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Today — 3 July 2025Us Weekly News

How Country Stars' Hometowns Shape Their Music: Carly Pearce and More

3 July 2025 at 06:04

 

Country music is a hallmark of America — but where do some of today’s biggest artists get their inspiration?

Scotty McCreery and Carly Pearce are among the many country artists who turn to the people and places they grew up in to shape their music and their ever-changing musical dreams.

The singers — as well as members of Old Dominion and other A-listers from the genre — exclusively tell Us Weekly in the “Country Artists Celebrate America” issue which locations make them feel most at home in the U.S.A.

Scroll down to see which country stars a.k.a Us’ “hometown heroes” attribute their all-American upbringing to their success as we head into Fourth of July weekend.

Plus, pick up the latest issue of Us Weekly, on newsstands now for more from the “Country Artists Celebrate America” feature.

Scotty McCreery

Country Stars Scotty McCreery Carly Pearce and More Share Their Hometown Heroes
Scotty McCreery. John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA

Hometown: Garner, North Carolina

“I grew up on the same street as my bud — dies that I’m still best friends with today,” the season 10 American Idol winner exclusively tells Us. “We went to school together, played baseball together, went to church together. I remember the first time I sang in front of my friends. I was just nervous as all get out. It was a pool party … and it went well. So, I was like, ‘Oh, maybe I’ll keep doing this!’”

Carly Pearce

Country Stars Scotty McCreery Carly Pearce and More Share Their Hometown Heroes
Carly Pearce. Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ABA

Hometown: Taylor Mill, Kentucky

“That’s the town that made me,” the Grammy winner tells Us while hosting Carly’s Closet to benefit the CMA Foundation. “I think about my grandparents a lot. They knew that country music was what I wanted to do. And even today I was texting with my mom, and I was like, ‘Can you believe that I’m singing with Rascal Flatts at CMA Fest in the stadium?’ All these years later, it’s still a very wild thing to think about all of the shows. I’m very, very proud to be from there. It’s definitely the heart of who I am.”

Brad Tursi

Country Stars Scotty McCreery Carly Pearce and More Share Their Hometown Heroes
Brad Tursi. Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

Hometown: Westport, Connecticut

“I was lucky enough to grow up right on the water on the Long Island Sound,” the Old Dominion guitarist tells Us. “I spent a lot of days and nights on boats just hanging out with friends, wakeboarding, that kind of thing.” (The band will release their sixth album, Barbara, on August 22, and are currently on the How Good Is That World Tour.)

Matthew Ramsey

Country Stars Scotty McCreery Carly Pearce and More Share Their Hometown Heroes
Matthew Ramsey. Mindy Small/Getty Images

Hometown: Buchanan, Virginia

“I grew up in a very small town. It’s about 900 people and everybody knows everybody, and that entire community has supported us on our journey,” the Old Dominion lead singer tells Us. “It’s a beautiful place with a lot of love. [As a kid], I remember loving riding my bike on all the three streets that were there! It was a great place to grow up.”

Geoff Sprung

Country Stars Scotty McCreery Carly Pearce and More Share Their Hometown Heroes
Geoff Sprung. Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Hometown: Richmond, Virginia

“I grew up in Northern Virginia, and I miss all the cool free museums,” the Old Dominion drummer exclusively shares with Us. “A favorite memory is learning to play music with people while growing up being in garage bands.”

Trevor Rosen

Country Stars Scotty McCreery Carly Pearce and More Share Their Hometown Heroes
Trevor Rosen. Mark Horton/Getty Images

Hometown: Woodhaven, Michigan

“I grew up in the Detroit area, so the music history is amazing. We have Motown and so much good music,” the Old Dominion guitarist and keyboardist tells Us. “We have great sports teams. And it’s Michigan, so you drive a few hours and you’re in the most beautiful outdoor landscape. People don’t think of Michigan when they think of country, but I grew up fishing and hunting, doing all the things we sing about.”

Harper Grace

Country Stars Scotty McCreery Carly Pearce and More Share Their Hometown Heroes
Harper Grace. Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Hometown: McKinney, Texas

“My grandparents live in West Texas, and my favorite memory is my grandmother playing the accordion,” the American Idol alum says, referring to their home in Midland-Odessa, Texas. “It’s why I fell in love with country music. She’d play all the classics like Dolly [Parton] and Loretta Lynn, and I’d dance around.”

Kameron Marlowe

Country Stars Scotty McCreery Carly Pearce and More Share Their Hometown Heroes
Kameron Marlowe. Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Hometown: Kannapolis, North Carolina

“It’s the home of Dale Earnhardt, so racing is definitely in our blood,” the Voice alum exclusively tells Us. “My favorite memory is catching my very first personal best bass with my grandpa, and him being so fired up for me. That was just a sweet moment that I hold onto.”

Gavin Adcock

Country Stars Scotty McCreery Carly Pearce and More Share Their Hometown Heroes
Gavin Adcock. Omar Vega/Getty Images

Hometown: Watkinsville, Georgia

“I grew up on a cattle farm working with my daddy,” the singer recalls. “I’d go to the stockyards. My dad would buy cattle, and I’d go in the back and work with the rough hands as a real little kid. I’m lucky to be here, honestly!”

Riley Green

Country Stars Scotty McCreery Carly Pearce and More Share Their Hometown Heroes
Riley Green. Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Hometown: Jacksonville, Alabama

“I still kinda live in my hometown,” the “Worst Way” singer shares with Us. “I loved that I could get outta school and go see both sets of my grandparents, and if I went by my grandmother Nancy’s house first, she’d call my grandmother Jean and tell her. So, I had to go to the other one and vice versa.”

Parker McCollum

Country Stars Scotty McCreery Carly Pearce and More Share Their Hometown Heroes
Parker McCollum. Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

Hometown: Conroe, Texas

“I still got a lot of family, and I love the pine trees and my grandparents’ barn,” the “Burn It Down” singer says of his Texas hometown. “That was like the center of my universe.”

Brian Kelley

Country Stars Scotty McCreery Carly Pearce and More Share Their Hometown Heroes
Brian Kelley. Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Hometown: Ormand Beach, Florida

“I am a big believer that the people make the place,” the former Florida Georgia Line member tells Us. “I am very lucky. I love where I grew up. My favorite memories are tubing down the Tomoka River. River days, seeing manatees and alligators, I love all that. I still live on the water — living the dream!”

Jordan Davis

Country Stars Scotty McCreery Carly Pearce and More Share Their Hometown Heroes
Jordan Davis. Mickey Bernal/Getty Images

Hometown: Shreveport, Louisiana

“It was a great place to grow up. My favorite memory is AA baseball,” the singer recalls to Us. “We had the Shreveport Captains. My dad took us to probably 100 games. Me, my brother, sister and my dad. That was really cool.”

RaeLynn

Country Stars Scotty McCreery Carly Pearce and More Share Their Hometown Heroes
RaeLynn. Steve Jennings/Getty Images

Hometown: Baytown, Texas

“Everybody truly is rooting for each other,” says the songstress, who spoke to Us while participating in Folds of Honor: Rock ’N Jock Celebrity Softball Game, of her birthplace. “We might leave — I moved [to Nashville] 12 years ago — but when I go back, everybody’s still so proud. And that’s really just the best hometown feeling.”

Country Music’s Biggest Stars Share Their Favorite American Pastimes

3 July 2025 at 06:02

This 4th of July weekend, country music’s biggest stars are ready to celebrate America.

