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Jesse Lee Soffer just can’t get enough of police dramas. Best known for his role as Senior Detective Jay Halstead in Chicago P.D., he segued from 10 seasons on the long-running NBC police drama to CBS’ FBI: International in its fourth and final year.

Now Soffer will reunite with Matt Olmstead, who co-created Chicago P.D. with Dick Wolf and on which Olmstead served as showrunner for four seasons and was an exec producer on FBI: International, on a new law enforcement drama for CBS, entitled Strike Force.

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According to Variety, the logline for Strike Force describes it as: “A battle-tested DEA agent (Soffer) returns home to Kansas City to lead a multi-agency strike force targeting the violent criminals now trying to exploit America’s heartland.”

Related: Tracy Spiridakos Reveals How She Really Felt Returning to Chicago P.D. as Hailey Upton (Exclusive)

At this point in time, the show is in the development stage, but if picked up to series, it could premiere during the 2027-2028 broadcast season. If Strike Force does get green lighted, it would mark Sofer and Olmstead’s third series together.

Soffer has several times returned to Chicago P.D. since his exit in 2022 as a series regular. He's directed three episodes: Episode 16 of Season 10, Episode 12 of Season 11, and Episode 2 of Season 13. He also returned onscreen for last season’s #OneChicago crossover episode, which reunited him with Tracy Spirodakos and wrapped up their storyline.

Chicago P.D. will return for its 14th season on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

Next, Chicago P.D. Heartbreak! Original Cast Member Set to Exit NBC Drama in Season 14

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Summer entertaining calls for tableware that can do more than just look pretty. While a beautiful tablescape can set the mood for a backyard gathering, your serving pieces also need to hold up to BBQs, poolside parties, picnics, and casual get-togethers. Ideally, they're durable, easy to clean, and versatile enough to handle everything from dips and snacks to desserts and small bites.

The Lehaha Strawberry Melamine Serving Platter Set checks all those boxes, and it's also one of the cutest options we've found for summer hosting. Right now, it's on sale for 50% off at Amazon, bringing the price down from $40 to just $20. That's a pretty great deal for a six-piece set you can use both indoors and outdoors.

Lehaha Strawberry Melamine Serving Platter Set, $20 (was $40) at Amazon

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The set includes three serving trays and three dip bowls. Each tray measures 15 inches long by 6 inches wide by 1 inch tall, while each bowl measures 4.8 inches in diameter and 2 inches tall. Together, they give you plenty of room to create an easy appetizer spread without taking up too much storage space.

Made from BPA-free, food-grade melamine, the pieces are lightweight, sturdy, and easy to clean. The nonporous surface helps prevent stains and odors from sticking, while the dishwasher-safe design makes cleanup simple after entertaining. Just keep in mind that the pieces aren't microwave safe and should be placed on the top rack of the dishwasher.

The strawberry-inspired design is what really gives the set its summer charm. The pieces feature cheerful strawberries, blueberries, and lush green vines framed by a green border, creating a colorful farmhouse-inspired look. The playful pattern works especially well with summer decor, and the bright colors can make even a simple spread feel more inviting.

Related: The Lenox Spice Village Trend Is Back, and Macy's ‘Vibrant’ Matching Table Linens Are a ‘Beautiful’ Addition

Durability makes them practical for all kinds of occasions, too. The scratch-resistant melamine is designed to resist cracks and breakage, making the set a great choice for BBQs, picnics, poolside entertaining, game nights, family gatherings, RV trips, and camping. You won't have to worry as much about pieces breaking if they get knocked over or jostled around while you're traveling.

The three trays and bowls can be used in plenty of ways. Fill the bowls with salsa, guacamole, ranch dressing, olives, or other condiments, while the trays can hold sandwiches, charcuterie, fries, nuts, candy, or other small bites. You can also use them as condiment trays for ketchup and mustard or appetizer platters when you're hosting, making this a set you'll reach for long after summer ends.

One shopper described the set as a “must-buy,” writing, “It has an excellent design and I love that it’s melamine! They’re made from a sturdy, good-quality material.” Another said they’re a “great size” and “can be used for a variety of foods,” adding, “The colors are bright and make the platters stand out." 

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For a stylish and practical set you'll reach for all summer and beyond, the Lehaha Strawberry Melamine Serving Platter Set is a fun pick. And with Amazon's current 50% discount, you can snag the six-piece set for just $20.

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It's a remarkable achievement when a coming-of-age novel captures a moment in life so vividly that it continues to resonate for generations.

Yet that is what Richard Price managed to accomplish with The Wanderers, his acclaimed 1974 debut novel. More than 50 years after it first reached readers, the book continues to receive praise, most recently earning a place on Collider's list of the best coming-of-age books of all time.

Set in the Bronx during the early 1960s, The Wanderers follows a teenage street gang as its members navigate friendship, identity, romance, and the uncertainty of adulthood.

At the center of the story is Richie Gennaro and the rest of the Wanderers, whose tight-knit group begins to splinter as graduation, changing neighborhoods, and shifting social expectations force them to confront an uncertain future. While the novel is filled with street fights and gang rivalries, its emotional core lies in the universal experience of growing up and leaving childhood behind.

"1962 is pre-Vietnam, pre-drugs, pre-Reaganomics, pre-total racial polarization," Price told Book Critics. "It was a much more naïve time. When I was growing up, the projects were still functional. They were there because they were trying to give working-class people decent, affordable housing so they could concentrate on getting their family up to the next generation. When I was growing up it was never more than working class—a little rough-and-tumble, but nothing more than a punch in the nose."

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The book established Price as one of America's most distinctive literary voices.

Drawing on his own experiences growing up in New York City, Price infused the novel with authentic dialogue, memorable characters, and a keen eye for the everyday struggles of working-class life.

"Maybe one reason The Wanderers got the attention it did was that nobody coming from my background with such an intimate knowledge of white housing-project life was writing about it," Price told The Paris Review. "The smartest minds of my generation in the projects became doctors, lawyers, engineers, businessmen; they went the route that would fulfill the economic mandate."

Price's vivid storytelling earned widespread critical acclaim and launched a career that would later include acclaimed novels such as Clockers, Lush Life, and The Whites.

The novel's influence quickly extended beyond the page.

In 1979, The Wanderers was adapted into a feature film directed by Philip Kaufman, introducing Price's story to an even wider audience. Over the years, both the novel and the film have developed devoted followings, with many readers and critics praising their honest portrayal of adolescence and the transition into adulthood.

That enduring appeal is reflected in its latest recognition by Collider.

More than five decades after its publication, the novel continues to connect with readers through its timeless themes of friendship, change, and the search for identity.

Fifty-two years after its debut, The Wanderers remains one of Richard Price's defining achievements. What began as the author's first novel has become a coming-of-age classic whose influence continues to be felt by new generations of readers.

Related: Best-Selling Author’s 1989 Novel Ranked Among Best Books of All Time

And Just Like That wasn't shy about filming more risque scenes for their characters, and that included Rosie O'Donnell, who appeared as a guest and was "horrified" filming a sex scene with Cynthia Nixon.

The comedian and actor appeared on Amy Poehler's Good Hang podcast, where the Baby Mama star brought up her "intimate scene" on And Just Like That. O'Donnell appeared in the Sex and the City spinoff as a Wicked fanatic nun named Sister Mary during Season 3 in the episode titled "Outlook Good."

