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The Most Mindblowing X-Men ‘97 Season 2 Easter Eggs

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The Most Mindblowing X-Men ‘97 Season 2 Easter Eggs

By Chris Snellgrove
| Updated

To me, my X-Fans! After a painful wait of nearly two years, X-Men ‘97 Season 2 is finally here. The first three episodes dropped on Disney+, and they are filled with more of the excellent writing, killer voice acting, and breathtaking animation that you’ve come to expect. They’re also filled with something else: more Easter eggs than you can shake a ruby quartz visor at! Unfortunately, it can be tough for even the biggest X-Men fans to clock because these episodes are so chock-full of action and intrigue.

That’s where I come in! I’ve compiled a list of my favorite Easter eggs throughout these first three episodes. This isn’t everything, of course, Honestly, I’d probably need Cerebro and your own stable of powerful telepaths (now paging the Cuckcoo sisters!) in order to track every homage and reference. What were the best ones, though, and what makes them so cool? Put down those Fleer Ultra cards and grab your glasses so you can scope out the best Easter eggs from X-Men ‘97 Season 2!

X-Men ’01

The name of the show is X-Men ‘97. Predictably, many of the comic book storylines the show has adapted have come out of the ‘90s (including Wolverine getting his adamantium stripped from his bones) or the preceding decade (like the trial of Magneto). For the most part, Season 2 keeps this trend going, with the first three episodes borrowing extensively from ‘90s miniseries like The Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix and The Rise of Apocalypse. However, these early episodes feature several characters from Grant Morrison’s New X-Men, a comic that didn’t begin until 2001. 

That was a comic where Professor Xavier had recommitted to teaching young mutants and, as such, his School for Gifted Youngsters was filled with new students. We see several in X-Men ‘97 who are captured by X-Factor and subsequently liberated by X-Force. Arguably, the most important mutants onscreen are the Stepford Cuckoos (powerful telepaths who are mentored in the comics by Emma Frost) and Quentin Quire (an Omega-level mutant who was a Magneto fanboy in the comics, going so far as to wear a “Magneto was right” shirt to class).

Secret Cameo From The MCU’s Most Notorious Villain

In X-Men ‘97 Season 2, half of the team is flung into the far future, a techno-fascist dystopia ruled over by Apocalypse. The other half is sent to Ancient Egypt, where Apocalypse hasn’t risen to power and goes by En Sabah Nur. In a fun bit of parallelism, Nur must find a way to defeat a technologically advanced foe in the same way that the Askani clan of the future must find a way to defeat him. In Egypt, En Sabah Nur’s foe is Rama-Tut, a relatively minor bad guy who looks more like a Scooby-Doo villain than a legitimate threat.

He is a threat, though, and a bigger one than either the X-Men or En Sabah Nur realizes. You see, “Rama-Tut” is actually Kang the Conqueror in disguise. We don’t yet know if X-Men ‘97 will reveal this, especially after Jonathan Majors’ Kang was yoinked out of the MCU following the actor’s legal woes. Even if the show never makes the reveal, though, it’s fun to know that Apocalypse is secretly fighting Kang, someone that Marvel Studios execs like Kevin Feige are desperately hoping we’ve all forgotten!

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X-Force Opening

Okay, so this next X-Men ‘97 Easter egg is admittedly hard to miss. Then again, I know a bunch of you either play on your phones during the intro or skip it altogether, so quite a few fans did miss it. Basically, the familiar intro sequence for the show has been replaced with an intro sequence for X-Force. The new intro celebrates Cable’s ragtag team, which consists of himself, Psylocke, Archangel, Jubilee, and Sunspot. 

The new intro is very slickly edited, and it’s one that all X-Men ‘97 fans can appreciate. You’ll probably dig it even more, though, if you read X-Force back in the day. The premise of the comics was that the time-traveling Cable transformed some of Professor Xavier’s New Mutants into a lethal, militarized strike force. In the show, Cable is simply making use of the resources he has. With most of the X-Men in the past or the future, he simply adds Jubilee and Sunspot to his existing roster of allies so they can collectively investigate Apocalypse in the present day. 

Storm Goes Cosmic

Storm has always been one of the most powerful X-Men. After all, she controls the weather, meaning she can zap people with lightning, whip up tornado winds, and otherwise weaponize the elements as she sees fit. In X-Men ‘97, Season 2, she takes these powers to the next level. With the help of a new ally (one revealed to be an older Rachel Summers), she is able to summon a solar flare, giving their vehicle a much-needed jolt of cosmic power. Even Storm is perplexed by her abilities, leaving fans to ask, “When the heck did she learn how to do that?”

The answer, surprisingly enough, is “since 1976.” In Uncanny X-Men #99, she discovers that she has the ability to control cosmic energy and solar winds, helping her survive a fight against Sentinels in the cold vacuum of space. So, her gaining cosmic powers in X-Men ‘97 isn’t a retcon or a Mary Sue moment, but rather an homage to a cool power reveal that happened half a century ago!

Remixing The Age Of Apocalypse

Arguably, the most Marvel crossover story ever made was “The Age of Apocalypse.” It began when Professor X’s demented son, Legion, traveled to the past, intent on killing Magneto so his father’s dream of peaceful mutant/human relations could come true. However, he ends up killing Xavier, which screws the future over: not only does Apocalypse move to take over the world that much earlier, but Xavier isn’t there to stop him. The result is that Apocalypse takes over the entirety of America, but he is eventually stopped by heroes who are, mercifully, able to reset the timeline.