“Being on the lake or in the mountains with my family and friends,” Tyler Hubbard exclusively shared with Us Weekly when asked about the best way to celebrate the festival holiday. “A close second would be playing a sold out show to a ton of good-time-having, country-music-lovin’ proud Americans!”

Before the music plays and the fireworks are launched, a few more familiar faces in Nashville like Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley and Jessie James Decker shared the clothes, pastimes and traditions of the U.S.A. that they love.

In honor of Us Weekly’s Country Stars Celebrate America issue, see what your favorite country singers love most about the USA.

From Outsider to Superstar: Inside Shaboozey’s Journey in Country Music

Kelsea Ballerini

Country Musics Biggest Stars Share Their Favorite American Pastimes
Kelsea Ballerini Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Kelsea Ballerini didn’t hesitate when asked about her favorite food.

“Hot dog. Hot dog. Hot dog. Hot dog!” she told Us while promoting SoFi’s Rising Stars program. “That’s my favorite part about playing fairs — we can get a corn dog, a hot dog, a funnel cake and bring it back to the bus, and it’s a little treat.”

Jessie James Decker

Country Musics Biggest Stars Share Their Favorite American Pastimes
Jessie James Decker Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Jessie James Decker is a proud American and uses her vocal talents as proof.

 “Anytime I’m asked to sing the national anthem, I’m like, ‘Sign me up.’ My grandpa was in the Vietnam War. When I was a little girl — he’s passed away now — he used to ask me to sing [it]. He’d make me turn away. He didn’t want me to see him because he’d cry, it meant so much to him. I loved to sing it for him.”

Tyler Hubbard

Country Musics Biggest Stars Share Their Favorite American Pastimes
Tyler Hubbard Mindy Small/Getty Images

Florida Georgia Line alum Tyler Hubbard had a hard time narrowing down his favorite pastimes, but there was a clear winner!

“Baseball, cars, hats, fishing… there are so many,” the “Back Then Right Now” singer tells Us. “I do love riding motorcycles, and this summer, I’m looking forward to picking up a brand-new custom Indian Chieftain PowerPlus that Forever Rad is building for me.”

Jay DeMarcus 

Country Musics Biggest Stars Share Their Favorite American Pastimes
Joe Don Rooney, Jay Demarcus and Gary Levox of Rascal Flatts Amy E. Price/Getty Images

“Red, white and boom!” Rascal Flatt’s Jay DeMarcus tells Us. “Every summer downtown [in Columbus, Ohio], they’d block the streets off and blow the roof off of that place. It was amazing.” The group’s latest album, Life is a Highway: Refueled Duets, is out now.

Ashley Cooke

Country Musics Biggest Stars Share Their Favorite American Pastimes
Ashley Cooke Omar Vega/Getty Images

“Jeans and boots are a staple in my closet,” Ashley Cooke says. “They personify American style. During CMA Fest, I had on a Stella McCartney denim suit with my favorite cowboy boots, and I love a bustier top with a Wrangler denim coat. These things just remind me of what it means to grow up proud of where you’re from — and to never lose sight of those roots, no matter where your dreams take you,” says the singer, whose new single, “The F Word,” was released in April.

Dierks Bentley

Country Musics Biggest Stars Share Their Favorite American Pastimes
Dierks Bentley Terry Wyatt/WireImage

“One of the greatest American pastimes for this generation is live music,” Dierks Bentley, whose latest album, Broken Branches, was released on June 13, tells Us. “Concerts bring you together. Country music is such an American creation. And tailgating is a rite of passage. One of the things I love about our concerts is how many people show up to tailgate and hanging out with them. I have a Jeep Wrangler I carry behind my bus. We cruise through [and] see them playing beer pong, getting the funnel out. You haven’t lived if you haven’t been to a country concert and tailgated.”

For more from your favorite country music artists, pick up the latest issue of Us Weekly — on newsstands now.

© Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Grand Ole Opry

When Aaron Rodgers Was Last In Touch With His Family Amid Estrangement

3 July 2025 at 06:00

As decades-long tension among Aaron Rodgers’ immediate family continues to simmer, his biographer explained where things currently stand with the quarterback and his parents.

In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, author Ian O’Connor, who profiled Rodgers, 41, in 2024’s Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers, revealed Rodgers was in touch with his father Ed and mother Darla as recently as last year. 

“In the early fall of 2024, there were a couple of hopeful emails exchanged between Aaron and his parents,” O’Connor said. “But by the end of the 2024 football season, the tone of their communication had changed and that cautious optimism about a potential reconciliation faded.”

The emails came on the heels of Ed and Aaron crossing paths at the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament in 2023, their first interaction in nearly nine years

‘He Keeps People Guessing’: Insiders Tell Us About the Real Aaron Rodgers

“Aaron saw his father Ed in the crowd at a celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe and walked over to hug him and tell his dad that he loves him,” O’Connor said of the interaction.

O’Connor said there are “a hundred reasons” for the Rodgers family breakdown, which also trickles down to Aaron’s brothers, Luke and Jordan

“The estrangement between Rodgers and his family has lasted more than a decade,” O’Connor said. “Religion was a big part of it early on – Aaron’s parents built their lives around the Neighborhood Church in their hometown of Chico, California, which was part of the evangelical Christian and Missionary Alliance, and Aaron never connected with it. He didn’t want to be there.”

When Aaron Rodgers Was Last In Touch With His Family Amid Bitter Estrangement 004
Darla Pittman-Rodgers and Edward Rodgers. Courtesy of Luke Rodgers/Instagram

After high school, Aaron attended college at the University of California-Berkeley, where O’Connor said he “got exposed to so many different people from different backgrounds.”

“Aaron questioned and challenged everything, because that’s how he was wired,” O’Connor explained. “He even questioned the role of his family in his life and came to believe that some family members were laying claim to his fortune and fame. And as Aaron’s longtime friend Jordan Russell told me, ‘If Aaron feels his family or other people in his life have laid claim to something based on his efforts, Aaron will then go out of his way to make sure they earn their own way.’”

O’Connor referred to “The Island,” where Aaron will castaway family members and friends who he believes have earned his distrust. 

“You don’t want to be sent to The Island,” O’Conor said, adding that, “If you become a perceived obstacle in his path, you will be removed from his life.”

Aaron Rodgers Slams Interest In His Marriage, Calls Wife a 'Private Person'

Aaron’s current estrangement from his family was evidenced during an appearance on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show last month, where he discussed his recent marriage to his wife, Brittani

In discussing his wedding to Brittani “a couple of months ago,” Aaron mentioned his family, saying, “I don’t talk to” them. 

“They wouldn’t know any information about me,” Aaron added.

For more on Aaron Rodgers, watch the exclusive video above and pick up the latest issue of Us Weekly — on newsstands now.

© Joe Sargent/Getty Images ; Courtesy of Luke Rodgers/Instagram

Marciano Breaks Silence After Exposed NSFW Texts With Mormon Wives' Demi

3 July 2025 at 05:48

Marciano Brunette has spoken out after his NSFW texts with Demi Engemann were exposed at The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives reunion.

The Vanderpump Villa star took to Instagram on Wednesday, July 2, to thank Jessi Ngatikaura for “leaking” his private conversation with Demi, 30.

“Well this is awkward,” Marciano, 32, wrote. “[Demi] literally accused me of s3gual a$$ault & told the world ‘it was a legal issue’ when all of it was just an attempt to scare me & silent [sic] me.”

Marciano claimed he was “never contacted by a lawyer,” adding, “All [because] she didn’t want to admit to the world she was tired of her grooming grandpa of a husband. smh. LMAO to the ppl who believed this.”