Her character is visiting New York from Winnipeg and meets Nixon's iconic character Miranda Hobbs at a gay bar. One thing leads to another, and Sister Mary loses her virginity to Miranda. Poehler asked O'Donnell what filming the "bed scene" was like at the request of Nixon herself.

“Horrifying to me, because I was so nervous!” explained O'Donnell while laughing.

“First of all, I love her. And have so much respect for her,” she added. "And she called me, and she’s like, ‘Ro, you know, [showrunner Michael Patrick King] wrote you a scene and it’s with me. Will you do it?’ I said, ‘Of course I’ll do it with you.’ And then I read it, and I’m in bed with just the sheets and then I’m like, ‘Oh my god.’”

For O'Donnell, filming the scene wasn't necessarily a horrifying experience in a bad way, but more about not knowing how to go about it and not having that much experience. In the span of her career, she's only had one other intimate scene, and it was on Nip/Tuck with Julian McMahon.

She adds that she was incredibly nervous while working with Nixon when director Michael King suggested giving a "little bit more" for the scene. O'Donnell recalls, "I really can't" when it came to King's request to make things appear more natural.

“The kissing wasn’t hard, but the laying in bed and the wanting us to act like we had just done it...I’m a little immature when it comes to that,” O’Donnell admitted.

Poehler chimed in that O'Donnell wasn't being immature and explained that multiple actor friends have done it. O'Donnell agreed that “it’s a skill. It really is" to be able to perform an intimate scene on camera and make it look realistic. Her nerves didn't stop the comedian from praising Nixon and saying she's the "real deal" and "admires her."

Related: Jenna Fischer Sends Message to 'The Office' Star Lucy Davis Amid Her Cancer Diagnosis: 'Love You Lots'

Lindsay Clancy's murder trial took an emotional turn on Wednesday, Aug. 12, when she broke down in court during testimony about her children's injuries.

The 36-year-old Massachusetts mother became visibly upset multiple times as medical experts discussed the injuries suffered by her three children, prompting the judge to send jurors out of the courtroom and pause proceedings. Clancy is facing first-degree murder charges in the deaths of Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months, who were killed inside the family's Duxbury home in January 2023.

Related: Can a Person Speak With a ‘Crushed Thyroid’? (Exclusive)

What Caused Lindsay Clancy to Break Down?

The start of Clancy's emotional reaction came after the lunch recess. The prosecution called Dr. Renee Stonebridge, a forensic pathologist with the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, to the stand to discuss the injuries found during the children's autopsies. 

Clancy sobbed as Stonebridge testified about the findings from each child's autopsy, including what she discovered while examining Callan's brain.

Judge William Sullivan eventually called for a recess as Clancy buried her face in her hands. The jury was sent out of the courtroom while Clancy was given time to compose herself.

After the jurors returned, Judge Sullivan reminded them that they could not allow their emotional reactions to influence their eventual decision. He stressed that their verdict must be based solely on the evidence presented in court.

Related: Full List of Items Taken Into Evidence From Lindsay Clancy's Duxbury Home

When the trial resumed, the prosecution called Dr. Barbara Olson, who works at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, to the stand. Olson discussed the autopsy of Cora as Clancy became visibly upset again. At one point, she could be heard saying, "I can't do it," prompting the judge to send the jurors out of the courtroom for a second time.

Olson's testimony continued and, according to WCVB, there was a emotional atmosphere in the courtroom, with one juror also breaking down in tears. As jurors were shown autopsy photos of Cora and Dawson, Clancy kept her head down on the table in front of her.

Following Olson's testimony, court adjourned for the day.

Did Lindsay Clancy Admit to Killing Her Children?

Clancy is not disputing that she killed her three children. Instead, her defense is arguing that she is not criminally responsible for their deaths because she was suffering from postpartum psychosis and was overmedicated.

Prosecutors, however, argue that Clancy planned the killings and should be held responsible for her actions.

The trial is set to resume on Thursday, Aug. 13.

READ NEXT: Expert Explains Lindsay Clancy’s 82.1-Degree Body Temperature

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If you've been looking for a stylish storage solution that will make your home feel less cluttered and also complement your decor, Walmart's bestselling Cbjcbj 58-Inch Retro Sideboard could be the end of your search. The stunning vintage-style accent cabinet offers ample room to stash dishware, baskets, books, and other items, and it's on sale for over 25% off for a limited time. 

Featuring a pretty antique-inspired design with long gold door handles, tapered solid wood legs, and a natural wood grain finish, the top-rated sideboard has a sophisticated look that will elevate any space. The retro four-door version is currently available for $189, down from $257, in the black color, and you can also shop it in green and wood styles at $190 to $210. 

Cbjcbj 58-Inch Retro Sideboard, $189 (was $257) at Walmart

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At 15.5 inches long, 57.9 inches wide, and 30.3 inches high, the cabinet has a spacious build with two closed-door cabinets, each featuring an adjustable shelf that can be set at three different heights to accommodate items of varying sizes. The large tabletop offers additional space to display vases, lamps, photo frames, or small appliances, and it has a smooth finish that's easy to wipe clean. 

Made of medium density fiberboard and solid wood, this sideboard is durable, sturdy, and built to stand up to everyday use. Each cabinet has magnetic door closures that allow for easy access, and the Roman column cabinet wood legs feature foot pads to protect floors from scratches and other damage. Assembly is also simple, thanks to the detailed instructions and labeled parts. 

Related: Walmart's 3-Tier Metal Rack Is an 'Excellent Storage Solution' for Kitchens, Garages, and Sheds

With its elegant retro design and spacious interior, this versatile cabinet can be used in a variety of ways throughout your home. It can serve as a traditional sideboard in a dining room or kitchen or as an eye-catching accent piece in an entryway or hallway. It can even work as an entertainment center to hold consoles, remotes, and other items in a living room or den. 

The Cbjcbj sideboard has earned plenty of praise from Walmart shoppers for its overall look and quality. Multiple reviewers called it "absolutely beautiful," with one noting that it's "thoughtfully  designed." Several also highlighted the "sturdy" construction and roomy interior, which adds "plenty of storage" to any space. 

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If you want to add some more organizational space into your home without disrupting your aesthetic, this bestselling vintage-style sideboard is a great pick. It's durable, spacious, and comes in three versatile colors to suit any style. Pick one up during this limited-time flash deal at Walmart.

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There is no denying that Keanu Reeves was one of the biggest movie stars in the '90s. Thanks to his roles in movies such as Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure and Point Break, he was already a household name.

However, when it came to his casting as Jack Traven in the 1994 action film Speed, he wasn't 20th Century Fox's first choice. What makes that bit of movie trivia even more shocking is that several actors had to turn down the role before it was finally offered to Reeves.

So, who did casting directors want playing Jack Traven alongside Sandra Bullock's Annie Porter?

Originally, actor Jeff Speakman was set to star in Speed. However, when the movie was acquired by 20th Century Fox, Speakman was dropped, and the role was offered to Stephen Baldwin.

He turned it down, and the movie was then offered to 21 Jump Street star Richard Geico, who, two decades later, still regrets saying no to the action blockbuster.

