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Target's 3-Piece Stackable Patio Set Is a Colorful Mood Booster for Your Backyard

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 1:05pm

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Whether your outdoor space is overflowing with colorful flowers and leafy plants or it's still a bit of a blank canvas, I firmly believe there's no such thing as too much color. A few bright accents can completely change the mood of a patio, porch or balcony, making it feel more welcoming, more cheerful and, quite frankly, a lot more fun to spend time in. Even if your garden is doing all the heavy lifting, colorful furniture and accessories add another layer of personality, making the whole space feel happy.

Swapping out a few neutral pieces for something in a fresh, vibrant hue can wake up an outdoor space without requiring a single landscaping project. It's an easy update that feels surprisingly transformative, whether you're sipping your morning coffee, reading in the afternoon or hosting friends on a warm evening. And if you're someone who loves having options, finding outdoor furniture that comes in several beautiful colorways makes it even easier to match your style.

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Best Choice Products 3-Piece Stackable Patio Bistro Set, $114.99–$134.99 (originally $242.99) at Target

Target

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Summer may be in full swing, but there's still plenty of time to give your outdoor space a little refresh. This Best Choice three-piece patio set at Target is the kind of update that brings a little extra cheer without overwhelming the rest of your decor.

The set pairs two art deco-inspired metal chairs with a coordinating side table, creating a sweet gathering spot. Its all-steel construction is built to withstand the elements, and it has a compact footprint that's perfect for small patios and balconies. Plus, since the chairs stack and the table tucks neatly underneath, it's easy to reclaim a little floor space when you need to.

Related: Aldi's 2-Pack of Gorgeous Woven Baskets Corral Clutter In Such a Chic Way

But perhaps best of all, it's available in an array of pretty colorways that let you lean into whatever mood you're trying to create. There's peach (shown above), mint green, terracotta, peacock blue, sky blue and yellow. Just note that, for whatever reason, the sky blue hue is marked down to $134.99, whereas the others are priced at $114.99 right now.

"This was super easy to assemble, and the peacock color is gorgeous," says a Target shopper in their review. "My husband and I put it together in less than 45 minutes, but I could have done it myself. Easy and cute for a cozy spot on the patio."

Love an easy assembly moment? Now all you have to do is decide which color to buy.

Related: T.J. Maxx Is Selling a Cordless Lamp With the Most Elegant Scalloped Capiz Shade

1974 Rock Classic, Famously Resurged 44 Years Later, Became a Breakthrough Radio Anthem

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 12:59pm

Fifty-two years ago, legendary '70s rock band Queen released "Killer Queen"—a breakthrough hit that experienced a massive second wave of popularity following the release of their blockbuster biopic.

Released on October 11, 1974 as the lead single from their third studio album, Sheer Heart Attack, "Killer Queen" became an instant hit. Upon its arrival, radio disc jockeys took a liking to the song and spun it religiously, building a massive listener demand. By November, the track had peaked at No. 2 on the U.K. Singles Chart, and by early 1975, it reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the band's first true international breakthrough.

Not only did "Killer Queen" experience major chart success, but it achieved significant commercial triumph as well. The track has been certified 4x Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over 4 million copies in the U.S. alone. In total, the song is estimated to have sold over 6 million units worldwide.

Brian May, John Deacon, Roger Taylor and Freddie Mercury of British rock group Queen at Les Ambassadeurs on September 8, 1976 in London, England.

Anwar Hussein/Getty Images

Written by frontman Freddie Mercury and produced by renowned record producer Roy Thomas Baker, "Killer Queen" was notable for pioneering Queen's signature theatrical sound. The track utilizes layered vocal harmonies, intricate guitar solos and ragtime-style piano to create a unique sonic appeal that made it stand out within the progressive rock genre. Paired with the track's campy lyrical imagery about a high-class call girl, its sound and themes defined the future of Queen's identity.

The 2018 Resurgence

Forty-four years after its initial release, "Killer Queen" experienced a major mainstream resurgence. Following the premiere of Queen's 2018 blockbuster biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody, the band saw a massive uptick in discography sales and streams.

In total, Bohemian Rhapsody grossed $911 million worldwide at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing musical biopic until it was overtaken by the recent Michael Jackson movie, Michael.

Following the film's release, sales of Queen's catalog increased by 483% while streaming numbers spiked by 41%. The worldwide attention the band's story received reignited public fascination with their discography, pushing several major songs back onto the Billboard charts. "Killer Queen," which was featured near the beginning of the film, notably re-entered the Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart, peaking within the top 25.

