters put their own spin on Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett's "Superstar" in 1971. Richard Carpenter reworked the song to fit their music style and his sister, Karen Carpenter's, melodic voice.

According to U Discover Music, Russell wrote the song about a groupie's one-night-stand with a rock star. She hopes he will return to her, but understands he likely will not.

The song's working title was “Groupie Song,” which eventually changed to "Groupie (Superstar)" when it was first recorded by Delaney & Bonnie. The sultry song was a lot different than the adult contemporary classic the Carpenters made famous.

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Per U Discover Music, Russell said, "Rita Coolidge was the first person I ever heard use that word, ‘superstar.' She was talking about Dionne Warwick, who was down in Memphis cutting a record, and Rita said, ‘She was the first superstar I ever saw.’"

“So that kind of struck me, I was not familiar with the word, and I started trying to started trying to write [the song], and I ended up finishing it with Bonnie Bramlett,” he continued. “And then Karen [Carpenter] sang it, and of course she had a definitive version.”

However, the song made the rounds in the music industry for years before Karen Carpenter made it her own. U Discover Music revealed that not only did Delaney & Bonnie record it, but Rita Coolidge, Bette Midler, Cher, Vikki Carr, Joe Cocker, and Gayle McCormick also put their own spins on it.

But by the time Karen got the song, significant changes were made to the song to make it more in line with the group's style. That meant changing the words from the original lyric, "And I can hardly wait to sleep with you again," to "And I can hardly wait to be with you again."

American Songwriter reprinted Richard's remarks about the song, written in the liner notes of the band's box set, From the Top. He explained he was first exposed to the song via the Midler version.

“Late one evening during the period in which we were recording our third album, I happened to tune in to The Tonight Show,” he said. “Bette Midler, who was then relatively unknown, was guesting and on this particular show sang ‘Superstar.’ I felt the song was a hit and a natural for Karen.”

Karen and Richard Carpenter continued to record as a duo until Karen’s unexpected death on February 4, 1983. She was 32.

Related: The Carpenters Song That Sparks Instant Nostalgia for Generations of Fans

For the late James Van Der Beek, shooting the recently released series Elle was truly a family affair.

On Friday, Van Der Beek's wife Kimberly shared a batch of sweet photos showing his daughters on set of the Prime Video show, which dropped Wednesday. In the pics, the Dawson's Creek icon is in full wardrobe as his character, mayoral hopeful Dean Wilson, while his daughters, in true "bring your daughter to work day"-type fashion, were seen enjoying their time on set — attempting to operate the camera and playing Uno with the show's star Lexi Minetree.

"While our family was going through a minor obsession with Legally Blonde, James was offered a role on Elle," Kimberly wrote in her caption of her husband. "He jumped at the opportunity, and he made sure to bring both Annabel and Emilia on their own special trips to set. Those days became treasured memories."

Van Der Beek died in February of cancer at age 48. Along with 12-year-old Annabel and 10 year-old Emilia, he was also dad to Olivia, 15, Joshua, 14, Gwendolyn, 8, and Jeremiah, 4.

Elle, which he worked on amid his cancer battle, would be his last role.

"Please gather your kids, make some popcorn, and enjoy this special one with your family," she continued, and also thanked fellow actors June Diane Raphael and Jason Moore, as well as the directors and crew "for treating James and the kids with such kindness, respect, and playfulness."

Related: 'Elle' Star June Diane Raphael Says Working With James Van Der Beek Was 'So Special'

Leading up to the premiere of the show, a prequel to the 2001 hit Legally Blonde, which was executive produced byReese Witherspoon, Raphael and other castmates couldn't help but share their memories of working with the late actor while doing promotional interviews.

“I loved working with James,” she told Parade. “I consider it one of the great honors of my professional career.”

Similar to Kimberly, the Grace and Frankie star also shared how Van Der Beek would bring his daughters to set.

“I think they had a blast," she said. "Just seeing him with them was really special, because you could tell he is just the most amazing father.”