Biggest Claims About Demi's Alleged Affair From the 'Mormon Wives' Reunion

Before Marciano became a hot topic on season 2 of Mormon Wives, Demi’s marriage to husband Bret Engemann was already being discussed on Vanderpump Villa. A visit to Lisa Vanderpump’s villa took a turn when Marciano found himself smitten with Demi. They ended the season on good terms, but Demi later called out Marciano for perpetuating rumors that she was unfaithful.

“Nothing happened with Marciano. At the expense of sounding rude, there wasn’t even a remote attraction to him. It sucks that women can’t be kind and friendly and even playful with men in this world without it being taken as, like, you’re open. I had a rock on my finger the entire time I was there,” she exclusively told Us Weekly in May. “I brought up my marriage multiple times and they were told that we were married women — so it sucks that we couldn’t just go and have a good time and that he couldn’t respect that.”

At the time, Demi claimed that she was planning to take legal action against Marciano. (Demi also said on the “Viall Files” podcast in May that she “had opened up to all the girls after Vanderpump Villa [and told them] that I’d been groped,” but she didn’t use Marciano’s name.)

“What I am trying to say is that Demi has made some crazy allegations about me,” Marciano wrote via Instagram later that month. “But if that were the case, why are you following and DMing me and giving me your phone number and having a continued relationship after that? It doesn’t make sense to me whatsoever. All I am going to say is there’s so much more of this that will come out and honestly I can’t wait for you to see it.”

He continued: “I really do wish I could speak more on everything but like I said the WHOLE truth will come out soon! I want to make it absolutely clear that I do not condone s3xual assault in any way, shape, or form. It’s a serious matter that should never be taken lightly! But at the same time I do not support or excuse anyone who falsely claims s3xual assault, as that harms real victims and undermines the gravity of the issue.”

The season 2 Mormon Wives reunion aired on Tuesday, July 1. Jessi — who has also been accused of having an affair with Marciano — revealed text messages allegedly sent between Demi and Marciano, which he provided.

'Vanderpump Villa' Star Marciano's Alleged 'Mormon Wives' Affairs Explained

Host Nick Viall read the messages where Demi referenced how Marciano would “sweet talk all the ladies.” Marciano replied, “I didn’t realize I was sweet talking you.”

Demi later sent a photo of herself eating oysters, writing, “Gonna hurl!!” In response, Marciano told her not to be “a baby” before she compared eating the dish to “swallowing c**.”

Marciano joked: “Sooo fun fact about Demi. [She] doesn’t swallow. Got it. I’m never going to be able to eat oysters again and not think about that.” Demi allegedly replied that she “ruined it forever” before sending the clam, eggplant and water emojis.

In a backstage interaction, Zac Affleck had to explain the possible sexual implication of the message to his wife, Jen Affleck. Marciano addressed that moment in his social media post on Wednesday, writing, “ps Zac was right she was talking about her p**sy.”

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives reunion is currently streaming on Hulu.

© Disney (2)

Aubrey O'Day Cries Over 'Gut Punch' of Diddy's Partial Guilty Verdict

3 July 2025 at 05:44

Hours after the verdict was announced in Sean “Diddy” Combs‘ federal trial, Aubrey O’Day got emotional over what the results mean for victims of abuse.

During the Wednesday, July 2, episode of iHeartRadio’s “Aubrey O’Day, Covering The Diddy Trial” podcast, the 41-year-old sat down with CNN’s Elizabeth Wagmeister to discuss the jury’s decision. News broke earlier on Wednesday that Diddy, 55, was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He was further acquitted on two counts of sex trafficking and one racketeering conspiracy charge.

O’Day said on the podcast that she spoke with other victims that day who seemed defeated. “They just said, ‘We’re never gonna see justice,'” she continued. “There’s so many people that have been so disenfranchised in the music industry that they never expected to even see anything good from this. Like, they were almost waiting for another gut punch.”

The singer got choked up while revealing she watched the 2016 hotel surveillance footage of Diddy physically assaulting ex-girlfriend Cassie (born Casandra Ventura) “17 f***ing times” that day. (CNN published the security footage in May 2024. At the time, Diddy apologized for his actions in an Instagram video.)

Aubrey O’Day Breaks Her Silence After Diddy Is Acquitted of 3 Charges

“There are so many f***ing people that feel so unseen. It’s horrible,” O’Day continued, overcome with emotion. “It’s horrible. It’s horrible to talk to them, it’s horrible to see the news moving on. … Like, this is shocking. And this is a gut punch for so many people. People that don’t have lawsuits, people that aren’t trying to make money or be seen. Victims that did not want to be seen or profit off of this, but just regret ever being in his path and being involved in whatever hurt harmed them, and they’re just like, ‘I told you, this is how it works.'”

Aubrey O Day Cries Over Gut Punch of Diddy Partial Guilty Verdict 2
Aubrey O’Day of Danity Kane and P. Diddy attend MTV’s “Making The Band 4: The Final Chapter” live finale at The Hudson Theatre on April 23, 2009 in New York City. Jerritt Clark/WireImage

O’Day noted that she felt more optimistic about how the case would end, only to be let down.

Diddy was arrested in September 2024 and pleaded not guilty to all charges against him. His trial began in May, with the defense arguing in closing statements that the rapper’s “freak offs” were not criminal. Cassie, 38, served as a key witness against her ex.

In November 2023, Cassie filed a lawsuit against Diddy accusing him of sexual and physical abuse throughout their relationship, which lasted off and on from 2007 to 2018. He denied the allegations, and the suit was settled out of court one day after it was filed.

Shortly after the verdict made headlines on Wednesday, O’Day reacted via her Instagram Story, saying, “Wow. This makes me physically ill. I’m gonna vomit.” O’Day revealed on her podcast that she “didn’t see a way out” when it came to Cassie’s sex trafficking charge.

Aubrey O'Day Says She's 'Floored by the Jury's Verdict' in Diddy Trial

“I mean, I can only hope that these jurors never have to watch somebody they love endure everything that we have heard everyone describe,” she continued. “I feel like Cassie is somewhere feeling taking the weight of this in.”

Diddy faces up to 20 years in prison if given the maximum sentence. Attorney Marc Agnifilo asked the judge for his client’s immediate release to his Miami Beach home, but the judge ruled that Diddy should remain in custody while awaiting his sentencing on October 3.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support. If you or someone you know is a human trafficking victim, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

© Getty Images; FilmMagic

Only Amazon Prime Members Can Score These 30 Exclusive Fourth of July Deals — Starting at $4

3 July 2025 at 05:15

With summer in full effect, the Fourth of July is the perfect excuse to indulge a little — particularly if you’re an Amazon Prime Member. While the fireworks are waiting to sparkle in the sky, these red-hot deals are ready to dazzle up your cart. Consider this your VIP invitation to start racking up savings before Amazon Prime Day even starts.

This year, Amazon quietly dropped dozens of Prime member-only bargains just for the holiday weekend — and they’re top-tier. Yes, you read that right: These exclusive discounts page is filled with must-have deals ranging from fashion finds, beauty favorites, kitchen upgrades and more. Even better? They come from shopper-favorite brands including Vera Bradley, Nespresso and iRobot. Prices start at just $4, so you can snag upgrades without emptying the wallet. Keep on reading to shop 30 of the best exclusive deals before they sell out faster than a sparkler goes out.

