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With the Fourth of July quickly approaching, there are infinite ways to celebrate America’s birthday aside from fireworks and barbecues. One of the ways is through collectible coins that are tied to major moments in our nation’s history. The 1776–2026 Liberty Semiquincentennial Half Dollar is such example, which marks the birth of our country and also makes a great gift for any American history buff. The coin commemorates America’s upcoming 250th anniversary with a limited-edition coin, and it won’t break the bank. It’s available at ShopHQ for just $30. Plus, you can get it with $5 shipping for a limited time when you use code FREERETURN.
1776-2026 Liberty Semiquincentennial Half Dollar, $30 at ShopHQ
The 1776-2026 Liberty Semiquincentennial Half Dollar.
The commemorative half dollar is special because it celebrates the Semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the founding of the United States in 1776. Collectors will appreciate the AACGS MS65 Brilliant Uncirculated First Strike grading, which means the coin is in high-quality condition and was part of the U.S. Mint’s earliest production run. The coin was also issued within the first 30 days of release from the U.S. Mint, a designation collectors often look for because it identifies coins from the earliest production run.
Use Code FREERETURN on Shop HQ to unlock $5 off shipping for a limited time.
First Strike releases, like this one, tend to have limited availability and connection to the beginning of a new mintage year, which can make it desirable for collectors. It’s also made in the United States, which adds another layer of authenticity. The collector angle aside, the coin’s acrylic packaging helps it double as a display piece and keepsake. It’s about 5.4 inches long, 3.4 inches wide, and 0.3 inches tall, so it can easily be placed in any room.
The full packaging measures 9 inches long, 5 inches wide, and 2 inches tall, so even if it’s kept in the packaging for display, it’s still compact enough for a desk, bookshelf, or display cabinet. For anyone who appreciates American history, military memorabilia, or collectible keepsakes, it’s the kind of piece that can eventually become part of a family collection or heirloom display.
This 1776-2026 Liberty Semiquincentennial Half Dollar is the perfect way to celebrate America’s historic birthday. Gift one for yourself or for the American history buff in your life. Grab one for just $30!
Today marks five months since Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her Arizona home in the middle of the night. Now, a law enforcement expert with years of experience working criminal cases has exclusively told Men’s Journal about what could lead to a breakthrough in the case.
How a Former FBI Agent Believes the Nancy Guthrie Case Could Break Open
When the FBI released images of the suspect in the Nancy Guthrie case, who some observers now call Porch Guy, it was arguably the biggest break to date. Unfortunately, the masked man still hasn’t been identified in the months since then. However, a former FBI agent has just exclusively told Men’s Journal about concrete ways his identity could be discovered, which would be a huge breakthrough.
During her Men’s Journal interview, Coffindaffer explained that she was 99% certain that the Nancy Guthrie case will be solved. When she was asked what she thought was most likely to break the case, she explained why she believes that the images of Porch Guy could be the key.
“I still think that the best piece of evidence is the picture of Porch Guy and the video of him, which show everything he was dressed in and all of that. I really think it will be a matter of time before somebody who knows him finally comes forward.”
After discussing her expectation that someone will tell law enforcement who Porch Guy is, Coffindaffer detailed several likely reasons why that hasn’t happened yet.
“I think there are a lot of reasons that haven’t happened. Everyone who follows true crime or the news thinks that everybody knows about this case. But the fact of the matter is that’s just not true. So many people have no idea other than ‘Oh, yeah. Wasn’t that a girl from the Today show?’ Or, ‘Wasn’t she an older person who was kidnapped or something?’ So you have to wonder whether the people who know Porch Guy even know that this incident happened. His mom, his sister, and his relatives may have no idea, so I think that can be a problem.”
Coffindaffer continued, “Even if they do know what has happened and suspect him, a lot of times people will just completely blow that off. They might even say something to him like, ‘Oh my gosh. You look so much like him in the eyes.’ Of course, his response would be, ‘Oh, come on. It’s not me.’ Which makes them say, ‘Of course, it’s not you.’ So, that’s another big problem. People who end up coming forward later often say things like, ‘I always thought it, but I just couldn’t believe it.’ The other thing, of course, is loyalty and love. His closest friends will want to protect him. Finally, there is fear. Those are the four major reasons that probably have caused nobody to come forward. But I think that is the best way that he’s going to be found.”