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We've officially entered summer, and if you're still working on gaining a consistent gym routine, you're probably not alone. Lucky for us all, though, it's never too late to get this party started, and with the holiday weekend coming up, there's no better way to kick things off. With this approach, however, you may find yourself wondering: Is LA Fitness open on Fourth of July? And if it is, you'll want to know what time doors will be slinging open, too.

Thankfully, we've got you covered and have all the deets on your favorite gym's Independence Day operating schedule.

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It's often said that only those who are dedicated to their fitness journey can be found in the gym on a holiday, and if LA Fitness happens to be your franchise of choice, you may be in luck. For those who want to run a quick mile or pump some iron on America's biggest day of the year, LA Fitness will be open on the Fourth of July.

Excited? You should be! But if you hit the gym solely for the group fitness classes, you may want to plan an alternative for the day, as there's no guarantee the classes will be in session on the holiday. To alleviate the disappointment, though, we suggest checking the schedule in advance through the LA Fitness app, the in-gym service desk, or by calling your local club to confirm.

Rob Mattingley / Getty Images

Related: 75 Fourth of July Quotes That Encourage Us To Stand Up for What's Right

Knowing LA Fitness' Fourth of July hours solves just one part of the problem that gym-goers may face on the holiday. Even more important than knowing if locations will be open is knowing what time LA Fitness will be operating that day. And while that can vary depending on the location you choose to hit, LA Fitness gyms typically open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Fourth of July. As always, however, it's best that you chat with your local gym in advance to confirm the hours of operation on the holiday.

Planning to party hard after you've hit the gym for a good workout? Make sure you've got these 21 Fourth of July party essentials lined up for yourself and your guests in advance. Still trying to solidify the menu? We've got ya covered there, too. This list of 80 Fourth of July recipes will be all the inspiration you need. And if you plan to take advantage of the holiday sales and shop 'til ya drop, don't forget to double-check our list of stores open on Fourth of July before heading out. Happy birthday, 'Merica!

Related: 12 Generic Store-Brand Items That Are Secretly Made by Major Brands

Bob Dylan has been on the road for a long time. Since he began he's been consistently touring for almost his entire career. There's no other artist who can say that they went on the "Never-Ending Tour," which only stopped because of COVID, but has since resumed operation under the new name of "The Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour."

Point being, Dylan out of anybody has the right to take a break. Moreso, he has the right to sound tired and phone it in, as the man has never known the meaning of the word "break." You can hear the touring lifestyle start to take effect all the way back in 1966 on "Blonde on Blonde," where his voice is very raspy from constant performances. That's why fans continue to be blown away by how good he sounds, and possibly how he's starting to sound better.

At one of his recent tour dates, fans were shocked by a performance of "It Ain't Me Babe," and how Dylan was seemingly turning back the clock.

#bobdylan #itaintmebabe #2026 #newbraunfelstexas #folk

The song is one of his absolute classics, with it re-entering pop culture during the release of A Complete Unknown, which features the song in a key scene with Dylan and Joan Baez. It's one of his best songs from his early career, and will always be a crowd favorite with how relatable the emotions expressed are.

Fans couldn't believe how good Dylan still sounds all these years later, and how he sounds even better than he did a decade ago. Taking to the comments, they shared their reactions.

"This sounds so much better than when I saw him last 15 years ago or so."

"Sounds great!!"

"He was absolutely spectacular last night!"

We really need to take a step back and appreciate how lucky we are that Dylan is still performing after decades of the road. He's one of the greatest to ever do it, and we're completely blessed by his presence.

Related: Bob Dylan, 85, Shocks Fans with Out of Character Behavior at Concert - 'This Is Such a Rare Capture on Video'

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Pierre Coffin, 59, is the filmmaker who co-created the Minions, the popular yellow characters that first debuted in Despicable Me 16 years ago. Coffin has also voiced almost every single Minion character, who are all male. During a July 2 interview with The Guardian, he explained why he has no interest in adding female Minions to the cast.  

