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Tom Keifer, the frontman of the hard rock band Cinderella, delivered disappointing news for fans after canceling the remainder of his 2026 tour.

Billed as the Keiferband 2026 Tour, the 65-year-old musician, who was touring alongside his band featuring Savannah Keifer, Tony Higbee, Billy Mercer, Jarred Pope, Tanya Davis and Kory Myers, brought the tour to an end after citing his health as the reason.

In an Instagram update, the rock star’s manager announced a sudden major change to his schedule, affecting the final three shows of the tour.

"Unfortunately, Tom Keifer has suffered a severe vocal muscle strain/injury resulting in complete loss of singing voice, forcing the cancellation of the last three upcoming shows of the Keiferband's 2026 concert tour. Please contact the venues or ticket services for refunds,” the post reads, as stated by Tim Heyne of Union Entertainment Group.

Guitarist Tom Keifer of the rock band Cinderella performs at the Met Center in Bloomington, Minnesota on July 11, 1989.

Jim Steinfeldt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Lastly, the management added that Keifer was saddened to cancel the shows and assured fans that this decision wasn't made lightly.

"Canceling any show is the last thing Tom ever wants to see happen,” the official statement said. “He loves performing for you all and makes every effort to ensure his voice is the best it can be for every show."

View this post on Instagram

The affected shows include performances in Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Texas, with the latter initially postponed from its original date of June 27 due to "sudden illness."

July 30: Glenside, PA (Keswick Theatre)
August 1: Beaver Dam, KY (Rock The Dam Festival)
August 3: Houston, TX (Warehouse Live Midtown)

Meanwhile, the comment section was filled with support and well wishes for Keifer’s speedy recovery.

“Nothing to prove at this point, decades of great performances. Get well soon, Mr. Keifer,” one wrote.

“Hope everything is healed soon. I can't imagine how you must be feeling to face this again. Please take care of yourself!” a follower said.

“He gives 100% at every show. It's to be expected. We're just thankful that he's still around to give what he can at a high level,” a fan added.

The same sentiment was shared by another Instagram user who said, “Tom Keifer is an unbelievable front man who we can all agree gives more than what is ever expected at every one of his performances. We need him to rest, get healthy, and heal so we can all keep seeing him perform live and rock out! We wish him the best recovery!! We are here to support it!!”

Keifer officially kicked off the live run in May in Columbia and performed across the East Coast, covering New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania along with Midwestern states such as Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois before making stops in Texas, North Carolina, Florida and other cities in June.

He was scheduled to conclude the run in Texas this August but was forced to cancel the remaining dates due to a severe vocal issue.

Related: 1971 Rock Song, Never a No. 1 Hit, Ranked Among Best ‘Classic Rock Songs’ of All Time

The Cheesecake Factory is offering 50% off all cheesecake slices on Thursday, July 30!

The chain is giving customers the opportunity to score the discounted dessert in celebration of National Cheesecake Day on July 30.

Here’s how to redeem your half-off cheesecake slice before the offer ends.

How to get 50% off a cheesecake slice at The Cheesecake Factory

The offer is available to all customers who dine in on July 30 and applies to the restaurant's 30-plus cheesecake flavors, including the new Brownie Crunch Choc-a-Lot Cheesecake debuting that same day.

The one-day promotion is limited to one half-priced slice per guest at participating locations in the U.S.

RELATED: Qdoba Is Giving Away Free Entrées for National Avocado Day—Here’s How to Get Yours

The Brownie Crunch Choc-a-Lot Cheesecake starts with a rich, fudgy brownie packed with Heath Bar pieces, semi-sweet chocolate chips and a buttery Heath Bar streusel.

It's layered with salted Hershey's chocolate ganache, followed by swirls of Hershey's milk chocolate cheesecake and Hershey's white crème cheesecake mixed with more chocolate chips and salted caramel.

The decadent dessert is then topped with marbled Hershey's milk chocolate and white crème mousses for a creamy finish, sprinkled with chopped Heath Bar pieces and finished with dollops of fresh whipped cream.

More National Cheesecake Day deals ahead

• Junior's Cheesecake: Dine-in guests can get 50% off slices and whole cheesecakes with the purchase of an entrée. If you prefer to order online, you can use the promo code NCD26 to save $10 through Friday, July 31.
• Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Rewards members can grab a Mini Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake Concrete for $2.99 by redeeming the in-app offer.
• Uncle Tetsu: E-Club members can enjoy a free Mini Cheesecake with any purchase. Simply check your email for the digital coupon and redeem it in-store.

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George and Amal Clooney are among the thousands of people forced to flee as devastating wildfires continue tearing through parts of southern Europe.

The couple, who live in Brignoles in southeastern France with their 9-year-old twins, Alexander and Ella, confirmed on Wednesday, July 29, that they had evacuated their home as fires spread through the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, per PEOPLE.

In a letter addressed to Brignoles Mayor Didier Brémond, the Clooneys admitted they have no way of knowing what they'll return to. "Dear Didier, At this point we have no idea whether our beautiful home makes it through this terrible moment," the letter began, the outlet reports.

Despite the uncertainty, the couple made it clear their thoughts remain with their neighbors and community. "As we evacuate Brignoles we want to emphasise 2 things, first we hope you and the people of our city are safe and second that Amal and I are committed to making sure that whatever happens to our village, we are part of this community and we’ll be part of making it whole," they wrote. "We love Brignoles and our friends who live there."

The Clooneys are among hundreds of thousands of people impacted by the ongoing wildfire crisis. According to the Associated Press, the fires burning across France are now roughly four times the size of Paris. More than 224,000 people have been evacuated from the Gironde region, while another 3,000 have left communities in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Thousands more have also been displaced in Spain, and Reuters reported that two firefighters have died battling the blazes in Greece.

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The evacuation comes just weeks after Amal reflected on how her life has changed since marrying George in 2014. Speaking at Cartier Dialogues toward the end of June, the human rights lawyer admitted balancing her public and private life initially took some adjustment.

"I used to have my work life and my personal life, and they could look quite different, and I was able to not have them mix and then I got married and that changed quite a lot," she said. She later added, "It just doesn’t matter as much as living your life... I wouldn’t allow that factor to stop me from doing things that were important for my family or for my relationship."

For Amal, family is clearly everything. The only question now is whether the home they built together is still standing.

July's full moon, known as the Buck Moon, is here today...and with it, a new Peter Gabriel song: "One by One." To the delight of fans everywhere, the twice-inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has been releasing singles from his new album, o/i, in the same manner as his 2023 album, i/o, dropping a new song on each full moon of the year. The cycle began with January’s full moon and the single “Been Undone,” followed by “Put the Bucket Down," What Lies Ahead," “Till Your Mind Is Shining," "Won't Stand Down," "A Hard Lesson," and "I Belong to the Sky."

With "One by One," Gabriel decided to bring back the recurring fictional character Mozo who appeared in such early solo songs as "On the Air" and "Exposure."

“This is another song that comes out of the brain show that I am working on and the character has been effectively torn apart and is trying to reassemble himself one piece at a time," Gabriel explained in a statement. "I needed a character for the story and I'd always wanted to do a little more with Mozo, who I had introduced many years back, and I thought, well, let's give him another blast here. He's been brought back from the dead."

