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The Mars Volta, the award-winning rock duo, is giving fans a surprise treat ahead of their 2026 tour.

The progressive rock band, composed of vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala and guitarist Omar Rodríguez-López, is taking fans back to the concert stage.

After releasing their ninth studio album, Lucro Sucio; Los Ojos del Vacío, last year, the “Concertina” hitmakers announced the release of their live album titled Lucro Sucio; Unfinished Business.

The upcoming release is scheduled for Sept. 4 digitally and Oct. 16 physically.

According to the band, they didn't go for a standard live album but opted for a more creative and "experimental" approach.

Omar Rodriguez Lopez and Cedric Bixler-Zavala of the Mars Volta at the Big Day Out at Flemington Race Course in 2010.

Martin Philbey/Redferns

“We've taken an experimental approach with this record, combining live performances from our recent tour into a high-fidelity, multi-layered reimagining of Lucro Sucio,” as mentioned on their official Instagram, adding “Thank you, as always, for your love and support.”

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The announcement also includes the release of their new single "Cue the Sun / Alba del Orate," which features a genre-bending sound that blends electronic elements, jazz influences and Latin rhythms into their core sound.

Lucro Sucio; Unfinished Business will be the band’s first live album in 21 years after releasing Scabdates in 2005.

The 72-minute album includes live versions of songs recorded between 2003 and 2005 while the band toured in support of Frances the Mute and De-Loused in the Comatorium.

Meanwhile, the upcoming live album features 14 tracks: “Fin,” “Reina Tormenta / Enlazan Las Tinieblas,” “Mictlan,” “The Iron Rose,” “Cue the Sun / Alba del Orate,” “Voice in My Knives / Poseedora De Mi Sombra,” “Celaje,” “Vocifero,” “Mito De Los Trece Cielos,” “Un Disparo Al Vacio / Detras De La Puerta,” “Dorada,” “Maullidos,” “Morgana / Cue the Sun (Reprise)” and “Lucro Sucio.”

The news of their first live album in over two decades comes after the announcement of The Mars Volta's North American tour.

Slated to kick off on Sept. 8 in California, the nine-date run will conclude in Kentucky on Sept. 20.

The duo promises to perform songs spanning their entire career, despite having no supporting acts or special guest performers.

The Mars Volta 2026 Tour Dates:

Sept. 8 – Ventura, CA @ Majestic Ventura Theater

Sept. 9 – Tucson, AZ @ LA Rosa

Sept. 10 – El Paso, TX @ Abraham Chavez Theatre

Sept. 12 – San Antonio, TX @ Alamodome ^

Sept. 15 – Charlotte, NC @ Neighborhood Theatre

Sept. 16 – Charleston, SC @ Charleston Music Hall

Sept. 17 – Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live

Sept. 18 – Jacksonville, FL @ FIVE

Sept. 20 – Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life Festival

Related: '80s Rock Band, With No. 1 Hit Song, Ranked Among 'Best Supergroups' of All Time

Linda Larkin was the voice of Princess Jasmine in 1992’s Aladdin, one of the most iconic Disney films of all time. The actress recently spoke about the creation of the classic film on the June 30 episode of “Hey Dude… The 90s Called.” She explained how the original script didn’t have as many scenes with Jasmine and didn’t contain any singing.

"The audition had come through my theatrical agent, so they were specifically and deliberately looking for actors, and they were looking for people with a strong sense of comedy, which we learned later was because Robin Williams was going to be the Genie,” she explained. “Had there been a song, I would have never auditioned for it because I'm not a singer.”

Related: Disney Is Releasing 3 Iconic Songs in American Sign Language—Including ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’

“And then they wrote a song, and I was like, ‘I'm out. That's it,'" she said, referring to the iconic song, “A Whole New World,” which the character of Jasmine sings alongside Aladdin.

Luckily, production decided to find someone else to perform the songs who sounded similar to her, making Jasmine the first Disney princess to have her singing voice and her speaking voice played by two separate people.

Lea Salonga, who also went on to play the lead’s singing voice in Mulan, was hired as the singing voice of Jasmine. Although Larkin remained on the project, she revealed she was nervous that she was going to get fired. She thought, “They're going to discover that Lea Salonga can also speak and she can also act.” She stated that every day she walked into the studio, she wasn’t sure whether she was “really going to end up in the final cut of this film.”

Related: A New Lin-Manuel Miranda Song Dropped, Featuring Three Disney Stars

During her podcast appearance, she also discussed what it was like working alongside Williams. “The thing we were the most scared of doing is ruining a take, cause everything he did was brilliant and it was different,” she admitted. “Sometimes he only did it once, and that's what ended up in the movie, and it was improvised.”

She added, “I wanted to be good enough, professional, and I wanted to really be able to keep up with this person that I knew was just beyond genius, and now I'm like in the room with him in a little tiny room. Every sound is picked up.”

Aladdin went on to become a hit, winning two Oscars and five Grammy Awards, including several for “A Whole New World.” Larkin went on to appear in the sequels to Aladdin. She also voiced the character when she appeared in Ralph Breaks the Internet and Kingdom Hearts.

A beloved voice actor made the shocking confession that he has never actually seen the fan-favorite animated TV show.

Harry Shearer lends his voice for several characters on The Simpsons, but he's yet to watch a single episode — despite appearing in over 800 of them.

In a new interview with The I, the actor was asked whether the 1990s episodes, which are often considered as the cartoon's prime years, have aged well.

"I don’t know. I haven’t seen it," he admitted. When the interviewer explained that reruns of the episodes in question air continuously on TV and are still loved by viewers, he said: “That’s what I hear! But it’s good to hear you say that.”

Shearer has voiced several characters, including  Mr. Burns, Kent Brockman, Mr. Smithers and Ned Flanders, since the show began in 1989. His work has won a plethora of awards, including the prestigious 2014 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance.

Despite never seeing the show, his longstanding commitment proves how much he enjoys the job.

"I still enjoy playing all these characters,” he continued. "It was the reason I did this instead of some other television show where you’re pretty much limited to one character. I liked the idea of the variety of characters, and I still like that."

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In 2025, it was announced that a second The Simpsons movie would be arriving on July 23, 2027, much to the delight of dedicated fans.

"I always wanted to be there when the first one came out," one fan wrote in the comments of teaser artwork posted on the official 20th Century Fox Instagram account. "I was too young to see it then. Maybe this time I can experience the movie in theaters."

"The world is healing," said a second.

"This was not on my birgo card," a third commented. "Woo-hoo!"

Related: Daughter of '80s Rockstar Recalls Singer's 'Embarrassing' Moment With Emily Blunt

If you've ever looked at a mysterious puzzle box and thought, I bet I could solve that, you might want to think twice before your next theme park vacation. For the first time in the event's history, Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights is officially bringing the legendary Hellraiser franchise to life, introducing all-new haunted houses on both coasts this fall.

Starting Friday, August 28 at Universal Orlando Resort and Thursday, September 3 at Universal Studios Hollywood, brave guests can step directly into the dark, twisted realm of pain and pleasure inspired by the original Hellraiser film trilogy.

Related: How To Watch the 'Hellraiser' Movies in Order

Halloween Horror Nights tempts guests to step beyond the threshold of pain and pleasure with all-new haunted houses inspired by the first three Hellraiser films that forever changed the genre. This terrifying new experience will transport fans into the twisted world first brought to life by Clive Barker, where desire, suffering and the unknown collide, beginning Friday, August 28 at Universal Orlando Resort and Thursday, September 3 at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Universal Studios

Since Clive Barker first introduced the world to the series in 1987, Hellraiser has stood as a giant of supernatural horror. The chilling mythology centers on the Lament Configuration—a puzzle box that acts as a portal to a diabolical dimension ruled by ritualistically torturous beings known as the Cenobites, led by the unforgettable Pinhead.

