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Julie Chen Moonves has hosted Big Brother through 27 seasons, four U.S. presidents, and a litany of fads come and gone. She's helped lead the hit CBS reality series through its various "eras," from exes and long-lost siblings in the early days to the modern-day villains of Ainsley and the Mastermind. And Big Brother 28 is letting her relive it all — with a twist, of course.

As announced today, the upcoming season of the summer show will be themed "Big Brother: Time Trip," which CBS says is "turning time into the ultimate twist." This year's house is decked out with rooms and relics dedicated to the spectrum of history, from dinosaur bones to '80s fads to even some futuristic aesthetics. With such an open motif, there are unlimited possibilities as to what that might entail for the game proper.

Luckily, Parade got the opportunity to tour the Big Brother 28 house and talk with Chen Moonves. And the host opened up a bit more about what the theme entails.

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"Time travel, that could go forward or backwards, and that will play into some of the competitions," she explains. "Does that mean we're going to bring back some competitions you haven't seen since Season 2, 3, 4, 5? I sure hope so. I'm pretty sure you're going to be like, 'Oh, they haven't done that forever!' And then with the time travel theme, maybe we'll do a new twist, which is, 'You loved that competition in Season 4. But they have to be, I don't know, surrounded by dinosaurs.'"

Going full Jurassic Park may be the biggest example of "Expect the Unexpected" in the show's history. But the idea of giving old-school competitions a new-school coat of paint sounds incredibly intriguing. Will we have endurance competitions around standing in increasingly smaller cages, sitting in a dirty bathtub, or holding onto a cardboard cutout of yourself? Could houseguests be desperately chucking CDs in the pool to earn the coveted title of Head of Household?

For what it's worth, in recent years, Big Brother has made an effort to bring back some of its most iconic one-and-done competitions. Two of the biggest challenges from Season 6, the chess-themed "Knight Moves" and the epic test of endurance that is "Pressure Cooker," both came back in the modern era of the show. And the idea of bringing more of these OG comps through the BB time machine is an exciting prospect for those who have been watching since the early days of Dr. Will Kirby and Danielle Reyes.

But Chen Moonves's most intriguing statement teases what's to come in the first episode of the season, saying, "Controversial people will be factored."

Related: ‘Big Brother 28’ Announces Premiere Date, Brings Back ‘Unlocked’ for Biggest Season Ever

She goes on to clarify, "If you're a Big Brother fan, you'll be like, 'Ha ha!' And I think a lot of people will be like 'Yes!' And I think some people like, 'What?!' But it's good TV. And if you love reality television beyond Big Brother — yes, there are other shows beyond Big Brother — you'll be excited as well."

Well, those words have more to chew on than a freshly-made pot of slop! What exactly does "controversial people" entail? We have certainly seen a fair share of polarizing figures across three seasons of Celebrity Big Brother, including Omarosa and Anthony Scaramucci. But the various reactions that Chen Moonves gave seem to indicate these are people who will simultaneously produce a knowing laugh, an expression of confusion, and an excitable exclamation.

And then there's the second part of her statement: That these "controversial" individuals may not be involved with Big Brother at all! In particular, she seems to be indicating some of the parties involved will be standouts from reality shows outside of the house. Perhaps this means that, true to the time travel concept, we'll be going full House of Villains by bringing in iconic players across the history of unscripted TV. Could Johnny Bananas waltz into the backyard? Will Jonny Fairplay walk through the front door? Could Tiffany "New York" Pollard actually be in the motherf—king house?!

Regardless of what Chen Moonves's comments imply, we won't have to wait the length of the Stone Age to see what they mean, as Big Brother 28 premieres with a special 90-minute episode on Thursday, July 9 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

Related: CBS Announces 'Big Brother 28's 'Time Trip' Theme: See First-Look House Photos

From embracing a fully free-spirited lifestyle to taking up the whole bed, there are plenty of reasons to love being single. But if you’re single and wishing you were partnered, you might find yourself wondering what’s standing in your way. It’s possible you’ve found yourself infatuated with someone who simply isn’t on the same page about where your relationship is headed. Or maybe you’ve struggled with poor timing or feeling unseen by past potential partners. No matter your journey, it’s possible that a particular love block is throwing a wrench in your desire to connect with your soulmate, and it can help to look to your birth month—which speaks to your perspective, strengths, and personality—for insight. 

The Love Block Standing in the Way of Finding Your Soulmate, Based on Your Birth Month

Read on to learn what might be serving as a challenge when it comes to connecting with that special someone, based on the month you were born.

January: You Haven't Met Your Soulmate Because Responsibility Comes First

You claim either industrious, traditionalist Capricorn or progressive, future-minded Aquarius as your sun sign. Both Cap and Aquarius are ruled by Saturn, the taskmaster planet, which oversees commitment, reality checks, and boundaries. You are a realist and innovator who has the ability to put your nose to the grindstone, but, especially if you have a lot of Capricorn influence, you might find it difficult to put work aside in order to focus on your personal life. And if you’re more of an Aquarius, you might struggle with allowing yourself to listen to and follow your emotional needs, as focusing on what’s seemingly most rational or best for your friends, community, and colleagues may take precedence. Allow yourself to prioritize your heart and your joy, as it can be the key to finding the one.   

February: You Haven't Met Your Soulmate Because You're Romanticizing Love

You came into the world when the sun was moving through either imaginative, progressive air sign Aquarius or ethereal, mystical water sign Pisces, which means you’re an innovator and a dreamer. You’re artistic, forward-thinking, and a friend to all, but you might struggle with reality checks, preferring to live in your imagination. Finding your soulmate will require being honest with yourself about what you need and deserve, and then, if the potential partners you’ve been pursuing aren’t matching up, doing what you must to steer onto better and brighter options. 

March: You Haven't Met Your Soulmate Because You Need More Grounding

Born when the sun was moving through either spiritual, empathic Pisces or action-oriented, athletic fire sign Aries, you’re in tune with your instincts, gut, and passions. When you’re in a flow, you can channel your deeply felt emotions into action or creative outlets. But you might struggle with being impulsive or finding it challenging to get grounded in love. Center yourself through cooling practices like pranayama breathing, restorative yoga, or spending time near or in water. By soothing your nervous system and finding your own center, you can more effectively move toward your ideal partner. 

April: You Haven't Met Your Soulmate Because You Can't Let Go

You came into the world when the sun was taking a trip through either fiery, competitive Aries or grounded, tactile, sensual Taurus, which means you’re passionate about moving toward your goals at your own pace. Some semblance of harmony is integral to a reciprocal love affair, yet you might be prone to fueling conflicts for fun (as an especially Aries-informed person) or digging your heels in when you’re challenged (if you’re more of a Taurus). To connect with your ideal mate, you’ll do well to call in greater adaptability and inner peace. You can also approach opposing points of view with a sense of playfulness. 

READ: Your Soulmate, Based on Your Birth Month

May: You Haven't Met Your Soulmate Because Your Mind Overrules Your Heart

You were born when the sun was moving through slow and steady, pragmatic earth sign Taurus or curious, bubbly air sign Gemini, which means you’re a supercommunicator who is relationship-oriented and eager to make the most of every moment. You may find yourself getting hung up on specific dealbreakers or taking your time to make a move but then missing the boat, if you’re more of a Taurus. And if you’re more of a Gemini, you cherish variety and flitting from one interesting experience to the next, which might be at odds with a desire to settle down. Either way, carve out space and time to tap into your intuition and allow that to run the show over your head, and you’ll find you can align with the best path toward fulfillment. 

June: You Haven't Met Your Soulmate Because You Keep Your Guard Up

The sun was in either the social butterfly, effervescent, information-gathering air sign Gemini or nurturing, sentimental, and heartfelt water sign Cancer when you were born. As such a free spirit, you could be a bit commitment-shy, if you’re especially influenced primarily by Gemini, and if you’re more of a Cancer, you could allow your innate self-protectiveness to inhibit your ability to be fully present and open to connecting with someone special. Check in with your heart to be sure you’re not walling yourself off from experiencing the bond you’re craving so deeply. 

CURIOUS?: Zodiac Signs and Their Soulmates, According to Astrologers

July: You Haven't Met Your Soulmate Because You Don't Fully See Your Own Value

Born when the sun was in either maternal, caregiving, family-oriented water sign Cancer or buoyant, theatrical, fierce fire sign Leo, you’re a softie and a fireball all at once. But despite being such a go-getter and having such a big heart, the block that you might be struggling with could be tied to your self-esteem. You might keep yourself at a distance from potential partners because you’re not showing yourself as much love as you show others. Pour more into your own cup, and you could find you’re in even more of a power position to find and revel in love.  

August: You Haven't Met Your Soulmate Because You're Rushing the Timing

You were born under optimistic, loyal, dramatic fire sign Leo or cerebral, earth goddess-y Virgo, which means you’re as action-oriented and passionate as you are service-oriented and pragmatic. You know what you want, and you’re willing to pour your energy and time into it, whether that’s by swiping on dating apps, asking friends to set you up, or taking classes where you hope to meet like-minded people. While it might sound counterintuitive, the block standing in your way might be just how hard you tend to push for your romantic dreams. While complete passivity isn’t the goal (or even possible!), you might find you have more luck when you take your hands off the wheel even a little bit, and trust that the universe has your back. 

