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Ryan Seacrest is the host of Wheel of Fortune, a longtime American Idol fixture, and one of the busiest names in television. He's also the owner of a 40-acre estate in Napa Valley that he's been trying to sell for nearly two years — and he just dropped the price.

The property in St. Helena, California, is now listed at $19.8 million, down $2.2 million from the original $22 million asking price when it first hit the market in July 2024, according to Robb Report. The listing was pulled in November 2025 and recently relisted with Cyd Greer of Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley.

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Seacrest, 51, bought the estate for $14 million in September 2020. The Tuscan-style main house was built in 2004 by architect Howard Backen and went through a full renovation between 2023 and 2024. In total, there are five bedrooms and six-and-a-half bathrooms spread across the main home, a guest cottage, and a pool house. Outside, there's an infinity-edge pool and spa, a bocce court, and 220 Italian olive trees — which the Emmy winner has previously said he hoped to use to press his own olive oil.

@ryanseacrest

Some call it cooking, I call it oil painting 🫒 Happy #NationalExtraVirginOliveOilDay

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“It’s such a peaceful spot, and the views out over the valley floor are unforgettable,” he said in a statement obtained by People. “You can even see the hot air balloons drifting by in the distance. It’s the kind of place where you naturally want to slow down and take it all in.”

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Seacrest is no stranger to high-end real estate moves. In 2023, he sold his New York City penthouse to Fanatics billionaire Michael Rubin for $43 million — a significant profit over the $31.5 million he originally paid. The year before that, he sold a Beverly Hills estate for $51 million, a property he'd bought in 2012 for around $37 million from Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi. If the Napa estate sells anywhere near asking, he'd net roughly $5.8 million over his 2020 purchase price.

At $19.8 million, it's still one of the pricier listings in St. Helena. But for a 40-acre compound with its own olive grove, a wine cellar, and hot air balloon views, it may just come down to finding the right buyer.

Related: Read Next

A wildly popular seasonal favorite has officially returned to Trader Joe's, and fans say they've been waiting all year for this moment. At just $3.99, this cult-favorite candle is already sparking store runs and social media buzz.

The beloved Tomato Leaf candle is back at Trader Joe's, and longtime shoppers know it rarely sticks around for long. Priced under $4, the small but mighty candle has developed a reputation for selling out quickly each spring. Shoppers say they're heading straight to the store before it disappears again.

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A $4 Candle With a Luxury-Level Scent

What makes this Trader Joe's candle such a standout? Fans describe the scent as intensely green, earthy and herb-forward, like walking through a tomato garden at peak season. Think fresh tomato vines, crushed leaves and that crisp outdoor aroma that lingers on your hands after tending plants.

While tomato-scented candles might sound unusual, this one has earned comparisons to high-end versions that cost more than $90. Many shoppers consider it a budget-friendly alternative to luxury tomato leaf candles, making the $3.99 price tag feel like an absolute steal.

Reviewers say the scent throw this year is unmatched, noting that the fragrance easily fills a room without needing to burn for hours. Others admit the bold herbal profile can be polarizing, but that's part of its charm. You either love that fresh-from-the-garden vibe or find it surprisingly strong. For many fans, including me, it's the ultimate spring candle.

Related: Trader Joe’s Cashiers Are Judging You For These Rookie Moves

Shoppers Are Stocking Up Before It Sells Out

Trader Joe's seasonal drops have a history of creating buzz, but this candle seems to inspire a special kind of urgency. One commenter joked, "Move over tote bags, this is the real reason I will rush to TJs," referencing the famously viral Trader Joe's tote releases that often cause long lines. Another shopper said they've been waiting for this day, while plenty of others shared plans to grab multiples.

Buying five at once might sound excessive, but seasoned fans know the tomato leaf candle typically disappears fast. Because it's a limited seasonal item, many shoppers stock up to enjoy the scent well beyond spring.

At under $4, it's an easy buy, whether you're refreshing your space for the season or just curious about the hype. Trader Joe's has mastered the art of the affordable cult favorite, and this viral candle proves it yet again.

Related: Trader Joe's Is Selling a Crispy and Savory $5 Appetizer That Just Transformed My Easy Weeknight Dinners

Aldi shoppers know that when a fan-favorite item disappears, it’s only a matter of time before the anticipation starts building. From seasonal snacks to cult-loved desserts, the bargain retailer has a way of turning limited-time finds into must-have staples, if only for a short while.

Now, one of those beloved treats is making a long-awaited return, and fans are already calling it worth the hype. This week, Aldi quietly restocked a sweet favorite that shoppers have been craving, and it’s quickly finding its way back into carts.

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Bake House Creations Core Cookie Dough, $4.99 at Aldi

Aldi shoppers have something extra exciting to celebrate—the return of Bake House Creations Core Cookie Dough in two indulgent flavors—salted caramel and fudge.

The ready-to-eat dessert, part of Aldi’s popular in-house line, features rich cookie dough wrapped around a soft, gooey center, making it more like a stuffed dessert than a simple snack.

Bake House Creations Core Cookie Dough

Aldi

The salted caramel version combines sweet cookie dough with a smooth caramel core with a pinch of salt, while the fudge flavor leans into a deeper, chocolatey richness with a decadent center. Both come in a convenient four-pack and are designed to be enjoyed straight from the fridge—no baking required.

The product just reappeared on shelves this week, making it a timely find for shoppers who have been waiting for its return. Like many Aldi items, it’s part of the store’s rotating selection, which means it'll only be available for a limited time.

Related: Hungry Howie's Rolls Out a Bold New Crust Flavor That Could Spark the Next Big Pizza Debate

Aldi's Fan-Favorite Edible Cookie Dough Treat is Back on Shelves

Fans, especially those loyal to the salted caramel flavor, have had plenty to say about the treat in the past—and most of it is glowing. Many shoppers have praised the balance of sweet and salty flavors, saying "that caramel one was delicious!" as well as praising the creamy texture that makes it feel like a more elevated dessert option.

Across social media, reactions have consistently highlighted just how addictive the cookie dough can be. Some fans say they prefer the caramel version for its unique flavor, while others lean toward the chocolate fudge—but plenty agree both are worth picking up. "Ooooh yes those are so good!!!!!" said another person.

Part of the appeal is how easy it is to enjoy. Unlike traditional cookie dough meant for baking, this version is safe to be eaten as-is, making it a quick dessert, late-night snack, or even a shareable treat (if you’re willing). It's back on shelves now, so run to Aldi to get a pack before they're gone.

Related: 11 Popular Food Chains From the '80s We Wish Would Come Back Now

For nearly every year of our lives as a family, we’ve taken at least one major vacation—and more often than not, it’s a cruise. I’ve always appreciated the "unpack once" convenience and the streamlined nature of life at sea, which bundles meals, entertainment and quality time into one seamless itinerary. Over the years, lines like Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Disney were our go-to choices. However, as my children grew older, my priorities shifted toward amenities that catered to older teens and, eventually, young adults.

Now that my children are out of college and in the workforce, their vacation schedules are anything but flexible. I wanted to organize a four- or five-night holiday family trip that would allow us to truly reconnect. After weighing our options, I returned to my favorite travel hack: the short-haul cruise. After consulting with my husband, son and daughter, we collectively decided on one major requirement: we wanted a sailing experience without any children on board.

My husband and I had sailed on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady two years ago and loved the vibe. Now that both of our children are over 18, it felt like the perfect time to bring them into the fold. Between the "adults-only" atmosphere and the overall value I found when pricing out three cabins, it checked every box on our list. Plus, with my daughter already living in Miami, we were able to skip her round-trip airfare and head straight to the terminal for our most grown-up family getaway yet.

Related: 3 Ways Cruisers Waste Money Without Realizing It

View this post on Instagram The Overall Vibe

Experienced cruisers know to arrive the night before, especially in winter or during the holidays. I chose the InterContinental Miami for our pre-cruise stay. My son arrived on a flight from New York, while my daughter took a rideshare to the hotel. I used points to book two rooms: one on the Club Level for my husband and me, and a double room for my son and daughter to share. The Club Level was a fantastic choice for us, as we took full advantage of the complimentary cocktail hour and the bountiful breakfast buffet. Of course, the kids slept late and preferred the a la carte offerings from the Starbucks in the lobby.

We took a quick Uber to Terminal V at PortMiami, arriving just in time for our 1:45 p.m. boarding window. We booked three cabins in a row on Deck 14 of Scarlet Lady, which created a super-fun dynamic for the group. While three separate cabins might seem like a splurge, it was money well spent—and I don’t regret a single dime. Since this is our one big family vacation of the year, providing everyone with their own space ensured we all stayed comfortable (and on speaking terms!). Plus, every balcony features that signature red hammock—a trademark Virgin Voyages amenity that we all put to good use.

Virgin Voyages

One major perk of a later boarding time on Virgin Voyages is that your cabin is ready the second you step on board. There's no dragging around heavy carry-ons or backpacks that weigh a ton while you wait for your room to open. Within 15 minutes of arriving at the terminal, we were officially on the ship, had dropped our belongings in our Deck 14 staterooms, and were headed straight to lunch.

Virgin Voyages offers a unique cruise experience that is especially well-suited for families with children over the age of 18. “Unlike traditional cruise lines that often focus heavily on younger families and children’s programming, Virgin Voyages creates an environment designed entirely for adults—making it an ideal setting for parents and their grown children to connect in a more mature, relaxed way,” says Lisa M. Lee, a travel advisor and owner of Taking Off For Travel LLC in New Jersey.

I wanted to share some highlights of my amazing Scarlet Lady sailing.

