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Today β€” 23 May 2025News

The best-selling country musicians of all time

23 May 2025 at 06:34
luke bryan and carrie underwood
Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood are two of the most successful country musicians of the 21st century.

Jason Davis/FilmMagic/Getty Images

  • The best-selling country artists of all time include Elvis Presley, Tim McGraw, and Shania Twain.
  • We used RIAA's data to compile this list based on total album units sold in the US.
  • Only three artists on this list debuted in the 2000s: Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, and Luke Bryan.

Did you know two of the top three best-selling musicians of all time are country music artists?

Elvis Presley and Garth Brooks trail only the Beatles in record sales.

Country music is one of the most popular genres in music, with its own set of stars, award shows, and hall of fame.

We used the Recording Industry Association of America's (RIAA) list of best-selling artists, ranked by albums sold, to pick out the top 25 most successful country musicians of all time.

To qualify as a country star, a musician's output had to primarily appear on country charts, or the artist had to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, nominated in the country genre at the Grammys, or have received nominations at country award shows like the CMAs or the ACM Awards.

Here's who made the cut, from No. 25 to No. 1.

25. Luke Bryan β€” 19 million units
luke bryan
Luke Bryan has been a judge on "American Idol" since 2018.

Getty

24. Hank Williams Jr. β€” 19.5 million units
Hank Williams Jr. performs at Shoreline Amphitheatre on October 4, 1997 in Mountain View, California.
Hank Williams Jr. is the son of one of the most influential country musicians of all time, Hank Williams.

Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images

23. Brooks & Dunn β€” 21.5 million units
Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn of Brooks and Dunn perform onstage for All for the Hall a concert hosted by Keith Urban and Vince Gill benefiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum at Bridgestone Arena on December 05, 2023
Brooks & Dunn were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2019.

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

22. Carrie Underwood β€” 22.5 million units
Carrie Underwood performs onstage during "The Denim & Rhinestones Tour" at Madison Square Garden on February 21, 2023
Carrie Underwood won "American Idol" in 2005.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Carrie Underwood

21. Jimmy Buffett β€” 23 million units
jimmy buffett
Jimmy Buffett died in 2023.

Getty Images

19 (tie). Kid Rock β€” 23.5 million units
Kid Rock performs in concert during day two of KAABOO Texas at AT&T Stadium on May 11, 2019 in Arlington, Texas.
Kid Rock was one of the first country rap artists.

Gary Miller/Getty Images

19 (tie). Johnny Cash β€” 23.5 million units
American rock and country singer-songwriter Johnny Cash (1932 - 2003), circa 1965.
Johnny Cash is a country music legend.

Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

18. Vince Gill β€” 24 million units
Singer/Songwriter Vince Gill performs at The OMNI Coliseum in Atlanta Georgia October 01, 1999
Vince Gill is married to the "Queen of Christian Pop," Amy Grant.

Rick Diamond/Getty Images

16 (tie). Toby Keith β€” 25.5 million units
Toby Keith performs onstage for the BMI Icon Award during the 2022 BMI Country Awards at BMI on November 08, 2022
Before his death in 2023, Toby Keith earned 20 No. 1 country songs.

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI

16 (tie). Faith Hill β€” 25.5 million units
Musician Faith Hill performs during the Soul2Soul Tour at Barclays Center of Brooklyn on October 27, 2017
Faith Hill has won five Grammy Awards.

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

15. Linda Ronstadt β€” 30 million units
American singer Linda Ronstadt performs on stage at the Poplar Creek Music Theater in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, July 26, 1981.
Linda Ronstadt's music falls into many genres, including country.

Paul Natkin/Getty Images

14. Willie Nelson β€” 31.5 million units
Musician Willie Nelson performs during the Georgetown to Austin March for Democracy rally on July 31, 2021 in Austin, Texas.
Willie Nelson is also an actor who has appeared in films such as "Thief," "Half Baked," and "Blonde Ambition."

Brandon Bell/Getty Images

13. The Chicks β€” 33 million units
The Dixie Chicks perform at the 45th Annual Grammy Awards at Madison Square Garden on February 23, 2003
The Chicks removed "Dixie" from their name in 2020.

Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

12. John Denver β€” 33.5 million units
American musician John Denver (1943 - 1997) performs on stage at Chicagofest, Chicago, Illinois, August 9, 1982.
John Denver died in a plane crash in 1997.

Paul Natkin/Getty Images

11. Kenny Chesney β€” 35 million units
Kenny Chesney onstage during the 2023 BMI Country Awards at BMI Nashville on November 07, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Kenny Chesney won the Academy of Country Music Award for Entertainer of the Year for four years in a row.

Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

9 (tie). Tim McGraw β€” 41 million units
Tim McGraw performs during the Windy City Smokeout on August 5, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (
Tim McGraw has released 17 studio albums.

Michael Hickey/Getty Images

9 (tie). Reba McEntire β€” 41 million units
Reba attends the 56th Annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on November 09, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Reba McEntire was recently a coach on "The Voice."

Taylor Hill/FilmMagic/Getty Images

8. Alan Jackson β€” 44.5 million units
Singer/Songwriter Alan Jackson performs at The OMNI Coliseum in Atlanta Georgia February 19, 1991
Alan Jackson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017.

Rick Diamond/Getty Images

7. Kenny Rogers β€” 47.5 million units
Kenny Rogers performing on stage, 1978.
Kenny Rogers had a decades-long friendship with Dolly Parton.