30 Exclusive Fourth of July Deals for Amazon Prime Members Only

Best Fashion Deals

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Best Beauty Deals

Best Tech Deals

Best Kitchen Deals

Best Home Deals

17 Tummy-Control Bikinis That Are More Flattering Than One-Pieces — Starting at $20

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Jeremy Renner Feels 'Rebirthed' After Recovering From Snowplow Accident

3 July 2025 at 05:00

Jeremy Renner is coming back stronger than ever following his nearly fatal snowplow incident two years ago.

“When you’re told that you’re not going to walk right ever again or would definitely be assisted with a cane or something, then all of a sudden I was running up that driveway,” the actor, 54, exclusively shares in the latest issue of Us Weekly while partnering with Brooks running shoes and the “Let’s Run There” campaign. “Somehow, some way I was feeling really good that day and I was doing some physical therapy and training a little bit, and I just thought I’d skip down and see if I can maybe try to do that.”

In January 2023, Renner was run over by a 14,330-pound snowplow and rushed to the hospital via helicopter. The accident resulted in him having 38 broken bones, a collapsed lung, a lacerated liver and an eye that popped out of its socket. He underwent two surgeries. Nearly three weeks later, Renner returned home to continue his recovery, where he had to learn how to walk again.

When Renner got to the point of giving running a go “10 months” later, the Marvel star admits he was “overwhelmed” while also feeling a “ray of hope” wash over him.

Jeremy Renner Marks 2nd Anniversary of Near-Fatal Snow Plow Incident

“I always believed I would [recover], but now I have some physical evidence that I might actually do this for God’s sakes,” he says. “I planned and believed all my hopes and all my scheming to move through it.”

Renner describes his recovery process as “a 24-hour day job” — and his perseverance paid off.

“I had to spend so much energy on relearning to walk and run. Now I’m back at work. I’m back, hoping and dreaming and discovering joy,” he explains. “Look, I’m rebirthed in a way. I got to wipe the slate clean. It was rolled out of me.”

BROOKS x RENNER 13 Jeremy Renner Talks Learning How to Walk and Run After His Snowplow Accident
Jeremy Renner Brooks Running/Aisha McAdams

Now, Renner feels “stronger than before.”

“I’m not as visibly strong as 10 years ago when I was doing The Bourne Legacy. Maybe it’s better health. It’s health and wellness and mental health and spiritual health and wellness,” he tells Us. “All that’s pretty central in my life. So obviously I feel much better.”

In addition to feeling physical recovery, Renner is also making sure that he has a better work-life balance, especially as a father. (Renner shares daughter Ava with ex-wife Sonni Pacheco.)

Jeremy Renner Says He ‘Died’ While Waiting for EMTs After Snowplow Accident

“Work has always been high on the priority list for me. Obviously, it’s a huge part of my life. The only thing that really has shifted for me is not the projects that I know and I love, and especially the characters that I’ve been a part of and been blessed to be a part of, my family and my time with my family is the priority,” he shares. “My time is my only currency. I died, I’ve come back. I’ve been blessed with another shot at this.”

Renner has taken his newfound strength and has implemented it into the “Let’s Run There” campaign. During his recovery, Renner learned how to run again wearing Brooks running shoes. Now he’s come full circle by starring in a running commercial for the brand.

“There’s such a weird juxtaposition to this broken man, but coming back and a phoenix rising from the ashes,” he tells Us. “It became much more about everyone has certain challenges, let’s run there. Everyone has their own challenges. Everyone has their own specific obstacles, but we’re not alone in this. Everyone’s always going to have some sort of challenge or thing, but let’s run there means that let’s be actionable. Let’s take action and let’s get through ’em together.”

© Brooks Running/Aisha McAdams

Kyle Richards’ Secret for Voluminous Hair Is $20 — And Shoppers Call it a ‘Game-Changer’

3 July 2025 at 04:45

Kyle Richards has famously sleek, straight hair, but even she says it needs a little help to hold shape. “I have straight hair, so sometimes we wanna put something in it, just sort of like lift a little root a little bit,” Richards shared during a recent Amazon livestream while talking about the Keranique’s Lift and Repair Treatment Spray.

It doesn’t just give instant lift at the roots, it also protects against heat damage, reduces frizz and uses a keratin amino complex to help strengthen and thicken hair strands. And for shoppers with fine, limp hair, it’s a game-changer.

Kyle Richards Ditched Spray Tans After Trying This $12 Lotion

“This root lifter is one of the best ones I’ve purchased. It doesn’t make your scalp itchy. It gives you a lot of lift without being hard and sticky,” one reviewer shared.

Another five-star reviewer called it a “game-changer,” adding, “I’m in love with Keranique Hair Thickening, you won’t need a leave in conditioner when using this spray. It’s easy to apply on wet hair and hair is tangle free. Not only does it give me great volume and fullness, but also adds a nice texture to my fine, thin hair color treated hair.”

If your blowouts collapse in record time or your roots just won’t hold shape, it might be worth taking a page out of Kyle’s book. Grab the Keranique Lift and Repair Treatment Spray and see why Richards and so many shoppers swear its their secret weapon for volume that lasts.

Get the Keranique Lift and Repair Treatment Spray for just $20 at Amazon!

Emily Ratajkowski Thinks This Shampoo Is Making Her Fine Hair Grow

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© Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

I’m Constantly Traveling — And These 17 Tops, Pants and Shoes Always Make it in my Suitcase

3 July 2025 at 03:15

My friends have no idea where I am at any given time. Yep, I’m that person. I catch flights (not feelings), and I’ve racked up more frequent flyer miles in the past year than most people do in their entire lives. All this to say, I’ve become a bit of an expert when it comes to packing for trips.

If you’re stuck on what articles of clothing are absolutely necessary for your next vacation, you came to the right place. Below, you’ll find my complete guide to the items that deserve a spot in your suitcase. With these well-rounded picks, you’ll never be struggling to put together an outfit, no matter where you are in the world.

17 Fashion Items I Swear by as a Frequent Flyer

Tops

1. My Favorite: Black T-shirts are a reliable travel staple. You can style it casually, dress it up and even lounge in the tee. Consider it a no-brainer fallback for the days when you don’t know what to wear.

2. Smooth and Sharp: In the same vein as the black T-shirt, I always pack a white and a black bodysuit. This sleeveless racerback style comes in a pack of three and creates a slimming effect.

3. Elevated Button-Up: Every vacation includes a formal (or formal-ish) dinner. Button-up blouses are often lightweight and don’t take up much space. Plus, they instantly upgrade basic jeans with minimal effort.

4. Don’t Forget This! Unless you’re traveling to the tropics, you’ll want to pack a lightweight sweater — almost always. You might not think you need it, but weather can fluctuate, and it’s always important to be prepared.

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Pants

5. My Favorite: Summer travels call for breathable fabrics, and nothing is better than linen. I’ve taken this pair of Quince Linen pants with me to Türkiye, Ireland, London, France, Cape Cod and more because they’re airy, versatile and easy to care for.

6. Old Reliable: Dependable denim always earns itself a spot in my suitcase. The patchwork pockets on this pair add some dimension to the style.

7. Stay Comfy: Long plane rides can get real uncomfortable, real quick. That’s why a pair of soft, cushy and stretchy sweats is a non-negotiable.

8. The Only Skirt You Need: Slip skirts offer plenty of flexibility. Consider this the white T-shirt of bottoms for how it can be dressed up or down and worn for nearly every occasion.

Dresses and Matching Sets

9. My Favorite: I, for one, don’t enjoy chilling in leggings on vacation — especially in a warm location. An informal, flouncy mini dress is my go-to, and this design is so comfy it feels like wearing a night gown.