September: You Haven't Met Your Soulmate Because You're Looking for Perfection

You were born under either intuitive, sensitive earth sign Virgo or beauty-loving, partnership-oriented air sign Libra, harmony, peacefulness, wellness, and self-improvement are all top priorities in your eyes. You might be in the habit of gravitating to potential partners who have traits or incompatibilities you’re actually not all that thrilled about but that you believe you can smooth over. Or, because you’re so detail-oriented, you might lose out on someone amazing because of minutiae that actually doesn’t matter in the long-run. Your best bet: Find the balance between accepting who someone truly is and holding space for them to be imperfectly perfect—for you. 

October: You Haven't Met Your Soulmate Because You're Holding Too Tightly to Your Ideal

The sun moved through romantic, elegant, balance-loving air sign Libra and intimacy-seeking, magnetic water sign Scorpio when you came into the world. If you’re more of a beauty-seeking Libra, you may have a romanticized idea of what you ideally want in a partner that doesn’t quite mesh with reality, and if you’re more of a powerful, but at times obstinate Scorpio, you might find it challenging to do the bending and adapting that’s often necessary in a one-on-one bond. In either case, you’ll do well to build more breathing room into your vision for a soulmate relationship. You could find that stepping out of your comfort zone is actually the fast track to falling head over heels. 

MANIFESTING: How Each Birth Date Attracts Their Soulmate

November: You Haven't Met Your Soulmate Because You're Making Yourself Smaller

Whether you were born under the powerful, fearless water sign Scorpio or jovial, adventurous fire sign Sagittarius, you crave transformative experiences and believe in going big or going home. You might feel like you’ve been made to feel like you’re “too much” when you share your unfiltered or treated-as-taboo thoughts with others. But making yourself smaller to fit someone else’s idea of enough may be working against you. What you need is to be with a lover who not only appreciates but is enlivened by your passion, intensity, and fire. Open yourself up to potential partners who cherish these traits, and you’ll find your bliss.

December: You Haven't Met Your Soulmate Because You're Focused on the Finish Line

Born with your sun in either wanderlust-informed, philosophical Sagittarius or industrious, traditionalist Capricorn, you’re a go-getter who will work tirelessly to move toward your ambitious vision. You apply this to your love life, to be sure, but it may backfire if you’re wrapped up in the pursuit of love more than you are grounded in what the realistic day-to-day of a lasting love actually looks like. Take a moment to visualize what you want with your partner on a smaller scale, whether that’s on a typical Sunday morning or when you’re off globe-trotting together or championing one another’s career wins. Holding that truth-fueled vision in mind can inspire your next steps. 

UP NEXT:

Broadway star Aaron Lazar's family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the actor during his ALS battle as he has lost the use of his legs, arms, and hands.

Lazar now requires a full-time caregiver and is using a BiPAP machine to breathe. According to the fundraiser, his "increased needs, the cost of full-time caregiving, medical equipment, and specialized therapies has grown to more than $300,000 every year."

"Aaron's ability to generate income for his family is severely limited," the page states. "He needs help to stay in the fight."

The GoFundMe has a goal of $500,000, and as of Wednesday, July 1, at 9 a.m. PT, it was nearly at $300,000.

"Most people would see this diagnosis and its burdens as the end of a dream. Yet Aaron has chosen a different path, dedicating himself to what he calls 'The Impossible Dream,' his commitment to living with hope, determination, faith, and love," the page adds. "But determination alone cannot overcome the heartbreaking realities of ALS."

The statement writes that that they are hoping to provide Lazar and his children "with stability, comfort, and peace of mind while ensuring these enormous financial burdens do not stand in the way of his journey.”

“Every donation directly supports Aaron’s medical care, allowing him to focus on what matters most: spending meaningful time with his children and the people he loves, and empowering Aaron to continue his brave, hopeful fight,” the fundraiser adds. “Please join us in supporting Aaron.”

Lazar was diagnosed with slow-moving ALS in 2022.

"Once the diagnosis came, I made the decision: 'I'm not living whatever life I have left afraid,'" Lazar said in an interview with PEOPLE in April 2024. "Don't get me wrong; I'm passionately fighting for my life, I'm just not fighting the disease. I've learned to surrender to ALS in a way that lets me appreciate the moments between life's peaks and valleys. Because I don't want to miss them."

During his career, he appeared in Broadway shows including The Phantom of the Opera, The Light in the Piazza, Oklahoma, Les Misérables, The Last Ship, and Dear Evan Hansen.

Stepping into the stilettos of an icon is a big challenge, but Lexi Minetree shows she has the blonde ambition to pull it off. With the highly anticipated Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle, arriving on Prime Video today, audiences can finally see the high school struggles and triumphs of a young Elle Woods.

While the character is known for her confidence, bringing her backstory to life meant Minetree had to confront some nerves of her own. Specifically, a homecoming dance sequence pushed the actress outside of her comfort zone. But she didn’t have to handle it all by herself.

In an exclusive interview with Parade, Minetree and co-stars Chandler Kinney and Gabrielle Policano shared their experiences with the big dance number, the support that helped them through it and how the day on set rekindled Minetree’s love for the stage.

Related: ‘Elle’ Star June Diane Raphael Says Working With James Van Der Beek Was ‘A Dream’

Lexi Minetree Says the Elle Homecoming Dance Was Her Hardest Day on Set

Elle Woods is known for being, well, a lot, and Minetree expressed having some difficulty performing a whole lot of dance in a homecoming scene—not just in front of a crowd, but also in front of co-star Chandler Kinney.

“My hardest day was when I had to do the homecoming dance,” said Minetree. “Just because I have never, like, done a dance number like that before.”

“And she killed it!” exclaimed Kinney, who plays the sharp, judgy Seattle native Kimberly in the show. Kinney appeared on Season 33 of Dancing With the Stars and finished in third place, so she knows her stuff when it comes to dance.

“She did kill!” agreed Gabrielle Policano, who plays low-key musician Liz.

“Don’t stop me now!” sang all three actresses in unison, referring to a line in Elle’s big dance number that we’ll just have to wait to see. “That’s our favorite part,” said Policano. “And we still do that till this day!” added Kinney.

How Chandler Kinney Helped Ease Lexi Minetree’s Nerves During the Big Scene

Chandler Kinney’s ‘Dancing With the Stars’ experience made the moment equally exciting and intimidating for Minetree. In the interview, she recalled that Kinney’s background added another layer of pressure to the scene, especially with the overall scale of the homecoming sequence.

“I was like, that's really intimidating to do that in front of someone like that [referring to Kinney],” she shared.

Kinney later recalled giving the young star guidance and support throughout the routine. From basic tips to general encouragement, she helped ease Minetree’s nerves leading up to the big moment.

“I gave you some tips, but you didn't really need it. You really didn't…need it. You know, you actually were incredible.”

Policano agreed with Kinney, adding “You were so good. Oh my God. And there are professional dancers around you doing that with you. And you ate it up.”

Related: Channel Elle Woods' Determination With the 35 Best Quotes From 'Legally Blonde'

Why Lexi Minetree Loved Bringing Her Theater Background to Elle

At one point in the interview, Minetree reflected on how filming the homecoming dance scene reminded her of her theater background.

“I'm a huge theater kid, so it just reminded me of, like, doing something for an audience again,” she shared.

For Minetree, the whole experience felt incredibly real, as if she were actually performing in front of a crowd, feeding off their energy.

“Everyone's cheering for me, and I know they're just paid to do that, but it felt real,” Minetree said.

While she initially felt intimidated by the dance routine, the moment served as a good reminder of why she loves being on stage.

Related: James Van Der Beek ‘Appeared Buoyant and Happy’ While Battling Cancer on Set of ‘Elle’

What Is Prime Video's Elle About?

Prime Video’s show ‘Elle’ is a prequel to the 2001 hit ‘Legally Blonde,’ starring Reese Witherspoon. It follows a teenage Elle Woods as she navigates high school, friendships and more. It stars Lexi Minetree, June Diane Raphael, Tom Everett Scott, Chandler Kinney, Jacob Mosckovitz, Gabrielle Policano and Zac Looker.

When Does Elle Premiere?

All eight episodes of ‘Elle’ are scheduled to drop on July 1, 2026. The series will stream exclusively on Prime Video. It's rated TV-14.

Related: Amazon's 'Legally Blonde' TV Series Gets a Release Date—and a Season 2 Renewal

WARNING! The following contains spoilers for the full Season 1 of Elle, currently streaming on Prime Video. Please don't go any further if you don't wish to know details of what happened, including the ending.

