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Forget everything you know about tacos. If you walk into a late-night shop in Paris or Lyon, you will run into something completely different. It is known simply as the "French tacos" — and yes, it is always spelled with an "s," even if you are just ordering one single wrap.

Though it shares a name with the Mexican classic, that's where the similarities end. This thing is a massive, rectangular brick that trades light, fresh toppings for messy, late-night comfort food that hits the spot every single time.

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Instead of being served open like a regular taco, this street food staple is a tightly folded package pressed flat on a grill, looking like a cross between a burrito and a panini. It is heavy, warm, wrapped tight and exactly what you want to eat at 2 a.m. You won't find any salsa and guacamole here. Instead, it's all about a rich, velvety cheese sauce that coats every single layer of filling tucked inside.

Making this food stall favorite in your own kitchen is surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it. Here is how to do it.

What Exactly Is a "French Tacos"?

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If you are expecting a crunchy shell with shredded lettuce and cold cheddar, think again.

The iconic French tacos, often called tacos lyonnais by locals, is a late-night staple born in the mid-2000s in the Rhône-Alpes region of France. It uses a flour tortilla folded into a tight, rectangular brick, but the ingredients inside completely break the rules.

To make it authentic, you absolutely need hot, crispy fries packed right inside the wrap alongside the meat. There are no cold toppings to be found here. Instead, everything is thoroughly drenched in that warm cheese sauce before the whole package hits a heavy panini press to get those charred grill marks.

It's no wonder this thing took over Europe and turned chains like O'Tacos into huge fast-food empires.

The Secret to Making It 10x Better: Authentic Sauce Gruyère

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The sauce gruyère is the most important part of the whole wrap.

Unlike a Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme that uses nacho cheese, the French version builds the entire meal around this cream reduction. It coats the fries and meat so nothing dries out, acting as the glue that holds everything together.

Making it at home is easy. You skip the traditional flour roux and just simmer heavy cream or crème fraîche in a pan. Once it's hot, stir in a mountain of finely grated Gruyère until it melts completely smooth, then finish it with a pinch of black pepper and a hint of nutmeg.

Because Gruyère melts so well, the sauce won't split or get grainy when the taco hits the hot panini press.

Related: The Genius Way To Make Grilled Veggies 10x Better, According to an Award-Winning Chef

The Ultimate French Tacos Fillings to Choose From

Professional food and product photographer and styler / Getty Images

Half the fun of a French tacos is choosing what goes inside. When you make them at home, you can mix and match whatever you have on hand. To make your own, pick at least one ingredient from each of these categories:

• Meats: Seasoned ground beef, crispy chicken tenders, kebab meat or sliced chicken nuggets.
• Crispy Potatoes: A handful of hot, salted French fries placed directly over the meat.
• Cheese: Your warm Gruyère sauce, plus extra shredded Emmental or Swiss slices.
• Extra Sauce: Algerian sauce (a sweet and spicy onion mayo), harissa, garlic mayo or barbecue sauce.
• Optional Extras: Caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms or crispy bacon.

How to Fold and Press a French Tacos So It Doesn't Fall Apart

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Folding a French tacos is different than rolling a normal burrito. Because this wrap is packed flat with heavy fillings and cheese sauce, you need to fold it like an envelope to make a tight slab that won't leak.

1. Center the fillings: Lay a large flour tortilla flat. Pile your meat, fries and cheese sauce in a neat rectangular shape right in the center, leaving a couple of inches open on all sides.
2. Fold the sides: Pull the left and right sides of the tortilla inward so they tightly overlap the edges of your filling stack.
3. Close the envelope: Fold the bottom edge straight up over the middle, then fold the top edge straight down to enclose the fillings completely.
4. Grill it flat: Place the wrap seam-side down onto a hot panini press or a heavy skillet. Press down firmly and grill for about three minutes until the outside is crispy and charred grill marks form.

Related: 10 Costco Brands That Are Secretly Made by Major Brands

How to Make French Tacos

Jossuha Théophile / Getty Images

You don't need a plane ticket to Lyon to experience an authentic French tacos. You just need a hot pan and a big appetite.

Ingredients

• Flour Tortillas: 4 extra-large, burrito-size flour tortillas.
• Chicken: 1 pound chicken breast tenders, cooked and sliced into bite-size pieces.
• Fries: 2 cups of hot, cooked French fries (frozen or homemade).
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup of heavy cream or crème fraîche.
• Gruyère Cheese: 1 cup of Gruyère cheese, freshly grated.
• Nutmeg: 1/4 tsp of ground nutmeg.
• Seasonings: Fine sea salt and black pepper to taste.
• Condiment: 4 tbsp of Algerian sauce or your favorite spicy mayonnaise.

Instructions

1. Simmer the cream: Pour the heavy cream into a small saucepan and heat it gently over medium-low heat until tiny bubbles form around the edges.
2. Melt the cheese: Turn the heat to low, stir in the grated Gruyère one handful at a time, and mix constantly until smooth.
3. Season the sauce: Whisk the nutmeg, salt, and black pepper, then remove the pan from the heat to let it thicken slightly.
4. Spread the base sauce: Lay your four tortillas flat and spread one tablespoon of Algerian sauce right in the center of each.
5. Layer the fillings: Divide the warm chicken tenders and hot fries evenly among the tortillas, stacking them directly on the sauce.
6. Pour the cheese: Ladle the warm Gruyère sauce generously over each stack of fries.
7. Fold the tortilla: Bring the left and right sides of the tortilla inward, fold the bottom straight up, and fold the top straight down into a tight rectangle.
8. Grill until crisp: Place the pockets seam-side down into a hot panini press or weighted skillet for 3 minutes until golden.

Final Thoughts

Homemade French tacos might make traditionalists roll their eyes, but one bite makes it worth it. Bringing that late-night street food energy into your own kitchen hits the spot every single time. Grab your ingredients, load up the fries and get pressing.

Related: The Greek Way To Make Chicken 10x Better

Few Top 10 hits have ever sounded quite like David Essex's "Rock On." Released in 1973, the hypnotic single baffled some listeners with its sparse arrangement, echoing vocals and haunting bass line, yet it climbed all the way to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. More than 50 years later, it remains one of the strangest songs ever to become a mainstream hit.

The English singer-songwriter, who turns 79 on July 23, enjoyed an enormously successful career in his native United Kingdom, where he scored 19 Top 40 singles, including two No. 1 hits, and became a major stage and screen star. But in the United States, he's remembered almost entirely for one unforgettable record: the hypnotic 1974 smash "Rock On."

The self-penned song climbed to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, earned a Grammy nomination and sold more than one million copies, becoming Essex's only U.S. Top 40 hit. While that technically makes him a one-hit wonder in America, "Rock On" has remained a fixture on classic rock radio for more than five decades.

Part of its staying power comes from how unlike everything else it sounded. Surrounded by upbeat radio staples in 1973, music historian Brent Mann described "Rock On" as "a welcome breath of cool, dark air" in his book "99 Red Balloons and 100 Other All-Time Great One-Hit Wondrs," pointing to its ominous atmosphere, echoing vocals and sparse production that made it instantly recognizable.

Essex himself knew he wasn't making a conventional pop record.

"It was a strange record," he recalled for Wayne Jancik in "The Billboard Book of One-Hit Wonders." "I wanted to do something different, intriguing … Lyrically, I wanted it to feel like what it was like to be a working class boy in the U.K. in the '50s, though I wanted it to have a '70s sound."

Producer Jeff Wayne embraced that unusual vision. He later explained that the arrangement intentionally avoided traditional chords, leaving only space, atmosphere and an unforgettable bass line. The gamble paid off, producing a record that still sounds strikingly modern.

Music critics have only grown more appreciative of the song over time. In "Yeah Yeah Yeah: The Story of Modern Pop," Bob Stanley wrote that "Rock On" "was all about what wasn't there," praising its ghostly atmosphere and concluding it captured "the sound of Britain in 1973."