Now, fans will get to experience that chilling world personally, with an extra dose of authenticity: legendary actor Doug Bradley is reprising his role to lend his iconic, booming voice to the haunted houses in both Orlando and Hollywood.

Related: Final Season of 'Stranger Things' Gets a Halloween Horror Nights House

The terrifying journey begins the moment you enter a giant recreation of the puzzle box itself, unwittingly opening the gateway to a nightmare. The mazes will pull heavily from the iconic settings of Hellraiser, Hellbound: Hellraiser II, and Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth.

You will find yourself navigating the shadowy attic of Frank Cotton’s family home where his descent into Hell began, wandering the disturbing corridors of the Channard Institute, and ultimately facing the terrifying Labyrinth where Pinhead and the Cenobites wait to claim new souls for eternity.

If you want to grab a piece of the horror to take home, Universal has already dropped a wave of limited-release merchandise. Fans can snag an exclusive t-shirt or a Pinhead acrylic figure designed to lock right into the separately sold Infernal Carnival collectible display, available at the parks and online at shopUniversal.com.

Halloween Horror Nights will run on select nights through Sunday, November 1 at both locations. Tickets are already on sale, and Universal Orlando has rolled out its popular Frequent Fear Pass options—including Rush of Fear and Ultimate Fear—for the die-hard haunts who want to face Pinhead again and again. You can lock in your tickets and start planning your autumn scare-fest by heading over to the official Halloween Horror Nights website.

Related: Universal Reveals New Haunted House For Halloween Horror Nights 2026

When Cynthia Bailey’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, the Real Housewives of Atlanta star stepped into caregiving without hesitation—but quickly learned the role carries an invisible weight: constant emotional labor, shifting identity, and the pressure to stay strong while quietly absorbing fear.

Bailey joined the millions of adults in the “sandwich generation,” those caring for both children and aging parents while also balancing careers and other daily demands.

“When my mom was diagnosed, it was a no-brainer for me to step in as her caregiver,” Bailey told Ebony. “For me, it wasn’t about, ‘Okay, how much will all of this cost, I’ll pay for it.’ I wanted to be there physically because it’s what she would and has done for me. My mother is my rock and has been there for me in all aspects of my life—from the birth of my daughter to dealing with my own health issues.”

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Bailey enlisted help from her siblings to ensure her mother received the best possible care as a family. “My sister, brother and I made sure to each be there how and when we could,” she said. “While I couldn’t completely give up working—and she wouldn’t have wanted me to—I did make the necessary sacrifices to ensure I could be around as much as possible. Whether that meant setting up my computer to work remotely or taking important meetings from her home so she at least saw me and knew I was there in support.”

Beyond doctor visits, medication tracking, and daily caregiving tasks, Bailey also focused on being a source of emotional strength for her mother.

“Words are power,” she said. “In addition to all that I did for my mom, I was intentional about arming her with an energetic, strong, positive mindset to make her feel like we’re going to get through this. And even if we don’t, we’re going to make the best of the situation. That is also part of the healing process. They have to feel like they will be okay, to actually be okay.”

Bailey's mother was declared cancer-free later in 2022. Bailey stepped away from RHOA after Season 13 and has returned as a friend in recent seasons.

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Summer is officially in full swing, and the temperatures are rising right along with it. Across much of the country, this week's forecast is shaping up to be one of the hottest stretches of the season, sending many people searching for ways to keep their homes cool without sending their energy bills through the roof. If you've been putting off buying an air conditioner, now is the time to act.

One deal worth paying attention to is the Frostorm 4-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner at Walmart, which is currently marked down 47%, dropping from $360 to just $190. Shoppers say it blows "super cold" air, but that's only part of its appeal. Beyond cooling your space, it also works as a fan, dehumidifier, and sleep mode unit, making it a versatile solution for everything from apartments and bedrooms to home offices and dorm rooms.

Frostorm 4-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner, From $190 (was $360) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Built to handle sweltering summer days, this unit does far more than simply cool the room. It functions as a “super cold” air conditioner, a “powerful” fan, and an “excellent” dehumidifier, giving you multiple ways to stay comfortable. Its 8,500 BTU (British Thermal Unit) cooling capacity is essentially a measure of how much cooling power the unit can produce. In simple terms, the higher the BTU, the more effectively it can lower the temperature in a larger space. This model is designed to comfortably cool rooms up to 360 square feet, making it a great fit for bedrooms, living rooms, apartments, dorms, or home offices. You can adjust the temperature anywhere from 61 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit, while multiple fan speeds, a 24-hour programmable timer, and a dedicated sleep mode let you tailor the climate to exactly how you like it.

Designed for convenience, the unit measures just 12.5 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 26.2 inches tall, giving it a relatively compact footprint that won't dominate the room. Built-in 360-degree caster wheels make it easy to roll wherever cooling is needed most. Setup is simple, too. It comes with an adjustable exhaust hose, window kit, and all the necessary hardware to fit both horizontal and vertical sliding windows between 25.5 and 47 inches, with most shoppers able to get everything installed in about 15 minutes. Once it's up and running, the included remote lets you control the temperature and settings from up to 16.5 feet away, so you won't have to leave the couch every time you want to make an adjustment.

Beyond cooling, the unit also helps make your home feel more comfortable by pulling excess moisture out of the air. Its built-in dehumidifier can remove up to 55 pints of water per day, helping sticky, muggy rooms feel cooler even before you lower the temperature. It also uses R32 refrigerant, a more energy-efficient coolant that consumes about 10% less electricity than older refrigerants while producing a lower environmental impact. Despite its “powerful” performance, “the low-noise design is amazing,” according to shoppers. The unit operates at 54 decibels or less, which is about the volume of a normal conversation.

Shoppers had plenty of praise for this “compact” and “quiet” air conditioner, saying that it's “perfect for daily use” and “so convenient.” One shopper wrote, “It cools my room quickly and efficiently, even on hot days. The remote control makes it easy to adjust settings, and the included kit made installation simple.”

Another reviewer agreed, echoing that “the remote is a nice touch,” as it lets you “make adjustments without having to get up.”

Shop More Deals

• Haier 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner, $213 (was $455) at Walmart
• Nyzgax Portable Air Conditioner, from $180 (was $220) at Walmart
• Costway 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner, $217 (was $439) at Walmart

Related: Amazon’s Under-$30 Portable Fans Are a Budget-Friendly Way to Stay Cool During Summer Heat Waves

At 47% off, the Frostorm 4-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner is one deal that's guaranteed to help you keep your cool. Shop it now at Walmart!

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.

Social media is losing it over the news that Melissa McCarthy portrays JonBenet Ramsey's mother, Patsy Ramsey, in an upcoming Netflix limited series.

The beloved actress, 55, who worked her way into our hearts as Sookie on Gilmore Girls, became a comedy legend with roles in films like Bridesmaids, The Heat, Spy, and St. Vincent. Her role on Mike & Molly earned her critical acclaim and a bevy of acting awards, and her appearances on Saturday Night Live have gone down in comedy history. But the news that she appears as Patsy Ramsey in the upcoming series received a mixed response.

The Murder of JonBenet Ramsey, starring McCarthy and Clive Owen as Patsy and John Ramsey, is headed to Netflix for a winter debut, The Hollywood Reporter shared, after the limited series was originally set to play on Paramount+. Originally titled Unspeakable: The Murder of JonBenet Ramsey, the series follows the six-year-old beauty queen’s tragic killing on Dec. 25, 1996.