If you've been wanting more from Elle Woods and her optimistically bright-pink universe these last few years, we've got double good news: the Prime Video prequel series Elle reunites us with the impeccably dressed future attorney—instead of Reese Witherspoon, this time she's played by newcomer Lexi Minetree as a mid-'90s-era California teen navigating a major move to grungy Seattle—and there's already a second season on the way, so we'll be seeing even more fun high-school hijinks from Ms. Woods and her Washington pals soon.

Created by Laura Kittrell, the eight-episode first season gave Legally Blonde fans a peek at the lovable legal mind that we know and love from the original 2001 comedy, with teenaged Elle navigating school politics, friendship dynamics, boy crushes and even a mayoral conspiracy with the same pluck, purpose and perfectly coordinated outfits as you'd expect from the iconic character. A lot went down in Elle's first semester of junior year, so let's recap everything that happened in that Elle Season 1 finale, shall we?

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Elle Season 1 Ending ExplainedElle leaves Seattle for Los Angeles

At the end of the penultimate episode, Elle makes the horrifying discovery that her mother Eva (June Diane Raphael) submitted her winning essay for the Cosmopolitan contest without her knowledge, when Shannon (Danielle Chand) announces the article's distressing contents—which include criticisms of Seattle and its residents—to the whole school. (More on that in a minute!) Though Elle apologizes to the student body via morning announcements the next day, none of her classmates—including pals Liz (Gabrielle Policano) and Dustin (Zac Looker)—have fully forgiven her.

In the finale episode, Elle and Eva have moved back to Los Angeles—leaving Elle's dad Wyatt (Tom Everett Scott) behind in Seattle—so that Elle can participate in the Cosmo internship. It's post-winter break; nobody from Seattle has reached out to her since she moved, and even her mom has barely spoken to her dad. However, at least Elle is killing it at the internship, impressing Heather Locklear's stylist with her sartorial savvy and getting chosen to help out with looks for the Golden Globes.

In the end, though, Elle realizes that she and Eva have a pattern of running away when things get tough: "L.A. is an easy fix to a hard problem...I miss doing things the hard way," she tells her mom. So, the Woods gals decide to skip the Golden Globes and head back to Seattle so that Elle can make amends and attend the school's winter "informal" dance.

Related: Victoria’s Secret Pink Unveils ‘Elle’ Line and Fans Are ‘Grabbing Everything’

Lexi Minetree and Gabrielle Policano star as unlikely pals Elle and Liz in the 'Elle' prequel

Prime Video

Elle and Shannon reconcile

Eventually, yes, but not before Shannon comes in hot, calling Elle a "backstabbing blonde bitch" for smooching her ex-boyfriend Miles (Jacob Moskovitz) on the night that her mother died. 

She’s understandably upset, but she has a change of heart by the time she runs into Elle at the Seattle airport, with Shannon departing for her dad’s place in Denver and Elle and her mom returning from Los Angeles. Elle acknowledges that she deserved to have Shannon “blow up” her life a little due to her breaking girl code, but Shannon says that it was misplaced grief over her mom’s death and regret for breaking up with Miles in the first place. Before boarding her flight, she basically gives her blessing to Elle and Miles that they can be together. 

Related: Reese Witherspoon’s Son Bears an Uncanny Resemblance to Ryan Phillippe at ‘Elle’ Premiere

Lexi Minetree's Elle and Chandler Kinney's Kimberly are at odds in 'Elle' on Prime Video

Prime Video

What happens between Liz and Kimberly?

Now that Liz’s mom Donna (Amy Pietz) has been officially cleared of all crimes and has her job at the school reinstated thanks to Elle’s sleuthing, the only major problem Liz is dealing with at the end of Elle Season 1 is her lingering crush on Kimberly (Chandler Kinney). 

It’s revealed in the finale that Kimberly hasn't really spoken to Liz since they secretly hooked up at summer camp, and that she was adamant that nobody find out about their fling. However, when Kim goes to visit Liz at her record-store job to discuss the winter dance, she shares that she did talk about their little romantic rendezvous with Shannon. She also asks Liz if she would perform at the winter “informal,” due to the original band having to pull out. Liz says she’ll think about it; she’s passionate about her music but has never performed in front of the public. 

Liz does eventually agree to perform at the school dance, but has pre-show nerves. Kimberly checks in on her backstage before her set and kisses Liz to calm her. “Well, now I’m freaking out more!” Liz jokes. Her gift is a success, with Kimberly happily dancing along in the crowd. 

Related: ‘Legally Blonde’ Reunion Brings Reese Witherspoon to Tears

Dustin (Zac Looker) not-so-secretly has feelings for Lexi Minetree's Elle Woods

Prime Video

Does Elle end up with Miles or Dustin?

Neither…just yet, at least. After landing back in Seattle, Elle’s parents help her rush over to the winter informal, where she arrives just in time to see Liz perform. She spots Dustin in the crowd, and it’s clear that she’s conflicted about how things left off between them. She had originally asked him to the dance, but while in Los Angeles, she discovered that her Cali BFF Madison (Jessica Belkin) had kissed Dustin while she was visiting Elle in Seattle. Plus, there’s the Miles of it all. 

Dustin heatedly confronts Elle about all of the above during the dance. "We were hurt, I was hurt and then you just left!” he yells. He eventually interrupts their argument by kissing her…right under the watchful eye of a nearby Miles. The two fellas storm off and Elle is left more confused than ever. And we've ourselves got a love triangle cliffhanger, folks!

So that’s everything until Elle and Co. return for the already announced second season on Prime Video. Parade will keep you posted on all things related to Elle until then. 

Related: 'Off Campus' Season 1 Ending Explained: Do Hannah and Garrett End Up Together For Real?

As any former houseguest can tell you, spending your summer cooped up in a house, strategizing 24/7 against your competition in the hopes of walking out $750,000 richer, time loses all meaning in the Big Brother house. And for Season 28 of the iconic reality series, CBS chose to take that literally, as they've announced the official theme for this year's iteration: "Big Brother: Time Trip."

No, this is not the return of the "Time Laser" from three summers ago (though the ill-fated invention does make an appearance in this year's decor). Instead, Big Brother 28 will be a voyage through various decades, with the house filled with relics from a variety of eras. That includes not only the '80s and the 2000s, but also some futuristic aesthetic, showcasing how houseguests need to weaponize both the past and the future to set them up for the present.

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But a 1940s jukebox and a keytar won't be the only blast from the past that players will experience. It seems that the "Time Trip" will also include throwbacks across Big Brother history as well. Whether that includes references to previous iconic moments, the return of old-school competitions and twists, or even appearances from former houseguests remains to be seen.

Host Julie Chen Moonves elaborated on the theme in a video released by CBS, saying, "For Season 28, we're throwing out all the rules of time and space and sending our houseguests on a journey unlike anything you've ever seen before. From prehistoric times to iconic decades and unforgettable moments from Big Brother history, this house is packed with surprises around every single corner."

Related: ‘Big Brother’s New Companion Show Just Added a Famous Co-Host and a Game-Changing Twist

The Big Brother 28 house is a veritable treasure trove of time-trippy relics. Highlights include:

• Time-Bending Entryway: Houseguests are greeted by a striking faux-neon sign and a dizzying array of clocks, immediately setting the tone: time is fractured, unpredictable and constantly in motion.

• Living Room of Eras: 17-foot gothic windows glow against oxblood stone walls, blending classic and industrial design alongside relics from across history, from a triceratops skull to royal crown jewels a reminder that anything from any era could shape the game.

• Nostalgic Trophies: A 1940s jukebox and an ’80s transparent phone highlights a surreal mix of decades, celebrating nostalgia as past, present and future collide inside the BB house.

• Relic Lab Hallway: The iconic time laser returns alongside quirky failed inventions including a pogo stick, keytar and more all displayed as relics of past experiments.

• Clockwork Bathroom: Gears and intricate mechanical details surround Houseguests, while sub-atomic-inspired lighting fixtures create a visually stunning, otherworldly atmosphere.

• The Artifact Bedroom: Housing five Houseguests, this artifact-filled room features two mysterious doorways, one to the past, one to the future.

• Futuristic Sleep Pods Room: A sleek retreat with pod beds, organic ladders and nebula visuals offers a calm, futuristic escape from the chaos of the game.

• Upstairs Lounge: Vintage tech lines the shelves. Massive arched windows overlooking the living room make it a prime vantage point for eavesdropping, while the custom-built sofa is perfectly suited for both strategizing and showmancing.

• Time-Lapse Gym: Walls wrapped in time-lapse photography create the illusion of motion and progression, energizing Houseguests as they work out and reset.

• Clock Tower Feature: Tying the entire house together, a dramatic clock tower crowns the space, a symbolic reminder that in this game, time is always ticking… but never predictable.

Take a look at photos of the Season 28 house below, as well as video we got on-set of some of the decor's final details. And stay tuned to Parade for exclusive interviews with this season's cast and crew. Big Brother 28 premieres with a special 90-minute episode on Thursday, July 9.