"I'll be honest with you, I turned down everything from probably '92 to '94," he told Yahoo Entertainment in 2021. "And there are a lot of films that I turned down that went on to be big things, and other films that didn't... One that was offered to me that I turned down was Speed. But Keanu did a great job."

On the 20th anniversary of Speed, screenwriter Graham Yost also revealed that Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, Woody Harrelson, and Wesley Snipes were all considered for the role before director Jan De Bont cast Reeves.

And it's a good thing he did. Speed went on to debut at the top of the box office in the summer of 1994, grossing $14.5 million in its opening weekend. Overall, the movie earned over $350 million worldwide, becoming one of the biggest action movies of the decade.

And in case you were wondering, Sandra Bullock was also not the first choice when it came to Annier Porter. The role was offered to Halle Berry and Ellen DeGeneres before Bullock was officially cast.

Reeves still remembers his time filming Speed fondly, telling ET Online, "It was a great experience to make that film. [I] got to meet Sandra Bullock, got to work with her, it was fantastic."

He continued, "We had to pretend some pretty wacky stuff and she was so authentic, and her humor and intelligence, authenticity. It was just a joy to be around and to perform with."

In 1956, Elvis Presley pulled off a chart feat that would stand as one of the biggest of the early rock era, and the two songs responsible for it had been recorded on the very same day.

“Don’t Be Cruel” and “Hound Dog,” released together as a single in July 1956, began an extraordinary 11-week run at No. 1 on Aug. 12, 1956.

The two songs could hardly have sounded more different, but together they helped cement the 21-year-old Presley as rock and roll's biggest new star.

Elvis Recorded ‘Don’t Be Cruel’ and ‘Hound Dog’ in One Marathon Session

Presley recorded both songs on July 2, 1956, during a session at RCA Victor Studios in New York City. “Any Way You Want Me” was also recorded that day.

And Presley wasn't interested in getting in and out of the studio quickly.

According to the book "Elvis Day by Day: The Definitive Record of His Life and Music" by Peter Guralnick and Ernst Jorgensen, Elvis went through 28 takes of “Don’t Be Cruel” before he was satisfied and then worked through 31 takes of “Hound Dog.” Scotty Moore played lead guitar, Bill Black was on bass, D.J. Fontana played drums and the Jordanaires provided backing vocals.

“Don’t Be Cruel” was written by Otis Blackwell, who also wrote or co-wrote songs including “All Shook Up,” “Return to Sender” and “Great Balls of Fire.” Blackwell agreed to give Presley a co-writing credit and a share of the royalties to help ensure that one of the hottest singers in the country would record it.

“Hound Dog,” meanwhile, had a history long before Presley got near it. Famed songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller wrote the song for Big Mama Thornton, whose 1953 recording spent seven weeks atop Billboard's R&B chart.

Presley's rendition actually owed more to the reworked version he heard Freddie Bell and the Bellboys performing during his disastrous first Las Vegas engagement in 1956. He took that interpretation to national television before recording his own version in July.

‘Don’t Be Cruel’ and ‘Hound Dog’ Spent a Record 11 Weeks at No. 1

RCA released “Don’t Be Cruel” backed with “Hound Dog” on July 13, 1956. “Hound Dog” initially raced up the pop chart, but “Don’t Be Cruel” soon joined it at the top, while also reaching No. 1 on the country and R&B charts.

Beginning with the Billboard chart week ending Aug. 18, the record spent 11 consecutive weeks at No. 1.

In "The Billboard Book of Number One Hits,"music historian Fred Bronson noted that Presley's “Don’t Be Cruel”/“Hound Dog” stretch at the top of the charts was longer than any other record in the rock era at the time the book was published. The record stood until Boyz II Men's 1992 smash hit "End of the Road."

The single was eventually credited with more than 4 million copies sold by the end of 1956, while “Hound Dog” would ultimately become one of Presley's biggest-selling recordings.

The appeal wasn't merely commercial.

In "The Heart of Rock & Soul: The 1001 Greatest Singles Ever Made," rock critic Dave Marsh ranked “Don’t Be Cruel” at No. 130. He praised the seemingly effortless quality of Presley's performance, focusing in particular on the little “mmmhmm” between the first two verses as an example of how much Presley could accomplish while sounding as though he were barely trying.

“Hound Dog” was the snarling counterpart to that relaxed performance. The song had already become controversial after Presley's June 5 appearance on The Milton Berle Show, when his hip movements caused an uproar and helped turn the performance into a defining moment in his rapid ascent.

Presley would perform “Don’t Be Cruel” during all three of his appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, while both songs became enduring pieces of his catalog.

Seventy years after their record-setting run began, it's even more remarkable that two songs so closely associated with Presley's breakthrough were created, at least as Presley recordings, just hours apart.

Related: Elvis' Leading Lady in Two Hit Movies Dies at 87

Actor Kellan Lutz, who famously played vampire Emmett Cullen in the Twilight film franchise, is getting candid about leaving Los Angeles.

During an appearance on the August 11 episode of Michael Rosenbaum's podcast,Inside of You, Kellan explained why he and his wife of nearly nine years, Brittany Lutz, took up residence in Tennessee around 2023. When Rosenbaum asked, "You left L.A. really for more family life and to get away, right?" Kellan replied, "Yeah."

"The whole Tennessee move happened when we had our second kid," said Kellan, who shares a 5-year-old daughter, Ashtyn, and a four-year-old son, Kasen, with Brittany.

He went on to say that Brittany's parents packed up their home in Orange County, California, and headed to Tennessee following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

"Her family chose to leave California, and we followed, you know, mainly when I'm working, my wife didn't have a support system, someone to help with the kids when I'm away, and one of the kids got sick. She felt really out of control as far as not being able to bring both kids there, or just kind of helpless. So she's like, 'Can we move?' I'm like, 'Yeah, of course,'" said Kellan.

He also said that "there's a lot of great things about Tennessee," including still being a part of the entertainment industry.

"We got some land, got great bible studies that we're a part of, great churches, great community. There's a lot of actors. I've gone to probably more movie premieres in Franklin, Tennessee, than I have in L.A., you know, the last couple years since I lived there. For whatever reason, the industry is still there, which I'm grateful for," said the 41-year-old while recording the podcast interview.

He clarified that he "never wanted to leave" Southern California and may return as a resident with his wife and children.

"My wife and I, our hearts are still in California, especially Orange County," said the actor in the August 2026 interview.

In addition, Kellan suggested that he and his wife aren't fans of the Tennessee weather.

"There are things that are hard for us. We aren't seasons people. There's tornadoes. My wife goes on red alert, especially when you have kids. And we do miss good sushi and good Mexican food," said the Comeback actor.

Brittany and Kellan often share moments of their life together on social media. For instance, in June 2026, Brittany took to Instagram to upload a video of her and her husband sharing a sweet moment on a beach. In the caption of the post, the model wrote about her appreciation for Lutz, whom she said has provided her a sense of security.

"Love this man more than words. He’s built me many a boats, gotten in and rowed me to safety. It’s you @kellanlutz forever and ever ❤️," read the caption.

Nick Reiner has been formally indicted on murder charges in connection with the December 2025 deaths of his parents, director and actor Rob Reiner and photographer and producer Michele Singer Reiner. 

