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Every few years, one of the eight surviving Union Pacific Big Boy locomotives goes on a national tour, drawing hundreds and thousands of rail fans, history buffs and spectators at the whistle stops on its schedule. Unfortunately, over 100 of the thousands who gathered in Reading, Pennsylvania, to see Big Boy #4014 on July 2nd were treated at the Reading & Blue Mountain Railroad Outer Station for heat-related conditions after temperatures soared to 103℉. Of the affected, 35 were hospitalized, including one person who experienced cardiac arrest.

The Muhlenberg Township Police Department, which responded to the event along with the local Ambulance Association and Fire Company, described what occurred as a “mass casualty incident” in a social media post. While the phrase may evoke deadlier events like mass shootings or multi-car highway crashes, the term simply refers to any event that results in a number of patients that exceeds available medical resources. By declaring the situation at Reading Station a mass casualty event, the police were able to coordinate a larger-scale emergency response.

Related: The Underrated East Coast City Just Voted the 'Best Place to Celebrate the Fourth of July'

Big Boy #4014 spent just shy of two weeks in Scranton, Pennsylvania at the Steamtown National Historic Site, in part for locomotive maintenance. 55,000 people reserved tickets just for that leg of the trip, including 26,000 tickets for the first day of the layover. The Reading event was the Big Boy’s next stop on the tour. Eager attendees lined up early to get a good vantage point, some waiting for hours ahead of the train's arrival.

Unfortunately, the train arrived just days after a punishing heat dome settled over the northeastern United States. The same record-breaking weather system spiked temperatures to over 100℉ in Washington D.C. on Friday, shaking up the Great American State Fair when organizers postponed Freedom 250 for four hours due to dangerous heat. 

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Temperatures will still be scorching when the Big Boy pulls into Philadelphia on July 4 for the City of Brotherly Love’s America250 Block Party. It will be publicly viewable from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT on the Fourth of July and on July 5 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT.

The Union Pacific website advises in an FAQ that “Extreme heat is possible, so please plan ahead. Drink plenty of water, wear lightweight clothing, and apply sunscreen regularly. Take breaks in shaded areas, and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Be aware of symptoms like dizziness, headache, or nausea—if you feel unwell, seek assistance immediately.” 

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Philadelphia has already cancelled some of its planned events for the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, including a Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade that was scheduled for Friday, July 3rd. Washington D.C. has also cancelled its DC's National Independence Day Parade that was to occur the morning of July 4, when temperatures are forecasted to hit 93 degrees by 10 a.m.

The Big Boy isn’t the only train affected, either. The same day as the mass casualty event in Reading, NJ Transit was disrupted by the high temperatures, stranding some passengers in Harrison, while others sweated in Penn Station, which has no air conditioning. Amtrak has cancelled dozens of trains and is operating others at reduced speeds to account for the way heat affects the tracks. 

Related: 10 Years Before Route 66, This Highway Crossed the U.S. and You Can Still Drive It Today

After its stints in Pennsylvania, including stops in Lebanon, Altoona, Leetsdale, and Historic Horseshoe Curve, Big Boy #4014 will steam south to Missouri before returning west through Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming, where it returns home to Cheyenne. The Western leg of the tour began in Cheyenne on March 29, passing through Utah, Nevada, and California on the way to Sacramento, California, where Mile 0 of the transcontinental railroad was built in 1863. Big Boy #4014 returned across the Rocky Mountains to being the Eastern leg of the tour in late May in Kimball, Nebraska. Stops included stations in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and New York on its way to Philadelphia for the Fourth of July. 

Only 25 Big Boys were ever built, living up to the name with a 133-foot-long frame that weighs 1.2 million pounds, or roughly the same as two Boeing 747 aircraft. These engines were, and are, the world’s largest operating steam locomotives. The Big Boy fleet ran between Ogden, Utah, and Cheyenne, Wyoming for 20 years, before Big Boy #4014 was retired to Cheyenne after a brief stint at the RailGiants Train Museum in Pomona, California. Other cities with a Big Boy in permanent residence include Denver, Colorado; St. Louis, Missouri; Omaha, Nebraska; Scranton, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; Green Bay, Wisconsin; and Cheyenne, Wyoming.

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The wardrobe shift that comes with seasonal transitions doesn't have to mean ditching everything in your closet. Sometimes, the best pieces are those that you can wear straight from chilly spring mornings through the afternoon sun and into those breezy summer nights. A lightweight hoodie that's soft and cozy enough to keep you warm, but also offers sun protection? Absolute perfection.

Walmart is selling its George Hooded Sun Shirt for as low as $9 right now. Prices vary slightly by size and color, with most combinations available for either $11 or $18. Bundle up with it in the winter, use it to block the wind in the spring, throw it on for summer sun protection, and wear it through the fall as a lightweight layer — at such an affordable price, you really can't go wrong.

George Hooded Sun Shirt, From $9 (was $17) at Walmart

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This hoodie is currently available in nine colors: black, gray, white, navy, dye stripes, gray heather, peach, hot pink, light blue, and citrus yellow. It comes in men's sizes small to 3XL, though color availability varies by size.

Made of 92% polyester and 8% spandex, offering softness and stretch, this lightweight hoodie has UPF 50+ sun protection built in. Designed with an attached hood and long sleeves, it wicks moisture away from the body, making it a great choice for outdoor activities like fishing or hiking in all sorts of weather conditions. One reviewer even described the feel as "cooling."

Shoppers said this hoodie's fit is true to size. Because it's designed to fit close to the body, though, you may want to size up if you prefer an oversized look. Several recommended washing in cold water and hanging to try to prevent the stretchy material from shrinking.

One reviewer noted that this lightweight hoodie is "better than a department store name brand," because it "fits great and is super comfortable." Another said it offers "four-way stretch like the name brands without the cost," while a third praised the "good sun protection."

Whether you want to wear it to keep warm or protected from the sun, this hoodie can do both. "The shirt is thin, but it can keep you warm without being a big, bulky fleece hoodie," one shopper said. Another said they "found 90-degree sunny weather manageable." 

Shop More Deals

• George Sun Shirt, From $9 (was $15) at Walmart
• Hanes Ecosmart Fleece Sweatshirt, From $8 (was $22) at Walmart
• George Cotton Blend Crewneck, From $15 at Walmart

Related: Dolly Parton's 'Pretty' $14 Scalloped Stoneware Pie Dish Radiates Country Kitchen Charm

Because it's so versatile, several shoppers have already purchased this hoodie in multiple colors. For as low as $9, the George Hooded Sun Shirt is an incredible steal you won't want to miss. Head to Walmart now and add it to your closet before this clearance deal is gone!

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.

Marie Claire recently named the best beach reads to devour while soaking up the sun this summer. Making the list was the coming-of-age classic, The Bell Jar, written by Sylvia Plath. The international bestseller, which was originally released in 1963, was semi-autobiographical. It was about a woman who had a psychological breakdown, then eventually received treatment.

As Marie Claire states, “Plath’s iconic 1963 novel may chart a dark journey into a young woman’s slowly unraveling mind, but, perhaps counterintuitively, that darkness pairs perfectly with a sunny day at the beach or by the pool. That way, the story doesn’t become too overwhelming.”

Related: 1985 Novel Ranked the ‘Heaviest Book of All Time’ Became an American Classic

The book, which has been translated into over 40 languages, has a 4.0 rating on Goodreads and a 4.3 rating on Amazon with thousands of reviews. “Sylvia Plath masterfully draws the reader into Esther’s mind with such intensity that her breakdown feels visceral and real, one that makes the early days of her recovery feel even more fragile,” the latter site stated. “Plath's exploration into the darkest and most harrowing corners of the psyche is an extraordinary accomplishment and has made The Bell Jar a haunting American classic.”

The Bell Jar was turned into a psychological drama film in 1979, starring Marilyn Hassett and Julie Harris. Deadline has also announced that Billie Eilish has been in talks to make her movie acting debut in an adaptation of the book. They also explained how several adaptations were attempted in the past that were never completed. “Julia Stiles was attached to star in a version in 2007, but it ultimately didn’t come to pass," they reported. "Likewise, Kirsten Dunst was attached to direct a version with Dakota Fanning a decade later, but that also fell by the wayside. It was reported in 2019 that Showtime was developing a series version with Frankie Shaw, but that was ultimately abandoned, too.”

Related: 1981 Stephen King Tale, Named His Scariest Short Story, Has a Haunting Twist Ending

Tragically, Plath committed suicide the same year the book was released, at the age of 30. She was posthumously awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for her book, The Collected Poems. This book was put together in 1981, years after her death. It was edited by her husband, Ted Hughes.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

If you’ve ever felt a tiny pang of parental guilt for packing a suitcase without your kids in tow, Kylie Kelce is here to officially grant you permission to take that trip anyway.