Simon Reynolds, writing in "Shock and Awe: Glam Rock and Its Legacy," argued that Essex avoided simple nostalgia, instead creating hypnotic, stripped-down records filled with "studio-warped" sounds that set him apart from many of his glam rock contemporaries.

The song's influence has stretched well beyond its original release. In 1989, actor and singer Michael Damian took his cover of "Rock On" all the way to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving the song a second life with a new generation of listeners. Def Leppard later recorded its own version for the band's 2006 covers album Yeah!, and the song has remained a staple of the group's live shows ever since.

While American audiences may know Essex primarily for one unforgettable hit, his career has been anything but brief. Alongside his chart success in Britain, he earned acclaim for starring in the film That'll Be the Day, reprised his role in Stardust, appeared in the original London production of Evita and was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1999 for his charitable work.

More than 50 years after "Rock On" first echoed across the airwaves, its eerie groove and unmistakable sound remain every bit as distinctive as the day listeners first heard it.

Related: 'The Man Who Invented the 80s' Turns 77

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We all love jewelry that looks like a splurge, feels special, and doesn’t require a second mortgage. A pretty pendant, a tennis bracelet, or gemstone earrings can make a plain outfit feel pulled together, add a splash of sparkle to a workday look, and give even a simple jeans-and-tee combo a more polished feel. Unfortunately, some of the most coveted designs come with price tags that belong in a different universe.

Amazon has an easy workaround with the Letfly Four-Leaf Clover Initial Necklace, currently marked down 20% to just $8 (originally $10). It captures the same elegant feel as high-end jewelry thanks to its opal-inspired inlay, gold-tone detailing, and personalized monogram.

Letfly Four-Leaf Clover Initial Necklace, $8 (was $10) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Equal parts personal keepsake and everyday statement piece, this necklace combines a classic four-leaf clover silhouette with thoughtful details that make it feel special. The softly iridescent inlay catches the light with a subtle glow and comes in light pink, peach, or blue, while a polished initial sits at the center for a personalized touch. A border of sparkling clear cubic zirconia stones traces the scalloped clover shape, creating a shimmery finish.

Crafted from polished brass with a warm gold-tone finish, the pendant hangs from a modern geometric cable chain made up of elongated diamond-shaped links that give the necklace a more elevated, designer-inspired feel than a traditional chain. The 17.3-inch length sits just below the collarbone, while the 1.77-inch extender lets you adjust the drop depending on your neckline or layer it with shorter chains. Finished with a secure lobster clasp, it's comfortable enough for everyday wear, while the lead- and nickel-free construction offers added peace of mind.

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Available in every letter of the alphabet, this necklace turns a classic clover design into something much more personal. Choose your own initial for an everyday signature piece, wear the letter of a partner as a subtle reminder of someone special, or pick a child’s, parent’s, or loved one’s initials to keep them close wherever you go. Shipped pre-wrapped in a small gift box, it's also an easy gift for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, new moms, bridesmaids, or anyone who appreciates sentimental jewelry.

Jewelry lovers couldn’t get enough of the “gorgeous,” “delicate,” and “eye-catching” design, saying it’s the “perfect size and length.” One shopper wrote, “It feels lightweight but well crafted, and the chain sits comfortably without tangling.”

Related: Macy’s ‘Stunning’ $10 Mother of Pearl Necklace Is the Definition of Coastal-Chic Charm

It may not come from a luxury boutique, but the Letfly Four-Leaf Clover Initial Necklace certainly knows how to look the part. Shop it for $8 at Amazon while it’s still 20% off!

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If you’ve ever been on a cruise, you know that the cocktail programs have grown well past drink-of-the-day specials and frozen concoctions with tiny umbrellas.

In fact, many cruise lines have been upping their cocktail (and zero-proof mocktail) game in the past few years. I’ve been able to experience these changes firsthand, with a speakeasy that highlights handcrafted drinks on MSC World America, a magic parlor where shows are combined with spellbinding cocktails on Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess, and even a "if you know, you know" whiskey bar on the Disney Treasure. 

Still, most of these major cruise lines and their beverage programs are limited to a standard menu or basic off-menu drinks that are made special by mixing in rare or exclusive spirits. But on a recent cruise with Silversea, the luxury cruise line owned by Royal Caribbean Group, one cocktail lounge blew everything else I’ve ever tried out of the water. 

Related: This Cruise Ship Is Launching the Largest Chocolate and Gelato Shop at Sea

A New Standard for Cocktails at Sea The cozy S.A.L.T. Bar is a hidden haven for cocktail connoisseurs on Silversea.

Silversea

Enter S.A.L.T. Bar (short for Land And Sea Taste), a cozy, dimly lit bar that feels like it was plopped onto a luxury cruise ship from one of the world's best cosmopolitan cities. When I walked in for the first time, I was greeted warmly, handed a menu, then proceeded to order my go-to after-dinner cocktail, an espresso martini. 

Little did I know that on that first night, I would be in for a real treat, and not because it was a truly great espresso martini. But because after that first night, I made a point to return to S.A.L.T. Bar and really get to know the drink program in one of the most unique bars at sea. 

“S.A.L.T. Bar—part of Silversea's Sea And Land Taste program—is built around the concept that a cocktail should be a direct expression of where you are in the world. Our mixologists work with destination-specific spirits, local ingredients, and regional traditions to craft drinks that reflect the culture and character of the places guests are visiting,” says Gianluca Sparacino, Global Head of Food and Beverage at Silversea. “The menu shifts with each destination, which means a guest sailing in the Mediterranean will have an entirely different experience than one exploring Southeast Asia or the Caribbean. That level of destination immersion, applied to the beverage program, is something entirely unique to Silversea.”

On my Silversea cruise, which traveled from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, around the Western Caribbean and Central America, through the Panama Canal, and ending in Lima, Peru, the menu was filled with a variety of delightful drinks ranging from Peru’s signature Pisco sour to a handful of creative margaritas, and other drinkable works of culinary art. 

According to Sparacino, the Silversea fleet carries about 340 spirits, including rare single malts, artisan gins, craft rums, and 300 regional spirits. Even outside of spirits, S.A.L.T. Bar takes nearly everything that goes into a cocktail into consideration, from garnishes and glasses to its ice. 

“We apply that same level of craft to something as fundamental as ice—a detail many guests would not expect on a cruise ship, but one that speaks to the precision that lets S.A.L.T. Bar compete with the best bars on land,” explains Sparacino. 

Related: Carnival's Next Ship is Getting a First-of-Its-Kind Coffee Hub That Completely Transforms at 3 P.M.

The Number One Secret to a Great Cocktail at Sea S.A.L.T. Bar is known for its creative, destination-centered cocktails.

Megan duBois

While the ingredients matter, Sparacino also says the most important part of getting a great cocktail at sea is one of the easiest things to do on a cruise ship. 

“The most important thing any guest can do is engage directly with the bartender by sharing what they enjoy, asking what is unique to the voyage, and being open to something they have not tried before,” he shares. 

This tip may seem obvious, but as a regular cruiser, I’ve seen countless guests plop down at a table nowhere near the bar, order a drink from a roaming server, then be disappointed with what’s actually delivered. 

Sitting at the bar nearly guarantees that you can interact with the bartender on your first visit, you can share your preferences with them, and watch them make your drink (which I always think is part of the fun). I also love sitting at the bar and getting to know the person behind the cocktails because they often have interesting stories. 

For example, on a recent Disney Cruise, I checked out their hidden bourbon sanctuary, and the bartender mentioned that they could make nearly any drink with a bourbon twist. And when one of my companions didn’t want any brown liquor, the bartender made them a unique water mixed with a lemon twist and a dash of bitters, which felt truly up-leveled for something that could be as easy as putting ice and water in a cup and passing it over. 

When I sailed with Silversea, I also made a point to sit on one of the S.A.L.T. Bar’s bar stools every night. I came to know the bartender, who by night two understood my preferences, and started making more interesting drinks with milk-washed spirits they created a few days earlier, off-menu drinks they were testing for an upcoming cocktail competition, and more. 