What I Loved: The Dining Experience

Virgin Voyages

I really dislike ship buffets and do my best to avoid them when I sail. Virgin Voyages doesn’t have typical buffets but offers a dining concept called The Galley, which was a big plus for me. Here, crew members are at each food station and serve the food, so the experience didn’t feel like a traditional buffet model.

Stations included custom salads, soups and noodles, a deli, burgers, pizza and several hot entrees, plus a carving station. The desserts were equally impressive. A special treat was a popsicle cart with frozen treats, which is something I have yet to see at sea.

For dinner, there are several sit-down restaurants. Since we had three separate cabins, we were able to link our reservations through our apps and could make dinner bookings together. When the reservation window of 45 days opened, I quickly booked tables for four at the specialty restaurants each night. The nice part about this policy is that you don’t have to purchase a dining package or worry about extra charges; all dining is included, except for limited add-ons which are clearly defined on the menus.

We dined at The Wake, a steakhouse; Extra Virgin, the Italian venue; Pink Agave, the Mexican restaurant; and Razzle Dazzle, which has an Asian fusion theme. I must say each meal was amazing, and my entire family said the dining reminded them of being in a cool and trendy restaurant in either Miami or New York. Additionally, the service was exceptional. Our dietary restrictions were accommodated efficiently and accurately. Guests are permitted to order whatever they like from the menu, including multiple appetizers, sides, main courses and desserts. We did not encounter any limitations and were able to sample several dishes, all of which were delivered courteously to our table each night.

Related: Virgin Voyages Fills a Much-Needed Gap in Dining at Sea

Loved: Fellow Passengers and The Social Vibe

Virgin Voyages

Virgin’s policy of not allowing guests under the age of 18 ensures a tranquil environment throughout the ship, including public areas such as hallways, elevators, pools and entertainment venues. While I enjoy spending time with children, I wanted peace while traveling with my own adult children—without other minors present. This calmer environment enhances the overall experience. Sailing with Virgin offers a unique atmosphere that I am sure you will appreciate if you want to travel without kids.

“We see families traveling with their adult children not out of obligation, but by choice,” says Nicole Huang, SVP of Fleet Experiences atVirgin Voyages. “There’s something really special about that shift. You’re no longer in a parent-and-child dynamic; you’re reconnecting as adults. What we’re seeing more and more is that it's less about planning activities and more about rediscovering each other in a completely new way."

The guest demographics were diverse and enhanced my sailing experience. Interactions in common areas, such as elevators and restaurants, were friendly and enjoyable compared to previous cruises I have done. The cruise included couples, families, mother-daughter pairs, groups of friends and solo travelers. The atmosphere was inclusive and pleasant.

Related: Virgin Voyages Just Leaked the Most Exclusive Ticket at Sea

Loved: The Activities

Erica Lamberg

The activities and excursions are also thoughtfully curated with adults in mind. From wellness classes and fitness programs to immersive shore excursions, everything is designed to appeal to the adult passenger. “This creates opportunities for meaningful shared experiences that go beyond the typical family vacation,” says Lee.

Another major advantage is the atmosphere on board. “With no children allowed, the environment is calm, stylish and distinctly adult,” she continues. “The ship’s aesthetics reflect a modern, sophisticated design, and the overall vibe is more relaxed and refined. This allows families with adult children to enjoy each other’s company without the noise and distractions often found on more family-oriented cruises.”

Entertainment on board also reflects this adult focus. The shows are creative and often feature mature themes, while events like the signature “Scarlet Night” party offer a lively, high-energy experience that appeals to an older crowd. “These moments create lasting memories that feel fresh and exciting for both parents and their adult children,” Lee explains. “Spending time with your children as adults is very different from when they were young—it becomes about shared interests, deeper conversations and growing together through new experiences.”

Didn’t Love: The "Bar Tab" System

Erica lLamberg

Unlike most cruise lines that offer a drink package you can buy in advance, Virgin Voyages does things differently. Although they include soda, filtered coffee, tea and water in your cruise fare, alcohol is handled through a unique system.

Instead of conventional unlimited drink packages, Virgin uses a Bar Tab. Guests can prepay in tiers ranging from $200 to $1,000 and are awarded bonus credits; higher tiers provide increased bonuses of up to 25%. This Bar Tab covers any crew-prepared drink on Scarlet Lady or at The Beach Club at Bimini, and the credit is simply deducted with each order. It’s a straightforward concept, and you are essentially working off a "prepaid" tab.

Given our group of four, estimating our drinks wasn’t easy. We received $300 in onboard credits as booking incentives and subsequently purchased $1,000 in Bar Tabs, which provided an additional $250 bonus credit. By the end of the cruise, we still had over $500 remaining. We realized we had bought a bit too much, but thankfully, we discovered that guests could purchase bottles of wine with any remaining credits on the final night. We bought six premium wines to take home; it was nice to have an option to use the leftover credit instead of losing it.

Related: Virgin Voyages Makes Surprising Changes to Its Loyalty Program

Didn’t Love:  Small Spaces That Sometimes Couldn’t Meet Demand

Scarlet Lady’s pool deck offers an enjoyable atmosphere with cool music and comfortable seating. I was generally able to find shade, and the staff at both the pool and the bar were courteous and accommodating. However, the pool deck often felt overcrowded, particularly on sea days.

As a writer, I was extended access to Richard’s Rooftop, an exclusive space reserved for suite-level guests known as “Rockstars.” This area provided a much more tranquil environment; although it lacks a pool, it features hot tubs and premium sun loungers. One thing I should share: I found the proximity of the ship’s designated smoking area, which is adjacent to one side of the Rooftop, to be somewhat bothersome.

Another concern was that certain entertainment performances took place in smaller venues. As a result, we were unable to attend one or two shows due to the very long lines. Guests often began lining up more than an hour prior to showtime, and by the time we arrived, all seats were occupied and there was no standing room available. While I can’t offer a direct solution, I wanted to share these observations so other families can plan accordingly.

Related: This Adults-Only Cruise Line is Quietly Moving to Brooklyn This Spring

Yes, I Just Booked Another Virgin Voyages Cruise

The pros far outweighed any cons on this vacation. The trip was an ideal escape and created the perfect setting to connect with our adult children. “A Virgin Voyage offers a chance for families to evolve their relationships, enjoy new adventures side by side, and create lasting memories in an environment designed specifically for adults,” says Lee. “In this way, it’s more than just a vacation—it’s an opportunity to grow together and celebrate a new stage of family life."

We loved our cruise so much that I already booked another sailing for later this year. I am counting down the days until my sailing on Brilliant Lady, the newest ship in Virgin's fleet.

Related: 10 Best Caribbean 'Micro-Cruises' for 2026: Quick Weekend Tropical Escapes

Spring has only just started, but Pillsbury already has summer in sight.

While fans are busy baking up Pillsbury's current seasonal finds—like its returning Strawberry & Cream Cinnamon Rolls and new Blueberry Crumble Cookies—the century-old baking brand has been quietly working behind the scenes to get its summer-ready recipes in order.

From the looks of it, the rollout of Pillsbury's summer exclusives is creeping up, as the brand quietly added several new, warmer-weather-inspired treats to its website. Joining the upcoming new place-and-bake sugar cookie shapes, which fans are calling "so cute," are two new patriotic desserts: a ready-to-bake Apple Pie Cookie Dough and a Red, White, and Blue Cookie Dough.

Fans are already going wild over the additions, with many championing the new apple-pie-inspired treat as something they just have to try this summer.

Pillsbury's New Apple Pie Cookie Dough Flavor Is Already Inspiring Fans

"Ohhhh....Apple Pie....looks delicious!!" one Instagram user cheered, as another rejoiced, "omg."

"Apple Pie cookies!" a third exclaimed, adding that they already have creative ideas on how to innovate desserts with the new treat. "Kinda wanna make a cookie crust then fill up with apple pie filling."

Related: New Pillsbury Freezer Find Has Fans ‘Super Excited’

Pillsbury's new Apple Pie Cookie Dough features graham-flavored pieces, dried apples, and whole-grain oats, according to the official ingredient list on the brand's website. Each package makes 12 big, bakery-style cookies without the mixing and measuring. Just preheat the oven, place, bake and enjoy (or snack on 'em raw, these are safe for that).

New Red, White & Blue Cookies Bring Even More Fun This Season

Pillsbury's new Red, White & Blue Cookies are also safe to eat raw. Each package makes 12 larger sugar cookies speckled with colorful red and blue sprinkles, reminiscent of the fireworks scattered on the packaging.

View this post on Instagram Where Will the New Pillsbury Cookies Be Available?

Pillsbury's new Apple Pie Cookie Dough, as well as its Red, White and Blue cookies haven't been spotted in stores just yet, but we expect the new treats to be available wherever Pillsbury products are sold as we inch closer to the close to Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer (which is only a few weeks away!)

A spokesperson was not immediately available; we will update this story with any relevant information that may be shared.

Next: Ghirardelli’s New Brownie Mix Is a First for the Brand—and Fans Are Already Loving It

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Want a total patio glow-up without draining your bank account? You're not alone. While Pinterest boards and home design shows make a complete outdoor makeover on a budget look easy, the reality is that furniture, lighting, and accessories add up fast. But if you shop smart at Walmart, it's possible to completely refresh your space for less than $200.

Outfitting your patio, deck, or porch with quality pieces — whether you’re replacing worn-out items or starting from scratch — can get expensive in a hurry. When you see a single patio chair that costs nearly $600, it can make buying an entire set seem unattainable if you’re trying to stick to a budget. Thankfully, Walmart has everything you need at prices that won’t make you sweat. 