“I think a female Minion would be the beginning of the end,” Coffin said. “Universal would want to do it because they'd think it would please all the women out there. But I'm not convinced.”

Related: Inventor Behind the Biggest ‘90s Toy Phenomenon, Which Caused a Worker To Be Trampled, Dies at 78

Coffin continued, “If I were a woman, I'd think it was tokenistic. I'm not saying we're not gonna do it or not try, but maybe it's not meant to be. Or maybe it is! Who knows.”

Coffin also revealed that the creative team considered the idea at one point. "We did play around with the idea of having the Minions land on this island where there was another tribe who were all, apparently, female,” he explained. “But it didn't go further than that.”

However, if the franchise were ever to include female Minions in the future, he has considered how they would look. "In my head, female Minions would look exactly the same as male ones,” he said. “And in terms of how they breed: they don't. They just are.”

Related: The Voice of Jasmine in ‘Aladdin’ Worried She’d Be Fired After ‘A Whole New World’ Was Written

The newest film involving these characters, Minions & Monsters, is in theaters now. This is the seventh movie in the franchise, following Despicable Me, Despicable Me 2, Minions, Despicable Me 3, Minions: The Rise of Gru, and Despicable Me 4.

“In the first two Despicable Memovies, they're just a group," Coffin said when describing the beloved characters. "But with Minions, we needed three really distinct characters, so we made Kevin, Stuart and Bob: authority, aloofness and naivety.”

He continued, "So there are characters with arcs in the later movies, and I do feel protective and defensive towards them because they're not critters. They're not soulless. They're not things. They are individuals.

In 2016, Coffin won the Kids Family Award at the 10th Seiyu Awards. He was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Shrinking’s episode “I Will Be Grape” leans into a familiar musical truth: some of the most iconic songs are built on lyrics we’ve been getting wrong for years—and we’ve been happily singing them that way all along.

The title nods to a running joke about Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years,” where the lyric “I will be brave” was misheard as “I will be grape,” a playful mondegreen tied to the late Tia’s memory. It’s a sweet, slightly absurd reminder of how songs don’t just get heard—they get reshaped, misremembered, and turned into something entirely personal.

While “A Thousand Years” is a newer addition to the lineup of songs we love to mishear, it’s far from alone—here are more iconic tracks we’ve all been happily singing wrong for years.

Steve Miller Band’s “Jungle Love” has an uncanny lyric—“everything’s better when wet”—that often gets mentally rerouted into a carb-forward misread, with listeners confidently remixing it as “everything’s better with bread,” a full comfort-food reinterpretation of rock history that has nothing to do with the original lyric, but everything to do with how our brains bend songs into edible philosophy.

The Beatles – “I Want to Hold Your Hand” has long been a prime suspect in the great mondegreen tradition, with “I can’t hide” frequently misheard as the far more chaotic “I get high.” It’s a small lyrical slip that somehow flips innocent Beatlemania into something that sounds like an entirely different era of music—and a reminder of how easily our brains remix pop perfection into something a little more unhinged.

Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” has given the world one of the most beloved misfires in lyric history, where “Hold me closer, tiny dancer” gets confidently rerouted into “Hold me closer, Tony Danza" (obviously). It’s a perfect mondegreen—completely wrong, slightly unhinged, and somehow emotionally identical to the original, as if sitcom energy and California melancholy were always meant to coexist.

Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze” is responsible for one of the most legendary lyric misunderstandings in rock history, where “excuse me while I kiss the sky” becomes the far more infamous “excuse me while I kiss this guy.” It’s a perfect misfire, turning psychedelic rock transcendence into an accidental moment that’s lived rent-free in pop culture (and our minds) ever since.

AC/DC’s “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” has spawned one of those gloriously wrong earworms where “dirty deeds and the Thunder Chief” takes over where “done dirt cheap” is supposed to be—because of course it makes sense. It’s a misheard lyric that somehow upgrades a straight-up rock threat into something that sounds like a Marvel villain who never made it past the pitch meeting... dirty, loud, and left on the cutting room floor.

Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” delivers one of those pristine vocal lines that somehow got scrambled in the public imagination. Somehow, the lyric, “your beauty is beyond compare with flaming locks of auburn hair,” mutated into “flaming rocks of auburn hair.” It’s a glorious mishear that turns Dolly’s heartbreak plea into something a bit unhinged, as if Jolene isn’t just a rival, but a full-on fire elemental she has absolutely no chance of competing with.

CCR’s “Bad Moon Rising” somehow has people mixing up “there’s a bad moon on the rise” with “there’s a bathroom on the right.” It’s completely wrong, totally unhelpful in context, and yet weirdly satisfying. Like the universe briefly pausing a doomsday warning to give you directions to the nearest restroom because it's going to be a long, long ride.

Queen’s “We Will Rock You” lyric “kicking your can all over the place” somehow becomes “kicking your cat all over the place.” It’s a wildly incorrect upgrade that turns stadium stomp energy into something far more chaotic, and deeply frowned upon by singer and frontman, Freddie Mercury, who, ironically, adored cats, having up to 10 at a time.

Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” has also been enthusiastically misheard, with “it doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not” sometimes sliding into the far more chaotic “if we’re naked or not.” It turns a working-class 80s power ballad into something unintentionally scandalous (and a reminder that no matter how earnest the chorus, our brains will always find a way to make it weirder).

Blondie’s “Call Me” has taken on a life of its own in the mondegreen hall of fame, where “call me on the line” mutates into variations like “call me on the fly” or “call me all the time.” It stops feeling like a lyric and starts sounding like a desperate phone call in real time. More like a nod to Jon Favreau’s Mike in Swingers, compulsively ringing a woman he just met at a bar, trying (and failing) to play it cool.

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The right dish can turn even the simplest recipes into a centerpiece, and there's nobody who does simple-turned-stunning quite like Ree Drummond, better known as The Pioneer Woman. Right now, Walmart has a deal on a beautiful stoneware pie plate from her home goods line for just $12. It's a staple piece that combines country charm with everyday functionality, making it easier than ever to serve seasonal favorites in style.

Whether you're hosting a group or just baking for your family, The Pioneer Woman Vintage Lace Pie Dish is a pretty way to dress up your favorite treats. All the best summer desserts can be put in this pie dish — you can fill it with fresh berries to make a tart, bake up a peach cobbler, or serve fresh, homemade apple pie straight from the oven. Just add a scoop of ice cream, and you're all set!

Courtesy of Walmart

This adorable pie plate features a stamped lace design that gives the vintage-inspired dish a touch of rustic appeal. It's made of stoneware, a durable ceramic fired at high temperatures to create a naturally non-porous exterior that's more resistant to cracks and chips than porcelain or earthenware. Microwave- and dishwasher-safe, it can handle oven temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Generously sized at 10 inches in diameter, it's not just suitable for sweets. In it, you could make savory meals and sides like quiche, chicken pot pie, cornbread, or my personal summer favorite, a classic Southern tomato pie. The timeless cream color and intricate decorative design make it an equally great choice for serving desserts like pumpkin pie during the holiday season.

With over 200 perfect five-star ratings, there's no denying how much shoppers loved this pie plate. Reviewers raved that it's "gorgeous," "easy to clean," and that the "pie crust comes out without sticking." One customer shared that they appreciated the size of this "very large deep-dish pie plate" because it didn't allow anything to bubble over the edges. "This is the best baking dish I’ve ever owned," another shopper said, adding that "it cooks everything evenly."

If you love the look of this pie dish, it's worth checking out the rest of The Pioneer Woman collection of affordable pieces with the same vintage lace design. There's a nesting bakeware set, an elegant pitcher, a lidded casserole dish, and a 12-piece dinnerware set, which several shoppers said they've purchased to match the pie plate. 