A Los Angeles grand jury returned the indictment on two counts of first-degree murder, replacing the original charges filed against Nick last year, The L.A Times reported on Wednesday, August 12.

According to the indictment obtained by Deadline, Nick now faces a new special circumstance allegation of lying in wait, along with the previously filed allegation that he used a knife. The indictment was returned by the grand jury on July 20, but it remained sealed until today.

Prosecutor Speaks Out After Nick Reiner Pleads 'Not Guilty'

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman addressed the case directly in a statement. "This was a profound betrayal by someone who was loved and trusted by the very people he is accused of killing," Hochman said in the official press release.

"The indictment unsealed today also adds a special circumstance allegation that the defendant committed the murders by means of lying in wait." He added, "We hope that by having a grand jury return an indictment in this case it will bring us one step closer to a trial and achieving justice."

Nick pleaded not guilty after the indictment was unsealed Wednesday, according to Hochman's office.

What the Indictment Means for the Case

As per NBC affiliate WKYC, with the grand jury indictment now in place, the case will likely bypass the public preliminary hearing that had been expected sometime this fall, a hearing typically used to determine whether enough evidence exists to move forward to trial. According to Metro UK, this also means he could face a possibility of the death penalty.

Nick, currently held at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles, had previously pleaded not guilty to the original murder charges but has not yet formally responded to this new indictment beyond Wednesday's plea.

Prosecutors allege Nick fatally stabbed his parents inside their Brentwood home in the early morning of December 14. He was arrested hours later near the University of Southern California campus and has been held without bail since his arrest, as per the official press release.

What Comes Next for Nick Reiner? Nick Reiner Appears In Court For Arraignment Over Murder Of Parents

(Photo by Chris Torres-Pool/Getty Images)

Nick is scheduled to return to court for a pretrial hearing on September 15. If convicted as charged, he faces either the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. The district attorney's office has not yet decided whether to pursue capital punishment formally.

Rob Reiner, the son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, first became a household name playing Meathead on All in the Family before going on to direct beloved films including Stand by Me, This Is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally, and A Few Good Men.

According to a New York Times report, Nick had previously spoken publicly about his own struggles with addiction and homelessness, co-writing the 2015 film Being Charlie, which Rob directed, drawing from his experiences.

We all have a story we tell ourselves to make sense of who we are or where we're at in life. And sometimes, that underlying concept or belief isn't entirely true. According to expert astrologers, each zodiac sign tends to repeat one particular lie to themselves, often without even realizing it. It's not about being dishonest with others. Rather, it's quiet self-deception that keeps them comfortable, even when it's holding them back.

What Lie Does Each Zodiac Sign Tell Themselves?

Read for your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs.

Aries: "I don't need anyone's help."

Aries prides itself on independence, but that self-reliance often masks a fear of being seen as weak. Asking for support doesn't threaten your strength. Knowing when to outsource is actually what would get you where you're going faster. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others.

Taurus: "I'm fine with things staying the same."

Taurus finds comfort in routine, but sometimes that comfort becomes an excuse to avoid change that's clearly needed. Growth rarely feels convenient, and pretending you don't want it doesn't make the desire for more or better disappear. It just keeps you stagnant.

RELATE?: From Dragon Fruit to Mangosteen, Here's the Exotic Fruit That Matches Your Birth Month

Gemini: "I don't actually care that much."

Gemini's quick wit and effortless charm often mask how deeply they actually feel things. Playing it cool protects you from vulnerability, but it also keeps people from ever really knowing you. Detachment is your greatest strength at times. However, it can also be your greatest weakness.

Cancer: "I don't need anything back."

Cancer gives endlessly to the people they love, like remembering the small things, showing up before being asked, carrying more than their share. But insisting you don't need anything in return doesn't make the imbalance disappear. It just means the resentment builds quietly until it comes out sideways, instead of you simply asking for what you needed all along.

Leo: "I'm not bothered by what people think of me."

Leo can perform confidence so convincingly that even they start to believe it's effortless. But underneath the bravado is someone who tracks the room's reaction far more closely than they'd ever admit. Pretending you don't care what people think doesn't make the sting of being overlooked disappear. It just means you handle it alone instead of letting others in.

Virgo: "I already know what's best."

Virgo trusts their own judgment so thoroughly that it rarely occurs to them that they might be wrong or that someone didn't ask for their read on the situation. By making assumptions, it can cut them off from learning opportunities or chances to connect deeper with others.

Libra: "I don't have a strong opinion either way."

Libra values harmony, but sometimes that turns into avoiding an opinion altogether just to keep the peace. Not choosing is still a choice, and it usually costs you more than picking a side would. Avoidance of your own feelings can keep you stuck in situations that aren't aligned with your truth.

Scorpio: "I trust people until they give me a reason not to."

Scorpio says this with total sincerity, while quietly testing people from the very first interaction to see if they'll pass. The trust was never unconditional to begin with. It was provisional, and Scorpio rarely admits that upfront, even to themselves.

MORE: The August 12 Total Solar Eclipse Brings a Bold New Beginning for Every Zodiac Sign

Sagittarius: "I just need a change of scenery."

Sagittarius treats reinvention as growth, and sometimes it genuinely is. But other times, starting over is just a more socially acceptable way of running, such as leaving before anyone gets close enough to actually see them stay through something hard.

Capricorn: "I'll rest once I've earned it."

Capricorn ties self-worth to achievement, always pushing the finish line further away. Rest isn't a reward you have to unlock. It's something you're allowed to have now, a human need to acquire success and happiness.

Aquarius: "I don't need to fit in."

Aquarius takes pride in being different, but sometimes that pride covers up a real fear of rejection. Wanting connection doesn't make you any less unique. It's okay to stand out from the crowd and to be choosy about your inner circle. However, it's only human to get lonely.

Pisces: "I can fix this if I just love them enough."

Pisces believes deeply in the redemptive power of love, sometimes past the point where it's actually working. But loving someone harder doesn't change who they are. Rather, it just means Pisces stays longer than the situation ever deserved.

UP NEXT:

Celebrating my 33rd birthday felt surreal. While I’ve been crossing amazing life experiences off my bucket list and traveling to my heart’s content, my 20s seem to be getting further and further away in the rearview mirror. This new decade of life has made me more mindful of my health and longevity. After all, lean muscle mass, metabolism and collagen all naturally decline with age.

That’s why I dubbed 2026 my “year of wellness,” putting my overall well-being first. I adopted healthier eating habits, signed up for unlimited Pilates and started spending time outdoors soaking up the sun and fresh air whenever possible. I also sprinkled new forms of wellness into my weekly routine—like dark showering and streaming green noise at bedtime—to keep things fresh.

I’ve always tried to prioritize exercise, but one modality I don’t do enough is cardio. Since cardio is king when it comes to supporting heart health, reducing stress and revving up metabolism, I began walking and bike riding more, which is an easy habit to stick with during the warm weather months. Recently, I made it my mission to do zone 2 cardio every day for two weeks. 

Here’s everything to know about my zone 2 cardio results, including what happened to my resting heart rate.

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What Exactly Is Zone 2 Cardio (And How Do You Find Your Zone)?