We've scoured Walmart's outdoor living deals to find must-have items, from on-trend decor to stylish furniture, that let you achieve a complete, stylish patio makeover for under $200. Stop scrolling past those aspirational Instagram hauls, and build a budget-friendly outdoor space that you can actually enjoy.

Concetta 3-Piece Wicker Patio Set, $93 (was $130) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Walmart has some of the cutest patio sets available for under $100, and one that's especially on-trend this season is this three-piece wicker bistro set that's on sale for just $93 right now. It's got a cozy, boho-chic look, made with weather-resistant synthetic rattan over a sturdy steel frame. The two chairs feature comfortable foam padding and supportive back pillows, while the tempered glass-topped table provides a stable, easy-to-clean surface for drinks or decor.

Sixhome Reversible Outdoor Rug, From $23 (was $46) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Quality outdoor area rugs can sometimes cost more than an entire patio furniture set. But that's not the case with this reversible rug at Walmart. Now less than $25 for the 5-foot by 8-foot size, it's available in multiple colors and styles, including floral, tropical, and boho prints. 

Reviewers said it "looks beautiful," and that the lightweight design is easy to relocate when needed and rinses clean with a water hose.

Segmart Large Hammock Chair Swing, $26 (was $59) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Just imagine how relaxing it could be to lounge in this cozy hammock chair. Designed to support up to 330 pounds, shoppers said it's "easy to install" and results in a "sturdy," yet "comfortable" spot to curl up and enjoy your outdoor space. Perfect for small spaces, it can be hung from a porch ceiling, deck beam, or on a hammock stand.

My Texas House Gingham Outdoor Lumbar Pillow, $15 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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While both the patio set and the hammock chair above include comfortable cushions, adding an outdoor lumbar pillow can provide a bit more support when you need it. Plus, the trendy gingham print can add a burst of brightness to your space. Designed with weather-resistant materials, shoppers said this "pretty" pillow doesn't mildew or fade in the sun.

Daybetter Solar String Lights, $15 (was $26) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Solar-powered lighting is an easy way to give your outdoor space an enchanting feel after the sun sets. Hang this 35-foot-long string of LED solar lights across your porch, around your deck railing, or even on your fence, and get ready to watch the magic happen. A solar panel charges these lights during the day so they'll automatically illuminate at night. 

To switch up the vibe, choose between four brightness levels and eight lighting modes using the included remote.

Related: Walmart's 'Stylish and Comfortable' $221 Outdoor Dining Table Set Is 'Perfect for Family Dinners'

Gvdv Tabletop Fire Pit, $19 (was $40) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

How much would you love to toast marshmallows for s'mores or roast hot dogs over an open flame on your patio? With this tabletop fire pit, you can do exactly that. Measuring just 7.5 inches tall, shoppers called the smokeless design "great for small areas." Several shared that they even used it without issue on their apartment balcony. Plus, when the weather cools off, you'll have a handy way to keep warm. 

Mainstays Arlo Recycled Resin Planter, $4 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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For a pop of color and a place to plant some greenery, this scalloped planter is exactly what your patio needs. Available in coral, aqua, green, and royal blue, shoppers said the 4-inch size is ideal for planting succulents, herbs, or other small plants. It even has a functional drainage plug built into the bottom so you can control how much water stays in the soil.

Mainstays Decorative Garden Stake, $2 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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To complete your space, a decorative garden stake is a charming accent. Choose from nine adorable designs, including a highland cow, a gnome, a bee on a sunflower, a bow, cherries, a pair of boots, sunflowers, a smiley face, or mushrooms — all just $2 each. 

If you purchased everything here for the prices currently listed, your total would be $197, so you could theoretically snag a second garden stake and still stay under budget!

Shop More Deals

• Qoosea Outdoor Solar Sunflower Lantern, $16 (was $40) at Walmart
• Patiojoy Patio Lounge Chair, $60 (was $146) at Walmart
• Ainfox Outdoor Market Patio Umbrella, $27 (was $70) at Walmart

Having a fun and functional outdoor space doesn't have to involve spending an entire month's salary. Add these affordable patio picks from Walmart to your cart and beautify your backyard on a budget. 

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

The posh bedrooms of Beverly Hills rarely see the business end of a ten-inch carving knife. But on April 4, 1958 —Good Friday — the floor at 730 North Bedford Drive was stained red. The Golden Age of Hollywood didn't crack; it shattered when a fourteen-year-old girl with a grip on a wooden handle ended the life of a professional goon.

Cheryl Crane, the daughter of screen legend Lana Turner, had done the unthinkable: she killed her mother’s boyfriend. The victim was Johnny Stompanato, a man whose rugged looks masked a violent streak tied to the Mickey Cohen crime syndicate. While the world saw Turner as the Sweater Girl and the epitome of MGM glamour, her teenage daughter saw a terrified woman trapped in a cycle of bruises and threats.

The tension between the actress and the mob-affiliated Stompanato reached a fever pitch that April evening. Neighbors weren't surprised by the noise, their arguments were legendary, but no one was prepared for the silence that followed. Stompanato had reportedly threatened to maim Turner, promising to ruin her famous face so she would never work again.

Crane, standing outside her mother’s bedroom door, heard the man vowing to kill her mother and her grandmother. In a moment of instinct, the teenager fled to the kitchen. She grabbed a knife and returned to defend her mother. When the door swung open, the blade met Stompanato’s abdomen. He collapsed. The mobster was dead before the doctor arrived.

Lana Turner's daughterCheryl Crane arriving to court. (Source: Getty)

Photo by Bettmann on Getty Images

Who was the man who died on Lana Turner’s floor? Stompanato wasn't a leading man; he was a bodyguard and associate for the notorious mobster Cohen. His presence in Turner’s life was a source of constant friction with the Hollywood studios, who feared the association with organized crime would sink their top star.

The death of Stompanato sparked a media circus. Within hours, the house was swarming with police and reporters. The girl in the middle was a quiet fourteen-year-old who suddenly found herself at the center of the century's most sensational "justifiable homicide" case.

The legal proceedings that followed were less a trial and more a televised drama. Turner took the stand in a performance that many critics at the time called her most harrowing. She wept as she described the months of torment Stompanato had inflicted. The testimony was the talk of every dinner table in America.

The jury didn't take long to decide: the crime was ruled a justifiable homicide. The ruling allowed Cheryl to avoid a murder conviction, but the scars remained. The public was divided. Was it a daughter protecting her mother, or a messy Hollywood cover-up designed to save a career?

Decades later, the case remains a cornerstone of true crime lore. It is a story of what happened when the MGM dream machine met the reality of 1950s domestic violence. For women of that era, life was often dictated by the men they feared, no matter how many fans were waiting at the stage door. Crane eventually found peace away from the cameras, later becoming a successful real estate agent and writing a memoir that detailed the trauma of that night.For Turner, the scandal didn't end her career. Instead, it fueled the success of Imitation of Life, a film released shortly after that mirrored her real-life domestic struggles.

Mythical creatures play a key role in many aspects of the human psyche, found in ancient lore, myths, and stories in all cultures around the world. While they are supernatural beings, their magical presence, found in all ancient texts, art, folklore, and storytelling, feels energetically real for many. But at their core, their archetypes always come with either an encouraging or moral lesson, adding a dash of otherworldliness to our human stories. Below is the mythical creature that mirrors your birth month’s unique combination of energies. 

Which Magical Creature Mirrors Your Energy?

Check for your birth month. Disregard your birth date.

January: Yeti

As a Winter month in the Northern Hemisphere, January gives birth to endlessly strong individuals. Both Capricorn and Aquarius are tough Saturn-ruled signs, able to sustain themselves and even thrive in the toughest conditions. The Yeti is this month’s magical creature, mirroring this birth month’s survival and self-mastery instincts to a T. 

READ: Your Lucky Angel Number, Based on Your Birth Date

February: Mermaid

While Aquarius is not a water sign, it does have a deep connection with this element, as its Water-Bearer archetype is associated with bringing life to humanity. Pisces, which follows along the zodiac wheel, is oceanic and boundaryless. The mermaid, which, according to ancient lore, came to earth from other planets, perfectly fits February, the most alien-prone and out-there birth month of all. 

March: Phoenix 

Energetically, the Phoenix represents the massive rebirth that can only come after a period of transformative endings. Astrologically, this is what ties Pisces, the last sign, and Aries, the beginning of the zodiac wheel. Both this birth month and the Phoenix remind us that one can only soar high after daring to swim in the deepest, emotional waters of change. 

RELATE?: Your Past Life & Who You Were, Based on Birth Month

April: Minotaur

As a half-bull, half-human, the Minotaur is representative of the intensity of Aries, combined with the raw, primal Taurus influence. Those born in this month possess incredible inner fire and the determination to survive in the labyrinth of life. This is one of the most can-do months, as it merges the dedication of the earth element with the courage of the fire element. 

May: Fairies

May is the birth month where earth (Taurus) meets air (Gemini), perfectly aligning with the Fairies. These mischievous creatures get away with tricks and jokes by doing both, walking and flying. They also have a strong connection with nature, whether they’re blending in with the Spring flowers or hiding under the Autumn leaves. 

MUST READ: What Kind of Fairy You Are, Based on Birth Month

June: Sphinx

In Egyptian mythology, the Sphinx aligns with Gemini, as this is the zodiac sign tasked with downloading information from the stars and the cosmos. This sacred information is often linked to sacred ancestral wisdom, guarded by the nurturing waters of the zodiac sign Cancer. The Sphinx represents this birth month, as it sits right in the middle between heaven and earth. 