• Dolly Parton Ceramic Pie Dish, $14 (was $20) at Walmart
• Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Stoneware Batter Bowl, $10 (was $16) at Walmart
• Paris Hilton Ceramic Nonstick Jumbo Skillet, $35 (was $40) at Walmart

Related: Dolly Parton’s Bestselling Stoneware Cake Stand Is a ‘Beautiful’ Way to Serve Summer Desserts and Snacks

You won't want to miss the chance to snag The Pioneer Woman Vintage Lace Pie Plate while it's on sale for just $12 at Walmart. Add it to your cart now and serve sweet treats from this adorable dish all summer long. 

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Although spring cleaning has come and gone and you're probably more concerned about dodging the heat than buying a new patio set, what better time than the Fourth of July to complete that big backyard refresh you've been putting off? No matter how sweltering it is outside, getting out and tossing some burgers on the grill before fireworks light up the night sky is pretty much a non-negotiable. And in the event that you're helping ring in America's 250th birthday with a celebration of your own, you might find yourself in the market for a new grill or a few plants to give your patio a facelift before the big day.

Whether you're doing a complete outdoor overhaul or need some greenery to liven things up, Menards usually has you covered. But with several other retailers closed on Independence Day, you might find yourself wondering what Menards' Fourth of July hours are, just in case things get down to the wire. If so, you're in luck because we've got the answer.

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While you might not need to redo your entire backyard or purchase a brand-new lawnmower, it doesn't hurt to put in a little extra effort to ensure your outdoor space is picture-perfect when your guests arrive. From solar lights to mulch, Menards has everything you need and then some, and they'll be open bright and early on the Fourth of July so you can grab any of your last-minute needs. 

Running low on charcoal? They've got it. Need an extra water hose or a can of paint to touch up the fence? Yep, they've got that, too. That being said, it's still a good idea to stop in as early as you can to avoid the crowds and grab all your supplies without any extra hassle.

Related: These Are Home Depot's Fourth of July Hours

Fortunately, Menards will be open at dawn's early light on the Fourth of July, with most stores slated to open at 6 a.m. In terms of closing, you'll have until about 8 p.m. to grab any final items you’re missing, whether you need a new umbrella, an extra bag or soil. Of course, actual store hours may vary by location, so we highly recommend checking ahead of time if you can. No matter what size project you decide to tackle before the most patriotic day of the year, though, Menards has it all. 

And although it might end up being a photo finish, once you're done zhzhing up your backyard, the only thing left to do is slip into your favorite red, white and blue outfit and partake in all the festivities. Cue the fireworks!

Related: What Are Target's 2026 Fourth of July Hours?

40 years ago today, on July 3, Greg Carroll was killed in a 1986 motorcycle accident. Carroll was the 26-year-old personal assistant for Bono, who was running errands in the rain at the time of his death. "It was a devastating blow," Bono told Rolling Stone. "He was doing me a favor. He was taking my bike home."

The 1987 U2 song, “One Tree Hill,” is dedicated to Caroll. So is the entire album that the song was released on, TheJoshua Tree. This album, which was their fifth, was their first album to reach No. 1 in the United States. It also reached No. 1 in New Zealand.

Bono only recorded “One Tree Hill” once because he was too emotional to do a second take. He was also unable to perform the song live until the third leg of the tour they were on, when he was confident that he would be able to sing without getting emotional again.

"It brought gravitas to the recording of The Joshua Tree,” Bono explained in the book, U2 by U2: The Definitive Band History. "We had to fill the hole in our heart with something very, very large indeed. We loved him so much."

When speaking about the inspiration behind the song, Rova reports that Bono explained, "They took me up to the top of a place called One Tree Hill, where a single tree stands at the top of the mount, like some stark Japanese painting. And we looked around at this city that's made by craters of volcanoes. I remember it so vividly, I think because it meant something to me about my own freedom."

Related: 1981 Classic Dance Club Hit Was Written by a Band Member Who Quit After It Climbed the Charts

The television show, One Tree Hill, was named after the U2 song. The creator, Mark Schwahn, heard it and decided it was a good name for the series.