David Redfern/Redferns/Getty Images

6. Shania Twain β€” 48 million units
Shania Twain attends the 15th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 24, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Shania Twain is the most successful female country musician of all time.

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM

5. Alabama β€” 49 million units
Country Group Alabama L/R: Jeff Cook, Teddy Gentry, Mark Herndon and Randy Owen open "My Home Is Alabama" Nightclub in Birmingham Alabama September 10, 1980
Alabama is the best-selling country band of all time.

Rick Diamond/Getty Images

4. Taylor Swift β€” 57 million units
Taylor Swift performs onstage for the opening night of "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at State Farm Stadium on March 17, 2023
Taylor Swift began her career as a country singer before transitioning to pop.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

3. George Strait β€” 69.5 million units
American Country musician George Strait plays guitar as he performs onstage at the Tweeter Center, Tinley Park, Illinois, May 5, 2001.
George Strait has a record-breaking 44 No. 1 country songs under his belt.

Paul Natkin/Getty Images

2. Elvis Presley β€” 146.5 million units
Rock and roll musician Elvis Presley performing on the Elvis comeback TV special on June 27, 1968.
Elvis Presley got his start in country music as a young boy in Mississippi.

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

1. Garth Brooks β€” 162 million units
Co-host Garth Brooks speaks onstage during the 58th Academy Of Country Music Awards at The Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas
Garth Brooks has released nine platinum albums, the most of any artist.

Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Read the original article on Business Insider

I spent a day at Universal's new Orlando theme park. These 6 things impressed me most — and 2 left me disappointed.

23 May 2025 at 06:28
Author Megan duBois smiling while wearing heart-shaped sunglasses near entrance of Epic Universe
I was one of the first to visit Epic Universe, an all-new theme park at Universal Orlando.

Megan duBois

  • I visited Universal's newest theme park, Epic Universe, which opened on Thursday.
  • The unique meet and greets and creative food and drink options really blew me away.
  • However, I wish the park had more shade and didn't rely as much on mobile ordering for restaurants.

Epic Universe, the newest major theme park in Central Florida in years, opened on Thursday.

The Universal park consists of five themed worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and Celestial Park.

After a full day in the park, I was blown away by how immersive it felt. I rode every attraction, tasted some of the many food and drink offerings, and met iconic characters.

For those wondering if a visit is worth it, I've put together a list of things that impressed me most at Epic Universe β€” plus two of my biggest disappointments so far.

I love how open and immersive the main corridor of Epic Universe is.
Gardens with flowers throughout Epic Universe's Celestial Park
The greenery in Celestial Park impressed me.

Megan duBois

After walking under the Chronos, the park's main entry structure, you're inside Celestial Park. This themed world is packed with star imagery, plus tons of greenery and flowers.

I loved how wide the sidewalks are and how open this area feels. The floral landscaping and water features really do make it feel like a park or garden.

All of this gave me a great first impression of Epic Universe as a whole.

The park's meet and greets have some incredible characters.
Author Megan duBois petting a life-size Toothless dragon in Epic Universe
I enjoyed the character meet and greets in the park, especially Toothless from the How to Train Your Dragon franchise.

Megan duBois

I love meeting characters from my favorite movies and franchises, and all around the park, there are opportunities to meet icons like Princess Peach and the Invisible Man.

The one character you must see is Toothless, a dragon from the How to Train Your Dragon franchise. The interactive animatronic is impressively cute and lifelike.

I liked how interactive the new Harry Potter-themed world is.
Themed queue area with large wizard posters, lights, and fake sky in the wueue for Battle at the Ministry at Epic Universe
Even the queue for Battle at the Ministry felt immersive.

Megan duBois

There are several Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter throughout the world in places like California and Japan. Even so, the newest Orlando addition focused on the Ministry of Magic is exceptional.

There are so many small details and interactive areas inside the world that you could really spend all day enjoying it.

Even the queue for the ride Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry was breathtaking. Between the giant wizard banners, intricate statues, and lighting design, I felt like I was inside the movies.

I also appreciated that this land had many spots where guests can use special wands to interact with "magical" objects and buildings.

Dark Universe ended up being a hit for me, mostly because it's packed with entertainment.
Dark Universe "portal" entrance arch with stone castle above it
I was very entertained by Dark Universe.

Megan duBois

I typically don't like spooky, scary, or intense things, so I was surprised I really enjoyed Dark Universe.

It's themed after famous monsters and creatures, from Dracula to Wolf Man. It has two rides, and I found myself especially impressed by how much walk-around entertainment was packed into this land.

As I walked through, I passed tons of storytellers and characters ready to interact with guests and take photos. I especially loved meeting Gregor, a funny monster hunter who hangs around at the land's Burning Blade Tavern.

I appreciated how easy it was to get to the park from my room at Universal Helios Grand Hotel.
Pool in front of Helios Grand hotel
I went from Universal Helios Grand Hotel to Epic Universe in under five minutes.

Megan duBois

I stayed at the newest Universal Orlando hotel, Universal Helios Grand Hotel, during my visit. It opened earlier this year and has its own entrance into Epic Universe.

Staying here meant it was incredibly easy for me to walk to the park. I was able to get from my room to Epic Universe in under five minutes.

For me, it's always a win when theme parks have hotels just steps away.

