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Linda Gray was a household name in the 1970s and ‘80s thanks to her role as Sue Ellen Ewing on Dallas. The actress was a main cast member on the CBS drama series from 1978 to 1989, then reprised her role for the 1991 series finale, two 1990s made-for-TV movies, and a TNT revival series in 2012.

The series about Texas cattle ranching clan, the Ewings, started out as a CBS miniseries but soon became one of the biggest shows of the 1980s. Dallas was the number one rated television series from 1980 to 1982, per Business Insider.

That’s why it may be hard to believe that Gray initially thought her days as the wife of oil tycoon J. R. Ewing (Larry Hagman) would be short-lived.

In a new interview with Celebrity Drop, Gray, 85, admitted she didn’t know what to think when she first met her future co-stars.

“We were all in this room, the entire cast,” she recalled in the June 2026 interview. “Nobody knew who we were. We were actors, unemployed actors that just got a job. And so we were all crammed together in this little room.  And Larry looked at me, and he said, ‘Hello, darling.’ And I thought, ‘Oh, this is trouble.’”

Gray admitted she recognized Hagman from his past role as Major Tony Nelson in the 1960s sitcomI Dream of Jeanie and actually had a crush on him.

“And now he's here in front of me,” she continued. “And then I looked at Patrick Duffy. And I thought, there's the man from Atlantis. And then I saw Barbara Bel Geddes, and I thought, ohmy God, they'd thrown Broadway in here. Here was this queen of Broadway. And I thought, 'What is, who cast this? This is a mess.' And then Charlene [Tilton] was a tiny little wonderful thing, 18 years old. And then Steve Kanaly, the cowboy, and Ken Kecheval, who was a wonderful actor.”

"And so I just  looked around the room going, ‘Oh my God, this what is this?’” Gray admitted. “And I just laughed, and I thought, ‘Well, I'm part of it somehow. We have to figure out what part,' because it seemed like a giant mess to me."

RELATED: Iconic ‘70s Sitcom Featured One of the Longest Laughs in TV History

Gray grew to love her character, who was a former pageant queen who struggled with alcoholism and a volatile marriage. In a 2103 interview with The Dallas Decoder, she noted of Sue Ellen, “I have often said I found her to be the most interesting woman on television in the ’80s because she was so complex and complicated.”

Speaking with WFAA in 2024, Gray added that Dallas featured an incredible ensemble cast that took it through three decades on television.

“What I find so special about the show, the people, the actors were amazing,” she shared. “Everybody was spectacular, and I think it just tapped into the heart of a global audience, and they loved it, loved to hate it, whatever they wanted to do, but they tuned in.”

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On July 10, the Big Brother companion show Big Brother: Unlocked will return for its second season. And hosts Taylor Hale and Derrick Levasseur are welcoming a famous face to sit alongside them to break down Season 28 the whole summer.

CBS announced today that Jerry O’Connell will be joining Unlocked as a permanent third co-host. The Stand By Me actor has had some very public ties to the hit reality show over the past couple of years. He appeared in a guest capacity for one episode during its debut season back in 2025. And in 2024, he made history, serving as a last-minute fill-in host for Julie Chen Moonves when she contracted COVID. It marked the first and, to this point, only time in Big Brother history when the veteran emcee was not in attendance for an eviction.

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"Big Brother is my summer and rolls into my fall too. I’m already watching on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, so the fact that CBS is now paying me to do it is kind of amazing,” says O’Connell in a statement. "It’s an absolute honor to sit next to Derrick — ‘Champ,’ as I call him — and Taylor, who is my all-time favorite Big Brother winner (sorry, Jag). This is what we call in showbiz a dream gig. I’ll do my best to be the voice of the fans, but as Julie says, expect the unexpected. And most importantly, remember to love one another. I’m soooo excited to join the Big Brother fam!"

Related: Jerry O'Connell Calls Filling in as 'Big Brother' Host 'The Scariest Night of My Life'

CBS debuted Big Brother: Unlocked during Season 27, serving as the show’s first-ever broadcast companion show. Led by Levasseur and Hale, who won Seasons 16 and 24, respectively, the series welcomed a wide variety of alumni and celebrities alike, including O’Connell, James Gunn, Lance Bass, Boston Rob Mariano and Bobby Moynihan. This year, Unlocked will feature breakdowns of the house's happenings from the panel, as well as inside-the-house footage, behind-the-scenes access, extended interviews, at-home packages and even an end-of-season awards show.

New to Unlocked this season, the show will take a page out of the flagship's book, welcoming in a live studio audience for each episode's taping. Additionally, CBS teases that the first episode "launches a new interactive fan vote that will have a major impact on the game."

Big Brother 28 premieres with a special 90-minute episode on Thursday, July 9 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. The first episode of Big Brother: Unlocked, featuring Hale, Levasseur, and O'Connell, will subsequently air on Friday, July 10 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. Season 28 is touted as the "biggest season ever," sporting the most hours of programming in the show's history. Big Brother will also hit its milestone 1000th episode during the season.

Related: Will 'Big Brother 28' Have Returning Players? The Case For and Against

Nearly 11 minutes was an unlikely length for a rock song in 1977.

Yet that didn't stop Television from opening the door to one of the most influential recordings of the decade. Released as the title track of the band's landmark debut album, "Marquee Moon" defied conventional radio formulas with its sprawling structure, intricate guitar interplay and hypnotic atmosphere, becoming a defining statement for New York's burgeoning punk and art rock scenes.

The song showcased a very different vision of punk.

While many of the era's emerging bands favored short, aggressive blasts of energy, Television took another approach. Fronted by Tom Verlaine, the group combined poetic songwriting with extended instrumental passages, allowing Verlaine and guitarist Richard Lloyd to weave together one of rock’s most celebrated twin-guitar performances.