U2 is known for their other hits like “With or Without You,” “Beautiful Day,” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” The band has won over 20 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. They are still together and actively recording new music.

If your favorite way to unwind on vacation involves equal parts destination exploring and deep relaxation, your next small-ship cruise is about to get a major upgrade.

Azamara Cruises and OneSpaWorld have announced a fleetwide overhaul of their onboard spa spaces, bringing a wave of high-tech aesthetic treatments, fresh retail options, and expanded relaxation spaces to the high seas.

The rollout is part of Azamara’s broader fleet-wide enhancement program, Azamara Forward, marking a new milestone in a nearly 20-year partnership between the cruise line and the wellness provider.

Guests won't have to wait long to experience the upgrades. The transformation kicks off aboard Azamara Pursuit on August 18, 2026, followed closely by Azamara Quest on November 25, 2026, before expanding to the rest of the fleet through 2027.

Related: A Beloved Boutique Cruise Line Is Giving Its Entire Fleet a Makeover

At the heart of the reimagining is the physical expansion of Azamara’s signature spa concept, THESANCTUM.

The cruise line is dedicating more square footage to the wellness complex, making room for two brand-new treatment spaces. This includes a single treatment room to boost booking availability, as well as a dedicated, private couples’ suite. The new couples' space is specifically designed for dual treatments, allowing partners or travel companions to experience side-by-side massages and body wraps in a completely private environment.

Related: Why Your Next Cruise Might Double as a High-End Med Spa Retreat

Beyond structural changes, the spa menu itself is getting a serious injection of next-generation wellness trends with the debut of new Medi-Spa and IV services.

For the first time, guests will be able to book advanced aesthetic procedures administered by onboard licensed physicians. The menu will feature popular anti-aging and skin-rejuvenating treatments with minimal downtime, including Thermage skin tightening, Restylane dermal fillers, Dysport wrinkle treatments and microneedling. To target wellness from the inside out, the spa will also introduce medically guided IV hydration therapies, highlighted by the high-end NAD+ Longevity IV for cellular optimization alongside targeted vitamin and nutrient blends.

To complete the experience, a new luxury retail destination is being built right at the entrance of THESANCTUM. The boutique will showcase top-tier global beauty and wellness brands, allowing guests to take their spa routines back to their staterooms.

The curated shelves will feature premium British skincare brand ELEMIS and luxury professional haircare line Kérastase. It will also stock JOU Chinese herbs—designed to complement the ship's onboard acupuncture program—and Good Feet posture and alignment products to support active excursions ashore.

As the ships head into their respective dry docks over the next several months, the two-to-four-week renovations promise to turn these boutique, destination-focused ships into floating wellness sanctuaries. Appointments and further details will be available on the Azamara website and directly via the onboard spa desks as each ship completes its upgrade.

Related: We Asked 3 Travel Experts for the Top Vacation for Solo Female Travelers—They All Said the Same Thing

It’s no secret that Donald Trump is a fan of AI-generated images. After posting a recent deepfake infomercial of himself dressed as “Dr. Trump,” giving celebs such as Rosie O’Donnell,John Leguizamo, Whoopi Goldberg, Robert De Niro, Edward Norton, and Julia Roberts the cure for Trump Derangement Syndrome (FYI it’s “Turn off fake news. Say your prayers. And if you ever feel anxious, just have a Diet Coke.”), O’Donnell is clapping back against the president’s TDS PSA. 

Trump’s now-viral clip begins with, “Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with TDS? The symptoms can be relentless. Fortunately, I’m Dr. Trump, and I have a treatment plan. Let’s hear what some of my patients have to say.”

AI O’Donnell is the first Hollywood star Trump features. In an almost unbelievably realistic clip, fake Rosie reveals, “I have been suffering for over a decade. And after listening to Dr. Trump, I can see some results.” The video also features the other celebrities making faux TDS admissions such as, “I’ve been suffering for years. I really didn’t believe there was help out there. That was when I came across this video on TV, and “I really thought I was a lost cause.”