Even better, because I got to know the S.A.L.T. Bar mixology master, I was invited to their exclusive cocktail classes, where just a handful of guests learned how to make regionally-inspired cocktails, all leading up to the final class where we had to create our own cocktail without any assistance from the bartender. Talk about a true test of learning from one of the best in the biz. 

So next time you’re on a cruise, whether it’s a family-friendly line like Royal Caribbean or Carnival Cruise Line, or a luxury cruise with a brand like Silversea, remember to sit at the bar and enjoy the show. 

Related: I Retired Early and Live Full-Time on Cruise Ships—Here's How

Fans are finally getting the crossover they hoped for. Avengers: Doomsday will find three distinct Marvel universes interacting for the first time on screen. Marvel just dropped the first trailer for the highly anticipated film in which we'll see characters from the main Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) collide with those from The X-Men from the original X-Men movie universe (2000) and the futuristic world of The Fantastic Four.

Let's take a look at the Avengers; Doomsday and everything we know so far.

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What is Avengers: Doomsday about?

In Avengers: Doomsday, beloved heroes from three distinct universes will be set on a deadly collision course and face an existential threat unlike anything they’ve ever encountered.

Related: Will Hugh Jackman Help the Next Actor Who Plays Wolverine?

What are the three universes colliding in Avengers: Doomsday?

The three universes in Avengers: Doomsday are:

Earth-616 - The main Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline. This includes the Avengers, Black Panther and Wakanda, and New Avengers.
Earth-828 - The futuristic universe of The Fantastic Four.
Earth-10005 - The original X-Men movie universe

When does Avengers: Doomsday come out?

Avengers: Doomsday premieres in theaters on Friday, Dec. 18.

Related: The Emotional Trigger Ian McKellen Used for an Upcoming Marvel Scene

Who's in the cast of Avengers: Doomsday?

Check out the star-studded cast of Avengers: Doomsday below.

Robert Downey Jr. as Victor von Doom/Doctor DoomChris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain AmericaChris Hemsworth as ThorPedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. FantasticPaul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-ManAnthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain AmericaFlorence Pugh as Yelena BelovaVanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible WomanEbon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The ThingWyatt Russell as John WalkerChanning Tatum as Remy LeBeau/GambitSimu Liu as Shang-ChiIan McKellen as Erik Lehnsherr/MagnetoTom Hiddleston as LokiJames Marsden as Scott Summers/CyclopsPatrick Stewart as Prof. Charles Xavier/Prof. XJoseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human TorchSebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes/Winter SoldierDavid Harbour as Alexei Shostakov/Red GuardianLetitia Wright as Shuri/Black PantherLewis Pullman as Robert ReynoldsKelsey Grammer as Hank McCoy/BeastKathryn Newton as Cassie LangDanny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres/FalconWinston Duke as M'BakuAlan Cumming as Kurt Wagner/NightcrawlerHannah John-KamenRebecca Romijn as Raven Darkhölme/MystiqueMabel Cadena as NamoraTenoch Huerta Mejia as NamorIs there a trailer for Avengers: Doomsday?

Yes! An official trailer for Avengers: Doomsday was just released. Check it out.

Check out images from Avengers Doomsday

Take a look at some select images from Avengers Doomsday in the gallery below.

Avengers DoomsdayMarvel Mystique (Rebecca Romijn) in Marvel's AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY. Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2026 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.

Marvel

Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) and Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton) in Marvel's AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY. Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2026 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.

Marvel

Cyclops (James Marsden) in Marvel's AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY. Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2026 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.

Marvel

Victor von Doom/Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.) in Marvel's AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY. Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2026 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.

Marvel

(L-R): Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) in Marvel's AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY. Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2026 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.

Marvel

(L-R) The Dora Milaje, Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), Joaquin Torres/Falcon (Danny Ramirez), and Ava/Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) in Marvel's AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY. Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2026 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.

Marvel

(L-R) Gambit (Channing Tatum) and Shaun/Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) in Marvel's AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY. Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2026 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.

Marvel

(L-R): John Walker/U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell), Alexei/Red Guardian (David Harbour), Yelena (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), Ava/Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Paul Rudd), Sam Wilson/Captain America (Anthony Mackie), and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) in Marvel's AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY. Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2026 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.

Marvel

Next, Netflix’s New Ghost-Filled K-Drama Is Already Giving Fans Chills

When it comes to food creators, few people have a following quite like Ree Drummond. Better known as "The Pioneer Woman," Drummond built a massive media empire by documenting her life as an Oklahoma cattle rancher's wife, ultimately turning her name into one of the biggest brands in food media. Between her blog, bestselling cookbooks and long-running Food Network show, she's become a trusted source for approachable, crowd-pleasing recipes that home cooks of all skill levels can enjoy.

Considering Drummond's recipe style leans on simple ingredients and straightforward cooking methods, I was curious to see whether one of her simplest recipes, Homemade Black Pepper Chips, was as foolproof and flavorful as it sounded. As someone who has no problem tearing through an entire bag of store-bought chips in one sitting, I liked the idea of a homemade option that uses just a handful of simple ingredients.

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What I didn't expect, however, was just how much flavor could come from such an easy-to-make recipe. And by the time I pulled the chips from the oil and sampled my first batch, I immediately found myself wondering if my humble grocery budget could sustain a new obsession with making potato chips from scratch.

Ingredients for Ree Drummond's Homemade Black Pepper Potato Chips

Courtesy Nathan Hutsenpiller

Herein lies the beauty of quite possibly the easiest Ree Drummond recipe: It only requires four ingredients. To get started, you'll need canola or vegetable oil for frying, five to six Yukon Gold potatoes, kosher salt and black pepper. You'll also need a Dutch oven or an equally large pot, a metal slotted spatula, a mandoline or box grater and a large mixing bowl for prep. 

How to Make Ree Drummond's Homemade Black Pepper Potato Chips

Courtesy Nathan Hutsenpiller

Once you've gathered all your ingredients and tools, give the potatoes a good wash under cold running water and pat them dry. From there, use a mandoline, vegetable peeler or the slotted side of a box grater to finely slice the potatoes into chips, dropping them into a bowl of ice water as you work to keep them from turning brown. This step also helps remove excess starch, which is key to achieving a satisfying crunch after frying.

In a heavy Dutch oven, heat the oil to 400°F, using a thermometer to monitor the temperature and ensure it stays at the right level. While the oil heats up, lay your uncooked potato chips on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and blot them dry before frying the first batch.

Courtesy Nathan Hutsenpiller

Now for the fun part. Use the spatula to carefully lower batches of potatoes into the oil. You'll notice they start frying immediately, giving you about five minutes of cook time before turning golden brown and crisp. You can also stir the chips occasionally with a wooden spoon as they fry to help achieve more of a "kettle-style" finish. 

When the first batch is done cooking, remove the chips with a slotted spoon and immediately season them with sea salt and plenty of black pepper. Repeat the process until every batch is finished, and serve as soon as possible after frying for the best results.

Related: Trader Joe's $3 Freezer Staple Is Your Ticket to Bold Korean-Inspired Dinners

What I Thought of Ree Drummond's Homemade Black Pepper Potato Chips

Courtesy Nathan Hutsenpiller

To me, Ree Drummond hit the nail on the head with this recipe. It's a no-fuss, no-nonsense snack that's easy to recreate, doesn't cost an arm and a leg to make and is honestly a lot of fun to tackle as a solo afternoon project or a fun activity with friends. What took me by surprise, however, were the almost plantain chip-like ghost notes that came through with each bite — a subtle flavor I wasn't expecting, but satisfying nonetheless.

I also really enjoyed the prep process, as it was fun trying to cut perfectly shaped chips before realizing the imperfections were just as appealing, giving each batch a unique homemade charm that made them feel a bit more special.

Tips for Making Ree Drummond's Homemade Black Pepper Potato Chips

Courtesy Nathan Hutsenpiller

1. Embrace imperfect slices.

The thinner the cut, the crispier the results will be, but don't stress too much about making every slice perfectly uniform. Those little inconsistencies are what give this recipe its charm, and each batch will be special in its own unique way.