“What was interesting for me about Mozo was that he was not fully of the world and not fully outside it," Gabriel continued. "For the original second album narrative he was found on this waste tip and there was a reference to alchemy, and how you only really get the opportunity to create gold out of the lowest material; s—t. In Japanese culture they also have kintsugi (kin: gold, tsugi: repair) where a broken cup is repaired with gold or precious metals and the repaired cup with its faults showing ends up more valuable than the original. It's a beautiful symbol for humanity, because we're remarkably easy to break and trying to reassemble self, psyche and sanity, is really the journey of the song."

Gabriel went on to say that "One by One," which is over nine minutes long, is among the "two or three story songs on the record."

"I actually like the length of time they occupy and I like the fact that you have to stay in it for the ride to understand the story," he added. "It's like when you arrive in some hut in the woods and it takes a while just to settle in and get yourself tuned-in to the pace of that place. I wanted a bit of that in the song. If people are on for the full ride, they're going to take it through to the end. It's a long journey, but I think its place in the show, which is percolating in my head, it'll be towards the end, if not the end.”

Fans on YouTube were quick to praise the new track, with many sharing stories about what makes Gabriel's music so meaningful to them.

"Another beautiful gift from our beloved artist," wrote one person. "Thank you for everything you have done, Peter. You have been my very favorite for almost 40 years now, thanks to my beautiful sister Katie who introduced me to you when I was just a troubled kid. I know she would have loved this as much as I do. You would have loved her too...two artists that inspire me every day."

"Best of the new batch," declared a second commenter. "Classic sound with a little bit of flute for old time sake."

"Wow wow wow...over 9 minutes, magnificent piece of music," added someone else. "I am deeply impressed how Peter can amaze me again and again. Thank U for making my life a little happier."

As with Gabriel's other singles this year, "One by One" comes with its own artwork: "Pieces," created by Canadian sculptor David Altmejd.

"One of the things I loved about what David does is that he seems to get these images and ideas and then cuts them up and reassembles them," Gabriel said. "Almost like moments of time or maybe like an old-fashioned flick book where you get just an incremental movement from one image to the other. It looked like David had a similar direction in that he's taking the same thing and cutting it up and reassembling it. That worked perfectly for this song and I was excited that David was happy to be part of this project."

Related: ’80s Rock Legend, 76, Releases 'Gorgeous' New Single and Fans Deem Him a 'Master at His Craft'

After last week’s double elimination, MasterChef: Global Gauntlet’s 12 remaining competitors continued the race to win the grand prize of $250,000 and the trophy awarded by host/judge Gordon Ramsay, judge Joe Bastianich and judge Tiffany Derry.

As this is the Global Gauntlet season, the teams are divided up into regions of the world: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and The Americas.

Tonight, the Top 12 home cooks headed to Castle Loma to cater the MasterChef Winter Wonderland Royal Wedding of Season 15 winners JesseRosenwald and Jessica Bosworth. With 50 guests deciding their fate, the red and blue teams had to deliver a feast worthy of the crown.

Check out our spoiler-filled recap below to find out who went home on MasterChef tonight.

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Who went home on MasterChef tonight? Aghata Sunsi

CR: Geoff George/FOX

Aghata Sunsi
Representing: Spain
Current Residence: Westminster, CO

Advancing contestants tonight on MasterChef: Global Gauntlet Night 7 of EliminationsTEAM EUROPE

Basia Newman
Representing: Poland
Current Residence: Asbury Park, NJ

Julia Cili
Representing: Italy
Current Residence: Miami, FL

TEAM ASIA-PACIFIC

Foo Nguyen
Representing: Vietnam
Current Residence: Irvine, CA

Aishu Challa
Representing: India
Current Residence: Georgetown, MA

Jaime Tan
Representing: Malaysia
Current Residence: Los Angeles, CA

TEAM AFRICA

Peter Egede
Representing: Nigeria
Current Residence: Dallas, TX

Dave Patera
Representing: Morocco
Current Residence: Chicago, IL

Heidi Muston
Representing: South Africa
Current Residence: Plantation, FL

Related: MasterChef’s Tiffany Derry Reveals the Biggest Mistake Contestants Keep Making (Exclusive)

TEAM AMERICAS

Tkaiya Dryden
Representing: Jamaica
Current Residence: Jamaica Queens, NY

Jake Kelley
Representing: Mexico
Current Residence: Mount Pleasant, MI

Maria Bourland
Representing: Brazil
Current Residence: Miami Beach, FL

Related: MasterChef: Dynamic Duos Winners Reveal Why ‘Food is Their Love Language’ (Exclusive)

Who won the MasterChef: Global Gauntlet challenge tonight?

The home cooks were divided into two teams. Each team had to produce an appetizer and an entrée.

“Being from Boston, seafood is near and dear to our hearts, so we think scallops is the perfect way to start,” Jesse said.

For the entrée, Jessica said, “We’re feeling duck. We want that perfectly rendered crispy skin and combined with that perfect medium rare, there’s nothing better when you nail it.”

Since Maria won the Immunity Pin last week, she was given the choice of deciding which other team she wanted to join with her Americas team for the cook. She selected Africa, which became the Blue Team. That meant that Europe and Asia-Pacific were the Red Team. Peter was named team captain for Team Blue, and Aishu for Team Red.

Red Team: Appetizer: Seared scallops with crispy pancetta and creamy polenta
Entrée: Duck a l’orange with roasted asparagus and cauliflower purée

Blue Team: Seared Scallops with crispy pancetta, golden beet frisee salad and citrus beurre Blanc
Entrée: Pan-seared duck breast, parsnip purée, sautéed mushrooms, green beans and cherry reduction.

The winning team was the Blue Team.

“We won, let’s go,” said Peter. “Another win for Team Africa and Team Americas. As a combination, it feels that the top cooks are showing themselves.”

Who was in the MasterChef: Global Gauntlet bottom three this week?

When it came to elimination, Gordon told the Red Team they had two weak links in their kitchen: Jamie and Aghata, but it was Aghata who was eliminated as she scored the duck in correctly, causing it to dry out, and her polenta didn’t have enough seasoning.

“Getting to know people who have the same passion that I have was definitely my favorite part,” Aghata said. “It doesn’t feel great to be walking away tonight, but I am very proud of myself. I came to MasterChef  to pursue my food passion and I know I have so much to learn. It has been overall an amazing experience. I am very grateful for the journey.”

MasterChef airs Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX. Streams next day on Hulu.

Next,  MasterChef Returns With an International Theme for Season 16 in 2026 — What to Know

More than 11 years after their last public appearance together, former Van Halen bandmates David Lee Roth and Alex Van Halen are reuniting for a special event at TEDxFargo on Thursday in Fargo, North Dakota.

The appearance marks the first time the pair will be seen together publicly since Van Halen's final concert at the Hollywood Bowl on Oct. 4, 2015. While fans may hope for a musical reunion, organizers have confirmed that no live performance is expected.

Instead, the event has been promoted as "Three icons. One stage. One conversation you won't want to miss." 

According to Ultimate Classic Rock, Roth and Alex Van Halen will be joined by acclaimed Los Angeles artist Robert Vargas, whose mural honoring late guitarist Eddie Van Halen at Guitar Center Hollywood has become one of his best-known works.

Musician Alex Van Halen and singer David Lee Roth of Van Halen perform at their dress rehearsal for family and friends at the Forum on Feb. 8, 2012 in Inglewood, California.