Today, "Killer Queen" remains a definitive fan favorite among Queen supporters. The track continues to thrive on both rock radio stations and modern streaming platforms, racking up 1.1 billion streams on Spotify alone—attesting to its lasting ability to appeal to wide-ranging audiences.

Related: 1977 Rock Song, Never a No. 1 Hit, Remains a Radio Classic 49 Years Later

The White House’s Latest Post Leaves Americans Feeling ā€˜Embarrassed’: ā€˜Is This Rage Bait?’

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 12:56pm

The White House appears not to be short of TikTok ideas, with its latest post sparking backlash and comments over what the video deems to be American culture.

The latest TikTok video from the White House comes amid an influx of international tourists visiting the U.S. for the FIFA World Cup. Social media has been flooded with viral clips of visitors trying American cuisine and popular chain stores, while the TikTok video highlights examples of "culture" that many users are disputing.

The video is captioned with "And they say America has no culture," alongside a black-and-white photo of President Donald Trump, before showcasing a series of photos. The carousel of photos includes Buc-ee's, Walmart, Texas Roadhouse, BBQ, NASCAR, pancakes, a comical photo of a large Big Gulp, Bass Pro Shops, national monuments, NYC, and even a photo of air conditioning.

@whitehouse

Welcome to the U.S.A 😤

♬ original sound - The White House

In comments, many have spoken out against the examples being used and call it "embarrassing." One user even commented, "Did y'all deadass put air conditioning," while another added, "Corporations aren’t culture."

The inclusion of the air conditioner might be in relation to the current extreme heat wave taking over parts of Europe, which has led to several deaths in France. It has resulted in an influx of air conditioner sales or the item being fully out of stock, and a majority of Europe's infrastructure is not built for extreme heat.

Another user chimed in, saying that stores like Walmart aren't considered culture, and neither is fast food. The White House's TikTok video has only led to confusion and stunned responses.

"As a european I'm confused, is this video supposed to be serious or is it a joke?" said one user.

Other users added, "I can't tell if this is sarcasm or not," and "This is a joke right?" One user even commented on whether the video is meant as "ragebait."

Users are commenting on the point that American corporations are not the same as a country's culture, with one saying, "Culture and consumerism are two different things." Multiple users even pointed out that the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island was a gift from the French, and the things depicted in the video are "nothing to be proud of here."

Related: 1973 Soft Rock Hit, Ranked Among 'Best Songs' of All Time, Became a Timeless American Anthem

Dean Cain Doubles Down After Fans Roast His Trump State Fair Photo: 'People Decided to Hate'

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 12:48pm

Dean Cain is defending his controversial post about President Donald Trump’s ā€œGreat American State Fairā€ after the actor faced backlash online over a photo critics claimed showed a lack of crowds.

The former Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman star shared a photo from atop the Ferris wheel overlooking the National Mall, saying it showed the ā€œviewā€ from the event and insisting there were ā€œthousands of peopleā€ despite criticism over sparse-looking images from the fair.

The post quickly became a battleground, with social media users mocking Cain’s defense and arguing the image told a different story. Cain pushed back, accusing critics of focusing on negativity rather than the meaning behind the photo.

"I think that making a deal out of it is stupid in its own right," Cain recently told TMZ in a video shared on X. "I mean, it's going to get more and more crowded as time goes on. We're day five now. I took it because it's one of the most incredible photos I've ever seen. A scene of our nation's National Mall, of the Washington Monument, of the Capitol. I think it's just incredible."

Raining, but still beautiful!! šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø pic.twitter.com/u2rqrIxK9d

— Dean Cain (@RealDeanCain) June 28, 2026

He continued, "So I took that picture and said, look at how gorgeous this is and then everyone was like, oh, there's nobody there. There's tons of people around here and it's going to get more and more crowded, but that's divisive. I was trying to be, you know, unifying towards people and look how great this is in our nation's capital. And then people decided to hate."

When asked if people wanted the fair to fail, Cain added, "I think there's a lot of people who do want nobody here so they can own Trump, but I think that's ridiculous. They should be celebrating America and coming together for it."

The actor’s back-and-forth with critics began after former GOP Congressman Adam Daniel Kinzinger commented on Cain’s Ferris wheel photo, writing, "Hahahaha dude this is not the picture to show," adding, "All 6 people."