Netflix describes the limited series as an exploration of “one of the most infamous unsolved murder cases in American history, and the devastating personal and public reckoning that followed the death of JonBenet Ramsey on Christmas night in 1996.”

Erik S. Lesser / Getty Images

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Who Plays JonBenet Ramsey in the Series?

Emily Mitchell portrays the six-year-old girl who was killed in her family's Boulder home in 1996. Garrett Hedlund, Alison Pill, Shea Whigham, Owen Teague, Clifton Collins Jr., Angus Caldwell, and Jaime Ray Newman also star, THR confirmed.

Social Media Had a Dramatic Response

On social media, people seemed rather shocked that McCarthy plays Patsy Ramsey in the limited series.

"Is Melissa playing Jonbenet? Because we don't want to see her," one person shared.

"If you asked me who they were casting at Jonbenet Ramsey’s parents, and you gave me 1000 guesses, I never would have hit on this pairing. This is awesome Madlibs casting," someone else chimed in.

"Please tell me this is a slapstick comedy," another person replied to the Netflix announcement.

Is Melissa playing Jonbenet? Cuz we don’t wanna see her

— Jerkbait (@kevctz) July 2, 2026

If you asked me who they were casting at Jonbenet Ramsey’s parents, and you gave me 1000 guesses, I never would have hit on this pairing. This is awesome Madlibs casting.

— Erraticus Finch (@erraticusfinch) July 2, 2026

Please tell me this is a slapstick comedy

— Critically Thinking & Drinking 🧐 🥃🧉🍸🍹🤪 (@TheCriticalDri1) July 1, 2026

Related: Melissa McCarthy Shocks With Weight Loss Transformation on the Red Carpet: ‘She Looks Phenomenal’

Bad Wolves have kicked off a new chapter by releasing their first song of 2026, "Paint It Red," while officially introducing Sara "Killboy" Skinner as the band's new lead vocalist. 

The single, released through Better Noise Music on Monday, also arrives with an official music video and marks the beginning of the band's next era as it prepares for a 2026 tour.

The announcement confirms Skinner as the band's third lead singer following the departure of Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz in 2025. While fans previously heard Skinner collaborate with Bad Wolves on the 2023 track "It's You (2 Months)," "Paint It Red" is her first official release as a full-time member.

According to the band, the Monday release date was chosen to coincide with the Strawberry Moon, the full moon that appears in late June. The group said the moon's mythology and primal energy fit the identity of a band long associated with wolf imagery, per Blabbermouth.

Founding drummer and songwriter John Boecklin said Skinner was selected because of what she could bring to the band's future.

The new track blends heavy guitar riffs, pounding drums, and melodic hooks while highlighting Skinner's vocal range. The chorus features the lyric, "And watch the blood flow down like a river from my mouth… 'Cause they won't miss you when you're dead, so paint it red."

Skinner recently shared that she was performing at open mic nights before Boecklin contacted her about joining Bad Wolves. She also revealed that the band is working on plans for a new tour, with more details expected to be announced later.

The current Bad Wolves lineup consists of John Boecklin on drums, Sara "Killboy" Skinner on vocals, AJ Rebollo on guitar, and Derek Bolman on bass.

Formed in Los Angeles in 2017, Bad Wolves rose to international attention with their cover of The Cranberries' "Zombie." The band later earned multiple No. 1 songs on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, including "Remember When," "Killing Me Slowly" and "Sober." Across four studio albums, the group has built a catalog that includes Disobey (2018), N.A.T.I.O.N. (2019), Dear Monsters (2021) and Die About It (2023).

The band has also achieved a three-times-platinum single, two gold-certified singles, six No. 1 rock radio hits, billions of streams, and tours alongside acts including Papa Roach, Volbeat, Hollywood Undead, Five Finger Death Punch, Shinedown and Breaking Benjamin.

With "Paint It Red," Bad Wolves launch a new era centered around Skinner's debut while setting the stage for more music and an upcoming 2026 tour.

Related: Country-Rock Star Announced as Headliner for America's Salute 250 Concert

July 4, 2026, will be the most astrologically explosive day of the year, thanks to Mars and Uranus in Gemini crossing paths in a perfect conjunction. Anything could happen thanks to the unpredictable, mutable energy. Everyone will be on edge. Since anything could happen, this highly anticipated Mars-Uranus energy promises “fireworks-level” shifts for four zodiac signs. 

Astrologers say that these four zodiac signs are especially impacted because they share something with the Mars-Uranus conjunction: mutability. According to astrology, the mutable signs—Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces—are known for being highly adaptable and flexible. Mutable signs are great editors, since they can implement unexpected changes and last-minute pivots to keep the energy moving. If anyone can ride this wave of change that the Mars-Uranus conjunction brings, it’s a mutable sign.

Read on to learn more about the Mars-Uranus energy and how it will affect Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces on the 4th of July and the following weeks.

Mars-Uranus Energy, Explained

What happens when Mars, the warring planet, meets with Uranus, the rebel planet? A Mars-Uranus conjunction is notoriously combustible. Mars is a ball of energy ready to shoot off in different directions. Uranus cannot help but exacerbate Mars’ liveliness. But instead of giving Mars a boost, Uranus throws Mars for a loop. As a result, Mars-Uranus energy tends to be unexpectedly explosive and erratic.

This particular Mars-Uranus conjunction on July 4, 2026, is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. It’s the first time Mars in Gemini meets with Uranus in Gemini. Mars-Uranus is already dynamic and disruptive, but Gemini adds another level of chaos to this mix. Gemini is the zodiac sign of two faces, so this mutable air sign is known for being changeable. With this in mind, the Mars-Uranus conjunction in Gemini will be exceptionally disruptive, unpredictable, and even volatile. 

Which Zodiac Signs Will Feel  a "Fireworks-Level" Shift this July 4th?

Keep reading, and look for your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs.

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Gemini: Think Twice 

Think twice before making drastic changes to your appearance, Gemini. Mars-Uranus shakes up your first house of selfhood, identity, and appearance. A strong desire to radically change how you look comes seemingly out of nowhere. Mars-Uranus could take advantage of your boredom instead of being fueled with an unexpected surge of courage. If you’re not careful, you might make a split-second decision that goes against your aesthetic and style. Luckily, certain decisions can be changed. Hair grows back, dye washes out, and piercings can be removed. But some decisions aren’t as easily reversed, such as throwing out your clothes or getting tattooed. Take a moment to really consider if your inspiration aligns with how, you see yourself.

RELATE?: Mercury Retrograde in Cancer Is Stirring Up Family Drama for These 4 Zodiac Signs

Sagittarius: Someone Will Reveal Their True Colors

A partnership isn’t what you thought it would be, Sagittarius. Unforeseen disruptions arise when Mars-Uranus erupts your seventh house of marriage, contracts, and commitments. You might have felt confident in a relationship up until this point. Mars-Uranus might impact a romantic connection or working relationship. It could be hard to gauge which arrangement could go sideways, because there might not have been any red flags. The other person might have acted completely normal, so this could be a shocking development. Since this could go either way, remain open-minded to your partner’s thoughts, feelings, and opinions instead of being reactive. All of this could blow over by the end of the week.