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images

The conversation is part of TEDxFargo, a two-day event featuring more than 40 speakers, live performances, and discussions designed to inspire audiences. The session will take place at Brewhalla, an entertainment venue in Fargo.

Alex Van Halen was originally announced as one of the event's featured speakers several weeks ago. Roth's addition came later, shortly after the singer canceled all but one of his remaining 2026 tour dates, making the surprise appearance even more notable for longtime fans.

Although the reunion is generating excitement, organizers have made it clear that it will be a discussion rather than a concert. Those unable to attend in person will have an opportunity to watch the conversation after it is uploaded to TEDxFargo's YouTube platform in the coming weeks.

Van Halen Reunion Sparks Interest 

The reunion comes more than a decade after Van Halen ended touring following its final performance in 2015. That concert would ultimately become the band's last before guitarist Eddie Van Halen died on Oct. 6, 2020.

Van Halen was formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972 by brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen. With David Lee Roth as frontman, the band became one of rock's biggest acts, releasing classic albums including Van Halen, Van Halen II, Women and Children First, Fair Warning, Diver Down and 1984. The group's signature songs such as "Jump," "Panama," and "Runnin' with the Devil" helped make them one of the best-selling rock bands in history.

The band's last studio album featuring Roth, A Different Kind of Truth, arrived in 2012, while the final tour concluded in 2015. Following Eddie Van Halen's death, Wolfgang Van Halen confirmed that the band had officially ended, saying Van Halen could not continue without his father.

Since then, Alex Van Halen has largely remained out of the spotlight. His most visible public appearances have centered on promoting his 2024 memoir, Brothers, which reflects on his lifelong relationship with Eddie Van Halen and the band's history.

Roth has also maintained a lower profile in recent years despite returning to live performances. 

While organizers have not revealed specific topics, the discussion is expected to explore the careers and experiences of Roth and Alex Van Halen, along with insights from Vargas, whose artwork celebrating Eddie Van Halen has earned widespread recognition.

Alex has previously spoken warmly about Roth's role in the band's success. Reflecting on their partnership, he said, per Guitar Player, "We did our best work with Dave."

He also praised Roth's creative influence, saying, "To me, Dave was a poet. It was the confluence of the complete opposite ends of the spectrum that made it happen. And it was brilliant soup,  until it wasn't."

Roth has also spoken about the band's music in recent months, reflecting on its lasting appeal.

"Our stuff is like West Side Story," Roth said. "You can play it on a ukulele. You can play it in an orchestra. You can play it alone on a harmonica. And each variegated rendition reveals a different kind of an emotional content to it."

The TEDxFargo appearance will also reunite Alex with Vargas, who has become a close friend of the drummer in recent years. Vargas' mural honoring Eddie Van Halen remains one of the most recognizable tributes to the late guitarist.

Although no music is expected, the event gives fans a rare opportunity to see two of Van Halen's most recognizable members together again after more than a decade apart.

Related: 1984 Rock Song, Lasting Nearly 14 Minutes, Is Still a Powerful Hit 42 Years Later

Noah Kahan's decision to publicly call out the White House is earning him praise from fans—but it's also reigniting criticism aimed at Taylor Swift.

The singer made headlines after responding to a White House Instagram post that featured his song "American Cars" following President Donald Trump's visit to General Motors. Kahan quickly made it clear he had nothing to do with the post.

"Would never approve of my music being used in support of you or this administration," he commented on the post. Noah Levine, who co-wrote the song with Kahan, agreed, writing that the "song isn't for you."

The White House later removed Kahan's song from its Instagram post.

But Kahan's response had many fans revisiting a similar controversy involving Taylor Swift earlier this month. Ahead of Independence Day, the White House shared social media posts inspired by Swift's Eras Tour, including a TikTok set to "Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince" and an Instagram graphic featuring President Trump on a version of the tour's iconic poster.

Unlike Kahan, Swift has not publicly addressed the posts, and they remain live. And the internet wasn’t afraid to call out the 14-time Grammy winner.

READ MORE: Taylor Swift Fans Turn Their Frustration Toward the Singer Over White House Posts

“See how easy that was, Taylor? Thank you @noahkahanmusic ❤️❤️❤️,” a Threads user pointed out, along with a screenshot of Kahan’s comment.

View on Threads

“Yep! Even Katie Perry said something as did Ariana Grande at this point it's a choice!” one replied.

Another said, “She doesn’t want to alienate her maga fans who pay for all those album variations. It’s pathetic. Her silence speaks volumes.”

“Has she STILL not said anything???? Wow,” a fourth commented.

Others rushed to the defense of Swift, with some saying it’s time to look at the bigger picture.

“Taylor has more than made her stance known and suffered real world consequences from speaking out. I’m all for other celebrities to speak out, but let Taylor be,” one noted.

“We do not need her to do anything. Y’all need to transfer all this energy to your politicians,” another said.

It's worth noting that the White House's Eras Tour-inspired posts were shared on the morning of Swift's wedding to Travis Kelce, leading some fans to argue she likely had bigger priorities than responding to the posts. 

Related: Fans Left Fuming After Beloved Singer Abruptly Cancels Concert Without Rescheduling

Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO have taken another step in the aftermath of their divorce—unfollowing each other on Instagram.

Fans noticed the change on Wednesday, July 29, despite the former couple previously insisting they remain on good terms following their split.

Jelly Roll's daughter, Bailee Ann, for her part, still follows both her father and former stepmother on the platform.

The 18-year-old made headlines earlier this month after hinting that there is a shocking reason behind the couple's sudden divorce after nearly 10 years of marriage.

During a TikTok Live on Sunday, July 19, Bailee passionately defended her father while addressing the public scrutiny surrounding the split.

RELATED: Bunnie XO Responds After Jelly Roll’s Daughter Says the Reason for Their Divorce Would ‘Crumble’ the Internet

“Y'all have no f–-king idea what happened, and wait 'till y'all find out. Just f–-king wait,” Bailee said. “Because I promise y'all, the view of what y'all have of not only the situation, but their relationship and the internet in totality is about to f–-king crumble the day that I open my mouth.”

She also pushed back against people criticizing Jelly Roll in her comments and DMs.

“Don’t y’all ever come for my father’s name like that again. I’m so done,” Bailee said.

“Get the f–-k out of my DMs, out of my comments, my life with that s–-t. I don't care,” she continued. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

Bailee also defended both her father and Bunnie, who have repeatedly denied that infidelity played a role in their divorce.

Jelly Roll and Bunnie first met after she attended one of his concerts at Las Vegas' Country Saloon in 2015. They tied the knot on Aug. 31, 2016, in a Las Vegas courthouse after the country star proposed onstage earlier that night.

The pair renewed their vows at the same Las Vegas chapel on their seventh wedding anniversary in 2023. Jelly Roll filed for divorce from the Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic author in May, and the divorce was finalized on Friday, July 17.

Although they do not share any biological children, the former couple has previously been open about their IVF journey, which Bunnie says they plan to continue despite their divorce. Jelly Roll shares Bailee with his ex, Felicia Beckwith, and son Noah Buddy with Melisa Ann Cowell.