On the latest special episode of her hit podcast Not Gonna Lie, titled "Le Disneyland Paris Spectaculaire," Kelce took to the streets of France for an epic girls' trip alongside Olympic bronze medalist Ilona Maher and her sisters, Olivia and Adrianna.

Right from the start of the episode, which was filmed directly in front of the stunning new World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris, Kelce playfully posed a question that every adult Disney fan has wondered at least once, asking her audience if it's still considered Disney adulting if you happen to be in Paris.

Related: Inside Disneyland Paris' New Belle Époque-Inspired Park Lounge

While the trip featured plenty of quintessential theme park magic—including a stay in the enchanting Disneyland Hotel's Rapunzel-inspired suite, a ride on Frozen Ever After, and a casual glass of champagne served in a Frozen-themed flute—the heart of the conversation zeroed in on a topic that hits incredibly close to home for parents.

Kelce, who left her daughters at home for the European getaway, dove deep into just how vital it is for moms to intentionally step away from their daily routines and take a little time for themselves whenever they can. Traveling without the kids doesn't mean leaving the maternal warmth behind; in fact, Minnie Mouse even made a surprise appearance in her finest Parisian attire to greet Kelce and send a special hello across the Atlantic to her daughters back home.

Related: Disneyland Paris Suspends Outdoor Attractions Amid Historic Heat Wave

"Can I be honest about girls' trips?" Kelce shared. "I rarely get to go on girls' trips. I think a lot of moms probably feel this deep in their soul. And that's why I felt it was really important that if we're not going to bring my girls, to make sure I brought my girls. Do you see what I'm saying?"

She continued, "I feel like it's really important, for moms in particular, to take some time for themselves if they can. Because I always say it, and I will admit it until the end of time, I'm a better parent when I get a little bit of time away from my kids."

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Kelce and Maher spent time tasting their way through iconic French park treats like fresh macarons, eclairs, and crepes, while also sitting down for a royal dining experience with Disney Princesses at The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge. When Maher’s sisters joined the microphones later in the episode, the group broke down the essential dos and don'ts of a proper girls' trip, mapping out the ideal "girl dinner" in Paris and celebrating the unfiltered joy of surrounding yourself with your favorite women.

Beyond the park strategy, the episode also tackled deeply relatable lifestyle topics that women navigate daily, from dissecting internet culture and dating rumors to opening up about body confidence, postpartum body image and handling social media criticism. It's that exact blend of warmth and zero-filtering honesty that has made Kelce a breakout podcast star, recently earning her previous Walt Disney World collaboration a People’s Voice Webby Award.

While Kelce expressed immense excitement about bringing her own daughters back to explore Sleeping Beauty Castle and La Place de Rémy in the future, this Parisian escape serves as a beautiful reminder that taking a breather to recharge with your friends isn't just a luxury—it's often exactly what makes you an even better parent when you finally unpack your bags back home.

Related: One of Disney's Most Popular Coasters Is Shutting Down Until 2027

Them Crooked Vultures, the iconic rock supergroup composed of notable musicians, has added another milestone to its legacy despite being on an indefinite hiatus.

The trio, consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age, drummer Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters who also previously played for Nirvana and bassist John Paul Jones from the legendary Led Zeppelin, was ranked among the greatest rock supergroups by Louder Sound.

The list featured the greatest supergroups ever assembled, celebrating bands that brought together some of the most accomplished artists and musicians.

While the legendary British rock band Cream claimed the top spot, Them Crooked Vultures secured seventh place.

The band managed to revive the traditional three-member setup through its core members, combining vocalist, guitarist, bassist and drummer into a powerhouse trio that delivered a fresh, modern sound different from their previous bands.

John Paul Jones and Dave Grohl of Them Crooked Vultures performs during day 1 of the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival 2010.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Grohl once mentioned that playing with Homme and Jones was his dream lineup.

“I mentioned it in an interview about four years ago,” he recalled as cited by Louder Sound, adding “but I was totally joking. I mean, that was like my bucket-list wish, that was my dream band. For years, people have asked me: ‘If you could have a dream line-up, what would it be?’ So this is actually it. I grew up a Led Zeppelin fanatic, and so obviously John is my favourite rock bass player. I’ve been a huge fan of Queens Of The Stone Age since their first album, and I was a big fan of [Homme’s first band] Kyuss. That’s where I met Josh.”

From forming the dream team, fans first heard their music in 2009 after the band released its self-titled album.

As expected from such a celebrated lineup, their debut was a huge success, selling over 70,000 units during its opening week in the United States alone.

The 13-track album includes their breakthrough song and first single, "New Fang" which won Best Hard Rock Performance at the 53rd Grammy Awards.

Apart from winning a Grammy and swooning fans with their hit tracks, Them Crooked Vultures also toured extensively, booking a string of shows across the U.S. and the U.K.

Unfortunately, after releasing its debut album, Them Crooked Vultures failed to launch a follow-up record, as some of the members returned to their full-time bands, including Grohl, who worked on the 2011 Foo Fighters album Wasting Light.

The same was true for Homme, who was recovering from knee surgery that he later revealed nearly cost him his life due to complications.

As for Jones, he explored a different kind of music and formed the avant-garde improv duo Sons of Chipotle.

Amid their hiatus, Grohl was asked about a possible reunion, but he clarified that the band had not disbanded and didn't rule out the possibility of performing again as a trio.

“Technically we’re still a band,” he told The Guardian. “We practice once every decade, and we’re coming up on another decade, aren’t we? I don’t have any official news, but there’s always something cooking.”

Lo and behold, the long-awaited reunion finally happened, but under the most unexpected circumstances.

After 12 years of inactivity, Them Crooked Vultures reunited in 2022 for the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts.

For the first time in over a decade, the public got to see the trio perform together again, delivering a powerhouse three-song set that included Elton John's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," their own song "Gunman" from their debut album which was performed in London and the Queens of the Stone Age song "Long Slow Goodbye," performed in Los Angeles.

Related: '90s Rock Band's Emotional Post About Late Drummer Moves Fans to Tears

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Here's the thing nobody tells you when you're standing in the skincare aisle staring at a wall of products with "collagen" printed across the front in hopeful fonts: the collagen in most of those creams can't actually get into your skin. Yep.

Collagen molecules are too large to penetrate deeply enough to do the structural work the packaging implies. What they can do is sit on the surface, hold moisture and make your skin look temporarily smoother and more supple, which is absolutely useful, just not quite the revolutionary rebuilding job the marketing suggests. Surprise, surprise!

All that said, it’s not a reason to avoid collagen creams. Instead, it's a reason to understand what you're actually buying and choose accordingly. The best formulas in this category aren't relying on topical collagen alone to justify their place in your routine. They're combining it with ingredients that actually do penetrate, ingredients like peptides that signal skin cells to produce collagen, ceramides that rebuild the moisture barrier, growth factors that support cellular repair and antioxidants that protect whatever collagen you still have from breaking down further.

Used correctly, as part of a consistent anti-aging skincare routine that also includes daily sunscreen, a good collagen cream can improve hydration, texture and the appearance of fine lines over time.

The catch is that "collagen cream" as a category covers an enormous range of formulas with wildly different approaches and ingredient quality, and the word "collagen" on the label tells you almost nothing useful about whether the product will actually perform. Luckily, we've tapped skincare experts to learn more about how collagen creams actually work, what to look for in a formula and which 13 products are genuinely worth your money.

Meet the Experts

To sort through it all properly, we talked to four dermatologists and skincare experts:

• Dr. Robin Smith, doctor of regenerative medicine and co-founder of Exoceuticals
• Dr. Sejal Shah of Smarter Skin Dermatology, board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan
• Dr. Kseniya Kobets, Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care
• Dr. Chang Son, board-certified dermatologist

What Is Collagen Cream and How Does It Work, Exactly?

Topically applied collagen molecules are generally too large to penetrate the skin, which means they don't replace lost collagen the way injectable fillers do, Shah says. Instead, they work primarily as hydrators and film-forming ingredients on the skin's surface.

"Their benefits primarily include hydration, barrier support, improved texture and possibly gradual support of collagen signaling when paired with active ingredients," she tells Parade.

“One of the biggest misconceptions in skincare is that topical collagen directly rebuilds your skin's collagen," Kobets explains. What collagen creams actually do well is hydrate and temporarily plump, softening fine lines and giving skin a healthier overall appearance. The real collagen work happens when they're paired with ingredients like peptides, retinoids and antioxidants that genuinely support collagen production at the cellular level.