Cain quickly shot back, "There were thousands of people there and all around DC today, Adam. Why do you wish it was empty? That seems odd..."

When Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury shared an image she said showed an empty section of the event, Cain responded that "it was raining."

Cain said he would miss the fireworks display because he had to leave to film a movie, but added, "I'll be able to watch [fireworks] from my rooftop deck, and looking at it over in Vegas won't be the same, but I'll watch it on TV."

NFL Legend Deion Sanders Reveals He's 'Cancer-Free' One Year After Diagnosis: 'I Was Fighting'

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 12:47pm

Approximately one year after being diagnosed with cancer, Deion Sanders has revealed that he is now "cancer-free," according to a new interview with the Associated Press.

Speaking with the outlet, the 58-year-old University of Colorado football coach said that, "ā€œI consider myself cancer-free," bringing a close to a terrifying one-year battle to surgically remove a cancerous bladder.

ā€œI was fighting,ā€ Sanders said. ā€œI was walking out on the property with a bag of blood and also urine and trying to get back. But this expedited the process. Last year at this time I was in a whole different place, and I’m just thankful.ā€

"If I pull my shirt up, I’m not scarred, it’s not flawed," the 58-year-old continued. "I’m not embarrassed by anything that transpired. I’m elated by everything that transpired.ā€

Nowadays, Sanders told the AP that he's focusing more on the future than he is on the past, allowing him to create a more detailed plan for the University of Colorado's upcoming football season.

"I have the best coaching staff I've ever featured," Sanders said. "Everybody's unified."

Additionally, Sanders chimed in on the future of his son and former quarterback Shedeur Sanders' career in the NFL, with the younger Sanders currently in the running to become the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns.

"I just want him to be happy," Deion said of his son's career in the league.

Playing with the NFL for a total of 14 seasons, Sanders enjoyed immense success during his lengthy football career, including influential stints with the Atlanta Falcons, the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins and Baltimore Ravens.

In addition to his accomplished career in football, Sanders also played professional baseball in the MLB for nine seasons. During his time in the league, he played for the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants.

'90s Rock Band Plays Fan-Favorite Hit For First Time in 18 Years

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 12:45pm

Concert setlists often change, so it's always a surprise when an artist plays a track that no one was expecting. This was the case as iconic '90s rock band Queens of the Stone Age opted to add in some deep cuts for their latest run of European shows.

Touring alongside heavy metal band System of a Down, the Seattle rockers kicked off the tour in Sweden before heading to France, Italy and Germany, and then onto the U.K. for two epic stadium shows at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London.

The band opened the show with their fan-favorite hit "Run Pig Run," marking a triumphant return to the stage. Taken from the 2007 record Era Vulgaris, the track hasn't been played live since 2008.

After almost two decades since the last time it was performed in concert, "Run Pig Run" undoubtedly excited fans. Music lovers took to Reddit to share their shock over the 12-track set list, which included other rarities such as "The Fun Machine Took A S--t And Died." Also from Era Vulgaris, it was the first live performance of the song in 12 years.

"Holy.. I thought we would never hear this one ever again." one person said. A separate comment read: "Not sure anyone there realizes how lucky they are. I wish they’d do another headline tour."

"Never expected to see ā€˜Run Pig Run’ and ā€˜Fun Machine’ in this show since it was gonna be shorter." another wrote.

"Cool mix of the hits and some weird stuff!" said a fourth person. "I’m excited to see if ā€˜Pig’ and ā€˜Fun Machine’ are staples, or if they’ll be rotated with other weird songs."

Fans also pointed out that 2027 marks the 20th anniversary of Era Vulgaris, voicing their hopes of an album tour.

Formed in 1996, Queens of the Stone Age rose to fame following the release of their second studio album, Rated R, released in 2000. The record peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers albumĀ chart. Its lead single, "The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret," reached No. 21 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

Related: '90s Alt-Rock Band Debuts First New Song in 8 Years

Paul McCartney Reveals His Thoughts About First Meeting the ā€˜Very Vivacious’ Dolly Parton

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 12:39pm

Paul McCartney is one of the most iconic figures in music history, but even the singer himself gets starstruck.

McCartney admitted that he was a little star-struck when he met Dolly Parton in 1974. He was in Nashville performing with Wings, and the 'Jolene' singer was there performing alongside Porter Wagoner.