Big Brother 28 House PhotosEntryway Julie Chen Moonves stands at in the entryway of the 'Big Brother 28' house

Matthew Taplinger/CBS

The entryway to the 'Big Brother 28' house

Matthew Taplinger/CBS

Kitchen The 'Big Brother 28' kitchen

Matthew Taplinger/CBS

The 'Big Brother 28' kitchen

Matthew Taplinger/CBS

Downstairs rooms The downstairs lounge in the 'Big Brother 28' house

Matthew Taplinger/CBS

The Sleep Pods bedroom in the 'Big Brother 28' house

Matthew Taplinger/CBS

Upstairs rooms The upstairs lounge in the 'Big Brother 28' house

Matthew Taplinger/CBS

Bathroom The bathroom in the 'Big Brother 28' house

Matthew Taplinger/CBS

Related: Will 'Big Brother 28' Have Returning Players? The Case For and Against

It was a night to remember for Def Leppard.

The iconic '80s rock band celebrated its 11th show at Sheffield Arena.

And it didn't go off without plenty of memorable moments, as the venue made sure to honor the "Pour Some Sugar on Me" rockers properly.

Taking to Instagram, the venue noted, "To congratulate them, we presented the band with our 'Steel Star' Award, given to artists that have performed 10 or more shows at our venue in recognition of this outstanding achievement ⭐ Along with their personalised @officialsteelersShirts & some framed artwork!"

"We hope they come home again soon💙," the post concluded, along with three photos of the legendary rockers posing with their jerseys and plaques.

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It was a particularly special show for Def Leppard, as it was a hometown performance in Sheffield, England's Utilita Arena.

Prior to the show, the arena expressed, "Today Def Leppard Celebrate Nearly Five Decades of Sheffield Shows."

"Def Leppard return to Utilita Arena Sheffield tonight, marking not only their 11th performance at the Arena, but their 17th performance across Sheffield’s two iconic live entertainment venues, Sheffield City Hall and Utilita Arena Sheffield!" the post wrote of their 2026 tour.

The sold-out show was also "expected to push their total attendance beyond 100,000 at the Arena alone."

Before taking the stage, the band, whose lineup has remained consistent since the early ‘90s and includes Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, Vivian Campbell, Rick Savage and Rick Allen, signed a lioness named Paw Some Sugar, which was created by artist and super fan, Craig Turver, to pay respect to “one of Sheffield’s most iconic bands.”

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Def Leppard is enjoying a booked and busy year, kicking things off with a February Las Vegas residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace before heading to India and Europe on a tour running through July.

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Inspiration can strike at any moment, and it was certainly true for American soft rock musician Lobo when he developed his debut single "Me and You and a Dog Named Boo."

Roland Kent LaVoie, under the stage name Lobo, was developing a series of tracks for his 1971 debut album, Introducing Lobo. "Me and You and a Dog Named Boo" ended up becoming the first of his many future hits to enter the Top 10 on the Billboard chart at No. 5. That's not all; it also led him to dominate the Adult Contemporary chart at No.1 and stay on the chart for two solid weeks.

"Me and You and a Dog Named Boo" became a quintessential radio anthem thanks to its lyrics that could also be tagged as a road staple. After all, it talks about two hippies who venture on a cross-country road trip alongside their dog in a beat-up, poorly running car. Despite making it to Los Angeles, that very car makes them miss the open road.

Believe it or not, Lobo's debut single is often mistakenly called "You And Me And A Dog Named Boo." Lobo had originally titled the track "You and Me" during early renditions of it, but felt that it didn't work right. It wasn't until his four-legged friend ran into the room that it sparked inspiration.

"I was working on several songs, including a tune about traveling around the country with this girl, and I was trying to rhyme 'you and me.' Now 'me and you' would have been easier, but I was trying to do it with proper grammar. I couldn't find anything to rhyme that fit what I wanted to say in the song. Finally, after I got back home to Florida, I decided to turn the phrase around to 'me and you,'" said Lobo in a 2013 interview, according to SongFacts.

The singer adds that he was still stumped about the track while sitting in a room that overlooked his backyard and had a large sliding door. Sooner rather than later, his dog named Boo came running from around the corner and looked at him.

"I said: 'Well, now, that's kinda freaky. How about putting 'a dog named Boo' into the song?' That's literally how it came about. All of a sudden the song really started coming together. I hadn't been to any of the places mentioned in the song except Georgia, but I just kept putting in places that sounded far away like Minneapolis and LA," explained Lobo.

"You And Me And A Dog Named Boo" became his most successful song before it was topped by "I'd Love You to Want Me," which landed at No.2 on the chart. It even made it into pop culture in the series Big Love and Veronica Mars.

Related: 1971 Rock Ballad, Written While on Tour, Remains a Timeless Classic 55 Years Later

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Flip-flops are basically the unofficial shoe of summer, but not all of them are built for the long haul. One minute you’re grabbing iced coffee, the next you’re circling a street fair or heading down to the beach, and those pairs start feeling a lot less cute. The goal this season is simple: A sandal you can slip on fast, wear everywhere, and still feel good in hours later.

Clarks, a brand known for combining comfort-first technology with adorable designs, has a take on the classic flip-flop that you won’t want to miss. At JCPenney, Clarks’ Cloudsteppers Breeze Dhalia Flip-Flops are now 50% off, dropping from the usual $60 to just $30. Shoppers said that they'll “let your feet breathe in the summer months” and feel “like walking on clouds.” Add in the playful bow detail, and they are instantly way more stylish than standard pool slides.

Clarks Cloudsteppers Breeze Dhalia Flip-Flops, $30 (was $60) at JCPenney

Courtesy of JCPenney

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This slip-on thong sandal is designed with both comfort and adjustability in mind, starting with a wide textile upper strap that feels soft against the foot while still offering structure. A hidden hook-and-loop closure allows for a more customized fit, while the oversized bow overlay adds a decorative finish that conceals the fastening and leans into a soft, feminine aesthetic. Tonal stitching and layered panel construction add subtle depth across the upper, giving the sandal a more refined, dimensional look.

Underfoot, the sandal is built on a cushioned foam footbed lined with jersey fabric for added softness and a more responsive, “bouncy” step. The midsole design focuses on impact absorption and everyday wearability, helping reduce strain during extended use. A chunky, flexible outsole provides traction and stability across a range of surfaces, while maintaining a lightweight feel for all-day movement. The silhouette is finished with a rounded toe, medium-width fit, and an approximate 30-millimeter heel lift that creates a slight rise for added support without compromising balance.

The sandal is offered in a full size range from 5 through 12, designed with a generous medium width that makes the fit more forgiving across foot shapes. It also comes in three colorways — pink, blue denim, and beige — giving shoppers a few versatile options to rotate between depending on their wardrobe or occasion.

Shoppers called this style “cute” and “comfortable,” saying they provide “excellent traction and support” and “hold up well” over wear. One shopper wrote, “The sole is very supportive but still flexible.”

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• Clarks Cloudsteppers Breeze Reyna Flip-Flops, $30 (was $60) at JCPenney
• Clarks Cloudsteppers Breeze Opal Flip-Flops, $30 (was $60) at JCPenney
• Clarks Cloudsteppers Breeze Sea Flip-Flops, $30 (was $60) at JCPenney

Related: Amazon’s $31 Clarks Bow Sandals Feel Like 'Walking on a Cloud' and Come in 2 Classic Colors

If your current sandals aren’t cutting it, the $30 Clarks Cloudsteppers Breeze Dhalia Flip-Flops are a perfect replacement. Shop them at JCPenney while they’re 50% off!

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Dinosaur Jr., the iconic band celebrated as the pioneers of slacker rock, is back with new music.

After teasing fans with cryptic updates on social media, the trio, composed of J Mascis on lead vocals, guitar and primary songwriter, with Lou Barlow on bass and Murph on drums, officially announced the release of its 13th studio album.

In an Instagram update, the band revealed that the upcoming record There Near will be released on Aug. 28.

Adding to the excitement, Dinosaur Jr. gave fans another reason to celebrate by unveiling the album's first single, "Several Got Away," offering listeners a glimpse of what to expect from the upcoming record.

Dinosaur Jr. members J Mascis, Murph and Lou Barlow

Dinosaur Jr. members J Mascis, Murph and Lou Barlow

Apart from the album and lead single reveal, Dinosaur Jr. hinted at more exciting news to come, adding, "Stay tuned for more."

As fans await the highly anticipated launch, Mascis revealed he spent over a year recording the album at Bisquiteen Studio in Amherst, Massachusetts, the band's hometown.

View this post on Instagram

Moreover, the upcoming album  finds the band returning to the sonic approach of its early years by bringing the same style of Mesa Boogie amp that was used on the debut album.

“You always hear how Rick Rubin always makes bands he’s producing sit down and listen to their first album and say, ’ Let’s get back to that sound. So I just gave myself his advice,” he shared in a statement as cited by Consequence.

The soon-to-be-released studio album will be the band's first in five years after releasing Sweep It Into Space in 2021.

Dinosaur Jr. Announces 2026 Tour

The trio has an exciting way of ending the month with back-to-back surprises.

From an upcoming album to a new song, Dinosaur Jr. also revealed another major surprise.

In a separate Instagram post, the band revealed it is gearing up for a fall 2026 U.S. tour.