MORE: These 4 Zodiac Signs Are Set to Thrive During Jupiter’s Transit Through Leo

Virgo: Give It Another Go

Have you exhausted all options, Virgo? Plan A and Plan B might have failed, but Plan C unexpectedly arrives when Mars-Uranus invigorates your tenth house of career, success, and legacy. You could have felt unsure of your career path until now. Perhaps you’ve gone through many industry changes or tried different positions to find the right fit. It’s also possible that your ventures, ambitions, and goals reached unexpected conclusions that weren’t part of your professional vision. Since nothing has gone according to plan, you might be at a loss as to what comes next. Luckily, this Mars-Uranus energy could revitalize your energy. Your innovation will be reinvigorated, giving you the boost to try again. 

READ: The 4 Birth Months About to Get Very Lucky After June 30

Pisces: Domestic Bliss Gone Awry

Your inner world implodes, Pisces, as Mars-Uranus disrupts your fourth house of home, family, and foundation. This energy might play out in a few ways. Recent home improvements might unexpectedly backfire, so have a contractor on standby. Potential new beginnings might take a turn, such as being turned down from renting or buying a new home. It’s also possible that your family could erupt in chaos. Your parents or siblings might spark your frustrations; your children, partner, or roommates could also bring out another side to you. Regardless of what happens, this Mars-Uranus energy brings unease to your inner world. Find an outlet to pour your energy into if you cannot rest and relax in your sacred space.

UP NEXT:

Sister Wives fans have watched the Brown family navigate life on television for years, but now, one of Kody Brown's children is sharing her perspective on the "chaotic" childhood they experienced behind the scenes of the TLC series.

Maddie Brown Brush is opening up about her upbringing, sharing a deeply personal Instagram post reflecting on what it was like growing up in the Brown family and how those experiences continue to influence her today. She is the oldest daughter of six children born to Janelle and Kody Brown.

Brush opened with a powerful statement. She set the tone for her subsequent comments about life as one of Kody's kids and what TLC's cameras didn't see.

She began, "I didn’t grow up knowing what peace felt like. At least not in the nervous system sense. Not even in the 'exhale at the end of the day' sense."

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"My childhood was chaotic in ways I’ve spent my entire adult life making sense of and choosing to build something completely different from. That’s the short version. Maybe one day, I’ll tell the long one."

Brush continued, "What I know is this: I got married young, had my first son at 21, moved across the country at 23 to find my footing, and somewhere in the middle of all of it; the parenting books I consumed, the hard decisions I made, the life my husband [Caleb Brush] and I quietly built together, I found something I didn’t grow up with."

She concluded, "Peace. Not the absence of chaos but with the presence of it and the ability to choose calm anyway."

This isn't the first time the reality star has opened up about her childhood. However, her latest reflection is among her most personal yet.

In 2024, she spoke out about her estrangement from her father, Kody, on her former podcast, The Authentic Society. “I have no contact with some of my family, and it’s because of stuff that has happened,” she explained.

“[Kody] doesn’t have any respect for boundaries, and you have to play by his rules, and I just don’t care to do that.”

“My dad would get very angry when I would — I’m a straight shooter, you ask me a question, I’m going to tell you what I think — and he would get very angry when I would be like, ‘I don’t know why you’re surprised here,’” she continued.

“And so that was one of the reasons that I went no contact because it was like, he didn’t like a mirror being held up.”

Brush concluded, "“I always get messages from people who are like, ‘You should just forgive your dad and respect him.’ And I’m like, ‘I don’t think you know what you’re talking about because your experience with your dad could be very different than my experience with my dad.’ Some people just don't deserve to be in your life."

On Sister Wives, Maddie Brown Brush appears alongside several members of the Brown family, including her mother, Janelle Brown; her father, Kody Brown; his wife, Robyn Brown; and his former wives, Meri Brown and Christine Brown Woolley.

Season 21 of the series is set to return to TLC. An airdate has not yet been announced.

Related: ‘Sister Wives’ Fans Name the Cringiest Episodes in the Show’s History

"America The Beautiful," "This Land Is Your Land," "God Bless America," and "The Star-Spangled Banner" are beloved classics that celebrate the nation. As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a new wave of patriotic music has emerged, offering fresh interpretations of America. Artists across genres created or re-imagined songs for the Semiquincentennial.

The 250th anniversary has produced a wide-ranging musical landscape spanning country, classical, choral, and independent releases. From Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s “America,” to Karen LeFrak’s orchestral “American Promise,” to Trace Adkins’ “American Made,” these songs form a new soundtrack for America’s milestone year.

Here are the new songs and musical projects that have been released to honor the United States and commemorate its 250th anniversary.

Related: 50 Songs About America To Add to Your Independence Day Playlist

New Patriotic Songs for America's 250th Birthday"America" – Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan

"America," by Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan celebrates their love for the United States. While the song was originally introduced in 2015, it has been released widely for the first time as part of the America250 celebration. The uplifting anthem reflects the Estefans' personal journey and gratitude for the freedoms and opportunities they found in America. Emilio Estefan says the project captures America's musical roots while looking ahead to the country's future, making the song a fitting tribute for the nation's milestone birthday. “Music has always been how Gloria and I tell stories about who we are and where we’re going,” said Emilio Estefan. “America’s Soundtrack is about capturing our dynamic musical roots as a country while creating something forward-looking that reflects our future.”

"American Made" – Trace Adkins

Country music star Trace Adkins returns with his first new single in five years, "American Made," released on June 26, 2026. Written specifically as an anthem honoring generations of Americans, the song celebrates farmers, laborers, and veterans. Created for America's 250th birthday, the song honors the hardworking spirit that has helped define the country.

"America/Beautiful" – Min Kwon

Classical pianist and composer Min Kwon has assembled one of the largest collaborative musical tributes with "America/Beautiful." Released on May 8, 2026, 5-CD box set features 76 contemporary American composers that Kwon commissioned to each write a solo piano variation on the song "America the Beautiful."

The interpretations offer a wide range of musical perspectives that celebrate America's diversity while encouraging thoughtful reflection on the nation's past, present and future. Some of the artists on "America/Beautiful" include Vijay Iyer, Nico Muhly, Timo Andres, Fred Hersch, Stewart Copeland, Terry Riley, Augusta Read Thomas, George Lewis, and John Harbison. As Min Kwon says, the mission of the album is "To celebrate the cultural melting pot that is our country," said Kwon. "To unite as many voices as possible for one purpose, one project, one question: What is America?"

"Blanket of Stars" - Craig Morgan

Country music star and Army Reserve soldier Craig Morgan will release his new song, "Blanket Of Stars," on July 3 through BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Drawing on Morgan's life as a performer and Army Reserve solder, the song reflects on the service and sacrifice of U.S. military members. In addition to the release, Morgan will host 4th of July Guest DJ with Craig Morgan on SiriusXM's Y2Kountry over the Independence Day weekend and will host and perform during the America Salutes You Armed Forces 250th Birthday, which begins streaming July 1 on Disney+ and Hulu.

Related: ‘A Capitol Fourth’ Concert Announces Lineup Update With 2 Country Music Icons for America’s 250th

"American Promise" – Karen LeFrak

Modern classical composer Karen LeFrak contributes one of the celebration's most ambitious new works with "American Promise." Commissioned specifically for the 250th anniversary, and part of America's Soundtrack, the orchestral composition is a musical portrait of unity, gratitude, and faith in the American dream. Recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra, the piece premiered with the Miami Symphony Orchestra on March 8, 2026, with additional performances by the National Symphony Orchestra and orchestras across the country throughout the year. LeFrak says the composition reflects the vast beauty of America and the ideals that have united generations of Americans.

"Battle Hymn of the Republic" – The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

One of America's most treasured patriotic hymns receives a stirring new interpretation from The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. The newly recorded performance was selected as one of the inaugural releases of America's Soundtrack. The composition spotlights the enduring power of music to inspire hope, peace and national unity. The choir, often referred to as "America's Choir," recently performed the song during its "Songs of Hope" World Tour.