Not one to shy away from controversy, O’Donnell (the real Rosie) isn’t staying silent. After watching the AI deepfake, the actress has plenty to say about the president’s message. 

O’Donnell responded to the clip by posting her own statement (on Instagram), “He’s quite ill - and getting worse daily. The 25th Amendment exists for exactly this reason. Remove. Impeach. Convict.” 

She also included a screenshot of the video from a social media post with a comment that reads, “The incoming lawsuit from @rosie @johnleguizamo is going to be awesome!” 

While O’Donnell has not revealed publicly whether a lawsuit is in the works, it looks like her fans and friends are here for it. Actress and activist Alexandra Billings commented, “I’m begging you to sue him. I’ve never asked you for anything…I’m literally begging you,” and forensic clinical psychologist Dr. Leslie Dobson added, “Let’s go. I’ll assess the world’s emotional damages in the lawsuit.” 

But the comments didn’t end there. Support for O’Donnell poured in, with one fan writing, “Ain’t nobody gonna ever break Rosie” and others saying, “Team Rosie always!,” “Yeah, lawyer up, I love you. You’re so brave” and “Can you imagine the gloriousness if @rosie ends up being the one to take him down. Absolutely epic!”

Of course, the comments were somewhat different on the president’s post. One Trump supporter wrote, “This AI is getting out of hand, but I love it!” while another said, “Best doc in the country!”

As of now, there is no confirmation about potential lawsuits from the actress or any other celebrity featured in the video. 

Last week on Dutton Ranch, Episode 8, "Whiskey Limits," Beulah Jackson (Annette Bening) survived a heart attack and underwent an emergency angioplasty, prompting Everett McKinney (Ed Harris) to finally commit to their relationship. Before sneaking out of the hospital together, Beulah attempted to secure the future of the 10 Petal Ranch by ordering Rob-Will (Jai Courtney) and Kino (Juan Pablo Raba) to work together, even though neither man agreed to the arrangement. Beth (Kelly Reilly) later visited Beulah to apologize for Carter's (Finn Little) behavior while warning that naming Rob-Will as her successor was a mistake.

A still-hungover Carter confessed to quitting school but struggled in his new job as a cowboy at the 10 Petal Ranch before ignoring Rip's (Cole Hauser) advice and running away. Kino tried to frame Rob-Will by giving the sheriff the gun used to kill Wes (Nakoa DeCoite), but the sheriff kept the weapon instead. The bigger revelation came when ranch hand Austin (Sterlin English) told Beth and Rip that the cattle responsible for infecting the Dutton Ranch herd with foot-and-mouth disease had been illegally smuggled in from Mexico for the 10 Petal Ranch. The episode concluded with Kino making a desperate call to his mysterious father, Mariano, for help.

The penultimate episode set things up perfectly for a jam-packed finale, which in turn leads into an already-confirmed Season 2 for the Yellowstone spinoff. Here's our spoiler-filled recap of everything that happened in the Season 1 finale of Dutton Ranch, including a shocking pregnancy reveal.

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In Episode 9, "El Padrino" (Spanish for "godfather"), Beth and Rip finally uncovered the truth behind the 10 Petal Ranch's operation by inspecting a new shipment of cattle. The inspection revealed the Jackson family had been smuggling drugs hidden inside cattle for years. While Rip hid the newly discovered stash, Everett confronted Beulah, who confessed the full story behind the ranch's troubles. She admitted she killed Rob-Will's father decades earlier, Mariano helped dispose of the body, and her father forced Mariano to flee to Mexico and take the blame while she raised Kino as her own. Beulah also revealed that Mariano returned 15 years earlier to save the struggling 10 Petal Ranch financially, drawing her into a drug-smuggling operation she hoped Beth and Rip could eventually help her escape.