2. The ice bath is worth the extra step.

Soaking the potato slices in ice water helps remove excess starch, which is key to achieving a satisfying potato chip crunch. It might feel like an unnecessary extra step, but it plays an important role in helping the chips crisp up once they hit the oil.

3. Don't skip drying the potatoes.

Perhaps the most important tip of them all is thoroughly drying your potato slices before frying because it's essential for getting the crispiest results. Excess moisture can cause the oil to splatter and prevent the chips from developing the specific crunch you're after.

4. Have fun with the seasoning.

While this is a salt-and-pepper-focused recipe, it's also extremely easy to experiment with. If after the first batch you're feeling like something is missing, try spicing it up with a little paprika, garlic powder, cayenne or another seasoning blend you already love.

Now that you know how to make Ree Drummond's homemade black pepper potato chips and the tricks to getting a satisfying crunch, you have a simple snack recipe you can bust out anytime a craving for something salty and crunchy hits. Even better, these chips can be the star of the snack table at your next summer cookout or a fun addition to school lunches, road trips and more.

Related: I Tried Trisha Yearwood's Lemon Squares—and They're Everything a Summer Dessert Should Be

Tracee Ellis Ross appeared on the streets of Manhattan on July 22 wearing a monochrome ensemble centered on sheer, wide-leg trousers.

The 51-year-old actress was photographed in Midtown en route to an appearance on NBC’s The Today Show. Her outfit featured an asymmetric black top with a single translucent shoulder panel tucked into high-waisted black hot pants. Over the shorts, Ross wore full-length, floor-sweeping trousers constructed from transparent organza fabric that gathered at the high waistband and billowed outward toward the hem.

She completed the look with pointed black leather pumps, silver drop earrings, and an oversized black leather handbag .

Translucent and mesh garments have seen a surge on luxury runways and red carpets over the past several seasons. Designers including Alaïa, Dries Van Noten, and Paloma Wool showcased sheer pants, skirts, and dresses across their recent Spring 2026 collections. Sheer pants are having a moment with celebs: Anne Hathaway wore sheer balloon-leg trousers in New York, and Beyoncé wore white lace capri-style pants to the World Cup Final in New Jersey.

Tracee Ellis Ross in New York City. (Photo: Aeon/Getty Images)

Getty Images

While sheer garments are often thought of as a high-risk red carpet trend, Ross’s tailored approach shows how wide-leg, sheer-layered trousers can work for women over 50 who are looking for fresh, modern summer alternatives.

The design couples built-in solid shorts with a translucent outer shell, providing lower-body coverage while maintaining the lightweight, airy feel needed when temperatures soar. A high-waisted rise anchors the midsection as the floor-length, voluminous leg creates an elongated vertical line that allows for airflow without clinging. By using sheer black organza as an outer layer over solid base pieces, the style allows dressers to experiment with trends while mimicking the look of a breezy maxi skirt.

Ross’s New York appearance comes during a press run for her Broadway debut in the solo play Every Brilliant Thing. Written by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe, the production relies on audience interaction and narrative storytelling.

Ross gained widespread recognition for her role as Dr. Rainbow Johnson on the ABCsitcomBlack-ish, which ran from 2014 to 2022. Her performance earned her nine NAACP Image Awards and a 2017 Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy. Prior to Black-ish, she starred as Joan Clayton in the UPN/CW series Girlfriends from 2000 to 2008.

Outside of acting, Ross founded Pattern Beauty in 2019, a haircare line formulated specifically for curly, coily, and tight-textured hair types. She’s reknowned for her personal fashion choices, receiving the Fashion Icon Award at the 2020 E! People's Choice Awards.

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If you're looking for an easy way to declutter your kitchen counters or bathroom vanities without using bulky plastic trays, the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Fluted Stoneware Jars are a small but practical upgrade that adds a charming touch to any space. The top-rated set is now on sale for up to 50% off at Walmart, and it comes with two gorgeous ribbed jars that are just the right size for storing small essentials, like cotton balls, swabs, hair ties, tea bags, or sugar packets. 

Originally $30, the two-pack is currently available for just $15 in the gorgeous sage and taupe color options. You can also shop it in charcoal gray at full price. Each jar has a fluted design with gold accents that offers a sophisticated, textured look, no matter where you put it. 

Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Fluted Stoneware Jars, From $15 (was $30) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Crafted from high-quality stoneware, these ribbed jars are sturdy, durable, and designed to stand up to everyday use. The rubberized finish helps them stay firmly in place on countertops or in cabinets, and the gold accent knob adds a sleek, modern touch while also allowing easy access to your items. Thanks to their compact construction, they offer handy storage for small must-haves without taking up too much space. 

With its pretty design and versatile color options, this stoneware jar set is easy to use in a variety of ways around your home. You can use it to store small toiletries in a bathroom, sort spices or snack bags in a kitchen, or even display pens or other office supplies on a desk. They also make a stylish addition to bookcases, console tables, and laundry rooms. 

Related: Walmart's 'Beautiful' $100 Slatted Accent Cabinet Is a Chic Way to Add Hidden Storage to Any Room

The fluted stoneware jars are a favorite among Walmart shoppers. One reviewer said they're "absolutely gorgeous," adding that they're "well-made and the perfect size." Another called them "stunning" and noted that they bought multiple sets for different bathrooms in their home. 

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If you've been looking for an easy way to make your countertops, vanities, or desk look a little more stylish, this two-pack of stoneware jars is an excellent option that'll instantly make your space look more put-together. Snag a set while they're still on sale for as low as $15 at Walmart. 

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Forbidden, the Bay Area thrash metal band, is ending a decade-and-a-half wait for U.S. fans after announcing its upcoming tour.

Following two lengthy hiatuses totaling 21 years, the five-piece band, composed of lead vocalist Norman Skinner, guitarist and founding member Craig Locicero, guitarist Jeremy Von Epp, longtime bassist Matt Camacho and drummer Chris Kontos, is set to embark on its first extensive U.S. tour in years.

The Chaos By Design Tour will span 23 dates, kicking off in Las Vegas, Nevada on Oct. 23 before making stops in major cities across Utah, Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Florida and more.

Jeremy Von Epp of Forbidden performs at Great American Music Hall on May 29, 2026

Miikka Skaffari/Getty Images

The highly anticipated comeback tour will conclude in California on Nov. 22.

Forbidden also announced that it is bringing “good friends” and fellow thrash metal veterans Heathen and Void along as special guests.

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The band’s last major tour was the Omega Wave World Tour, which ran from 2010 to 2011 in support of its fifth studio album.

At that time, Forbidden performed extensively across North America, South America and Europe, including high-profile festival appearances.

Forbidden’s Chaos By Design U.S. Tour

Oct. 23 - Las Vegas, NV | The Usual Place
Oct. 25 - Salt Lake City, UT | Urban Lounge
Oct. 26 - Denver, CO | Federal Theatre
Oct. 28 - Iowa City, IA | Gabes
Oct. 29 - Minneapolis, MN | Turf Club
Oct. 30 - Chicago, IL | Reggies
Oct. 31 - Lakewood, OH | Mercury Music Lounge
Nov. 1 - Pittsburgh, PA | Preserving Underground
Nov. 2 - Leesburg, VA | Tally Ho Theater
Nov. 4 - Worcester, MA | The Palladium (Upstairs)
Nov. 5 - Brooklyn, NY | TBD
Nov. 7 - Albany, NY | Empire Live
Nov. 8 - Lititz, PA | Mickey’s Black Box
Nov. 9 - Greensboro, NC | Hangar 1819
Nov. 10 - Greenville, SC | Radio Room
Nov. 12 - Orlando, FL | Conduit
Nov. 13 - Atlanta, GA | Masquerade (Altar)
Nov. 15 - Destin, FL | Club LA
Nov. 17 - Austin, TX | Come and Take It Live
Nov. 18 - Dallas, TX | Trees
Nov. 20 - Albuquerque, NM | Launchpad
Nov. 21 - Tucson, AZ | Club Congress
Nov. 22 - Los Angeles, CA | Teragram Ballroom

Alongside the tour announcement, Forbidden once again surprised fans with a major update.