Supporting its 13th studio album, the band is set for an 18-date run, kicking off on Oct. 9 in Las Vegas and concluding on Nov. 7 in New Orleans.

Joining them is Detroit indie rock musician Stef Chura, who will serve as the special guest opener.

Dinosaur Jr. Fall 2026 Tour

Oct. 9: Las Vegas, NV @ Brooklyn Bowl

Oct. 10: Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre

Oct. 11: Solana Beach, CA @ Belly Up

Oct. 15: Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues

Oct. 16: Los Angeles, CA @ The Bellwether

Oct. 18: San Francisco, CA @ The Castro Theatre

Oct. 20: Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades

Oct. 22: Portland, OR @ Revolution Hall

Oct. 23: Seattle, WA @ Neptune

Oct. 24: Seattle, WA @ Neptune

Oct. 26: Salt Lake City, UT @ Complex

Oct. 29: Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre

Oct. 30: Fort Collins, CO @ Washington's

Nov. 2: Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater

Nov. 4: Houston, TX @ House of Blues

Nov. 5: Austin, TX @ Stubb's

Nov. 6: San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger

Nov. 7: New Orleans, LA @ Tipitina's

Related: '80s Rock Legend Makes First Live Appearance Since Major Health Scare

Nothing says rock 'n' roll like ice cream cake, right?

In an interview out Wednesday, Violet Grohl, daughter of Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl shared that when she scored her record deal, she celebrated in somewhat of a wholesome way.

"I signed the paper, and I called my dad, and I was like, 'Hey, I just signed my deal,' she recalled, while speaking on CBS' Anthony Mason's show, Alchemy. "He was like, 'Oh, let's like celebrate and have dinner.' And I went over to my parents' house, and we had a Baskin-Robbins ice cream cake and some dinner."

The 20-year-old daughter of the iconic rocker, who signed the record deal in January and released her debut album entitled Be Sweet to Me in May, also got to chatting about her dad's influence on her and how the phrase "nepo baby" fits into her life.

"I don't have problems with my association to my dad at all," she said. "It's really stepping into your own identity that I think was, or is still, the most intimidating, but it's not that I don't know who I am, it's more of a fear of being misunderstood or mischaracterized."

And while she shared how music has always been a presence for her without the help of her dad ("All I wanted to do as a kid was sit in front of a computer and watch music videos," she said), she recognizes that he gave her the push to start performing.

"It was around the time I was 12 that it was kind of like cemented in my brain that, like, that was the career path I wanted to take," she said. "I was on the road with my dad over the summer, and I had played a couple benefit shows here and there with my dad, he just kind of asked if I wanted to come up and sing a song with him, and I would come up and sing a song with him."

Related: Daughter of Rock Hall of Famer Releases Music Video Starring Legendary Adult Film Star

Specifically recalling a time where she sang back up with a few other singers at his shows, after initially being hesitant — she was hooked.

"Feeling that like connection and the synergy between everybody on stage and with the audience, it was so overwhelming but in the best way," she said. "It was so beautiful and exciting, and I think it was just kind of a [moment of] 'This is what I want, I want to do this, I love this.'"

And the rest may be history as Violet has gone on to perform at her own shows and release a music video for her single "Bug in the Cake" off of Be Sweet to Me.

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Summer layers that you can easily throw on for cooler evenings are essential, and a hoodie is a perfect starting place for building out your seasonal wardrobe. Hoodies go with everything and are extremely easy to take with you on the go. Right now, you can get this “warm” hoodie starting for as low as $5 at Walmart. 

The Sovlvnd Hoodie is on sale now for between $5 and $7 in a whopping 24 colors. You'll get the best deal on the army green color, which currently priced at a little under $5 and available in all sizes. There are plenty of other colors to choose from, so you’re sure to find one you love. And at such a low price, you can afford to buy one for every member of your household.

Sovlvnd Hoodie, From $5 at Walmart

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These hoodies are not only priced affordably but also available in many more colors than comparable options at Walmart, as well as other retailers. The hoodie is sold in sizes small to 3XL, but it runs small, according to reviewers. The manufacturer's recommendations say to go up to two sizes larger than your usual size for an oversized fit.

Though it’s labeled as a men’s item, this hoodie is a unisex style, so anyone can wear it. Just be sure to keep in mind that the sizes are based on men’s measurements and adjust accordingly. 

This “comfortable” hoodie is made of 100% polyester material that is “soft” and breathable, according to shoppers. You can wear it for running errands, your daily commute, or while traveling. Since it’s machine washable, it's easy to care for, and you can quickly add it back into your weekly rotation.

Shoppers appreciated that it didn’t fade or stretch after washing and drying. That makes it easy to preserve the vibrant hues and cozy feel over time. "The color is rich and looks even better in person," a reviewed noted.

Related: Dolly Parton's 'Pretty' $14 Scalloped Stoneware Pie Dish Radiates Country Kitchen Charm

This sale won’t last long, so hurry and snag the Sovlvnd Hoodie for as low as $5 now at Walmart while your preferred color is still in stock. 

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When it was first released, this 1992 social anthem faced unexpected pushback from country radio, despite coming from one of music’s biggest stars.

Garth Brooks experienced unexpected resistance early after the release of his 1992 song, "We Shall Be Free." It remains his most recognized patriotic and socially unifying release.

"We Shall Be Free" was the first single from his fourth LP, The Chase, released in September 1992. However, the song wasn't embraced in the early '90s as it is today.

Brooks wrote the song with Stephanie Davis. It had a message of inclusiveness, but at the time, mainstream country radio wasn't as accepting of the line “When we’re free to love anyone we choose," reported Rolling Stone.

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In a 1993 interview with Barbara Walters, Brooks explained his reason for writing the song. He responded to Walters' question by saying, "It is a known fact, by the tabloids, that my sister is gay."

"I love my sister to death. I'm sorry, but I just can't condemn somebody for being happy and loving someone else. I've been called everything from Judas to Brutus because of this song. I'm sorry if you think loving somebody is a crime."

Betsy Smittle, Brooks' sister, regularly played bass guitar for him during his live shows. She was an outspoken LGBTQ+ advocate who died in 2013 reported Billboard.

Despite pushback from country radio, the song peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Country Chart in October 1992. It remained on the charts for a remarkable 20 weeks.

The song's video featured numerous celebrity cameos when it was first filmed in 1992. There were appearances by Marlee Matlin, Eddie Murphy, Patrick Swayze, Lily Tomlin, Harry Belafonte, Amy Grant, and Jay Leno. Other stars featured included Enrique Iglesias, Reba McEntire, Paula Abdul, Craig Nelson, and Mother Theresa.

While the song " We Shall Be Free " sparked debate when it was released, it also proved that country music could tackle difficult conversations without losing its audience. Today, it stands as one of the defining moments of Garth Brooks' career.

Related: 1990 Beloved Garth Brooks Classic, Written on a Napkin, Is Ranked His Greatest Song Ever

This summer, COVID-19 is very much still a risk for many—even if you're generally healthy, doctors warn.

"Nearly everyone remains at some risk of a severe COVID infection," Dr. Michael Mina, MD, Ph.D., chief medical officer of Invivyd, tells Parade. "However, those with the highest risk include the very young, older individuals, and immune-compromised individuals who cannot or do not mount appropriate immune responses to protect themselves against the virus. The immune-compromised population is varied and can include those who have autoimmune disorders or cancer, those who have had a recent organ transplant and those with cardiac, renal or liver diseases. Immune-compromised people are particularly at risk for severe COVID-19."

Dr. Kyle Hoedebecke, MD, MBA, MPA, MS, FAAFP, CPE, clinical advisor of Alpas Wellness NOVA, concurs, explaining, "As has been the case since the beginning of this pandemic, the groups at greatest risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are older adults, people with compromised immune systems, pregnant patients and people with pre-existing conditions (e.g., heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, obesity)."

That comprises a lot of people, so even if you're generally fine, you'll likely want to take at least some precautions to protect others who need it. Find out the most common COVID-19 symptoms in July 2026, plus why there are unique challenges right now in terms of staying healthy in the face of the pandemic that never really ended.

Related: Is It Long COVID or Cognitive Aging? Doctors Reveal How to Tell the Difference

What Are the Most Common COVID-19 Symptoms in July 2026?

The most common COVID symptoms this month are the ones you're used to hearing about, experts tell Parade: You can expect some combination of a persistent dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, fever, chills, fatigue and body aches, and a lucky few will also have the added delights of gastrointestinal issues (typically diarrhea, vomiting and/or nausea).

"Loss of taste and smell is less common than it was during earlier waves," Dr. Lora shares. "Vascular phenomena, such as 'COVID toes,' are also less frequently seen. Due to higher levels of immunity in the population, we also see fewer patients developing severe respiratory symptoms early in the course of illness compared with the beginning of the pandemic."

That is a relief, right? However, there are some important elements to consider now that you may not have before in terms of the level of COVID risk with which you're comfortable, because now, you may be sicker for longer and also at higher risk of cognitive impairment (which could be potentially longer term if you get long COVID).

