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Marc Anthonyand his wife Nadia Ferreira just welcomed their second baby! The newest addition to Anthony's family is the eighth child for Jennifer Lopez’s ex.

On Tuesday, the singer/songwriter and the former Miss Universe Paraguay contestant posted a joint statement on Instagram sharing the news and the newborn’s name, writing (translated from the original  Spanish), “What a great blessing to be able to share with you the arrival of our precious MYLA. You can’t imagine the happiness we have at home, we are over the moon.” 

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The couple has a three-year-old son, Marco. Anthony is also the father of six other children: Twins Maximillian (Max) and Emme with ex-wife Jennifer Lopez; Arianna and Chase (adopted) with ex-girlfriend Debbie Rosado; and Cristian and Ryan with ex-wife Dayanara Torres.

Along with officially announcing the birth of baby number eight (two for Nadia), the couple shared a series of sweet family snapshots, including an absolutely adorable black-and-white photo of big brother Marco holding his new little sister. 

When did Marc Anthony and Nadia Ferreira announce the pregnancy? 

Anthony and his model wife announced their second pregnancy last January on the pair’s anniversary, posting a belly-baring pic on Instagram with the caption, “Happy 3rd anniversary! What a great gift life gives us. God is great. Marquito is going to be a big brother.” 

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Two months later, the celeb parents revealed that they were having a girl. The couple posted a pair of pics on Instagram, featuring mom, dad, soon-to-be big brother Marco, and teeny tiny pink shoes. 

View this post on Instagram When did Marc Anthony and Nadia Ferreira marry?

This isn't the first high-profile marriage for the singer. Like his current wife, his first wife, Dayanara Torres, was also a Miss Universe contestant. The Puerto Rican actress and model won the pageant in 1993. After divorcing Torres in 2004, he famously married superstar Jennifer Lopez later the same year. The couple finalized their divorce in 2014. 

Anthony wed his third wife, model Shannon De Lima, in November of 2014. The couple divorced three years later. 

Ferreira and Anthony reportedly met in 2016, but didn’t start dating until several years later. The pair went Instagram official in March of 2022, and announced their engagement in May. They married in January of 2023.

The star-studded Miami wedding was held at the Perez Art Museum and included a who’s who guest list of celebs such as Victoria and David Beckham, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Salma Hayek. Son Marco was born in June of the same year on Father’s Day.

Bravo fans are rallying around former Real Housewives of Orange County star Jeana Keough after her daughter, Kara Keough Bosworth, revealed the reality TV alum hasn't been able to eat for two weeks amid her battle with tongue cancer. The emotional update prompted an outpouring of prayers, personal stories, and suggestions for helping Jeana get the nutrition she needs.

Only days ago, Jeana's family revealed that she is battling tongue cancer after a sore she believed was caused by a tooth had gone untreated for nearly a year. She has since undergone surgery to remove the cancer and nearby lymph nodes and is now receiving chemotherapy. However, severe pain has made it difficult for her to eat or drink, leaving her malnourished. Her family also launched a GoFundMe with a $22,000 goal to help cover medical expenses.

In a new update, Kara shared that Jeana's planned feeding tube procedure had been delayed after doctors discovered both an infection and a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) blood clot in her leg.

"Jeana was scheduled to get the G-tube this morning so she can get some nutrition. She hasn't been able to eat a meal for 2 weeks, so she's extremely depleted," Kara wrote alongside a photo of her mother in the hospital.

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She explained that the feeding tube couldn't be placed until the infection is under control, forcing doctors to temporarily pause Jeana's chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Despite the setback, Kara said her mom hasn't lost her fighting spirit, joking that Jeana insisted she only had a "fake fever" and was ready to move forward with the procedure.

The update quickly filled with support from Bravo fans, many of whom offered prayers alongside practical suggestions for managing Jeana's nutrition.

"Would THC drops help? Can she not eat because her mouth or stomach? Sending so many prayers to you all. SHE WILL GET THROUGH THIS," one fan wrote.

Another asked whether doctors could temporarily use a nasogastric feeding tube while Jeana waits for surgery.

Others shared deeply personal stories of surviving tongue and throat cancer—or watching loved ones endure similar treatments—offering encouragement and reassurance that recovery is possible. Many also praised Jeana's trademark humor and determination, saying they're rooting for her as she continues her fight.

When "Go Away Little Girl" first topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963, few could have predicted it would one day do it all over again.

Written by legendary songwriting duo Gerry Goffin and Carole King, the heartfelt ballad became a No. 1 hit for Steve Lawrence, earning its place among the era's biggest pop songs. Eight years later, the timeless classic found an entirely new audience when 13-year-old Donny Osmond reimagined it, sending the song back to No. 1 and making it one of the rare songs in chart history to reach the summit twice.

The story began during the golden age of the Brill Building.

Goffin and King wrote "Go Away Little Girl" as a bittersweet tale of forbidden attraction, with a narrator pleading for a young woman to leave before his emotions get the better of him. Steve Lawrence's polished interpretation resonated with listeners, becoming the songwriting team's first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

"I think we probably didn't do more than four or five takes," Lawrence told Classic Bands of the recording process. "We probably ended up with the second or third take. The first one, you're always kind of approaching it and everybody is getting used to the sounds, the production values and where the strength of the orchestration lies, where you have to lay back and be supported, however those things turn out."

By 1971, Donny Osmond had become one of America's biggest teen idols.

Osmond recorded "Go Away Little Girl" for his album To You with Love, Donny. His youthful voice and softer, contemporary arrangement introduced the song to a new generation of fans, and on Sept. 11, 1971, it climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The achievement was a rare one.

Only a select handful of songs have reached No. 1 on the Hot 100 in recordings by two different artists, placing "Go Away Little Girl" in an exclusive group of enduring pop standards. While Lawrence's version reflected the polished pop sound of the early 1960s, Osmond's interpretation leaned into the softer, more contemporary style that was dominating radio in the early 1970s.

The hit also became one of the defining moments of Osmond's career. At just 13 years old, he was one of the youngest artists ever to top the Billboard Hot 100, and the success of "Go Away Little Girl" helped fuel the height of "Donnymania" as his popularity spread across television, radio, and concert stages.

"Throughout my 20s and into my 30s, I would apologize for my career, for all of the cheesy music I was a part of," Osmond told Tiger Beat years later. "It wasn’t until my late 30s or early 40s…[that I] thought to myself, ‘You know what? That music was great for what it was, people loved it, it was incredibly successful—why should I feel bad?'"

More than 60 years after it was first released, "Go Away Little Girl" remains a testament to the power of great songwriting. What began as a 1963 pop classic ultimately became a rare two-time No. 1 hit, proving that a timeless song can captivate listeners across generations when it’s reimagined by the right artist.

Related: 1978 Timeless Classic, Written by a 16-Year-Old, Became a Soft Rock Anthem

Audiences and critics alike tend to give acclaim to movies with well-crafted twists and unexpected moments. Colliderrecently spotlighted a few beloved and surprising films by releasing a list of the "10 most unpredictable movies of all time."