X-Men ‘97 Season 2 hasn’t directly copied the “Age of Apocalypse” story (at least, not yet), but it has remixed it. For example, some of the imagery of the far future in the show (particularly all the corpses outside of Apocalypse’s base of operations) seems inspired by those classic ‘90s comics. Furthermore, Magneto actively tries to change the future by encouraging young Apocalypse to embrace Professor X’s dream. It’s possible he will change the future in the show the way the professor’s kid did in the comics: by encouraging Apocalypse to make his big move before anyone is able to stop him. 

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Frankie Muniz Divorcing ‘Baby Momma’ Paige Price Muniz

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Frankie Muniz posing on the red carpet with his soon-to-be ex-wife.

Actor Frankie Muniz is opening up about his divorce from his “baby momma,” Paige Price Muniz. After 10 years of marriage, the “Big Fat Liar” performer said that he and his soon-to-be ex-partner have realized that they’re better off as friends. Frankie and Paige first met in 2016, and later eloped in October 2019. They were married at a formal celebration in February 2020.

Frankie, known for his role in “Malcolm in the Middle” and the reboot “Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair,” shared a video of himself and his soon-to-be ex-wife, Paige, dancing with their 5-year-old son, Mauz. In the caption, Frankie broke his silence on their decision to split.

“Life update! Following a period of separation that we kept private, Paige and I have decided to move forward with ending our marriage,” he wrote. “After 10 beautiful years together, we’ve grown in ways that made us realize our relationship feels most natural and strong as a deep friendship and as co-parents.”

Frankie added text to his video that said, “Who says you can’t stay best friends with your baby momma?” (Frankie has since deleted the original video after facing backlash in the comments and replaced it with the post above.)

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Frankie Muniz Says He’s ‘Endlessly Grateful’ To His Wife, Paige Price Muniz, Following Separation Announcement

Frankie Muniz posing on the red carpet with his soon-to-be ex-wife.
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Frankie and Paige’s son, Mauz, was born in March 2021. In his separation announcement, the actor said that his son is the “center” of his and Paige’s world, adding that they’re both “happier, stronger parents because of the love and growth we’ve shared.”

According to Frankie, the 40-year-old is “endlessly grateful” for his relationship with Paige, and thanked her for what she’s done for him and their family.

“She put her own dreams on hold so I could chase mine, and she was always my biggest supporter,” he wrote. “That foundation of respect and friendship isn’t going anywhere. We’re excited to keep building Muniz Racing together and to co-parent our boy with the same teamwork and love we’ve always had.”

Frankie Muniz Previously Called His Wedding To Wife, Paige, ‘Perfect’

After getting married in February 2020, Frankie opened up to PEOPLE about the special day, saying everything about the occasion was “perfect.”

“From the moment of waking up together and jumping on the bed hyping each other up, to helping our wedding planner with setting things up at the venue, all the way to walking down the aisle with my best friend hand in hand with our closest friends and family in attendance. Everything was just so us,” the “Rookie” guest star said.

Frankie asked Paige to spend forever with him back in the winter of 2018 at an annual lantern festival in Arizona. “So thankful this Thanksgiving for my FIANCEE!” Frankie wrote on social media. “Yep, @pogprice said yes! She makes my life instantly better! We’re eating our Thanksgiving dinner at Boston Market, but I wouldn’t want it any other way, as long as [I] have her by my side! #sheismyrock.”

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Another Celebrity Has Divorced The Mother Of His Children

Ryan Lochte and Fiancée Kayla Rae Reid seen arriving at the Dream Hotel party for the Opening of TAO in Hollywood.
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Frankie isn’t the only public figure who’s parting ways with his partner of several years. According to a previous report from The Blast, Olympian Ryan Lochte has finalized his divorce from his ex-wife, Kayla Reid. The pair revealed their plans to separate last summer, and as of July 1, their contentious battle has concluded. They share three children.

“Divorce has been one of the hardest experiences of my life, but it has also revealed a strength I didn’t know I had,” Reid said about the divorce. “I’m grateful to be moving forward with clarity, peace, and a lot of faith in what’s ahead.”

Jelly Roll Says Goodbye To Bunnie Xo

Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO at the 68th GRAMMY Awards Pre-GRAMMY Gala
ADM/Capital Pictures / MEGA

Adding to the list of celebrities headed for divorce street, country singer Jelly Roll filed for divorce from his partner, Bunnie Xo, in May 2026, per PEOPLE. He broke his silence on their split in June, denying the rumors that the pair had any bad blood between them.

“While we’re talking about liars, the internet is a liar too,” he said on stage at his “Little A** Shed Tour.” He added, “Me and my wife are best friends, we will always be best friends. I will love her. She will probably be the only woman I’ll ever love the way I loved her.” The “Wild Ones” singer went on to slam the claims that they decided to end their marriage due to infidelity.