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Some garden accessories are practical. Others are purely decorative. And then there are the ones that make you stop scrolling, laugh out loud, and immediately wonder, "Do I need this?" We firmly believe every backyard deserves at least one delightfully unnecessary purchase, and this one just so happens to double as entertainment.

The Mixxidea Squirrel Feeder Picnic Table is exactly what it sounds like: A tiny wooden picnic table where your neighborhood squirrels can stop for lunch. Better yet, it's currently on sale for just $17, down from its usual $22, so you can give your backyard guests the cutest dining setup on the block for less. After all, they're already putting on a show every time they dart across your fence or bury an acorn in the flower bed — you might as well give them somewhere respectable to snack.

Mixxidea Squirrel Feeder Picnic Table, $17 (was $22) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

The tiny table is thoughtfully designed to be more than just a “funny” and “adorable” backyard decoration. Crafted from solid wood with a weather-resistant, high-temperature carbonized finish, it's built to withstand the elements without paint or coatings that can peel over time. The tabletop features a metal mesh base that allows rainwater to drain instead of pooling, helping keep peanuts, corn, and other treats drier and fresher after a storm. Topping it all off is an adorable 10.6-inch umbrella that gives the setup the look of a real picnic table while also providing shade for squirrels on sunny afternoons and a little extra cover during light rain.

The table is made with its tiny diners in mind, too. A 7-inch bench sits on either side, giving two squirrels room to snack at the same time, while a center-mounted corn screw securely holds a cob in place for longer-lasting treats. If you'd rather serve peanuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or loose corn kernels, the tabletop's 0.8-inch-deep tray keeps smaller snacks from rolling away. The corn holder even includes a protective cap when it's not in use, so there's no exposed hardware sticking up between visits.

Shop More Deals

• Gnodary Squirrel Feeder with Umbrella, $15 at Amazon
• Kingsyard Squirrel Feeder Table, $27 (was $28) at Amazon
• Gnodary Squirrel Feeder House, from $28 (was $30) at Amazon

The feeder arrives already assembled, so there's no complicated installation — just use the included screws to attach it to a tree, fence post, a wooden railing, or simply place it directly on the ground in your yard or garden. Reinforced with a triangular support design for added stability, it stays sturdy while squirrels climb aboard, making it a durable little destination you can enjoy watching from your deck, patio, or kitchen window season after season.

Dubbed a “must-have for avid animal watchers,” wildlife enthusiasts couldn’t get enough of this “too cute” and “hilarious” setup, saying it's the “perfect addition to your backyard for entertaining and feeding.” One shopper praised its “sturdy construction and durable materials,” adding that “the umbrella adds a touch of style while providing shade and protection for the little visitors.”

Others appreciated its practical side. A reviewer shared that it's a “great alternative to other control methods,” as it gives squirrels their own designated dining spot while leaving the birds to enjoy theirs.

Related: Amazon's 'Absolutely Adorable' $25 Flamingo Bird Bath Is Kitschy-Chic Perfection for Your Yard

Who would’ve thought your backyard's most memorable dinner guests would have bushy tails? Grab the Mixxidea Squirrel Feeder Picnic Table while it's still just $17 at Amazon!

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Shari Lapena’s Getting Away With Murder is already getting a lot of attention. The bestselling author’s brand-new thriller sits atop the Readers’ Top Books of the Week list on Goodreads.

Each week, the fan-favorite authority on page-turners posts a roundup of the books Goodreads members can’t wait to read, and the latest selection, published yesterday, July 28, highlights the latest title from the multimillion-copy, internationally bestselling author as a must-read.

View this post on Instagram

Getting Away With Murder is Lapena’s 10th thriller. Published yesterday, the fast-paced psychological thriller follows married couple Jill and Ted, social climbers facing potential financial ruin who decide that the only way to save their elite lifestyle is to murder Ted’s wealthy brother and inherit his estate. Exploring themes of desperation, morality, greed, and that razor-thin line between trust and suspicion, the pressure mounts with every turn of the page.

“Getting Away With Murder is a deviously delicious thriller that kept me turning pages from the intense opening to the shocking conclusion,” Freida McFadden, the bestselling author of The Housemaid series, is quoted as saying.

The novel, which is currently sitting at a 3.74-star rating on Goodreads, is also already receiving raves from readers, with one avid fan writing, “I was so hooked the entire time and couldn’t wait to see what would happen and how they’d get out of so much trouble. Loved all the red herrings in this one and how the neighborhood started to get involved. … It had plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep me invested. I couldn't figure it out.”

At the time of writing this story, nearly 500 have cracked it open, and more than a hundred thousand more have already shelved it.

Lapena’s latest novel follows earlier releases including The Couple Next Door (2016), A Stranger in the House (2017), and An Unwanted Guest (2018), as well as her more recent novels, Everyone Here Is Lying (2023), What Have You Done? (2024), and She Didn’t See It Coming (2025). Since transitioning from writing literary comedies to penning thrillers, Lapena has had no trouble selling books. In fact, all of her major novels have become New York Times bestsellers.

Shari Lapena Thrillers in Order

• The Couple Next Door (2016)
• A Stranger in the House (2017)
• An Unwanted Guest (2018)
• Someone We Know (2019)
• The End of Her (2020)
• Not a Happy Family (2021)
• Everyone Here Is Lying (2023)
• What Have You Done? (2024)
• She Didn't See It Coming (2025)
• Getting Away with Murder (2026)

Based in Toronto, Lapena worked as a lawyer and English teacher before leading a prolific writing career. She told Goodreads in an interview that she started penning thrillers just to see if she could do it.

“I always wanted to write thrillers because that's what I grew up reading and loving,” she said. “That's my go-to genre when I want to escape, when I want to watch TV on Netflix.”

She added, “I'd always wanted to write [a thriller], but I just didn't think I could do it because I've never been able to plot beforehand. … I thought, ‘I'm just going to write a thriller in secret. I won't tell anybody because I really want to write one. I want to see if I can do it.’”

That experiment led to her thriller debut, The Couple Next Door, a high-concept whodunit about a missing baby. Sold in at least 38 territories worldwide, the novel became a runaway New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller.

“I wrote [The Couple Next Door] on my own, with no planning, in about six months,” she said. “It was so fun to write. I've never had an easy book since.”

Fans hoping to get more insight into the inspiration and story behind Getting Away With Murder will be happy to know that the audiobook concludes with an interview between Lapena and narrator January LaVoy.

With Getting Away With Murder already leading Goodreads' weekly rankings just one day after publication, Lapena appears poised to add yet another bestseller to her long list of psychological thrillers.

Related: Best-Selling Author’s New Novel Cracks the Amazon Charts With a Major Debut

There are few defining moments in Team USA Olympic history greater than the 1996 Summer Olympics, thanks to the women's gymnastics team known as the "Magnificent Seven." A true team effort, Team USA brought home the United States' first-ever Olympic team gold medal in women's gymnastics, a victory that changed the sport forever and cemented the legacy of the team's seven members. Despite the accolades and the gold medal, Shannon Miller suffered one of the most surprising disappointments of the competition with her second vault during the individual finals. Miller, 49, is reliving one of the hardest moments of her Olympic career, all with a fresh perspective and a sense of humor.

Shannon Miller Reflects on Her 1996 Olympic Vault View this post on Instagram

Nearly 30 years after winning gold at the Atlanta Games, Shannon Miller is revisiting one of the more difficult moments of those Olympics. In a recent social media post, she shared a video of her two vaults during the individual event finals. The second vault is particularly memorable because she fell while trying to stick the landing, finishing on her seat rather than her feet.