Acclaimed movies like Psycho from 1960, 2018's Sorry to Bother You, 1994's Pulp Fiction, After Hours, released in 1985, and Everything Everywhere All at Once from 2022 were featured on the list. According to Collider, the "most unpredictable movie" ever released is the 2006 animated filmPaprika, adapted from Yasutaka Tsutsui's 1993 book.

Collider reported that the Satoshi Kon-directed sci-fi film, involving dream-hopping technology, is constantly bewildering.

Yasutaka Tsutsui Shared He Had Asked Satoshi Kon to Make a Film Version of His Book

In a behind-the-scenes interview filmed while the Paprika movie was in production, Tsutsui shared that he had approached Kon, who had previously directed 1997's Perfect Blue and Memories (1995), to make an animated adaptation of his book. Tsutsui explained that there were talks to turn his novel into a live-action film, but making the dream sequences would have been too expensive.

"The final stage of development, cost became an issue that shut the project down. I knew that a big budget would be required for a movie like this. But I really believed that it would happen. So I was very disappointed when I heard of their decision," said the novelist, now 94.

During the interview, Kon said he agreed to take on the project because he was a fan of the book. The late filmmaker also explained why he wasn't all that strict about making a direct adaptation of the text.

"Remaining rigidly true to the novel is pointless because the novel will always be superior. It is very hard to convey the feeling that one gets from reading Mr. Tsutsui's words. It's tough to recreate that visually. So what I want to do is invoke the atmosphere of a dream while also creating a fundamental plot that will be able to stand on its own as entertainment," said Kon, who died in 2010 at the age of 46.

The film version of Paprika holds a score of 87 percent based on 95 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. Meanwhile, Tsutsui's 1993 novel has a score of 3.18 out of 5 from 3,888 readers on Goodreads.

Ted Dansonand Mary Steenburgen are the most adorable grandparents on the red carpet.

Danson, 78, rose to stardom as Sam "Mayday" Malone on the beloved NBC comedy series Cheers. Steenburgen, 73, is an acclaimed actress with diverse roles ranging from Philadelphia to The Help. But together, the duo may be the cutest grandparents in Hollywood!

Along with Steenburgen's daughter, Lilly McDowell, Steenburgen and Danson headed to the red carpet premiere of the upcoming Apple TV+ pickleball film The Dink at The Atrium at Westfield Century City in Los Angeles, California. But it was their three granddaughters who officially stole the show alongside their proud grandparents.

Check out the sweet photo of the adorable crew below:

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

The Dink, which stars Steenburgen alongside Jake Johnson and Ed Harris, hits Apple TV on July 24. Check out the hilarious trailer below:

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Steenburgen's Perspective on Parenting

Steenburgen and Danson have been married since 1995. The couple each have two children from previous marriages. While Steenburgen passed on one unnamed major role earlier in her career, she said it all worked out in the end because she ended up with Danson.

"The truth is, I don't really feel I should have, because if I had done that, I might not have met Ted, and then Kate and Alexis wouldn't be my stepdaughters," Steenburgen said on an episode of The Daily Beast's "Obsessed" podcast. "All the ways that my life would be different are impossible to imagine."

What's Next for Ted Danson?

Danson is set to join Elizabeth Banks, Katey Sagal, and Rob Delaney in an untitled Apple TV+ series, Variety reported last month. Here's a look at the official logline for the show.

“Fresh off a messy divorce, Heidi (Banks) sets out to secure a lively second act for herself and her kids. But when she stumbles into coordinating her father’s (Danson) retirement community sexcapades, Heidi is forced into an unlikely alliance with his girlfriend’s perpetually single son," it reads.

Now that sounds like a fun one!

Related: Bebe Neuwirth, Who Played Lilith on ‘Cheers,’ Is More Beautiful Than Ever With Full Gray Hair at 66

There are some strength exercises that you’ve likely heard of and are tried-and-true, like glute bridges, push-ups and various Pilates moves. But some have been around a while but are experiencing a resurgence, and maybe you’re not familiar with them at all.

Enter: the Farmer’s Walk (also known as the “Farmer’s Carry”). As trainer Heike Yates, Midlife Fitness Expert, author of Pursue Your Spark and host of the Pursue Your Spark Podcast, puts it, the Farmer’s Walk is an exercise anyone able to walk can do at any age and fitness level. 

Calling it a “loaded carry exercise,” Matt Kasee, MS, CSCS, founder of Trilogy Fitness Systems, says that the Farmer’s Walk might be the best functional exercise around. Functional fitness, which focuses on transferring strength moves to everyday life, has become more popular in recent years.

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Yates defines the Farmer’s Walk as “a full-body exercise that mimics walking under load.”

“Farmers used to work in the fields, carrying heavy buckets, equipment or seed for planting before the use of equipment,” Yates says of the move’s origins.

Kasee explains that this exercise involves carrying a weight in each hand for a set distance or period. So, if you’re looking for a strength training move that’s efficient and can be done virtually anywhere (and is a great way to test your strength), read on to find out how to do it—and the top mistakes to be wary of.

Related: The #1 Pilates Workout Sequence That Builds Strength Beyond the Mat

How to Do the Farmer’s Walk

The trainers we spoke with share the steps to carry out the Farmer’s Walk: 

• Hold a dumbbell (or kettlebell or evenly-filled water jug) in each hand with a tight, firm grip, palms facing the body and the arms hanging next to the body. 
• Keep your back straight by pulling your shoulders back and together to stabilize the shoulder girdle, engage your core and walk a specified distance. Keep the focus on controlled and balanced movement. 

How Often Should You Do the Farmer’s Walk?

Kasee recommends performing the Farmer’s Walk once a week to see results. “You will want to track the amount and distance you are carrying so you know how to appropriately challenge yourself each workout,” he advises. 

Related: Research Shows That People Who Do Strength Training Exercises Live Longer—Start With These 10 Easy Workouts

What are Mistakes You Can Make?

Yates cautions that while you’re doing a Farmer’s Walk, you might overlook your posture and form because you want to progress more quickly. Or she says that you may not listen to your body’s messages, like back pain from poor posture.

Carrying too much weight too soon could also lead to injury. She also suggests resisting the urge to swing your arms, and instead keep them securely at each side.

“The biggest mistake we see with the Farmer's Walk is that people aren't walking with ‘good posture’ or the weights are pulling people around as they walk,” Kasee adds. “We want to see people walking tall and upright without arching backwards through the lower back—it should be tall and neutral.”