"I saw him play, and I knew he had 'it,'" Lloyd told Consequence of his first meeting with Verlaine who died in 2023. "He had something, but he was missing something, and what he was missing I had. I was also missing something. What I was missing, he had. I knew if you put the two of us together, you’d have history. I knew that immediately."

The result felt equally indebted to garage rock, jazz improvisation and avant-garde experimentation.

"When Andy Johns began recording us, I suggested that I could double my parts," Lloyd wrote on his website. "I got this idea from both the Phil Spector productions and also from the Beatles. I thought that this doubling of certain of my rhythm parts and of my lead solos would lend some additional credibility and phenomena to the record. Andy was quite surprised that I had this skill, and Tom enjoyed the subtle chorusing, which was much more pleasant than any kind of chorus effect. We used no effects whatsoever on Marquee Moon—just guitars into amplifiers."

"Marquee Moon" quickly became the centerpiece of the band's identity.

Although it never became a chart hit, the nearly 11-minute composition earned widespread acclaim from critics and fellow musicians, with many praising its adventurous musicianship and refusal to follow commercial expectations. The song helped establish Marquee Moon as one of the greatest debut albums in rock history and cemented Television's reputation as one of the most innovative bands to emerge from New York’s CBGB scene.

Its influence only grew over time.

Artists across alternative rock, indie rock, post-punk and guitar-driven music have cited Television as a formative influence, with "Marquee Moon" serving as perhaps the band's clearest artistic statement. Its intricate guitar work, dynamic pacing and atmospheric production helped shape generations of musicians looking beyond traditional rock structures without sacrificing melody or emotion.

"It's like a mini-symphony," Lloyd told Songfacts. "Towards the end of the song, Tom gets a long solo, and he would often meander through parts of it, but we had it structured."

Following Television's initial breakup in 1978, Verlaine enjoyed a respected solo career before reuniting the band for new music and tours in later decades. Although the group's catalog remained relatively small, Marquee Moon and its towering title track continued to grow in stature, frequently appearing on lists of the greatest rock albums and songs ever recorded.

Nearly 50 years after its release, "Marquee Moon" remains a singular achievement. Its ambitious scope and fearless musicianship proved that rock music could be both intellectually adventurous and emotionally compelling, ensuring Television's masterpiece continues to inspire listeners nearly five decades later.

Related: 1977 Rock Song, Reimagined 27 Years Later, Became a Road Trip Anthem

Every home cook knows that preparing a great meal starts long before the food ever reaches the stove. It begins with having the right tools. You can have the freshest ingredients and the perfect recipe, but if you're working with dull knives or cookware that doesn't perform well, the entire cooking experience becomes frustrating.

I've learned that firsthand. One of my biggest pet peeves in the kitchen is using knives that struggle to slice through something as simple as an onion or tomato. Instead of making meal prep quick and enjoyable, it turns into a chore. The same goes for using the wrong pots and pans. Trying to force the wrong cookware to do a job it wasn't designed for usually leads to uneven cooking, unnecessary cleanup and a lot of wasted time.

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That's why I've come to appreciate investing in quality kitchen essentials. Having dependable tools doesn't just make cooking easier; it makes the entire experience more enjoyable and gives you confidence every time you step into the kitchen.

Costco

One item that has completely changed the way I prepare meals is the Viking 15-Piece German Steel Knife Block Set. From the moment you pick one up, you can immediately tell these aren't your average kitchen knives. They're solid, well-balanced and incredibly sharp, making everything from slicing vegetables to trimming meats feel effortless.

Whether you're chopping herbs, dicing onions or carving a roast, these knives deliver the kind of precision that makes prep work faster and more enjoyable. Instead of fighting with dull blades that crush ingredients, every cut feels clean and controlled. It's the type of experience you'd expect in a professional restaurant kitchen.

The set includes a variety of knives designed for different cooking tasks, so you're always reaching for the right tool instead of trying to make one knife do everything. That versatility alone makes a noticeable difference during meal prep.

Related: Target's Stylish Cooling Waffle Blanket Is Lightweight, Breathable and Perfect for Hot Sleepers

Quality is another area where this set stands out. Each knife is crafted from durable German steel that's built to maintain its edge and withstand years of regular use. The knives are neatly housed in an attractive rubberwood storage block that keeps everything organized and within easy reach while adding a polished look to your countertop.

Since adding this knife set to my kitchen, I've actually found myself looking forward to cooking more often. Meal prep is quicker, cutting feels safer because the blades do exactly what they're supposed to do, and the entire process is more enjoyable.

If you're serious about cooking at home, having the right knives isn't a luxury; it's one of the smartest investments you can make. The Viking 15-Piece German Steel Knife Block Set proves that quality tools really do make a difference, helping turn everyday meal prep into a smoother, more professional cooking experience.

Related: This Textured Throw Pillow From World Market Brings a High-End Look for Less

The digital court of public opinion has turned its lens back on the Princess of Wales, sparking a fierce debate that crosses the line from royal observation into medical speculation.

Following her recent appearance tackling the grueling Three Peaks Challenge, internet forums ignited over video of Kate Middleton, with some onlookers drawing jarring, historical comparisons to singer Karen Carpenter, who died of complications from anorexia in 1983.

The online chatter began on Reddit, where users analyzed high-resolution photographs of the princess in her hiking gear.

"What is really going on with Kate?" one user wrote, pointing specifically to her legs. "This isn't normal." The sentiment quickly spiraled, prompting a defender to warn against the dangers of public scrutiny, noting that Royal family figures like Princess Diana struggled with documented eating disorders fueled by intense public pressure.