The metal band announced releasing a new self-titled album, which will arrive on Oct. 23 via BLKIIBLK.

In addition to the album announcement, the metal band unveiled its latest single, “Psyclops.”

The highly anticipated record will be the band’s first album in 16 years following the release of its fifth studio album, Omega Wave, in 2010.

Related: Supergroup Makes Announcement Ahead of First Tour in Three Years

Thirty years ago today, I was a 10-year-old completely captivated by my TV screen.

It felt like millions of camera flashes went off inside the Georgia Dome as Béla Károlyi (the disgraced former "King of Gymnastics") shouted in his thick Romanian accent to Kerri Strug before her second vault: "You can do it!" Strug was the final gymnast to compete in the team's last event, and she had already fallen on her first vault. Worse, she was struggling to walk as she prepared for her second attempt, visibly limping as she tried to loosen up despite the pain. Her teammates—captain Amanda Borden, Shannon Miller, Dominique Dawes, Amy Chow, Jaycie Phelps and Dominique Moceanu—looked on nervously, some covering their eyes while Borden rubbed her temples in distress.

It felt like Strug was moving in slow motion as she sprinted down the runway, launched into the air and stuck the landing. But after saluting the judges, she collapsed to her knees, unable to put weight on her injured ankle. (She was later diagnosed with a lateral sprain and torn ligaments in her left ankle, forcing her to withdraw from the individual all-around and vault finals.) That vault sealed the United States' first-ever Olympic women's team gymnastics gold medal—a moment of triumph, determination and perseverance that has stayed with me ever since.

I've followed the Magnificent Seven ever since they made history on July 23, 1996. I still own the NBC commemorative VHS released after the Games, documenting every unforgettable moment of that gold-medal run. Embarrassingly, I can still recite parts of the narration from memory, even after all these years.

So when the 30th anniversary of that unforgettable Olympic victory arrived, tracking down the Magnificent Seven felt personal. Here's what America's groundbreaking gymnastics team is doing today.

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Amanda Borden Today View this post on Instagram

Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Borden was 19 years old when she competed at the 1996 Olympic Games, serving as captain of the Magnificent Seven. Today, she is an inspirational speaker and the owner of Gold Medal Gymnastics Academy, which has locations in Tempe and Chandler, Arizona. She is married and has three children: a daughter and two sons.

And of course, the apple didn't fall far from the tree: Borden's daughter, Kennedy Cochran, committed to the University of Alabama gymnastics team in November 2025 on a full athletic scholarship. "Proud mom moment," Borden captioned her Instagram announcement at the time. Kennedy is set to begin competing for the Crimson Tide during the 2026–27 season.

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As the 30th anniversary of the Magnificent Seven's historic Olympic victory approached, Borden reflected on the milestone with an emotional Instagram Story on July 22, 2026. Sharing a photo from the 1996 Games, the now-49-year-old paid tribute to her teammates, writing, "This team will always hold the most special place in my heart."

Amy Chow Today

Now 48, Chow was just 18 years old when she helped the Magnificent Seven capture Olympic gold in Atlanta. She went on to compete at the 2000 Sydney Olympics alongside fellow '96 teammate Dominique Dawes before attending Stanford University. Chow later earned her medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine and is now a physician and surgeon.

Unlike many of her former teammates, Chow maintains a low public profile and does not have a public Instagram account or an active social media presence. According to reports, she married orthopedic surgeon Jason Ho in 2010 and the two have two sons.

Dominique Dawes Today View this post on Instagram

Dawes made history as the first Black gymnast to win an individual Olympic medal and is the only member of the Magnificent Seven to compete in three Olympic Games, representing Team USA in 1992, 1996 and 2000. Now 49, she's married and the mother of four children.

Following her gymnastics career, Dawes became a passionate advocate for youth sports and healthy living. In 2010, President Barack Obamaappointed her Co-Chair of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, where she helped promote physical activity and wellness among children and families.

Today, Dawes is focused on expanding the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies, which now have locations in Texas, Georgia, Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey. The academies offer recreational gymnastics, tumbling, ninja classes and other youth programs, with a focus on creating a positive, athlete-first environment.

That mission is deeply personal. After speaking publicly about the emotional and physical abuse she endured during her own gymnastics career, Dawes has repeatedly said her gyms will never affiliate with USA Gymnastics.

"My kids will NEVER be associated with USAG, an organization that has admitted to rewarding coaches for abusing their athletes," Dawes wrote on Facebook in 2020. "This is not a hard decision for me to make, my kids matter to me and your kids do too."

Shannon Miller Today View this post on Instagram

Since retiring from gymnastics, Miller has seemingly done it all. She's become an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author, and more.

After being diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer in 2011, Miller became a passionate advocate for cancer awareness and survivorship. She founded and is the CEO of Salto Health, a platform designed to help support cancer patients and their families, and continues to speak around the country about resilience and what she calls her "Gold Medal Mindset."

Away from work, Miller is married and the mother of two. Thirty years after the Magnificent Seven made history, Miller still believes the team's victory resonates because of how unforgettable the moment was.

"Being the first women's team to win gold and having it in the United States, on home soil, that's why I think people remember us so much," she told USA Gymnastics in 2016. "It was such a dramatic way that we won the gold with Kerri on the vault; an iconic moment. People know exactly what they were doing and where they were in that moment."

Related: Gymnastics Legend, Who Led the ‘Magnificent Seven’ to Olympic History, Delivered the Greatest Performance of Her Career

Dominique Moceanu Today View this post on Instagram

At just 15 years old, Moceanu became one of the breakout stars of the 1996 Olympics, famously performing her floor routine to "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." Now 44, she's still involved in gymnastics, running the Dominique Moceanu Gymnastics Center in Medina, Ohio, with her family.

Moceanu and her husband, Michael Canales (a former gymnast), have three children, and their son, Vincent, is following in his mother's footsteps. A decorated national champion, he's considered a 2028 Olympic hopeful and is committed to Baldwin Wallace University.

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Moceanu's life after the Olympics hasn't been without challenges. In 1998, she made national headlines when she sued her parents for legal emancipation, alleging years of physical, emotional and financial abuse. The highly publicized case ultimately led to reconciliation before her father's death in 2008, and she has remained close with her mother.

More recently, Moceanu reflected on the complicated legacy of her longtime coach, Béla Károlyi, following his death in 2024. While acknowledging the difficulties she endured under his coaching, she also recognized the role he played in shaping her career.

"Bela Karolyi was a man whose influence on my life and the sport of elite gymnastics is undeniably significant," she wrote on X. "Anyone who has followed my story knows that my journey under Bela's guidance as my coach came with immense challenges... As we bid farewell to Bela, I choose to send loving thoughts to his family and loved ones, and honor our relationship by embracing lessons learned and striving to help create a world where compassion and encouragement guide our actions."

Jaycie Phelps Today View this post on Instagram

Now 46, Phelps has remained close to the sport that made her an Olympic champion. Today, she owns and serves as head coach of the Jaycie Phelps Athletic Center in Greenfield, Indiana, where she's helping train the next generation of gymnasts. She's also married and the mother of two daughters.

As the Magnificent Seven celebrates its 30th anniversary, Phelps says she's still touched by how much the team's historic victory continues to resonate with fans.

"People still remember what we did. And that's special to me, and I think to all of us," she said in a 2016 interview.

Related: Olympic Gymnastics Legend, Who Scored the World’s First Perfect 10, Relives Her Greatest Performance 50 Years Later

Kerri Strug Today View this post on Instagram

Now 48, Strug is married and has two children, a son and a daughter. After retiring from gymnastics, she built a career in public service, holding positions at the White House, the Treasury Department and the U.S. Department of Justice. She's also remained active, running marathons in various cities.

While Strug keeps a relatively low profile today, she still occasionally reflects on the Olympic moment that made her a household name. On Olympic Day in 2019, she shared a throwback photo on Instagram and wrote, "Happy Olympics Day! Lots of special memories that I will carry with me forever! #olympicday #olympicgames #dreamsfulfilled."