According to Dr. Shady Hassan, MD, interventional pain & sports medicine physician and founder at NefraHealth, “Zone 2 is the pace where your body is still working aerobically. It burns fat and glucose using oxygen, and it clears the byproducts about as fast as it makes them. It sits right at Lactate Threshold 1, the ceiling of intensity before blood lactate rises above baseline.”

Zone 2 consists of low-to-moderate-intensity aerobic exercise—like a brisk walk on a flat trail or mild incline, a smooth elliptical workout or a steady, easy jog for those who are more conditioned—that slightly elevates the heart rate.

If you’re wondering how to calculate zone 2 heart rate, it typically falls between 60% and 70% of your maximum heart rate (which is roughly 220 minus your age, according to the American Heart Association).

And the best part? You don’t necessarily need a fitness tracker or heart rate monitor to determine whether you’re in zone 2. In fact, the most practical method is the “talk test.” 

In zone 2, you should be able to comfortably converse with an exercise buddy. If you need to pause mid-sentence to catch your breath, you’ve entered zone 3, Dr. Hassan explains.

Why exactly does zone 2 matter? It helps build endurance and improve aerobic and mitochondrial fitness, making it simpler to perform moderate-intensity exercise for longer periods of time.

According to Ben Walker, personal trainer and founder of Get Up Dublin, “Zone 2 fitness is essential if training for a long endurance event. It is important to train in the ‘steady state’ at its peak capacity for long durations.”

Related: I Ate Dinner at 5 PM for a Month—Here’s What Happened to My Belly Bloat

My Baseline Metrics: Starting Resting Heart Rate and Workout Plan

Most days, I wear my Fitbit Charge 6, so I’m able to stay in sync with key health stats like resting heart rate (RHR), calories burned and sleep score. Fitbit measures my heart rate throughout the day and night—including during periods of rest and sleep—and it provides me with one resting heart rate value in my app per day. In addition to the daily values, I’m also able to view my average RHR on a weekly, monthly, three-month and annual basis.

My workout plan was incredibly simple and easy to weave into my routine. Each day for two weeks, I started with some light stretching before heading outdoors for a brisk 30 to 45-minute walk. My typical route is mostly flat with a few hills sprinkled into the mix—and during the second week, I did some light hiking as well.

Alexa Mellardo

A few days during my experiment, I was traveling, so I traded in my lush green walking views in Connecticut for red rocks, cacti and the stunning desert landscape of Sedona, Arizona. I had great walking buddies with me to gab with and the path was basically flat with a couple of hills.

Related: ‘I Tried Alo Wellness Club for 3 Weeks—Here’s My Honest Review’

The Daily Experience: How Hard Is It To Stay in Zone 2?

My mom and I enjoy taking “walk and talks,” where we each walk around our own neighborhood/community while catching up with each other on the phone. Some days, we even walk together with my pup, Tucker. Chatting with Mom definitely made it easy to stay on top of the “talk test” to ensure I was keeping at a consistent pace and wasn’t veering into zone 3.

That said, you absolutely need some sort of gauge to ensure you are staying in that low-to-moderate intensity aerobic window. Staying in one zone also calls for mindfulness.

Related: I Tried the Evening Walking Trend ‘Passeggiata’ That Italians Swear By

The Results: How Much Did My Resting Heart Rate Actually Drop?

While I didn’t experience a substantial resting heart rate drop during my two-week zone 2 training experiment, I did notice a small improvement. At the end of June and beginning of July, my RHR was an average of 69 beats per minute (BPM); during this experiment, it decreased to an average of 67 BMP. Two weeks may be a short timeframe to see any dramatic changes, but I feel my RHR will continue to improve as I keep up with my daily brisk walking habit.

Alexa Mellardo

What 14 Days of Daily Zone 2 Taught Me About Recovery and Stamina

Something else I noticed when rounding up my personal zone 2 cardio benefits? My sleep quality improved by the middle of week one and continued into week two. One of my top goals this year was to add more physical activity to my days and get more restful sleep, and the added exercise has definitely supported my Z’s. During my test period, my Fitbit revealed my sleep was “good” to “excellent,” noting that I was building “a strong foundation” for my days.

Alexa Mellardo

By the end of week one, I felt more recovered and prepared to tackle each walk. They didn’t feel like a chore, and I wasn’t super fatigued afterward (which has happened to me in the past with more intense workout sessions). I was even able to keep up with the walking pace more comfortably while chatting with Mom and aimed for a full 45 minutes per day heading into week two.

Should You Do Zone 2 Cardio Every Day? (Pros, Cons and Experts’ Take)

In addition to those training for long-distance races or working on aerobic base building, Walker says zone 2 cardio can be an excellent modality for beginners and older adults. With zone 2, mechanical stress placed on the tendons and joints is typically lower.

That said, Dr. Hassan recommends speaking with your healthcare provider before getting started if you have diabetes, cardiovascular conditions or unexplained dizziness, chest tightness or shortness of breath when exerting yourself.

In addition, if you perform high-intensity workouts on a regular basis, slowing things down may feel counterintuitive. Dr. Hassan says your body also may not be productive at burning fat for energy quite yet.

“When you slow down into zone 2, your muscle cells struggle initially because they haven't built up those cellular powerhouses (mitochondria) to run smoothly at a slow pace. You might feel a bit sluggish at first simply because your body is learning a new way to make energy,” he points out.

Overall, zone 2 cardio can be a beneficial addition to a well-rounded fitness routine when combined with strength training and mobility work. While doing it every day may not be feasible for everyone’s schedule, it’s a simple way to boost your heart health and fitness. After all, heading outdoors for a brisk walk works wonders for the mind, body and soul!

Up Next:

Sources:

• Dr. Shady Hassan, MD, interventional pain & sports medicine physician and founder at NefraHealth
• American Heart Association. (2024). Target heart rates chart. American Heart Association.
• Ben Walker, Founder and Personal Trainer, Get Up Dublin

One month after TMZ reported that comedians Tom Segura and Christina Pazsitzkyhad split after 18 years of marriage, Segura broke his silence about the separation.

On the Aug. 12 episode of the Your Mom’s House podcast, Segura opened by saying, “A lot of people obviously heard the news and saw last week’s episode, where Christina hosted it.”

“I don’t feel the need to say a lot to people, but it bothered me that a lot of people were like, ‘Oh, I can’t believe you would make her go address this alone or do this on her own,’” Segura said. “Which couldn’t be further from the truth.”

When Pazsitzky spoke on the podcast, she confirmed the separation in an episode titled “People Changes.” She said that she and Segura had a successful marriage, and although they’re no longer a couple, they continue to make their children a priority.

“The truth is that we have been recording separate episodes for a long time now because everything that people know is not new to this,” Segura continued. “It’s been many, many months. So this is not brand new to us.”

Segura went on to say that their split has been a “horrible experience.”

“It’s a long experience,” he said. “It’s emotionally a rollercoaster. Your emotions change often, many times in a day. If anyone’s ever been through it or knows anyone, you don’t feel the same all the time. It’s really tough on you. Personally, it’s really tough. Having it be public is awful.”

Despite the split and “rollercoaster” of emotions, Segura explained that the two are still supportive of each other and talk daily. He said that they’re trying to provide the best life that they can for their two children, Ellis and Julian.

Segura continued, saying that he will not be speaking on the split any further.