"In terms of population health, it's not as much about the severity of the symptoms of COVID-19 changing in 2026 as it is about the next generation of Omicron variants’ ability to cause repeated infections," Dr. Ayesha Bryant, MD, MSPH, clinical advisor of Alpas Wellness, says. "Some patients are reporting fatigue, cognitive impairment and brain fog, GI issues and longer-than-expected recovery periods, but the most commonly reported symptoms remain in the upper respiratory tract."

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What COVID Variants Are Most Prevalent Right Now?

Right now, we're seeing a lot of descendants of the Omicron variant, specifically XFG, NB.1.8.1 and other variants of the JN.1 lineage, Dr. Bryant says. Experts are a bit divided on whether or not that's a good thing.

On one hand, Dr. Lora notes, "While [Omicron variants] remain highly contagious, we have accumulated immunity from vaccination and past infections, helping reduce the severity of illness for many people."

On the other hand, Dr. Bryant warns that newer Omicron variants have shown a potential for repeated infections, and really—it sucks enough getting COVID once. Having it multiple times just seems cruel.

Does COVID Risk Go Down in the Summer?

Unfortunately, unlike flu and the common cold, which tend to peak in the months during which we're huddled up indoors in close quarters, COVID risk isn't reduced just because we're outside getting fresh air and extra vitamin D.

"While age and comorbidities are still strong predictors of severe disease regardless of the specific variant of SARS-CoV2, the warmer temperatures associated with summer may result in less time spent in enclosed areas where airborne pathogens are more likely to be transmitted," Dr. Bryant explains. "However, increased mobility during summer months via travel and larger social gatherings also increases opportunities for airborne pathogen transmission."

What's more, you'll want to stock up on COVID tests, because a lot of common COVID symptoms overlap with those of seasonal allergies—and if you're anything like me, grass pollen has been trying to kill you since March.

Related: The #1 Unexpected Side Effect Doctors Are Now Noticing in Long COVID Patients

How Can I Protect Myself and Others From COVID-19?

Get vaccinated!

"While vaccines may not always prevent infection, they continue to provide important protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death," Dr. Lora urges. "Staying up to date remains especially important for high-risk individuals. The vaccine has also been shown to reduce the risk of complications after COVID-19, such as heart attacks or strokes."

"The most effective way to protect oneself from infection is through layering of protection, such as maintaining current vaccinations, testing for SARS-CoV-2 when experiencing symptoms, receiving antiviral therapy promptly if eligible and practicing additional caution around immunocompromised people," Dr. Bryant advises.

Dr. Hoedebecke agrees. "Regardless of seasonal activity level, using common sense practices to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses remains effective," he says. That means staying home when you're ill, improving air circulation through ventilation systems, wearing masks in high-risk environments, hand washing and using hand sanitizer as needed.

Related: Does the Current COVID Vaccine Protect Against the Latest Mutation?

There’s a Medication That Could Help Prevent Long COVID—but Most Doctors Aren’t Prescribing It Yet

If you're a candidate for them, you'll want to grab some Paxlovid from your doctor, but even then, don't necessarily expect a miracle.

"The treatments available today are limited and researchers are working to develop new approaches and new classes of treatments," Dr. Mina tells Parade. "While certain antiviral medications such as Paxlovid remain on the market, many of their benefits have been shown in recent research by scientists to be significantly reduced since they were first introduced. Additional research has shown potential increases in rebound."

Dr. Mina recommends monoclonal antibody treatment if you can get it.

Other than that, experts recommend drinking a lot of water, getting a lot of rest and managing symptoms with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for fevers and aches, lozenges for sore throat and cough and decongestants for sinus congestion.

Up Next:

Sources

• Dr. Ayesha Bryant, MD, MSPH
• Dr. Kyle Hoedebecke, MD, MBA, MPA, MS, FAAFP, CPE
• Dr. Alfredo J. Mena Lora, MD, FACP
• Dr. Michael Mina, MD, Ph.D.

Lionel Richie loves to be in the spotlight, and just days after a hospital scare rattled his fans, the music icon made a triumphant return to the stage for his fans. 

The 77-year-old music icon took over the stage on Tuesday night in Pittsburgh for his first concert since the hospitalization as per TribLive. The show, held at PPG Paints Arena, was part of his "Sing a Song All Night Long" tour alongside Earth, Wind & Fire. From his playful banter to crooning his biggest hits, Richie made it clear he was fully back.

A Lighthearted Return to The Stage

The Grammy winner made no effort to gloss over the scare. "I had you worried there for a minute, huh?" he asked the crowd.  "You have no idea what I have been through in the last 24 hours, listening to my friends tell me their advice on what I should be doing."

By his own admission, he'd waved off everyone telling him to stay home and rest, and the fans in Pittsburgh reaped the rewards. The American Idol judge moved through beloved tracks, including Hello and Running with the Night, then dipped into his Commodores catalog with Easy and Three Times a Lady from his years leading the band.

The good humor stuck around all night. Diving into the 1977 Commodores favorite "Brick House," Richie ribbed the audience, "I have the best seat in the house. I see everything. And that was absolutely the nastiest dancing I've ever seen in my life. If the grandchildren and the children could see Mom and Dad in this condition...", as per Tribune Live.

Inside the Onstage Scare That Cut His Set Short View this post on Instagram

His return to stage came on the heels of a scare that unfolded on the very first night of the tour.  Richie cut things short at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota, after admitting to the crowd that he felt "dizzy" and "strange." He was rushed to a hospital soon after, as per a June 25 TMZ report.

Video from that evening showed him performing "Dancing on the Ceiling" from a seated position, a first for the track. "What I have learned about my years of being in the business. When you are feeling dizzy, sit your [Expletive] down. And when you are feeling strange about yourself, sit your [Expletive] down!" he told the audience, as per WSVN. 

He added with a laugh, "Now, I want you to know, that's the first time in the history of 'Dancing on the Ceiling' I've done it sitting down. That's a bad sign, y'all."

He returned to the piano once more for "Three Times a Lady" before slipping into an early intermission. Not long after, saxophonist Dino Soldo had to intervene and tell the crowd that Richie was done for the night.

His manager, John Paris, shared an update shortly after, telling the Minnesota Star Tribune that Richie was just "a little dehydrated." 

As a precaution, the tour pushed back his next two dates, Friday, June 26 in Chicago and Saturday, June 27 in Columbus, Ohio. "Under advisement by doctors to rest and return to full health, Lionel Richie has postponed his next two shows," Live Nation said in a official statement, noting that he and Earth, Wind & Fire would take the stage again Tuesday, June 30 in Pittsburgh.

"Lionel is heartbroken to postpone these two shows and cannot wait to be back performing for his fans. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes fans who have tickets for these two shows. Rescheduled dates will be announced soon."

The music legend is back on his feet, back in his element, and clearly nowhere near done!

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Parade and ShopHQ are both owned by the same parent company. Featured products are selected independently by the editorial team at Parade.

Sure, round watches have their place, but a rectangular watch is an elegant staple that will never go out of style. This style of watch looks so classic, and you can wear it with anything in your closet. Fortunately, we found the perfect one on ShopHQ that looks just like a luxury watch for hundreds less. Even better, the Invicta Women's 25mm Celestial Quartz Rectangle Bracelet Watch is just $43 at ShopHQ until July 2 as part of the retailer’s flash sale. All Invicta watches and jewelry are 15% off until midnight.

Invicta Women's 25mm Celestial Quartz Rectangle Bracelet Watch, $43 (was $395) at ShopHQ

Courtesy of ShopHQ

The watch’s rectangular case and stunning gold-link bracelet make it look like it came straight from an antique shop. We’re obsessed with its rose gold colorway, but it is actually available in five more that you can wear all summer too: gold, silver/blue, gold/green, rose/pink, and silver/black. The silver/purple and silver/beige colorways are already sold out, so don’t wait to grab one if you’re eyeing this watch. 

Take an extra 15% off all Invicta Watches & Jewelry through July 2nd

The dial colors vary depending on which you choose, but the minimalist layout is the same for all. Each dial has Roman numerals at each hour and slender hands that track the time down to the second. In addition to the numerous color choices, another bonus is that it’s a petite watch. 

Related: Invicta's Sleek and Classic Watch Looks So High End, and It's Now 85% Off

Its stainless steel bracelet case is just 25 millimeters, so it will be relatively lightweight and easy to wear every day. In addition, the 16-millimeter bracelet fits wrist sizes up to 8.

Shop More Deals

• Invicta Women's 17mm Angel Quartz Crystal Accented Mini Ring Watch, $60 (was $495) at ShopHQ
• Invicta Women's 21mm Wildflower Quartz Crystal Accented Bracelet Watch, $65 (was $495) at ShopHQ
• Invicta Women's 39mm Speedway Quartz Chronograph Color Dial Bracelet Watch, $80 (was $495) at ShopHQ

Summer is here, and you need a chic watch fit for the season that you can wear every day. This sleek, vintage-inspired Invicta Celestial watch is that accessory. Grab one for yourself or as a gift for a loved one while it’s just $43 before the promo ends July 2. 