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Next: Gymnastics Legend, Who Led the ‘Magnificent Seven’ to Olympic History, Delivered the Greatest Performance of Her Career

Some songs instantly define an era, but few captured the early 2000s quite like this power pop masterpiece.

Released in 2003, "Stacy's Mom" by Fountains of Wayne quickly became an inescapable cultural phenomenon. But while millions know every single word, fewer know the real-life situation that started it all.

The group's core members included Chris Collingwood, Adam Schlesinger, Jody Porter, and Brian Young. "Stacy's Mom" was written by Schlesinger and Collingwood, Fountains of Wayne's founding members, for the LP Welcome Interstate Managers.

Once listed as one of VH1's 100 Greatest Songs Of The ’00s, as reported by Sterogum, "Stacy's Mom" was beloved by music fans for its sing-along chorus and infectious melody. But behind the unforgettable hook and tongue-in-cheek lyrics was a surprisingly real-life inspiration pulled straight from a band member’s past.

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According to U Discover Music, the song was inspired by Schlesinger’s friend, who had a crush on his grandmother when they were growing up. “It’s sort of about that period when you’re first hitting puberty, and suddenly everybody of the opposite sex is strangely attractive. It’s a combination of sexual awakening and limited contact with a large number of people. It’s the kids at school and whoever else happens to be in your life.”

The song, an ode to teenage fantasy, was a hit due to its driving beat, reportedly inspired by the music of '80s legends The Cars, Rick Springfield, and the songwriting of Simon & Garfunkel. "Stacy's Mom" was released in October 2003 and, in one month, reached a chart peak of No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Its lyrics follow a teenager who agrees to hang out with a girl from school, but only because he's hoping to run into her mom. He quickly justifies the whole situation, explaining why the age difference is no big deal and why he’s actually the ideal guy for her, seamlessly paving the way for the song's legendary hook, "I know it might be wrong, but I'm in love with Stacy's mom."

Its music video was equally iconic. Directed by Chris Applebaum, it was filled with pop culture references 80s kids knew and loved. From subtle nods to The Cars to the blatant homage to Phoebe Cates’ famous poolside scene in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (with supermodel Rachel Hunter), every frame played like a love letter to coming-of-age cinema.

Adam Schlesinger, who died in 2020 due to complications from COVID-19, told The New York Times in 2005, "It's bizarre to be seen as a one-hit wonder. I always felt that we had a lot of potential singles. If not, we'll be playing 'Stacy's Mom' in Las Vegas when we're 75."

The song earned Fountains of Wayne Grammy Award nominations for Best Vocal Pop Performance and Best New Artist in 2004. The band did not win either award.

Related: 2000 Rock Anthem, Which Revived a Legendary Band’s Career, Marks Massive Streaming Milestone

A brand-new feature documentary is coming to Disney+. Directed by Academy Award- and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Leslie Iwerks, "Disney Worldbuilders" dives deep into how storytellers transform beloved stories and locations from the screen into real-world, one-of-a-kind immersive experiences.

During the film, viewers will learn how beloved theme park worlds, like Pandora—The World of Avatar and Toy Story Land, are transformed into living, breathing places through the ultimate meeting of technology and storytelling.

The filmmaker behind "The Imagineering Story" and "Disneyland Handcrafted," it’s a topic deeply personal to Leslie, granddaughter of Disney Legend Ub Iwerks, who co-created Mickey Mousealongside Walt Disney, and daughter of Don Iwerks, an innovative camera technician responsible for revolutionary inventions, including the first 360-film techniques.

RELATED: Inside The Legendary Disney Studio

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During the film, Leslie joins the field’s top creatives and visionaries as fans learn about the rides, parks and “creative sparks” that shaped them.

Disney Parks Blog shared: “Through personal reflections on their earliest inspirations, pivotal moments along the way, and the formative Disney memories they’ve carried with them over the years, these storytellers share the experiences that have helped shape their creative journeys.”

Related: Disney Has Revealed Details About its Highly Anticipated New Land

Throughout the documentary, Iwerks sits down with a powerhouse roster of Disney leaders and legendary storytellers who have shaped the company’s vast narrative universe. Viewers will hear from former Disney CEO Bob Iger, who reflects on pivotal acquisitions like Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Fox, alongside current Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro.

The film also features insights from iconic visionaries across Disney’s major studios, including legendary Avatar filmmaker James Cameron, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, and The Mandalorian and Grogu filmmaker Jon Favreau. Rounding out the lineup are animation heavyweights Pete Docter (Chief Creative Officer at Pixar Animation Studios),Jennifer Lee (Oscar-winning writer and director of Frozen), and Jared Bush (Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Animation Studios).

In addition to hearing directly from the creatives behind fan-favorite attractions and characters, the film will also offer never-before-seen looks at upcoming projects, including rare glimpses at new experiences, areas and lands.

Always looking ahead is a cornerstone of the Walt Disney Company and this film will explore how the next worlds are built for fans to enjoy for decades to come. And park fans have much to look forward to in the coming years, with a brand new "Monsters, Inc."-themed land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and a highly anticipated "Encanto" ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. 

Related: Disneyland Reveals Its Fall Lineup

While the film will be released later in August, fans attending D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will have the opportunity to preview it at its debut screening during a special panel presentation. 

"Disney Worldbuilders" will premiere on Disney+ in August and until then, eager fans can enjoy "Disneyland Handcrafted," a documentary film created from over 50 hours of raw footage of the pioneering theme park’s very first days. 

Related: Disney Has Revealed Details About Its Highly Anticipated New Land—and I Was One of the First Humans Inside

Glen Powell is headed back to the baseball field. And this time, he's playing Lou Gehrig.

Powell, 37, is best known for roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You. With a lengthy resume that includes Hidden Figures, Hit Man, and his series, Chad Powers, he's set to reunite with director Richard Linklater, whom he previously worked with on the Texas baseball film Everybody Wants Some!! and the romantic crime film Hit Man. He'll head to first base to play Gehrig, one of the most famous New York Yankees in American history who played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball.

Deadline reported that in addition to Powell in the starring role and Linklater at the helm, Saturday Night Live legend and devoted Yankees fan Lorne Michaels is set to produce. Simon Rich, the seasoned magazine writer and author who penned An American Pickle and the upcoming Luca Guadagnino film Artificial, will pen the script.

Pictorial Parade / Getty Images

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How Did Lou Gehrig Die?

Gehrig's reign as a baseball legend ended when he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neuromuscular disease which many now refer to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He died at age 37 in 1941.

Has Lou Gehrig Ever Been Depicted on Film Before?

Gary Cooper portrayed Gehrig in the 1942 drama Pride of the Yankees, which was subtitled The Life of Lou Gehrig. The film was released the year after Gehrig died.

Powell Just Went Instagram Official With Michelle Randolph

While Powell's professional life is thriving, his personal one also seems to be going extremely well. From the looks of his social media, Powell had a wonderful Fourth of July. The star went Instagram official with Landman star Michelle Randolph. He shared a variety of photos from a rollicking Texas party that included several photos of the blonde beauty, including a solo photo of her dancing and a black-and-white photo of the couple kissing.

“Hell of a Fourth,” Powell captioned the post.

Sounds like it!

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Related: Box-Office Flop Pulls Off Stunning Comeback as No. 1 Movie on Streaming

It could be said that Alison Krauss has one of the most beloved and celebrated voices in music history. Whether she's singing bluegrass or country or pop, it seems the word most often used to describe the singer's stunning soprano is "angelic." From her work with Union Station to her collaborations with everyone from Robert Plant to Dolly Parton to James Taylor and so many more, Krauss has been blowing listeners away (and bringing them to tears) ever since she scored a record deal at the age of 14 as a fiddle prodigy...and today, July 23, she turns 55.

Krauss was born in 1971 in Champaign, Ill., according to Billboard, where her mother encouraged her to start playing music early on.

"Mom suggested I take fiddle lessons when I was in kindergarten," Krauss recalled. "Mom played banjo and guitar, and when I started on the instrument, we used to play waltzes together at home that I'd have to play in fiddle contests. She just wanted me to practice so I'd do as well as I could."