10. Eye-Catching Sundress: When I travel, my motto is ‘the brighter, the better,’ especially when it comes to dresses. Wearing this vivid floral sundress instantly boosts your mood. Not to mention, it looks incredible in photos.

11. All Set! Short sets, like this tailored vest option, allow you to focus on your destination instead of worrying about how you look.

12. Double Duty: Button-down short sets, including this striped pastel design, are my pick for beach vacations because they work impeccably well as cover-ups but each piece can also be styled on its own.

Shoes

13. My Favorite: If you plan on exploring your destination, white sneakers are 100% needed. Make sure you choose a pair that’s stylish and offers plush cushioning to protect your soles as you get your steps in.

14. Comfy Stompers: I refuse to travel without my Palladium boots. You might think that combat boots are too heavy and bulky, but this expertly designed pick is light as air, cushioned like clouds and adds a cool vibe to any outfit.

15. Strut it Out: Stick with heels that have block heels and soft straps that allow you to dance the night away pain-free.

Bags

16. My Favorite: A featherlight backpack can enhance your entire travel experience, which is why I’ll only fly with Dagne Dover. The medium size bag is spacious and sleek, and I can throw it in the wash at the end of my trip.

17. Crossbody Forever: Wearing this anti-theft crossbody will give you peace of mind during your travels.

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How Khloe Kardashian's Divorce 'Prepared' Her for Tristan Cheating Drama

3 July 2025 at 03:01

Khloé Kardashian credits her public divorce from Lamar Odom for helping her deal with Tristan Thompson’s cheating scandal.

During the Wednesday, July 2, episode of her “Khloé in Wonder Land” podcast, the Good American cofounder, 41, answered a question about a time in her life she felt like the “strongest version” of herself, prompting her to reminisce on her romantic history.

Kardashian was nine months pregnant with her first child, daughter True, in April 2018 when news broke that her then-boyfriend, Thompson, had been cheating on her. Seven years later, the reality TV star reflected on how her previous relationship breakdown had “prepared” her for dealing with another traumatic episode in her love life.

“With me and my ex-husband, me going through such a public divorce and handling that,” she began. “It was a great love that was now lost and that whole thing. It was so public, so public that I’ve never dealt with something like that before, but I dealt with it, and I had my family support and all of that.”

Khloe Kardashian Talks Lamar Sex Tape, Tristan Cheating on 'Call Her Daddy'

Kardashian filed for divorce from Odom, 45, in December 2013 after four years of marriage. The couple finalized their legal separation in December 2016.

According to Kardashian, her split from Odom “was a stepping stone, if you will, for the next big traumatic thing that happened to me, [which] was when Tristan cheated on me right before I gave birth.”

“Obviously, no one can prepare you for something like that,” the Kardashians star said. “And it wasn’t the cheating. That’s like, ‘Oh, people get cheated on.’ It was more that I was nine months pregnant, I was having a baby two days later, and it was so public and it was everywhere.”

She continued, “I think I handled it the best that I knew how because I almost got a little experience of it, or a lot of experience from it, from my divorce with Lamar. So it sort of prepared me.”

Khloe's Most Honest Quotes About Tristan: Infidelity, Coparenting and More

Kardashian admitted that had it not been for her previous divorce, she might not have been able to navigate the fallout of Thompson’s cheating scandal.

“If it was just the one-off situation and you have these newly fresh hormones, just trying to be a first-time mom and be present in this moment and experience this moment … I don’t know if I would have been able just to handle that isolated incident,” she said.

Looking back now, Kardashian said, “For how I handled so many of those moments in my life, I’m really proud of myself for the way I handled them.”

She added, “I think when you overcome those experiences, you feel really strong.”

Kardashian and Thompson, 34, welcomed True, 7, in April 2018 followed by son Tatum, 2, via surrogate in July 2022. The couple called off their relationship in June 2021, though they remain committed to coparenting their two children.

© Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Liverpool Soccer Player Diogo Jota Killed in Car Crash at 28

3 July 2025 at 02:19

Portuguese soccer player Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, were killed in a car crash in Zamora, Spain, in the early hours of Thursday, July 3. They were 28 and 25, respectively.

Jota had just tied the knot with his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, less than two weeks prior.

“The information we have so far is that the car, which was a Lamborghini, was in a road traffic accident and left the road due to a tire blowout while overtaking,” the Spanish Guardia Civil told BBC News. “It was in the early hours, 00:30 BST, in the municipality of Cernadilla in the province of Zamora.”

“The car caught on fire, and the two occupants were killed,” the local police force said, confirming the identities of the two people as Jota and Silva.

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Jota played as a forward for the English Premier League team Liverpool F.C.

The soccer team said in a statement via its website, “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.”

“Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support,” the statement continued.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said in a statement via X, “The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal’s name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic. I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sport.”

In a statement to the BBC, Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca said: “The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, this early morning, in Spain.”

“Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 international appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself,” Proenca continued.  “On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre Silva, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, they played their football.”

“The loss of Diogo and Andre represent irreplaceable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything, daily, to honor their legacy,” he added.

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Jota tied the knot with Cardoso, with whom he has three young children, on June 22, sharing pictures from their wedding day via social media at the time.

“June 22, 2025 • Yes to forever ♾,” Jota captioned a series of photos from their nuptials on Saturday, June 28.

On Monday, June 30, Cardoso shared snaps of herself in her wedding dress via her own Instagram along with the caption, “My dream came true 🤍.”

Jota commented on the post: “But I’m the lucky one 😍.”

© Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

17 Curve-Slimming Summer Dresses That Hide Love Handles — Starting at $18

3 July 2025 at 02:15

Just because summer dresses are all about showing off your shape, doesn’t mean you can’t conceal problem areas. With the right dress silhouettes, non-clinging fabrics and smart draping, pesky love handles can disappear instantly. And yes, that’s all without shapewear. We found 17 stylish dresses on Amazon that do it all, starting at just $18.

These popular slimming summer dresses are designed to smooth the silhouette while still keeping your style on point. Think: curve-flattering wrap dresses, cleverly placed ruching and tiered styles that totally mask bumps. The best part? They don’t require a premium Spanx price now that they’re all under $55 — but only for a limited time.

17 Curve-Slimming Summer Dresses That Totally Hide Love Handles

Easy Everyday Essentials

1. Our Favorite: As the top-selling dress on Amazon, this floral wrap style is guaranteed to flatter many body types, per reviewers.

2. Has Pockets: Combining fashion and function is this tiered midi dress that glides over curves and even includes pockets.

3. Wrap-Dress Wonder: Highlight the waist with this stunning wrap dress that has a customizable tie detail.

4. Comfort is Key: If comfort is the key to your closet, add this belted T-shirt dress that’s made with soft and breathable fabrics.

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5. Must-Have Maxi: Wear this loose maxi dress if you want a style that doesn’t cling to the curves.

Brunch-Ready Beauties

6. Our Favorite: This smocked-waist maxi dress covers love handles so cleverly, you’ll forget they’re even there.

7. Trending and Tiered: We love the way this tiered maxi dress provides both a flattering silhouette as well as a soft and breezy fabric.

8. Boutique Style: Channel high-end style in this boutique-looking mini dress that’s made with curve-hiding embroidered fabric.

9. Rich-Looking: Look like a rich mom in this ultra-chic halter dress that comes in an array of expensive-looking prints.