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Supergirl Fans Blame Men For The Movie’s Failure

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Supergirl Fans Blame Men For The Movie’s Failure

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published

After the success of last year’s Superman, hopes were high for Supergirl. In fact, they were up, up, and away! This movie was going to flesh out the DCU while adding a strong, independent female character to this cinematic universe. Had the movie been successful, it would have been lauded as proof that the general moviegoing public is ready for a new kind of hero and a new kind of cinematic universe. Unfortunately, the movie was dead on arrival, leaving fans and critics alike to ask the same question: “what the heck happened here?” Some think they have the answer: men happened, damn it!

Specifically, there is a growing narrative among Supergirl fans that the movie is great and that its bad reputation is due to woman-hating misogynists. This is a comforting narrative, of course, allowing someone to believe that anyone who hates their favorite media must 1) Have bad taste, and 2) Be a bad person. However, you don’t need X-ray vision to see just how weak and even dangerous this narrative really is. Why dangerous? Simple: if creators like DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn start blaming all their failures on invisible enemies, then these superhero movies will never, ever get any better.

A Familiar Narrative

One of the emerging fan narratives surrounding Supergirl shouldn’t surprise you, especially if you’ve been paying attention for the last decade or so (more on this very soon). Plenty of fans really love the movie, and they can’t understand how it ended up “rotten” on Rotten Tomatoes and made so little money in its opening weekend. Some of those superfans decided that the only logical conclusion was misogyny. That is, they believe that men who would normally turn up for a superhero movie stayed home and that male influencers killed the chance for bad word-of-mouth by loudly complaining about the movie online.

This narrative doesn’t make sense once you examine it, of course. For one thing, if misogyny killed Supergirl, it would reflect in the demographics, leaving more women seeing it than men. That didn’t happen, though: 59 percent of the audience was men and only 41 percent was women, indicating that the ladies didn’t show up in the same numbers as they did for, say, Captain Marvel and Wonder Woman. Men didn’t show up in the same numbers, either, revealing a hard truth: Supergirl just wasn’t very popular. There was no misogynist conspiracy to keep the masses from seeing it. Rather, the movie’s marketing department did that all on its own.

Who Ya Gonna Blame?

ghostbusters

Now, the idea that misogynists sunk Supergirl didn’t come out of nowhere. You can basically throw a rock and hit some weird, right-wing influencer offering hot takes on why the film failed. The Critical Drinker, for example, predictably declared that most female-led superhero movies are doomed to poor box office. Megyn Kelly called Supergirl star Milly Alcock “very weirdly small” and “loathsome.” Jesse Waters and Greg Gutfeld clutched their pearls about a Supergirl who is both “woke” and “bisexual.” Matt Walsh lamented how our “female-centric society” produced the “comedically absurd premise” of “some 105-pound girlboss action hero.” 

The Supergirl fans blaming misogyny on the film’s failures are looking at narratives like these and believing this toxicity explains everything. But they aren’t considering something deceptively simple: these guys were always going to make these exact same complaints. Prominent conservatives were never going to give a glowing review to a movie about an illegal immigrant who is stronger than almost any male in the entire universe. Such critics made the same critiques of Captain Marvel, which earned over a billion dollars. For the haters whose misogynistic reviews were likely written long before the premiere, Supergirl bombing was just the icing on the cake.

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In short, Supergirl fans who blame the movie’s failure on misogyny because of these comments are putting the cart before the horse. These reviews didn’t keep people from seeing the movie. By the time they went live, most fans had decided whether or not to plonk down a small fortune to see it on opening weekend. Supergirl was doomed long before these conservative voices spoke out, and in a bit of irony, trying to blame them for the movie’s failure may doom this franchise.

Apathy Is The Real Enemy

What do Ghostbusters: Answer the Call, Star Trek: Discovery, and Supergirl all have in common? Simple: they all had major flaws and fans who thought you weren’t allowed to notice the flaws. If you hated Ghostbusters for its poor script and bad improv, fans would argue that you simply hated women. If you hated Discovery for Michael Burnham’s emotional overreactions, fans would argue that you simply hated women. Now, if you hate Supergirl for its bad script and bland direction, fans will argue (you guessed it!) that you simply hate women. It’s a narrative producers encourage because it shifts the blame from creators to a bunch of nameless incels.

However, buying into this narrative actually hurts the franchises in a tangible way. Once fans  start blaming invisible targets (“those chuds just weren’t ready for the ultimate girlboss!!1!!”), they let the actual culprits (such as bad writers and directors) off the hook. Like, if you want future DCU movies to be better, it’s important to figure out why audiences were so “meh” on Supergirl in the first place. But when fans blame other fans, studios just keep cranking out the same crappy movies filled with the same preventable mistakes. Time to break the cycle, be honest about Supergirl’s flaws, and encourage DC Studios to make better films.  

If that doesn’t work, there’s always Plan B: pretending that the only reason fans ever complain about superhero slop is because we hate women!

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Prime Video’s ‘Every Year After’ Isn’t the Only Carley Fortune Book Getting Adapted

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Every-Year-After-feature

Since its premiere on June 10, 2026, Prime Video’s new romance series Every Year After has taken the platform by storm. Either in the top spot or at #2 worldwide, just below Off-Campus, per FlixPatrol, the series is proving that sweet comfort stories can not only deliver in quality, but can bring in millions of viewers.

But while many of these streams might’ve tuned in simply for the lake town romance, plenty of others came directly to Prime Video to see the adaptation of their fan-favorite, bestselling book. The eight-episode series, which stars Sadie Soverall and Matt Cornett, is based on Every Summer After, a 2022 romance novel by Carley Fortune. And while this is the first novel of Fortune being adapted, another one is already underway.