On top of identifying what she believes is most likely to result in the Guthrie case being solved, the former agent discussed concrete steps that could lead to that happening soon. While talking to Men’s Journal, Coffindaffer made it clear that she believes investigators should be doing more to publicize that they are seeking information about Porch Guy. She noted her belief that the images of the suspect should be everywhere in Tucson with verbiage in both English and Spanish.
“The biggest thing that is bothering me is I don’t understand why investigators are not putting Porch Guy’s face in advertisements, billboards, and flyers all throughout Tucson. It also baffles me that none of this is in Spanish.”
While carbs play an important role in a healthy diet, especially for athletes, there are plenty of reasons some people opt to go low-carb. Many turn to this approach to support weight loss, improve blood sugar control, or reduce cravings and constant hunger. Cutting back on carbs, particularly refined ones like white bread and processed snacks, has been linked to more stable energy, fewer blood sugar spikes, and even reduced bloating and inflammation.
That said, going low-carb doesn’t mean cutting out carbohydrates entirely. In fact, some are essential for overall health. When it comes to picking meals or snacks, it’s all about being selective. As Federica Amati, Ph.D., the head nutritionist at ZOE, puts it, “It’s important to distinguish between the carbohydrates that we want to reduce, and those that are essential for good health. A nutrient-dense, lower-carb snack is most likely to be a whole food that provides protein, fiber, healthy fats, and polyphenols, not just a low-carb label.”
“After a workout, you [can] find me smashing plain non-fat Greek,” says Casey Lee, certified personal trainer and owner of Purposeful Strength, LLC. “Plain Greek yogurt has zero added sugar and the only carbs are naturally occurring milk sugar, lactose.”
Before a workout, the protein-packed snack helps supply amino acids to support your muscles and keep you from breaking down muscle tissue during training. After a workout, it offers a hit of leucine, the amino acid that helps kickstart muscle repair and growth.
2. Handful of Almonds With Cherries
Handful of Almonds With Cherries
Getty Images/igorr1
Just because you’re eating low carb doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy carbs altogether, especially right before a workout. While you don’t need to bog yourself down with carbs, Alexandria Hardy, RDN, LDN, and owner of Pennsylvania Nutrition Services, suggests a small handful of almonds or walnuts with a few dried tart cherries can do the trick.
“This combination provides plant-based protein, anti-inflammatory compounds, and just enough carbs for glycogen replenishment,” she says.
3. Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut
Getty Images/Lucy Lambriex
While most people don’t think of sauerkraut as a grab-and-go snack, it’s a gut-healthy must-have—whether you’re low carb or not. A typical half-cup serving has just two to three grams of net carbs, and it’s high in fiber, which helps keep you full longer and supports digestion without spiking blood sugar.
“Fermented foods are important for gut health, which is tied to a healthy body comp and metabolism,” says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN, CSSD. “I love it mixed with avocado for ‘gut-friendly guac,’ which is a delish snack [with] jicama sticks or mini peppers.”
4. Cottage Cheese, Pineapple, and a Sprinkle of Sunflower Seeds
Cottage Cheese, Pineapple, and a Sprinkle of Sunflower Seeds
Getty Images/Katya Bennett
If you’re cutting back on carbs, it’s important to make up the difference with other key macronutrients—namely, high-quality protein and healthy fats. With this delicious snack combination, “you get a complete protein for sustained muscle support, pineapple for bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme, and some healthy fats to round it out,” says Kara Siedman RDN, CDCES, and Director of Partnerships at resbiotic.
Popcorn often gets overlooked as a healthy snack, but it can be a great low-carb option when portioned right. It’s a whole grain, which means it contributes to the recommended intake of whole grains—a key part of anyone’s diet. Eating more whole grains has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and more. Stick to air-popped or lightly seasoned popcorn to keep it nutritious and low in added calories and sugars.