Learn more about your birth month:

Born in January | Born in February | Born in March |

Born in April | Born in May | Born in June | Born in July |

Born in August | Born in September | Born in October |

Born in November | Born in December

July: Dragon 

Often perceived as overly emotional, the zodiac sign Cancer brings one of the most protective energies, especially when it comes to its loved ones. Combined with Leo’s fiery demeanor, it makes way for the majestic Dragon to represent this birth month. Universally, Dragons played the role of courageous protectors of treasures, their eggs and newborns, oracles, and even humanity. 

August: Chimera

The Chimera truly captures this birth month’s complex combination of energies, bringing the gap between Leo’s fury and Virgo’s wisdom. With the body of a lion and the head of a goat, this mythical creature brings an undeniably strong presence that is both fiery and grounded. Like the Chimera, those born in August are powerhouses, possessing the rare ability to stand out while staying true to their wisdom. 

NEXT: Which Classic Rock Queen Matches You, Based on Your Birth Month

September: Unicorn

Magical and refined, the Unicorn perfectly fits this birth month. Similar to Virgo, it was known for its unique healing abilities in folklore mythology, appearing to bring hope, specifically during some of the hardest times. Both its legendary grace and elegance remind us of Libra, the only air sign ruled by Venus, the goddess of charm and beauty. 

October: Vampire

Charming and eerily attractive, Vampires have always been perceived as sneaky and sensually mysterious creatures. This archetype bridges Libra’s charm with Scorpio’s enigmatic but irresistible demeanor. While Vampires weren’t perceived as hot in ancient folklore, in modern times, Vampires have adopted the aristocratic and deeply sensual vibe of this mysterious birth month. 

EXPAND: The 5 Most Powerful Birth Dates

November: Rainbow Serpent

An Aboriginal, Australian mythological creature, the Rainbow Serpent, perfectly mirrors the energetic duality of this birth month. Representing the watery fertility of Scorpio, its celestial task was to create rivers and mountains during its colorful journeys. As both a life-giver and a destroyer, she was a central ritualistic figure to ensure water supply and social cohesion. 

December: Centaur

Being complex creatures, the Centaurs (half-human, half-horse) represent an antithesis to civilization. Depicted holding a bow and an arrow, its archetype resembles the uniqueness of Sagittarian energy. Chiron, however, the most well-known Centaur, diverges from this chaotic archetype, aligning with the self-mastery of the zodiac sign Capricorn, tirelessly overcoming personal obstacles in its endless search for personal growth. 

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Jon Bon Jovi is widely celebrated for his contributions to and impact on the music industry, but beyond the stage and the iconic status of his namesake band, he is also gaining much-deserved recognition for his charitable efforts.

The 64-year-old frontman, who launched his passion project, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, along with his wife Dorothea Hurley in 2006, received major recognition after it was selected as a 2026 James Beard Impact Award Honoree.

The special recognition honors groups and individuals who have made a positive impact on the food industry through various areas such as community support, promoting fairness and equality as well as environmental sustainability.

Joining the JBJ Soul Foundation among the Impact Award honorees are Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Ben Ray Luján, ReFED and Southern Smoke Foundation.

Following this impressive achievement, JBJ Soul Kitchen, the community restaurant under the music icon’s foundation, proudly announced the honor of being included in such a prestigious recognition.

Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Hurley speak onstage at the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation's 10 year anniversary at the Garage on October 6, 2016 in New York City.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

“We’re honored to share that the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation has been selected as a 2026 James Beard Impact Award Honoree for our program, JBJ Soul Kitchen. For nearly four decades, the James Beard Awards have represented one of the highest distinctions in the culinary world. Being recognized in this way is an incredible honor and a reflection of our mission to serve our community with dignity, compassion, and purpose. Our unique Pay it Forward model serves those in need, addressing food insecurity, and building a community where All Are Welcome at the table,” the caption reads.

The comment section was flooded with congratulatory messages from fans and supporters who praised the foundation for its well-deserved success.

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“Well deserved! Thank you for all your great work,” one wrote.

The same goes for another Instagram user who said, “Congratulations. Thank you for your support and dedication to the community and the World, you make change.”

“Congratulations!!! Well deserved,” a commenter added.

A fan also shared her appreciation for the foundation’s dedication to helping others, noting, “So happy to see the JBJ Soul Kitchen being recognized by the James Beard Foundation. You've shown the world that food is about more than just eating—it's about community and looking out for one another. Thank you for your heart and your hard work!”

The winners of the 2026 Achievement Award will be officially honored at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 15, 2026, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Related: Jon Bon Jovi Sends Emotional Message After World Tour Announcement

It's been exactly 66 years since Ben-Hur made movie history.

On this day in 1960, the epic historical drama took home a record 11 awards at the Academy Awards, becoming the first film in history to do so at the time.

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Directed by William Wyler and starring Charlton Heston, Ben-Hur (1959) is a renowned Easter classic, airing each year during Christian Holy Week each year—but in addition to it's religious significance, the film is also regarded as masterful piece of cinema.

After its release in November 1959, Ben-Hur amassed a whopping 12 Oscar nominations, 11 of which it would end up winning at the 32nd Academy Awards the following year.

On April 4, 1960, Ben-Hur swept the prestigious awards show in most of the biggest categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor (Hugh Griffith), Best Cinematography and Best Original Score.

It also won in five other categories: Best Film Editing, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Mixing, Best Costume Design and Best Production Design.

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The only award Ben-Hur was up for that it didn't win was for Best Adapted Screenplay. The 1959 film was adapted from the 1880 Christian novel by Lew Wallace, entitled, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ.

Though Heston's portrayal in the 1959 version is the most famous adaptation, the story has been made into four other films, including a 1925 silent film and most recently, a 2016 remake starring Jack Huston as the titular character.

The 1959 version still holds the record for the film with the most Oscar wins, though it is now tied with two other movies: Titanic (1997) and Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003).

Related: What Is Orthodox Easter? Your Biggest Questions About Orthodox and Greek Easter Answered

More than six decades after her death, a new book is offering a rare, deeply personal look at Marilyn Monroe—one the world has never fully seen before.

Set to release on May 12, 2026, Marilyn: The Lost Photographs • The Last Interview brings together Monroe’s final formal photo session and her last in-depth interview—both captured in July 1962, just weeks before her passing.

At the time, Monroe was 36 and at a turning point. She was navigating legal battles with the studio over Something’s Gotta Give while also grappling with fame and an industry that was beginning to leave her behind.

She would have been 100 on June 1, 2026. 

When journalist Richard Meryman sat down with her, the conversation went far beyond surface-level questions. Over the course of four hours, Monroe opened up about her childhood, career, identity, and the reality of living as one of the most famous women in the world.

Only a small portion of that interview was ever published in LIFEMagazine. The rest—along with the original recordings—remained unseen and unheard for decades.

Until now.

The book features the complete, restored transcript of that conversation, offering Monroe’s words in full—honest, reflective and deeply personal in a way audiences have rarely experienced.

And according to those who knew her, this interview mattered.

"Marilyn told me the best and most honest interview she ever had was the one she did for Richard Meryman," said photographer, friend, and author Sam Shaw.

"He wrote Marilyn’s story just as she told it, just as she wanted her story told. With Meryman, she was a mature woman reflecting on herself, righting the wrongs of exploitative journalism, taking Marilyn Monroe as the serious self."

Accompanying the interview are more than 400 photographs taken by renowned photojournalist Allan Grant. Shot inside Monroe’s home—the only images ever captured of her in that setting—the photos reveal a side of her that feels candid, relaxed and entirely authentic.

Only a handful of those images were published at the time. The rest remained tucked away for decades.

The book also adds a modern layer to her legacy, featuring new artwork from contemporary female artists who reinterpret these images—offering a fresh perspective on a figure whose story has often been told through a different lens.

The result is something more than a collection; it’s a rediscovery and, moreover, a chance to hear Monroe in her own words and finally see her as she wanted to be seen.

If you’ve struggled with losing weight, your first instinct may be to blame your metabolism, which is the chemical process the body undergoes to convert the foods you eat into energy. After all, if your hard work of maintaining a healthy diet and working out regularly hasn’t led to weight loss, it must be something out of your control, right?

It’s true that having a slow metabolism can make it harder to lose weight because it means that the body is burning fewer calories at rest and during daily activities. But you may be surprised to learn that you can actually control your metabolism more than you think. (Time to stop blaming your genetics.) There are a whole lot of factors that impact it, including diet and lifestyle habits. 

Related: The Best Carb for Aging and Gut Health, According to Dietitians

This is encouraging because it means that you have the ability to speed up your metabolism. This not only makes losing weight easier, but also impacts energy levels, hormone balance and how efficiently the body uses nutrients. 

We talked to three registered dietitians about the best way to rev up metabolism through diet. Keep reading to find out what makes the biggest impact. The best news? It absolutely doesn’t mean going hungry. 

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The Best Habit for Healthy Metabolism, According to 3 Registered Dietitians

If you want to support your metabolism through what you eat, all three registered dietitians we talked to told Parade that getting enough protein is key.

“Getting enough protein helps your body build and maintain lean muscle, feel full longer—which can support weight management—and keep blood sugar levels more stable. These all help your body use energy more efficiently and support metabolism,” says registered dietitian Maggie Michalczyk, RD.

Registered dietitian Dr. Sonya Angelone, PhD, RDN, agrees, explaining that protein is important for maintaining lean muscle mass. She shares that lean muscle mass is metabolically active tissue, which is bodily tissue with high cellular turnover, energy consumption and biochemical activity.

“Muscle burns calories even at rest,” Dr. Angelone says, also pointing out that since protein requires more energy to digest and metabolize, this increases daily energy expenditure. 