Benefits of the Farmer’s Walk

The trainers we spoke with list the myriad benefits of the Farmer’s Walk: 

• The ability to improve your strength for everyday activities, such as moving furniture or carrying groceries
• Save time by performing a full-body move instead of several smaller moves
• Improve grip strength
• Improve posture
• Acts as a cardio add-on and will spike heart rate
• Strengthen core
• Boost balance
• Increase bone health and density

Related: Trainers Say This Everyday Activity Is Secretly Amazing for Your Core

How the Farmer’s Walk Tests Your Strength

“The Farmer's Walk is a simple way to assess functional strength because it requires multiple muscle groups to work together simultaneously,” Yates says. “You're not just testing how much weight you can lift once or how many sets and reps. You're testing your grip strength, core stability, posture, balance and ability to maintain good movement while carrying a load. For many adults over 50, the results show up in everyday activities like carrying heavy grocery bags, lifting luggage, carrying laundry and opening stubborn jars.”

Kasee says that there are several ways to test your strength by doing the Farmer’s Walk, using body weight as the marker. “If you are just beginning, carrying a total of half your body weight for a set time is a great strength test, or even a quarter of your body weight if you need to dial it back a notch,” he says. 

Up Next:

Sources

• Heike Yates, Midlife Fitness Expert.
• Matt Kasee, MS, CSCS, founder of Trilogy Fitness Systems

Anthony Michael Hall has spent more than five decades in show business, but the actor says staying power in Hollywood comes down to more than talent.

Speaking at a recent press event ahead of his appearance on Fox's Nation's Dumbest, The Breakfast Club star reflected on what has helped him build a career spanning 51 years.

"Having a thick skin, and just being game and just wanting to work with the best people you can," Hall, 58, told Fox News Digital. "Just being persistent and tenacious. And thank God I was born with a hard head. But you have to have a thick skin."

The Reacher actor said genuine passion for the work has also kept him motivated through the industry's highs and lows.

"You have to really want and love what you do. So I think that's it," he added.

Looking back on the biggest lesson he's learned after five decades in the business, Hall said perspective has been just as important as perseverance.

"Stay humble, stay focused, keep your eyes on the road, and just keep moving ahead somehow," the former Saturday Night Live cast member said. "There's no guarantee of anything in this business, and it's a tough business, but it's really great business, so I'm very fortunate."

John W. Ferguson/Getty Images)

Hall said he still feels grateful every time a new opportunity comes along.

"[I] feel very blessed. This is my 51st year doing this, and this was really a unique thing, because it was something I never expected," he said, referring to Nation's Dumbest.

Hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall, the Fox competition series sends 12 celebrities back to "summer school" for a series of classroom-inspired trivia contests, physical challenges, and school-themed games.

For Hall, the project turned out to be an unexpected highlight.

"It really took me by surprise, and it was really a lot of fun," the Sixteen Candles star shared. "So, it was about learning that lesson, too. Staying open to new opportunities, just being cool with it and having fun. So, we really had a great time, all of us. It was nice."

The actor also couldn't help but notice similarities between the show's setup and the film that made him a household name.

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Hall said being placed in a classroom with fellow celebrities — including Ice-T, Jon Heder, Hilaria Baldwin, Carmen Electra, Chase Hudson, Elle King, Matt Leinart, Dr. Drew Pinsky, Steve-O, JoJo Siwa, and Andrew Yang — brought back memories of The Breakfast Club.

"Do you know what, there was some parallels for sure. We all got thrown together. We're all stuck, we couldn't really go anywhere. And honestly, we all really got along. It was a real nice organic surprise that I had a great time with all these people," Hall explained.

Hall, who famously played Brian Johnson, the academically gifted member of the iconic John Hughes ensemble, said the opportunity arrived at just the right time.

"It was coming into a year where I wasn't sure where the next job was gonna come, like we often feel in this industry," he shared. And I got the call, and I was just really excited by it."

Hall added, "And I really embraced it, and I just went up to Toronto and had a good time shooting it, and everybody was really cool. So we had a really good time."

Nation's Dumbest premiered July 15 on Fox and is also available to stream on Hulu.

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Jelly shoes are officially back! The nostalgic '90s staple has become one of the year’s biggest footwear trends thanks to the ongoing Y2K revival.  If you've been considering trying the trend yourself, there's an affordable designer option worth adding to your cart.

Right now, the Steve Madden Grove Caged Slip-On Jelly Flats at Macy’s are down to $29 from $49 — 40% off. The deal is part of Macy's Black Friday in July sale event, which runs through July 26. The retro flats are already winning shoppers over. One reviewer called them "super comfortable" and "cute," and said they earned "compliments galore." 

Steve Madden Grove Caged Slip-On Jelly Flats, $29 (was $49) at Macy's

Courtesy of Macy's

Shop at Macy's

These aren't the chunky jelly shoes you wore as a kid. These updated flats feature a breathable, woven design that promotes airflow, so your feet stay cool and comfortable in warmer weather. They’re also made from water-friendly synthetic material, which makes them a practical choice for beach trips, pool days, boating, or everyday wear.

These slip-ons are easy to style. Pair them with a breezy sundress for a polished summer look, or keep things casual with cropped denim, relaxed linen pants, or tailored shorts. They come in women's sizes 6 through 10 and four fun colors: red, blue, tortoise, and clear. Some reviewers noted that the fit runs slightly small, so if you're between sizes, consider sizing up for the most comfortable fit. 

Macy shoppers said comfort is one of their standout features. One reviewer called them "stylish and comfortable" and said they're "perfect for summer wear." Another wrote, "These shoes are the most comfortable pair of shoes that I purchased from Steve Madden. They are flexible, colorful, and I would buy them again." 

A third said they "absolutely love these jellies,” adding that they’re “so comfy." 

Shop More Deals

• Skechers Reggae Color-Full Trail Slide Sandals, $35 (was $55) at Macy’s
• Steve Madden Mayven Slide Sandals, $53 (was $89) at Macy’s
• Clarks Cloudsteppers Drift Twist Slip-On Flat Sandals, $28 (was $60) at Macy’s 

Related: Shoppers Say Clarks’ Adorable Bow Sandals 'Last Forever,' and Right Now They're Just $36 at Macy’s

At just $29, the Steve Madden Grove Caged Slip-On Jelly Flats are an easy way to get in on one of the season's biggest shoe trends without spending designer-level prices. If you've had your eye on a pair, don't wait too long. Popular colors and sizes tend to disappear quickly, so you may want to scoop one up before stock runs out!

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Rosie O'Donnell has dropped a significant amount of weight in recent years. But the star remembers when another A-lister recommended she drop some weight.

O'Donnell, 64, revealed that beloved director Penny Marshall urged her to “lose 20 pounds” on the set of the iconic 1992 baseball film, A League of Their Own.

“On League of Their Own, Penny Marshall didn’t help by saying, ‘Rosie, I want you to lose 20 pounds.’ I’m like, ‘You think I carry it around for fun, Penny?'” O’Donnell remembered telling the director, she told People. “When I look back, I go, ‘God, I wish I could have enjoyed the size I was.'”

Now with significant weight loss under her belt, O'Donnell recalled battling her weight.

“It’s very strange to just buy a pair of jeans that fit. When I would do late-night, my biggest concern wasn’t my set — it was, did I look fat?”