6. Chia Seeds
Chia Seed Pudding
Christopher Testani
If you’ve ever heard the term “superfood,” you’ve probably heard it used alongside chia seeds. These small but nutrient-dense seeds are “high in omega-3s, fiber, and protein, [and are] great as a pudding soaked overnight or sprinkled on salads or yogurt,” says Amati.
7. Chickpeas
Chickpeas
Getty Images/Oscar Wong
Hummus isn’t the only way to enjoy chickpeas! Pop open a can of chickpeas, flavor with spices and a touch of olive oil, and bake in the oven. Chickpeas are brimming with protein, fiber, iron, and numerous energy-boosting B-vitamins—a delicious way to take in important nutrients.
8. Beef Jerky
Beef Jerky
Men’s Journal
When choosing a beef jerky brand, aim for options with little to no added sugar—many packaged varieties sneak in unnecessary ingredients. Cleaner jerky delivers a solid dose of protein and sodium, both of which your body craves after a tough, sweaty workout.
9. Jicama
Jicama
Getty Images/Fabian Montano
“Jicama is another underrated option,” Siedman says. “It’s a crunchy, slightly sweet root vegetable that’s high in water and fiber, but low in carbs. It works great raw with a squeeze of lime or seasoning and makes a great alternative to chips or crackers.”
10. Edamame
Edamame
Getty Images/PamelaJoeMcFarlane
Edamame is a well-known snack at Japanese restaurants, but how often do you actually eat it at home? Well, you should. It’s rich in both protein and fiber, and research shows it can support better metabolic health. “They’re easy to add to meals or enjoy on their own and are more blood-sugar friendly than many people realize.”
What to Look for in Low-Carb and Nutrient-Dense Snacks
“What makes a snack both low-carb and nutrient-dense is the quality of the ingredients,” says Lee. “Ideally, snacks come from whole food sources like fruits and veggies, but there are so many on-the-go options available, like hard-boiled eggs, beef jerky, and even your classic cheese sticks. When eyeing low-carb items, I tell my clients to look for two things. First, minimal to zero added sugar. Second, how many grams of fiber.”
How to Avoid Ultra-Processed Keto Snacks
If you’re just starting your low-carb journey, chances are you’ve fallen for “keto snacks” more than once. But here’s the thing: Just because something says keto on the label doesn’t mean it’s actually healthy.
“Flip that label, if there are 15 plus words in the ingredient list that you can’t say, it’s more candy bar than recovery fuel,” says Chris Pruitt, a certified personal trainer and CEO of Workout Healthy. “Stick to snacks that are comprised of whole foods, or ingredients you can pronounce—all-meat sticks, cheese, nuts, hard-boiled eggs, plain Greek yogurt.”
Every Fourth of July has its staples: burgers on the grill, fireworks after dark, and a playlist that somehow always includes classic rock. This year, America’s biggest Independence Day celebration is adding something new. As part of the countdown to the nation’s 250th birthday, Chris Stapleton, The Smashing Pumpkins, Jon Batiste, and Queen Latifah are helping kick off a nationwide effort that organizers hope will permanently change how Americans celebrate July 4.
According to America250, the congressionally chartered nonprofit leading the nation’s 250th anniversary commemoration, the star-studded event is about more than putting on a concert. It’s also launching Giving 4th, a campaign designed to encourage Americans to celebrate Independence Day by supporting a favorite charity or nonprofit.
The Concert Is Just the Beginning
According to America250, America’s Block Party will take over the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on July 4, with Queen Latifah serving as host and performances from Chris Stapleton, The Smashing Pumpkins, Jon Batiste, Sofia Carson, and other artists.
The festivities begin at 3 p.m. with a free Block Party Village featuring food vendors, games, giveaways, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly activities before the concert starts that evening. The celebration will conclude with a fireworks spectacular and drone show, while a nationwide livestream will allow neighborhoods across the country to host their own block parties, according to America250.
Tickets start at $17.76—a nod to the year America declared its independence—with proceeds benefiting the Giving 4th initiative, America250 said.
America250 Wants Giving Back to Become a July 4 Tradition
While charitable giving traditionally peaks during the holiday season, America250 says many nonprofits experience a lull during the summer months. Through Giving 4th, the organization hopes to establish Independence Day as a new annual day of generosity.