The inventive and fun food and drink options impressed me.
DK Crush float - yellow soda in a cup topped with ice cream, toppings, and a straw
I had to snap a photo of the DK Crush Float in Super Nintendo World.

Megan duBois

I've been to many theme parks over the years, but I still found myself impressed by the creative and delicious culinary options at Epic Universe.

My favorite sweet treat ended up being the DK Crush Float from Super Nintendo World. It's pineapple-and-banana-swirl soft serve in a waffle bowl topped with caramel popcorn and chocolate pieces that's loaded into a cup filled with pineapple soda.

It's a total sugar rush worth trying.

However, I wish the park had more shaded areas.
Sun blazing above fountain in Epic Universe
I don't like how the park lacks shade, especially when the day is at its hottest in the afternoon.

Megan duBois

As I walked around Epic Universe, I noticed it didn't have many shaded spots.

This felt especially unbearable when the day was at its hottest in the afternoon. Light-colored paths throughout the park seemed to reflect the Orlando sun.

Although there are some air-conditioned restaurants and attractions in Epic Universe, I could see this sun exposure being especially tough for young guests or those who struggle with the heat to navigate.

I also didn't enjoy the fact that nearly every restaurant relies on mobile ordering.
Pretzel shaped like a sword next to dipping cup of cheese on parchment paper being held in front of Burning Blade Tavern sign
I wish I could've just waited in line for my food at more places.

Megan duBois

Most quick-service restaurants at Epic Universe rely on mobile ordering instead of having guests wait in line. Although this seems like it could be time-saving and efficient, I struggled to use this system during my visit.

My phone wasn't able to get a strong enough signal for my order to go through or for me to input my table number in many spots throughout the park.

This could also make ordering food a bit tricky for those who aren't as tech-savvy.

Read the original article on Business Insider

How Keke Palmer spends her 5 to 9 — from morning Pilates to drinking whiskey

23 May 2025 at 06:18
Profile image of Keke Palmer on a purple background with icons such as breakfast foods, alarm clock and workout equipment

Charley Gallay/Getty, iStock; BI

Keke Palmer is the internet's darling. She's an Emmy-winning actor, headline-making podcaster, and TV host. Fun, charismatic, and genuine, Palmer can create a catch-phrase in a split-second moment of genius. Remember, "Sorry to this man"?

So, ahead of our call, I was intrigued to find out what Palmer was like one-on-one, without cameras flashing or being on a big movie set.

What I discovered is that she is everything you'd want a celebrity to be: simultaneously relatable (she's also obsessed with Pilates) and somehow otherworldly (she's motivated to work until 2 a.m.).

In the latest installment of Business Insider's "5-9" series, Palmer, 31, shares a glimpse into her busy life as a businesswoman and mother, as part of her collaboration with American Express' Business Platinum Card.

What time do you get up, and what's your morning routine?

I put my clothes out the night before and get up between 6 a.m. and 6.45 a.m. If my workday starts after 8 a.m., I'll use that hour from 7 a.m. to work out: Pilates is my favorite.

When I get back, I'll have a coffee. I'm drinking my water, and I've got my Stanley. Then I'll start work.

Do you do reformer or mat Pilates?

Keke Palmer in a suit on the streets of New York
Keke Palmer in New York in May 2025.

Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

I love them both for different reasons. If I do mat Pilates, it's going to be heated, and if I do reformer Pilates, it's not. If my hair is done, I'm doing reformer, for sure. I don't want to get sweaty on the mat.

The Pilates that I do is not as yoga-leaning, it's athletic β€” not cardio, but very intricate and muscle-building.

It's the moment of my day that I get to myself, even if I'm in a class with other people. It's just me, feeling it, existing in the world, and doing something for myself. It's really meditative.

When you're focusing so hard on what you're doing, you can't think about anything else.

Exactly, girl.

What do you have for breakfast?

I try to eat something that will really nourish me, especially as I've got older and work so much. I love what I do, and I'm trying to extend my ability to keep doing it.

Anything that's a whole food. I love eggs. Sometimes, I have egg whites with potatoes. This morning, I had sweet potato pancakes with a side of yogurt.

It's not that I don't care about taste, I do, but I want to make sure that it's stuff that's going to be prolonging me for the rest of the day. Especially with all the traveling, too.

How do you keep yourself healthy while traveling a lot?

I definitely need a premium travel experience. I use my American Express Business Platinum Card because I can relax in the lounge, get something to eat, and do a little work if I need to.

I travel for work mostly, sometimes getting right off the plane and straight into business, so the peace and the comfort that I can obtain from that kind of experience is helpful when I go in and pitch.

Eating for gut health

What are your wellness essentials?

Keke Palmer at the 2025 Met Gala.
Keke Palmer at the 2025 Met Gala.

Michael Buckner/Penske Media via Getty Images

I have an array of different things that really feed into my ability to stay grounded and at ease.

For me, therapy is seasonal. I think that therapy is good if you're not doing it all the time.

I love journaling, prayer, and any type of fitness, such as Pilates, yoga, and hiking. All of that stuff brings me immense joy. I love a good hike by myself, and I like doing things solo, because I'm always around so many people when I'm working.

I love bingeing comfort TV. It doesn't even have to be the most interesting thing.

Spending time with family is huge for me, especially my little boy. I love to be with him. It's like time stops.