Related: 5 Sneaky Ways You're Adding More Calories to Your Diet Without Realizing It

These aren’t the only ways that protein consumption supports metabolism.

Kacie Vavrek, RD, a registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, explains that protein has a higher thermic effect of food (TEF) compared to carbohydrates and fat.

“About 20 to 30% of the calories from protein are used during digestion and metabolism, which means the body burns more energy processing protein,” she tells Parade. For comparison, she says that 10% of carbohydrates’ calories are used during digestion and 0 to 3% of calories are used during digestion for fat.

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All three dietitians also share that protein helps with maintaining stable blood sugar, which also supports metabolism.

“More stable blood sugar can support metabolism by improving satiety, reducing energy crashes and helping regulate appetite and energy balance,” Vavrek says.

Dr. Angelone agrees that this can help you stay full for longer, explaining, “Protein-rich meals can help regulate your appetite so you feel more satisfied with your meals.”

Related: The One Food Nutritionists Are Begging People Over 50 To Start Eating ASAP

Other Ways To Support Your Metabolism

As you can see, there are many important ways that getting enough protein supports metabolism. When it comes to knowing how much protein you should consume, Vavrek explains that this depends on one’s body weight, activity levels, age and health goals. 

“For the general population, the recommended dietary allowance is 0.8 g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, but research suggests that 1.2 to 2.0 grams per kilogram may be more appropriate for active individuals, older adults or those trying to maintain or build muscle. A registered dietitian can help determine individual needs based on lifestyle, training and overall nutrition goals,” Vavrek says.

While getting enough protein is crucial, all three dietitians emphasize that it’s still important to have an overall balanced, nutrient-rich diet. “Having balanced meals that include carbohydrates, healthy fats and fiber provide steady energy and support how your body uses fuel throughout the day,” Michalczyk says.

The three dietitians also stress that staying well-hydrated, getting enough sleep and regular strength training are all important ways to support metabolism. Michalczyk emphasizes that proper hydration supports digestion, helps regulate body temperature and can improve physical performance. Don’t underestimate the importance of drinking enough water!

If you’re currently not consuming as much protein as you should, upping your intake will lead to feeling more energized, balanced and less hungry—and it will be quietly revving up your metabolism too. Put this advice into practice and you’re sure to feel the difference.

Up Next:

Related: How Long Does It Take To Lower Cholesterol? Cardiologists Explain the Real Timeline

Sources:

• Maggie Michalczyk, RD, registered dietitian and creator of Once Upon a Pumpkin
• Dr. Sonya Angelone, PhD, RDN, registered dietitian and consulting nutritionist
• Kacie Vavrek, RD, registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
• Ravn, A. M., Ture Gregersen, N., Christensen, R., et al. (2013). Thermic effect of a meal and appetite in adults: an individual participant data meta-analysis of meal-test trials. Food & Nutrition Research. 57:10.3402/fnr.v57i0.19676
• Protein: What’s Enough? American Heart Association
• Campbell, W. W., Duetz, N. E. P., Volpi, E., et al. (2023). Nutritional Interventions: Dietary Protein Needs and Influences on Skeletal Muscle of Older Adults.The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Services. 78(Suppl 1):67-72

Goodreads readers have weighed in on the best book Dan Brown ever written, and the answer isn't close. The Da Vinci Code sits at No. 1 on the platform's Best Dan Brown Books list, pulling away from the rest of his catalog by a wide margin.

The novel became a massive worldwide bestseller, selling 80 million copies and has been translated into 44 languages. Published in 2003, it follows Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, who is pulled into a murder investigation at the Louvre and winds up chasing a conspiracy that implicates the Catholic Church, the Priory of Sion, and the Holy Grail itself. It went to the top of the New York Times Best Seller list during its first week of release, and in 2004, all four of Brown's novels appeared on that list in the same week.

The 2006 film adaptation starringTom Hanks and directed by Ron Howard only amplified that reach. It grossed $224 million in its worldwide opening weekend and a total of roughly $760 million worldwide against a $125 million production budget, becoming the second-highest-grossing film of 2006. Critics were largely unkind (the film premiered at Cannes to a chilly reception) but audiences around the world showed up anyway. It exploded in 90 foreign markets, it ranked No. 1 of all time in Italy and Spain, and hit the all-time top 10 in Britain and Japan.

That film launched a franchise. The Robert Langdon series eventually produced three theatrical films directed by Howard, all starring Hanks, with a combined gross of $1.5 billion worldwide. A television prequel series, The Lost Symbol, followed in 2021.

Related: Disney Pulls the Plug on Two Secret Indiana Jones Projects

On the Goodreads list, Angels & Demonsholds second place, the prequel novel that introduced Langdon and was itself adapted into a 2009 film. Despite mixed-to-negative critical reception across the franchise, the films are considered major commercial successes. Digital Fortress, Brown's 1998 techno-thriller, ranks third, while The Lost Symbol and Deception Point follow at four and five. Infernoand Origin, the later Langdon entries, round out the seven-book list at six and seven respectively.

What keeps The Da Vinci Code at the top of lists like this one isn't just nostalgia for a blockbuster moment. For better or for worse, the book seemed to genuinely rewire the way millions of readers thought about art history, secret societies, and the Catholic Church. It provoked widespread popular interest in the Holy Grail legend and Mary Magdalene's role in Christian history. Defenders called it compulsive entertainment. Critics called it thinly researched. Either way, people kept reading.

Brown made Time magazine's list of the 100 Most Influential People of the Year in 2005. The book has since been nominated as one of America's best-loved novels by PBS's The Great American Read. More than twenty years after publication, it remains the highlight of Brown's career by nearly every measure, and Goodreads readers agree.

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Black Sabbath legends Bill Ward and Geezer Butler are giving fans a surprising treat as the duo is set for a once-in-a-lifetime appearance at the upcoming Monsterpalooza.

The three-day event is recognized as one of the world's premier gatherings where horror enthusiasts, special effects (SFX) artists and creature designers come together to celebrate cinematic horror and craftsmanship.

The annual convention will not only delight pop culture enthusiasts but also spark excitement among music fans as legendary icons will make a rare appearance.

In an update shared by Monsterpalooza, fans will get to see the Black Sabbath members in person. Guests will also have the opportunity to capture the moment with exclusive photo ops at the venue.

Bill Ward, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi pose onstage during Black Sabbath Reunion Press Conference at Whisky a Go Go on November 11, 2011 in West Hollywood, California.

Chelsea Lauren/WireImage via Getty Images

“GEEZER BUTLER, Legendary Bassist of BLACK SABBATH, will be at Monsterpalooza this May at The Pasadena Convention Center!??? *Geezer Butler attending Saturday, May 30th & Sunday, May 31st only.?? *Reminder: Geezer Butler only takes photos with fans via Pro Photo Op. No table selfies.??,” the caption reads.

Apart from the announcement, the annual event also reminded guests to secure Pro Photo Op tickets for a chance to meet the music legends.

“A Monsterpalooza ticket is sold separately and is required to participate in Pro Photo Ops. An event ticket must be bought first before buying a pro photo op ticket. A photo op ticket is NOT an event admission ticket,” as mentioned in the post.

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The “War Pigs” hitmakers weren't the only ones making a special appearance at the forthcoming event. Fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Alice Cooper will also be participating in Monsterpalooza.

From rock legends to Hollywood stars, the annual convention has also invited "scream queen" Kathryn Newton, known for her roles in Paranormal Activity 4, Lisa Frankenstein, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Big Little Lies and The Society.

In addition to seeing familiar faces on the big screen, fans can meet and interact with Insidious star Lin Shaye, Evil Dead Rise’s Alyssa Sutherland and Doug Tait from Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 and Freddy vs. Jason.

For this year’s convention, Monsterpalooza is scheduled from May 29 to May 31 at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

Attendees can explore more than 450 vendors selling their original artworks from monster-makers and artists, as well as collectible toys and gothic apparel.

In addition, the event will showcase a curated and atmospheric walkthrough featuring animatronics, full-sized creatures and iconic screen-used props from famous films.

Related: 1970 Hit Ranked Among Best ‘Classic Rock Songs’ of All Time Became a Timeless Anthem

If you’ve ever wanted to step beyond Hogwarts and into one of its most mysterious settings, there’s a new experience that might feel straight out of the films.

At Universal Studios Hollywood, an all-new adventure is bringing the Forbidden Forest to life during this year’s Universal Fan Fest Nights, which starts April 23.

Called "Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff," the immersive experience invites guests to enter the shadowy woodland for a nighttime mission with a magical twist.

Running on select nights from April 23 through May 16, the limited-time offering is part of Universal’s after-hours Fan Fest celebration, where fandom worlds take center stage across the park.

So, what can you expect?

Instead of simply walking through a themed area, guests will take part in a guided, story-driven journey. With help from a Hogwarts professor specializing in Magical Creatures, you’ll venture deeper into the Forbidden Forest, encountering everything from pixies and owls to spiders and even the famously chaotic Monster Book of Monsters along the way.

But this limited-time experience isn’t just about spotting creatures.

Throughout the experience, you'll face a series of obstacles designed to test your bravery (and maybe even their spell-casting instincts) as you work toward rescuing a missing Hippogriff.

The entire environment has been created specifically for this event, making it a one-of-a-kind addition to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for a limited time only.

And it’s all included with admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights, an after-hours, separately ticketed event that transforms the park into a hub for immersive storytelling. Alongside the Forbidden Forest experience, guests can explore other fandom-inspired activations, enjoy themed food and drinks, and take part in character interactions and live entertainment.