Rather than asking Americans to support one specific cause, the campaign encourages people to donate to the nonprofit or charity of their choice. Whether that’s a local food pantry, veterans organization, youth sports league, animal shelter, or another community group, the goal is simply to give back.
America250 also encourages Americans to volunteer their time or take the Giving 4th pledge as another way to participate.
One Small Way to Celebrate America’s Birthday
Most Americans will spend July 4 the same way they always have—firing up the grill, watching fireworks, and enjoying a long summer weekend.
And if America250’s vision catches on, one more tradition may join the list: giving back. Whether it’s a donation to your favorite nonprofit or a few hours of volunteering, the organization hopes Independence Day becomes as much about strengthening your community as celebrating the country’s past.
Patagonia is all about versatility, and its Fieldsmith line of backpacks reflects that. These bags are built for everything from school to weekend trips and have hiking-inspired details that translate nicely to daily life. Better yet, REI has a plethora of them marked down during its 4th of July Deals sale, including this 24-liter model that’s nearly 50% off.
The Patagonia Fieldsmith Linked Pack is on sale for $59, which is $50 off the original $109 price tag. This item comes in just one size at REI, but three colors are available, and they all share the same generous discount. Other Fieldsmith bags, including the Fieldsmith Roll-Top Pack and the Fieldsmith Hip Pack, are also on sale at the moment.
Patagonia Fieldsmith Linked Pack, $59 (was $109) at REI
If you need a bag that has both everyday functionality and an adventurous spirit, the Fieldsmith Linked backpack is right for you. The cotton canvas material is much more durable than the polyester lining most packs have nowadays, and is built to last. While this bag isn’t as weatherproof as some advanced hiking bags, it should still serve you well for years to come on backpacking trips, short flights, commutes to work, and more.
Simply put, this bag combines the most convenient parts of an everyday pack with the handy design of what you’d use on the trail. It has a designated laptop compartment, and the cinch top is a breeze to open. Plus, it features lash points for clipping on shoes, water bottles, and more—just like a great hiking backpack.
In terms of pricing, you can find more affordable packs out there. However, finding Patagonia bags for almost half off is exceedingly rare, making this a more than worthwhile pick-up.
There aren’t many reviews for this Patagonia pack at REI, but it still has a four-star rating, and one impressed shopper cared to leave feedback. “Straightforward design and durable pack,” they said. “This is my first Patagonia purchase, and I now see why their reputation is so strong!”
There’s another review that expressed concern with the laptop compartment, stating that there simply wasn’t one. According to our research, it seems as though there actually is.
The Patagonia Fieldsmith Linked Pack is under $60 at REI during its 4th of July Deals sale. Shop for it ASAP before the festive sale ends on July 6.
As of today, you can no longer book an Uber without a driver in Phoenix. The two companies are no longer partnered in Phoenix, with robotaxi rides ending Monday. This leaves Austin and Atlanta as the company’s two active markets.
“Phoenix was our first pilot market with Waymo and was an intentionally limited deployment, reaching just over a dozen vehicles dedicated to the program,” Uber said in a statement. “We learned a lot from that collaboration, which helped us to quickly scale Austin and Atlanta, where hundreds of Waymo AVs are available exclusively on Uber and our coverage area continues to expand.”
A Waymo autonomous taxi
Waymo
Waymo, meanwhile, said that its partnership with Uber was a stepping stone. The partnership “was a productive pilot that paved the way for future expansions and partnerships across the globe.” While active ridesharing has ended, the vehicles will stick around. They will be used for autonomous deliveries via DoorDash.
Last month, Waymo issued voluntary software recalls for vehicles in the Phoenix area. The vehicles were ignoring construction zones on freeways. Another recall covered 3,800 Waymo AVs that were entering flood zones: “We are working to implement additional software safeguards and have put mitigations in place, including refining our extreme weather operations during periods of intense rain, limiting access to areas where flash flooding might occur.”