ā€œWhile we were there, the band of Porter Wagoner played, and the girl vocalist he had with him was this girl called Dolly Parton,ā€ McCartney recalled, per Far OutĀ Magazine. ā€œShe was very young and very sort of innocent, very sweet. She was very vivacious and full of bubbly joy, like she still is.ā€

Unsurprisingly, the pair hit it off and built a friendship based on their shared love of music. Parton especially loved 1970s 'Let It Be.' ā€œI was so impressed and uplifted by it — a great arrangement, great production, and, of course, Paul’s voice,ā€ she told MOJO.

Five years after this Nashville encounter, Parton released a cover of 'Help!' Parton and McCartney met up again in 2009 to work on Cat Stevens’ 'Boots & Sand', together adding backing vocals to his protest track.

Despite their artistic respect, the duo would not work together in 2023. At Parton’s request, the duo laid down a duet of his anthemic ā€˜Let It Be’. The track also features fellow The Beatles star Ringo Starr on drums. She got in touch with the iconic musical duo the old-fashioned way.

"I just sent them a love note through their managers, and I just said what I was doing," she explained toĀ NPR. Despite being a living legend in her own right, the 'Here You Come Again' singer revealed she was "very humbled" when both musicians responded with a yes.

ā€œShe’s one of the greats,ā€ McCartney told MOJO at the time, ā€œShe has a great voice, and that was a plus, but she’s a really great writer. If Dolly’s asking me to do it, how can I say no?ā€ he added.

10 Years Before Route 66, This Highway Crossed the U.S. and You Can Still Drive It Today

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 12:30pm

Route 66 is celebrating 100 years of Oakies, rock ā€˜n’ roll, road trips, neon signs, and even delicious cheeses. But there’s another ā€œmother roadā€ that predates Route 66 by over ten years, winning the title of the first coast-to-coast highway in the United States. The Lincoln Highway ushered in a brand-new era of American car culture and road-tripping, making Route 66 possible and changing the way we travel forever.Ā 

Picture this: it’s 1912, the same year the Titanic sank into the North Atlantic. The frontier had been officially declared closed by the U.S. census just two decades ago. The American West was already being mythologized in silent films by directors like Thomas H. Ince. A driven young auto fanatic named Charles G. Fisher, who owned one of the country’s first car dealerships and had founded the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, envisioned a new era in which cars replaced covered wagons on the nation’s byways. His campaign could have felt like straight-up lobbying to create public infrastructure for silver-spoon hobbyists. Instead, Fisher tapped into post-Civil War, post-Reconstruction political sentiments and turned his road into a symbol of national unity.

As soon as it was completed, the Lincoln Highway became synonymous with freedom and adventure. The slogan ā€œSee America Firstā€ invited travelers to explore the country on their own terms, free of railroad schedules or the dangers their pioneer ancestors faced on the Oregon Trail, which roughly outlined the route. Women motorists and motorcyclists traversed the country, writing about their escapades in magazine articles and travelogues that demonstrated "the new woman" need not stay home.

New kinds of businesses sprang up to meet consumer demands that had never existed before the advent of interstate auto travel. Filling stations, motor court-style hotels (or motels for short), campgrounds, and RV parks were all fresh concepts for American travelers, who were used to going by train and staying in urban hotels built by the railroads themselves. Camping, once a necessity for settlers following their ā€œmanifest destinyā€ west, was now a thrilling way for middle-class urbanites to reconnect with nature. Just two years before the Lincoln Highway project began, Auto Kamp began manufacturing pop-up campers that could be towed by sturdy vehicles like the Model T, International Harvester Auto Wagons, and Stutz Bearcat.Ā 

Many of these pieces of Lincoln Highway history have been preserved and can still be seen by travelers roadtripping Route 30 today. Here are just a few worth a stop today, whether you’re on the East Coast, West Coast, or somewhere in between:

Photo by Walter Bibikow on Getty Images

The Big Coffee Pot in Bedford, Pennsylvania

A Lincoln Highway classic, the Big Coffee Pot was built by David Berton Koontz in 1927 to advertise exactly what you could find inside—a hot cuppa and a bite to eat. This Allegheny icon is a great example of the novelty architecture that functioned as an offline meme throughout the mid-century and served as a precursor to the kitschy styles that made Route 66 famous.