“I’m going to just be focused on what I do and, like I said, taking care of the kids,” he said. “Christina and I continue to do that. We talk to each other. We are fine with how things are moving along, as disappointing as it is. It is what it is in that regard.”

Before their separation, the comedians gained popularity from their stand-up shows and Netflix specials. Segura’s comedy series Bad Thoughts received two 2026 Emmy nominations, with Pazsitzky finding success in her own Netflix comedy specials and her cosmetics company, Christina P. The couple wed in 2008, welcoming children together in 2016 and 2018.

Watch Segura’s episode of Your Mom’s Househere:

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Martha Stewart’s design aesthetic has long leaned into a certain soft, lived-in elegance. From the bedroom to the kitchen, her charming housewares have a way of making your house feel more like a home. When decorating any space in your home, the right accent mirror can make a room feel larger and add a design focal point that ties everything together. Speaking to the coastal grandmother aesthetic that's all over the place right now, Martha Stewart's Luna Natural Rattan Round Wall Mirror brings seaside-inspired charm in her signature, relaxed style that looks like it belongs on the set of a Nancy Meyers movie. 

@boninterieur

Also known as: cottage core and Nancy Meyers aesthetic 🌊🌻⛱️ #coastalgrandma #cottagecore #nancymeyers #summerhouse #interiordesign

♬ Coastal Daydreams - Elay Beats

To add this chic rattan accent to your bedroom, bathroom, entryway, or living room, you don't have to blow your whole decor budget. Right now, Kohl's has a deal that allows you to snag this beautiful wall mirror for less. You can take an extra 20% off this already discounted Martha Stewart piece when you enter the coupon code TAKE20 at checkout, dropping the price from $178 to $100.

Martha Stewart Luna Natural Rattan Round Wall Mirror, $100 (was $178) at Kohl's

Courtesy of Kohl's

Shop at Kohl's

Measuring a generous 26 inches in diameter overall, this wall mirror boasts a 22.5-inch mirrored surface framed by a wide, handwoven natural rattan border. The rattan's organic texture adds warmth, while the simple circular shape keeps the look clean and classic. The natural material makes it especially easy to style with other rattan, wood, linen, or soft neutral pieces, in keeping with the coastal aesthetic.

This mirror comes ready to hang with a keyhole opening on the back and is easy to attach to a wall using a nail or hook. It works beautifully in most spaces, but is particularly well-suited for hanging above a console table or bathroom vanity. 

Kohl's shoppers said this "gorgeous" wall mirror "adds a nice touch" to any space with its "boho vibes." One reviewer emphasized how it's an especially great choice for "anyone who likes bohemian or coastal-inspired decor." Though it can be hung pretty much anywhere you have the space, one customer shared that "it’s the perfect size for an entryway, and the design is timeless."

Shop More Deals

• Martha Stewart Eden Ginkgo Round Wall Mirror, $161 (was $288) at Kohl's
• Martha Stewart Durham Embroidery 3-Piece Curtain Set, $28 (was $47) at Kohl's
• Martha Stewart Aloha Anti-Fatigue Mat, $48 (was $99) at Kohl's

Related: Martha Stewart’s Scalloped Duvet Cover Set Is the Sweetest Bedroom Upgrade, and It's Nearly 70% Off

The Martha Stewart Luna Natural Rattan Round Wall Mirror at Kohl's is an easy way to give any room in your home an instant bohemian facelift. Don't forget to enter code TAKE20 at checkout to secure the extra discount!

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Nothing can stop Spider-Man: Brand New Day — not even Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, and a pack of hungry dinosaurs.

As Hathaway and McGregor’s new film, The End of Oak Street, gears up for an estimated $20 to 30 million opening, Tom Holland’s Spider-Man remains at the top. In its third week, Spider-Man: Brand New Day could earn another $65 to $70 million over the weekend, Variety reported.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day has become the highest-grossing movie of the year with $1.68 billion globally, and has surpassed Avengers: Endgame as the biggest opening weekend of all time. Although The End of Oak Street isn’t eyeing a debut nearly as big, the film will premiere in 3,400 theaters, with Variety reporting that “positive word-of-mouth will be crucial.”

The End of Oak Street was written and directed by David Robert Mitchell, following a family as their home is mysteriously transported to prehistoric times. Produced by Star Wars director J.J. Abrams, the film is a survival thriller that “reads like a beautiful family drama with [a] dinosaur element,” McGregor said in an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Deadline wrote that the family is sent into a “mad dash for survival,” with all types of dinosaurs now in their neighborhood.

“We had no idea we’d have to do quite so much running that we did,” McGregor said with a smile.

“Our director, David Robert Mitchell, he’s absolutely amazing,” Hathaway said during the interview. “He had these ambitious shots. … [McGregor and I] were still getting to know each other, and we were very professional for about eight takes. After the eighth take, [he] turned to me and was like, ‘Did anybody tell you there would be so much running?’”

Critics have responded to The End of Oak Street with mixed reviews, with Deadline writing that the film “clearly isn’t going to take [Hathaway] back to the Academy Awards.” But with a current 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, one critic called it “a nice, entertaining summer flick.”

If there is one chore I hate doing more than any other, it has to be cleaning my shower. I absolutely loathe it. It hurts my back, and it takes forever, and it's also, frankly, a little gross, too. So, when I discovered that electric scrub brushes existed, I started looking into grabbing one to make the dreaded task even a little easier. Well, Aldi has just brought back its fan-favorite automatic scrubber, and shoppers are singing its praises. It sounds exactly up my alley. And compared to other models I have seen, it is pretty dang affordable at just $19.99.

Ambiano's Tornado Cleaning Brush is a game changer for cleaning your home. From your bathroom to your kitchen, this nifty tool has your back—literally. Shoppers are saying it's super helpful for protecting your back! On the Aldi Aisle of Shame Community group on Facebook, fans discussed the returning favorite, touting its benefits. "I got it. Really saved my back and did a great job scrubbing my shower," said one Facebook user in a comment on the post. "Definitely buy it," someone else added in the comment section.

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Related: Target's Chic New Stackable Seagrass Baskets Have Shoppers in Love: 'I Want So Many More!'

Ambiano Tornado Cleaning Brush, $19.99 at Aldi

Aldi

Past models of this waterproof automatic scrubber came with various interchangeable head attachments for all the cleaning jobs in your home. The electric brush also has an extendable handle, and you can adjust the brush angle, making it easier to reach hard-to-reach areas in your home, such as those pesky crevices in your shower. Former renditions of the Ambiano Tornado Cleaning Brush also feature various speed settings and USB-C charging for convenience.

Ambiano's Tornado Cleaning Brush is back in select Aldi stores right now as part of the German grocery chain's current rotation of Aldi Finds, limited-edition products that change every Wednesday. These specials include everything from nifty cleaning tools, like this automatic scrub brush, to home decor, kitchen essentials and more. You really never know what you are going to stumble across when you walk through that beloved "Aisle of Shame" in the center of the store.

Related: Shoppers Are Falling in Love With This Stunning Autumnal Wreath at Target

It's rare for a cover song to eclipse the original that inspired, but in 1981 Joan Jett and the Blackhearts managed the impressive feat.

"I Love Rock and Roll," the now iconic anthem, was originally written by Alan Merrill and Jake Hooker and first recorded by the British band Arrows in 1975.