What time do you get home from work?

When I'm on set, I can go as late as 2 a.m., but if I get out at a normal time, then I'm off around 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Do you generally not eat dinner at home?

I usually eat before I get home. And then when I'm back, I try to give my stomach a rest to digest because eating so late can mess me up for the next morning and disturb my sleep.

Are you consciously intermittent fasting?

I don't think of it that way. I think about it in terms of my gut.

I've had a lot of health issues with PCOS, my nervous system, and my stomach, which has always been very sensitive. So, over these past few years, it's been really important for me to understand how to help my stomach and what foods are ticking it off, because when your gut brain is good, the rest of your brain is good.

Once you find out what works for you, it makes a real difference.

A lot of times, they're telling you the things that are good for you, but they're not necessarily good for you. Or they're telling you the things that are bad for you, but they're not necessarily bad for you.

People often say, "No rice, no potatoes," but my body prefers those, and I'm not saying they've got to be deep-fried. I pair that with something fibrous, protein, or beans. That's good for me.

Do you have a go-to drink?

Yes, whiskey.

With ice?

No, I don't want it watered down!

Good point.

Baths before bed and "Girlfriends"

Keke Palmer lookin over her shouler at a formal event
Keke Palmer in February 2025.

MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images

Do you have a skincare routine?

It's kind of simple, but there are certain ingredients I like to use. Niacinamide, over-the-counter retinol β€” not prescribed because I don't want to go too harsh.

I love La Roche Posay Mela B3 for dark spots, and also La Roche Posay's kids' and adults' SPF because it doesn't burn my eyes.

I like oil-based cleansers, especially if I'm doing a lot of performing. Sometimes the makeup's coming on and off, and I don't want a cleanser that's going to be too stripping.

I do switch up products because I honestly think that you have to learn your skin and be able to touch, feel, and look at it, and then define what you're going to do based on that.

What's your nighttime routine?

I love watching TV and oiling my hair while in the bath, using face wash and moisturizer, setting out my clothes, and turning on my bed warmer. It's a warming blanket from Amazon. I put it underneath my sheet, and it's perfect.

I lie in bed. I might look at my phone or journal, drop a couple of magnesium drops in my water, maybe a little bit of turmeric, and sip on that. I have a bean bag eye mask. Sometimes, I microwave it. I put it on my eyes, and I'm out.

I'll always go to sleep to some sitcom like "Girlfriends" or "Gilmore Girls" β€” any type of comfort show.

Read the original article on Business Insider

How 12 celebrity chefs make burgers

23 May 2025 at 06:06
Guy Fieri burger
Guy Fieri makes his burgers with two different kinds of sauce and applewood-smoked bacon.

Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Caesars Entertainment

  • This Memorial Day, you might be firing up the grill and making some classic hamburgers.
  • Celebrity chefs, from Ina Garten to Gordon Ramsay, each have their own burger recipes.
  • Ree Drummond wraps hers in lettuce, while Rachael Ray makes her own version of a McDonald's Big Mac.

Forget boring lettuce-cheese-and-tomato burgers at your next cookout β€”Β it's time to get fired up about something worthy of a celebrity-chef restaurant.

With Memorial Day weekend and grilling season right around the corner, there are chef-approved tips for elevating a classic burger at home.

Potato chips, bacon-tomato jam, and freshly sliced avocado β€” practically every celebrity chef has their own unique list of toppings they have to add to create their own signature burger.

Here's how 12 celebrity chefs make their perfect burger.

Bobby Flay adds potato chips to make his signature "crunch burger."
Bobby Flay
Bobby Flay.

Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images

Bobby Flay starts with four 6-ounce burgers made from ground chuck or ground turkey for the signature burger served at Bobby's Burger Palace.

He then adds American cheese, beefsteak tomato, lettuce, red onion, a homemade horseradish mustard mayonnaise sauce, and potato chips for the perfect amount of crunch.

Gordon Ramsay says seasoning can make or break your burger.
Gordon Ramsay cooking on a stove.
Gordon Ramsay.

Franco Origlia/Getty Images

Gordon Ramsay makes his burger using ground beef and brisket and recommends storing the formed and seasoned burger patties in the fridge before putting them on the hottest spot of the grill.

For toppings, Ramsay adds American cheese, lettuce, tomato, grilled white onions, and mustard mayonnaise.Β 

Ina Garten makes her hamburgers using two types of beef and egg yolks.
ina garten and seth meyers eating burgers on late night
Ina Garten and host Seth Meyers on "Seth Goes Day Drinking with Ina Garten."

Lloyd Bishop/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

To make Ina Garten's "real hamburgers," mix together 2 pounds of ground chuck and 1 pound of sirloin, steak sauce, egg yolks, salt, and pepper.

Garten also adds a small pat of butter to each burger, sticking it inside so it's covered by the meat before adding the burger to the grill.

Martha Stewart adds Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce to her burgers.
Martha Stewart on "The Kelly Clarkson Show."
Martha Stewart.

Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Martha Stewart makes her hamburgers by adding mustard and Worcestershire sauce to ground chuck.

She also recommends adding cheese, tomatoes, raw or grilled onions, pickles, and jalapeΓ±os to make the burgers even better.

Ree Drummond wraps her "low-carb" burgers in lettuce.
Ree Drummond
Ree Drummond.