O'Donnell Had a Facelift

O'Donnell recently took to her Substack page to share a deeply personal essay about how she previously vowed never to have plastic surgery. However, she had a change of heart earlier this year when she decided to have a lower deep plane facelift.

“I used to feel very strongly about facelifts,” O’Donnell wrote on Substack. “Not casually — morally. I had assigned myself as head of all women who would never – ever. I thought it was a betrayal. Of feminism. Of aging. Of our team of women worldwide.  And then I lost 50 pounds.”

Feeling like gravity was getting the best of her after her dramatic weight loss, O’Donnell would look in the mirror and say, “This isn’t aging, this is melting with intention.” Her 13-year-old child, Clay, didn’t like the idea of plastic surgery, telling O’Donnell she “earned her wrinkles.” While she put off the procedure for months, she finally went under the knife in January.

O’Donnell shared a photo of her results on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram O’Donnell’s Weight Loss Transformation

In the last couple of years, O’Donnell has been open about her 50-pound weight loss as a result of using Mounjaro. She went into more detail in a March 2025 TikTok video, sharing why she had started taking the medication. She also noted that, in addition to starting the medication to deal with her health issues, she had been spending more time cooking for her child, Clay.

“I’ve lost more weight. I am on Mounjaro for my diabetes and one of the side effects is you lose weight,” she explained. “But it’s also because I had a chef for over two years in Los Angeles and I don’t have a chef now. It’s me cooking for Clay and me.”

@rosie

tomorrow night im on irelands best talk show #thelatelateshow with host #patrickKIELTY - im honored and thrilled 😁- so tune in if u like 👍🏽 of its also my 63 rd birthday tomorrow! what a great way to celebrate- find me on substack - ROSIEODONNELL25 - with an orange check #speakkindlytoyourself

♬ original sound - Rosie ODonnell

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Related: Rosie O’Donnell Opens up About Michelle Trachtenberg’s Final Years: 'She Was Not in Good Shape'

What is the one thing you should do before summer ends? Birth date numerology and astrology may provide some insights. It’s hard to believe how quickly time flies; it feels like just yesterday we were dreaming about all the fun activities we would enjoy in the sun while watching the snow fall outside our window. Now that summer is here and starting to wind down, how can you make the most of these final sunny days?

What Each Birth Date Should Do Before Summer Ends

Check for your birth date. Disregard birth months.

Born on the 1st, 10th, 19th, or 28th — Book a Spontaneous Beach Trip

These birth dates are influenced by the Sun, the planet of confidence and vitality. What better way to celebrate summer than by soaking up some rays? A day at the beach can lift your spirits. As a natural-born leader, you often face a hefty load of responsibility. Make sure to take a day for some self-care when you need it most; you can pause the deadlines and problems for a while. Summertime beach weather is here and now.

Born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th, or 29th — Reconnect Over Ice Cream

As relationship-oriented peacekeepers, these birth dates would love to spend one-on-one time with someone special this summer. Ruled by the Moon, they possess profound compassion and empathy. This summer, you may be pleasantly surprised by who you connect with deeply or who you reconnect with. Satisfying your sweet tooth while reminiscing about the past is a wonderful way to bring a smile to your face before the sunny season transitions into fall.

Born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, or 30th — Say Yes to Every Pool Party

The pool party is optional, but these birthdays have a great opportunity to socialize before summer ends. If you've been feeling like hiding away from the world lately, this is the perfect reason to get out and connect with others. People are eager to chat with you, help distract you from your burdens, and spark your curiosity. Ruled by Jupiter, the planet of expansion, now is the time to let your playful side shine. Before summer wraps up, you might even make a new friend or two by stepping out of your comfort zone.

Born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd, or 31st — Finally Use Your Vacation Days

As hard workers, individuals born on these dates often exceed expectations. Ruled by Uranus, the planet of innovation, you're eager to showcase your best work. Before summer ends, take the time to step away from your responsibilities and connect with your playful side. Even if you are retired from career matters, be cautious about taking on excessive responsibilities or caretaking roles that might prevent you from pursuing what you truly want to do. You deserve a break.

Born on the 5th, 14th, or 23rd — Take an Impromptu Road Trip

A road trip can provide the change of perspective you need. Ruled by Mercury, the planet of curiosity, your best self emerges when you're mentally engaged. Take the path less traveled, drive without a specific destination in mind, or head straight to a place you’ve always wanted to visit. Whether traveling solo or going on family trips, late summer encourages you to explore the world beyond your immediate surroundings.

Born on the 6th, 15th, or 24th — Host the Ultimate Backyard BBQ

When you get people together, lasting memories are made. These birth dates are associated with Venus, the planet of relationships and connection. Before summer ends, make the most of your magnetism by inviting neighbors, friends, family, and loved ones to relax and enjoy some good food together. You’ll be surprised at how much more uplifted you feel with others in your space. As a caretaker, you'll love to host a summer soiree.

Born on the 7th, 16th, or 25th — Watch a Sunset in Silence

As introspective souls, these birth dates are meant to recharge in solitude before summer ends. Guided by Neptune, the ethereal planet of spirituality, you have a deep soul. While you're often busy tending to others, it's time for you to take a moment to yourself before summer fades away. You'd be surprised by the clarity that arrives while watching the sunset in silence. Nature has a way of grounding your sensitive spirit.

Born on the 8th, 17th, or 26th — Treat Yourself to a Splurge Day

For someone who works as hard as you do, it's only fair to play just as hard! Ruled by Saturn, the planet of karma, you've always shown wisdom beyond your years. However, all work and no play makes for a dull life, doesn't it? Treat yourself to the gadget that has caught your eye. Think of it as a gift for yourself, just as you would for a special loved one. You deserve to indulge in yourself before summer comes to an end.

Born on the 9th, 18th, or 27th — Have a Bonfire Night

Ruled by the fiery planet Mars, you feel most alive when you embrace your passions. A bonfire night—a gathering with loved ones or even a solo experience—can reignite your spirit as summer comes to an end. Whether it's in your backyard or on a camping trip, you'll find joy under the starry sky, with the flames crackling and soothing your nerves.

UP NEXT:

Matt Damon might have undergone an impressive physical transformation for The Odyssey, but the 55-year-old actor has also revealed he wasn't the only one who got in shape for 2026's blockbuster hit of the summer.

During a recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Damon revealed that, in several key scenes of the film, a female stunt performer named Devyn Dalton acted as his stand-in, specifically in scenes where his character faced off against a towering enemy Laestrygonians.

“When we did the force perspective stuff with the Laestrygonians… there were these stuntmen who were all seven feet and then they got stunt men who were under five feet," Damon explained. "My double was a woman, a female stunt performer who had the greatest arms I’ve ever seen. When she came into the catering tent, it was the first time I met her. I went up and hugged her and thanked her for all the work she put in.”

“So there are those shots in the movie where you see these giants looming over me, and so it was almost 100 percent my arms in the movie, but you gotta give it up where it’s due,” he continued.