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It's not every day you see a mosh pit full of concert-goers dancing to Taylor Swift's music, but The Offspring managed to make it happen.

Last week, the iconic '90s band, known for hit songs like "Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)," "Why Don't You Get a Job?" and "The Kids Aren't Alright," took the stage at Hellfest in France. However, in addition to playing their classics, the rock group blew fans away with a cover of Swift's beloved 2008 song, "Love Story." They didn't stop there, though. The band, led by singer Bryan "Dexter" Holland, proceeded to incite the "biggest mosh pit to a Taylor Swift song ever.”

“We’re going to have the biggest mosh pit to a Taylor Swift song ever,” Holland told the crowd, NME reported. “You guys are going to help us, we’re going to make history tonight.”

Caught on video, the band knocked it out of the park. Watch the attendees having the time of their lives in the pit below:

View this post on Instagram

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Holland Returned to His Alma Mater to Give a Commencement Speech

Last month, Holland took a quick break from touring to return to his alma mater, the University of Southern California Dornsife, to deliver the commencement speech. Holland, who earned a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences in 1988, a master’s degree in molecular biology in 1990, and a PhD in molecular biology in 2017, spoke of straddling both his musical and academic passions.

“My story has had both a musical side and a scientific side,” Holland said in the speech. “I had these two great loves, how would I decide? Well, as foolish as it sounds, I decided to pursue both. I believe that there’s an intersection between art and science. And that even in our scientific field we draw upon our creativity.”

How Did Bryan 'Dexter' Holland Get His Nickname?

Thanks to his prolific academic background, Holland planned to be a physician. His love of academics earned him the nickname “Poindexter.” When he started to hit the stage as a musician, it was shortened to Dexter.

Related: What Taylor Swift Song Are You, Based on Birth Date

Happy birthday to July babies! This month brings us two distinct July birth flowers: the tall, colorful larkspur and the elegant water lily. These blooms represent midsummer's beauty and carry interesting symbolism and history.

Parade spoke to two floral experts to get the inside scoop on the July birth month flowers, as well as how to best care for them.

Whether your own birthday falls in this month and you want to learn more about the meaning behind your designated flowers, or you have loved ones you want to celebrate, you'll find plenty of fascinating and helpful information here. (Plus, we have some gorgeous inspiration for July birth flower tattoos!)

Related: Independence Day, Hot Dog Day, Ice Cream Month and More! Here Are the July Holidays and Observances

What Is the July Birth Flower?

Hannah Bonham Blackwell, founder and Lead Creative Director at Southside Blooms explains July's floral pairing: "July has two birth flowers: larkspur and water lilies."

These blooms capture the essence of the season. Blackwell notes, "Both larkspur and water lilies reflect July's bright, sunny, happy days and can bring a touch of wild nature into your home."

What Does the Larkspur Symbolize?

iStock

Larkspur is rich in symbolism. Carmela de Castro, owner of Orchid Republic Floral Boutique, describes its significance: "As a summer flower, it represents lightness, pure fun and a desire for laughter. But, generally, they represent strong bonds of love, affection and dedication."

The color of larkspur can change its meaning.

"For instance, white larkspurs symbolize pure happiness, while pink larkspurs represent fickleness and purple larkspurs are associated with first love," De Castro explains.

"Larkspur is the perfect birthday flower gift because they symbolize joy, love and affection," Blackwell adds. "Some say these flowers can also represent carefree levity, bravery or protection."

Related: 25 Types of Pink Flowers To Brighten Up Your Garden

Larkspur in History

The name "Larkspur" has an interesting origin. Blackwell shares, "The name 'Larkspur' comes from the Tudor era (between 1845 and 1603). The Tudors, a ruling family in England, reportedly decided the flower looked like a lark's spur."

Larkspur has played various roles throughout history.

"The flower became popular in English gardens in the mid-1500s in large part due to superstition that it could keep ghosts and evil spirits away," Blackwell continues. "Throughout the centuries, it's also been used to make dye."

De Castro adds some historical uses: "In the early days, Native Americans used its blue and indigo petals to create blue dye, while European settlers used the ground-up flowers as ink."

She also mentions a mythological connection: "It's most well-known for its connection to the Battle of Troy. According to Greek mythology, Ajax became enraged after the armor of the fallen Achilles was awarded to Ulysses instead of him. He threw himself on his sword, and larkspurs bloomed on the ground where Ajax's blood was spilled."

Related: 28 Different Types of Gorgeous Orchids for Your Home or Garden

How To Care for Larkspur

To keep larkspur fresh, Blackwell advises: "Cut larkspur last five to seven days in a vase. You'll want to change the water daily and give the stems a tiny diagonal trim each time. Avoid putting your vase in direct sunlight."

She also warns, "It's very important to keep larkspur away from fruit bowls. Ripening fruits release ethylene, which can cause your cut flowers to wilt before their time. Larkspur is especially sensitive to ethylene."

"Place them in a clean vase with cool but not cold water," De Castro adds. "Warm water can encourage bacterial growth, while cold water can be harder for the stems to absorb."

She continues, "Although larkspurs need at least six hours of sunlight daily while growing, once cut, they need to be kept away from direct sunlight—this helps them stay hydrated and prevents wilting."

Related: The Month of May Has 2 Birth Flowers To Choose From—Here's What They Symbolize

What Does the Water Lily Symbolize?

iStock

The water lily, July's second birth flower, has its own symbolism.

"If you want to celebrate someone's birthday who has made a major life change in the past year, the water lily may be the perfect flower to gift," Blackwell says. "That's because it symbolizes rebirth and renewal and can also represent spiritual awakening."

De Castro elaborates, "It has become a powerful symbol in many religions—it's closely tied to resurrection and rebirth. Because water lilies rise from murky water with beautiful blooms, they can also represent achieving spiritual enlightenment. This is especially true in Buddhism and Hinduism."

Related: 25 Gorgeous Flowers and Plants That Attract Hummingbirds

Water Lilies in History

Water lilies have a long history. Blackwell notes, "Ancient Egyptians used water lilies in religious ceremonies. They believed the flowers had calming psychoactive influences. There is a lot of myth behind them across cultures and religions."

"Water lilies have been around since the age of dinosaurs. [Their] imagery appears on Mayan stelae, murals and hieroglyphs, even in places where they wouldn't naturally grow," De Castro adds. "Some Native American tales depict the water lily as a fallen star, forever transformed into a beautiful flower upon touching the water."

This particular flower has also inspired artists. "The water lily has inspired countless artists," De Castro mentions. "Claude Monet was fond of them and had built his own water lily ponds; his famous water lily paintings have become some of the most iconic images of impressionism."

Related: 16 Different Types of Edible Flowers You Can Add to Your Garden

How To Care for Water Lilies

"These are typically outdoor plants but you can still have the smaller varieties indoors," De Castro says. "Use a wide, shallow container to allow for leaf spread."

She emphasizes light and temperature needs:

"Water lilies still need significant sunlight indoors. Aim for at least 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily through a south-facing window. The tropical varieties need water temperatures above 70°F (21°C) to thrive. Consider an aquarium heater to regulate water temperature. Hardy varieties can tolerate room temperature (around 68°F, 20°C)."

For cut water lilies, Blackwell explains, "Water lilies aren't often used as a cut flower and need to be harvested at just the right time to give optimal vase life. Their funky, thick stems can add a really cool visual element so make them a part of the design with a nice clear glass vase."

"Keep them cool and well hydrated, after all, water is in their name!" she adds.

Related: What Is the April Birth Flower? Celebrate April Birthdays With This Fabulous Bloom

July Birth Flower Tattoo IdeasLarkspur @ma.ra.tattoo

#floraltattoo #tattoo #colortattoo #tattooprocess #tattooatlanta #tattoofeminina #smalltattoo #daintytattoos #tattooforgirls #larkspurtattoo

♬ original sound - Maria @blackpear_ink

Larkspur for Jasmin on her birthday 🎂 Done by single needle 🪡 . . . . . #larkspurtattoo #floraltattoo #flowertattoo #birthflowertattoo #armtattoo #singelneedletattoo #linetattoo #niagarafalls #niagarafallsartist #niagarafallstattoo #niagara #niagaratattoo #girlstattoo #girlwhotattoo #femaletattooartist #spiritualtattoo #finelinetattoo #tattooinspiration #blacktattoo #lineworktattoo #torontotattoo #minimalisttattoo #daintytattoo

♬ original sound - blackpear _ink Water Lily @bellaroseart__

Custom tattoos #tattoos #tattoodesign #waterlily

♬ original sound - Bella - Tattoo Artist @iconiktattoos

Loved doing this lil july piece🫶🏻 #fyp #foryou #tattoo #tattootok #julybirthmonth #julytattoo #tattooinspiration #viralvideo #sarasotaflorida #waterlily #waterlilytattoo #fypシ #finelinetattoo #floraltattoo #femaletattooartist #femininetattoo

♬ idyll - jonjthan @christinaphungtattoos

Water lily 🪷 Got to tattoo this pretty lil' thing for my recent giveaway winner! It was her very first tattoo and needless to say, she'll be coming back for more! Thank you Rochelle for your trust. I can't wait to add on to this! 🤍 #finelinetattoo #minimaltattoo #aesthetictattoo #finelinetattooartist #tattooinspo #tattoo #tattoos #tattooart #tattooartist #tattooideas #tattoodesigns #lasvegastattoos #lasvegastattooartist #vegastattoos #tattoostyle #floraltattoo #floraldesign

♬ The Last Goodbye (feat. Bettye LaVette) - ODESZA

Related: What Is the March Birth Flower? Celebrate March Birthdays With This Beautiful Bloom

Sources

• Hannah Bonham Blackwell, founder and Lead Creative Director at Southside Blooms.
• Carmela de Castro, owner of Orchid Republic Floral Boutique.