Six miles down the road near Shawnee State Park is the Lincoln Motor Court, which was voted USA Today’s #2 Roadside Motel in 2020. Unlike many stops on the Lincoln Highway that have been preserved as historical sites but are no longer active businesses, you can still stay in the cabins that have been welcoming tourists since the 1940s. The Motor Court is still run by a member of the Mitchell family, whose great-great-grandfather originally started the business.Ā 

Just about an hour west of The Big Coffee Pot and Lincoln Motor Court is a museum dedicated to the history of the Pennsylvania portion of the Lincoln Highway, which is especially well documented and preserved thanks to the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor. Snap a photo at Koontz’ Big Coffee Pot and follow Highway 30 to The Lincoln Highway Experience to have pie and coffee at another restored diner from 1938, see an original tourist cabin from the Lincoln Highway, a 1937 Packard, a vintage filling station, and more.Ā 

The Lincoln Highway Interpretive Murals in the Chicago Southlands

For almost 200 miles across Illinois, the Lincoln Highway is celebrated through a series of murals and ā€œinterpretive gazebosā€ presented by individual towns along the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway. The mural depicts bridges, antique cars, original stops like the first Ford dealership in the region, and early Lincoln Highway travelers like Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, who rode motorcycles across the country on ā€œMain Street USAā€ in 1916.Ā 

In Rochelle, Illinois, you can visit a 1918 Standard Oil Filling Station, as well as the Flagg Township Museum, which features one of the only surviving examples of a Partin-Palmer automobile. Partin-Palmer was founded in Chicago the same year the Lincoln Highway was dedicated, before moving production to Rochelle in 1915. The move coincided with the company's reorganization as Commonwealth Motors—better known as the manufacturer behind the iconic Checker taxi cab. Some of the optional features available for Partin-Palmer’s American Traveler roadster included a tent, with a nod to the emerging novelty of road trips.Ā 

Rochelle hosts an annual Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival, which takes place this year from August 14-16. The festivities include a car, truck, and motorcycle show, a Hot Rods & Headlocks live wrestling throwdown, live music, fireworks, carnival rides, and the Miss Lincoln Highway Sweetheart pageant.Ā 

The Youngville Cafe in Watkins, Iowa

Watkins, Iowa, has preserved its Youngville Cafe, which originally included the cafe and gas station still on site, as well as three guest cabins that burned down decades ago. The Cafe once served as a Greyhound station as well as a stop for motorists, and was one of the few gas stations that offered late-night refueling. Today, the Youngville Highway History Association opens the Cafe on Tuesdays in the summer months from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., serving locally baked pies filled with local fruit and rhubarb.Ā Ā 

An hour west, on the other side of Cedar Rapids, stop in Belle Plaine to see Preston’s Station, a 1920s filling station, motel, and mechanics garage that is now the centerpiece of the town’s historic district. George Preston Sr. bought the Station business in 1923 and moved it to the corner of 4th Avenue and 13th Street in 1927. The Preston family ran the Station until 1989, and the following year George Preston Jr. appeared on the Johnny Carson Show to share the history of both the family business, the town, and the Lincoln Highway itself–-Burma Shave ads and all.Ā 

Photo by marekuliasz on Getty Images

The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument in Kearney, Nebraska

You can’t miss The Archway, a museum that literally arches over I-80 and spans the history of the Great Platte River Road, which has brought pioneers and travelers through Kearney since the 1800s. The exhibits cover a variety of transportation history in the area, including the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails that brought European settlers west, as well as the Pony Express, Transcontinental Railroad, and, of course, the Lincoln Highway. A collection of 2,000 original bricks from the Lincoln Highway in Canton, Ohio originated as a teenager’s Eagle Scout project. Other exhibits include a Model T and examples of early camping equipment used on road trips and at motor courts.Ā 

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The Lincoln Highway Tavern and Prairie Inn in Evanston, Wyoming

Like many businesses still active along the old "Mother Road," the Lincoln Highway Tavern is frequented by locals whose family played a role in the Highway’s history. Sit down for a plate of outrageously good hot wings at this former gas station turned restaurant, and you might find yourself sitting next to the great-great-grandson of a service station attendant in nearby Echo Canyon, Utah.Ā 

Echo is just a ghost town now after a heyday as a Pony Express and stagecoach stop, Transcontinental Railroad junction, and later a place to refuel on the Lincoln Highway. Frank’s Echo Service, the Echo Cafe, and Kozy Motel date back to the 1950s, and the vintage charm against the red rock landscape makes this a perfect photo-op. Turn down Temple Road to see the town’s pretty little church, which was built in 1876 and first remodeled in the mid-1920s.Ā 

Backtrack to Evanston and stay the night at the Prairie Inn, which has been locally owned and operated since 1966 and feels like you’ve stepped back in time to the Atomic era. With plush red carpets, vaulted ceilings and gorgeous midcentury modern woodwork, this hotel feels far more luxe than the affordable nightly rate would suggest.