Related: The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne That Unclog and Transform Skin, Tested by Dermatologists

Top Collagen Creams

• Best Overall Collagen Cream: Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Bowe Glowe Microbiome Nourishing Cream
• Best Collagen Cream for Wrinkles:NakedBeauty MD ExoGlow Multi-Action Face Serum
• Best Collagen Cream for Dry Skin: Valmont Hydra3 Charging Cream
• Best Collagen Cream for Sensitive Skin: Derma E Advanced Peptides & Flora-Collagen Moisturizer
• Best Drugstore Collagen Cream:Olay Collagen Peptide Max Moisturizing Cream
• Best Collagen Cream with Exosomes:Doctor Babor PRO Exo Youth Cream
• Best Collagen Cream for Sagging Skin:Exoceuticals EXO PLUS Anti-Aging Cream
• Best Fragrance-Free Collagen Cream:Neutrogena Collagen Bank Daily Moisturizer
• Best Collagen Cream for Crepey Skin:StriVectin Multi Action Restorative Cream
• Best Collagen Cream for Firming:Skinbetter Mystro Active Balance Serum
• Best Lightweight Collagen Cream:Dermalogica Pro Collagen Banking Water Cream
• Best Collagen Night Cream:Elemis Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix
• Best Budget Collagen Night Cream:Olay Regenerist Night Cream

Why Does Skin Lose Collagen as You Age?

Collagen production starts declining in your mid-to-late twenties at roughly 1% per year, accelerating in your forties and fifties. For women, Shah notes, it drops sharply after menopause due to declining estrogen. Beyond the natural slowdown, environmental and lifestyle factors compound the damage. UV exposure, smoking, pollution and chronic inflammation generate free radicals that break down existing collagen fibers, leaving skin thinner, less resilient and structurally weaker over time.

But wait, there’s even more bad news! Smith adds that the fibroblasts responsible for producing collagen become less active with age, and the collagen fibers already present become more fragmented and disorganized. The visible result is wrinkles, sagging and reduced elasticity—which is why collagen creams alone can only do so much, and why sunscreen remains the single most effective tool for slowing the process.

Related: 11 Best Barrier Repair Creams To Calm Stressed-Out Skin, Tested by Dermatologists

How To Choose the Best Collagen Cream for Your Skin Type

"I focus less on the word 'collagen' on the label and more on the overall formulation," says Kobets.

Skin Type

Type of Collagen Cream

Oily or acne-prone skin

Lighter gel-cream or lotion textures work better.

Dry or mature skin

Richer creams with ceramides, peptides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and squalane deliver more hydration and support.

Sensitive or rosacea-prone skin

Fragrance-free formulas that prioritize barrier repair over aggressive actives.

Smith adds that regardless of skin type, "preventing collagen breakdown is just as important as encouraging new collagen formation"—which is the dermatologist way of saying daily sunscreen is non-negotiable no matter which cream you choose.

Related: 11 Best Clean Moisturizers for Women Over 50, According to a Professional Makeup Artist

13 Best Collagen Creams, According to Dermatologists

These collagen creams are expert-recommended to tackle fine lines and dry skin.

Best Overall Collagen Cream: Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Bowe Glowe Microbiome Nourishing Cream, $95

Dermstore

Kobets says this is a personal favorite, particularly for patients focused on barrier and microbiome support alongside anti-aging. What makes it a strong overall pick is the approach—rather than leaning on collagen alone, it combines hydration with microbiome-supportive ingredients that help the skin function better overall.

"It feels cosmetically elegant," she says, which matters as much as the ingredient list when you're committing to something daily. For anyone who wants a cream that addresses skin quality from the inside out rather than just sitting on the surface, this is the one she keeps coming back to.

Best Collagen Cream for Wrinkles: NakedBeauty MD ExoGlow Multi-Action Face Serum, $345

NakedBeauty MD

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Kobets calls this one of her recent go-to products specifically because it delivers results without heaviness. "It gives hydration and glow without feeling heavy or greasy," she says.

She likes the combination of glycerin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides and growth factor-inspired technology makes it "gentle enough for sensitive skin" while still addressing fine lines substantively. The multi-ingredient approach is exactly what she advises patients to prioritize over single-hero formulas.

Best Collagen Cream for Dry Skin: Valmont Hydra3 Charging Cream, $290

Rescue Spa

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"One of my favorite HAs in a moisturizer," Saedi says. "It's a luxe, deeply hydrating moisturizer that is great for skin that feels tight, dry or depleted." The combination of humectants like glycerin, urea and sodium hyaluronate with barrier-supporting ceramides, cholesterol and squalane addresses dry, mature skin from multiple angles at once.

Best Collagen Cream for Sensitive Skin: Derma E Advanced Peptides & Flora-Collagen Moisturizer, $28

Derma E

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Shah specifically recommends this one for sensitive skin because of what it leaves out as much as what it includes. "It's formulated without fragrance and other irritants," she explains, "using calming centella asiatica and barrier-supporting squalane." The complex of five well-studied peptides alongside soluble collagen and sodium hyaluronate gives it genuine anti-aging function without the irritation risk that more aggressive formulas carry.

Best Drugstore Collagen Cream: Olay Collagen Peptide Max Moisturizing Cream, $32

CVS

Shah calls this "a luxury formula at a drugstore price" and the ingredient list backs that up. Collagen peptides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid work together to visibly plump and firm, and the formula is lightweight, fast-absorbing and free of parabens, phthalates, synthetic dyes and fragrance.

Best Collagen Cream with Exosomes: Doctor Babor PRO Exo Youth Cream, $180

Babor

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Kobets reaches for this when she wants something genuinely reparative. "It's nourishing," she says, "and still feels lightweight and breathable," which is the combination that separates a truly sophisticated luxury formula from one that's just expensive.

For skin that needs serious overnight recovery without the heaviness that often comes with rich night creams, this is the pick.

Best Collagen Cream for Sagging Skin: Exoceuticals EXO PLUS Anti-Aging Cream, $195

Exoceuticals

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Looking to tackle sagging skin? These eXo³ Exosomes with targeted peptides designed to support fibroblast activity. "Rather than simply applying collagen to the skin's surface, these ingredients help support the biological processes responsible for maintaining skin structure and resilience," Smith explains.

For anyone who has grown skeptical of collagen creams that only work at the surface level, this addresses a fundamentally different part of the equation.

Best Fragrance-Free Collagen Cream: Neutrogena Collagen Bank Daily Moisturizer, $20

Target

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Kobets says this one is a standout example of an "approachable multitasking moisturizer that supports hydration, smoother texture, and overall healthier skin quality without a luxury price point."

Fragrance-free and formulated with collagen-supporting ingredients, it's the kind of daily moisturizer that works quietly and consistently without asking much from your skin or your wallet. For anyone building a routine around sensitive or reactive skin, starting here before layering in stronger actives is exactly the right move.

Best Collagen Cream for Crepey Skin: StriVectin Multi Action Restorative Cream, $79

Dermstore

Shop It at Dermstore

Gould recommends this one specifically for crepey skin on the neck and décolleté, where thinning and texture changes tend to show up first. The NIA114 niacinamide complex targets the barrier dysfunction that contributes to crepiness while hyaluronic acid addresses the surface hydration component.

For anyone treating crepey skin, addressing both the barrier and the hydration simultaneously gets meaningfully better results than either approach alone.

Best Collagen Cream for Firming: Skinbetter Mystro Active Balance Serum, $225

Skinbetter Science

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Kobets specifically calls this one out for its focus on skin resilience, "antioxidants, inflammation reduction and barrier support," all of which address collagen preservation as much as collagen production.

"It focuses heavily on skin resilience," she says. For skin that's losing firmness, protecting what's already there while encouraging new production is the more comprehensive strategy, and this formula takes both seriously.

Best Lightweight Collagen Cream: Dermalogica Pro Collagen Banking Water Cream, $76

Dermalogica

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Shah chose this for the texture as much as the formula. "It's formulated as a water cream making it lightweight, non-greasy and fast-absorbing," she explains, while still combining a peptide complex with collagen amino acids and antioxidants.

For oily or combination skin that wants anti-aging collagen support without heaviness, or for anyone layering under makeup in the morning, this is the format that makes the most sense.

Best Night Collagen Cream: Elemis Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix, $250

Elemis

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Shah's overnight pick uses peptides and collagen amino acids in a rich hydrating base designed to deliver maximum moisture and anti-aging benefits while the skin is in its natural repair cycle.

The formula is deliberately richer than a daytime option, which Kobets confirms is the right approach for nighttime. "Some nights are about retinoids or exfoliation, while other nights are more about hydration, antioxidants, recovery, and barrier repair," she says. This one covers the recovery nights beautifully.

Best Budget Collagen Night Cream: Olay Regenerist Night Cream, $28

CVS

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Kobets calls this out as a prime example of an "approachable multitasking moisturizer that supports hydration, smoother texture and overall healthier skin quality without a luxury price point."

"You also absolutely do not need the most expensive cream to get results," Kobets adds.

FAQs

Get more of your questions about collagen cream answered by the pros.

Collagen Cream vs. Peptide Cream: What's the Difference?

Collagen creams contain collagen peptides that primarily hydrate and smooth, staying near the skin's surface for an immediate plumping and softening effect. Peptide creams contain signaling peptides designed to communicate with skin cells and stimulate collagen synthesis. "Peptides are often considered more biologically useful in topical skincare," Shah explains, "because they can potentially stimulate collagen synthesis."