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Another Carley Fortune Adaptation Is in the Works

In August 2023, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle purchased the rights to another one of Fortune’s novels, 2023’s Meet Me at the Lake, on behalf of their production company, Archewell Productions. Since then, little was shared about the project as Markle embarked on a series of other projects, including her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, and her lifestyle brand, As Ever. With that said, however, Fortune recently opened up about the project on the June 18 episode of Open Book With Jenna in a chat with Jenna Bush Hager. During the talk, Fortune said the project is “still in development,” with a script “still being revised.”


Every-Year-After-feature


The 7 Most Romantic Scenes in ‘Every Year After’ Season 1, Ranked

Love is in the air in Barry’s Bay.

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And while that isn’t exactly the update fans were looking for, Fortune remembered the moment she entrusted the Duke and Duchess of Sussex with her story. “I felt like they really understood the story and what mattered about the story,” Fortune said of her “long call” with the Suits alum and Archewell film producer Tracy Ryerson. “It’s a romance, but it’s very much about a mother and daughter, too, and we talked a lot about parenthood, and also about how these love stories are about so much more. It’s a story about grief, it’s a story about mental health, and so I felt like it was in good hands with them.”

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‘Meet Me at the Lake’ Will Follow Similar Themes

While Every Summer After and its Prime Video adaptation fit comfortably in the YA category, Meet at the Lake explores similar themes, but is a more mature, grown-up romance instead. The novel follows Fern Brookbanks and Will Baxter, two people who share a chemistry-defying day-long date in their early twenties but lose contact right after it. They even made a pact to show up one year later at the same place, but while Fern made it, Will never showed. Years later, when Fern is 32 and all of a sudden running her late mother’s lakeside resort, Will arrives “nine years too late,” offering to help. “Will may be the only person who understands what Fern’s going through,” the blurb reads. “But how could she possibly trust this expensive-suit-wearing mirage who seems nothing like the young man she met all those years ago?”


Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Belly (Lola Tung) about to kiss in The Summer I Turned Pretty.


Prime Video’s Newest Book Adaptation Is the Perfect Watch for ‘Summer I Turned Pretty’ Fans

Goodbye, Fisher brothers; hello, Florek brothers.

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From the synopsis alone, there are some clear similarities to Every Summer After. In addition to the idyllic lakeside setting, both stories have a main character going through their own journey with grief, an electrifying connection that spans years, and a trust that needs to be repaired for the main couple to finally reconcile and reunite. So, while there’s still plenty of time until Markle and Harry’s feature film comes out, fans can certainly expect another swoon-worthy romance.

Plus, with Season 2 of Every Year After already confirmed on Prime Video, Fortune’s novels will continue to expand into a major TV and movie franchise. The second season of the show will shift to Charlie (Michael Bradway) and be inspired by Fortune’s 2025 sequel book, One Golden Summer. In other words, while Fortune only started releasing her novels in 2022, the fan-favorite titles are already inspiring a number of ongoing projects in Hollywood, and fans are surely at the edge of their seats, especially after watching the first season of Every Year After.

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nzgf0jnsjnxlf8o7iszzx8qxhx9-3.jpg

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Release Date

June 10, 2026

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Network

Prime Video

Showrunner
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Amy Harris, Leila Gerstein

Directors

Gillian Robespierre, Tara Nicole Weyr, Jeffrey W. Byrd

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Writers

Julie Rottenberg, Elisa Zuritsky, Leila Gerstein, Amy Harris, Nikki Kashani

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  • hEADSHOT of Matt Cornett
  • Cast Placeholder Image

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Can Rucking Improve Posture? How It Builds Core Strength

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Weighted walking has moved from military training grounds to suburban sidewalks, and one question keeps coming up for people trying it. Can strapping on a loaded pack actually fix the slump that hours at a desk leave behind? Rucking posture is the piece of the trend that fitness pros, physical therapists and everyday walkers say delivers the fastest change.

The short answer from experts and athletes who have tested it is yes, though the reasons involve more than just carrying weight.

How Rucking Works on Your Posture

The load in a rucksack forces muscles that most people ignore to switch on. Lara Heimann, a physical therapist and yoga instructor, told Peloton that “when you’re wearing a backpack, your upper trapezius muscles, shoulders and upper back muscles have to engage, and that can be really helpful for people who have weak upper back muscles and poor posture.”

Grinder Gym breaks the effect into three parts. The pack loads the shoulders, traps and upper back, which are the muscles responsible for keeping shoulders pulled back rather than rounded forward. The core has to stabilize the body under the added weight, building a stronger foundation for the spine. And the load itself acts as a nudge against slouching, since leaning forward with weight on your back quickly becomes uncomfortable.

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Related: How Reliable Are Gut Microbiome Tests? 1 Geneticist Says ‘Buyer Beware’

If you have ever sent off an at-home gut microbiome test and wondered whether the results were real, you are not alone. A study published February 26, 2026, in the Nature journal Communications Biology suggests a lot of that skepticism is warranted. Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University […]

That discomfort is the tell. Tony Vacharasanee, an avid rucker and NASM-certified personal trainer, told Shape that “it’s extremely uncomfortable to have bad posture while rucking.” He recommends positioning weight over the midfoot, leaning the trunk forward slightly and keeping the torso tall instead of slumping.