The speculation, however, may be a product of photography rather than pathology. A closer look at the widely circulated video reveals a classic photographic anomaly. During the hike, the princess utilized carbon-fiber trekking poles. In the primary video causing concern, the black shaft of the walking stick perfectly aligns with the outer edge of her left leg, cutting off the silhouette and creating a severe optical illusion that slims the thigh by half to the casual viewer.

The Princess of Wales has completed the Three Peaks Challenge to highlight the “deeper impact of serious illness”.⁠ ⁠ The solo endeavour was considered something of a “pilgrimage” for the Princess, who stood to chat to other walkers along the route.⁠ ⁠ Head to the linked story for Kate's full itinerary 🔗 #katemiddleton #bennevis #kate

"There are slight optical illusions in the first pic because of the placement of her walking stick," another forum user noted after the initial wave of panic. "She is skinny, but once my eyes adjusted for the walking stick illusions, her thighs look a bit healthier."

Observers who watched the actual broadcast footage of the event, rather than compressed social media still frames, noted a sharp contrast in her demeanor. For a princess who has spent the last two years navigating a highly publicized, exhausting health journey, the video footage showed a woman moving with genuine agility and energy.

The incident highlights a recurring cycle for women in the royal spotlight, where a single pixel or a misplaced shadow can trigger global alarm. For now, the palace has issued no statement, letting the video footage of a smiling, active princess on a mountainside speak for itself.

Both Jenna Bush Hager and Oprah Winfreyhave the same thoughts about two titles that didn't make it into their respective book clubs.

In a video shared by Oprah's Book Club on Instagram recently, the two TV personalities got to talking about books that simply weren't included in both Winfrey's book club and Hager's Read With Jenna.

"Let’s hold a moment of silence for all the book club picks that got away," read the video's caption. @oprah and @readwithjenna read a lot (and we mean a lot) of books, and the journey to select a book club pick doesn’t always pan out. No matter the outcome, all that matters is the love that’s shared for reading."

"The ones that got away are the same for both of us!" Hager said in the video ahead of revealing the two books they both feel like their clubs missed out on.

Of the titles that weren't selected, but still raved about, were The Correspondent by Virginia Evans and Theo of Golden by Allen Levy.

Related: Amazon Just Named This Oprah's Book Club Pick Its Best Book of 2026 So Far

As for The Corespondent, Winfrey, said, "Everybody's reading it," and for Theo of Golden, she said, "Could you believe that ending? I still think about him going to that coffee shop, and I think about all the pictures on the wall."

"Both of those books are about like grace and forgiveness [and] forgiving ourselves," Hager said of the titles.

Logistically, the two also explained that the book clubs may have got their wires crossed when it came to both titles.

"When I don't get it, I think you got it," Winfrey explained.

To which Hager replied, "I didn't get it. Neither one of us got those."

However, despite having book clubs that can boost sales and popularity of a title, the two agreed that both The Correspondent and Theo of Golden clearly didn't need the extra publicity of two high-profile readers.

"They were just out there, they did it on their own, don't you love it when that happens?" Winfrey said.

And she's not wrong — The Correspondent has a 4.46 star rating on Goodreads and Theo of Golden has a 4.48 out of five.

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Best-selling author Melissa Albert might be more readily known for her contributions to the field of young adult fiction, as seen through her spellbinding past work on The Hazel Wood, The Night Country and Tales from the Hinterland.

As successful as Albert's previous YA projects have been, the critically acclaimed author has won some significant attention for her first foray into adult literature, as seen through the positive response to the writer's new novel, The Children.

Blending elements of fantasy, horror, mystery and magical realism, The Children follows a pair of adult siblings who confront their enigmatic past as they each work on individual artistic projects that alludes to their complicated childhood.

Released in bookstores across the nation earlier this June, The Children went on to garner a significantly positive response from critics and mainstream readers, with The New York Timeslisting the novel as one of the best fantasy books of the summer.

"It’s a common misconception that children’s books are all full of sunshine, rainbows and cozy things happening to kind people," wrote the newspaper. "As Albert points out in her enchantingly sinister adult debut, many books for young people are “crueler, stranger, more haunted by longing and loss” than grown-ups recall. In The Children, the making of those books is a dark endeavor too."

"The Children” is billed as a Gothic fantasy; I would call it more of a Gothic thriller, with a frisson of magic, that flits between the siblings’ childhood and the run-up to Ennis’s show," the NY Times continued. "While the chapters in the present start to drag the closer they edge to 'Mother,' the scenes from Guin’s past are bewitching, the Farmhouse pulling everyone under its spell as hauntingly as any dwelling Shirley Jackson ever dreamed up. The book will leave you questioning what you would give to create something truly wondrous."

Similarly, The Guardian shared some glowing feedback to Albert's new novel, likening it to a modern fairy tale with a dark, realistic atmosphere behind it.

"One of the pleasures of The Children is that you’re quite some way through it before you figure out what, exactly, it is," the outlet opined. "Is it a psychological drama, a haunted house story, or a dark fairytale?

Paul Williams was well-known in the 1970s for having written more than a handful of soft rock classics. For the rock band Three Dog Night, Williams created "An Old Fashioned Love Song," which was originally written for another famous music duo.

Three Dog Night has already released hit tracks written by other songwriters like Harry Nilsson's "One" and Randy Newman's "Mama Told Me Not to Come." Williams' song would end up becoming one of their biggest hits, which landed them at No.4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No.1 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Before being released by the band, "An Old Fashioned Love Song" was initially created for the Carpenters.

According to the Tennessean, Williams thought the song was a perfect fit for the music duo and was "money in the bank for them." When it landed in front of Richard Carpenter, things didn't go well, and " Richard Carpenter, I don't think made it through the first verse before he picked up the needle off of the (acetate). Richard didn't love it."