Kobets agrees, calling peptides "more biologically interesting than topical collagen itself, especially when combined with sunscreen and antioxidants." So, look for formulas that combine both, since surface hydration and deeper collagen signaling are addressing different parts of the same problem.

Can Collagen Creams Help Crepey or Sagging Skin?

Kobets explains that collagen creams have their limits. "They can improve hydration, texture, and the appearance of crepiness, but they won't fully reverse significant sagging or replace in-office tightening procedures."

Shah agrees, noting that the benefits are most noticeable when crepiness and laxity are mild.

"I encourage people to look beyond simple hydration and focus on ingredients that help support collagen production and skin renewal, such as peptides, growth factors and regenerative technologies like exosomes," Smith says. For more advanced sagging, Kobets says "creams improve skin quality, while procedures are often needed for more substantial lifting or contouring."

Related:11 Best Skin-Tightening Moisturizers, According to Celebrity Derms

What Results Can You Realistically Expect From Collagen Creams?

The consensus among the experts is that collagen creams provide better hydration, smoother texture, a temporary mild plumping effect and modest softening of fine lines with consistent use.

Collagen creams "cannot dramatically tighten loose skin, erase deep wrinkles, address moderate to severe volume loss, or produce facelift-like changes," Shah says.

Kobets adds that "consistency, sunscreen and choosing the right ingredients for your skin type matter much more than price alone," but no matter what your price point, we’ve got some excellent recommendations below.

Up Next:

“My Girl Lollypop” was written by Robert Spencer from The Cadillacs in the 1950s, but it became a hit when sung by Jamaican singer Millie Small in 1964. The song, which was retitled “My Boy Lollipop," reached No. 1 in Ireland and No. 2 in the US and UK, selling millions of copies worldwide. To this day, it is one of the best-selling reggae songs of all time.

Chris Blackwell, the founder of Island Records, called it “the most important song in his life.” When talking about how Small came to perform it in a 2009 interview, he said, “When I heard ‘My Boy Lollipop,’ I knew it was a hit. I also knew it was way beyond what Island could handle, plus it was much more slick than something that we would put out, so I licensed it to [Dutch Philips Records]. And then that record was indeed a huge hit everywhere in the world. I brought Millie over to England in ’63, the record came out in ’64, and I went with her on a world tour for six months in ’65.”

“It became a hit pretty much everywhere in the world,” he continued. “I went with her around the world because each of the territories wanted her to turn up and do TV shows and such, and it was just incredible how she handled it. She was such a really sweet person, very funny, great sense of humor. She was really special.”

Although no other song was as popular as “My Boy Lollipop,” Small released many other songs throughout her career, including “Sweet William" and "What Am I Living For." Small also received the Medal of Appreciation in Jamaica from Prime Minister Edward Seaga in 1987. This award was established to recognize Jamaican citizens who have made significant personal achievements or contributions to the nation.

Related: 40 Years Ago Today, the Death of a Legendary Singer’s Assistant Inspired This 1988 Classic Rock Song

In a 2016 interview, Small revealed that she hadn’t received any royalties from “My Boy Lollipop.” She also stated, “I focused on being a mother from 1984, when my daughter was born, and since then I’ve been happy living a quiet life, sleeping and dreaming and meditating.”

Small died in 2020 at the age of 72.

Hatebreed, the veteran band celebrated for its influence on metalcore and hardcore punk music, sparked excitement after updating fans with surprising news amid its 2026 tour.

While the five-piece lineup fronted by vocalist Jamey Jasta with Wayne Lozinak on lead guitar, Frank Novinec on rhythm guitar, Chris Beattie on bass and Matt Byrne on drums is in the middle of the Summer Slaughter Tour, the band added more shows to this year’s activities.

In a shared Instagram update, the hip-hop duo Insane Clown Posse revealed that Hatebreed will join the lineup as one of the performers at the 26th Annual Gathering of the Juggalos.

Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed performs at Bloodstock Festival 2024.

Katja Ogrin/Redferns

Set to take place from Aug. 19 to 22 at its new location, Mother Nature's Riverfront Retreat in Macks Creek, Missouri, Hatebreed will once again bring one of the most intense and high-energy performances to the festival.

Insane Clown Posse, which founded the festival in 2000, highlighted the quartet’s “musical footprint that has inspired generations of imitators as well as legions of rabid fans.”

“Far from mindless aggression, Jamey Jasta's distinctive shout carves into the very air lyrics of thoughtful defiance, self-empowerment and palpable challenges to the systems and illusions of daily civilization! All forged in steel behind abrasive chords framing deadly breakdowns, in true hardcore fashion! Hatebreed is ready to move the Juggalos into an absolute pit frenzy, so your only option is to brace yourself or get out of the way!” the caption reads.

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Fans can expect a fun-filled night as Hatebreed will take the festival’s main Kraken Stage along with Insane Clown Posse, Tech N9ne, Vanilla Ice and The Pharcyde.

Meanwhile, other artists and musicians performing at the annual festival are Crossbreed, Bible Belt Massacre, Ouija Macc, Pouya, Fat Nick, Ho99o9, HEXXX, Diggy Graves, DJ Paul and more.

The announcement came after the band kicked off its Summer Slaughter Tour 2026 on Jul. 2 in Reading, Pennsylvania, where it served as one of the headliners.

The 20-date run will conclude on Jul. 24 in Buffalo, New York.

The Summer Slaughter Tour 2026 Schedule:

Jul. 2 — Reading, Penn. @ Reverb

Jul. 3 — Virginia Beach, Va. @ Elevation 27

Jul. 4 — New Jersey for Hellfest

Jul. 5 — Worcester, Mass. @ The Palladium

Jul. 7 — Cincinnati, Ohio @ Bogart’s

Jul. 8 — Nashville, Tenn. @ Brooklyn Bowl

Jul. 9 — New Orleans, La. @ Tipitina’s

Jul. 10 — Houston, Texas @ House of Blues

Jul. 11 — Austin, Texas @ Emo’s

Jul. 12 — Tulsa, Okla. @ Cain’s Ballroom

Jul. 14 — Denver, Colo. @ Summit Music Hall

Jul. 15 — Omaha, Neb. @ The Admiral

Jul. 16 — Wisconsin for Rock Fest

Jul. 17 — Chicago, Illinois

Jul. 18 —Mansfield, Ohio

Jul. 19 — Saginaw, Mich. @ The Vault

Jul. 21 — St. Louis, Mo. @ Pop’s Nightclub

Jul. 22 — Fort Wayne, Ind. @ Piere’s Entertainment Center

Jul. 23 — Toronto, Ontario @ Phoenix Concert Theatre

Jul. 24 — Buffalo, N.Y. @ Town Ballroom

Related: ’70s Rock Icon Announces Special Guest for 2026 North America Tour

In a cool, rustic indoor theater on a recent summer afternoon at Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom, three generations of my family sat shoulder to shoulder, equally dazzled by the classic Disney attraction Country Bear Musical Jamboree. As more than a dozen animatronic bears belted out “The Bare Necessities” in whimsical Nashville-style costumes, it was impossible not to feel utterly enchanted. This was Disney magic at its finest, and we were here for it.

Growing up in Florida, I have fond memories of childhood trips to Disney World with my parents. But while I’d continued visiting the parks into adulthood (especially with my kids), my dad hadn’t been to the Magic Kingdom in decades. When we found an opportunity to add on a park day ahead of a family Disney cruise, I jumped at the chance to spend a nostalgic day at Disney with my dad, my husband and our kids. It turned out to be one of my favorite Disney trips; here's how it came together.

Related: I Ditched My iPhone for a '90s-Style Disney Vacation—And My Kids Actually Loved It

How We Planned It A statue of Walt Disney with Mickey Mouse stands in front of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

Photo by Matt Stroshane, courtesy of Disney

Since we were traveling in from different corners of Florida to meet in Orlando before the cruise, we decided to book a night at a Disney Resort hotel both before and after—a small addition to extend our family vacation.

Once that was locked in, we couldn’t resist adding a park day. I’d previously written about a ‘90s-style visit to Disney, and I loved that experience so much that I wanted to dig deeper into Disney history. With my dad, I wanted to prioritize the classic rides and experiences that would have existed in the ‘80s—and introduce that version of Disney to my own kids. A magical vintage Magic Kingdom vacation for all of us.  

We mapped out a plan; while rollercoasters like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad were technically era-appropriate, we wanted experiences that the whole family could enjoy together. I gave my kids a heads-up that this trip would be all about the classics, and they loved the idea. It turns out that no matter your age, the classic attractions still appeal to everyone.