Next, Fired Up for the Fourth! Everything to Know About the 2025 Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks

In the early 1980s, Night Ranger was known for songs such as “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” and “When You Close Your Eyes,” but their signature hit came in 1984 with the song “Sister Christian.”

The single from the album Midnight Madness peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1984 and became the band’s highest-charting song.

Written by drummer Kelly Keagy, “Sister Christian” was a power ballad tailor-made for the early days of MTV. But more than 40 years later, Keagy revealed the hit song put Night Ranger in a bind.

In a new interview with the Dr. Music podcast, Keagy recalled that after the success of “Sister Christian,” Night Ranger’s record label pushed them to become a ballad band.

“What happened, the record company gives you a large amount of money to make a record and so their goal is to sell records,” Keagy said. “And we're back here going, ‘Yeah, but we got to go out and play. We can't do four ballads in the set.'”

“But the record company did push that,” he added. ‘You know with ‘Sentimental Street and stuff like that.”

Agreeing that the record label would have loved to have 10 "Sister Christians,’” Keagy continued, “Like when we turned in the last record, which was Man in Motion, we didn't have a ballad on there. We turned it in and [record label executives] just laughed and said, ’Right, a Night Ranger record without a ballad.’"

“So we went back and wrote ‘Restless Kind.’ And they loved it, but they didn't release it,” he shared. “They released a song we didn't write, which was ‘I Did It for Love.’ And that's when we knew we were stuck. We didn't have a safe zone anymore.”

“Like a young artist, they have to know that if somebody's, you know, footing the bill, they're going to want to, you know, sell records. It's a business…. And sometimes you just don't get that, you know, like, ‘No we want to do this,” he explained.

RELATED: 1982 Power Ballad Written by Rock Legends Became Iconic Band’s Only Top 40  Hit

Keagy had a very personal connection to “Sister Christian.” The song was written for his sister Christy, who was 10 years his junior. He started writing the song as “Sister Christy,” but Night Ranger bandmate Jack Blades suggested “Christian” instead.

"He thought the words were Sister Christian, instead of Sister Christy, so it just stuck,” Keagy told the San Francisco Chronicle in 2005.

The rocker noted that his sister “embraced” the fame and joked about changing her name.

“And my mom had a license plate that said, 'mother of Sister Christian’ on her license plate,” the Night Ranger alum shared on Dr. Music. “So she just absolutely had fun with it.”

Related: 1989 Rock Hit Ranked Among ‘Greatest Power Ballads of All Time' Was Nearly Rejected by Band

Seth Rogen has had plenty of surreal Hollywood encounters, but none left him more relieved to say no than an unexpected invitation from Sean "Diddy" Combs.

He recounted the moment, beginning with, "I'm glad I didn't do this," while speaking to his The Invite co-star Olivia Wilde during Entertainment Weekly's "Lie vs. Lie."

"Many years ago, me and my wife were at The French Laundry, one of the fanciest restaurants in the world, and at the table beside us was… Puff Daddy," Rogen shared. "Puff Daddy came over to me and my wife and he said, 'What are you guys doing tomorrow morning?' And we said, 'We're here actually scouting wedding locations.' And he said, 'Well, if you have time, would you like to come hot air ballooning with me?' And I said no, which I'm very happy about, 'cuz the last thing I need in the world is a photo of me on a hot air balloon alone with Puff Daddy, waving and smiling and holding glasses of rosé."

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Rogen laughed as he finished the story. Years later, Combs was convicted in July 2025 on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. In October 2025, he was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison, with credit for time already served. He is currently incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution in Fort Dix, New Jersey, and is projected to be released in February 2028. Combs was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges, and his legal team has said it plans to appeal the conviction.

The exchange came as part of Entertainment Weekly’s “Lie vs. Lie” game, in which cast members share surprising personal stories while trying to determine which ones are true. Rogen’s anecdote stood out as one of the most unexpected moments of the segment, quickly becoming a highlight of the conversation.

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Your kitchen shelves only have so much space, and your cooking time is even more limited. While it's easy to scroll through endless free vegan recipes online, there is a different kind of joy in holding a physical cookbook you trust to help you learn fun plant-based recipes. However, we know it can be hard to tell which cookbooks are actually worth buying until you’ve already brought them home and tried the recipes.

No one wants to spend the afternoon hunting down hard-to-find ingredients just to end up with a dinner that doesn't turn out well. Whether you're fully vegan, wanting to cut down on your meat consumption or looking to try a new way of eating, we wanted to find the vegan titles that are worth keeping in the kitchen, so we asked an award-winning chef to share the ones he uses for inspiration.

Rich Landau is the chef and co-owner of Vedge and Ground Provisions, two vegetable-centric restaurants that have changed the way people think about plant-based dining. Alongside his wife and business partner, Kate Jacoby, Landau has spent decades working with seasonal produce and building bold flavors.

He is a six-time James Beard finalist, won an episode of Food Network’s Chopped and routinely breaks down dishes as a judge on Beat Bobby Flay. Because he has also written four cookbooks of his own, including Vedge and The Vedge Bar Book, he understands the care it takes to make a recipe easy to follow and successful at home.

Whether you want to explore regional styles or just need a simple weeknight dinner, here are the 11 best vegan cookbooks Landau recommends.

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How These Cookbooks Were Chosen

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Instead of sticking to one specific style of cooking, Landau pulled a diverse mix of titles from his personal collection. His selections range from high-end restaurant manuals to simple weeknight guides and deep dives into regional cuisines.

While the techniques and flavors vary completely from book to book, Landau chose each one because it stands out as one of the best examples of its style, offering reliable recipes that he personally uses for inspiration.

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

Top Vegan Cookbooks

• Best Vegan Cookbook for Korean Comfort Food: The Korean Vegan Homemade: Recipes and Stories from My Kitchen by Joanne Lee Molinaro
• Best Vegan Cookbook for Seasonal Cooking:Plant-Based Magic: 120 Seasonal Recipes for Healing Body and Soul by Lisanna Wallance
• Best Mediterranean Vegan Cookbook:Crossroads: Extraordinary Recipes from the Restaurant That Is Reinventing Vegan Cuisine by Tal Ronnen
• Best All-In-One Kitchen Reference:Mastering the Art of Plant-Based Cooking: Vegan Recipes, Tips, and Techniques by Joe Yonan
• Best Vegan Cookbook for Baking and Desserts:Vegan Chocolate: Unapologetically Luscious and Decadent Dairy-Free Desserts by Fran Costigan
• Best Indian Vegan Cookbook:Plant-Based India: Nourishing Recipes Rooted in Tradition by Dr. Sheil Shukla
• Best Japanese Vegan Cookbook:Vegan Japan: 70 Comforting Plant-Based Recipes by Julia Boucachard
• Best Caribbean Vegan Cookbook:Caribbean Vegan, Second Edition: Meat-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free Authentic Island Cuisine for Every Occasion by Taymer Mason
• Best Vegan Cookbook for Healthy Longevity:The Blue Zones Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Live to 100 by Dan Buettner
• Best Vegan Cookbook for Beginners: Forks Over Knives - The Cookbook by Del Sroufe
• Best Southern Cooking Vegan Cookbook:Mississippi Vegan: Recipes and Stories from a Southern Boy's Heart by Timothy Pakron

11 Best Vegan Cookbooks, According to an Award-Winning Chef

These are the best vegan cookbooks Rich Landau highly recommends adding to your collection.