A Jaguar Waymo self-driving robotaxi drives through at Oxford Circus, on 16th June 2026, in London, England. Waymo are testing their vehicles around the capital using a driver at the wheel. Waymo say they’re not yet offering commercial rides, but instead testing 24/7 to ensure their technology can safely handle all of London’s road conditions. (Photo by Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images)
Uber argued that it was key to autonomous taxi companies like Waymo, bringing scores of users to a service many were either entirely unaware of or deeply hesitant to participate in. The company has also said it will partner with another autonomous taxi company in Phoenix, but didn’t specify which.
Waymo, meanwhile, continues to expand. In nine other cities, Waymo has its own app or partners with local public transit providers. Later this year, the company will offer rides in Nashville and is looking to expand internationally.
New York City isn’t just partying on the Fourth of July this year—it’s celebrating America’s 250th birthday with what could be its biggest Independence Day fireworks show in decades.
According to the New York Post, Macy’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks will feature a rare dual-river display, launching fireworks from both the East River and the Hudson River. The show also marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic Macy’s tradition.
Macy’s Is Expanding the Fireworks for a Historic Celebration
The New York Post reported that the dual-river setup hasn’t been used since 2000 and is intended to commemorate the nation’s semiquincentennial while giving millions more spectators across New York and New Jersey a front-row view.
According to FOX 5 New York, this year’s show will feature more than 85,000 fireworks shells in 30 colors, along with laser effects projected from the Brooklyn Bridge.
The fireworks are scheduled to begin around 9 p.m. ET following NBC’s nationally televised special. FOX 5 New York reported the broadcast will feature performances by Post Malone, Blake Shelton, Noah Kahan, Salt-N-Pepa, Shaboozey, and Bebe Rexha.
It’s Part of a Massive America250 Celebration
The fireworks are just one piece of New York City’s larger America250 festivities.
According to the New York Post, the celebration includes Sail4th 250, featuring tall ships, military vessels, aviation demonstrations, concerts, and waterfront events honoring the nation’s 250th birthday.
For those hoping to watch in person, the New York Post reported that ticketed viewing areas will be available at Brooklyn Bridge Park and Seaport locations, while additional public viewing areas will be set up along portions of the waterfront in both New York City and Jersey City. Officials are encouraging spectators to arrive early because millions are expected to attend.
For anyone looking to celebrate America’s milestone birthday, this year’s Macy’s fireworks are shaping up to be one of the biggest Independence Day spectacles New York City has ever produced.
Heading into the Season 1 finale, the Yellowstone sequel, Dutton Ranch, is oddly centered less on the titular ranch itself and more on the corruption inside the 10 Petal Ranch. The Jackson family started out as Beth (Kelly Reilly) and Rip’s (Cole Hauser) rivals in Texas, but over the course of Season 1, they’ve formed an uneasy truce. Technically, at this point, both Beth and Rip work for Beulah Jackson (Annette Bening). But now, as the Season 1 finale looms, Beth and Rip are poised to fight a battle against the Jacksons, which may or may not destroy the 10 Petal Ranch in the process.
Here’s what to expect from Dutton Ranch, Season 1, Episode 9, “El Padrino,” including the release date, streaming time, plus what to know about the plot ahead of time. No spoilers ahead for the Dutton Ranch finale. Light spoilers ahead for Episodes 1-8.
Dutton Ranch Season 1 Finale Release Date
Dutton Ranch Season 1, Episode 9, “El Padrino,” will stream on Paramount+ on Friday, July 3. This is the last episode in Season 1, but Dutton Ranch is already renewed for Season 2. So, if somehow not everything is wrapped up in this finale, don’t worry, more is coming, hopefully in 2027.
Dutton Ranch Season 1 Finale Streaming Time
New episodes of Dutton Ranch hit Paramount+ at Midnight Eastern Time, so you can start watching the new episode around that time with a standard Paramount+ account. Some viewers report that new episodes might drop as early as 9:00 p.m. Pacific Time on the Thursday before the actual release date.
Dutton Ranch Season 1 Finale Plot
Paramount and the entire Dutton Ranch camp are keeping things fairly quiet about the actual events of the Dutton Ranch finale. Only a few photos have been released, and we don’t know exactly how things are going to pan out.
Here’s what we do know: At the end of Episode 8, Rip and Beth discover that the 10 Petal Ranch and the Jackson family are involved in a smuggling ring. The extent of the smuggling is unclear at the end of Episode 8, but Episode 9 is surely going to get deep into that storyline, and it’s not going to be wrapped up easily!