Related: I Went on a Disney Cruise and Ditched My Phone for a 2000s-Style Vacation—Here's What Happened

The Magic Kingdom, Then and Now—Through My Dad's Eyes Animatronic bears sing during the Country Bear Musical Jamboree at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

Photo by Linnea Bailey

As we walked through the park, I kept expecting dad to point out what had changed. But the irony is that while a lot has changed through the decades (no more Magic Kingdom SkyWay or 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage, for example), there’s still so much at the Magic Kingdom that’s familiar and recognizable, all these years later.

When we walked past the Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland, my dad recalled spinning through the teacups on a long-ago trip with family friends. When we soared through Neverland aboard a pirate galleon on Peter Pan’s Flight, he remembered the years when I wanted to ride it repeatedly as a kid. And of course, “it’s a small world” remains magical no matter your age or how many years have passed since your last visit.

Later, I asked Dad what had changed the most. His answer: he didn’t remember seeing as many photographers in the ‘80s. He's probably right—in the film era, photographers had to be far more selective about which photos they captured. It left me feeling grateful for all the Disney photographers stationed throughout the parks today (and the miracle of digital photography). Those cast members are the reason I have so many wonderful family photos from this trip.

Related: Want to Party Like It's the '90s? Head to One of Disney's Water Parks This Summer

The Beauty of a Vintage Disney Day With The Whole Family A scene from Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress at the Magic Kingdom.

Photo by Linnea Bailey

Here's the thing about sticking to the classics at Disney World: the experience really does mirror what it would have felt like decades ago. The rides have been refreshed and refurbished over the years, but the essence—engineering marvels of their era—remain every bit as wondrous now as they were then.

In Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room in Adventureland, we bopped along with a chorus of animatronic birds and flowers, then climbed to the top of the Swiss Family Treehouse for sweeping views of the park below. We rode Pirates of the Caribbean and pretended to be swashbuckling seafarers, then cooled off with pineapple-vanilla swirl DOLE Whip at Aloha Isle.

We wandered down Main Street, U.S.A. for photos with Mickey, savored Italian fare at Tony's Town Square Restaurant and caught the Dapper Dans harmonizing their way down the street. As night fell, we watched the fireworks and the nighttime parade Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away. Watching it beside my dad, I couldn't help but think back to the Main Street Electrical Parade we once watched together in the '80s—a full-circle moment decades in the making.

Related: This Serene Florida Beach Is One of the Best in the Country for a '90s-Style Digital Detox

Why The Best Part Was Time Spent Together The author with her family and Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

Photo by Linnea Bailey

Walt Disney World Resort has always excelled at placemaking, or the art of making a space feel like more than just a destination. A multigenerational trip here feels less like a day at a theme park and more like a reunion, staged inside a place built for wonder.

At the Carousel of Progress in Tomorrowland (which we caught just before its scheduled refurbishment), we followed the Progress family through a century of technological change. It was there that my dad mentioned that he'd attended the 1964 New York World's Fair, where Walt Disney himself debuted the very same attraction. It was the kind of historical detail that reframes a memory in the best way.

The trip was a reminder that so many of Disney’s best vintage experiences are still standing, meticulously maintained across generations. A visit to Disney World is a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure journey: you can chase the newest rides or wander back through decades of history—or you can do both. Either way, it's all there, just waiting for you to experience it.

Tips for Taking Your Own Family Back to Where It All Began Cinderella Castle is framed by the shops along Main Street, U.S.A. at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

Photo by Matt Stroshane, courtesy of Disney

Stay "in the magic." Booking a classic Disney Resort hotel extends the immersion beyond park hours and makes the whole trip feel like a magical vacation. There are so many free things to do on Disney property—and free water park admission is included on check-in day this summer for resort hotel guests.

Consider skipping the rental car. Disney's complimentary transportation network (buses, monorails and the Skyliner) makes it easy to move between resorts and parks without ever getting behind the wheel. For a more private experience, Disney’s Minnie Van Service Connected by Lyft is another option.

Don't try to do it all. Hitting every attraction will wear everyone out, and it means missing the slower moments that make a trip memorable. Pick a few favorites and let that guide your day. Adding a sit-down meal can also provide a break spot; The Crystal Palace on Main Street is a great character dining experience with Winnie the Pooh and friends.

Ask your traveling companions what they remember. Some of the best moments of the day came from spontaneous stories prompted by a familiar ride or spot along Main Street, U.S.A. Build in time to talk about memories and prior vacations from decades past.

The best photos aren't always the planned ones. I love photos in front of Cinderella Castle more than anyone, but make sure to photograph the smaller moments, too. The candid shots—a selfie with my dad in front of a Country Bear Jamboree poster and a photo of the whole family eating Mickey Bars—were some of my favorites from the trip.

Consider adding a park day before or after a Disney cruise.Disney Cruise Line offers dedicated ground transfers to and from Disney Resort hotels and Port Canaveral. If sailing from Port Everglades, the high-speed train service Brightline is an efficient, easy transportation option from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale. Either makes it easy to extend the magic of a Disney vacation.  

Related: Disney Insiders Are Naming This the Best Character Spot in All of Disney World

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What did we actually do before the foldable cart became a thing? There was a time when a trip to the beach meant five separate armloads and a serious balancing act. Tailgating? You made three trips from the car. And don't even get me started on the farmer's market — you basically turned into a pack mule with a tote bag cutting into your shoulder.

But then the foldable cart arrived and changed the rules. Now it's beach chairs, umbrellas, snacks and a rogue frisbee in one rolling load. It shows up for camping trips, school volunteer days where you accidentally said yes to "just a few supplies," and those post-grocery runs where you bought enough to qualify as a small event planner. It even handles the awkward "I'll just carry it all in one trip" optimism we all still try to maintain.

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Baoure Heavy Duty Steel Folding Utility Wagon Cart, $226.08 - $245.74 at Kohl's

Kohl's

Shop It!

At a certain point, it stops feeling like a convenience item and starts feeling like a life strategy, but then you come across the Baoure Heavy Duty Steel Folding Utility Wagon Cart, and you realize it can be so much more. This wagon not only holds up to 500 pounds, but it also folds into a seat. So if you find yourself looking for a place to sit at a tailgate or another event, just unload your gear and kick up your feet.

Related: Costco's Comfy New Portable Reading Desk Is Even More Useful Than You Think

There's plenty of room for coolers, gear, sports equipment or gardening supplies without worrying about spills or rough use. And the all-terrain swivel wheels make it surprisingly easy to maneuver across sand, grass or uneven paths. You'll also find a folding side table with dual cup holders, adding a practical surface for drinks or snacks on the go.

Beyond all of that (which is already a lot to love), the color selection here is *chef's kiss*. The purple hue is so vibrant, but there's also orange, dark blue, black and gray to choose from. The purple and orange colorways are roughly $20 cheaper than the neutral hues.

This isn't the only compact, foldable Kohl's find you'll see in stores these days. I'm equally as smitten with the retailer's cloud-like reclining floor chair that tucks away to save space when not in use.

Related: Target Is Selling the Sweetest Hooded Throw Blanket Perfect For Getting Cozy While Your AC Is Cranked

Few characters define the Western TV genre quite like Paladin, the educated and sophisticated gun-for-hire at the center of the classic series Have Gun – Will Travel. Armed with intelligence as much as firepower and dressed in his signature black attire, the cultured leading man set the template for the modern antihero, helping redefine the television Western. A new ranking names the greatest Western TV hero of all time, and it should come as no surprise that Paladin claims the top spot.

While many earlier Western protagonists were driven by revenge or survival, Paladin, played by Richard Boone, relied on far more than his weapon to get the job done. His ability to solve problems with strategy rather than violence made him a standout character and introduced a new kind of Western hero. The genre's answer to Robin Hood, Paladin charged wealthy clients premium fees but frequently helped those in need for free, giving the character a moral complexity that was unusual for television Westerns of the era.

Paladin often relied on negotiation, psychology, and impeccable timing before ever reaching for his gun, using violence only as a last resort. His combination of intelligence, restraint, and integrity helped redefine the Western hero for generations of viewers.

A new ranking places Paladin at the top of television's greatest Western heroes, ahead of Gunsmoke's Marshal Matt Dillon, Bret and Bart Maverick from Maverick, and Marshal Wyatt Earp from The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp. Here's why.

“Arguably the best classic Western protagonist is Richard Boone's Paladin, the leading man on the exceptional half-hour horse opera Have Gun—Will Travel. This San Francisco-based Man in Black traveled throughout the Old West on jobs as a gun-for-hire, though he often found himself using his brains more often than his brawn to solve the issues at hand. As educated as he was proficient in his trade, Paladin made good money doing what he did to ensure he could continue the comfortable lifestyle he enjoyed in California.

Still, Paladin was a man of principles, like any good Western TV hero. There were several instances where he forsook payment for his work or found clever ways to help those he was hired to run out when he saw the truth. The true template from which many on-screen bounty hunters and hired guns have copied, Paladin is an intelligent yet clearly Western gunman who is far more than the weapon he carries. Plus, he has a killer theme song.”