Tyler Essary/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images

To make these Pioneer Woman-approved "low-carb" burgers, you'll need lettuce leaves large enough to fold over the entire hamburger patty, tomato slices, red onion, avocado, and chopped pickles.

Drummond also adds her own version of a special sauce, which uses Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.Β 

Jamie Oliver tops his "insanity burger" with homemade burger sauce and pickles.
Jamie Oliver holding up a burger
Jamie Oliver.

David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover

British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver's insanity burger comes directly from his cookbook "Jamie Oliver's Comfort Food."Β The recipe calls for a burger patty made from ground chuck steak.

Oliver uses sliced red onions lightly dressed in vinegar and sea salt, bacon, yellow mustard, Tabasco chipotle sauce, cheese, ketchup, pickles or "gherkins," and homemade burger sauce for toppings.

Joanna Gaines tops her "Gaines brother burgers" with drip jam and melted GruyΓ©re cheese.
chip joanna gaines
Chip and Joanna Gaines.

Mireya Acierto/Contributor/Getty Images

In her first cookbook, "Magnolia Table," Gaines shares the recipe for her famous burgers using ground beef, beefsteak tomato, homemade bacon-tomato jam, and GruyΓ©re cheese.Β 

To make Alton Brown's "burger of the gods," you'll need ground chuck and sirloin.
Alton Brown speaking at a Williams Sonoma event in 2024
Alton Brown.

Dana Jacobs/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Alton Brown's "burger of the gods" patties are made with trimmed and cubed chuck and beef sirloin, plus kosher salt.

In the recipe, the celebrity chef and "Iron Chef" host recommends cooking the 5-ounce patties in a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.

Guy Fieri's "straight-up with a pig patty" burger requires many ingredients, including "donkey sauce" and applewood-smoked bacon.
guy fieri holding hamburgers on a tray
Guy Fieri.

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

To recreate Guy Fieri's burger, you'll want to read the lengthy list of ingredients.

However, some highlights from this "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives"-worthy burger are applewood-smoked bacon, heirloom tomato, Vidalia onion, iceberg lettuce, dill pickles, and two different kinds of sauce.

Giada De Laurentiis' game-day burgers are topped with cheese, tomatoes, and avocado.
Giada De Laurentiis
Giada De Laurentiis.

Nathan Congleton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

To make De Laurentiis' recipe for game-day burgers, you'll need 2 pounds of ground chuck.

The Food Network star elevates these simple burgers with toppings like grilled onions steamed with balsamic vinegar and sugar, mashed avocado, provolone piccante cheese, arugula, and thinly sliced tomato.

Emeril Lagasse is famous for his blue cheese-stuffed burgers.
Emeril Lagasse
Emeril Lagasse.

John Lamparski/Getty Images

For Emeril's "kicked-up" blue cheese-stuffed burgers, you'll want to crumble the cheese and form it into small patties. Then, sandwich the cheese between two beef patties before adding it to the grill.

Lagasse's recipe also recommends topping the stuffed burgers with sliced tomatoes, romaine, sliced onions, and his green peppercorn mayonnaise.

Rachael Ray's version of a McDonald's Big Mac calls for homemade special sauce.
rachael ray
Rachael Ray at Burger Bash at the 19th Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival on February 21, 2020.

Manny Hernandez/Getty Images

Rachael Ray's recipe for "Big Smack" burgers uses her own special sauce, which is made with sour cream or Greek yogurt, ketchup, dill pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.

She makes the actual burgers with ground beef sirloin and tops them with the special sauce, yellow American cheese, chopped Vidalia or white onion, dill pickle chips, and chopped iceberg lettuce.

Read the original article on Business Insider

The potential winners and losers from Trump's tax bill

23 May 2025 at 06:02
Donald Trump in a blue suit with a blue tie.
Donald Trump

Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Happy Friday! Let me offer a penny for your thoughts while I still can. The Treasury Department placed its final order for the coin best known for being stuck to the bottom of your car's cup holders.

In today's big story, we're looking at the impact Trump's tax bill could have on your wallet and why bond investors remain up in arms about it.

What's on deck

Markets: Jamie Dimon isn't feeling too optimistic about the economy.

Tech: We have some advice for Jony Ive about his future work with OpenAI.

Business: The creative ways companies avoid using the word "tariff."

But first, one bill to rule them all.

If this was forwarded to you, sign up here.


The big story

Trump takes on taxes

President Donald Trump

Win McNamee/Getty Images

For President Donald Trump's "big beautiful bill" and your wallet: Is beauty only skin deep?

The tax bill passed the House on Thursday and is now headed to the Senate. And while it's still subject to change, BI's Ayelet Sheffey examined how it could impact Americans' finances.

Here's a look at some of the potential winners and losers of the bill in its current form.

Winners

Service workers: The legislation would eliminate taxes on tips and overtime wages.

Parents: The current child-tax credit would be extended through 2028 and bumped up from $2,000 to $2,500. There's also the "Trump account" that includes a $1,000 deposit from the government for babies born in the US from 2025 through 2028.

Residents of states with high taxes: The cap on state and local tax deductions, known as SALT, would increase from $10,000 to $40,000. The issue's been a source of GOP infighting.

Losers

People with student debt: Existing income-driven plans would be eliminated in favor of two options. One would be a standard payment plan. The other offers loan forgiveness after 360 payments for borrowers based on their income level. (The two new options aren't that much worse than borrowers' current options, but the bill shows more loan forgiveness is a long shot.)