Arriving in theaters earlier this month, The Odyssey follows Damon's ancient Greek warrior Odysseus as he attempts to return home from the Trojan War. While en route, he faces off against a myriad of challenges and enigmatic gods, monsters and other formidable foes, all the while his wife (Anne Hathaway) and son (Tom Holland) eagerly await his return.

In addition to Damon, Hathaway and Holland, the film features an ensemble cast that includes the likes ofZendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong’o, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, Mia Goth, Corey Hawkins, Jon Bernthal, Samantha Morton, Travis Scott and Benny Safdie, among many others.

The latest film from director Christopher Nolan, it has won universal acclaim from audiences and critics alike.

Sharon Stone is opening up about her harrowing experience quitting marijuana and her stroke medication.

The beloved actress, 68, who is best known for roles in Casino, Basic Instinct, and Total Recall, headed to TV with a role on HBO’s hot series Euphoria. Also a successful painter and philanthropist, the star has seen a variety of ups and downs over the years. That includes the stroke she suffered almost 25 years ago.

“I got off one of my medications that I was on for my stroke last September, and they said I couldn’t go off of it,” Stone told Variety in a new interview. “They said, ‘You can’t go off of it. You can never go off of it.’ I’m like, ‘I’m going off it,’ and it was like going off of f---ing heroin. I was sick as a frigging dog for four and a half months. I just thought, ‘I want my life back.’ I had gotten off the majority of the drugs over the years that they had put me on. But I was like, ‘I want a drug-free life.’”

After that harrowing experience, she also decided she wanted to quit smoking marijuana.

“Once I got off that, I decided I’m going to quit smoking pot. And because I think they put so much stuff in it now — they really do — when I stopped smoking pot, I also got sick. It’s not like you’re pulling it out of the ground anymore. It’s not like when we were kids. I got pretty sick for a month. I went to my neurologist, and he said, ‘Sharon, I’ve had people dying in the emergency room from marijuana,’” she elaborated.

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Stone Finds Joy in the Present

While Stone has been through plenty of rough times, she also finds tremendous joy in the present. Recently, the mom of three shared a new Instagram photo as she sunned herself in preparation for summer in her own backyard.

“summers around the corner! happy Friday my loves 🥰,” Stone captioned her photo, which showed her looking lovely in a multicolored string bikini.

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Related: Sharon Stone Opens up About Surviving Devastating Attack

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Bigger isn’t always better, especially when it comes to home renovations. If you’re looking to elevate your patio or turn your backyard into a cozy retreat, you don’t need to give your outdoor space a complete overhaul. Sometimes, a piece of decor or a cozy lighting addition is all it takes to make a noticeable difference. Case in point: this Zklili Solar Lantern at Amazon. It’s an affordable summer decor upgrade that can transform your space from drab to fab in just seconds. 

Right now is the best time to snag this solar lantern because it’s currently on sale for up to a whopping 68% off! Normally retailing for $25, it’s now marked down to just $8 in a hummingbird design and a sunflower style. For just two dollars more, you can score it on sale in a butterfly version. All three styles are currently available for the lowest price that they’ve been available at in the past 90 days! 

Zklili Solar Lantern, From $8 (was $25) at Amazon

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Featuring a nature-inspired design with ornate cutouts plastered all over the surface, this cylindrical lantern oozes with cottagecore charm. All three styles portray a buzzy scene filled with floral and animal motifs that’ll bring your backyard to life. The cutouts allow light to shine through and cast charming shadows all around, instantly transforming your home’s outdoor space into an enchanting retreat with storybook garden vibes. It emits a warm glow with a yellow hue that’ll make your space feel cozy and inviting. 

“It’s gorgeous and bright,” one reviewer raved. “It makes me happy every time I look at it.” Another shopper said that it “looks so magical” and “throws pretty lights everywhere.”

This lantern has a flat base and a top handle, so you can either set it down on a surface or hang it. If you place it on the ground or on a table, you’ll see sharper silhouettes. However, if you hang it up from an overhang, tree branch, or shepherd’s hook, the light and shadows will fill up more space. Plus, you’ll be able to use the lantern to its fullest potential, as the bottom is also adorned with cutouts. 

Zklili Solar Lantern, From $8 (was $25) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Low maintenance and environmentally friendly, this lantern relies solely on solar power, eliminating the need for cords or batteries. It’s equipped with a panel and needs around six to eight hours of sunlight to charge up. When it gets dark, the light will automatically turn on and illuminate your space for up to 12 hours. Reviewers noted that the light stays on throughout the night, even on cloudy days. 

Made of metal veneer with a gold copper finish, this lantern has a vintage-inspired feel and doubles as an eye-catching decor piece during the day. The solar panel boasts an IP65 waterproof rating, which means that it should withstand all weather conditions, including rain, snow, and intense sunlight.

If you prefer something with a little more whimsy, all three of these styles are available in a version with colorful lights. Those normally retail for $25, but are now on sale for $20. It’s also available in a quaint watering can silhouette, which is down from $20 to $13. 

Shop More Deals 

• Mumtop Hummingbird Glass Solar Lantern, From $16 (was $25) at Amazon
• Rechoo 3-Pack of Rose Solar Light Stakes, $18 (was $22) at Amazon
• Bonlion 2-Pack of Butterfly Solar Light Stakes, $14 (was $23) at Amazon

Related: Walmart's $20 Handwoven Scalloped Tray Set Is 'Super Cute and Easy to Use' to Organize 'Any Room'

With summer in full swing, there’s no better time to snag the Zklili Solar Lantern. It can turn your backyard into a magical getaway that you’ll want to hang out in every evening. Head to Amazon and snag it while it’s still on sale for as low as $8! 

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New information has come out regarding the tragic car accident that killed "Godzilla vs. Kong" actress Kaylee Hottle. She was 19 years old.

Authorities told TMZ that Hottle was a passenger in a 1995 Honda Accord that was involved in an accident in Maryland on Tuesday, July 21. The driver "veered off" the road and "slammed into a roadside ditch early Tuesday."

Speed is believed to be a factor in the crash.

Hottle was rushed to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her father, Joshua Hottle, told TMZ that his daughter's heart stopped on the way to the hospital.

The outlet further reports that there were two others in the vehicle at the time of the crash, with the 19-year-old driver having suffered injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. The other passenger declined treatment at the scene.

"The Frederick County Sheriff's Office says deputies and fire and rescue personnel responded to the single-vehicle crash around 2:52 AM. The crash remains under investigation by the sheriff’s office traffic unit," TMZ writes.

Hottle's father also shared a video on Facebook where he provided details on the accident using American Sign Language. He added that he was flying from Texas to Maryland to claim his daughter’s body.

Hottle is a deaf actress who is best known for her role in Godzilla vs. Kong and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Her parents are also members of the deaf community.

Tributes poured in following news of Hottle's death.