Rather than dwell on the mistake, Miller is rewatching the competition with a fresh perspective and inviting fans to do the same. She writes:

"So that happened🫠. It would have been very difficult for me to medal on this event that night with such an amazing lineup. Neither of my vaults started from a 10.0. But as they say, if you're in the lineup... there's always a chance.

But that night, I could tell halfway down the runway I was off. My steps were just a bit off. I adjusted quickly, but I needed every bit of that run to gain power—and it just wasn't enough.

That's okay, because if you missed this fine moment (or you weren't born yet) you can relive this magical moment over and over—don't we love the internet! 😁"

Related: Gymnastics Legend, Who Led the 'Magnificent Seven' to Olympic History, Delivered the Greatest Performance of Her Career

Fans Rally Around Shannon Miller

Shannon Miller's fans aren't dismayed by the reminder of her mistake. Instead, her willingness to publicly revisit one of her biggest challenges has prompted fans to rally around her on social media.

"I completely forgot you were in the vault final that year! It was a great accomplishment just to make that final in such a strong field," commented one supporter.

Another joked, "Hey, I would have tripped running down the runway, so you did far better than me."

"Y'all had to be physically and mentally worn out by that day," commented another.

The Magnificent Seven's Lasting Legacy @gymnasticlover286

Shannon Miller (USA) Balance Beam EF 1996 Olympics #shannonmiller #usa #balancebeam #gymnastics #gymnast #olympics #1996olympics #athlete #foryoupage #foruyou #fyp

♬ original sound - Gymnastic faves💕 - Gymnastic faves💕

Shannon Miller's legacy has never been defined by a single event. As a member of the legendary Magnificent Seven, she holds a special place in Olympic history as part of the U.S. team's first-ever Olympic gold medal in women's gymnastics. Competing for an individual medal in the vault, Miller landed a clean first vault before falling on her second. She ultimately finished eighth, a disappointing result for an athlete who had already helped Team USA make history.

Miller did go on to win an individual gold medal on the balance beam after a stunning performance that nearly wiped fans' memories of her unfortunate vault final.

Why Shannon Miller's Reflection Still Resonates

Miller's recent reflection is compelling because she's willing to revisit the imperfect parts of her Olympic journey without regret, demonstrating that even champions have off days and can bounce back with pride. Her contributions throughout the Atlanta Games helped propel the Magnificent Seven to a breakthrough victory over the heavily favored Russian team, inspiring generations of young gymnasts and forever changing the trajectory of women's gymnastics in the United States.

By sharing one of her less glamorous moments on the world's biggest stage, Shannon Miller offers a reminder that being a champion isn't defined solely by how you perform, but by the resilience you show in the face of adversity. Rather than viewing the fall as a failure, Miller offers a different perspective, reminding fans that champions are built through both success and setbacks.

By sharing both her triumphs and her challenges, Shannon Miller continues to remind fans that greatness isn't measured by perfection, but by the ability to keep showing up when the stakes are highest.

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Fans of The Young and the Restless have anxiously been awaiting news of who would be taking over as head writer of the top-rated CBS soap opera for weeks following the announcement that Daytime Emmy winner Josh Griffith would be stepping down from his role. Today, CBS has confirmed just who will be taking over the highly sought-after job.

Former General Hospital headwriter Dan O’Connor and former Ambitions writer Jamey Giddens will be taking over as co-headwriters for the top-rated soap opera, according to TV Insider.

Griffith recently stepped down, with the new writing team expected to begin work next week.

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Due to the nature of production at The Young and the Restless, the new regime’s content is expected to air later this Fall, with a specific timeline unavailable as of publication.

According to TV Insider, the hope with the new regime is to help capture the “classic storytelling style” that helped skyrocket The Young and the Restless to the top of the Nielsen ratings, where it has remained.

Before working on The Young and the Restless, Jamey Giddens is best known to soap opera fans for his work on the website and podcast Daytime Confidential, where Giddens and his co-host would break down the week's storylines with hilarious commentary and historical insight. Giddens began working in Daytime television as a breakdown writer for Days of Our Lives and most recently Beyond the Gates. For his work on Days of Our Lives, Giddens has taken home a Writers Guild of America award and a Daytime Emmy award for his work.

O’Connor, on the other hand, began his career on One Life to Live and transitioned to General Hospital, where he also received a Writers Guild of America award and a Daytime Emmy award for his work.

No specific storylines or information has been released at this time, but fans can look forward to the new vision for The Young and the Restless coming soon.

The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS and streams weeknights on Paramount+.

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If a room feels a little dark, flat or like it’s missing that final finishing touch, a floor lamp might be exactly what it needs. They can brighten a shadowy corner, add focused light beside your favorite reading chair or create a glow that makes a living room feel intimate. And unlike another bulky piece of furniture, a floor lamp can slide into a small footprint while still making a noticeable impact.

The style you choose can help solve a specific lighting problem, too. An arched floor lamp can reach over a sofa or seating area, while a slim design can tuck neatly beside a chair or into a tight corner. Need better light for reading? Look for an adjustable shade that lets you aim the glow exactly where you want it. Short on nightstand space? A floor lamp can even step in as a stylish bedside light.

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Thomasville 64-inch Pleated Metal Floor Lamp, $99.99 at Marshalls Thomasville 64 inch Pleated Metal Floor Lamp

Marshalls

Shop It!

Of course, floor lamps aren’t just practical. With an interesting base, textured shade or sculptural shape, they can add height, personality and a little extra polish—all while helping your room shine. Just look at this Thomasville 64 Inch Pleated Metal Floor Lamp from Marshalls. That pleated base is so elegant and chic, it looks way more expensive than its $99.99 price tag.

Its gold-tone finish and pleated design offer up a classic look with a touch of texture. The easy-to-use turn-knob switch provides convenient control, and the 6.5-foot cord gives you flexibility when finding the perfect spot.

Related: Dollar General's $5 Vintage-Inspired Serving Platter Looks Straight Out of Grandma's China Cabinet

As a sister store to HomeGoods, most Marshalls locations have really robust home decor sections. Aside from this chic lamp, you can find nearly everything you need to give your space a complete refresh in just one shopping trip. It has a really lovely floral three-piece comforter set in stock right now, and a stoneware casserole dish that will make you want to spend more time whipping up meals in your kitchen. There are also two-packs of washable rugs that make it so easy to jazz up ho-hum flooring or just give your feet a soft place to land. Personally, I just like wandering the aisles at Marshalls to see what newness I'll find, because inventory gets updated constantly. It's a fun way to get inspo for your next room makeover.

Related: Target's Joanna Gaines-Approved Cordless Lamp Sheds the Coziest Ambient Lighting

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Does your home still look cluttered despite how much you clean? You probably own more products than your space can handle. Luckily, an additional storage unit is a simple solution that can make all the difference, offering extra space to organize those items that don’t currently have a proper home. If you want to tidy up your messy countertops, overflowing drawers, and stuffed cabinets in your kitchen, this Bestier 4-Tier Baker's Rack at Walmart is definitely worth adding to your home. Ideal for organizing appliances, dinnerware, cookware, produce, and more,  it's a stylish and practical way to declutter your space. 