As a fan of the Harry Potter franchise, this a rare chance to step into one of the series’ most iconic (and slightly dangerous!) locations in a highly interactive and exciting way. If you're game, just maybe keep an eye out for what’s lurking in the trees.

RELATED: Universal Just Dropped a $65 Dining Deal—and It Might Change How You Eat at the Park

Communion is an important ordinance practiced by many Christians (it's one of the seven sacraments for Catholics). After all, it's a sacred reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for us.

For the majority of churches, Communion is practiced once a month. However, some may do it weekly, bi-weekly or quarterly. The bread and wine served at Communion represent the body and blood of Christ (and if you're Catholic, you believe that they're the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ). Reading through the Bible, you will find plenty of Communion scriptures to support and give meaning to what Communion is all about.

Some of the verses speak directly to the act of taking bread and wine as a remembrance of Christ. Other Bible scriptures shed light on the purpose of Jesus' sacrifice and its saving grace. All of them are important to reflect on before taking Communion. 

If you need a reminder or want a better understanding of what Communion is, the Bible can definitely help. We've gathered a list of 30 Communion scriptures that best define and provide an understanding of the ordinance of Communion. 

Related: Christ Is Risen—He Is Risen, Indeed! Celebrate Easter Sunday With 50 Easter Bible Verses

What Is Communion?

Communion, in the religious sense, is defined as "a Christian sacrament in which consecrated bread and wine are consumed as memorials of Christ's death or as symbols for the realization of a spiritual union between Christ and communicant or as the body and blood of Christ."

As mentioned above, different Christian faiths believe in different things regarding Communion. They also practice it differently, depending on where you go.

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Best Communion Scriptures

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1. "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." — 1 Corinthians 11:26

2. "In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'" — 1 Corinthians 11:25

3. For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.'" — 1 Corinthians 11:23-24

4. "So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord." — 1 Corinthians 11:27

5. "Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves." — 1 Corinthians 11:28-29

6. "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take it; this is my body.' Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 'This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,' he said to them. 'Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.'” — Mark 14:22-25

7. "Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf." — 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

8. "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" — Matthew 26:26-28

9. "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” — John 6:51

Related: What Is the Meaning Behind Advent Wreaths and Candles? They're More Than Just Pretty Decorations

Holy Communion Bible Verses and Scriptures

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10. "For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” — John 6:33

11. "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day." — John 6:54

12. "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'" — Luke 22:19-20

13. "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." — 1 John 1:7

14. "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." — 1 Peter 3:18

15. "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." — Isaiah 53:5

16. "Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'" — John 6:35

Related: 50 Christian Quotes to Encourage and Guide You on Your Daily Walk

Short Communion Readings

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17. "When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them." — Luke 24:30

18. "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." — Acts 2:42

19. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." — Romans 6:23

20. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." — John 3:16

21. "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" — John 14:6

22. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." — Romans  1:16

23. "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." — John 1:12

24. "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory." — Ephesians 1:13-14

25. "For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him." — 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

26. "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” — Acts 4:12

27. "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." — Titus 3:5

28. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." — Ephesians 2:8-9

29. "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." — Romans 10:9-10

30. "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'" — John 1:29

Related: 50 Bible Verses to Calm Your Worry and Ease Your Anxiety

Garth Brooks made history in 2007 as the first artist in the genre to enter Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart at No. 1 with a song inspired by a love letter.

"More Than a Memory" was written by Lee Brice, Billy Montana, and Kyle Jacobs. The tune was Brooks' first Billboard topper in almost a decade after 1998s "To Make You Feel My Love."

Over nine years, according to American Songwriter, the entertainer released a whopping 17 singles, with five hitting the Top 10. "More Than a Memory" was the first single to debut at the top of the Billboard Country Charts, which began recordkeeping in 1958.

The song was written as a love letter, says Brice. He told The Boot, "I woke up one night thinking about the love of my life, an old flame, even though we hadn't been together in eight or 10 years. I woke up thinking about her at 3:30 AM and started writing her a letter."

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"I got halfway down the letter, and I was like, 'What are you doing? You do this all the time. You never send her anything. Just go back to bed. She's just a memory,'" Brice said.

RELATED: Garth Brooks’ ‘Signature’ Hit Was Rejected by More Than 20 Songwriters

"Then I thought, 'Well, I'm up at 3:30 in the morning, physically, tangibly doing something, writing a letter. She's still a tangible, physical part of my life, so she must be more than a memory,'" he concluded.

"So I started writing the song right there. Then I took my ideas, melodies, thoughts to Kyle. We're best friends. Any time he gets ideas or I get ideas, we always go to each other, because we like writing together."

RELATED: Garth Brooks’ ‘Simple’ Love Song Became a No. 1 Hit in 1992

Songwriter Billy Montana told Songfacts that Brooks wanted to ensure the songwriters liked the finished project. He explained that the country superstar "invited all the writers to the studio to hear it. And we sat down at the console. He said, 'I hope you like it. If there's anything you don't like, let me know.' And of course I'm thinking, Yeah, that's gonna happen."

"I was just so impressed. And so it gets to the end, and I was like, 'Well, I need to hear it again.' It was really a special day."

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Garth Brooks will perform live at London's Hyde Park on June 27.

MORE: Garth Brooks’ Most Emotional Song Was Written in Two Hours

A former FBI agent is speaking out about the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, warning that certain errors made early on could have lasting consequences. As the case continues to unfold, the remarks add a sobering perspective on how critical initial decisions can be in missing persons investigations.

Jennifer Coffindaffer, a retired FBI Special Agent, has been covering the Guthrie case since the beginning. On April 3, she shared her opinion on the mistakes made in the early days of the investigation.

"There is no way for Sheriff Nanos to recover from his errors in this case," Coffindaffer wrote on X. "And the biggest error he made was not brushing his past issues with people aside and putting his best of the best on Nancy’s case. There are no crime scene do-overs. There is no way to recover the 1st 48 hours of an investigation."

"Early LE blunders had a devastating [impact] on bringing Nancy home. Early LE blunders will impact a successful prosecution of Porch Guy," she continues, referring to the masked man seen on Guthrie's front stoop in video footage released by the FBI.

"Meanwhile, Porch Guy walks free and if I were rich, over 60, and living in Arizona, I would be pretty worried. What is to stop Porch Guy from striking again? Nothing," she concluded.

Coffindaffer's comments echo other former law enforcement and retired FBI agents who have weighed in on the case. In early February, for example, retired NYPD sergeant Joe Giacalone spoke to Parade about the importance of the first hour of an investigation into a missing persons case.

"It’s really the first hour, we refer to it as the golden hour," Giacalone told me. "That’s the most important thing that first hour [when someone is reported missing]."

Guthrie, 84, has been missing since Sunday, Feb. 1.

READ NEXT:Nancy Guthrie Update: FBI Pursuing ‘Best Lead’ in the Case (Report)

Some songs are party starters and others are pure earworms, but many of the biggest songs ever recorded hide heartbreaking secrets. Eric Clapton's "Tears in Heaven" was born from the loss of his 4-year-old son. Don McLean's "American Pie" was inspired by a fatal plane crash. Even TLC's "Waterfalls"—one of the catchiest pop hits of the '90s—was about the AIDS epidemic.

From wartime devastation to social unrest to deeply personal loss, these 20 beloved songs were inspired by real-life tragedies—and their true stories are unforgettable.

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20 Legendary Songs Inspired by Real-Life Tragedies1. 'Tears in Heaven' by Eric Clapton

What it's about: In March 1991, iconic English singer-guitarist Eric Clapton experienced a parent's worst nightmare: His four-year-old son Conor tragically fell to his death from a 53rd-floor window of a New York City apartment building.

The performer poured his unfathomable grief into the Grammy-winning ballad "Tears in Heaven." He co-wrote the song with Will Jennings and it imagines Clapton reuniting with his late child in the afterlife. "The most important thing is to honor my son's memory," Clapton told Sue Lawley in a 1992 interview. "I want him to be remembered, and I want to remember him, through good music."

Famous lyrics: "Would you know my name / If I saw you in Heaven? / Would it be the same /
If I saw you in Heaven?"

2. 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' by U2

What it's about: As arguably the most famous Irish band of all time, U2knows all too well about their mother country's political conflicts across history, and they delve into one of Ireland's most troublesome periods with 1983's "Sunday Bloody Sunday"—a song about the 1972 "Bloody Sunday" massacre in Derry, Northern Ireland—where British troops shot and killed 14 unarmed civilians.

"That’s an incident, the most famous incident in Northern Ireland, and it’s the strongest way of saying, ‘How long? How long do we have to put up with this?’" drummer Larry Mullen Jr. said of the track, per Far Out Magazine. "I don’t care who’s who—Catholics, Protestants, whatever. You know people are dying every single day through bitterness and hate, and we’re saying, 'Why? What’s the point?'"

Famous lyrics: "I can't believe the news today / Oh, I can't close my eyes and make it go away / How long, how long must we sing this song? / How long? How long?"

3. 'Waterfalls' by TLC

What it's about: This one might surprise you, given how much of an international pop hit it was at the time, but the 1995 single "Waterfalls" from girl group TLC was the first number-one song to reference the HIV/AIDS epidemic. (AIDS-related deaths hit an all-time high in the United States in 1995, with more than 50,000 losses that year, according to the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Written by band member Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes with Marqueze Etheridge and Organized Noize, the R&B classic discussed sexual promiscuity, drug use and other real-world issues in its catchy social commentary.

Famous lyrics: "One day, he goes and takes a glimpse in the mirror / But he doesn't recognize his own face / His health is fading, and he doesn't know why / Three letters took him to his final resting place, y'all don't hear me."