"This is absolutely heartbreaking. She brought so much warmth and authenticity to her role, and her future was incredibly bright," one person wrote.

"Gone too soon Rest in peace Kaylee Hottle. She will always be remembered for her performance as Jia," another person commented.

"Sending love and strength to her family and the Deaf community. Rest in peace," someone posted.

Tony Thorpe, the brilliant and exceptionally versatile guitarist for the glam-rock band The Rubettes, has died. He was 80 years old.

The news was announced on social media, with a statement that read, “RIP Tony Thorpe (1945-2026). It is with great sadness that we officially announce the passing of Anthony John Thorpe. He was a father to Clay, a husband to Shirle, a friend to many, and a mentor to countless musicians young and old.”

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The post continued, “His recently failing health did little to diminish his fierce intellect and sharp sense of humor. He will leave an unfillable hole in the lives of all who knew him, or his music. Our love and thoughts go to his son Clayton. God bless, Tone x.”

Born July 20, 1945, Thorpe passed away just days before his 81st birthday. Seemingly destined to play music, Thorpe began strumming the guitar and banging the drums at age 11. He went professional five years later after playing with English rock-and-roll singer Wee Willie Harris, The Independent reported.

In 1974, he joined the band that would become his legacy. Formed by Polydor Records, The Rubettes emerged onto the music scene as the glam-rock era was bowing out. Infamous for their white suits and cloth caps, they found instant success with their debut single, “Sugar Baby Love,” which they performed on the legendary showTop of the Pops.  

The track topped the charts in the U.K. for a whole month and cracked the Top 40 in the U.S., peaking at No. 37. The hit was the first of nineTop 40 singles the band would score in the U.K. Further standouts from the band include “Tonight,” “Juke Box Jive,” and “I Can Do It.”

Though The Rubettes remain active today, Thorpe left the group—consisting of Alan Williams, John Richardson, Pete Arnesen, Mick Clarke, and Bill Hurd—in 1979 citing creative differences.

The guitar legend continued to pursue music with a solo career. He also collaborated with Cilla Black, Jimmy Tarbuck, Sir Harry Secombe, and Roy Castle as a session musician. In the ’80s, he joined the novelty band The Firm.

When Thorpe left the music business altogether, he moved to Burnley in England and later retired to Poulton-le-Fylde. He also taught music at Blackburn College, according to the Lancashire Telegraph. In 2014, he released his memoir, A Bride’s Nightie.

Friends and former bandmates of Thorpe’s have taken to social media to offer condolences, including Williams.

On Facebook, he wrote, “Mercifully now at peace. Dear Tony, our paths having crossed but fleetingly, during which time was conceived wondrous music and often hilariously memorable moments. Your brilliance with the axe and the pen cannot be denied and remains with us, never forgotten. Rest now, Cowboy. Alan.”

Related: ’90s Alternative Rock Legend Dies at 59

As anyone who had worked with him at SNL will readily tell you, Chris Farley always went the extra mile to get a laugh, whether gyrating his body on stage as an energetic Chippendale hopeful, or pranking his cast members with crude jokes behind the scenes.

Illustrating that latter point perfectly, Mike Myers revealed to his fellow SNL alumni that Farley would routinely sneak into his shower backstage during a 2022 podcast appearance on David Spade and Dana Carvey's Fly on the Wall podcast.

As Myers put it, one of his pre-show rituals on Saturdays prior to filming involved taking a shower at the studio. Once he was in the shower, however, his cast mate Farley would pop into the shower with him, attempting to kiss Myers as part of a chaotic prank.

“I’d have my shower at exactly 4:17 or something," Myers said. "And Farley would always come to my shower completely naked, with his big giant body, and he’d press me against the wall, going, ‘Oh Mike, I’ve always loved you! Give me just one kiss.’ I’d beat on him. I’d go ‘Farley, get the f**k out of here! Get the f**k out!’ I couldn’t hit him very hard because it was so funny."

According to Myers, Farley repeated the prank every week, with Myers always forgetting about his costar's prank due to his thoughts being centered around the impending show.

“Every week I forgot — you’d think you’d remember every week,” Myers said.

As Myers told Carvey and Spade, his usual shower spot was a communal bathroom on the 9th floor of 30 Rock at NBC, a place he chose because he believed it was quiet and ensured his privacy.

“I found that the time when nobody was was there,” Myers explained. “I had pretty much everything laid out so the shower was literally like 11 seconds long.”

“So he was stalking you,” Carvey observed with a laugh. “He was checking the time as well. He was ready for you.”

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Platform sandals are ready to tackle all your summer outings. They offer the same comfort as sneakers while allowing your feet to breathe, and lengthen your legs like heels would without compromising comfort. If you’re looking for a pair that you can wear to the beach and just as easily run errands in, the Crocs Baya Platform Slide Sandals are definitely worth checking out. 

There’s no better time than right now to snag these Crocs platform sandals because they’re currently on sale at Walmart! Normally retailing for $45, they’re now marked down to just $35. These sandals are available in six styles, including five solid colors (barely pink, black, chai, hot blush, and white) and one leopard print version. Sizes range from 4 to 12, and shoppers noted they fit true to size. 

Crocs Baya Platform Slide Sandals, $35 (were $45) at Walmart

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These sandals are an elevated take on Crocs’ iconic Baya Clogs. They’re entirely made from the same foam that’ll cushion your feet with every step. With a 1.2-inch platform, they offer even more cushioning compared to the average slides. They’ll give you a bit of height without sacrificing stability or comfort. While they have a chunky appearance, the foam is very lightweight. They’re ideal for all-day wear as they won’t weigh you down. 

Designed to prevent your feet from fatigue, these sandals will absorb the impact of your steps and take pressure off your joints. The foam is flexible, so it follows the natural movements of your feet. Additionally, several shoppers raved about how they provide great arch support and deliver lasting comfort. One reviewer said these sandals felt “like walking on air,” and a second customer added that the soles were “thick and bouncy.” A third customer called them “the most supportive and comfortable shoes ever.” 

Attesting to their comfort, a reviewer mentioned that they were able to easily wear these sandals for five days straight through the Disney parks. Another customer said that they walked 10,000 steps with these sandals and didn’t experience any pain! 

Crocs Baya Platform Slide Sandals, $35 (were $45) at Walmart

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Thanks to their open design, you can slip into these sandals in just seconds. They boast two wide straps on top that’ll securely hold your feet in place. The footbeds are completely plastered with rounded nubs that provide traction, which also prevent your feet from sliding out. 

The straps double as playful and decorative accents. One strap features a cutout of the Crocs logo while the other is equipped with three holes, where you can insert Jibbitz (charms that are designed to fit in any Crocs shoes). Jibbitz are a great way to show off your personality and add some fun accents to your shoes. If you want to decorate your sandals, you can check out a few options here! 

These sandals are waterproof, making them ideal for beach and pool days. Shoppers said that they’re a “perfect addition to any summer outfit” and called them a “summer must-have.”

