Reader's Digest (U.S.)

The United States turned 250 this summer, and to celebrate, we shot off fireworks and went to parades and, above it all, waved the American flag. Why is that? “Every country on Earth, for the most part, has evolved a national flag,” says James Ferrigan, a vexillologist (aka flag expert and historian) and the current treasurer of the North American Vexillological Association.

We absolutely adore Princess Diana, we really do, but this story is a tough one to swallow. In fact, this revelation about the late Princess of Wales broke our hearts a little, and we’re still processing the news that came to light when a 40-year-old letter written by King Charles was recently auctioned off by Chiswick Auctions in London for £656 ($880). But let’s start from the beginning.

Think your driver’s license is just a card you pull out when you need to prove your age or board a flight? Think again. A recent data breach may have exposed the personal information of millions of drivers, and there’s a chance your info may be caught up in it. We’re used to hearing about stolen credit card numbers and hacked bank accounts, but this type of breach could create a whole different set of problems.

Thinking about adding lettuce to your taco? If you’re heading to Taco Bell, that might not be an option. On the heels of reports that a nasty stomach bug is sickening people in several states across the country, the fast-food chain has decided to remove some options from its menu, at least temporarily. According to WWJ, not all Taco Bell locations have made the change, but several have let customers know that they are no longer offering specific items.

Sam Neill, the actor best known for his role as Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, has died. “It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney Australia,” read a statement from Neill’s family. “Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterized his whole life. The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free.

Prince William and Kate Middleton seem more in love than ever. The couple, who tied the knot in 2011, attended the DMMI Royal Charity Polo Cup on July 10, 2026, in Windsor, England, where William saddled up to show off his skills—for a good cause. The annual match raises money for charities chosen by the Prince and Princess of Wales, including the Wales Air Ambulance, The Royal College of Paramedics, and the Forward Trust, to name a few.

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but having zero summer trips booked in July doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance to get away. Every year, I tell myself I’m done planning vacations, and then I realize there are still a few weekends left on the calendar or a destination catches my eye. Before I know it, I’m comparing flights and convincing myself that one more weekend getaway is totally justified. The good news? If you haven’t booked your summer vacation yet, there’s still plenty of time.

Is there anything better than kicking back outside on a sunny day with your favorite people nearby, the grill fired up and the irresistible smell of burgers, steaks and barbecue filling the air? Grilling is one of America’s favorite pastimes, and with outdoor grills in about 65% of households, it’s easy to see why. There’s just something about that sizzle of a steak hitting the grill and the anticipation of that first delicious bite.

Somewhere in Harlan Coben’s New Jersey home, you can find all 36 of his mega-popular thriller novels. They’re just not located where you think. “I usually have them piled haphazardly in my office,” he says. “I don’t think I would probably like myself if I displayed them, so they’re on the floor.” But while speaking to Reader’s Digest, he makes eye contact with one, in particular: a new paperback edition of his 2023 bestseller I Will Find You, featuring Sam Worthington on the cover.

How is your grocery bill lately? If it’s anything like mine, it has been going up, up, up for months. I’ve cut back on non-essentials, re-upped my Costco membership and cleared out a shelf in my garage for bulk buys of sparkling water and Diet Coke (and also some more nutritious offerings). But there’s one other thing I do that saves me major money, and it couldn’t be simpler.