Right now is the best time to snag this baker's rack because it’s currently on sale for a whopping 47% off. Normally retailing for $170, it's now marked down to just $90 in two farmhouse styles, including rustic brown and washed gray. 

Bestier 4-Tier Baker's Rack, $90 (was $170) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Boasting four tiers, this baker’s rack offers a wide range of storage options to help streamline your kitchen and dining room. Fixed with a cabinet that’s split into two compartments, the lowest tier is great for storing products you want to keep concealed. The tier above features a roomy open shelf where you can keep your microwave, air fryer, or any other bulky appliance currently taking up real estate on your kitchen countertops. 

The main focal point is the countertop above the two lower tiers. It has a ton of vertical clearance, a wide surface area, and a 50-pound weight capacity. You can use it to create a coffee bar or hold items that you use on a daily basis. The tiers are completed by a slim top shelf, where you can store smaller items or display decor pieces like plants and keepsakes. 

“It has plenty of space for storage, which helps keep my kitchen organized,” one reviewer raved.  “I highly recommend this stand to anyone looking to enhance their kitchen space.” 

Aside from the four tiers, this baker’s rack offers additional storage options. It’s equipped with two metal rods and a gridded wire rack where you can attach the 10 included S-shaped hooks and hang anything from mugs to cooking utensils. For convenience and to maximize space, the top shelf and wire rack are adjustable.

Bestier 4-Tier Baker's Rack, $90 (was $170) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Just as stylish as it is functional, this baker’s rack has an exposed woodgrain finish, lending itself to the farmhouse aesthetic. Oozing with rustic charm, it’ll instantly elevate the vibe of any room and add a natural and cozy feel. Walmart shoppers loved the appearance of this baker’s rack, describing it as “sleek,” “beautiful,’ and “super cute.”

The shelves are made of medium-density fiberboard and the frames are made of steel. Numerous reviewers commented that this baker’s rack feels extremely sturdy and durable. It measures approximately 32 inches wide, 15 inches deep, and 45 inches tall, and customers noted that it’s the “perfect size for smaller spaces.” 

Shoppers mentioned that this baker’s rack was easy to put together. While assembling it, you can choose between wheels or feet as the base. By installing the wheels, you can turn this piece into a storage cart. To prevent it from rolling around, you can lock two of the wheels in place. Alternatively, if you plan on keeping this piece in one spot, simply attach the flat feet. You can adjust the height of the feet to keep it even and prevent the rack from wobbling around.

Shop More Deals 

• Homfa Freestanding Kitchen Pantry, From $228 (was $371) at Walmart
• Nulas 4-Pack of Food Storage Containers, $19 (was $80) at Walmart
• Sindcom 2-Pack of Pantry Organizers, $13 (was $23) at Walmart

Related: Walmart’s $55 Glass-Front Cabinet Is the ‘Perfect’ Fix for Small Bathroom Clutter

If your kitchen could use some organizing and tidying up, don’t hesitate to snag the Bestier 4-Tier Baker's Rack at Walmart while it’s still on sale for just $90! 

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On 4th March, 1966, the Evening Standard published an interview between Maureen Cleave and John Lennon entitled 'How Does A Beatle Live?' It was supposed to be a gentle depiction of their everyday life in Weybridge.

In the interview, Lennon made a comment that made numerous people around the world angry for years. In the article, Cleave notes that Lennon had been reading extensively about Christianity.

"Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue about that. I'm right and I will be proved right. We're more popular than Jesus now. I don't know which will go first - rock 'n' roll or Christianity," he said, per BBC Radio 2.

Related: 1968 Beatles Song Has a Shocking Mistake That John Lennon Wanted To Keep In

This interview and comment made very little impact when originally published in the UK in March. At the time, there were numerous acts of rebellion towards the church by the younger generation. Over the four months, numerous quotes from the interview appeared in the American press, including Newsweek and The New York Times.

A separate article with differing content, including portions of the Jesus quote out of context, was published four years later in the American teen fanzine Datebook just before the Beatles' 1966 American tour.

The quote caused uproar in America with twenty-two radio stations banning the group's music from their airways and KLUE Radio in Longview, Texas staging a burning of the band's records. Headlines read: "John says Beatles are bigger than Jesus".

But it wasn't just America who was offended. There were demonstrations against the Beatles in Mexico, and South Africa and Spain both banned their music on national stations. The Vatican even issued a denouncement, saying that "Some subjects must not be dealt with profanely, not even in the world of beatniks.

Related: Paul McCartney Discusses ‘Hurtful’ Feud with Former Beatles Bandmate John Lennon: ‘It Was a Painful Period’

Lennon would later apologize for the comment, although he only did so because his family and bandmates felt unsafe. "I suppose if I had said television was more popular than Jesus, I would have got away with it. I'm sorry I opened my mouth. I'm not anti-God, anti-Christ, or anti-religion. I was not knocking it. I was not saying we are greater or better," he said per, The Beatles Forever by Nicholas Schaffner.

He also noted the difference in response between their native UK and USA. "A few people wrote into the papers, and a few wrote back saying, 'So what, he said that. Who is he anyway,' or they said, 'So, he can have his own opinion.' And then it just vanished," he said about the original published article in March.

"But... you know, when it gets over here and then it's put into a kid's magazine, and just parts of it or whatever was put in, it just loses its meaning or its context immediately... and everybody starts making their own versions of it," John addd about the July republication of the quote.

John would be asked many times during the 1966 tour to clarify his quote. "My views are only from what I've read or observed of Christianity and what it was, and what it has been, or what it could be. It just seems to me to be shrinking. I'm not knocking it or saying it's bad. I'm just saying it seems to be shrinking and losing contact."

His clearest response came in a December 1966 Look magazine interview: "I said we were more popular than Jesus, which is a fact. I believe Jesus was right, Buddha was right, and all of those people like that are right. They're all saying the same thing, and I believe it. I believe what Jesus actually said -- the basic things he laid down about love and goodness -- and not what people say he said."

Related: 1980 John Lennon Radio Interview, Recorded the Day of His Murder, Captured His Final Message

Bringing Up Bates‘ Katie Bates Clark just made a bold social media move amid a painful rift between her and her family.

On Wednesday, July 29, eagle-eyed fans on Reddit noticed that the influencer and former reality tv star unfollowed her parents and every one of her 19 siblings on Instagram—except her older sisterAlyssa Webster.

The bold social media moves comes two months after Katie open up about the family drama during an Q&A posted to her Instagram Story. When one fan asked why she was moving away from her home state of Tennessee to Texas, Katie explained that the distance would not make much of a difference as she is already not on speaking terms with most of her family.

“A lot of people are confused by my decision to leave Tennessee, especially because from the outside it may look like I have a big support system here,” Katie wrote. “The truth is, sometimes things happening behind closed doors are a lot more complicated and painful than what people see publicly.”

“Recently I chose to address something that happened throughout my childhood that I wish I had the strength to address years ago,” she continued. “Unfortunately after doing so I lost relationships with about 90% of my family. This has been incredibly heartbreaking and heavy to walk through.”

Related: Katie Bates Clark Shares New Details About Family Rift After Losing ‘90%’ of Relationships: ‘Stayed Silent for a Long Time’

The family rift is not the only hardship Katie has faced in the past few months. In January, Katie’s husband Travis Clarkconfessed to having an extramarital affair shortly after she suffered a miscarriage.