The Kokomo Club in Ogden, Utah

Route 66 may have been popularized in the works of John Steinbeck, but the Lincoln Highway had Jack Kerouac. On the Road includes passages set in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Denver, Colorado. The latter was bypassed by the original route of the Lincoln Highway, but connected via an auxiliary loop not long after the Highway’s dedication. It’s worth a dip down into Longmont, Colorado, to see Johnson’s Corner Gas, a 1937 filling station that was, according to local lore, featured in Kerouac’s novel and has recently been reenvisioned as a bar, restaurant and event space.Ā Ā 

There are plenty of places in this corner of the Mountain West that are haunted by Kerouac, including many of the older dives on Colfax Avenue in Denver. But stick closer to the Lincoln Highway proper and head to the Kokomo Club in Ogden, Utah. This classic dive in the city’s former skid row district has lots of history, including performances by jazz great Joe McQueen, a brief mention in Kerouac’s Visions of Cody and On the Road, and an appearance in the 1997 Keanu Reeves flick The Last Time I Committed Suicide, based on the lives of Kerouac and Neal Cassady. Today, it's best known as a local's pool haunt.

The Lincoln Highway is still woven into the everyday lives of millions of Americans who travel along Highway 30 and I-80 each year, and who live in communities along the original coast-to-coast connector. We take interstate highways for granted in the 21st century, but in 1912, Fisher's ambitions were daring and the logistical challenges considerable. The result, of course, is one that changed the country, and the way we still road trip today.

This Powerful $15 Portable Fan Is My Top Must-Have for Surviving Summer Heat Waves

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 12:24pm

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

As someone with absolutely zero heat tolerance, I can confidently say I’ve tested my fair share of portable fans. I’ve tried larger round ones meant for strollers, fans that claimed to be portable air conditioners, a slew of neck fans, and compact foldable ones that were cute in theory. But the one I keep coming back to is the Stsase Clip-On Portable Fan, which is on sale for just $15 at Amazon right now, down from $20. It comes in black, and while it’s technically designed as a waist fan, I usually clip it to my shirt so the breeze is closer to my face.

The fan measures 1.7 inches deep by 3 inches wide by 4.2 inches high, so it’s small enough to fit in your hand and easy to keep in a purse without taking up as much space as a round fan would. It has three speed settings, a rechargeable battery, USB-C charging, a clip-on and freestanding design, and a built-in turbine instead of exposed fan blades.Ā 

Stsase Clip-On Portable Fan, $15 (was $20) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

I’ve had mine for three years and bought it for $23, and it has helped me get through sweaty NYC heat waves, summer baseball games, concerts in 90-plus-degree weather, and outdoor dinners. I like that I don’t have to hold it the whole time, and because it’s black, it blends in with a lot of my outfits instead of looking super obvious. I also appreciate that my hair doesn’t get caught in the blades, which has happened one too many times with other handheld fans.Ā 

With more than 2,800 five-star ratings, it seems like I’m not the only one impressed. ā€œIt has been an absolute game-changer for my outdoor adventures,ā€ one person wrote, praising the fan’s ā€œincredible battery life.ā€ Another shopper called it a ā€œlifesaver for theme parks,ā€ noting that despite enduring triple-digit temps, they could still feel a breeze.

While it’s technically designed to clip around your waist, I personally think it works best clipped higher up near your shirt or neckline, especially if you want the airflow closer to your face. The clip also works almost like a little stand when I’m sitting outside. I’ll place it on a table with the clip facing down, and it angles the air upward enough to make outdoor dining a little more bearable. It’s not necessarily designed for that, but it’s a small perk.

I will say that if it’s extremely hot out, this fan is still working with the air around you, so it may blow warm air if you’re sitting in full heat. My trick is to place a very cold water bottle behind it when I want cooler airflow, especially if I’m sitting outside for a while. I’ve also used it on full blast for several two- to three-hour baseball games and usually only need to recharge it after a few days of use. That isn’t quite the 24-hour power that’s advertised, but since I almost always keep it on the highest speed, I still think the battery life is impressive.