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Date Night Styles

10. Our Favorite: Bring effortless romance to your summer date nights with this belted-waist midi dress. The sheer, Swiss dot fabric is just darling!

11. Throw On and Go: This chic mini shift dress was made for throwing on when last-minute dinners are added to the schedule.

12. Boho Babe: Wear this flowy maxi dress when you want to channel the boho aesthetic — or conceal bloating.

13. Seriously Slimming: Hide problem areas with this curve-flattering shirt dress that accentuates only the waist.

For Vacations and Special Events

14. Our Favorite: A number one new release on Amazon, this short-sleeve floral dress drapes elegantly over any silhouette.

15. Halter Hero: Look hot and feel cool on vacation in this halterneck mini dress that has a smock-waist silhouette.

16. Tropical-Inspired: With a camouflage-like leaf print, this tropical-inspired maxi dress will make love handles impossible to spot.

17. Cellulite-Smoothing: The smoothing fabric on this wrap-waist maxi dress seamlessly hide lumps and bumps.

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© Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

Shh... These Zara-Style Pieces Are All Over 50% Off — And Start at Just $7

3 July 2025 at 01:15

It’s almost the Fourth of July! We like the fireworks, but we love the deals more. Speaking of, Amazon’s sale section is secretly overflowing with summery, expensive-looking outfit pieces that scream ‘Zara’.

With picnics, patio parties, beach days and summer vacations in full swing, there’s no time like the present to refresh your wardrobe. These 17 dresses, tops, jumpsuits, pants and more are guaranteed to make you look Hamptons-rich. The catch? These deaks won’t last for long. Secure your new go-to outfit for 50% off — at least!

17 Zara-Style Pieces On Sale for Over 50% Off

1. Our Favorite: Have you ever seen such a dainty dress? This ruffle-strap maxi is Amazon’s Choice for a reason.

2. $12 Staple: Stretchy and chic, this wear-everywhere beach dress gives pure Santorini energy.

3. Compliment-Magnet: Look no further for a flowy tank top to wear with jeans, shorts and maxi skirts.

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4. In-Office Days: Over 14,000 shoppers give these trendy trousers five stars. Wear them from work to cocktail hour.

5. Flattering Find: A curved seam makes your legs look model-long. This knee-length dress fits like a glove!

6. Trend Alert: At just $7, we’re grabbing a few of these simple tees with sweat-wicking fabric.

7. Boho Babe: Tank dresses, like this this skin-soft mini are the easiest way to look effortlessly put-together.

8. Country Club: Turn heads in this sleeveless knit top with ribbed material, a quarter zipper and a loose fit.

9. Wedding Guest: Mood-boosting is an understatement with this summery sundress. Bonus: The halter neckline elongates your torso.

10. Square-Neck Wonder: Over 3,000 fashionistas bought this puff-sleeve top last month alone. Don’t miss the trend!

11. Cotton-Blend Jeans: These straight-leg denim pants are ultra-breathable with a stretchy high waistband.

12. Timeless Style: Nothing says ‘rich mom’ quite like this short-sleeve maxi dress with a trendy leopard print.

13. Classy Knit: Everyone needs a lightweight cardigan for quick coffee runs and late-night bonfires.

14. Three-Quarter Sleeves: Dress this relaxed-fitting top up with dress pants or down with leggings.

15. Elevated Tank: It’s hard to imagine life before this upgraded tank top. The summer white variety is 60% off!

16. Hidden Pockets: This Parisian-looking T-shirt dress is perfect for brunches, walks and trips to the farmer’s market.

17. Capris, Please: In case you missed it, capris are totally in again. Nail the look with these tie-waist palazzo pants.

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© Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

3 New Hulu Movies with at Least 90 Percent on Rotten Tomatoes (July 2025)

3 July 2025 at 01:15

A new month means new movies to stream on Hulu, and July has plenty of treasures for subscribers to find and watch.

A great way to determine which movies are the best is to look up their score on Rotten Tomatoes, which aggregates critical reviews and assigns them a number on its Tomatometer.

This July, a Michael B. Jordan drama, an Oscar-nominated animated film and a horror sci-fi sequel all have at least 90 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and can be streamed on Hulu right now.

‘A Quiet Place Part II’ (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91 percent

In May 2021, A Quiet Place Part II was so hotly anticipated by audiences that not even an ongoing pandemic could keep people away from theaters. The film was a hit, but that was due to its superb quality. It’s the rare sequel that’s just as good as the original and, to this author’s eyes, is even better.

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The follow-up to 2018’s A Quiet Place finds Evelyn Abbott (Emily Blunt) and her two children looking for safe refuge after the events of the first film. They team up with Emmett (Cillian Murphy), a friend of her husband, Lee (John Krasinski), who has lost his family to the noise-sensitive aliens that have invaded Earth. Together, they seek out other survivors — and maybe find a way to beat the aliens once and for all.

A Quiet Place Part II will stream on Hulu on July 12.

‘Fruitvale Station’ (2014)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 94 percent

Director Ryan Coogler and actor Michael B. Jordan scored a huge hit this year with Sinners, but they’ve been successful since the first film they made together, 2014’s Fruitvale Station. The autobiographical drama chronicles the last day of Oscar Grant III, an Oakland resident who was shot and killed by police on January 1, 2009. The movie starts with Oscar having a fight with his girlfriend and then follows him as he applies for a job, attends a birthday party and then becomes involved in a fight on a BART train that leads to his murder by two policemen.

What makes Fruitvale Station so effective is how simple, straightforward and unfussy it is. By placing the audience in Oscar’s shoes for a day, Coogler eschews sensationalism for naturalism and allows viewers to relate to Oscar’s everyday problems. That’s what makes his death all the more shocking — and tragic.

Fruitvale Station is streaming on Hulu.

‘Memoir of a Snail’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95 percent

Among the nominees for Best Animated Feature at this year’s Academy Awards were the box-office hits Inside Out 2 and The Wild Robot, the indie hit Flow and this under-the-radar stop-motion picture from Australia.

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Even though it’s animated, it’s definitely not for kids, as it tells a very tragic story about twin siblings, Grace (voiced by Sarah Snook) and Gilbert (Kodi Smit-McPhee), who are separated when their father dies. As they mature into adults, they hope to one day reunite and live together, but dramatic events such as a forbidden relationship and an abusive foster family keep preventing that from happening.

Memoir of a Snail isn’t for everyone, but if you dig weird animated tales with Dickensian characters, strange visuals and non-traditional narratives, Memoir of a Snail should be in your Hulu queue in July.

Memoir of a Snail will stream on Hulu on July 29.

© Paramount

3 Must-Watch Horror Movies You Need to Stream in July 2025

3 July 2025 at 00:45

Summer may bring the heat, but it’s also turning out to be vampire season on the major streaming services.

The 2025 hit movie Sinners is set to make its streaming debut on HBO and Max barely a few weeks after it left theaters.

That film was an easy choice to make when the Watch With Us team selected the three great horror movies you should watch in July.

Our remaining choices include another major vampire movie that has moved to a new streaming home, as well as an underrated werewolf flick that’s heading to Netflix in a few weeks.

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‘Sinners’ (2025)

Sinners was the first blockbuster horror movie of 2025, and it seems likely to be the genre’s highest-grossing movie for the entire year. Director Ryan Coogler re-teamed with his constant collaborator, Michael B. Jordan, for one of the best modern vampire movies.