Related: 1966 Western With a Legendary 15-Minute Showdown Was Just Named the Greatest Blockbuster Western of All Time

Why Have Gun – Will Travel Was Unlike Any Other Western

Have Gun – Will Travel aired for six seasons beginning in 1957. Alongside Richard Boone, the recurring cast included Kam Tong as Hey Boy, Paladin's loyal ally and hotel clerk, Hal Needham in various supporting and background roles, and a steady stream of memorable guest stars.

The series became known for its intelligent writing, moral storytelling, and cinematic approach to television. Each episode followed Paladin as he traveled across the Old West, accepting assignments that tested his ethics just as much as his skills.

The Iconic TV Western That Influenced a Generation

In addition to its unforgettable lead character, Have Gun – Will Travel featured one of television's most recognizable openings. The show's famous chess knight emblem and calling card reading, "Have Gun, Will Travel," became one of the most iconic introductions in television history and helped distinguish the series from every other Western on the air.

Richard Boone's Lasting Legacy as Paladin @thegoldenage111

#richardboone #johnwayne #rumors #fpy

♬ original sound - The Golden Age

Richard Boone became one of television's biggest stars thanks to his iconic portrayal of Paladin. His nuanced performance helped redefine the modern Western antihero, creating a character whose influence can still be seen in today's movies and television series.

More than six decades after its debut, Have Gun – Will Travel remains one of the most influential Westerns ever produced, and Paladin continues to set the standard for what a television Western hero can be.

Related: 1968 Western With an 11-Minute Intro Was Just Named the Greatest Movie Opening of All Time

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Not only are we celebrating another birthday for America, but it’s a milestone. America celebrates 250 years, and there’s no doubt that you want a few movies to mark the occasion. There is only one that sits at the top of the list for Rotten Tomatoes. It’s all about Hamilton.

The 2020 production isn’t technically a movie, but it’s viewed that way since joining Disney+. It’s actually a stage production, and it was expertly put together to make it suitable for viewers during the pandemic, when Broadway was closed.

Hamilton tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, the man who helped to create the America we know today. He was just a young, scrappy immigrant with the dream to be free, and we hear the story of how he worked with others and was close to George Washington to help succeed.

With the story of his success, there are also bad moments, including his affair and the loss of his son. Then there’s his death at the hands of Aaron Burr.

The “movie” ranks as the No. 1 pick on Rotten Tomatoes based on the reviews of critics and audiences. It holds a Certified Fresh rating with a 98% score from the critics. The audiences also loved it even more, with it landing a 99% score and a Verified Hot rating.

One user shared, “I just love this musical so much and I love learning about US history with a good sing along.”

Another shared, “Absolute interpretation of what their characters must have felt living through their experiences with great music and entertaining choreography. Filled with details that enrich the experience, and if you enjoy it, it is a must-watch at least a 2nd time. Casting is almost perfect.”

As for the critics, they praised the performance, the camera work, and the cast. While Lin-Manuel Miranda certainly shone in the leading role, Daveed Diggs, Christopher Jackson, Phillipa Soo, and Renée Elise Goldsberry also received praise for their speed of rapping, cadence throughout, and the heart they put into their characters’ storylines.

While Hamilton is a Broadway production, it was filmed in 2016 as a way to preserve the original company. Disney bought the rights to the filming, and the plan was to release it in 2021. However, the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered both Broadway and movie theaters, and Disney needed some new content for Disney+. Hamilton was added in July 2020 to immediate rave reviews and excitement.

The best thing about Hamilton is that you can play the soundtrack over and over again. So, don’t throw away your shot, and put it on again as we celebrate 250 years of America.

1982 new wave classic "Vacation" by The Go-Go’s may have begun as a breakup song, but it quickly became one of the most enduring seasonal anthems of its era. 

Almost 45 years later, the tune is still finding its way back onto the list of "Best Summer Rock Songs Ever," largely due to its bright, energetic sound and surfy guitars, despite the emotional depth beneath its upbeat tone.

Rolling Stone even placed it in the #9 slot of "Best Summer Songs of All Time" in 2022.

Released as the title track of the all-female rock band’s 1982 album, "Vacation" captured the energy of the MTV-era pop-rock. On the surface, it sounds like a carefree tune, but it uses the idea of a “vacation” as a metaphor for ending a relationship and using the time off to get over a crush. 

It became one of The Go-Go’s biggest commercial successes. Though it never took the No. 1 spot, it climbed to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the band’s final Top 10 hits before their split.

To this date, it remains one of the group’s biggest hits, helping define their explosive run in the early ’80s, while also solidifying their place in pop-rock history.

The tune has seen a resurgence decades after its release, keeping it alive for new generations across films and TV shows, including Spider-Man: Far From Home and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. 

Billboard even hailed it a “perfect summer record” for “lazy beach days,” so naturally, it’s made its way onto plenty of summer playlists as the perfect soundtrack for roadtrips, outdoor outings, and social media captures. 

Most recently, The Go-Go's performed "Vacation," along with their other hit, “We Got the Beat,” during the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

The track serves as a reminder that even something rooted in heartache and the end of a romance can become an unexpected and timeless seasonal anthem.

Related: 1981 New Wave Classic Became a Timeless Sing-Along Anthem Despite Never Reaching No. 1

Alan Jackson is racked up more than 25 No. 1 country hits throughout his legendary career, but one song continues to resonate with fans on a deeper level — especially during patriotic occasions.

Jackson released the poignant ballad "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)," in November 2001, just two months after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The song articulated many of the emotions being felt by Americans across the nation after that tragic day, while Jackson also added an uplifting about hope and love within the lyrics.

"That song was just a gift," Jackson said in a 2011 interview, per Taste of Country. "I've never felt I could take credit for writing it. Looking back, I guess I just didn't want to forget how I felt on that day and how I knew other people felt."

Almost 25 years later, the emotional song and its relatable lyrics still resonate with fans on a deep level.

"Typically, when we kick that song off and the crowd realizes what it is, people hold up their lighters and things," the country crooner said. "And I've seen people crying in the crowds, and they cheer on lines that mean something, like the line about the heroes just doing what they do — they really like that. I don't know. There's a lot of emotion going on in the room during that song, and it always makes me feel good that it has affected people that way."

"Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for an impressive five-week stay at No. 1, which is the second-longest run of all Jackson's 26 songs that reached the summit of that chart. It follows behind the smash hit "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere," which reigned at No. 1 for 8 weeks.

It won Song of the Year at the CMA Awards in 2002 and it also earned Jackson a Grammy for Best Country Song in 2003, the first of his two career wins. (He won his second Grammy in 2011 for his collaboration with Zac Brown on "As She's Walking Away").

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All of Alan Jackson's 26 No. 1s on Billboard's Hot Country Songs Chart:

1. "Drive (For Daddy Gene)"
2. "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere"
3. "It Must Be Love"
4. "Where I Come From"
5. "Gone Country"
6. "Remember When"
7. "Small Town Southern Man"
8. "Good Time"
9. "Country Boy"
10. "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)"
11. "I Don't Even Know Your Name"
12. "Tall, Tall Trees"
13. "I'll Try"
14. "Little Bitty"
15. "There Goes"
16. "Right On the Money"
17. "I'd Love You All Over Again"
18. "Don't Rock the Jukebox"
19. "Someday"
20. "Dallas"
21. "Love's Got a Hold On You"
22. "She's Got the Rhythm (And I Got the Blues)"
23. "Chattahoochee"
24. "Summertime Blues"
25. "Livin' on Love"
26. "As She's Walking Away"

Related: 74-Year-Old Country Icon With the Most No. 1s Is Surging on the Billboard Charts Again

Every Fourth of July, millions tune in to watch the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, one of America's strangest and most enduring holiday traditions. Unsurprisingly, TV has been mining the spectacle for laughs for decades.

Whether it's Larry David entering a hot dog eating contest to keep a lie alive on Curb Your Enthusiasm, Bill Dauterive discovering a hidden talent for competitive eating on King of the Hill, or I Think You Should Leaveturning hot dogs into recurring peak TV chaos, these series prove the humble frankfurter has become an unlikely TV icon.

From full-blown competitive eating competitions to hot dog-fueled mayhem, these series have all found memorable ways to put their own spin on one of America's strangest holiday traditions.

In Curb Your Enthusiasm's Season 11 episode "The Mini Bar," Larry David's suggestion that a friend use a fake hot dog eating contest as an excuse spirals into an elaborate lie. To keep the ruse alive, Larry and Harry (Patton Oswalt) are forced to enter an actual contest, turning a simple fib into one of the series' funniest examples of self-inflicted chaos.

In "The Fat and the Furious," Bill Dauterive discovers he has a gift for competitive eating after demolishing a plate of hot dogs at a neighborhood barbecue. His newfound talent lands him in a local hot dog eating contest and eventually a championship showdown, but Bill ultimately walks away after realizing the crowd sees him as a spectacle rather than a champion.