"That was a knee-jerk response to the Rolling Stones' 'It's Only Rock 'N' Roll,'" Merrill told Songfacts. "I remember watching it on Top of the Pops. I'd met Mick Jagger socially a few times, and I knew he was hanging around with Prince Rupert Lowenstein and people like that – jet setters. I almost felt like 'It's Only Rock and Roll' was an apology to those jet-set princes and princesses that he was hanging around with – the aristocracy, you know. That was my interpretation as a young man: Okay, I love rock and roll."

Six years later, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts reimagined the song, turning it into one of the defining rock hits of the 1980s.

Jett first discovered the song while touring England with the Runaways. She saw Arrows perform "I Love Rock and Roll" on television and immediately fell in love with its swagger and simplicity. After the Runaways disbanded, Jett recorded an early version of the song before later revisiting it with the Blackhearts for what would become her breakthrough album.

The recording first appeared on the band's 1981 album, I Love Rock 'n Roll.

Recognizing its hit potential, the label released the track as the album's lead single on Jan. 20, 1982. Featuring Jett's gritty vocal, driving guitar riff, and an unforgettable singalong chorus, the song quickly connected with rock and pop audiences alike.

Its success was extraordinary.

"I Love Rock and Roll" climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for seven consecutive weeks, making it one of the biggest singles of 1982. The song also became an international hit and transformed Joan Jett and the Blackhearts into global stars, while the album itself achieved multi-platinum success.

The recording ultimately became far more famous than the original.

Although Arrows introduced the song in the mid-1970s, Jett's fearless performance and harder-edged arrangement gave it an entirely new identity. Her version has since become a staple of classic rock radio, sporting events, films, television shows, and karaoke stages around the world, while earning a permanent place among rock's most recognizable anthems.

"I think most people who love some kind of rock 'n' roll can relate to it," Jett told Mojo in 2008. "Everyone knows a song that just makes them feel amazing and want to jump up and down. I quickly realized, this song is gonna follow you, so you're either gonna let it bother you, or you gotta make peace with it, and feel blessed that you were involved with something that touched so many people."

More than four decades after its release, "I Love Rock and Roll" remains the song most closely associated with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. What began as an overlooked track by Arrows evolved into a seven-week No. 1 hit and one of the most enduring rock songs of all time, proving that sometimes the greatest covers become classics in their own right.

Related: 1968 Rock Song, Written by a 19-Year-Old, Is Still a Powerful Hit 58 Years Later

Every star has that album that made them who they are. The record that broke through the mold and brought an artist to new heights and defined their sound. For singer/songwriter Jackson Browne that album is hands down "Late for the Sky," a masterpiece in 70s soft rock storytelling and a timeless classic that is still revered to this day.

The album has achieved about as much acclaim as one could receive, including a glowing endorsement from Bruce Springsteen who during Jackson Browne's Rock Hall induction called the album his "masterpiece." The album was so significant to the times it was written that it was added to the Library of Congress in 2021 as a significant historical recording. That's some real prestige.

So what does the actual album entail? How does a record live up to that hype? I would argue that it almost immediately meets those expectations with its phenomenal opening track, the eponymous "Late for the Sky."

The song is a serenade to a dying love that may have never existed in the first place. It tackles the heartbreak of realizing you were in love with the idea instead of the person, and the way everything you've come to know crumbles around you as you grow older. It's a staggering maturity from an artist who hadn't turned 25 yet.

The song also features one of my absolute favorite guitar solos ever. About three minutes into the song, Browne drops out and we hear the most forlornly beautiful guitar ever recorded cry out for a love that never existed. It's incredibly powerful.

The next song I'd like to highlight is "The Late Show," a song about the inability to open up and the isolation that comes with that. We find Browne as a narrator pining for some sort of connection that he can't reach, and the song emotionally builds throughout the song the longer Browne goes on, until he can't bear the loneliness anymore.

The chorus comes towards the end of the song, and finds us in a longing fantasy for a different world where you can escape with someone who understands you.

Look—
It's like you're standing in the window
Of a house nobody lives in
And I'm sitting in a car across the way
(Let's just say)
It's an early model Chevrolet
(Let's just say)
It's a warm and windy day
You go and pack your sorrow
The trash man comes tomorrow
Leave it at the curb and we'll just roll away

This is all punctuated with the iconic sounds of the car door slamming, and the engine roaring away into the night. This exact scene is depicted on the album cover, which ties the experience of listening to the album together incredibly beautifully.

The final song I want to highlight is the closer, titled "Before the Deluge," which I have always interpreted as an ode to youth, and the almost apocalyptic experience of getting old.

"The Deluge" sang about through the song for me is the concept of maturing. The concept of the years beating you down and your youth becoming a memory. As somebody freshly in his '20s, it's a hard hitting subject that I can relate to a lot. Getting older is like staring some great horizon down, and before you know it, you're enveloped in its expanse, looking back where you used to stand. Browne expertly understands this and depicts it beautifully on this song.

"Late for the Sky" is a beautiful record about the pains of getting older, and it's one I appreciate more and more as the years go by. It is one of the greatest singer/songwriter albums ever made, and I think it is required listening for any music fan.

Related: 1978 Classic Rock Song, a Favorite of Bob Dylan's, Endures as a Comedic Masterpiece

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After a long, exhausting day, there's nothing worse than trying to fall asleep and lying awake in bed for what feels like forever. Summoning sleep isn't always easy, especially when your mind is going a million miles an hour during the daytime, then you suddenly try to shut it off at night.

From counting sheep to taking supplements, everyone seems to have their own tricks for getting a good night's sleep. Since AI chatbots are becoming increasingly more entrenched in our everyday lives, Parade was curious to know what they would recommend, so we asked ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini to share the number one bedtime habit of the calmest people.

We challenged each of the chatbots to explain how to calm a racing mind before bed and how to stop overthinking at night. During our experiment, we implored ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini to share the best nighttime wind-down routine to help us all catch some zzz's.

Whether you're looking for sleep hygiene tips for stress or the best bedtime habits for anxiety, the chatbots had some valuable insight into the single most vital habit for cultivating calm before bed. How did our experiment shape up? Find out more below.

Related: Psychologist Says if You Need To Read To Shut Your Brain off at Night, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

The AI Showdown: What ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini Call the #1 Bedtime Habit for Calm People

Each of the AI chatbots had a similar response when we asked them to share the most vital habit for cultivating calm before bed.

• ChatGPT’s Pick: Create a 30-Minute 'Shutdown Ritual'
• Claude's Pick: Dim the Lights and Step Away from Screens 30 to 60 Minutes Before Bed
• Gemini's Pick: Institute a 'Digital Sunset' 60 to 90 Minutes Before Bedtime

ChatGPT's Pick: Create a 30-Minute 'Shutdown Ritual'

When I asked ChatGPT to share the number one bedtime habit of the calmest people, it offered the following response: "Create a 30-minute 'shutdown ritual' where you intentionally signal to your brain that the day is over."

"The reason this works is that most people don’t struggle to sleep—they struggle to stop thinking. Your brain doesn’t automatically switch from solving problems to resting. It needs a transition," the chatbot said.