EV owners: Say goodbye to those tax credits. And while we are at it, let's add a $250 annual registration fee. Somewhat relatedly, tax credits for homeowners installing solar panels or energy-efficient heat pumps are on the chopping block.

People on Medicaid and SNAP: The monthly work requirements for many recipients would rise. Elder Americans won't get a pass either, as the work requirement for SNAP benefits would extend to adults age 55 to 64.

We accept E.B.T on a door.

Scott Heins/Getty

One group not on the above list would argue it's the biggest loser from Trump's bill: bond investors.

"Bond vigilantes" have been selling off Treasurys and sending yields spiking in protest of the bill.

So what's their beef? BI's Jennifer Sor has a nice rundown on the group's biggest gripes.

The issue centers on the bill widening the US government's deficit (how much revenue is brought in compared to what it spends money on). At last count, that number reached $1.8 trillion. One estimate sees that growing by $4 trillion over 10 years under the new bill.

A bigger deficit means more borrowing, which isn't good for the economy's growth prospects. The more the US has to worry about paying off debt, the less it can spend on services or benefits for Americans.

And if the debt and deficit keep growing, some investors might wonder whether the government can actually make good on its debts (see: Treasurys).


3 things in markets

NYSE trader with red screens in the background

JOHANNES EISELE/AFP via Getty Images

1. Beware "global financial market Armageddon," a famed Wall Street bear warns. Societe Generale strategist Albert Edwards fears the worst as Japanese bond yields spike. Here's how the bond yield surge in Tokyo could affect the US.

2. Jamie Dimon says don't get too comfy. The US is still at risk of a fate worse than recession β€” stagflation β€” he told Bloomberg on Thursday. It's not a problem that can be ignored either. "I think it's a mistake to think we can go through all the things we're going through and the volatility itself will come down," he added.

3. Would you like an AI video with that research note? In response to client requests for more videos, UBS is using AI to generate avatars of its analysts that explain their notes. Thirty-six analysts, or about 5% of UBS' total, have volunteered to take part, and the bank has plans for more.


3 things in tech

Google CEO Sundar Pichai speaks on a stage, in front of a large screen with the Google I/O logo in rainbow colors, during the company's annual developer conference.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai discussed new AI tools and updates during the company's Google I/O 2024 keynote speech.

Google

1. The ins and outs of Google I/O. The search behemoth's annual conference was packed with updates, from Gemini's Chrome integration to its nascent Smart Glasses. As Google preps for the AI era, here are the six main takeaways from I/O.

2. Legal-tech darling Harvey goes into the blue Azure. Harvey agreed to spend $150 million on Microsoft's cloud services over two years, according to an internal email seen by BI. The startup, which builds chatbots and agents for legal services, is scaling up and expanding.

3. Dear Jony Ive, please don't give us a voice-controlled device. The former Apple designer and Sam Altman have been teasing new AI hardware following OpenAI's purchase of Ive's startup. BI's Katie Notopoulos hopes the gadget won't require talking in public.


3 things in business

Wealthy people around a pool

Slim Aarons/Getty Images

1. The jet-setting rich. Nearly half of summer travelers this year earn over $100,000, according to a Deloitte survey. Luxury travel is booming, but if you don't have deep pockets, you may find yourself cutting back during trips β€” if you go at all. The wealth gap may not last, though.

2. Walmart takes a page from the Big Tech playbook. The retailer is laying off 1,500 people to "remove layers and complexity," effectively flattening management. Companies like Meta and Amazon have led the trend to boost efficiency.

3. Don't say the T-word. Instead of "tariffs," businesses might say they have to raise prices because of "sourcing costs" or "supply-chain issues." Tariff-induced panic buying took off in April, but that burst of activity is winding down, Bank of America credit card data shows. That's bad news for the economy.


In other news


What's happening today

  • NATO Parliamentary Assembly spring session.


The Business Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York. Hallam Bullock, senior editor, in London. Grace Lett, editor, in Chicago. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York. Lisa Ryan, executive editor, in New York. Ella Hopkins, associate editor, in London. Elizabeth Casolo, fellow, in Chicago.

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Everything to know about Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's 2 kids

23 May 2025 at 05:56
Meghan Markle looks at the camera while holding her first child, Archie, as Prince Harry touches her back.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry welcomed their first child, Archie, in May 2019.

Toby Melville/Getty Images

  • Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have two children.
  • The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are raising Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in the US.
  • Archie and Lilibet didn't have prince and princess titles when they were born.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's children might be royals, but their childhoods differ from those of other British princes and princesses.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been raising Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 3, in California following their step back from the monarchy, giving their children almost entirely private childhoods that most royals don't get.

Here's everything to know about Archie and Lilibet.

Prince Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor

Archie was born May 6, 2019, at the Portland Hospital in London, just shy of a year after Harry and Meghan's May 2018 wedding. The couple announced his birth on their Sussex Royal Instagram account, which they stopped using in 2020, with a graphic that read, "It's a boy!"

"We are pleased to announce that Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their firstborn child in the early morning on May 6th, 2019," the post said. "Their Royal Highnesses' son weighs 7lbs. 3oz."

"The Duchess and baby are both healthy and well, and the couple thank members of the public for their shared excitement and support during this very special time in their lives," the statement said.