1. Best for Korean Comfort Food: The Korean Vegan Homemade: Recipes and Stories from My Kitchen by Joanne Lee Molinaro, $37 (Originally $40) at Barnes & Noble

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Instead of relying on easy shortcuts or processed meat alternatives, Joanne Lee Molinaro builds deep flavor by teaching readers how to use traditional, fermented pantry staples like doenjang (soybean paste) and gochujang (chili paste).

This cookbook features traditional staples like jjajangmyun (black bean noodles) alongside personal essays about her mother fleeing North Korea.

"Beautiful photography and great recipe adaptations from a very meat-heavy cuisine," Chef Landau says. "These recipes capture the essence of Korean cooking without sacrificing flavor or soul."

Related: 50+ Satisfying Vegan Breakfasts To Power Your Day

2. Best for Seasonal Cooking:Plant-Based Magic: 120 Seasonal Recipes for Healing Body and Soul by Lisanna Wallance, $27.95 at Barnes & Noble

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After being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, clinical herbalist and chef Lisanna Wallance used plant and mushroom medicine to help manage her chronic pain.

This book organizes her entirely gluten-free, vegan recipes by the calendar, pairing in-season produce with functional herbs. Instead of traditional weeknight cooking, you get unusual, playful recipes, such as lilac panna cotta and adaptogenic stuffed zucchini, that are designed to target energy, focus and digestion.

"Fresh and inspired, this book blends food and healing both gracefully and deliciously," Chef Landau notes. It's a fantastic guide if you want to switch up your cooking habits and align your kitchen with the changing seasons.

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

3. Best Mediterranean:Crossroads: Extraordinary Recipes from the Restaurant That Is Reinventing Vegan Cuisine by Tal Ronnen, $35 at Barnes & Noble

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Chef Tal Ronnen skips tofu blocks and processed meat substitutes in his cookbook, focusing instead on upscale Mediterranean cooking.

The book brings the menu of his famous Los Angeles restaurant straight to your stove, teaching you how to use nuts, grains and seasonal vegetables to build rich textures. You'll learn how to make house staples like almond-based ricotta cheese, hearts of palm "calamari" and fresh pasta tossed in homemade sauces.

"My dear friend and rockstar chef Tal Ronnen brings his Mediterranean-inspired approach to vegan food," Chef Landau says. "Crossroads effortlessly blends creativity and ingenuity with simplicity and clean flavors."

4. Best All-In-One Kitchen Reference:Mastering the Art of Plant-Based Cooking: Vegan Recipes, Tips and Techniques by Joe Yonan, $50 at Barnes & Noble

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Instead of just listing dinner ideas, former Washington Post food editor Joe Yonan delivers a massive, technique-focused guide to the fundamentals of plant-based cooking.

This 500-page volume opens with a comprehensive "building blocks" chapter that teaches you how to handle scratch-made kitchen basics. Instead of relying on store-bought substitutes, you’ll learn how to emulsify aquafaba mayonnaise, churn homemade nut butters, and craft your own oat milk and stocks from scratch.

"Joe’s curiosity and support for plant-based dining is infectious and always apparent in the pages of his books," Chef Landau says. It's a great technical handbook for anyone who wants to master the fundamental kitchen skills behind great everyday meals.

5. Best for Baking and Desserts:Vegan Chocolate: Unapologetically Luscious and Decadent Dairy-Free Desserts by Fran Costigan, $40 at Barnes & Noble

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Traditional baking relies on the chemistry of eggs and dairy fat, making plant-based pastries notoriously hard to master. Professional pastry instructor Fran Costigan skips common shortcuts like processed margarine and tofu, treating dessert-making like a science.

Her recipes in this cookbook focus on precise techniques, like tracking exact chocolate percentages and learning to properly emulsify almond milk ganache, to deliver bakery-quality tortes, tarts and mousses.

"Fran works magic with her vegan desserts; her experience and approachability shine through in this wonderful book," Chef Landau says. "If you have a sweet tooth, this is the book you need."

6. Best Indian: Plant-Based India: Nourishing Recipes Rooted in Tradition by Dr. Sheil Shukla, $32.50 at Barnes & Noble

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"Indian food is everyone’s favorite, and one of the most complex and extraordinary cuisines on the planet," Chef Landau says. "This book will have you mastering curry at home."

While Indian cuisine is inherently vegetarian-friendly, restaurant dishes still use dairy staples like ghee, yogurt and paneer cheese. Dr. Sheil Shukla, a physician who learned to cook traditional Gujarati dishes from his grandmother, reworks his family’s heritage meals into completely plant-based versions with Plant-Based India.

Instead of using processed substitutes, his recipes focus on the whole food basics of the Indian pantry, showing you how to build a rich shak (spiced vegetable dish) or a comforting dal using whole legumes and home-toasted spice blends.

Related: The 8 Best Cookbook Stands That Chefs Swear By

7. Best Japanese:Vegan Japan: 70 Comforting Plant-Based Recipes by Julia Boucachard, $24.95 at Barnes & Noble

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"Once you have visited Japan, you realize two things," Chef Landau notes. "The food is seemingly simple yet deeply soul-satisfying, and the other is that it is unexpectedly difficult to navigate vegan eating there. This book satisfies both points."

Japanese-French chef Julia Boucachard draws on her childhood memories, splitting time between Tokyo and France, to recreate her favorite comfort foods without hidden fish-based dashi or bonito flakes.

Her recipes in Vegan Japan make the most of clean, homestyle staples like kabocha squash stew, crispy karaage, miso butter ramen and even yoshoku favorites like Japanese potato salad.

8. Best Caribbean: Caribbean Vegan, Second Edition: Meat-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free Authentic Island Cuisine for Every Occasion by Taymer Mason, $26.95 at Barnes & Noble

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Barbadian food scientist Taymer Mason celebrates the rich, traditional heritage of West Indian cooking by using regional, whole-food staples like cassava, breadfruit and green bananas as the foundation for her dishes in Caribbean Vegan.

"Caribbean food is so hauntingly delicious," Chef Landau says. "The spices, the unique ingredients, the taste of vacation and a window into an underrated food culture that deserves a bigger spotlight; this book is for that journey."

Mason teaches you how to create these complex flavor profiles from scratch, sharing reliable recipes for fiery Jamaican jerk marinades, slow-simmered Trinidadian doubles and your own homemade Bajan green seasonings.

9. Best for Healthy Longevity:The Blue Zones Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Live to 100 by Dan Buettner, $35 at Barnes & Noble

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National Geographic fellow Dan Buettner spent decades traveling the globe to document the world's "Blue Zones"—the specific regions where people consistently live past 100. This book serves as a field guide and cookbook, collecting recipes directly from families in these communities.

Instead of calorie counting or focusing on micronutrients, The Blue Zones Kitchen pages feature traditional, whole-food plant combinations. You will learn how to make daily staples like Sardinian herbed lentil minestrone, Costa Rican hearts of palm ceviche and steamed Okinawan sweet potatoes.

Chef Landau has personally collaborated with Buettner over the last decade and considers his findings game changing. "The importance of his discovery of the Blue Zones cannot be understated," Chef Landau shares. "His knowledge of these cuisines and the effects on our well-being are extraordinary."

10. Best for Beginners: Forks Over Knives—The Cookbook by Del Sroufe, $22.95 at Barnes & Noble

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"From the eye-opening documentary that changed so many minds," Chef Landau notes. "Everyone should see this movie no matter what, and if it inspires them, then this book will be a great next step forward."

Chef Del Sroufe handles the transition to plant-based eating by skipping processed meat substitutes and keeping the cooking methods simple. The Forks Over Knives cookbook features more than 300 oil-free recipes that use basic items like oats, canned beans and potatoes.