While I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson never stages a hot dog eating contest, it has made hot dogs one of its defining comedic obsessions. From Tim choking down a hidden hot dog during a business meeting while insisting, "You can't skip lunch," to the now-iconic hot dog suit sketch, the series has elevated frankfurters to absurdist comedy perfection. Even Robinson's uncanny resemblance to competitive eating champion Joey Chestnut feels like a sketch waiting to happen.

The Simpsons has long lampooned America's fascination with overeating, sprinkling hot dog eating gags and competitive eating jokes throughout its decades-long run. While the series never built an episode around a Nathan's-style contest, Springfield regularly turns excessive eating into satire, proving that few American traditions are too bizarre for the show's sharp sense of humor.

Like Curb Your Enthusiasm and King of the Hill, The Simpsons recognizes that few traditions are as ripe for comedy as watching people race to eat an absurd number of hot dogs.

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We so often hear in styling advice how important it is to have a curated collection of everyday jewelry. But what actually makes a piece “everyday” worthy? As a shopping writer, I tend to think of it as something that can move easily across outfits — from jeans and a T-shirt to a cocktail dress — without appearing out of place. I also look for pieces that play well with what’s already in my jewelry box, whether that’s layered pendant necklaces, mixed metals, or simple studs, and of course, something comfortable enough to wear all day. 

With all of that in mind, Anthropologie’s Pearl Drop Hoop Earrings fit the bill — and they’re currently on sale for $30, down from the original $48 price tag. The price drops even further down to just $15 when you add them to your cart, thanks to an extra 50% off summer sale taking place at the retailer right now. The small hoop silhouette keeps them minimal and wearable, while the pearl drop detail adds a soft, classic finish that works just as well for daytime errands as it does for evening plans. 

Pearl Twisted Hoop Earrings, $15 (was $48) at Anthropologie

Courtesy of Anthropologie

Shop at Anthropologie

These hoops give the classic pearl earring a modern update with a sculptural silhouette and plenty of movement. Crafted from 14-karat gold-plated brass, each 1.5-inch-long hoop features thick, fluid curves that twist gently around themselves, creating an organic shape that looks like wearable art. Instead of a perfectly round profile, the metal undulates with soft bends and rounded edges, catching the light from every angle with its polished, mirror-like finish. 

Along the bottom edge, five luminous pearl drops are suspended from individual gold loops, allowing each one to sway independently as you move. Their slightly irregular, freshwater-inspired shapes keep the design feeling relaxed and organic rather than overly formal, while tiny gold beads beneath each pearl provide a polished finishing touch. The earrings secure with classic post backs that keep the hoops comfortably in place.

The mix of sculptural gold and dangling pearls strikes a balance between modern and romantic, making them just as fitting with a crisp button-down and jeans as they are with a silky slip dress, tailored suiting, or a breezy linen set. Pull your hair into a sleek bun or low ponytail to let the pearl fringe take center stage. 

These earrings also pair beautifully with square necklines, off-the-shoulder tops, strapless dresses, and simple crewneck knits, adding texture and movement without the need for a necklace. Whether you're headed to a wedding, brunch, date night, or simply want to elevate an everyday outfit, these hoops are absolutely timeless.

Jewelry lovers had plenty to say about this "beautiful" and “lovely” design, saying that they “go with everything,” including “casual or dressy outfits.” One shopper wrote, “These earrings are so cute. I wear them almost every day because they’re small … [and] not heavy at all.”

Shop More Deals

• Delicate Chroma Hoop Earrings Set, $15 (was $54) at Anthropologie
• Dainty Crystal Earrings Set, $18 (was $54) at Anthropologie
• Split Crystal Huggie Earrings, $13 (was $44) at Anthropologie

Related: Anthropologie’s Dainty Crystal Stud Earrings Are ‘Perfect’ for Everyday and Just $10 During Its Summer Sale

If you need a solid, everyday earring that's guaranteed to garner compliments, the $15 Pearl Twisted Hoop Earrings are a fabulous choice. Shop the pair for 69% off during Anthropologie’s summer sale-on-sale!

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As I was packing for a recent cruise launch, it hit me: my go-to travel uniform—and the bags I constantly rely on to get me there—are almost entirely from Quince. And I’m clearly not alone. The direct-to-consumer brand has built a massive following for its "stealth-wealth" aesthetic, offering apparel and home goods that rival premium luxury labels at a fraction of the cost.

Case in point: Quince’s famous Carry-On. Frequently compared to marketplace disruptors at double the price, it's earned rave reviews for its durable construction, ultra-smooth spinner wheels and impressive packing capacity—all for under $150. Whether I need a professional daytime look for a business conference or a polished, comfortable outfit for a casual night out, Quince effortlessly delivers. And when it comes to pure airport comfort, nothing beats their matching two-piece sets, whether it's an ultra-cozy fleece duo for winter travel or a lightweight, breathable flow-knit style for summer.

Ultimately, it’s the high-quality natural materials and thoughtful construction that make Quince so wearable; these are the rare pieces that actually seem to get better with time. Combined with a price point that consistently beats mass-casual retail giants like Gap and J.Crew, it’s easy to see why I keep coming back.

Here are the core pieces I find myself packing time and time again:

Related: Best Quince Travel Sets to Look Polished and Stay Comfy on Flights

The Heavy Hitters: Luggage & BagsThe Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase

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Named a top value-driven carry-on by leading travel outlets, this is the brand to beat when it comes to an affordable suitcase that will actually last. At only $129.90, it is nearly half the price of its sturdy, polycarbonate counterparts. Having tried and tested this bag for several stories now, I find myself returning to it regularly thanks to the ultra-glide of its spinner wheels and its expandable capacity. If I am heading out on a seven-day trip, I know this bag will hold the most.

Shop it at Quince!Transit Quilted Duffle Bag

Quince

While choosing the right carry-on is tough, finding the perfect personal item can be even harder. For anyone who tends to overpack, you need something that fits the overflow from your suitcase—including a bulky toiletry bag, a laptop, assorted chargers, books, and an eye mask—while leaving room for souvenirs. This padded travel bag fits everything beautifully. It features both shoulder handles and a removable crossbody strap, plenty of organizational pockets for quick-access items, a optional bottom shoe compartment, and the all-important trolley sleeve that slides right over your suitcase handle.

Shop it at Quince!

I'm a Travel Editor and This $100 Quince Blazer Is My Packing Secret Weapon

The Transit & Sightseeing Uniform

Quince

For mild weather, or when flying between drastically different climates, I always reach for this Flowknit set. You can choose between hoodie, zip-up, quarter-zip or crewneck tops and pair them with joggers, wide-leg pants or cropped pants, making it incredibly easy to mix and match. The performance fabric blend gives it the perfect amount of stretch and recovery while remaining ultra-breathable, so you're never overheating when you land in a warmer destination.

Shop it at Quince!Tencel Jersey Easy Shorts

Quince

These ultra-comfy pull-on shorts are absolute perfection for casual days when you are putting in 10,000-plus steps on a guided tour or exploring a sprawling estate. They're drapey, soft and won't leave you feeling sweaty. Because they are made from Tencel lyocell—a biodegradable fiber derived from responsibly sourced wood pulp—they are highly sustainable too, using 10 to 20 times less water in production than standard cotton.

Shop it at Quince!100% European Linen Shorts and Button-Down Shirt

Quince

For fans of a coordinated look, this two-piece set is a daytime savior in classic black, navy or bayberry olive. It offers endless versatility for a minimalist travel capsule wardrobe; you can easily wear a simple tank with the shorts, or style the structured button-down over a white tee and jeans. While online linen can sometimes feel flimsy, Quince’s European flax linen is high-quality, structured and slightly heavier. It holds its shape and looks polished even straight out of a suitcase.

Shop it at Quince!Polished Evenings & Dinners100% European Linen Tank Mini Dress

Quince

A stellar addition to any packing list, this dress offers a tailored, structured look that works for professional meetings or historic sightseeing, but features a swingy, comfortable silhouette complete with functional pockets. It's the kind of effortless piece you will wear on repeat for a European summer vacation or dress up for an elegant evening dinner back home.

Shop it at Quince!The Organic Cotton or Linen Smocked Dress

Quince

For fun summer nights or warm-weather cruise itineraries, this has been my go-to evening dress for seasons. Channeling the smocked styles that are always classic and popular, it features a stretchy, form-fitting bodice and a flowy, mid-length skirt. It comes in more than 10 colors and a variety of seasonal fabric styles, including crisp organic cotton, linen and delicate eyelet, so you can easily find one to suit your personal style.

Shop it at Quince!Lightweight Cotton Cashmere Cardigan

Quince

When you're traveling through tropical climates, the indoor air conditioning battles are inevitable. A classic button-down cardigan is essential for protecting against chilly restaurants and theaters. In a versatile shade like black, it pairs seamlessly with everything from casual linen shorts to formal evening dresses. It is also a dream to pack, taking up a fraction of the space required by a structured blazer or light jacket.