Williams added that Chuck Kaye, the head of A&M Records, heard the song and sent it to the producer of Three Dog Night. The songwriter admits that a majority of the tracks he did with the band "started off with them not loving it and the producer loving it."

When it comes to the song's inspiration, it happened when Williams was going on a date and got good news just minutes before. He was going to dinner with another songwriter named Patti Dhalstrom and was picking her up after leaving his office.

"I found out as I was leaving my office that I had a hit with another song. So as I walked into her living room, I said, 'Well, kid did it again with another old-fashioned love song.' And a light bulb appeared in the air right above my head. I went, 'Wait a minute! That must mean I've got a great idea.' So I sat at her piano. It's the quickest song that I've ever written in my life, and people have said, "Yeah, we can tell." It just poured out of me. It's really simple, just a couple of verses, and I go to a major (key) in the choruses," he said.

"An Old Fashioned Love Song" would end up becoming a soft rock anthem, and later covered by Williams himself in 1971. He would also perform the track on The Muppet Show and later in The Odd Couple. The track has been covered by various artists, even Andy Williams in 1972.

Related: 1976 Yacht Rock Ballad, Disliked by Band Members, Became a Soft Rock Classic About Love

Check your Ford model, as you could be among the 741,000 vehicles the manufacturer has issued a recall for. This recall covers select versions of the Ford F-150, Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Navigator.

The current recall is for models built between 2018 and 2021, and it’s for those within the United States. According to the company, a transmission issue may cause damage to the park system, which can lead to a risk of injury or crash. Those who are affected will be notified by mail, and they’ll be able to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the issue rectified free of charge.

Ford states that the ability to transmission park has been affected due to the damage. This is how the vehicle parks without the use of the parking brake, and the damage can mean that the vehicle unexpectedly moves while in “park.” It comes from a temporary engagement of the transmission parking pawl while moving, leading to shifts that damage the park system components.

So far, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that there have allegedly been 24 cases of property damage and nine injuries, with two of those emotional, due to this current issue.

While getting the vehicle in for the new software for the Powertrain Control Module to be updated, mechanics will also take a look at the vehicle’s transmission. This will assess if the damage to the parking system has already happened, and whether any transmission components need to be replaced. Like with the update to the software, any repairs needed due to the issue will be at no cost to the owner.

This is just the latest in recalls from the manufacturer, who, by May 11, had already issued 34 recalls in 2026. That was almost three times more than the next offender, with General Motors, Toyota, and Chrysler issuing 12 recalls in 2026 so far. Those 34 recalls affect almost 10 million owners, and now with the latest one, it’s taken the brand over the mark.

In 2025 alone, Ford issued 153 recalls for its vehicles for various safety issues, hitting a new record across the vehicle brands. While Ford says that recalls are a good thing to help ensure the safety of those traveling, it’s important to note that the current increase in recalls is linked to the consent order with the NHTSA due to a civil suit after initially failing to comply with the safety requirements.

The timing is certainly going to be frustrating for many, as with children out of school, it's the perfect time to go on vacation.

Those who are concerned or have more questions about the recent transmission recall or previous ones can call the Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. You can also go directly to the Ford website and type in your VIN to see if your vehicle has been affected by any current or past recalls.

Beginning in late 1985, Queen of PopMadonna began working on what would become her third studio album, True Blue, with collaborators Patrick Leonard and Stephen Bray. Seeking to emphasize more maturity and establish her creative control, for the first time in her career Madonna wrote or co-wrote every song on the album. Heavily inspired by her marriage to actor Sean Penn at the time, with her love for him "seep[ing] into every song" on the record. Madonna even called the album her "most personal" at the time.

Departing from her "bubblegum pop" roots, True Blue is a dance-pop album taking inspiration from Motown, girl groups, and even Cuban music. The sound is influenced by heavy background vocals, synthesizers, guitars, and iconic beats. At the time of collaboration, Leonard, Bray, and Madonna were sometimes knocking out songs for the album in a single day.

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True Blue was met with critical and commercial acclaim almost immediately upon its release on June 30th, 1986 and is widely credited as the album that established Madonna as a figurehead of music for the decade. Madonna's maturity as an artist as well as her growth as a songwriter and a producer were noted with the release. The pop star's vocals in particular were praised, with critics commenting on how much more mature she sounded as a singer.

True Blue topped charts in 28 different countries upon its release, debuting at 29 on the Billboard 200. On its fifth week on the chart, it hit number one where would stay for five consecutive weeks in the United States, while spending 82 weeks on the chart in total. True Blue went on to be certified platinum seven times. The album also became the number one album of 1986 and the best-selling album of the 1980s by a female artist. It is one of the best-selling albums of all time and the highest selling album in Madonna's entire catalog.

Critics consider True Blue to be the album that launched Madonna to super stardom with Classic Pop writing, "'True Blue' launched Madonna to global superstardom, yes, but its impact on music and culture helped keep her at the top of her game for the next three decades, and it might well be the record she is remembered for for many more decades to come."

The Daily Telegraph put True Blue among its "four big beasts" of the 1980s alongside alongside Thriller by Michael Jackson, Purple Rain by Prince, and Faith by George Michael.

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Related: Queen of Pop Reveals the Surprising ‘Popcorn’ Diet That Helps Her Stay Fit at 67

Former Love Island UK host Caroline Flack's brother, Paul Flack, has died at the age of 55, six years after the TV presenter's death at age 40 in 2020.

According to reports from outlets including the Daily Mail, The Independent and local newspaper the Eastern Daily Press, Paul was found unresponsive at his home in England on Saturday, June 21. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Following a post-mortem examination, authorities believe he died by suicide.