Instead of learning complex techniques, you learn how to make healthy and quick meals like mushroom stroganoff, black-eyed pea stew and baked oatmeal.

11. Best Southern Cooking: Mississippi Vegan: Recipes and Stories from a Southern Boy's Heart by Timothy Pakron, $36 at Barnes & Noble

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Classic American Southern food is legendary for its comfort, but the culture traditionally relies on ham hocks, bacon grease and butter. Photographer and chef Timothy Pakron reclaims his Gulf Coast heritage by letting the regional agricultural bounty take center stage in Mississippi Vegan.

He uses wild mushrooms, fresh okra and local root vegetables to recreate the comforting textures of the Deep South, offering recipes for plant-based gumbos, flaky biscuits and slow-smothered greens.

"Southern food may best represent what the USA has to offer the global culinary stage, but it is notoriously meaty despite having some of the best growing soil for vegetables. This book answers that call," Chef Landau says.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a few solid cookbooks makes a big difference when you're standing in front of the stove on a Tuesday night, and having a physical book on the counter means you can skip scrolling on your phone to find a recipe.

Plant-based cooking is at its best when it stops trying to mimic meat and just lets whole foods, vegetables, plants and spices taste great on their own terms.

Whether you want to spend a weekend afternoon simmering a vegan pasta sauce or just need a fast, reliable dinner after work, these are the best vegan cookbook titles you'll keep coming back to week after week.

Up Next:

Related: 5 Best Produce Items To Buy at Trader Joe's (and 4 To Skip)

Source:

• Rich Landau is the chef and co-owner of Vedge and Ground Provisions. Landau is a six-time James Beard finalist, and he has written four cookbooks, including Vedge and The Vedge Bar Book.

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When you're short on space, every inch counts — and finding a storage cabinet that actually fits can feel like a challenge. Target's vintage-inspired Costway Slim Rattan Storage Cabinet is designed with small spaces in mind, thanks to its slim profile that fits neatly into corners. Right now, it's available for as low as $60, a steep discount from its original $280 price.

It features a woven rattan door which brings a warm, vintage-inspired touch. However, its biggest draw is the adjustable shelf, with twelve height settings to hold everything from toiletries and towels to pantry items and baskets. Need to store something taller? Just take the shelf out for extra room. One impressed shopper described the design as "a stroke of genius" and called the cabinet "an organizer's dream come true." 

Costway Slim Rattan Storage Cabinet, From $60 (was $280) at Target

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This 54-inch-tall, slim cabinet is made to fit where larger furniture can't. Tuck it into a bathroom for towels and toiletries, add it to the kitchen for extra pantry storage, or place it in a bedroom corner to keep clutter under control. Despite its compact size, it supports up to 135 pounds, making it sturdy enough for books, folded linens, baskets, and decorative accents. It stands on solid wood legs and comes with two anti-tip kits for extra stability. 

Its vintage-inspired design is another reason shoppers love it. The handwoven rattan door adds warmth and texture while keeping clutter out of sight, Meanwhile, the open shelves give you a place to display books, plants, or your favorite decor. The woven door also allows air to circulate so the inside doesn’t get too stale, while a magnetic closure keeps everything neatly in place. 

Shoppers appreciated how simple it is to put together, with one reviewer calling it "so easy to assemble." Aanother Target customer simply called it “a stellar choice." It's available in three colorways: natural, white, and black. Prices vary by color, but even the priciest option is just $84, making every version a worthwhile buy. 

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• Costway Rattan 2-Door Cabinet, $110 (was $238) at Target
• Best Choice Products 2-Door Rattan Storage Cabinet, $150 (was $243) at Target
• Amada Homefurnishing 66-Inch Corduroy Sofa Bed, $180 (was $320) at Target

Related: Target’s ‘Beautiful’ $90 Slatted Storage Cabinet Is a 'Stylish' Way to Tackle Clutter in Any Room

At under $100, the Costway Slim Rattan Storage Cabinet is worth considering if you’re looking for something that will save space. Head to Target and grab it now while it’s still in stock and on sale!

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Iconic theme park Holiday World is set to make a splash with Cannonball!, the first and only water roller coaster in the Midwest.

The largest single-attraction investment in the park’s history, the $22 million ride will be themed to the Fourth of July and reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, making it the fastest water coaster in the United States.

Designed by Mack Rides and at a attraction time of 3 minutes, it will also impressively feature the tallest drop in the country and is expected to open in May 2027. Ahead of the attraction’s thrilling final drop, riders will travel along 1,700 feet of coaster track reaching heights of up to 90 feet.

Related: The 9 Easter Eggs You Missed on Disney's New Muppets Coaster

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​"This ride is dedicated to every kid who had to work up the courage to climb the tall diving board at their community pool,” shared Leah Koch-Blumhardt, Fourth-Generation Owner and Director of Communications​, in a press release. “And it’s a tribute to every small town with a quirky annual tradition. There’s something special about the way we come together to celebrate our independence as a nation, and we hope Cannonball! conveys that magic.”

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

“America’s First Theme Park” features four uniquely themed sections: Halloween, Christmas, Thanksgiving and Fourth of July. Cannonball! will become the marquee attraction of the Fourth of July land and will join the park’s three award-winning water-slide-style water coasters and Good Gravy!, USA Today’s 10best Best New Roller Coaster of 2024. The family friendly addition will operate with a minimum height requirement of 42 inches when accompanied by an adult and 48 inches unaccompanied.

Cannonball! comes with a unique backstory and will be themed after a community center pool in the fictional small town of Boulder Canyon, USA. Aboard unique pool float-inspired ride vehicles, riders will encounter a 90-foot life hill and a dramatic 75-foot drop. Holiday World is encouraging guests to yell “Cannonball!” as they descend down the final splashdown.

Related: A Legendary Amusement Park Just Announced A World-Record-Breaking New Water Ride.

Holiday World was founded in 1946 as Santa Claus Land and perfectly blends family friendly fun with thrill-forward attractions. The one-of-its-kind theme park is renowned for its themed lands and attractions, including The Voyage, an award-winning wooden roller coaster that has been ranked among the top in the world by Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards.

With family and fun at the forefront, the park offers free unlimited soft drinks, sunscreen and parking with all admission. Its seasonal events are a cornerstone, including Happy Halloween Weekends. Holiday World is located in Santa Claus, Indiana, and within houses of major cities like Nashville,Louisville and Cincinnati.

Related: Inside the Legendary Disney Studio No Theme Park Ticket Will Get You Into

In early 2009, romantasy author Sarah J. Maas set out to rewrite a story based on Beauty and the Beast, Tam Lim, and East of the Sun and West of the Moon. The manuscript took her just five weeks to write.

A Court of Thorns and Roses was released on May 5, 2015. Thanks in part to BookTok and reader communities online, the book and its respective sequels have become global sensations and have launched Maas into stardom as an author. The ACOTAR series (the acronym the series is colloquially known by) has sold more than 75 million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 38 languages. The success of the series has defined the romantasy genre, and drawn comparisons of Maas to the likes of J.K. Rowling.

ACOTAR continually appears on bestseller lists, such as The New York Times or USA Today's. The series is so popular amongst readers that multiple of its titles are currently some of the "Most Read Books of 2026," according to Goodreads. The first book in the fantasy adventure series ranks No. 22 on the list, being "shelved" by readers more than 400,000 times in 2026.