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Can Rucking Improve Posture in Everyday Life

The people who have tried it say the change shows up fast. Kelsey Kryger tracked 30 days of rucking for Men’s Journal and wrote that within the first few walks she could feel her upper back tiring and her shoulders rounding forward. She traced it to her desk job.

“After the first week, my body started to adjust. The weight felt more manageable, and I didn’t feel like I was fighting my posture the entire time. I even started noticing the difference during my workdays too, catching myself sitting a bit taller and being more aware of my posture rather than defaulting to that usual slump,” Kryger wrote.

Amy Glover reported similar carryover for HuffPost. “I stuck to ‘weighted walking’ for my last four rambles, and have to say I think it’s even improved my non-walking posture,” she wrote, crediting a new awareness of what her core and shoulders should feel like when her torso is upright.

“Rucking strengthens the muscles that keep your spine upright,” said Dan Fahey of Gritty Soldier Fitness. “Over time, this can improve posture and reduce common low-back issues caused by weakness and inactivity.”

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Why Posture Matters for Your Overall Health

The stakes go beyond looking taller. Good posture helps prevent aches in the back, neck and shoulders, cuts the risk of sports injuries and reduces wear on joints, especially the spine, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Slouching does the opposite. RUKSAK notes that hunching forward stresses the spine and can lead to degenerative changes over time, raising the risk of conditions like osteoarthritis and herniated discs, while also affecting nutrient absorption, mood and cognitive function.

How to Avoid Common Rucking Mistakes

Form matters. Mari-Carmen Sanchez-Morris, a former nurse and women’s health and fitness coach, told Patient that hunching under the load is the fastest way to strain your back.

“To avoid this, keep your shoulders back, stand tall and engage your core as you walk,” she said. “Wearing the wrong shoes is another pitfall. Make sure you’re using supportive walking or hiking shoes to keep your feet comfortable and reduce your chance of blisters or injury.”

Stride also counts. Deliberate stepping, pulling the leg forward with the hip and driving off the back leg, produces the muscle engagement that pays off in better alignment. Beginners should start with a light load and add weight gradually to avoid injury.

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Tate Paul’s TRO Denied and More Us Weekly Top Stories

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Everything to Know About RHOSLC Alum Jen Shah's Legal Drama

Get a rundown of Us Weekly‘s top stories making headlines in celebrity news, sports and entertainment on July 1, 2026. Here are the key takeaways:

• A Utah court denied Tate Paul‘s temporary restraining order against ex-wife Taylor Frankie Paul, finding insufficient evidence of immediate harm and noting that Taylor had the children while Tate traveled to Iceland from June 11-17, according to court documents obtained by Us.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce‘s wedding will span two days at Madison Square Garden in New York City, with an intimate rehearsal dinner on Thursday, July 2, followed by a ceremony and reception for more than 1,000 guests on Friday, July 3. Guests were required to sign NDAs and a strict no-phone policy is in place, per sources who spoke with Us.

Nara Smith revealed that her daughter Whimsy was diagnosed with cancer late last year and has begun chemotherapy after doctors confirmed the disease had spread. The influencer shared the emotional update in an Instagram reel posted on Tuesday, June 30, saying her “heart dropped” when she first suspected the diagnosis.

Edited by Samantha Benitz. Story produced with AI assistance

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Canada To Make Historic Eurovision Debut

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JJ sings in the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest

The Eurovision Song Contest is expanding its reach in a historic move, with Canada now set to join the competition from 2027.

The change comes after CBC/Radio-Canada was admitted as a full member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) last week.

Canada will become the first new participant to join the contest since Australia in 2015, with the country slated to send an act to the next edition of the Eurovision Song Contest in Bulgaria.

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Since its launch in 1956, the Eurovision Song Contest has grown into one of the world’s biggest live televised music competitions. Organized by the European Broadcasting Union, the annual contest features public broadcasters from Europe and other eligible participating countries.

Canada is now set to join the competition after CBC/Radio-Canada became the latest full member of the EBU following more than seven decades as an associate member.

The decision to grant the broadcaster full membership was approved last Thursday during a vote at the EBU’s General Assembly in Prague, per CBC.

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With the addition of CBC/Radio-Canada, the EBU’s membership has expanded to 115 organizations representing 57 countries.

Canada Too Late For This Year’s Eurovision

JJ sings in the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Since this year’s Eurovision Song Contest already took place in Vienna, Austria, in May, CBC/Radio-Canada will only be able to submit an entry for the next edition, which will be hosted by Bulgaria.

The submission process for the competition varies from year to year, but the deadline is typically set several months before the competition begins in May.

For now, Canada is set to join countries such as Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, and Luxembourg, whose broadcasters have already expressed interest in participating. CBC/Radio-Canada has confirmed that Canada will send an act to the 2027 contest, with details on how the country’s entry will be selected to be announced later this year.

CBC president Marie-Philippe Bouchard said participation “will allow Canadian talent to be showcased on one of the most storied music stages in the world.”

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CBC Membership Opens Wider Media Access

Beyond becoming eligible to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, CBC/Radio-Canada also stands to enjoy several additional benefits as a newly admitted full member of the EBU.

According to a joint release, the public broadcaster will now have access to “networks for investigative journalism, verification, digital news and data, as well as the Eurovision News Exchange and Euroradio Music Exchange services.”