Jordan plays twin brothers Elijah “Smoke” Moore and Elias “Stack” Moore, a duo who want to leave the demons of World War I behind them, as well as their time working for gangsters since the war. When the Moore brothers return to their hometown to open up a juke joint, vampires begin preying on the Black community. And one of the vampires, Mary (Hailee Steinfeld), used to be Stack’s lover.

Sinners will stream on Max on July 4.

‘Nosferatu’ (2024)

Stephen King‘s It star Bill Skarsgård adds another iconic monster performance to his resume as Count Orlok in the modern remake of Nosferatu. The original silent film from 1922 was a shameless ripoff of Bram Stoker‘s Dracula. Rather than run away from those comparisons, writer and director Robert Eggers doubles down on the connections and makes Orlock the antithesis of Dracula.

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Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp) unwittingly allowed Orlock to psychically connect with her mind when she was a child. When she becomes an adult, Orlock intends to claim Ellen once and for all. First, Orlock torments Ellen’s husband, Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult), a real estate agent who unknowingly takes his life in his own hands when he is summoned to meet Orlock at his isolated castle. And the count simply won’t let him leave without a fright.

Nosferatu is streaming on Prime Video.

‘The Cursed’ (2022)

Writer and director Sean Ellis puts a fresh spin on some old werewolf tropes in The Cursed. In the late 19th century, land baron Seamus Laurent (Alistair Petrie) brutally wipes out a Romani clan over a land dispute. But not before the Romani unleash a curse that will have dire consequences for Seamus’ children, Edward (Max Mackintosh) and Charlotte (Amelia Crouch).

Police investigator John McBride (A Complete Unknown‘s Boyd Holbrook) arrives in town after the people are plagued by inhuman beasts. John has first-hand experience with this curse, and he knows what it will take to end the rampage. One sacrifice won’t be enough.

The Cursed will stream on Netflix on July 19.

© Warner Bros.

Scheana Shay Recalls Eddie Cibrian Affair: 'Didn't See a Single Red Flag'

3 July 2025 at 00:38

Scheana Shay looks back on her affair with Eddie Cibrian in her new memoir.

The Vanderpump Rules alum, 40, began an intimate relationship with the Sunset Beach actor, 52, in late 2006 while he was married to Brandi Glanville, which later played out on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Pump Rules.

In an excerpt from her upcoming memoir, My Good Side, published by Entertainment Weekly on Wednesday, July 2, Shay maintains that she wasn’t aware Cibrian was married when they began seeing each other. (Cibrian also had an affair with now-wife LeAnn Rimes while married to Glanville, 52, with whom he shares sons Mason, 22, and Jake, 18.)

Shay recalls meeting Cibrian after completing college and moving to Los Angeles at the age of 21. She writes that she had aspirations of “making a name for myself in the entertainment industry, whether that was as an actress, a TV host, or a news reporter,” and landed a job at a cigar lounge frequented by some of Hollywood’s biggest names.

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It was there that Shay “first laid eyes on” the actor. “If you were to ask me when I was growing up what my exact type was, to a tee it was Eddie — tall, dark, and handsome, with dimples. The second we made eye contact, he smiled at me with those dimples, and I melted,” she writes. “How could I not? He’s undeniably a gorgeous human. Our relationship wasn’t romantic from the jump, though the writing was on the wall from day one.”

The “Scheananigans” podcast host says she and Cibrian began a “physical relationship” toward the end of 2006; however, they were not exclusively dating.

“Of course, I’ve been asked a zillion times how I didn’t realize he was married. Why would I have thought he was?” she writes. “He never wore a wedding ring, so I assumed he was single. … This was pre–social media, so it wasn’t like he was posting pics of his family in matching pajamas in front of a Christmas tree.”

According to Shay, at the time, she didn’t have an internet browser on her cellphone and didn’t own a laptop, so she would check her email at an internet cafe. “I wasn’t concerned with Googling this hot guy who said he was an actor in L.A.,” she notes.

Shay says that while she thought about a future with Cibrian, she wasn’t ready to settle down at 21 and began dating Desperate Housewives actor Jesse Metcalfe. That romance, she writes, fizzled out by the summer of 2007, and she “fell right back into regularly hanging with Eddie,” though this time their relationship was more than just physical.

Shay writes that “Eddie came to help me and met most of my friends and even my mother. His best friend also joined us with his son, who was a toddler at the time. We were literally intertwining our families and the people closest to us.”

However, she recalls that she never went to Cibrian’s house — he always stayed at hers. “Did I think it was weird that I never went to his house? No! He lived in Calabasas, supposedly. And I certainly wasn’t making the trek to Calabasas in 2007, when Ubers didn’t exist, and I had less than $1,000 to my name,” she writes. “It was so much easier and more fun to hang out in Beverly Hills or Hollywood, and my place was closer and more convenient.”

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At the time, Shay says, “I didn’t see a single red flag, especially since we weren’t exclusive.”

Eventually, Shay writes that a colleague at the cigar lounge informed her that Cibrian was married. “I didn’t believe it (or maybe I didn’t want to believe it) because I was wild about Eddie,” she admits.

Shay says she confronted Cibrian, and he allegedly responded, “No, that’s insane. Why would you ask me that?”

“It was gaslighting in its most basic form,” she writes, noting that “I trusted him, so we continued hanging out.”

Us Weekly has reached out to Cibrian’s representative for comment.

My Good Side is available July 22.

© Getty Images; WireImage

Journalist Toure Calls Diddy a 'Bored Billionaire Sex Addict' in Interview

3 July 2025 at 00:11

Journalist Touré did not mince words during his appearance in an ABC News Studios special that aired hours after a verdict was reached in the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs.

On Wednesday, July 2, Diddy, 55, was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted on charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

“It’s, like, so far beyond the line,” Touré remarked in Wednesday’s Verdict: The Diddy Trial. “You’re talking about a bored billionaire sex addict who’s like, ‘What weirdo sex thing can we do? Oh, I don’t know! Get Anton to come here to Turks and Caicos.’”

The writer added: “You can’t do that! You can’t fly sex workers around the country. And [they were] doing it over and over and over.”

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The 12-person jury, consisting of eight men and four women, reached their split verdict after less than three days of deliberations. Diddy pleaded not guilty to all charges against him following his September 2024 arrest in New York City.

Multiple people, including Diddy’s ex-girlfriend Cassie, accused him of sexual assault and sex trafficking. The disgraced music mogul denied all of the allegations against him.

The trial centered on claims made by Cassie, 38, and an unnamed Jane Doe. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson stated in the prosecution’s opening statement that some of the allegations against Diddy might “be hard to hear,” as they referenced sexual assault, domestic violence and kidnapping.

Over seven weeks of testimony, the jury heard from witnesses including Cassie, Kid Cudi and Danity Kane member Dawn Richard.

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In closing arguments, Diddy’s defense team claimed that his infamous “freak offs” were not criminal but rather an expression of his sexual proclivities. They also argued that his drug use was personal and not a criminal offense.

As for the racketeering charge, the rapper’s attorney Marc Agnifilo argued there was “a gaping lack of evidence when it comes to the racketeering conspiracy acts. If you find that you’re in the weeds of this great complexity, maybe that’s because it’s just not there.”

Making her closing argument to jurors, prosecutor Maurene Comey stated: “For 20 years, the defendant got away with his crimes. Today it ends in this courtroom. He is not a god, he is a person. Find him guilty.”

 Judge Arun Subramanian ruled after the verdict that Diddy should remain in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn as he awaits his October 3 sentencing.

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Diddy’s defense is seeking a prison sentence of 21 to 27 months, while prosecutors have requested a sentence of 51 to 63 months. Diddy will also get credit for the time he’s already served since his arrest last year.