Meghan Markle, dressed in a white dress, posed with Prince Harry, dressed in a gray suit, and their son Archie, wrapped in a white blanket.
Meghan Markle ditched royal tradition by waiting to pose for photos with Archie after his birth.

WPA Pool/Getty Images

Harry and Meghan broke tradition after Archie's birth, choosing not to do a photocall when they left the hospital as Princess Diana and Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, did when their children were born. Instead, they introduced Archie to the world with a photocall at St. George's Hall at Windsor Castle on May 8. They announced his name via Instagram the same day.

In 2020, the couple revealed Archie's name was inspired by the Greek word "arche," which means "source of action." They named their charitable organization Archewell for the same reason. Meanwhile, Harrison traditionally means "son of Harry," making it a natural choice for Archie's middle name.

Archie was seventh in the line of succession for the British throne when he was born, but he moved up to the sixth spot after Queen Elizabeth II died in September 2022. Archie was christened in July 2019Β at the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle, with members of the royal family, including Prince William and Kate Middleton, in attendance.

Royal family members pose for a group photo in a room with green wallpaper and gold mirrors to celebrate Prince Archie's christening.
The royal family was present at Prince Archie's christening.

Chris Allerton/Getty Images

While they were still working royals, Archie joined his parents on a royal tour of Africa in September 2019 when he was just 4 months old, meeting Archbishop Desmond Tutu during his first royal engagement. Meghan later revealed Archie's nursery caught fire during the tour, though he wasn't hurt.

Harry and Meghan also shared a candid holiday card that featured a close-up of baby Archie in December 2019.

Prince Harry, dressed in a navy suit, sits on a couch next to Meghan Markle, who is wearing a gray and white patterned dress. Meghan is holding her son, Archie.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle brought Prince Archie on their royal tour of Africa in 2019.

Getty

Harry and Meghan decided to keep Archie out of the public eye since they stepped back as senior royals and relocated to the US in 2020. He hasn't joined them for public appearances, living out his childhood privately in Montecito, California.

The couple shared a few glimpses of Archie in their 2022 Netflix docuseries "Harry & Meghan," and he has appeared in a handful of Meghan's Instagram posts since January 2025. Her posts don't include his face, though.

Princess Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor

Meghan and Harry shared they were expecting their second child in February 2021, revealing in an interview with Oprah Winfrey that they were having a daughter. In an essay for The New York Times, Meghan said she had a miscarriage between her pregnancies with Archie and Lilibet in July 2020.

Harry and Meghan welcomed Lili on June 4, 2021, at 11:40 a.m., as the couple shared in a statement on their Archewell website two days after her birth.

A black-and-white photo shows Prince Harry looking down at a pregnant Meghan Markle lying in his lap.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they were expecting their second child in 2021.

Misan Harriman; Copyright owned by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Β© 2021

In the statement, the pair said that Lilibet "Lili" Diana Mountbatten-Windsor was born at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California. Lilibet is the first member of the British royal family to be born in the United States.

At the time of her birth, she was eighth in the line of succession, but as of 2022, Lilibet is seventh in line for the British throne.

Harry and Meghan said that Lili's name celebrates her grandmother and great-grandmother. Lilibet was Queen Elizabeth's family nickname, while Lili's middle name honors Princess Diana, who died when Harry was 12.

"On June 4th, we were blessed with the arrival of our daughter, Lili," the couple said in their statement. "She is more than we could have ever imagined, and we remain grateful for the love and prayers we've felt from across the globe. Thank you for your continued kindness and support during this very special time for our family."

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex did not release a photo of Lili's face alongside the announcement. They shared the first public photo of her face on their 2021 Christmas card.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's holiday card is the first photo they've shared as a family of four. Meghan holds her daughter Lilibet in the air, while Harry has their son Archie in his lap.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's holiday card was the first photo they shared as a family of four.

Alexi Lubomirski

Lilibet was christened in the US in March 2023 during an intimate ceremony performed by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, which the royal family didn't attend. Tyler Perry, who allowed Meghan and Harry to stay in his house when they first moved to California in 2020, is her godfather.

Harry and Meghan released another photo of Lilibet for her first birthday, sharing a snap of the young royal at Windsor Castle's Frogmore Cottage.

The Sussex family traveled to the United Kingdom in June 2022 for Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. During the visit, Lilibet met her great-grandmother for the first and only time. She alsoΒ met her grandfather, King Charles.

Like her brother, Lili made minor cameos in "Harry & Meghan" and appears on her mother's Instagram, though her face isn't visible in the posts. Meghan also released a recipe for Chantilly Lili, a dessert named after her daughter, in April 2025.

Archie and Lili's titles changed after Queen Elizabeth II died

Archie and Lilibet didn't have prince and princess titles when they were born, instead being referred to as Master Archie and Miss Lilibet on the line of succession.

The Letters Patent, a royal decree made by King George V in 1917, states that only the current monarch's children and grandchildren and the children of the Prince of Wales can use a prince or princess title.

At the time of their births, Archie and Lili weren't the grandchildren of the sovereign or children of the Prince of Wales, making them ineligible for prince or princess titles.

King Charles III and Prince Harry, both dressed in suits, look at each other as they sit at a round table.
Archie and Lili received prince and princess titles when Charles became king.