In her May Q&A, Katie said that she and Travis are “working through things” and are making “really good progress,” though there are “still hard days.”

On Reddit, fans began speculating that her husband's affair may have contributed to the ongoing issues with her family.

"People will say 'it doesn’t mean anything' but imo it’s definitely weird. I hope it’s not Travis trying to further isolate her from her family," one fan wrote.

"I really hope she’s being supported by a licensed therapist still. She’s had a terrible year. I hope she’s able to lean on Alyssa as well and still has support from at least one family member," commented another.

"I think Travis and doing any kind of therapy was the catalyst for her to uncover a lot of trauma in her past," added a third. "Not that I think she will ever fully leave her [Christian] faith. But I can see her shedding a lot of what her parents believed and being a big more Jill Duggar in that sense. As for staying with Travis, thats a different thing altogether."

Others pointed out that while the 25-year-old unfollowed most of her immediate family, she appears to still follow her aunt, uncle, grandmother, and cousins.

Katie and Travis married in December 2021 and share children Hailey, 3, and Harvey, 1. They are best known for starring in Katie’s family’s upTV reality series, Bringing Up Bates, which documented Katie’s parents, Gil and Kelly Jo Bates, and their 19 children for 10 seasons from 2015 to 2021.

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Fleetwood Mac fans have yet another reason to get excited. Thanks to recent comments made by the band’s lead guitarist and co-lead vocalist, Lindsey Buckingham, it’s possible he isn’t completely ruling out another chapter for Fleetwood Mac, whether that’s a Sphere residency or something else.

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During one of the rock icon’s “Lindsey Reacts” YouTube videos, he and his children—Leelee and Will Buckingham—watch and listen to John Mayer’s “Stop This Train.”

Impressed, Buckingham comments, “I have a lot of admiration for John Mayer. I think he uses his guitar playing in a way which works into the fabric of the record-making process and doesn't dominate too much, even though he’s got chops.”

As the song ends, the collective group discusses Mayer’s role in The Grateful Dead’s past residency at the Las Vegas Sphere, with Will explaining the importance of visuals to the performances held in the venue.

Turning the attention back to his father, Will says, “If you're there, you're going to try to make the graphic look as cool as it can be.”

“We’ll see,” Buckingham says.

It’s those two little words that have sent fans into the stratosphere hoping, wishing, and praying for a 2027 Fleetwood Mac surprise. But this isn’t the first time fans have been tipped off to a rapprochement among the band.

According to Music Radar, the first instance of hope came last year with the reissue of 1973’s Buckingham Nicks, which confirmed that Buckingham and Stevie Nicks were back on speaking terms following their 2018 fallout.

The second was earlier this year, when Buckingham shared a “cryptic” social media post addressing the reconciliation between him and Nicks.

“I think on a more general level, just the energy in terms of what Buckingham Nicks did to sort of create a resurgence of connection between Stevie and myself, I think on a larger scale, that seems to be something that’s in the air.”

He continued, “And what that translates to specifically, I wouldn’t want to speculate yet. But I believe with all my heart, it will translate to something good, and something wonderful, and something needed and something extremely appropriate.”

Though there is no official disbanding date, the last time the two performed together onstage, per People, was in 2018 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City for the MusiCares Person of the Year tribute honoring Fleetwood Mac.

Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images

Following the death of keyboardist and vocalist Christine McVie in 2022, Loudwire reported, co-founder and drummer Mick Fleetwood declared the band officially done, as he couldn't imagine Fleetwood Mac continuing without her.

Nearly six decades later, Fleetwood Mac remains a defining band in the canon of legendary rock bands. Whether Buckingham’s comment ultimately leads to a Sphere residency or not, at least we will always have Rumours.

Related: Music Legend Adds Another Major Career Milestone, Celebrating Her Greatest Gift

Chicago Fireis once again through a major shakeup with the announcement that original cast member Joe Miñoso, who has played firefighter Joe Cruz since the first responder series premiered in 2012, will exit the series in Season 15.

According to Variety, Miñoso will appear in a handful of episodes in the show’s upcoming 15th season to wrap up his character’s storyline.

Miñoso is one of the last remaining original cast members on the NBC procedural, along with Taylor Kinney, David Eigenberg and Christian Stolte. In Season 1, he began as a guest star but was quickly moved to series regular in Season 2.

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Miñoso’s departure isn’t the only change for Season 15. As previously announced, the series will be helmed by a new showrunner, Victor Teran, who replaces Andrea Newman after 14 seasons.

“Working at Chicago Fire, with the absolute best cast and crew in the business, has been the highlight of my career,” Newman said in a statement. “Like so many others, I was inspired to get into TV writing because of Dick [Wolf], so what a thrill it’s been to work with him and the amazing Wolf team of Peter Jankowski, Rebecca McGill and Anastasia Puglisi. I’m so grateful to them, [former showrunner] Derek Haas and the NBC and Universal execs who have been so supportive of the show all along the way. After 14 years, you really do become a family and working with this group will always feel like home.”

Related: Chicago Fire Season 15 Is Undergoing a Major Shakeup Ahead of Its Return

In other casting news, Da’Vinchi joins Chicago Fire as a new firefighter at Firehouse 51. Best known for his role as Darnell Hayes in the CW series All American, he will play Marcus Burke, a firefighter candidate at Firehouse 51. His character is described as “roguish and funny with a wry sense of humor” but “also a little defiant,” according to AL.com.

Chicago Fire will return for its 15th season on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Streams next day on Peacock.

Next,NBC Sets Fall Premiere Dates for 2026-27 Season, Including OneChicago Shows, The Voice and The Traitors: New Blood

It's one thing to love mess when you're watching the newest season of Love Island USA or catching up on the latest update about Prince Harry and Prince William. But unless your name is Marie Kondo, you might not love a literal mess inside your house. Of course, not everyone is allergic to a cluttered house, but it might be more common than you think.

“In today's world, we are so overstimulated. Our lives tend to be a bit more complicated than maybe they were decades ago,” Dr. Maddy Free, a clinical psychologist who specializes in anxiety and OCD, tells Parade.

Today's average day is full of near-constant stimulation from phones and other outlets. This, in turn, can make some even more sensitive to mess, resulting in their needing a clean, organized house to truly relax.

“Having a clean space eliminates at least some of the stimulation from their lives,” the psychologist explains.

But just because we're all more stimulated than we were 10 years ago doesn't mean that everyone needs a clean home to chill and unwind, which is where Dr. Free's expertise working with patients comes in handy. She's helping Parade delve into seven surprising personality traits of people who can't relax in a messy home. It's not one-size-fits-all, but let's just say that if having that one pile of laundry in the corner keeps you up at night, these should feel familiar.

Related: People Who Are Considered ‘Type A’ Often Share These 9 Traits, Psychologists Say

Why You Can't Unwind When Your House Is Messy

Dr. Free describes a messy house as “information that we're processing.” The more clutter, the more information being downloaded, which can cause overstimulation and make it impossible to decompress.

“Especially if someone has a lot of things going on in their lives, or there's someone that has a lot of thoughts, this is just additional information that their brain has to process, which can lead to feelings of overwhelm, which feels like anxiety,” she explains.