Meanwhile, Mariano (Raoul Max Trujillo) finally emerged in the present day, running his criminal empire with an authority that lived up to the episode's title. After Beulah insisted Beth and Rip knew nothing about the drugs, the Duttons returned the contraband and walked away from the partnership. But when Rob-Will revealed the truth, Mariano ordered his men to eliminate Beth and Rip, setting off a shootout at the Dutton Ranch.

Although Azul (J.R. Villarreal) was wounded, the ranch crew survived the attack and disposed of the gunmen's bodies at the Texas Train Station, the same remote dumping ground Rip used in Episode 2. Elsewhere, Oreana (Natalie Alyn Lind) learned she was pregnant and made plans to run away with Carter. The season ended with two devastating twists. Rob-Will shared a surprisingly tender farewell with Oreana before Kino, following Mariano's orders, shot him in the head, leaving Beulah devastated by his death. Her life is ruined. Moments later, Mariano's men kidnapped Carter and took him across the border to Mexico.

Related: The Dutton Family Tree, Explained: Every Generation From ‘1883’ to ‘Yellowstone’ and Beyond

Episode 9 opens with something Dutton Ranch fans have been waiting for all season: A proper fight between Rob-Will and Rip. Sure, Rip clocked him with his own gun Wyatt Earp-style back in Episode 1, but nobody had really stood up to Rob-Will since then. After disappearing for several episodes and returning as an even bigger threat, it was satisfying to finally watch Rip give him the beating viewers had been anticipating.

His death later in the episode also felt inevitable. Rob-Will had made enemies on all sides and had even tried to have Kino killed, so his fate isn't much of a surprise. What was surprising was that the show finally revealed a softer side of him through his relationship with Oreana just moments before Kino pulled the trigger. It's a shame that layer of humanity arrived so late, because it made Rob-Will a more compelling character just before the series wrote him out.

The first two episodes of Dutton Ranch make it seem like the season will revolve around a feud between the Duttons and the Jacksons. But Beulah's mysterious phone call in Episode 3 hinted there was someone even more powerful pulling the strings. The season finale confirms exactly that. While the Jacksons are hardly innocent, they're ultimately just one piece of a much larger criminal operation led by Mariano.

Mariano immediately changes the scope of the series. The Yellowstone franchise has featured plenty of memorable antagonists—from land developers and politicians to rival ranchers and even members of the Dutton family—but a calculating drug lord with ties stretching across the border is something new. By introducing Mariano as the true power behind the conflict, Dutton Ranch expands beyond a family feud into something far more dangerous.

Related: Every Taylor Sheridan Series Ranked—Including ‘Marshals’ and ‘The Madison’

One of the finale's biggest surprises is that the character who arguably loses the most isn't Beth, Rip or even Rob-Will—it's Beulah. After spending years trying to keep the 10 Petal Ranch afloat through increasingly desperate choices, every part of her life collapses in a matter of hours. Everett walks away after learning the truth, Mariano strips away what little control she had left, Rob-Will is murdered in front of her home, and Kino ultimately sides with the man she spent decades protecting him from.

Annette Bening has quietly been the center of Dutton Ranch all season, and the finale leaves Beulah in a fascinating place. She's no longer the powerful ranch owner pulling the strings. Instead, she's a grieving woman trapped by the consequences of decisions she made decades earlier.

Rather than wrapping up the season, "El Padrino" ends by pointing squarely toward what's next. Paramount has already renewed Dutton Ranch for a second season, and the finale leaves little doubt about its central story. Beth and Rip's immediate priority will almost certainly be rescuing Carter from Mariano's criminal empire, a mission that will take them far beyond the ranch and into unfamiliar territory.

If Season 1 was about establishing a new home for the Duttons, Season 2 looks poised to test whether they can hold onto it. The Jackson family feud may have dominated the early episodes, but the finale makes it clear that was only the beginning. Mariano isn't just another rival rancher—he's an entirely different kind of enemy, and Beth and Rip's biggest fight is still ahead.

Related: 'Dutton Ranch' Renewal Has Fans Begging for the Same Thing in Season 2