The exchange also allows members to share live and edited news coverage, enabling CBC to provide even more coverage for its viewers at home.

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“This new chapter in our relationship with the EBU and its members will deepen our cooperation at a time when the collective impact of public service media is essential,” Marie-Philippe Bouchard, president and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, shared in a statement.

“It’s an important milestone that will benefit people on both sides of the Atlantic by helping to combat disinformation and support cultural expression,” added the exec.

EBU Says Canada Makes Eurovision ‘Stronger’

JJ of Austria wins the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Bouchard’s remarks were echoed by EBU Director General Noel Curran, who also praised CBC/Radio-Canada for its contributions to journalism and public service broadcasting.

“As one of the world’s leading public broadcasters, it has already contributed hugely to our union — helping us set and uphold the standards of public service journalism that matter most right now,” Curran said of the public broadcaster.

“Full membership means we can now do even more together…. Canada’s voice in this community makes us stronger,” he added in his statement.

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Director Martin Green also described Canada’s accession as a signal that, regardless of its European origins, the contest “continues to welcome the world.”

Why Canada Pushed For A Eurovision Spot

Céline Dion
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Interest in Canada joining the Eurovision Song Contest first surfaced last year, when Prime Minister Mark Carney mentioned the possibility in the federal government’s 2025 budget, presented in November.

Canadians have also competed in Eurovision before under different flags, most famously Céline Dion, who won the 1988 contest while representing Switzerland.

Later that month, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne explained the reasoning behind the move.

“I think it’s a platform for Canada to shine,” Champagne said, per The Guardian. “This is about protecting our identity – yes, we want to protect our sovereignty, but you also want to help people in the arts sector and in the film industry to make sure they can shine around the world. And we have a lot to offer as Canadians.”

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18 Best Slimming Swimsuits From Lands’ End to Shop on Amazon

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If you dread swimsuit shopping, you’re not alone. For years, we’ve compared the process of finding something flattering to light torture, ranking somewhere between dental work and figuring out your taxes. This year, however, we’re making the process easier on ourselves. Rather than experimenting with random finds that never follow through on their ‘slimming’ and ‘supportive’ promises, or include details that dig into our skin, we’re going straight to the brand that’s never betrayed Us: Lands’ End.

ICYMI, the tried-and-true brand is shoppable on Amazon, which is great news since it’s the one label we know that’s perfected shapewear-style compression, strategic ruching and wrap fronts that flatter without squeezing. Plus, the prints, colors and cuts are actually cute and stylish — not matronly or dated. To get you on the right track for summer fun, we’ve rounded up 18 Lands’ End swimsuits that deliver support, smart coverage and plenty of style. Bonus: A number of options are available in petite and plus sizes, so you can really find the perfect fit.

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The Best Slimming, Size-Inclusive Swimsuits From Lands’ End

1. Our Favorite: The wrap design on this side-tie one-piece crosses at the waist, helping to define your shape without squeezing, pinching or putting your stomach on display. With a chic floral print, it’s the kind of suit you reach for first whenever you’re waterside.

2. Practically Shapewear: Thanks to innovative Slendertex fabric, this V-neck one-piece sculpts and smooths the waist and tummy without feeling like a corset.

3. Cool Cutout: Sadly, cutout suits usually mean giving up support — but not this pick! The not-so-basic black design sneaks in boning along the sides, keeping everything held in place while still showing skin.

4. Pretty Peplum: Is the tummy area your main concern? Scoop up this peplum one-piece, which nips at the waist before flowing freely, keeping everything well covered in a trendy, whimsical way.

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5. Mix and Match: Skip the frumpy tankinis or bikinis that you don’t feel comfy in; this midkini top is the perfect in-between. The asymmetrical top pairs well with almost every bottom, and the removable strap gives you two looks in one.

6. Non-Cheeky Bottoms: High-waisted bottoms aren’t always the right choice, especially if you have to keep readjusting as you run after the kids. This non-booty-baring, ruched alternative provides the same level of coverage (even in the back!) but isn’t constricting and won’t flip down when you move.

7. The Ultimate Find: Underwire support, UPF 50 sun protection, a sporty scoop neck — this $55 one-piece has it all. If you buy one suit this season, make it this pick.

8. Fashion Meets Function: Not only does this cutout one-piece feature adjustable straps and a customizable back tie, but it also comes in petite and plus sizes. The mixed prints add visual interest, and shoppers note that the full-coverage pick doesn’t ride up.

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9. Somewhere in the Middle: This two-piece midkini offers more coverage than a bikini, but it’s the details that make it a must-have. The high-cut bottoms elongate the legs, while the top features a soft-cup bra that gently lifts and supports without underwire.

10. Fun Fauxkini: Sure, it looks like a two-piece, but this stylish fauxkini is actually one connected suit. The ruffled design adds movement and personality while keeping the midsection covered.

11. New Go-To: Shoppers say they reach for this one-piece pick on repeat, and we don’t blame them. The teal ombre design reads as polished, the ruching is perfectly placed and the shapewear-like material smooths and shapes without feeling constricting.

12. Stylish Swimdress: No post-swim outfit change required! This printed swimdress is far from the one your grandma wore. The cutouts make the suit extra cute, and aside from including shorts underneath, it also has pockets!