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A Court of Thorns and Rosesfollows Feyre, a 19-year-old huntress who kills a magical wolf that was actually a High Fae from the Spring Court in disguise. Feyre is taken away to the faerie realm of Prythia to pay for her crime with her life. In Prythia, she meets High Lord Tamlin and his emissary, Lucien, and slowly but surely learns more about the faeries and their world, which had previously only been the things of legends to Feyre. But something is looming over Prythia, an ancient blight is spreading and threatens Feyre, Tamlin, and everything she is only beginning to know about the world she's found herself a part of.

ACOTAR was followed by the sequelsA Court of Mist and Fury in 2016, A Court of Wings and Ruin in 2017, A Court of Frost and Starlight in 2018, and A Court of Silver Flames in 2021. Maas has announced the release of two more sequels with the sixth installment releasing on October 27, 2026, and the seventh on January 12, 2027. The series will conclude with an eighth book.

A Court of Thorns and Roses and the other books in the ACOTAR series are avaiable now wherever books are sold.

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Related: Best-Selling 2023 Romantasy Hit Is Still Ranked a ‘Most Read Book of the Year,’ According to Goodreads

It took exactly 20 minutes for a grieving country singer to write down the lyrics of a song that described his love for his late veteran father and a nation in turmoil in 2001.

Toby Keith never intended to record the song he initially called "Angry American." Its title would later be changed to "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue."

Ranked as one of the most patriotic songs by The Hollywood Reporter, Keith wrote the song on the back of a Fantasy Football sheet a week after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. He intended to only perform it live for troops on USO tours, but a Marine Corps commander encouraged him to record it, CBS News reported.

Keith told Dan Rather, "He [the commander] said, 'You have to release it. You can serve your country in other ways besides suiting up in combat.' We will go kick their butts. But we survive on morale."

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The commander added, "I mean, we live on morale. That's what we travel on. And, he said I highly recommend you put that song out."

"Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue" hit No. 1 on Billboard's Country Music Chart in July 2002. It remained active on the charts for 23 weeks.

The Boot quoted Keith's comments about the song, made during a media event. "When I turned [the song] in, they said, 'Well, it really doesn’t say 'Angry American' in there. Why don’t you call it 'Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue?' So, I did."

He added, "I prayed about it and discussed it with everybody for a long time, because I knew it was going to cause a storm. But at the end of the day, I was like, 'If it means that much to those guys, then I don’t care. I’ll do it.' And that’s when we finally decided we were going to release it."

The impact included Keith's reported refusal to appear on an ABC special after reporter Peter Jennings asked him to tone down the song's lyrics. Additionally, he tussled with The Chicks' lead singer, Natalie Maines, who once called the song “ignorant."

"You know, until I became very successful, I didn't get these hits. So the higher you fly, the bigger targets you make. And I can take that," said Keith to CBS News. "And I'll be there every time. If you, if they need me to respond, I'll be that guy because I'm not gonna lay down. And I'm not gonna shut up."

By standing his ground, Keith did more than reinforce his reputation as one of country music's boldest voices. He helped push the genre into new territory, proving there was room for songs that tackled real-life issues without softening the message.

Toby Keith died on February 5, 2024, at the age of 62 after a battle with stomach cancer.

Related: 1992 Social Anthem, Initially Banned by Country Radio, Became a Top 20 Hit for a Megastar

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Picture yourself lazing in your backyard on a warm summer afternoon, drink in hand, reading your favorite book. What’s better than that? If you want to create a relaxing environment that’ll give you the prime lounging experience, consider adding the bestselling Edx Zero-Gravity Lounge Chairs to your home’s outdoor space. Right now, you can score a set of two on sale at Walmart for up to 40% off for a limited time with a flash deal. 

Normally retailing for $98, the black version of this lounge chair set is now on sale for just $59. For just a dollar more, you can also score this lounge chair set in a blue version. Considering that you’re getting each chair for about $30, this is a deal you won’t want to miss. 

Edx 2-Pack of Zero-Gravity Lounge Chairs, From $59 (was $98) at Walmart

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Take your lounging game to the next level with this zero-gravity chair. Whether you want to sit upright and read, recline back and watch a movie, or lie down and take a nap, this chair will meet all your relaxation needs. Designed with a reclining mechanism, this chair effortlessly tilts back up to 160 degrees. Once you find your preferred angle, you can lock the seat in place by pushing down the two levers by the armrests. 

Made of wear-resistant breathable mesh fabric, this chair allows air to flow through, keeping you cool on sweltering summer days. The mesh fabric is attached to the frame by numerous bungee cords, delivering that zero-gravity feel that’ll cradle your body and make you feel like you’re suspended in the air. Shoppers attested to the comfort of this chair, mentioning that it has great lumbar support and reduces the pressure on their back and legs. 

This chair comes with a thickened headrest that you can strap on if you want to prop up your head and neck. For added convenience, it also includes a side tray equipped with a cup holder and phone holder so you can always have your essentials by your side and access them without having to get up. 

Edx 2-Pack of Zero-Gravity Lounge Chairs, From $59 (was $98) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

While these lounge chairs are a great way to turn your backyard or porch into a relaxing resort-like getaway, you can also bring them along to your summer outings. Thanks to their foldable design, you can toss them into the trunk of your car and easily take them to the tan on the beach, cloud watch in the park, or laze on a camping trip. Shoppers noted that these chairs fold and unfold easily and are light enough to carry. 

“The zero-gravity position makes me feel like I’m floating,” one reviewer raved. “It’s perfect for lounging, reading, or even taking a nap.” They also stated that it's “incredibly easy to transport and store.” A second reviewer said that these chairs are "beautiful, sleek, and very comfortable.” 

The frame of this chair is made of heavy-duty metal capable of holding up to 350 pounds. Shoppers commented that this chair feels very sturdy and durable. For size reference, it’s about 24 inches wide and 43 inches tall when upright. 

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Related: Walmart's 'Very Flattering' 2-Piece Swimsuit Is Now 40% Off, and It's 'Comfortable' for All Body Types

On sale for as low as $59, the Edx 2-Pack Zero-Gravity Lounge Chairs are a summer lounging staple you’ll want to add to your cart ASAP. Don’t hesitate to head to Walmart and snag the set while it’s still in stock in your preferred color. Be sure to hurry because they’re already flying off the shelves!

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Almost 30 years since its release, Saving Private Ryan has been ranked as the No. 1 movie to watch on Fourth of July weekend by Entertainment Weekly.

Saving Private Ryan follows a squad of U.S. soldiers led by John Miller, who is portrayed by Tom Hanks. The classic film also featured Matt Damon, who played Private James Ryan, a character whose brothers have been killed in combat. The film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, and won five for best director, cinematography, sound, film editing and sound effects.

Directed by Steven Spielberg, Entertainment Weekly said that their film should be watched this Fourth of July weekend because it puts you where the soldiers stood.

“It puts you … where they bled,” Entertainment Weekly wrote. “Where they fell. But something good and decent rose from their sacrifice.”

Last year, The Pitt’s Noah Wylerevealed in an interview with the Still Here Hollywood podcast that he was offered a role in Saving Private Ryan, but had to turn it down. Although the film won a multitude of awards, Wyle said he doesn’t necessarily regret not doing the film.

“I’m almost glad that I didn’t do them because those guys made those parts,” Wyle said. “I got offered the part of ‘[Corporal] Upham,’ which was Jeremy Davies’ part. And he was so phenomenal in that, I couldn’t imagine doing anything close to what he did.”

Wyle was also offered the role of Damon’s Private Ryan, as well as a part in George Clooney’s 2005 film Good Night, and Good Luck. However, because he was working on ER, he had to turn down both roles.

Among the 30 films ranked as must-watch movies for Fourth of July, Entertainment Weekly also included Apollo 13, Hamilton, Miracle and the iconic 1939 film Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.