Caroline also died by suicide. An inquest found that she took her own life after experiencing extreme distress and fear over an impending public trial on a domestic assault charge, which she believed would ruin her television career.

People confirmed that a hearing into Paul's death was opened on Monday, June 29, at Norfolk Coroner's Court. A full inquest is scheduled for Oct. 23.

Paul worked as a graphic designer and is survived by his partner and two children.

Caroline began her career as an actress in the U.K. before transitioning into television presenting with projects including I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! and The Xtra Factor. She later won Season 12 of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing and went on to host both The X Factor and Love Island UK.

In 2019, Caroline was arrested on allegations that she assaulted her then-boyfriend, Lewis Burton. She pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on bail on the condition that she not contact Burton. She was due to stand trial despite both her and Burton maintaining that she had not physically harmed him.

After prosecutors decided to continue pursuing the case, Caroline stepped down as host of Love Island UK. She died by suicide shortly after learning the case would proceed to trial.

Her story was later revisited in the 2025 Disney+/Hulu documentary Caroline Flack: Search for the Truth, which features her mother, Christine Flack, examining the television star's final months.

Paul's last Instagram post, shared in August 2020, was a tribute to his late sister. He posted a childhood photo of Caroline, writing, "This will be my last post here. May those who know feel shame for eternity. Love you Caroline."

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.

Former running back Chris Johnson revealed that he was diagnosed with ALS in 2025 during an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America" that aired Monday, June 29.

Johnson used a speech-generating device based on recordings of his voice to speak during the interview.

"There's no history of ALS in my family," he said. "My doctors believe my case is what's called sporadic ALS, which is actually how the vast majority of ALS cases happen... That's one of the reasons this disease can be so shocking. It can happen to someone who never expected it."

According to the Cleveland Clinic, ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a "neurodegenerative condition that affects how nerve cells communicate with your muscles," which can lead to muscle weakness and impacts how a person moves, speaks, and breathes.

Johnson's NFL career spanned 10 seasons, beginning with the Tennessee Titans from 2008 to 2013 before going on to sign with the New York Jets for the 2014 season. He then was with the Cardinals from 2015 to 2017. During his career, he broke the NFL's single-season record for yards from scrimmage in 2009, when he finished with 2,509. That year, he was named The Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year.

Following the news, Johnson's former teams shared messages of support.

"Some people leave a mark on an organization that you just can't put into words. Chris Johnson is one of those people for us. His leadership on the field, in addition to his impact in the locker room and Nashville community, has written him permanently into the story of this franchise," Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk said. "Learning this news is extremely difficult, and we all support Chris every step of the way throughout his journey. We are holding him and his family close, and join our fans around the world in expressing our love for Chris."

"The Cardinals join the entire football community in sending strength, love and support to Chris Johnson. We know he will face this latest challenge with the same tenacity and toughness as he has all others," Arizona added.

An iconic British new wave band has been forced to share a shocking update on the future of live shows.

The '80s rockers New Order are scheduled to play Festival Fauna Primavera in Chile during the last weekend in November, marking the band's first performance there in seven years. High up on the billing, the "Blue Monday" hitmakers will be headlining alongside The Strokes and FKA Twigs.

However, a statement released on June 19 revealed that drummer Stephen Morris and keyboard player Gillian Morris, two of the founding members, will no longer be performing on tour due to health issues.

"Due to personal health reasons, Stephen and Gillian won't be touring for the foreseeable future and will not be joining for this show," a statement read, per The Mirror. Bernard, Phil and Tom are really sorry that Stephen and Gillian can't join us this time, but unfortunately the circumstances make it impossible."

Stephen and Gillian's departure means that only one of the original founding members, Bernard Sumner, will be performing live. Keyboard player Phil Cunningham and bassist Tom Chapman joined the group down the line.

Fans have speculated that there were issues within the band behind the scenes after former bassist and songwriter Peter Hook appeared in a YouTube video discussing Stephen and Gillian's decision to step back from touring.

“It’s quite interesting because supposedly Barney is touring in New Order on his own this year because Steve and Gillian have left," he said in an interview with Rock Daydream Nation, which aired on June 28. "So, now, Barney is New Order, which is quite interesting, and he’s actually booked a gig in Chile that he will be playing as the only member of New Order.”

Hook said that this line-up shake-up is "quite rich," as Hook and Sumner, Stephen, and Gillian have were previously entwined in a longstanding legal battle over song royalties.

He continued, "They actually sued me for passing myself off as New Order when we were doing the court case, they brought a case against me for passing myself off as New Order and Joy Division at the same time, which is pretty good going isn’t it that.”

Related: Legendary '70s Rocker's 4,000-Record Collection Goes on Sale

The upcoming holiday weekend brings a rare collision between the gas pump and the department store cash register.

JCPenney announced a promotion targeting travelers facing high summer travel costs. On Friday, July 3, the legacy retailer will hand out $10 shopping credits to any customer who walks into a brick-and-mortar store with a gas receipt.

The single-day event, dubbed "Fuel Up and Save," functions as a dollar-for-dollar trade. A physical paper receipt or a digital confirmation on a smartphone screen showing a recent fuel purchase unlocks $10 off any transaction of $10 or more.

For holiday commuters, the timing is kismet. The Independence Day weekend historically represents the busiest driving period of the summer season, leaving millions of Americans watching numbers spin at the pump before hitting the interstate. JCPenney is betting that a direct discount on apparel, home goods, or travel gear will lure those drivers off the highway and into the store.