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13. Really Ribbed: The texture on this V-neck one-piece adds visual interest without a busy print. We also like that the low-cut neckline shows off the girls in a flattering, non-risqué kind of way.

14. Forever Classic: If you simply want a reliable suit that fits, complements your shape and doesn’t feel ‘old lady,’ this $60 floral one-piece is it. The simple scoop neck never feels dated, and the ruching sneakily slims your midsection.

15. For Bigger Busts: Engineered specifically for D cups, this supportive tankini top has convertible adjustable straps that can be worn straight or crossed. It offers real support without costing big bucks.

16. O-La-La: Looking for something that’s a step up from basic? Try this O-ring monokini. The cutout detail works to define your middle and create a waist, while the two-tone color blocking gives the suit a fashion-forward spin.

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17. Double Duty: Want more coverage up top without a sporty cut? The high neckline on this flowy swim top makes it feel elegant and very rich mom. Plus, it works as a tank with jeans when you’re not in the water.

18. Water Park Pick: This is another dress that’s secretly a one-piece! If you don’t feel comfy rocking an actual swimsuit all day, this cap-sleeved, high-neck mini is the perfect modest, water-ready alternative. It looks like an everyday outfit, but is ready for all that splash pad action.

smiling woman on shoreline of tropical beach in the Caribbeanview images from the same series:


Related: 17 Slimming One-Piece Swimsuits to Look Instantly More Snatched — Under $25

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Swimsuit shopping can feel like a lot — especially when you want something that smooths, supports and actually makes you feel confident the second you put it on. The good news? You don’t need shapewear or a $150 designer suit to get that sculpted, snatched look. Smart design details, like ruching, wrap fronts and strategic paneling, can […]

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Taylor Frankie Paul ‘Trying to Avoid Pain’ Amid Dakota Drama

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Dakota Mortensen Claims He Tried to 'Protect' Taylor Frankie Paul's Daughter During 2023 Dispute

Taylor Frankie Paul is trying to get back to neutral after ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen called 911 alleging she violated their protection order amid their contentious custody battle.

A source close to Taylor, 32, exclusively tells Us Weekly that they believe Dakota, 33, is allegedly “ using and abusing the system to inflict the most pain and create inaccurate harmful narratives.”

The insider claims that they think Dakota’s recent actions are “seemingly to prevent a show from going on the air — which is in direct contrast to Taylor — whose priority is her family and her own well-being,” referring to Taylor’s unaired season of The Bachelorette.

“One side is trying to inflict pain, the other side is trying to manage and avoid pain,” the source further claims.

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When it comes to the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star’s well-being, the insider tells Us, it’s been “incredibly painful” for her to “watch someone deliberately create sideshows without any regard for the human consequences simply because they don’t want a show to be on the air.”

The source also alleges that since Taylor’s domestic violence incident involving Dakota made headlines in March, they think there’s been “a never-ending campaign of intimidation and misrepresentation with the only purpose to inflict as much pain as possible on Taylor.

Us Weekly reached out to Mortensen’s attorney, who declined to comment.

Taylor and Dakota, who share 2-year-old son Ever, raised eyebrows in March when reports surfaced that there had been an alleged domestic violence altercation between the pair one month prior.

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Dakota Mortensen Claims He Tried to 'Protect' Taylor Frankie Paul's Daughter During 2023 Dispute


Related: Dakota Claims He Tried to ‘Protect’ Taylor Paul’s Daughter During Dispute

Dakota Mortensen shared his side of the story with officers via a phone call after his 2023 domestic dispute with Taylor Frankie Paul. In a video obtained by Us Weekly, an officer asked whether he was trying to “protect” Taylor’s daughter, to which Dakota replied, “Yeah, she’s on the couch right there.” Dakota went on […]

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Dakota alleged that Taylor choked him and shoved him into a window. He also claimed that he feared for their child’s safety.

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Taylor has vehemently denied the allegations of child abuse. Dakota was granted a temporary restraining order against Taylor and temporary custody of their son in March.

Amid her personal drama, ABC chose to cancel her season of The Bachelorette, which was set to premiere in late March.

Taylor Frankie Paul Is Trying to Avoid Pain In the Wake of Ex Dakota Mortensens Call to 911 Inline

Taylor Frankie Paul and her three children.
Courtesy of Taylor Frankie Paul/Instagram

“In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family,” a Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson told Us in a statement at the time, referring to a video from a separate 2023 domestic violence incident that resurfaced online. (Taylor pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in 2023 and the other counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse with injury and criminal mischief were dropped.)

Taylor’s issues with Dakota, however, didn’t end with the TV show being pulled from the airwaves.

After an April hearing, Taylor was granted her own protection order against Dakota after claiming he assaulted her in his truck during their February altercation. Dakota has denied the allegation.

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The judge ruled that both Taylor and Dakota have to stay at least 100 feet away from each other and allowed Taylor to have supervised visitation with Ever. Taylor was granted unsupervised visitation rights with her son in early June.