7 Unexpected Personality Traits of People Who Can't Relax With a Messy House, Psychology Says

A psychologist explains why these surprising traits are linked to these individuals.

1. They value a sense of control

“Cleaning provides a sense of order and predictability,” Dr. Free says.

Those who need a clean home to relax, therefore, might really be searching for an area of control “especially if they're feeling out of control in other aspects of their lives.”

2. They're detail-oriented

People who need a clean home sometimes can't stand to see one thing out of place, which means they're extremely detail oriented and observant. Or, as Dr. Free describes, they're “somebody who may pay attention to their environment and pick up on things that somebody else might pick up on, such as a blanket being out of place.”

“They pick up on things that other people might not,” she continues.

Visual clutter is also especially bothersome for those who are more sensitive to their environments and process information more deeply.

“They might be more susceptible to take in information from around them and they might process that information in a more heightened way,” Dr. Free explains, adding that this can make it “difficult for them to compartmentalize.”

A clean home, on the other hand, is less stimulating and relaxing because there's less information to process visually.

3. They're conscientious

“Conscientiousness is a personality trait that can be identified as someone [who] has a sense of responsibility, organization,” Dr. Free tells Parade. “They tend to be goal-driven, have self-discipline, they're rule-abiding. And I would make the assumption that people that can't relax unless their home is clean are probably people that have a higher level of conscientiousness.”

4. They have busy minds

For those of us over-thinkers, or simply those with busy minds, a messy house can just add more noise to our already overworked brains.

In contrast, Dr. Free says, “A clean home can help alleviate some of the external stimulation because they're already feeling very internally stimulated."

Related: If You Can Relate to These 9 Phrases, You Might Have High-Functioning Anxiety, According to a Psychologist

5. They're disciplined and hardworking

People who need a clean home are also hardworking, according to Dr. Free, which is reflected in the effort they put into maintaining a clean home.

“They're willing to invest the time into doing things that some people may neglect,” she says, “They're not avoiding.”

6. They can delay gratification

To that end, Dr. Free also adds that those who can't relax with a messy house and need a clean home tend to be experts at delaying gratification.

If they need to clean before they can relax, “they can delay gratification of more preferable activities like watching a show or sitting on their phone.” (Of course, one can also watch a TV show while cleaning, but that's not always practical.)

7. They have high personal standards

People who need a clean house to relax “hold themselves and the things that reflect them to a high standard,” Dr. Free explains. "A clean space can show self-care and that you view yourself highly and you want your space to respect that."

Putting time and effort into organizing your home is a way of honoring your own desires and wishes by making the space work for you.

“You're caring, and you're showing the time and the dedication,” she continues. “That is, for some people, a positive self-reflection.”

Related: Psychologists Say People Who Have ‘Absolutely No Filter’ Likely Have These 7 Traits

The Science of Visual Clutter vs. Your Brain

Picture yourself in a messy room with laundry waiting to be folded in one corner and a pile of unopened Amazon boxes in the other. What are you thinking about? Are you able to relax, or is your mind consumed with thoughts of folding the laundry and opening your packages?

“I view mess for a lot of people as a visual to-do list,” Dr. Free says.

And the more you sit and stew in it, the more space that to-do list takes up in your brain, which can manifest in a sense of urgency.

“It's one thing to have something written on a to-do list that you know that you need to do,” the psychologist explains. “But when something's glaring at you in the face, there's a little bit of urgency there.”

What are the psychological effects of a messy home?

Visual clutter can also trigger overstimulation and a sense of losing control.

“There's an uneasiness about not knowing where things are or feeling like your environment isn't ‘as it should be,’” Dr. Free continues, adding that it can also lead to stress and anxiety and manifest physically in “racing thoughts and physical symptoms like headaches and muscle tightness.”

Related: Psychologist Says if You Make Pros-and-Cons Lists for Everything, You Likely Have These 8 Traits

How To Relax if You Can't Clean at the Moment

It's one thing to know that you need a clean, organized home to relax, but it's another to actually have the time to clean. Luckily, Dr. Free has a few tips to help people relax in a messy home when they can't clean right away.

1. Write a to-do list

“A to-do list can be really helpful because you're taking this all out of your brain and you're putting it on paper,” Dr. Free says, noting that actually writing down chores to be done later can help free up space in your brain to relax, even if there is visual clutter around.

2. Clear your visual field

It might not be realistic to give your office a deep clean every time you sit down to work, but you can clean off the top of your desk.

“Just having the visual field that you're currently operating in be clean, from a stimulation perspective, can help you compartmentalize a little bit and get the things done you need to get done without necessarily cleaning the whole house,” Dr. Free advises.

3. Take a deep breath and do some grounding exercises

“Feeling overstimulated can be really overwhelming,” Dr. Free says. “Taking a few really good, true, deep breaths and having a mantra of, ‘I will get this done and I can handle this,’ helps us not to catastrophize and spiral.”

Up Next:

Related: Psychologist Says People Who Stay Silent in a Group Often Have These 4 Unexpected Personality Traits

Source:

• Dr. Maddy Free, PhD, is a licensed psychologist based in Madison, NJ. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapies for OCD and anxiety-related disorders.

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When a pair of sandals are comfortable enough to wear all day and cute enough to go with nearly everything, shoppers tend to take notice. Macy’s is currently selling a pair that checks all the boxes for anyone seeking casual footwear that’s comfortable, versatile, and easy to wear. They are also currently marked down by 40% during the retailer’s clearance sale. 

The Clarks Cloudsteppers Drift Daisy Slip-On Sandals are now just $36, down from $60. Shoppers said they’re “very comfortable” and come in the “perfect” colors, making them an effortless match for everything from casual denim and linen separates to breezy summer dresses.

Clarks Cloudsteppers Drift Daisy Slip-On Sandals, $36 (was $60) at Macy’s

Courtesy of Macy's

Shop at Macy's

The sandals are part of Clarks’ Cloudsteppers collection, which offers lightweight cushioning and a soft feel underfoot. They feature a curved design and small wedge heels that give you a little extra height without the discomfort of a traditional heel. They also have a daisy detail on top that adds an eye-catching touch. Their slip-on style means you can easily step into them and head out the door!

The Drift Daisy comes in four classic shades — white, blue, red, and black — so there’s an option to match nearly every summer outfit in your closet. The sandals come in sizes 5 through 12.

Shoppers have highlighted the sandal’s comfort and versatility in their reviews. One reviewer called them “great walking shoes,” while another shared, “So comfortable and cute. I think I am going to order more in another color!” A third shopper noted they’re “great for being around water,” making them a useful option for poolside lounging, travel, and other outdoor activities. 

Shop More Deals

• Clarks Collection Nerisa West Buckle Wedge Sandals, $66 (was $110) at Macy’s
• Clarks Drift Floral Slip-On Wedge Sandals, $36 (was $60) at Macy’s
• Clarks Merliah 2 Belle Flower Leather Wedge Sandals, $50 (was $100) at Macy’s

Related: Clarks' Strappy Bow Sandals Have Shoppers Walking '10,000 Steps' a Day With No Foot Pain

At just $36, the Clarks Cloudsteppers Drift Daisy Slip-On Sandals are a summer deal worth adding to your cart while the sale lasts. If you’re looking for a sandal that feels comfortable, looks cute, these sandals are an easy choice to grab while they’re still on sale.  

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