“I’m floored by the jury’s verdict,” Aubrey O’Day, a singer who was signed by Diddy’s Bad Boy Records, told Inside Edition on Wednesday. “The evidence is there. For me, it’s all the way there. I feel that there’s going to be an instinct for people to want to suggest that the prosecution overcharged, overreached, didn’t do enough.”

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support. If you or someone you know is a human trafficking victim, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

© (Photo by Richard Chapin Downs Jr./Getty Images)

Josh Peck and Wife Paige O'Brien Welcome Baby No. 3

2 July 2025 at 22:12

Josh Peck is now a father of three!

The actor, 38, and his wife announced via Instagram on Wednesday, July 2, that they welcomed their third child, a baby boy.

Meyer Lane, we love you we love you,” O’Brien, 34, captioned their joint post.

The couple shared sweet snapshots of the infant snoozing in his onesie and bundled up in his crib at the hospital.

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Peck’s pal and former Nickelodeon costar Drake Bell dropped a tearful emoji in the comments section of the post, while Southern Charm star Craig Conover wrote, “Great name 🙌. Congratulations you two 🫶.”

Meanwhile, Bob Saget‘s widow, Kelly Rizzo, gushed, “Omg hi Meyer!!! you’re the cutest and you have the best mama there is! (And OMG Paige LOVE the name!😉). CONGRATULATIONS 👏.”

Peck and O’Brien tied the knot in Malibu in June 2017, celebrating their nuptials with family members and friends, including John Stamos. They welcomed their first child, Max, 6, in December 2018 and their second son, Shai, 2, in October 2022.

In February, Peck announced that they were expecting baby No. 3. 

Josh Peck Shares Parenting Advice He Got From 'HIMYF' Costar Hilary Duff

He shared the news via Instagram, posting a black-and-white pic in which he lovingly touched O’Brien’s baby bump. 

“I finally get a minivan. #3,” he joked at the time.

Peck and O’Brien discussed their parenting dynamic in a 2023 interview with People.

“Josh is really hands-on and really helpful, which I’m very thankful for, and he and Max have kind of a very similar energy to them,” O’Brien said. “For me, I’m definitely a little bit more relaxed and calm. I think it’s just a good balance of our different strengths.”

Josh Peck and Drake Bell's Ups and Downs Through the Years

O’Brien, a cinematographer, marveled at how Max, then 4 years old, was progressing into a young reader. 

“So now at night, when we’re reading books, he’s reading them to me instead of me reading them to him, which is a wild thing,” she shared. “He’s really gotten into puzzles lately. His mind is always working. And Shai just rolled over today for the first time, so that’s where we are.”

Peck added: “And physically, Shai looks really good in stripes this month. Those fashion milestones are really nice.”

© (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images)

Zac Affleck Praises Wife Jen's 'Intense' Natural Birth Experience

2 July 2025 at 21:15

Zac Affleck paid tribute to wife Jen Affleck after her “intense” experience giving birth without the use of pain medication.

Zac, 28, took to Instagram on Wednesday, July 2, and reflected on the birth of their third child, Penelope. 

“Before I flood your feed with endless photos of our perfect baby girl, I have to do a dedicated post to Jen,” he captioned his post. “Our doula told her, ‘You have to go to the stars to bring this baby back.’ I don’t think either of us anticipated how intense natural birth would actually be.”

He continued, “It was a spiritual experience mixed with every emotion possible — one of the most bonding experiences we have ever had. It gave me a completely new level of appreciation and love for my wife I didn’t know was possible.”

Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Jen and Zac Affleck's Relationship Timeline

Zac said he’s “genuinely speechless at how amazing women are, what their bodies go through, and what they are capable of. I love you, Jen, and am so grateful for you bringing our beautiful children into this world.”

Besides writing that heartfelt caption, he also revealed some behind-the-scenes photos of the labor process in which he comforted Jen, 26, while she experienced painful contractions. 

“Over here crying. 😭,” a fan wrote in the comment section of Zac’s post. “these are the SWEETEST photos. A supportive and loving birthing partner means more than men truly know. Congrats! These are beautiful ❤.”

Zac and Jen both appear on the Hulu reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. They tied the knot in June 2019 and welcomed daughter Nora in November 2021 and son Lucas in July 2023.

Jen Affleck Addresses Comments Calling Her Pregnancy a 'Band-Aid Baby'

In February, the pair announced that they were expecting baby No. 3.

Jen announced Penelope’s arrival via Instagram earlier Wednesday, writing, “Going unmedicated was truly the most painful but empowering experience of my life. I could not have done it without Zac and my supportive doula! I’m so grateful and so happy that Penny is earth side now.”

Zac and Jen’s marital woes were a major story line on the first season of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which premiered last fall. Zac received backlash for the way he treated his wife.

“I definitely think it was the best thing to happen to our relationship.” she exclusively told Us Weekly in September 2024. “While watching the show, a lot of people are going to think maybe this would break our relationship apart. But if anything, it did the opposite. Being on camera and having those moments happen made us take a step back and actually look at a relationship and make us just see what we have to change.”

© Courtesy of Jen Affleck/Instagram

This Nicole Kidman-Approved Shampoo Set Just Might Be Haircare Gold

2 July 2025 at 20:30

Nicole Kidman may be known for her glowing skin and timeless elegance, but her voluminous, healthy hair deserves just as much attention. The Big Little Lies actress has long been admired for her luscious locks — and if you’ve ever wondered what’s behind that shine and fullness, it turns out the secret is surprisingly accessible. Enter: Vegamour Gro Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner, a celeb-loved staple that’s making waves (literally) on Amazon.

Formulated with plant-based ingredients like wild-harvested marula oil, this shampoo cleanses, nourishes, strengthens and supports visibly fuller hair. It’s a must-have for anyone dreaming of healthier strands without the harsh sulfates or synthetic fragrances. And it’s Kidman-approved? Say less.

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If your hair is feeling dull, limp or just plain tired, this shampoo-conditioner duo might be the wake-up call your strands are begging for. It’s powered by Karmatin™, a 100% vegan silk protein that smooths and strengthens — and unlike traditional keratin, it doesn’t rinse away. That means you get long-lasting protection and shine that actually builds over time.

The shampoo does more than cleanse. It works overtime to revive damaged cuticles and reduce signs of shedding by up to 76% (yes, really). Massage a quarter-sized amount into your scalp and let the marula and baobab oils do their thing. The formula is color-safe, sulfate-free and leaves zero greasy residue behind. You’ll achieve soft, bouncy hair that feels salon-fresh every. single. time.

Follow it up with the conditioner, which takes hydration and density to the next level. With ingredients like organic murumuru butter and ximenia oil, it locks in moisture without weighing you down. Clinical results showed up to a 52% increase in the appearance of hair density after 150 days, but shoppers even say they noticed silkier strands and improved volume in just weeks.

Nicole Kidman’s hair has been the envy of red carpets and movie screens for decades, and now her secret weapon is just a few clicks away. Whether you’re trying to bounce back from bleach damage, postpartum shedding, or just want your hair to look like it gets eight hours of sleep, this bundle delivers. Bonus: You’ll save $10 when you buy the shampoo and conditioner as a duo on Amazon.

Get the Vegamour Gro Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner Duo Kit at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more from Vegamour here and more haircare here! Don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds! 

This Jennifer Aniston-Loved Brand Just Dropped a Hair Growth Serum That Reviewers Say Is a ‘Game Changer’

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© Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

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