They’re also odor-resistant, so they’ll stay in pristine condition even if your feet get sweaty. If you ever want to clean them, all you need is some soap and water! 

Related: Paris Hilton’s ‘Luxurious’ Floral Comforter Set Nails the LoveShackFancy Aesthetic for Just $40

If you’re looking for a pair of shoes to throw into your daily wardrobe rotation, don’t hesitate to grab the Crocs Baya Platform Slide Sandals while they’re on sale at Walmart for just $35! 

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Spicy snack lovers and superhero fans are about to have a new reason to head to the snack aisle.

Takis is teaming up with Marvel’s web-slinging hero for a limited-edition collaboration inspired by the upcoming film Spider-Man: Brand New Day, bringing together two brands known for intensity, bold flavors and passionate fans.

Takis x 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day'

Right now, select Takis rolled tortilla chip flavors are available in Spider-Man-inspired packaging designed to turn everyday snack bags into collectible keepsakes. The limited-edition designs will be available across popular Takis flavors including Fuego®, Blue Heat®, Intense Nacho® and Nitro®, giving fans a chance to grab their favorite spicy snacks with a superhero twist.

The collaboration arrives ahead of the highly anticipated release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which swings exclusively into theaters July 31, 2026.

Fans can also score movie rewards through the promotion. Through Aug. 31, shoppers who spend $15 on participating Takis products can receive $8 in Fandango Rewards to use toward a ticket to see Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

The limited-edition bags are part of a larger global campaign spanning 57 countries, bringing together Takis’ signature bold flavors with one of the biggest entertainment moments of the year.

The Takis x Spider-Man: Brand New Day collection will be available through September, with some elements continuing into the back-to-school season.

RELATED: Costco Brings Back Its Viral Giant Halloween Skeleton Ahead of Fall

Kaylee Hottle, the 18-year-old actress best known for her breakthrough roles in Godzilla vs. Kong and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, has died following a tragic car accident in Maryland.

TMZ first reported news of the young star's death on Tuesday, July 21. Hottle's father, Joshua, confirmed to the publication details about his daughter's passing. He also shared a video on Facebook explaining Kaylee's accident using American Sign Language, informing the public that he was taking a flight from Texas to Maryland to claim his daughter's body.

He captioned the video by writing, "I am taking a flight that I never would like to take."

Per TMZ, Kaylee was involved in a serious car accident on the morning of July 21, passing away while en route to a local hospital.

Kaylee and her parents are active members of the Deaf community, with Hottle's alma mater, the Texas School for the Deaf, sharing their heartfelt reaction to the star's death.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that one of our TSD seniors, Kaylee Hottle, tragically passed away yesterday in a car accident in Frederick, Maryland,” the school shared on Facebook. “Our hearts are with Kaylee’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time.”

“At this time, we have very limited information and ask that everyone respect the privacy of Kaylee’s family and refrain from sharing or speculating about the circumstances surrounding the accident,” the institution continued.

Hottle's career first began in a 2017 ad for the ASL translation app, Convo. Later that same year, the producers behind 2017's Kong: Skull Island eyed Hottle for the role of Jia, a young orphan who forms an unlikely bond with King Kong.

Hottle later appeared in 2021's Godzilla vs. Kong opposite Alexander Skarsgård, Millie Bobby Brown, Brian Tyree Henry and Rebecca Hall. Hottle would later reprise her role in 2024's Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.

A brand-new Star Wars book, titled Star Wars: Legacy and written by New York Times bestselling author Madeleine Roux, is slated to hit the shelves on July 28, and Parade can exclusively reveal that the story will finally solve a major mystery about Anakin Skywalker's iconic blue lightsaber.

After debuting in A New Hope as Luke Skywalker's lightsaber that was confirmed to have previously been his father, Anakin's (although no one, including George Lucas, knew that Anakin was also Darth Vader yet), this legendary lightsaber went on to play a key role in all three Star Wars trilogies thus far. Obviously, it returned in the prequel trilogy, as those movies were primarily focused on Anakin's Jedi story and his fall to the dark side of the Force.

However, the weapon returned in the sequel trilogy, with Rey wielding it for all three movies until the reveal at the end of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker that she had crafted her own yellow saber for whatever her Star Wars future held—yet another mystery that, currently, remains unanswered.

Anakin's saber's appearance in The Rise of Skywalker was particularly surprising, though, as the previous movie, Star Wars: The Last Jedi had seen the weapon ripped apart, torn between Rey and Kylo Ren. Star Wars had yet to reveal how the lightsaber had been repaired—sort of another "Somehow, Palpatine returned" situation—but now, Star Wars: Legacy, which focuses on Princess Leia Organa and Rey between the events of The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, has given an answer.

An excerpt, exclusively shared with Parade, reads:

"Rey sped through the corridor of the ship, hammering her fist on the
button to lower the ramp. Outside, dawn spread its pink and purple
fingers across the sky. A light rain fell, a luxury Rey still wasn’t used
to, even if Jakku felt like a far distant memory. The rain felt even
better that morning, full of promise. Revitalizing. She and Chewie
would take the Falcon for a quick diversion to Tython, using the
coordinates to find this hidden forge. There Rey would repair the
crystal, house it at last in the rebuilt hilt, and return to Pacara with
renewed energy to take on the fight. She needed this, this little
sojourn, this time alone to get her thoughts in order. The First Order
had them on the run, and while there had been a few minor victories
since the Battle of Crait, there was no denying their position was
precarious. Every day seemed to bring a new challenge, a new
threat, and as the sole Jedi with the Resistance, the sole Jedi in the
galaxy, it was up to her to never waver in confidence.
Not in front of anyone else, anyway.
She had hoped to find the command center nestled in the tunnels
relatively empty at that early hour. Instead, she found herself
stumbling into an ongoing meeting. General Organa stood at the
center of the gathering. Rey usually had the chance to opt out of
Lieutenant Connix’s briefings, insisting that her training took
precedence, excusing her from the duller day-to-day requirements of
running their operation. She could tell they were surprised to see
her. Poe Dameron, black hair perfectly coiffed despite the early hour,
acknowledged her with a toss of his head, continuing to the others
with, “We still need evac plans, mobilization specs, and, maybe most
important, flight path falsification records for three more shuttles of
volunteers.”