Taylor Frankie Paul's 2023 911 Call and Arrest Revisited Amid Domestic Violence Investigation


Related: Taylor Frankie Paul’s 2023 911 Call, Arrest Revisited Amid Investigation

The 911 call for Taylor Frankie Paul and ex Dakota Mortensen’s 2023 incident has resurfaced amid the pair’s ongoing domestic violence investigation. An unidentified person called the emergency services over an alleged “domestic violence” dispute at Taylor, now 31, and Dakota’s home in Utah. “Somebody is screaming like ‘Get off me.’ There is a woman […]

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Later that month, however, Dakota called the cops inquiring about his and Taylor’s protection orders as they relate to Ever.

The Bluffdale Police Department confirmed to Us on Monday, June 29, that Dakota called the authorities at around 10 p.m. on Friday, June 26.

The police told Us that Dakota called with questions about the protective order, specifically asking about who can help with the drop-off and pick-up exchange for Ever. He wanted to know if the protective order had been violated.

The officers then made contact with Taylor via a phone call and gathered statements from all involved before sending the case to the District Attorney’s office, who will decide if a violation occurred.

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“Cops called on me again THIS WEEK … What are the odds?” Taylor wrote in a since-deleted Instagram Story after the incident, according to a screenshot shared via TMZ. “And it’s not people … it’s ONE person, the same person. It’s obsessive.”

Amid her back-and-forth with Dakota, Taylor’s ex-husband, Tate Paul, with whom she shares daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 6, filed for a temporary restraining order against her.

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Us confirmed on Wednesday, July 1, that a judge denied Tate’s request. His request for sole custody of their two kids by filing a petition to change their custody agreement has not been addressed.

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.

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CNN shocker: Paula Reid exiting network amid looming Paramount takeover

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EW has learned the legal correspondent won’t renew her contract at the news network.

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Travis Kelce Sings Taylor Swift’s Praises Ahead Of Wedding

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Taylor Swift performs Eras in Las Vegas

Fans are ready for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce to take the next level in their love story: marriage. Many have been keeping their eyes on the trucks pulling in and out of Madison Square Garden, which is reportedly where the wedding will be held. Even though it’s been rumored that they have already tied the knot in secret, one thing is for sure: Kelce has had a lot of great things to say about his relationship with the “Gorgeous” singer throughout the years!

Taylor Swift performs Eras in Las Vegas
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Kelce is known for giving it all on the football field, and Swift doesn’t hold back when she’s on the stage. Kelce got an inside look at how hard she worked to pull off her record-breaking Eras Tour, which included performances on several continents.

In February 2025, Kelce revealed that he took notes from watching how it all came together. “Her work ethic, what I saw on that tour last year, was pretty remarkable,” he told reporters at the time, as reported by PEOPLE magazine.  “I mean, to see the week in, week out traveling from one country to the next.”

“The band, the singers, it was everybody involved, and it was an absolute machine, and it was something I could admire watching and take a lot of notes from,” he added.

Kelce Addresses The ‘Mind-Blowing’ Work She Put Into The Eras Tour

Taylor Swift performs Eras in Las Vegas
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

That isn’t the only time that he spoke openly about her work ethic. Later that year, in an interview with GQ, he talked about how athletic she had to be while performing on stage for hours each night during her Eras Tour run.

 “I hadn’t experienced somebody in the same shoes as me, having a partner who understands the scrutiny, understands the ups and downs of being in front of millions,” he said. “That was very relatable, seeing how exhausted she would get after shows.”

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“She may not think of herself as an athlete,” he continued. “She will never tell anyone that she is an athlete. But I’ve seen what she goes through. I’ve seen the amount of work that she puts on her body, and it’s mind-blowing.”

Travis Kelce Appreciates Taylor Swift’s ‘Support’ On The Field

While he has shown up to numerous concerts to support her, Swift has also been seen at many Kansas City Chiefs games to support him. During a January 2025 episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, Kelce revealed that not only are they both “happy” in the relationship, but they’re also big supporters of each other’s careers.  

“I’m enjoying all aspects of life. Me and Taylor are happy,” Kelce said at the time. “I couldn’t be happier to have that confidence and that comfort off the field and all the support I could ever ask for in the stadium.”

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“I think personally, that’s the beauty of being in a very strong relationship is that you get that support to be able to come in and focus on your craft, focus on being the best version of you,” he continued. “That’s why I wanted to be at the concert, supporting her and being there for her, making sure she feels comfortable and supported in everything she’s doing in life.”

How Travis Kelce Fell For Taylor Swift

Kelce also revealed exactly why he fell head over heels for Swift in a June 2024 episode of Barstool Sports’ Bussin’ with the Boys podcast.

“She’s very self-aware. And I think that’s why I really started to really fall for her, was how genuine she is around friends [and] family,” he said at the time. “It can get crazy for somebody with that much attention … and she just keeps it so chill and so cool.”

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Kelce Appreciates How Smart Swift Is

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce engagement
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

The NFL star also sat down with Wall Street Journal for their December 2023/January 2024 issue to shed some more light on his relationship with the “So High School” singer. He talked openly about the complexities of dating someone “with that kind of aura about them.”

“I’ve never dealt with it,” he shared. “But at the same time, I’m not running away from any of it … The scrutiny she gets, how much she has a magnifying glass on her, every single day, paparazzi outside her house, outside every restaurant she goes to, after every flight she gets off, and she’s just living, enjoying life. When she acts like that, I better not be the one acting all strange.”

“I’ve never been a man of words,” he confessed. “Being around her, seeing how smart Taylor is, has been f-cking mind-blowing. I’m learning every day.”

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