4. 'American Pie' by Don McLean

What it's about: In the famously lengthy 1971 classic—clocking in at almost nine minutes—singer Don McLean manages to reference a lot of real-life events, from the assassination of John F. Kennedyto the Manson Family murders. But the heart of the tune centers on "the day the music died," a.k.a. the February 1959 plane crash that claimed the lives of rock-and-roll pioneers Buddy Holly, "The Big Bopper" J. P. Richardson and Ritchie Valens.

The singer tied that pop-cultural loss with a personal one: that of his father, who died of a heart attack when McLean was 15. "If you understand the 10 years it took to write the song, the 10 years from when my dad and Buddy Holly died, the 10 years of me seeing and learning and explaining all of that, then you understand that some of the things in there have several meanings at once," McLean said of the song in a 2022 Forbes interview.

Famous lyrics: "Oh, and there we were all in one place / A generation lost in space / With no time left to start again / So, come on, Jack be nimble, Jack be quick / Jack Flash sat on a candlestick / 'Cause fire is the Devil's only friend."

Related: 1970s Tear-Jerker Song Celebrates Milestone at Site Where ‘The Music Died’ 55 Years After Its Release

5. 'Jeremy' by Pearl Jam

What it's about: Pearl Jam lead singer and lyricist Eddie Vedderplucked the tragic tale of titular Jeremy from a Dallas Morning News article, about a 15-year-old boy named Jeremy Wade Delle from Richardson, Texas, who shot himself in front of his Richardson High School class on January 8, 1991.

"It came from a small paragraph in a paper, which means you kill yourself and you make a big old sacrifice and try to get your revenge," Vedder explained in a 1993 interview with Rockline. "That all you're gonna end up with is a paragraph in a newspaper. Nothing changes. The world goes on and you're gone. The best revenge is to live on and prove yourself. Be stronger than those people. And then you can come back."

Famous lyrics: "At home, drawin' pictures of mountaintops / With him on top, lemon yellow sun / Arms raised in a "V" / And the dead lay in pools of maroon below."

6. 'Missing You' by Diana Ross

What it’s about: Recorded for Diana Ross’s 1984 album Swept Away, the R&B hit “Missing You” was written, composed and produced by Lionel Richie in tribute to soul icon Marvin Gaye, who was shot and killed by his father on April 1, 1984. 

Ross went on to lead an in-memoriam segment to her longtime collaborator during the 1985 American Music Awards: "It’s been a year that has taken some of our dearest, most talented friends," Ross announced during the ceremony. "I was fortunate enough to call him a real close and dear friend. I have many memories of Marvin Gaye."

Famous lyrics: “As I look around, I see things that remind me / Just to see you smile made my heart fill with joy / I still recall all those dreams we shared together / Where did you run to, boy?”

7. 'Zombie' by The Cranberries

What it’s about: The alt-rock classic was written by The Cranberries’ frontwoman Dolores O'Riordan following an IRA bombing in Warrington, England that killed two children— Johnathan Ball, age 3, and Tim Parry, age 12—and injured another 56 people.

On penning the brooding 1994 track, O'Riordan told Songwriting Magazine: "We were on a tour bus and I was near the location where it happened, so it really struck me hard. I was quite young, but I remember being devastated about the innocent children being pulled into that kind of thing. So I suppose that's why I was saying, 'It's not me.' That even though I'm Irish, it wasn't me; I didn't do it. Because being Irish, it was quite hard, especially in the UK when there was so much tension."

Famous lyrics: “Another head hangs lowly / Child is slowly taken / And the violence caused such silence / Who are we mistaken?”

Related: The Saddest Song of 1994 Is Now a Viral Sensation

8. 'Cops Shot The Kid' by Nas featuring Kanye West 

What it’s about: Sampling Slick Rick’s 1989 song “Children’s Story” and Richard Pryor’s 1973 film Wattstax, the 2018 protest song “Cops Shot the Kid” sees rap icons Nas andKanye Westhighlighting the ongoing issues of racial profiling and police brutality against Black youths in America. 

In the lyrics, Nas references the 1955 abduction and lynching of Emmett Till—a 14-year-old Mississippi boy who was murdered after a white woman accused him of whistling at her in a grocery store. (“Reminds me of Emmett Till / Let’s remind 'em why Kap kneels”.) Over the years, the artist has used the song to spotlight other acts of violence and injustice against children of color—such as the 2018 police shooting of Pittsburgh youth Antwon Rose, per CBS News. 

Famous lyrics: "White kids are brought in alive / Black kids get hit with like five / Get scared, you panic, you're goin' down / The disadvantages of the brown / How in the hell the parents gon' bury their own kids / Not the other way around?"

9. 'Hurricane' by Bob Dylan

What it’s about: The 1975 Bob Dylanclassic isn’t actually about a weather event at all; instead, the titular "Hurricane" refers to Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a Black middleweight boxer wrongly convicted of and imprisoned for a triple murder. Co-written by Jacques Levy, Desire's opening track describes the racial targeting experienced by Carter at the hands of the authorities and the sham trial that occurred as a result. 

Dylan reportedly began writing the song after visiting Carter in prison. The release of “Hurricane” helped garner support for Carter’s case and helped him win the right to a new trial, where his conviction was ultimately overturned.

Famous lyrics: “Here comes the story of the Hurricane / The man the authorities came to blame / For something that he never done / Put in a prison cell, but one time he could-a been / The champion of the world.”

Related: 1974 No. 1 Hit Named One of the ‘Saddest Songs of All Time’ Became Heartbreakingly True 7 Years Later

10. 'Candle in the Wind' by Elton John

What it’s about: Over the years, Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s 1974 single "Candle in the Wind" has paid tribute to two beloved pop-culture icons whose lives ended far too soon. It was originally written in honor of Hollywood movie star and sex symbol Marilyn Monroe, who died by suicide on August 5, 1962, at age 36. ("Goodbye Norma Jeane," John croons in the ballad, referencing Monroe’s birth name.) 

However, two decades later, the loss of another beloved public figure—Diana, Princess of Wales—prompted a retooling of the lyrics. ("Goodbye England’s rose.") Diana tragically died on August 31, 1997, in a Paris car crash while being relentlessly pursued by paparazzi. John would perform the adapted song just once, at her funeral. 

Famous lyrics: "Loneliness was tough / The toughest role you ever played / Hollywood created a superstar / And pain was the price you paid / Even when you died / Oh the press still hounded you / All the papers had to say / Was that Marilyn was found in the nude."

11. 'Smoke on the Water' by Deep Purple

What it’s about: Though it’s undeniably best known for that iconic riff courtesy of guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, that blues lick showcases some harrowing lyrics from vocalist Ian Gillan: the 1972 hard-rock classic recounts a real 1971 fire that occurred during a Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention concert at the Montreux Casino in Switzerland.

When a concertgoer shot off a flare gun, the venue’s rattan-covered ceiling caught fire and the entire casino complex burned down, but miraculously, no one was injured. Deep Purple was staying at a nearby hotel for an album recording session and reportedly watched the blaze over Lake Geneva—hence, they were looking at "Smoke on the Water."

Famous lyrics: “We all came out to Montreux / On the Lake Geneva shoreline / To make records with a mobile / We didn't have much time / Frank Zappa and the Mothers / Were at the best place around / But some stupid with a flare gun / Burned the place to the ground.”

 12. 'Angel' by Sarah McLachlan

What it’s about: These days, "Angel" is most commonly associated with soundtracking those tear-jerking commercials for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). But Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlanoriginally wrote the mournful ballad after reading an article about the passing of Smashing Pumpkins keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin, who died from a heroin overdose in July 1996 at 34 years old. 

"I wrote 'Angel' after being on the road for almost two years straight and was both mentally and physically drained," McLachlan wrote during a Quora Q&A session. "I went to a cottage north of Montreal to relax and write and read an article in Rolling Stone about the Smashing Pumpkins keyboard player who had OD'ed in a hotel room…the story shook me because though I have never done hard drugs like that, I felt a flood of empathy for him and that feeling of being lost and lonely and desperately searching for some kind of release."

Famous lyrics: “In the arms of the angel, fly away from here / From this dark cold hotel room and the endlessness that you fear / You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie / You're in the arms of the angel / May you find some comfort here.”

Related: 40 Meaningful Songs About Death, Loss and Grief to Help You Cope

13. 'Ohio' by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

What it’s about: With its vivid lyrics and raw grief, the Neil Young-written 1970 protest anthem is a reaction to the Kent State shootings that occurred that spring, during which Ohio National Guard officers shot and killed four university students during a Vietnam War protest. Young reportedly was galvanized to write the lyrics after seeing horrific photos of the tragedy in LIFE magazine.

"For years I couldn't sing it," the performer said of "Ohio" during the 2006 Freedom of Speech tour, per The Guardian. “I felt I was kinda taking advantage of something that happened and we were trading on somebody's misfortunes … to give the audience a kind of rush of nostalgia … In this period of time, that doesn't apply. What it is now is, it's a history. We're bringing history back. That's what folk music does."

Famous lyrics: "Tin soldiers and Nixon coming / We're finally on our own / This summer I hear the drumming / Four dead in Ohio."

Related: ’70s Soft Rock Band Singer Is Behind the Tune Ranked ‘Saddest Country Song of the 1990s’

14. 'Hands' by Various Artists

What it’s about: Just one day after the June 2016 terror attack at gay nightclub Pulse in Orlando, Florida—during which 49 people were killed with dozens more wounded—songwriters Justin Tranter, Julia Michaels and BloodPop wrote this charity single. Produced by Mark Ronson, the song features more than two dozen artists, including Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, Selena Gomez, Imagine Dragons, Pink, Mary J. Bligeand Kacey Musgraves. 