Krauss' older brother, Viktor, was equally musical. It was an eventual collaboration between the talented siblings — a cover of Plant's solo hit "Big Log" — that led to Krauss and Plant making two albums together, the platinum-selling, Grammy-winning Raising Sand (2007) and Raise the Roof (2011).

In a 2024 interview with NPR, Plant said he was a fan of Krauss long before they started making music together.

"I loved Alison's voice from a long, long way away on the Welsh borders, where I used to hear her on the British radio, and I really liked the idea of putting myself in a position to be exposed to a totally different process and a different kind of music and a beautiful voice," he explained.

The Grammy Krauss won with Plant represent just a fraction of the awards Krauss has been honored with over the course of her career: With 27 Grammy wins overall as a performer and producer, she held the record for winning more Grammys than any other woman in history (until Beyoncé broke it).

Krauss is no stranger to the Academy Awards, either, as two of the songs she sang on the Cold Mountain soundtrack were nominated for Oscars. She also famously contributed to the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack, among many others.

While Krauss isn't known as a songwriter, she is renowned for her ability to curate the perfect collection of songs for an album, a process she called "probably her favorite thing" in a 2025 interview with ELLE.

"It's so exciting when you find a song that works for the band," Krauss explained.

"For a lot of songwriters, the writing is a tough process; it’s an emotional process. It’s heavy. For me, when I find something it's only joy," she continued. "I didn’t have to go through the terrible thing they went through. It’s almost like when I find one, there's an urgency to get to sing it, or to hear the guys sing it and play it. And sometimes you have a song that has been sitting around for years; they just haven’t found a place yet with the other tunes that you find. And you have to find, for me, a first song that starts a whole experience."

Four decades after she first launched her impressive career, Krauss is still racking up the awards. Just this month, Alison Krauss & Union Station were nominated for two IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards for Entertainer of the Year and Vocal Group of the Year, according to Billboard. In 2025, the group released Arcadia, their first album in 14 years.

Related: 1983 Classic Ballad, Rock Legend's Biggest Solo Hit, Became a Timeless Road Trip Anthem

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You may not be able to get Martha Stewart to design your space in person, but purchasing pieces from her popular home collection is the next best thing. The television personality has incredible furniture and decor options at retailers like Amazon, spanning from this classy home office desk to the Martha Stewart Delaney Upholstered Mid-Century Counter Stool, which is 28% off now. 

The stool originally cost $246, but has been reduced to $178. The piece is 20 inches wide, 23 inches long, and 35 inches tall, while the seat cushion is 5 inches tall and can hold up to 300 pounds. With the sale price, it may be beneficial to purchase two chairs that you can place at your counter or bar. The furniture is specifically designed for indoor seating, so we wouldn't recommend placing it outdoors. 

Martha Stewart Delaney Upholstered Mid-Century Counter Stool, $178 (was $246) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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The chair is made of 100% polyester and a solid wooden frame with a kickrest for comfort and durability. What we love about the seating, other than the gorgeous blue color, is the detailing at the top of the legs, which gives the piece a unique texture. The legs also look slightly distressed — perfect for those who want a vintage style. 

Due to the material, it's advised to spot clean the fabric for best results. You will have to assemble the furniture upon arrival, but there is a tool kit provided and shoppers assured that putting it together was "easy." According to reviews, the stool comes in a box with all of the pieces inside. 

Related: Amazon's $20 Linen Button-Down Tank Is the Perfect ‘Lightweight’ Summer Travel Companion

Shoppers described the piece as "durable," "beautiful," "very pretty," and "comfortable." Another customer loves that the "blue is a very forgiving color," adding that they "clean up so easily. The reviewer further noted that they scotch-guarded the stool for extra protection, which may be worth it if you have children around or frequent guests. 

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Martha Stewart is here to personalize your home, starting with this stunning counter stool. The muted blue will add color to your space without overwhelming it. Shop the gorgeous island chair now, while it's 28% off at Amazon! 

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Heart's "Alone" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1987 and since then has been called the greatest power ballad ever recorded. Ann Wilson's vocal performance is the reason. Before Wilson even sang a single note of it, "Alone" had already been turned down twice. The song that defined a generation of big-voiced love songs spent years going nowhere before it found the voice it needed.

Billy Steinberg, who died in 2025, and Tom Kelly wrote "Alone." The same writers who gave Madonna "Like a Virgin" couldn't get this one off the ground. They recorded it first with i-Ten, their short-lived side project, in 1983. Nothing happened. Then a young John Stamosrecorded it for the soundtrack of a CBSsitcom called Dreams in 1984, years before Full House made him a household name. Still nothing. Two attempts. Two failures. The song sat there, fully formed and completely overlooked, until Heart heard it.

When Ann Wilson sang it, something completely different happened.

Nancy Wilson's guitar figure opens the song with four notes that are immediately and unmistakably "Alone." Her playing amplifies Ann Wilson's voice and brings that story to life. And Ann Wilson was only 37 when she recorded it. That age matters. The lyric is about a loner who's unexpectedly fallen deeply in love and can't hide it anymore. A 37-year-old singing that with full conviction isn't performing vulnerability. She's lived enough to mean every single word. Two previous recordings couldn't bring those words to life. Wilson made them feel inevitable. Tom Kelly, who co-wrote the song, sang the high harmony parts on Heart's recording, the songwriter's own voice wrapped around Ann Wilson's, both of them finally hearing what the song had always been capable of.

Classic Pop describes the performance as "delivered with utter conviction." That's the key phrase. The song had always been great. It just needed the right person.

By the mid-1980s, Heart's glory days were considered long gone. Ann and Nancy Wilson had built their reputation on 1970s arena rock. Crazy on You. Barracuda. Magic Man. The music industry had moved on. Nobody was waiting for Heart to come back.

Related: 48 Years Ago Today, Iconic ‘Heart of Glass’ Band Took a Momentous Step That Made Them Legends

And then they chose to sing: "Til now I always got by on my own / I never really cared until I met you / And now it chills me to the bone." A band that had always got by on its own, suddenly admitting it hadn't been fine.

"These Dreams" went to No. 1 in 1986. "Alone" went to No. 1 in 1987 and stayed there for three weeks. Two back-to-back chart-toppers from a band everyone had given up on. Their die-hard fans weren't pleased with the shift toward polished, emotionally direct love songs. The general public sent both to the top of the charts anyway.

And, while Bonnie Tyler may have pioneered the power ballad genre with "Total Eclipse of the Heart" in 1983, it was Heart who perfected the form four years later. Not the greatest power ballad of 1987 but the greatest power ballad ever - from a band that no one expected to have another hit.

The Voice That Made It Famous Is Still Finding New Ways to Use It

In 2024, Ann Wilson revealed her cancer diagnosis. She'd had successful surgery, but her doctors recommended preventive chemotherapy and time away from the stage. She told fans: "This is merely a pause. I've much more to sing."

She was right. Wilson made her return to the stage in 2025 as Heart celebrated their 50th anniversary with arena tours all across North America. "Alone" was in every setlist. The song she recorded at 37 was still stopping crowds cold at 74.

In March 2026, she launched a screening tour for her new documentary "In My Voice," visiting ten cities including Seattle, Nashville, New York and Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her statement about the film could have been written about the song "Alone" itself: "This film is my story in my own words, told the way I've always wanted to tell it. It's about finding my voice, keeping it alive and sharing the journey with the people who've been part of it all along."

A documentary about finding her voice. For the woman whose voice transformed a twice rejected song into the greatest power ballad ever recorded.

Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly wrote "Alone" and watched it go nowhere twice. Then Ann Wilson sang it, and it went to No. 1. Nearly 40 years later, she's touring a documentary about finding her voice, having beaten cancer to keep using it.

The greatest power ballad ever recorded was rejected twice before it found the right person.

Some songs just have to wait.

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Go to any IKEA on a weekday afternoon, and you’ll most likely find the cafeteria packed. Diners in suits sitting alongside construction workers in high-visibility vests, parents maneuvering strollers, or remote workers hunched over laptops. There's a chance they aren't taking a break while browsing flat-pack desks or testing mattress firmness. They are probably pulling off an increasingly popular budget hack: using the retail giant purely as a restaurant, and walking right back out.