Shop it at Quince!

Related: Quince's New Seasonal Carry-On is the Perfect Pop of Color for Your Summer Travel Capsule

The Essential AccessoriesItalian Leather Slide Sandals

Quince

If you want to pack light on footwear without sacrificing style, these sleek leather slides are the ultimate find. They take up virtually zero room in a bag, but they will likely account for a large portion of what you actually wear on trip. They're comfortable enough for light daytime walking, and their sophisticated leather silhouette easily substitutes for the high heels I gave up long ago. Plus, if you squint hard enough, they look remarkably similar to a certain iconic French luxury fashion house's famous "H" sandals.

Shop it at Quince!Italian Leather Phone Crossbody Case

Quince

If there's one hidden-gem item I am constantly recommending to fellow travelers, it's this premium leather lanyard. Crafted from 100% top-grain leather, it securely fits most phone cases and features discrete slots for your ID, credit card, hotel room key or cruise ship sail card. It's a total hands-free revelation. Instead of spending half your vacation digging around a deep purse to pull out a phone for a quick photo, your camera is always right by your side, completely secure and accessible.

Shop it at Quince!

Related: 5 Best Quince Summer Travel Pants for Chilly Airplane AC

Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina had had a string of hits together in the early 1970s, but one of their first songs as a folk-rock duo remains a standout 55 years later. 

Written by Loggins, “Danny’s Song” was a simple acoustic ballad that came with the promise that everything would be all right. “And even though we ain't got money/I'm so in love with you, honey,” Loggins sang, offering a message of hope that still resonates after decades.

Speaking with Rock History Music, Loggins explained the song’s origin. “[‘Danny’s Song’] was a song that I wrote for my brother Danny at the birth of his first son Collin,” he shared. “And I was 17 in high school, and that was one of the first songs, first real songs, that I wrote. And I always knew that that was an important song.”

Featured on Loggins and Messina’s debut album Sittin’ In, “Danny’s Song” wasn’t a chart hit, but it received a lot of airplay and became a fan favorite on soft rock and easy listening radio stations.

“Danny’s Song” caught the ear of Canadian singer Anne Murray. The country-pop singer recorded a hit cover version of the song with crossover appeal. It charted on the easy listening and hit country singles charts and peaked at No. 7 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in April 1973. Murray’s version of the song also soared to No. 1 in Canada.

 Murray once explained that she had been in search of a follow-up to her early ‘70s hit “Snowbird.”

“We had to search around, scrambled, and we found ‘Danny’s Song’ on a Loggins and Messina album,” she recalled to U Discover Music. “And we just said, ‘Let’s record it.’ And, before we knew it, it was getting all kinds of airplay and, so, yeah, that kind of kept things moving for a while.”

Loggins has noted that “Danny’s Song”  was much simpler to write “chordally, melodically, musically” than some of his later music. He also revealed that Wingate Music, where he worked as a songwriter early on, owned most of the publishing rights for the songs on the first Loggins and Messina album—but not for “Danny’s Song.”

“I withheld ‘Danny's Song’ from my publishing deal 'cause I knew that was a winner,” Loggins told Classic Bands in an interview. “So I kept the publishing on that.”

Related: 1977 No. 1 Hit Ranked ‘Top Soft Rock Song’ Became the Ultimate Breakup Anthem

Before Kiss became one of the biggest rock bands in the world, the group celebrated life on the road with a song that captured the excitement of touring America.

Released in 1977 on Alive II, "Rockin' in the U.S.A." was inspired by the whirlwind success of Kiss' early nationwide tours. Although it was never released as a single, the upbeat rocker has endured as a fan favorite, thanks to its infectious energy and unmistakably patriotic spirit. Nearly 50 years later, it remains a natural soundtrack for Fourth of July celebrations.

The song reflected a pivotal moment in the band's rise.

By 1977, Kiss had transformed from a hard-touring club act into one of rock's biggest attractions. Following the breakthrough success of Alive! and a string of hit albums, the group, Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss, was selling out arenas across the United States, with fans embracing both the music and the band's larger-than-life stage show.

"When I was growing up, I always thought [success] was about money and chicks and fame," Simmons told USA TODAY. "And I love it! I have more fun onstage than the pope." 

Written by Simmons, "Rockin' in the U.S.A." celebrated that experience. Rather than focusing on romance or fantasy, the song paid tribute to the thrill of traveling from city to city and connecting with audiences across the country, reflecting the excitement surrounding Kiss' rapidly growing popularity.

"We were four guys from New York who wanted to put on the show we never saw. Bill Aucoin, our manager, he had this idea…" Simmons shared in an interview with 519 Magazine. "He told us, 'Don't let them see you without the makeup. Be the mythos,' and we took that to heart."

Although it wasn't one of the band's biggest commercial hits, "Rockin' in the U.S.A." gradually became a favorite among devoted fans. Its singalong chorus and upbeat tempo fit naturally alongside the band's arena-ready catalog, while its distinctly American theme helped it find new life every summer.

Over the decades, "Rockin' in the U.S.A." has become closely associated with Independence Day playlists, fireworks displays and classic rock radio. Its celebration of road trips, live music and the shared experience of American rock concerts has made it one of Kiss' most enduring summertime songs, even without the chart success of many of the band's biggest singles.

"We've accomplished everything a band could hope to do," said Simmons in a 2000 interview, reflecting on a career spent touring the world.

Nearly 50 years after its release, "Rockin' in the U.S.A." continues to capture the excitement of classic American rock and roll. Inspired by Kiss' unforgettable touring success, the 1977 favorite remains a Fourth of July anthem that reminds listeners why the band's music has endured for generations.

Related: 1975 Rock Song, Originally a Powerful American Anthem, Remains a Classic 51 Years Later

If you didn't already know, our nation is hitting a milestone birthday this weekend. That's right, our little baby USA is turning 250 on Saturday, July 4. While many of us will be festivities outdoors, those of us opting for an indoor birthday party and AC can check out Disney's concert special, Disney Celebrates America: Nashville's Star-Spangled Bash. The special will be broadcast/simulcast live over multiple networks and platforms and will feature dozens of popular artists from a variety of music genres.

Read on for more about Disney Celebrates America: Nashville's Star-Spangled Bash, including when and where you can watch.

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What is Disney Celebrates America: Nashville's Star-Spangled Bash?

Disney Celebrates America: Nashville's Star-Spangled Bash is a three-hour special celebrating our nation's 250th birthday. The special will not only feature music from a variety of artists and genres but viewers will also get to see one of the largest fireworks and drone shows in the United States.

While the concert is a three-hour event, Disney is planning to go all out with over 24 hours of programming beginning on the evening of Friday, July 3 and straight through July 4.

Will Disney Celebrates America: Nashville's Star-Spangled Bash be broadcast live?

Yes! Disney Celebrates America: Nashville's Star-Spangled Bash will be broadcast and streamed live coast to coast on July 4.

Related: Costco Just Dropped a ‘Delicious’ $10 Baked Treat Perfect for July 4

Where is Disney Celebrates America filmed?

The concert for Disney Celebrates America: Nashville's Star-Spangled Bash will mostly take place in downtown Nashville, Tenn.

Related: Independence Day, Hot Dog Day, Ice Cream Month & More—Here Are the July Holidays & Observances in 2026

Can I stream Disney Celebrates America on Disney+?

Yes. Disney Celebrates America: Nashville's Star-Spangled Bash will be simulcast live on ABC, ABC News Live (which streams on Disney+ and Hulu), the ESPN App, Freeform, FX and NatGeo. 

Will Disney Celebrates America be available on Hulu?

Yes.

Related: Crumbl Drops 4 New Desserts for America’s 250th—And It Might Be the Best Lineup of 2026

Who is hosting Disney Celebrates America?

Ryan Seacrest will host Disney Celebrates America: Nashville's Star-Spangled Bash. Emily Ann Roberts will serve as a backstage correspondent and comedian John Crist joins the broadcast as the special's man-on-the-street reporter.

Related: The Worst Times to Travel This 4th of July Weekend

Complete performer lineup for Disney Celebrates America

The following artists have been announced to perform as part of Disney Celebrates America: Nashville's Star-Spangled Bash:

• The All-American Rejects
• Boyz II Men
• Brothers Osborne
• Clint Black
• Elizabeth Nichols
• Lauren Daigle
• Little Big Town
• NE-YO
• Nick Jonas
• Reba McEntire
• Sublime
• Tim McGraw

What time does Disney Celebrates America: Nashville's Star-Spangled Bash start?

Disney Celebrates America: Nashville's Star-Spangled Bash starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 4. The three-hour special will be simulcast live on ABC, ABC News Live, which streams on Disney+ and Hulu, the ESPN App, Freeform, FX and NatGeo. 

Next, This Iconic 4th of July Film Is Still Dividing Fans 30 Years Later