“JCPenney has always been there to help families stretch their budgets without asking them to compromise on style, quality or value,” Michelle Wlazlo, Brand CEO of JCPenney said in a statement. “You’re already heading to the gas pump, so why not use the opportunity to put some money back in your pocket? Fuel Up and Save is a fun way to take an everyday expense and turn it into something rewarding at JCPenney, so you can spend the holiday weekend making memories with the people you love—not worrying about every dollar spent getting there.”

The move could be seen as a play for foot traffic during a critical summer sales window. Brick and mortar stores frequently struggle to capture the attention of consumers focused on outdoor recreation and travel during early July. By anchoring the promotion to gas station receipts, the company bypasses traditional digital coupons to meet consumers directly at their point of financial strain.

The promotion carries few structural hurdles, operating as a functional giveaway for anyone purchasing a small item or basic essentials. The retail giant confirmed the credit applies across standard inventory departments, making it a viable option for last-minute holiday weekend needs like sunscreen, beach towels, or basic summer basics.

Shoppers looking to capitalize on the trade need to keep their gas receipts during their fuel stops. Store doors open on Friday at normal morning hours across nationwide locations, and the promotion will run through closing time Friday night.

The deal is limited to one per customer and requires the transaction to take place inside a physical store location, meaning online orders won't qualify for the gas receipt exchange.

As one of the most accomplished performers of his generation, it's safe to say that Sammy Davis Jr. achieved many different accolades in the entertainment industry, from starring in numerous box office hits to singing countless crowd-pleasing songs throughout his lifetime.

As many fantastic singles as Davis released, however, the singer only managed to top the charts with one song: the biggest hit of his career, "The Candy Man."

Released as part of Davis' album Sammy Davis Jr. Now in April 1972, "The Candy Man" was originally written as part of the 1971 film,Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, with the lyrics alluding to the title character's eccentric love of chocolate, candy and other sweet confectionaries.

While Davis' cover of the song went on to achieve prominent success in the mainstream music industry, the singer himself apparently despised "The Candy Man," preferring to record the single in a hasty two-take recording session rather than spend an unnecessary amount of time on it.

According to Stereogum, Davis specifically disliked the lack of "romance" in the song, viewing it as a lighter tune that lacked the signature characteristics of the singer's more prominent musical ventures.

"It's horrible," Davis said of "The Candy Man." "It's a timmy-two-shoes, it's white bread, cute-ums, there's no romance. Blechhh!"

When listening to the playback of his recording sessions, Davis went so far as to tell his manager, "This record is going straight into the toilet. Not just around the rim, but into the bowl, and it may just pull my whole career down with it."

As fate would have it, the song went on to appear at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart starting June 10, 1972, remaining in that prestigious spot for a total of three weeks. By the end of the year, Billboard even ranked "The Candy Man" as the number-five song of 1972, as well as earning Davis a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male at the 15th Grammy Awards.

The wife of NBA superstar LeBron James announced the launch of Signed, a new holding company she co-founded with longtime friend and business partner April McDaniel. 

The announcement came through Instagram, where James shared a photo with McDaniel and revealed the milestone with a personal message about the journey that led to the company's creation.

"For me, building has never been about doing more. It’s been about doing what matters with the right people. Signed is the result of years of intuition, trust, and ambition and I’m excited for what we’ll build next,” she said.

Signed brings together the pair's growing portfolio of women-focused businesses and media projects while laying the foundation for future brands under one umbrella.

Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

According to Fast Company, Signed will serve as the parent company for three existing ventures founded by James and McDaniel.

The company will oversee creative agency Crown+Conquer, which McDaniel founded in 2016, the membership community Let It Break, launched in 2024 and the podcast Everybody's Crazy, which debuted in 2024.

The new company is launching in partnership with MarcyPen Capital Partners, a private equity and venture capital firm co-founded by Jay-Z.

James and McDaniel also hired Christopher Gray as chief creative officer. Gray previously worked at Nike and Wieden+Kennedy London and will help guide the company's creative direction.

James said surrounding themselves with experienced professionals was an important part of building the company.

"I’ve always been a champion of experts. There’s always somebody that’s smarter. There’s always somebody who’s more efficient. So if I can place those people around us, that’s what we’re going to do."

The launch reflects James' continued expansion into business and media after spending years keeping much of her personal life away from the spotlight.

In recent years, she has increasingly pursued projects outside of her role as the wife of one of basketball's biggest stars. Alongside McDaniel, she launched the Everybody's Crazy podcast, which focuses on embracing life's challenges through honest conversations and fresh perspectives.

James has previously explained that she intentionally stayed out of the public eye while raising her family.

"That time, to be honest, was spent pouring into my boys," she told The Cut in 2023. "I just really wanted to enjoy being a mom and supporting my husband. I wasn’t super comfortable with putting myself out like that."

The announcement also comes as public attention remains on the James family, with LeBron James' NBA future drawing widespread discussion during free agency. 

While speculation continues about his next move, Savannah James is moving forward with a major milestone of her own by expanding her business portfolio through Signed.

Related: LeBron James Addresses Potential Retirement: 'I Don’t Know What the Future Holds'

Clive Davis died on June 22, 2026, at 94 years old. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer signed many music legends like Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin. So meeting with him could change an artist's life.

Alicia Keys spoke at his funeral on June 29 at Central Synagogue in New York City. She spoke about meeting him for the first time and a funny story.

Keys, 45, had an early start to her music career. She talked about her life-changing meeting at the funeral in front of attendees.

"This is called A Letter to the Man who Believed First," Keys said. "Dear Clive, there are moments in life that feel like they were written before you ever lived them. Like the universe conspired quietly in the background, arranging people and places and timing so that something extraordinary could be born. Meeting you was one of those moments for me."

She was 15 years old at the time and used the train to go to the meeting. Of course, there was a delay, which meant she was late to meet the record executive. "My manager was livid," the Grammy winner said.