“I can make sure they’ve got someplace to recover,” Finn hurried to
add. “Feel like I could snap together those shelters in my sleep at
this point.”
While the briefing continued, Leia seemed to be watching her. Rey
hovered on the edge of the group, matching the bounce of her leg to
the scanner pings coming from the monitoring station to her left. The
clay floor had been packed hard by Resistance boots. Long, tall
screens filled the space behind Leia, green lanterns strung along the
ceiling lending a forested light, a welcome bright touch in the
otherwise gloomy warrens. It felt like the inner chambers of a seed,
luminous and close. Rose dived into a list of new First Order
operations discovered by their scouts and spies. Fleet activity in the
Terrabe and Rayter sectors. Skirmishes over Ryloth. She played an
intercepted propaganda broadcast from her home planet, Hays
Minor, where the First Order had lost two soldiers killed in an
ambush.
“Who’s left on Hays Minor?” Finn interjected, leaning with arms
crossed against the scanner console.
“The First Order is extracting everything they can. There are miners
there being forced to work—probably will be until the planet is
nothing but dust, but they’ve been rebelling, trying, in their way,”
Rose said with a small, distant smile. “There are more resources on
Hays Major. They must be coordinating with resistance cells there.
This transmission came from someone calling herself the Edge of
Dawn, but it sounds like their team went dark, scattered.”
“Can we pick them up? Bring them in?” Poe asked, his eyes down
as he continued consulting his datapad.
Rose shook her head. “Hm, maybe, but not until they resurface. And
it would take some convincing. There were hard feelings when so
many of us left to fight with the Resistance.”
The little BB unit that followed Poe everywhere spun in a circle
excitedly at the sight of Rey. Usually, she would spare a few minutes
to greet BB-8, but she was in a rush.
Rey’s eyes danced with urgency, and Leia was quick to respond.

“If you’ll excuse me,” the general said, ducking out of the group and
going to Rey. “You found something.”
“Yes—well, Threepio found it, not me, but we have coordinates for a
forge.”
Leia’s brown eyes widened. “A lightsaber forge?”
Rey nodded. “It was hidden in the texts, the location written in a
cipher. The Forge for the Broken.”
“Sounds promising.”
“Which is why I have to go. Right away. I’ll just take Chewie and
Threepio. You won’t even miss us.”
Leia nodded, serious. Coming to Rey’s side, she reached out and
brushed her hand over the scorched hip bag attached to Rey’s belt.
“I won’t be able to miss you. I’m coming along.” Rey’s stomach
dropped. Lowering her voice, Leia added just for her, “I told you,
you’re not alone. Whatever Luke taught me, it’s yours.”
“But . . . but they need you here.” She shied away.
“I don’t think so. They’ll manage.” Turning at the waist, Leia called
back to the others engrossed in their meeting. It had become
suspiciously quiet. “You’ll be fine here without me, right?”
“Sorry?” Poe snorted back.
“You’re terrible eavesdroppers,” Leia muttered. “This war doesn’t
have only one front, you know that. Rey is needed elsewhere, just
for now, and I’m going with her.” She raised her voice, addressing
the whole room. “Evacuation plans, mobilization, flight records for
Bek,” Leia re-peated, delegating with a pointed finger as she went
down the list. “Save any broadcasts, lies or not. We want to know
what the message is. It might give away their next steps. Keep
Rose’s scanners up and running; they work.”
Finn lowered his head with a groan.
“I know. The storms are a nuisance, and machines hate moisture,
but you’ll figure something out.”
Rey was numb with cold. What if she lost the Resistance their
general? Part of her was desperate for the help, the company, but another part of her burned with dread. She had tried and failed to
heal the kyber crystal several times now, each attempt more
frustrating than the last, and every time the specter of Kylo Ren
appeared to her. It would be that much harder if his mother, of all
people, was there beside her. She was trying to escape the thought
of him, not keep a living, breathing re-minder close at hand. The old
saying “Never meet your heroes” seemed to apply to her in a
specifically punitive way, like her mere presence was a death mark.
She couldn’t take another loss on her conscience. Besides, the
Resistance needed Leia. Rey would find the path alone, as she
always had.
“I can do this on my own.”
“I know you can, but you shouldn’t have to,” Leia replied in a
respectful undertone. Warm but with no room for argument. “Check
in with Zay Versio when you can,” she said loudly again to those in
the room. “We need options if the First Order discovers us here.”
“Her last communication indicated that she was headed for the
Cademimu sector,” Connix said, taking copious notes on her
datapad, bun-haired head bobbing up and down with concentration.
A strange expression flitted across Leia’s face, then her eyes
focused more intently on Rey. “That’s as good a sign as any.” And
with that, she swept out of the command center, the short train of her
dark-blue cape fluttering behind her like tattered wings. Rey
shrugged helplessly and hurried out of the tunnels after her.
“Sign? What sign?”
“Ajan Kloss is in that sector. It’s where Luke began training me.”
It wasn’t supposed to go like this. Maybe she should’ve just left with-
out telling anyone, but the Falcon was a Resistance asset. She was
a Resistance asset. The veil of drizzling rain had lifted, leaving the
world outside the caves slick and almost blinding under the early-
morning sun. A-wings on the landing pad glimmered like shards of
bone, the prefab shelters egg-white and shining. All the moss and
mud had been washed away. Rey’s mind spun forward and
backward as she tried to
come up with the right way to argue Leia out of her decision.

“But you said he didn’t teach you anything about—”
“Fixing a crystal,” Leia finished for her. They had almost reached the
small plasticene hut where Leia was staying. R2-D2 waited for them
in the open doorway. “But he did train me for half a year. Which is
more than nothing, and that more than nothing should be yours.”
Rey stopped and threw a look over her shoulder toward the
command center. Members of the Resistance had trickled out and
up the slope, standing in the shadow cast by the towers, either
because the briefing had concluded or because curiosity had gotten
the better of them.
“Ah. You’re worried they can’t survive without one of us,” Leia added.
She gestured for R2-D2 to follow them, and they started off toward
the Falcon, itself sparkling after the rain shower. That did little to
detract from the dings and dents, but somehow it made the ship look
at least clean enough for another adventure.
“It sounds arrogant when you put it like that,” Rey muttered. “Not
arrogant, prudent. You’ve saved us before.”
On Crait, the Resistance had been backed into a single, narrow
cave without an exit while the forces of the First Order left a blood-
red path across the salt flats, intent on finishing the job. Rey had
arrived in the Millennium Falcon just in time to provide a means of
escape. The image of their relieved faces was burned into her
memory. That picture floated up before her as she looked at Finn,
Poe, Rose, Connix, BB-8 . . .
Leia ducked into the hut, leaving Rey with her squirming thoughts.
What if he comes for them while I’m gone? What if I’m not here to
protect them?
A moment later, Leia reappeared, this time carrying a small case.
R2-D2 wheeled up beside her. Poe glanced at the others and tugged
on Finn’s and Rose’s sleeves until they relented and shuffled back
into the warrens, though Finn hesitated long enough to give Rey a
quick wave goodbye.
“Will this forge help you finish the lightsaber?” Leia asked, direct.
Rey nodded. Kyber. A forge. “It’s the best lead we have.”

Leia’s eyebrows rose. “‘We’?”
“I just meant that—”
“And will rebuilding your lightsaber help you protect the Resistance?”
Rey set her jaw. “Yes.”
“Then you have your answer.” Leia smiled at her, nodding toward the
Falcon on the landing pad."

Credit: Reprinted from Star Wars: Legacy by Madeleine Roux. © 2026 by Lucasfilm Ltd. Published by Random House Worlds, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.