Across the globe, the big-box furniture store is quietly turning into a primary dining spot for budget-conscious crowds. A recent thread on the IKEA subreddit brought the trend into full view when a user asked the question: “Is it weird if I go to IKEA just for lunch?”
The response was enthusiastic, with hundreds of regulars explaining how they bypass the showroom entirely.

"I have a coworker that has been going to IKEA for breakfast every day for over a decade," wrote one user. "He insists it’s much cheaper than making it at home, and tastes better because someone else made it."

Employees on the platform confirmed the practice is standard. "When I worked there, a big construction site was nextdoor and the workers would walk over most days for lunch," shared a former employee. "There was an older gentleman who came in at least once a week for lunch at the bistro. He always bought two hotdogs and would pull out a slice of American cheese from his pocket to put on top. He was affectionately referred to as 'cheese guy'."

The strategy relies on low prices, free perks, and strategic shortcuts. Users highlighted main courses like salmon and cod with sides landing between $10 and $12, paired with free coffee for IKEA Family cardholders. "At the IKEA I frequent, there's a shortcut directly to the bistro at the entrance of the store," noted one user.

For commuters and remote workers, the store offers free parking, climate control, and cheap meals. "If you're driving on the M4 motorway near to Reading and you want to stop at the services for a meal/drink/fuel etc. DONT," advised UK user sheddyian. "Very nearby is another motorway exit for IKEA, and there you can get much cheaper food & free tea/coffee and use the toilets… so much cheaper!"

While store designers may have originally built the food halls as loss leaders to entice furniture buyers, millions are flipping the script — treating the showroom as an affordable local diner and skipping the shopping cart entirely.

If you're the kind of traveler who believes evening entertainment is just as crucial to a great cruise as the ports of call, Holland America Line is completely changing the game on the water.

The cruise line has officially rolled out four brand-new World Stage productions aboard the Oosterdam, giving guests an immersive mix of Broadway history, 1970s disco, Las Vegas glamour, and a heavy-hitting concert created right alongside Rolling Stone.

The clear headliner of the new lineup is "Holland America Line and Rolling Stone Present, All Access: The Songs That Shaped Us." Building on the massive popularity of the shipboard Rolling Stone Lounges, this full-scale main-stage show takes passengers on a high-energy journey through 60s classic rock and 70s anthems.

Backed by a live band, powerhouse singers, and dynamic dancers, the production celebrates timeless hits from rock legends like Janis Joplin, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and Van Halen.

Related: Holland America Just Unveiled Its Next Cruise Season—Complete With Refreshed Ships and Private Island Upgrades

Holland America Line Just Launched 4 Brand-New Stage Shows—Including a 60s Classic Rock Concert with Rolling Stone

Holland America Line

Speaking on the collaboration, Julian Holguin, chief executive officer of Rolling Stone, shared why bringing these iconic tracks to sea felt like a natural fit for passengers looking for a deeper connection to music:

“Rolling Stone has always celebrated the songs and artists that shape how people feel, connect and create memories, and this partnership with Holland America Line brings that spirit to audiences in a fresh, immersive way. We’re excited to build on the momentum of Rolling Stone Lounge with a new live experience that feels both unmistakably Rolling Stone and perfectly suited for guests looking to engage with music in a meaningful, memorable setting.”

Beyond the 60s classic rock tribute, the Oosterdam is filling out its evening schedule with three other distinct theatrical experiences. Fans of musical theater can catch "Fosse and Verdon, The Duet That Changed Broadway," an acclaimed production developed directly with the Verdon Fosse Legacy that blends iconic choreography with never-before-seen archival audio and video footage from hits like Chicago and Cabaret.

Related: Holland America Line Upgrades the Ultimate Alaska Adventure With New Lodging and Free Land Dining Packages

Holland America Line

For those craving high-octane energy, "Decadence" blends old-school Hollywood glamour with Las Vegas pulse and precision showgirls, while "Disco Fever" transforms the theater into a glittering 1970s dance party set to timeless tracks like "Le Freak" and "It's Raining Men."

All four productions are currently running live on the Oosterdam as it sails through its Mediterranean, Adriatic, and South American itineraries this season. The entertainment refresh also offers a sneak peek into the future of the fleet, as the ship prepares to kick off the "Holland America Evolution" initiative—a multi-million-dollar guest experience upgrade that will fully revitalize six vessels, culminating in the Oosterdam's complete shipwide refresh in December 2027.

Related: Holland America Line Reveals Next Ship to Get Transformation—And It's a Fan-Favorite

Sixty-two years ago today, one of rock's most instantly recognizable songs was sitting on top of the charts, and it owed its name to an accident.

On July 23, 1964, the Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night" was No. 1 on the UK singles chart, the band's fifth chart-topper there. Within weeks it also topped the US Billboard Hot 100, making it a worldwide smash.

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The title came from Ringo Starr. After a marathon day of work that stretched into the early hours, the drummer meant to say it had been a hard day, then caught himself when he noticed it was already dark and blurted, "It's been a hard day's night."John Lennon loved the phrase, and once it was picked as the title of the band's first film, he and Paul McCartney suddenly had a theme song to write on demand. Lennon wrote it overnight and brought it in the next morning, and the group recorded it days later, in April 1964.

Related: 1967 Rock Classic, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of All Time,’ Was Just Reimagined by Bon Jovi

From a Slip to a Signature

Everything about the song announced the moment. It opens with one of the most famous chords in pop history, a bright, unresolved jangle that fans and musicians still argue over how to play. From there it races through in barely two and a half minutes, catching the Beatles at the peak of Beatlemania.

It was one of several 1964 chart-toppers for the group, alongside "Can't Buy Me Love". More than six decades on, the band's catalog still climbs the charts for new generations, but few songs capture a single moment like this one, a throwaway remark that turned into a worldwide No. 1.

Next: 1969 Timeless Hit, Written ‘Quickly’ in Between Studio Takes, Turned a 20-Year-Old Into a Rock Icon

After success with YA books, Ashley Elston made her adult debut in 2024 in First Lie Wins. It lead to a lot of anticipation for her second adult novel, Anatomy of an Alibi.

Now that we’re at the halfway point of the year, Goodreads has looked back at the most popular reads for 2026 so far. It wasn’t surprising to see that Anatomy of an Alibi was on the list, hitting No. 9, just ahead of Frieda McFadden’s The Divorce.

Anatomy of an Alibi was released on Jan. 13, 2026, and it was one of the most anticipated mysteries and thrillers of the year. It immediately ranked on the New York Times bestseller list, peaking at No. 2 during the first week on the list. After spending consecutive weeks in the top spot, it slowly dropped off.

The novel brings a Strangers on a Train feel to it, where two women want one man dead. They need to provide each other with an alibi, and it seems like the perfect way to get away with murder.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House

One night at Chantilly’s Bar, everyone noticed Camille Bayliss sipping on her Negroni. She appears to have the picture-perfect life thanks to her happy marriage and her Louisiana family money. However, her husband, Ben, isn’t as perfect as he seems, hiding dirty secrets for years that she can’t quite prove.

Enter Aubrey Price, the real woman at Chantilly’s Bar that night. She is sure that Ben knows something about the terrible night that she is still haunted by. What if his wife is willing to help get the answers? Camille can spy on Ben, while Aubrey takes her place to make it look like she has an alibi.

Ben was never meant to be murdered, and when he’s found the next morning, both women need to stick together. All it takes is one to betray the other and the entire plan comes undone. Of course, they also need to figure out what happened to Camille’s husband.

In a 2025 interview, she shared that, “This was probably the hardest book I’ve ever written. It took me the longest of all to decide when to step away from it.”

Of course, part of the difficulty came from coming off the back of the success of First Lie Wins, which shot to the No. 1 spot on the NYT bestseller list, bringing pressure for the sophomore adult book. “I was in my head a lot for the writing of this book. In the end, I’m very proud of it. I’m proud that I did it!”