The "Girl On Fire" singer also recalled the executive's humor. "'I have good news, and I have bad news,'" she said he once told her. "'The good news is you’re going to perform at my Grammy party — it’s going to be the first time I’m introducing a new artist. The bad news is that you’re going to have to follow Gladys Knight.'"

Related: How Neil Young and Funk Legend Crossed Paths Before Solo Fame

A music deal is typically the reward after a great meeting with executives. But Keys once told Oprah Winfrey that she got another gift to sweeten the deal because multiple companies were interested in her.

"They were all interested, so we had a bidding war," Keys said. "Columbia brought me in to play in this gorgeous building that looks out over Manhattan. I was on, like, the 579th floor with this white piano. The whole room was white and glass, and I'd never seen anything like it."

Keys grew up in Hell's Kitchen, and money was tight in her household. Her mother paid for her to have piano lessons, and she began writing songs. This kind of glamour was new to her.

"I was like 'Wow,'" she continued. "So I played my little songs and everyone was excited. I was in heaven. Then the exec cleared everybody out and said to me, 'If you sign with us, I'll give you this piano.' All I had at home was my broken-down room divider. He might as well have been offering me diamonds. The guy says, 'I'll give you 15 minutes,' then he walks out."

Bruce Springsteen also gave a tribute, and other artists attended the ceremony. Kenny G performed on the sax.

Related: ‘Love Island USA’ Favorites Heat Up the 2026 BET Awards’ Fashionable Carpet

Parts of the United States are getting hit with a snowstorm just ahead of the Fourth of July.

According to WYDOT in a Facebook post on June, Sunday, 28, snow had already started falling in some parts of the Northwest Mountains, specifically impacting Idaho, western Montana, western Wyoming, and northeastern Utah. As much as 12-18 inches was predicted at the highest peaks of the Anaconda Pintler Mountains.

June and July are rare times for snow in these areas, with weather experts sending out a warning of heavy snowfall. However, a local who spoke with Cowboy State Daily said that it was "not a surprise at all.” 

“We’ve got about three inches of snow, and it's still snowing,” Libby Lane of Red Lodge, Montana, told the outlet. “It's blowing and melting off the road, but the road looks slick, icy, and slushy.”

The US National Weather Service in Riverton Wyoming sent out a warning to anyone visiting the area.

"If you happen to be visiting Yellowstone this morning, a light snow is currently falling throughout the park. It is not unusual to see snow in the park any month of the year. Snow is possible over the higher elevations of western Wyoming this morning, but should become rain later in the day as the sun rises," they wrote in a Facebook post on Monday, June 29.

A thunderstorm watch as well as a warning of heavy winds and potential isolated tornadoes were also issued in Nebraska, according to ABC 8’s Nebraska Now.

“Large hail, damaging wind, and isolated tornadoes will be possible with storms that form in the Severe Thunderstorm Watch area tonight,” they reported. “Parts of eastern Nebraska may see damaging wind this evening into the overnight... A few isolated spots may see wind gusts up to 80 mph anywhere in the highlighted areas.”

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When you think about home organization, it's easy to assume it simply means keeping everything in its proper place. In reality, it's much more than that. A well-organized home is one where routines are followed, schedules stay on track, and everyone knows what they need to do. Having a system that keeps the entire family accountable can make everyday life run much more smoothly.

In a busy household, managing everyone's schedule can quickly become overwhelming. Moms are juggling school activities, sports and appointments for the kids. Dads may need reminders for birthdays, anniversaries or important family events. Kids have homework, chores and extracurricular activities to remember. Add vacations, appointments and daily responsibilities into the mix, and it's easy to see how things can become chaotic. That's why having the right organizational tools can make such a big difference.

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Cozyla

One product that's been gaining a lot of attention online is the 32-Inch Cozyla Calendar+ 2. It's become a favorite across social media, thanks to its sleek, minimalist design and the way it fits seamlessly into almost any home. Powered by the Android operating system, the device offers complete customization to fit your family's needs. With access to the Google Play Store, you can download many of the apps you already use every day, making it incredibly user-friendly for every member of the household. There's also a companion mobile app that lets you update and manage your calendar remotely, without standing in front of the display.

Related: Hobby Lobby's $17 Oversized Acacia Wood Serving Board Is the Perfect Summer Hosting Find

While it's marketed as a digital calendar, it feels like much more than that. In addition to keeping everyone's schedules organized, it can display weekly meal ideas, provide daily weather updates and deliver the latest news. Think of it as a giant smart home hub that helps keep the entire family informed and connected. It's an ideal addition to a kitchen, dining room or any shared living space where everyone can easily see it. Buyers can choose between a 1080p or 4K display, and optional protection plans are available for one, two or three years for additional peace of mind.

From start to finish, installation was straightforward. The company includes everything needed to mount and set up the device, so professional installation isn't necessary. Since adding it to my home, communication has improved; everyone is more accountable for their schedules and staying organized has become much easier. If your family has a busy lifestyle and every minute counts, I genuinely think this is a worthwhile investment that can help make daily life feel much less stressful.

Related: Aldi's Super-Handy and Vibrant Summer Essential Is the Best $10 You'll Spend All Week

When we talk about drinking and liver health, there's usually only one beverage that comes to mind: Alcohol. Registered dietitians won't argue that alcohol can negatively affect your liver (and other organs, for that matter). Yet, Metabolically Dysfunctional-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (formerly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), now affects nearly 40% of people worldwide.

"What we drink plays a big role in that," says Malina Malkani, MS, RDN, CDN, LDN, a nutrition expert, owner of Malina Malkani Nutrition and author of Safe and Simple Food Allergy Prevention. "Sugary drinks, for instance, are associated with a significantly higher risk of fatty liver disease, while something as simple as your daily tea or coffee can actually work in your favor. Our livers quietly process everything we drink, all day, every day, so those small daily choices can add up over time."