To create a shutdown ritual, ChatGPT recommended taking the following actions each night, which we've shared directly from the chatbot:

1. Do a brain dump (5–10 minutes)

Write down:

• Anything you’re worried about.
• Tasks for tomorrow.
• Anything you don’t want to forget.

This helps your brain stop rehearsing those thoughts because they’re stored somewhere safe.

2. Dim the lights and avoid stimulating content

Bright lights, work emails, social media, and emotionally intense TV keep your brain in “alert” mode.

3. Do one calming activity for 10–15 minutes

Choose something enjoyable but not stimulating, such as:

• Reading a physical book.
• Gentle stretching.
• Prayer or meditation.
• Journaling about what went well that day.
• Listening to quiet instrumental music.

4. Go to bed at roughly the same time every night

Consistency trains your internal clock, making it easier to feel sleepy naturally.

According to ChatGPT, sleep and stress research shows that "psychological detachment from the day is one of the strongest predictors of better sleep quality."

"When you intentionally 'close the day,' your nervous system has a chance to shift from a state of alertness into one of rest," the chatbot said.

This aligns with what cardiologist Dr. Nadim Geloo, MD, has previously told Parade: that going to bed and waking up at the same time each day can help regulate your circadian rhythm, which will improve your quality of rest, as well as lower inflammation and stress hormone production.

Related: Psychologist Says if You Need Background Noise To Focus, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

Claude's Pick: Dim the Lights and Step Away from Screens 30 to 60 Minutes Before Bed

Claude had two major pieces of advice: "Dim the lights and step away from screens 30–60 minutes before bed." It offered the following explanation for why this technique is beneficial, which we've shared directly from the chatbot:

• Light is the strongest signal your brain uses to decide "day" or "night." Bright light—especially the blue-heavy light from phones, laptops, and overhead LEDs—suppresses melatonin production and delays your body's natural wind-down process. Dimming lights tells your nervous system it's safe to downshift.
• It creates the conditions for other calming habits to actually work. Reading, stretching, journaling, breathing exercises—none of these do much if you're doing them under bright light while your brain still thinks it's afternoon.
• It's the highest-leverage change for the least effort. You don't need a perfect routine; just lowering light and closing screens does most of the work on its own.

Related: I Tried the Viral ‘Dark Showering’ Trend for Two Weeks—and My Sleep Tracker Was Shocked

Claude offered a few practical notes, which we've shared directly from the chatbot below:

• Warm, dim lamp light is fine — it's the brightness and blue wavelength that matter, not light itself.
• If you must use a screen, night mode / warm filters help but aren't as good as just putting it away.
• Pairing this with a consistent bedtime amplifies the effect, since your body learns to expect sleep at that time.

This emphasis on avoiding harsh, bright light corresponds to what Dr. Shelby Harris, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine, and board certified in Behavioral Sleep Medicine (BSM) by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, has previously told Parade: “Bright light exposure can suppress the natural production of melatonin in the body, which plays a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle."

She added, "When we are exposed to bright light at night, it can confuse our body and brain into thinking it’s still daytime, which can reduce melatonin production and make it more difficult for us to fall asleep."

Related: Librarians Are Calling This New Novel the ‘Best Book’ to Read Before Bed

Gemini's Pick: Institute a 'Digital Sunset' 60 to 90 Minutes Before Bedtime

When it comes to vital bedtime habits, Gemini said the key to achieving calm at night is slowing things down.

"The single most effective way to achieve this is instituting a 'Digital Sunset'—a strict cut-off from all screens and glowing devices 60 to 90 minutes before you want to sleep," the chatbot said.

Gemini described a digital sunset as the "ultimate wind-down habit" and provided the following explanation, which we've shared directly from the chatbot:

• Protects Melatonin Production: Screens emit blue and green light, which tricks your brain into thinking the sun is still up. This severely suppresses the release of melatonin, the hormone that lowers your body temperature and signals that it is time for sleep.
• Lowers Cognitive Arousal: The content on your screens (emails, news, social media, intense shows) is designed to capture your attention and trigger dopamine and cortisol spikes. You cannot seamlessly transition from a state of high cognitive stimulation directly into restful sleep; your brain needs a buffer zone to gear down.
• Reduces Physical Tension: Scrolling usually involves tense posture, shallow breathing, and micro-stress responses. Stepping away from devices naturally encourages physical relaxation.

Dr. Nancy Abbey Collop, MD,the director of the Emory Sleep Center in Atlanta, Georgia, previously warned Parade about blue light as well.

“There are cells in the back of our eyeballs that send signals to our brain about the light and dark cycle, impacting our circadian rhythm," she shared. "In the light spectrum, blue light is the most impactful on those sensors and actually suppresses the release of melatonin in the brain, which normally starts to be released with sundown. Melatonin assists with sleep onset and maintenance, so delaying its release results in delayed sleep onset."

Related: I Stopped Looking at My Phone Before Bed for 30 Days and I Was Honestly Surprised by the Results

How To Build Your Ultimate 30-Minute Wind-Down RitualTime Until BedActionPurpose

T-minus 30 mins

Power down your phone, laptop and TV

The screen curfew

T-minus 15 mins

Spend five minutes writing down thoughts, worries, random ideas, your to-do list, etc.

The brain dump

Bedtime

Practice two minutes of deep, slow breathing

Calming time

Up Next:

Related: I Asked ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini the #1 Habit of Successful People—Here’s the Winner

Sources:

• Dr. Nadim Geloo, MD, cardiologist and the senior director of medical affairs for Abbott’s structural heart division
• Dr. Shelby Harris, Psy.D., licensed clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine, and board certified in Behavioral Sleep Medicine (BSM) by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
• Dr. Nancy Abbey Collop, MD,the director of the Emory Sleep Center in Atlanta, Georgia

Travis Kelce may be back on the football field, but he's still riding high from one very memorable night.

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end spoke publicly about his wedding to Taylor Swift for the first time while talking with reporters at training camp on Wednesday, August 12. Kelce, 36, looked back on his eventful offseason before making it clear his attention has officially returned to the field.

“It was a fun offseason, man,” Kelce said to reporters, perPeople. “Wedding was the best night of my life, and I appreciate everybody who came out and celebrated and had fun with us.”

As a refresher, Kelce and Swift tied the knot at New York City's Madison Square Garden on July 3, with an estimated 1,000 guests reportedly in attendance. The massive guest list included several familiar faces from Kelce's football world, including Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and teammates, as well as NFL stars Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski.

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Kelce described the wedding as “a crazy night” filled with “a lot of celebration.” But more than a month later, the three-time Super Bowl champion has shifted gears. When asked what comes next, his answer was simple: “football, baby.”

Shortly after the wedding, Reid revealed that Adam Sandlerofficiated the ceremony—and apparently left the newlyweds with a straightforward piece of marital wisdom. “Adam Sandler conducted the service there, and he told them to ‘keep kissing.’ In its simplest form. That’s a good thing,” Reid recalled during a July 5 appearance in Salt Lake City.

Sandler reportedly brought plenty of humor to the ceremony, with Reid calling the actor “phenomenal” and saying he “did a great job.”

Sandler wasn't the only famous face who played a special role in the celebration. The star-studded reception reportedly included surprise performances from Paul McCartney, who sang the Beatles' classic “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” and Stevie Nicks.

As for Kelce, the Chiefs veterans reported to training camp on July 29.

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