Along with funding medical care and counseling for the survivors, proceeds from the song were donated to LGBTQ+ organizations—including the Equality Florida Pulse Victims Fund, the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida and GLAAD.

Famous lyrics: “Can hold a gun and hold your heart / Can put out fires and make 'em start / Skin and bones and flesh and blood / With all this nerve, how did we get this numb?”

15. 'Strange Fruit' by Billie Holiday

What it’s about: In 1937, Abel Meeropol wrote the anti-lynching poem that would go on to serve as the lyrics for Billie Holiday’s haunting jazz standard "Strange Fruit." As reported by NPR, the songwriter-poet was reportedly moved to write the piece after seeing Lawrence Beitler’s famously chilling 1930 photograph of Thomas Shipp and Abram Smith, who were lynched in Marion, Indiana after murdering a white factory worker. 

After Meeropol set the words to music, Holiday began performing the song live in 1939— reportedly at the end of her sets as she feared retaliation. Six decades later, "Strange Fruit" was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for its historical and cultural significance. 

Famous lyrics: “Southern trees bear a strange fruit / Blood on the leaves and blood at the root /  Black bodies swinging in the Southern breeze / Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees.”

16. 'All My Love' by Led Zeppelin

What it’s about: On July 26, 1977, the family of Robert Plant—the enigmatic frontman of Led Zeppelin—suffered an unthinkable loss: While Plant was on tour in America with the rock band, his five-year-old son Karac suddenly died from a stomach virus back home in England. Co-written with his band mate John Paul Jones, the rock ballad "All My Love" emotionally pays tribute to Plant’s late son, illustrating both the profound sorrow of his loss and the joy of his life. 

Plant discussed the song during a 2018 appearance on Dan Rather'sThe Big Interview: "I think it was just paying tribute to the joy that he gave us as a family. And in a crazy way still does… Every now and again, he turns up in songs, for no other reason than I miss him a lot."

Famous lyrics: “Yours is the cloth, mine is the hand that sews time / His is the force that lies within / Ours is the fire, all the warmth we can find / He is a feather in the wind.”

Related: 1977’s Sweetest Love Song Comes With a Surprisingly Dark Backstory

17. 'Dear Hate' by Maren Morris

What it’s about: The country music community and America at large were horrified to learn of the October 2017 Mass shooting that took place at the Route 91 Harvest music festival in Las Vegas, Nevada. 64-year-old Stephen Paddock opened fire on the crowd, killing 60 people and wounding at least 413 others. It was near-impossible to make sense of such a senseless act, which is the deadliest mass shooting by a lone assailant in the country’s history. But country stars Maren Morrisand Vince Gill tried to do just that with their 2017 song "Dear Hate."

Morris—who performed at the festival one night before the tragedy—announced the song with this note on social media: "Hate is everywhere and I’m sick of not doing enough. In the darkest tunnel there is still love & music. That’s what it’s here for."

Famous lyrics: “Dear Hate, I saw you on the news today / Like a shock that takes my breath away / You fall like rain, cover us in drops of pain / I'm afraid that we just might drown.”

Related: The Saddest Country Song of the 2000s Will Break Your Heart

18. 'The Ballad of Ira Hayes' by Johnny Cash

What it’s about: Famously recorded byJohnny Cash, this true-story track written by folk singer Peter La Farge centers on Ira Hayes. Hayes was a Pima Native American Marine and one of the six men hoisting the American flag on Mount Suribachi during World War II, as immortalized in Joe Rosenthal’s iconic photograph Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima. The photo painted him and his comrades as heroes, but Hayes led a troubled life after the war, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and alcoholism. He died from alcohol poisoning in January 1955. 

Famous lyrics: “Call him drunken Ira Hayes / He won't answer anymore / Not the whiskey drinkin' Indian / Nor the Marine that went to war.”

Related: Saddest Country Song of the 1980s Was Recorded by Former Marine Who Achieved International Fame

19. 'New York Mining Disaster 1941' by the Bee Gees

What it’s about: Despite the song title, the tragedy at the focus of this 1967 Bee Gees ballad took place in Wales. Written by Barry and Robin Gibb, the song was inspired by the Aberfan mining disaster one year prior, when the collapse of a colliery spoil tip caused the deaths of 116 children and 28 adults. The song reimagines the tragedy from the perspective of a miner trapped in the cave-in, who is hopelessly waiting to be rescued. 

Famous lyrics: "I keep straining my ears to hear a sound / Maybe someone is digging underground / Or have they given up and all gone home to bed / Thinking those who once existed must be dead."

20. 'Birmingham Sunday' by Joan Baez

What it's about: Written by Richard Fariña and made famous by his sister-in-law—folk legend Joan Baez—"Birmingham Sunday" refers to the September 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama by the Ku Klux Klan. Four young Black-American girls—Addie Mae Collins (aged 14), Denise McNair (11), Carole Robertson (14) and Cynthia Wesley (14)—were killed and another 22 people were injured in the unconscionable act of terrorism. 

Famous lyrics: “Come round by my side and I'll sing you a song / I'll sing it so softly, it'll do no one wrong / On Birmingham Sunday the blood ran like wine / And the choirs kept singing of freedom.”

Next, 25 Sad Country Songs for When You're in the Mood for a Good Cry

If your ideal getaway includes bookstores, coastal charm, and conversations with authors, then a weekend in Newburyport should be at the top of your list. Each spring, this picturesque seaside town transforms into a literary haven during the Newburyport Literary Festival, and it’s the perfect excuse to plan a cozy, culture-filled escape.

This is one of my personal favorite weekends of the year! Nothing beats being surrounded by book-lovers and a sea breeze for a full weekend of fun.

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Related: 17 Best Things to Do in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Including Sustainable Travel Ideas

A Festival Made for Book Lovers

Held April 24–26, 2026, the Newburyport Literary Festival brings together readers and writers for a weekend of panels, readings, and conversations across genres. What makes this festival especially appealing is its accessibility. Most events are free and take place across town, from churches to local bookstores to community spaces; however, a few are ticketed and require advance registration.

The weekend kicks off with an opening night event at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, followed by a full Saturday of programming that includes everything from “Breakfast with the Poets” to panel discussions with novelists, historians, and biographers. 

With dozens of authors and sessions to choose from, you can easily tailor your schedule, whether you’re into poetry, fiction, or thought-provoking nonfiction.

@watchcollwrite

Follow along as I go to the Newburyport literary festival! I saw a bunch of amazing authors speak on different topics, caught up with an author friend, ate some good food downtown Newburyport, drank a lot of coffee, and picked up Pineapple Street from my favorite local indie bookstore! All in all? 10/10. #literaryfestival #newburyport #newburyportma #northshoremassachusetts #northshoremass #pineapplestreet #newbooksmell #newbooksuggestion #newbooktok #booktok #mombooktok #mombookclub #authorssupportingauthors #authorssupportauthors

♬ Obituary - Alexandre Desplat Exploring Newburyport Between Events

While the festival is the main draw, Newburyport itself is just as much a highlight.

The best way to start your morning is with a stroll along the waterfront boardwalk overlooking the Merrimack River. The mix of historic brick buildings and harbor views gives the town a distinctly New England feel.

From there, wander through downtown, where you’ll find independent shops, candy stores, art galleries, and, of course, bookstores. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend hours browsing and discovering new reads.

If the weather cooperates, take a short drive to Plum Island. Known for its sandy beaches and wildlife refuges, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a morning of literary panels.

Related: This 66-Year-Old Book Is No. 1 on Goodreads’ List of ‘Books That Everyone Should Read Once’

Where Food Meets Atmosphere

No weekend getaway is complete without good food, and Newburyport delivers.

Between festival sessions, grab lunch at one of the town’s many cozy cafés or seafood spots. Fresh lobster rolls, clam chowder, and classic New England fare are easy to find here. In the evening, the town’s restaurants offer everything from casual dining to more upscale options, all within walking distance of most festival venues.

The best part? You’ll likely find yourself dining alongside authors, fellow readers, and festival-goers, which only adds to the experience.

@roadsodastravel

Visiting #Newburyport #Massachusetts is such a treat when the outdoor dining is in full force, the waterfront has so many boats going by, and shop doors are open. What else would you do here? #travel #northshore #hiddengem #hiddengems #visitmassachusetts @newburyportma

♬ There She Goes - CYRIL & MOONLGHT & The La's Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip

To truly enjoy a book lover's weekend in Newburyport, a little planning goes a long way.

• Plan your schedule in advance: With multiple sessions happening simultaneously, review the festival lineup in advance and prioritize your must-see events.
• Arrive early for popular panels: Seating can fill up quickly, especially for well-known authors.
• Stay nearby: Book accommodations within walking distance of downtown to make it easy to move between venues without worrying about parking.
• Built-in downtime: It’s tempting to pack your schedule, but leaving time to explore shops, grab coffee, or walk along the water makes the weekend feel more balanced.
• Use public transportation if possible: You can reach Newburyport via the MBTA commuter rail from Boston, making it an easy, car-free getaway. 

Why This Weekend Stands Out

The entire town of Newburyport becomes part of the experience, creating an intimate, community-driven feel that’s hard to find at larger events.

It’s also a reminder of how travel and reading go hand in hand. Just as books transport you to new places, destinations like Newburyport offer a chance to slow down, explore, and connect with stories, with people, and with a sense of place.

Whether you come for the authors, the scenery, or a bit of both, it’s the kind of getaway you’ll want to turn into a yearly tradition.