On top of that, Episode 8 also ended with Carter (Finn Little) running away from home, leaving Beth and Rip devastated. In the midst of all of this, Beulah seemed to genuinely want to start a romantic life with Everett (Ed Harris), but we don’t know how much he knows about the corruption on her ranch. Finally, it’s unclear if Oreana (Natalie Alyn Lind) is going to reconcile with Carter, and if she’ll side with the Duttons, or her own wicked father, Rob-Will (Jai Courtney).
Again, there’s certainly a lot going on in this finale, so if there’s some kind of cliffhanger, we wouldn’t be surprised.
The days leading up to and after July 4 are some of the most hectic times to travel during the year. There are millions of people on the road, with others taking to the air to get away.
An already crowded holiday commute could be even worse this year, warns one flying expert. The 2026 World Cup has brought an influx of foreign soccer fans, many of whom have stuck around as their countries advanced to the tournament’s knockout stage.
‘A perfect storm’ on the horizon
Anton Radchenko is the CEO of Air Advisor, a claims management company that works with travelers seeking compensation for delayed, cancelled and overbooked flights.
In an email provided to Men’s Journal, Radchenko said travel chaos might be on the way.
“It’s possible that a perfect storm is brewing during what’s already a busy time for travel in the US, with tens of thousands of World Cup soccer fans also on the move during the Fourth of July holiday period,” Radchenko explained, adding that delays don’t end after July 4, but often spill over into the days ahead.
“If you are traveling for the Fourth of July and want to avoid delays, consider returning four or five days after July 4th, when disruption is less likely to occur than on the immediate days that follow the holiday,” he advised.
What other steps can travelers take?
Radchenko suggests seeing if your outgoing or return holiday destination is hosting a World Cup match in the coming days, as this “may put a strain on services and increase the chances of passengers being bumped or denied boarding.”
If your flight is delayed, the airline is required to let you know as soon as possible, in addition to providing an explanation for the delay and continued updates on flight status.
“When a domestic flight is delayed more than three hours, or an international flight more than six, you’re entitled to a full refund if you decline the airline’s rebooking offer,” Radchenko said. “If you accept the new flight, you give up that right to a refund.”
How many people will be traveling this week?
A record amount, according to AAA. The organization expects more than 72 million people out and about between June 27 and July 5, eclipsing last year’s record of 71.8 million.
Of that number, around 61.4 million will travel by car, AAA projects, with 5.85 flying domestically and a projected 4.93 million venturing by bus, train or cruise.
“For many Americans, traveling the week of July 4th is tradition,” said AAA Travel Vice President Stacey Barber in a statement. “The 9-day travel forecast includes travelers who are vacationing all week and people just getting away for the long holiday weekend. While the overall number of Independence Day travelers appears to be plateauing, we’re still expecting record volumes this year.”
Nintendo is easily the most famous company in the industry’s history. In fact, there are even people who see the name Nintendo as being synonymous with video games as a concept. For that reason, it makes sense that many people are deeply invested in the debate about which is the best game the company has ever released. According to a notable fan vote with thousands of responses, Super Mario World has earned that honor.
Who Ranked ‘Super Mario World’ the ‘Best Nintendo Game’ of All Time?
In October 2025, Ranker updated its article that allows users to vote on what the “Best Nintendo Game” of all time is. The article has received more than 84,200 votes as of this writing from thousands of people who were invested enough to weigh in. Based on the results, Super Mario World is currently ranked at No. 1.
There are many reasons why Super Mario World stands out as a highlight of Nintendo history. The best aspects of the game include its iconic soundtrack, how infinitely replayable it is, its design allowing players to take different paths, and more. The title is also celebrated for introducing the world to one of the most beloved characters in video game history, Yoshi. Those are only a handful of the reasons why Super Mario World has cemented its legacy as a masterpiece.
Ranker’s users are far from the only people who have singled Super Mario World out as a game that is especially worthy of being cherished. For example, recent lists from IGN and Nintendo Life both ranked it as the best Super Mario game of all time.