Small towns are known for their close-knit communities, but they’re also known for their dark and twisted secrets. Pretty Dead Things by Kelsey Cox brings just that and so much more.

After the success of Party of Liars, readers are certainly excited about Cox’s sophomore novel. For many, just the idea of small-town disappearances and pageants is all they need to know to delve straight into the novel. And there’s no doubt that the darkly beautiful cover also pulls readers in.

Pretty Dead Things is coming out on July 7, 2026, and is mostly set in 2025, but there are elements that give us a glimpse of events 25 years earlier. In 2000, Isabelle Whitmore vanished from Sherman Ranch in Anhalt, Texas. Despite the searches for her, she was never found. There were no traces of anything that could have happened to her, and it’s a dark story that the entire town has been shrouded in since.

Now, it’s 2025, and The Lone Star Princess Pageant is about to begin. In previous years, this pageant has gone without a hitch. This year is different. Not only is the competition stiffer than ever, but Ingrid Whitmore has returned.

Ingrid hadn’t been seen since her sister’s disappearance, but her mom is ill, and she needs to be home. This just happens to coincide with the construction crew getting ready to dig up the Sherman Ranch, and that could mean a body is discovered.

Pretty Dead Things is told across multiple POVs, covering both the adults who were just teenagers when Izzy disappeared and the children of those adults, as they prepare for the pageant. Secrets are about to come out, and old demons are coming out of the woodwork. With resentments reaching their boiling point, there’s no telling what could happen, except that there’s going to be at least one death!

Parade has an exclusive excerpt from Pretty Dead Things, picking up with the fourth chapter told from Ingrid’s perspective as she returns home. Don’t worry; it doesn’t give too much of the plot away, but the thrilling ending is certainly going to give you goosebumps.

Chapter Four 

Ingrid 

Five Days Before the Pageant 

Show up for the big things. That’s what my husband, Joel, always says. And it says a lot about where things stand with us that he isn’t here with me now. 

You can forget to text people back, cancel on happy hour, even blow off a birthday party every once in a while. But you show up for the big things—weddings, funerals, the births of babies. Because these are linchpin moments in a person’s life, moments when their identity shifts, when they become a new version of themselves, forever changed. And when you love someone, you show up to witness the change, to meet the new version so you can keep moving forward with them. 

So that’s what I’m doing. I’m showing up. I’m coming back home  to Anhalt, Texas. 

When my plane landed, I had another text from Dad, asking  one last time if I needed him to pick me up at the airport. But I’d  already reserved a rental car, the exact same make and model that  I own back in Colorado, because I don’t like driving a car I don’t  know. 

The drive from the Austin airport to Anhalt—about an hour west, along the Blanco River where the hills start to rise—is almost unrecognizable from the one I used to make years ago, after I first left home. Back then, the city fell away right after the airport—no  Tesla factory, no Amazon facility, no cookie-cutter subdivisions yet.  Just fields, mesquite, and sky. But every time I visit, the city has expanded, bleeding into the nearby towns—Buda, Kyle, even Dripping  Springs—encroaching closer to our little rural community. As I pull into town, I pass under a banner for the fiftieth annual lone star princess pageant, strung between Herman Smith’s boot shop and a new Aveda hair salon where Timeless Treasures used to be.  Back then, Mom dragged us there every Saturday, always on the hunt for something pretty to clutter up her already cluttered display cabinets. That’s where, on a whim, she bought me my first film camera, a 35mm Canon AE-1, which I used all through high school to snap photos of Izzy and me and all our friends. 

The Dairy Queen is gone now too, where in the parking lot out back, Jimmy Marino tried to get to second base. Y’all might look the same, but you’re cuter than your sister, he had said as his hand slid up my shirt. It was exactly what I wanted him to think, but not what I wanted him to say. It’s a drive-through smoothie place now,  touting acai bowls and fresh-pressed juices. They’ve repurposed the old DQ sign—the shape of something that once was, with something new plastered on top. 

I hate coming back home. I hate seeing the things that have  changed. And, probably even more, I hate the things that have stayed  the same. Everything’s a trigger, memories come like buckshot, little  pellets of remembering that burrow deep beneath my skin. 

So I’ve found excuses to avoid it these last few years, and before that, my trips have always been short. A few days for Christmas or a cousin’s wedding. In and out. 

And up until now, I’ve always had Joel by my side, a layer of protection, a separation between the person I was when I lived here and the person I am now. 

Mom has kept me up to date on the town’s changes. But it’s still odd to see. The woods have been dug up away from the narrow roads, streets widened, construction cones warning of the town’s hollowing. 

And, of course, there’s the new housing development. They sold the Sherman land, Mom had said one day on the phone. Oh? I’d said. 

They’re going to put a bunch of new houses there. They started digging. And before either of us could express what exactly that might mean, she told me about the newly painted benches at the library, and we didn’t say anything more about the Sherman land. We didn’t say Izzy’s name. But she was there anyway, like she always is, the oxidized layers of an antique mirror splotching the surface of our lives. 

I pass the developer’s signpost, announcing, sherman ranch.  build on your own lot! riverfront property available. I  can’t help but look over as I nudge through traffic that didn’t used  to be here when I was a kid. Trees have been swept away, wild earth leveled into neat, flat parcels. A few houses stand in various stages of completion. 

The construction vehicles tear the earth apart just outside my window, beeping, rolling, digging, tracks grinding over dry dirt. I  watch as an excavator jerks, like an animal being shoved forward against its will, before its metal teeth muscle down, audibly straining as the ground breaks and gives way. Its neck lifts, its mouth full. The long yellow arm spins and releases a bucketful of soil and chunks of limestone, white as bone. It gnaws into the earth again.  And again. And it groans. It gnaws at me—the sound—all those gears crunching, all that unearthing. 

I jump at the sound of a horn. I’ve missed the light turning green, and the rusty pickup behind me is annoyed. I look in the rearview to wave an apology and lock eyes with the driver. 

It’s him. It’s been twenty-five years, he’s let his hair get long and  scraggly, he’s grown a beard, but I would recognize Ben Sherman anywhere.

And he recognizes me. 

I know that for sure, because he’s looking at me now like he’s seeing a ghost. 

I stare back, certain I’m looking at a killer.

Pretty Dead Things will be published on July 7, 2026, and is a thriller perfect for the summer.

With a string of hits and millions of fans around the world, one rock star’s fame didn’t always land at home the way it did with the rest of the world. That changed when one of her favorite musicians covered one of his songs, and she saw his work in a whole new light.

Jon Bon Joviwas on top of the world in the early 1990s, after almost a decade in the spotlight. By then, Bon Jovi had become one of the defining rock bands of the era, packing arenas and dominating radio with a string of massive hits.

However, none of that mattered to his wife and high school sweetheart, Dorothea Hurley. Fame and success didn’t carry much weight at home, where life was kept refreshingly grounded despite his global superstardom.

In fact, Hurley was so unimpressed by Bon Jovi's success, that it barely registered in their day-to-day life. That was until a favorite alternative rock artist gave one of his songs a new life with an unexpected cover.

Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

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In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, ”She’s very independent. Very independent. Her musical tastes are very alternative, and she thinks radio and MTV are bull."

He added, "Couldn’t care less! Her favorite is Elvis Costello. When Elvis covered my song ‘Bad Medicine,’ she was impressed. I was impressed!”

Bon Jovi and Hurley were married on April 29, 1989, in a quiet Las Vegas ceremony. The wedding was kept low-key and came as a surprise to many fans at the time.

Despite his growing fame, life at home stayed relatively normal, with little interest placed on his celebrity status. That balance would remain a defining part of their relationship as his career continued to soar.

"If you think I was ever gonna jeopardize anything for believing the narcissist in me was real? What a stupid thing to do. What kind of excess does a man need that's gonna fuel that fire. It is just not worth it. Not worth it," he told Good Morning America.

The couple maintains a New Jersey residence as well as a home in Florida. They are parents to four children: Stephanie, Jesse, Jake, and Romeo and grandparents of two.

Related: 2000 Rock Anthem, Which Revived a Legendary Band’s Career, Marks Massive Streaming Milestone