Matt Dunham - WPA Pool/Getty Images

However, Meghan also said in her and Harry's 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey that while she was pregnant with Archie, some members of the royal family "were saying they didn't want him to be a prince," which she indicated may have been because Archie is biracial.

Following the interview, Buckingham Palace said in a statement, "The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan."

"The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning," it said. "While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately."

Oprah Winfrey interviews Meghan and Harry in a backyard set up with brown wooden chairs and a low coffee table.
Oprah Winfrey spoke to Meghan and Harry in an explosive interview.

Harpo Productions/Joe Pugliese via Getty Images

After Queen Elizabeth died in September 2022, King Charles III ascended the throne, making Archie and Lili the grandchildren of the British monarch. As such, they automatically inherited prince and princess titles, per the Letters Patent.

Meghan and Harry referred to one of their children with their new title in March 2023, as a spokesperson for the couple called their daughter "Princess Lilibet Diana" in a statement to Business Insider about Lili's christening.

On March 9, Buckingham Palace updated the line of succession on its website, officially calling Harry's children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet for the first time.

Although their titles and place in the line of succession changed, Archie and Lili aren't publicly known to have a relationship with the rest of the royal family. Harry and Meghan's relationship with the royal family is still strained, and in a May 2, 2025, interview with BBC News, Harry said his father isn't speaking to him due to disputes over security for the Sussexes when they're in the UK.

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I've lived in the Netherlands for 10 years. Here are the 6 biggest mistakes I see tourists make.

23 May 2025 at 05:53
A row of houses in Amsterdam. The canal is in the foreground with docked boats.
I've lived in the Netherlands for 10 years and see tourists make many of the same mistakes.

Taiga/Shutterstock

  • I'm an American who's lived in the Netherlands for 10 years.
  • I think visitors should expand their Dutch travel itineraries beyond just Amsterdam.
  • Expecting small talk and American-style customer service are other mistakes I see frequently.

Wandering into a Dutch bike lane is a fast track to two things: a near-death experience and an unexpected lesson in Dutch curse words.

After living in the Netherlands for the past decade, I've seen tourists repeatedly make this mistake β€” and many others.

Whether you're spending a weekend in Amsterdam or venturing farther north to Groningen, knowing what not to do can make all the difference. Here are the six biggest mistakes I see tourists make when they visit the Netherlands.

Only visiting Amsterdam

Buildings in Groningen, Netherlands.
I recommend visiting other Dutch cities like Groningen during your trip.

Sarah Veldman

If your entire Dutch travel itinerary is based in Amsterdam, I think you're making a mistake.

Sure, the iconic city is featured in travel guides for a reason β€” romantic canals, the Van Gogh Museum, and an army of bikers with zero fear, come to mind β€” but there's so much more to the Netherlands.

Instead, I recommend visiting cities like Utrecht, Haarlem, and Groningen. Like Amsterdam, they have adorable Dutch houses and lots of charm, but are generally quieter and see fewer groups of tourists.

Traveling to popular tourist destinations without planning ahead

A walkway in Keukenhof with plenty of colorful flowers and trees.
I recommend purchasing tickets for popular tourist attractions ahead of time.

AaronChenPS2/Shutterstock

If your plan is to wing it in the Netherlands, you'll likely be disappointed.

I recommend booking tickets for popular tourist excursions like Keukenhof (one of the world's most famous gardens, best known for its tulips) or the Anne Frank House ahead of your trip.

Otherwise, you risk spending the majority of your trip in line with the other hopefuls.

Expecting small talk

In my experience, many people in the Netherlands don't engage in small talk β€” although, the weather is exempt from this, as complaining about the rain, or the lack thereof, is basically a national sport.

However, this tends to surprise many first-time visitors. I've noticed people here don't typically ask how your day's going while bagging your groceries, unless it looks like your day has been a dumpster fire. Even then, I wouldn't expect a lot of sympathy.

The Dutch are known for their efficiency and getting to the point, and once you get used to it, the directness is kind of refreshing.

Walking in the bike lane

A woman riding in a bike lane in The Netherlands.
Tourists should avoid walking in the bike lanes.

Hadrian/Shutterstock

Those red paths at the side of the road aren't decorative β€” they're high-speed lanes for cyclists with zero patience. Most importantly, they're not safe for pedestrians.

Pro tip: If you hear a bell, move, and make it quick.

Anticipating American-style customer service

If you're used to American-style customer service where the waiter checks on you every five minutes, the Dutch approach might feel way more hands-off.

In my experience, servers won't typically try to upsell you the truffle fries or ask if you're "still working on that." Instead, it's common for patrons to just flag waiters if they need something.

I also wouldn't stress about tipping. Rounding up or leaving a few euros is appreciated, but not expected.

Booking accommodations in the city center

The Bloemgracht Canal in the Jordaan district of Amsterdam. Flowers and parked bikes are in the frame.
I recommend staying in the Jordaan district of Amsterdam.

Jason Wells/Shutterstock

Booking a place to stay in the middle of the city might seem like a good idea. However, there will likely be lots of noise.

Cities like Amsterdam have quieter neighborhoods, like De Pijp or Jordaan, with all the charm but fewer crowds (and significantly less yelling at 3 a.m.). In my experience, you'll also find more locals, better coffee, and aesthetic shops.

Staying just a little outside the chaos means you can still get the vibe you're looking for, but with a good night's sleep. Your future jet-lagged self will thank you.

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