Of course, there are tons of tea types—green, white, black, lemon, hibiscus and elderberry. You name it, the grocery store probably stocks it. Green tea has gained favor recently for its reported metabolism-boosting properties. The liver is a central organ in your metabolic system, so it's worth exploring what happens to it when you drink green tea.

"The liver acts as the command center of the digestive system," Malkani explains. "It sits downstream of the gut and gets first access to what we eat or drink before it reaches the rest of the body. The liver makes bile to help the body break down and absorb fat, manages blood sugar and cholesterol, and filters out toxins."

It's also constantly communicating with your gut bacteria. So, is green tea good for the liver? According to registered dietitians, it depends on how much you consume, how you take your green tea and your overall health. Scroll on for the tea.

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Drinking green tea can benefit your liver in the short and long term. You'll see the greatest benefits if you drink it regularly for months or years, but you may experience some benefits almost right away.

"Short-term benefits—within a day or a couple of weeks—are often at the cellular level and might not be 'felt' as a significant change in liver function," explains Diana Cusa, MS, RD, CDN, CDCES, the senior dietitian for Food & Nutrition Services at Plainview Hospital (Northwell Health).

However, green tea also contains Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant, that can begin to affect your liver—and therefore metabolism—within a few days or weeks.

"The antioxidants in green tea can have effects on the liver quickly by helping to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation," states Mckenzie Dryden, RD, a registered dietitian with HonorHealth Whole Health Institute. "Oxidative stress can accelerate aging and contribute to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer." 

Dryden cites a research review that found most studies showed these benefits of green tea over a 12-week period. Cusa adds that drinking green tea can also help:

• Regulate blood sugar (putting less stress on the liver)
• Improve mild fat metabolism
• Reduce new fat accumulation

"Within hours or days, green tea can slightly promote fat burning and inhibit new fat formation," Cusa explains. "Green tea can activate certain enzymes that signal the cell to burn fat for energy rather than store it and inhibit enzymes involved in fat synthesis."

Great as all of this sounds, green tea is not an instant and magical solution for your liver.

"The liver does not usually respond to one cup of tea in a way someone would feel that day," says Johannah Katz, RD, a dietitian from Consumer Health Digest. "Any liver-related benefits would more likely be gradual and measurable through biomarkers, such as liver enzymes or metabolic markers."

Indeed, these biomarkers generally improve when you regularly drink green tea for several months or years. Cusa says long-term, liver-health benefits of drinking green tea include a better shot at avoiding conditions, including:

• Metabolically Dysfunctional-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
• Cirrhosis
• Steatosis
• Hepatitis
• Liver failure
• Liver cancer
• Type 2 diabetes

Why? Because the short-term benefits (less inflammation, improved blood sugar and increased antioxidant intake from EGCG) add up over time.

Related: The ‘Healthy’ Drink That’s Silently Damaging Your Liver, According to Hepatologists

Dryden warns that drinking green tea is generally safe for your liver health. That said, remember it contains caffeine, so it's a diuretic (you'll pee more). "Drinking large amounts of caffeine—over 400 mg per day—can lead to dehydration due to water lost through urine," she explains.

Most of the short- and long-term risks of green tea are associated with concentrated green tea extract supplements, especially when taken on an empty stomach, Malkani explains. She says people taking these supplements should be warned that they can experience liver injury within a few weeks or months, and people with the genetic marker HLA-B35:01 allele face higher risks. "These injuries tend to happen at high supplement doses, which are far stronger than what you get from brewed tea," she clarifies.

Still, she emphasizes that it's worth speaking to your doctor if you have a pre-existing liver condition or take weight-loss supplements that already contain concentrated green tea extracts.

Related: Here’s Exactly What Happens to Your Liver When You Eat Bananas

For long-term liver health benefits, Cusa notes that the common, generally accepted recommendation is to drink two to five cups of brewed green tea daily. For context, she says that an eight-ounce cup of brewed green tea contains about 50-100 mg of EGCG.

"Never assume that if a little is good, a lot—especially in supplement form—is better," Cusa says, adding that personal health and genetics can affect how you metabolize green tea—some people do so better than others. And your overall lifestyle matters. "The benefits of green tea are increased when combined with a balanced diet, regular exercise and avoidance of alcohol."

Remember, don't expect your liver health to drastically improve overnight. In fact, there's no known "dose" for seeing those instant, oxidative-stress-reducing benefits.

"It’s about consistent, moderate incorporation into a healthy lifestyle rather than looking for an immediate, noticeable liver effect from a specific amount," Cusa reports.

Up Next:

Related: This Is the Best Breakfast for Liver Health, According to a Hepatologist

• Malina Malkani, MS, RDN, CDN, LDN, a nutrition expert, owner of Malina Malkani Nutrition and author of Safe and Simple Food Allergy Prevention
• Mckenzie Dryden, RD, a registered dietitian with HonorHealth Whole Health Institute
• Diana Cusa, MS, RD, CDN, CDCES, the senior dietitian for Food & Nutrition Services at Plainview Hospital (Northwell Health)
• Johannah Katz, RD, a dietitian from Consumer Health Digest
• Global perspective on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis - prevalence, clinical impact, economic implications and management strategies. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.
• Beverages and Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Think before you drink. Clinical Nutrition.
• Salubrious Effects of Green Tea Catechins on Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review. Medicines.
• The effect of green tea intake on risk of liver disease: a meta analysis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine.
• HLA-B*35:01 and Green Tea Induced Liver Injury. Hepatology.