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Related: Walmart's 'Powerful' $40 Tower Fan Is 'Quiet,' 'Easy to Use,' and 'Cools the Whole Room Evenly'

This portable fan is truly one of my all-time favorite Amazon finds. It’s compact, powerful, and sturdy enough to survive countless drops. If you’re like me and also have absolutely no heat tolerance, now is a great time to grab the Stsase Clip-On Portable Fan ahead of this summer’s heat waves while it’s marked down to just $15.

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Former 'As the World Turns' Legend, 73, Faces Serious Charges

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 12:20pm

Colleen Zenk was arrested back on May 15 in Naples, Florida, according to court documents obtained by Soap Opera Network. The former Daytime Emmy nominee was taken into custody and charged with DUI with a blood alcohol level of 0.15 or higher and DUI resulting in damage to the property or person of another.

Zenk’s latest arrest marks her third DUI arrest since her first incident in 2010.

The actress is best known for her role as Barbara Ryan on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns, where she portrayed the fan-favorite Barbara Ryan from 1978 until the series' cancellation in 2010.

In 2007, the actress battled oral cancer. Through her work with the Oral Cancer Foundation, she partnered with the As the World Turns production, and her character, Barbara, went through a journey similar to her own to raise awareness.

The actress returned to daytime television in 2023 in a recurring role on The Young and the Restless as Jordan Howard. There, she played the mischievous, evil aunt of Claire Newman (Hayley Erin) and worked with Ian Ward (Ray Wise) to terrorize the Newman and Howard families.

Zenk last appeared on The Young and the Restless on January 24, 2025. At the time of her exit, the actress spoke with TV Insider’s Stephanie Sloan and shared that she was ā€œsad Jordan went away so quickly.ā€

She continued to explain how excited she was to take on the challenge, sharing, ā€œI can still do this. For my age, with no work, I look pretty good on camera, not too bad. For a 72-year-old woman to be given this kind of opportunity, I’d jump in again.ā€

In addition to her roles in daytime television, Zenk has a long list of Broadway and Film credits, including Annie, Christmas Evil, About Scout, and an appearance on the CBS drama Blue Bloods.

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Zenk has not publicly commented on her recent arrest.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available 24 hours a day through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Hotline at 1-800-662-4357.

Kathie Lee Gifford Reveals Whether She'll Ever Remarry After Her Late Husband's Death

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 12:14pm

TV personalityKathie Lee Gifford is opening up about where her journey for love is headed next since her husband Frank Gifford's death in August 2015. She reveals how widowhood and past infidelities have changed her.

In an exclusive with People, the 72-year-old admits that walking down the aisle and saying "I Do" may not be in the cards for her. Her late husband, the football star-turned-broadcaster, died a week before his 85th birthday from a reported heart attack, with the family later revealing he hadĀ chronic traumatic encephalopathyĀ (CTE), often caused by repeated trauma to the head.

Nearing 11 years since his death, Gifford admits that she has no plans to remarry and isn't looking ot date. She also admits having once had a relationship that ultimately didn't work, explaining Frank was the "love of her life."

"I am not dating anybody right now, and I don't want to date," said Gifford. "I'm not looking, and I don't think I'll ever get married again."

"I had an opportunity for that to maybe happen, and it didn't work out. Frank will always be the love of my life. If God wants to do something miraculous, like give me another great love [then I'm open to it]. And so I leave room for the miraculous to happen."

Related: Brad Pitt Reportedly Has 'No Plans' to Marry Girlfriend Ines de Ramon Despite Close Family Bond

The two met when Frank was 23 years her senior, while Gifford was working for Good Morning America in 1982. A few years later, they tied the knot and welcomed their son in 1990 and their daughter in 1993. She reveals that Frank was well aware of their age difference and the possibility of him dying first.

"He was one week shy of his 85th birthday, but he was ready to go," she said. "He said, 'You know, hon, I'm not afraid. I'm starting to get really curious.'"

Amid the happy memories, Gifford admits that they hit a rough patch in 1997 when she publicly learned of his affair. A news crew had tailed the former football star to a hotel room and revealed it to the public. Frank would later admit to the affair in his memoir, I Am Surprised by Joy, which detailed the relationship having started in the mid-80s with a flight attendant. Despite the infidelity, Gifford chose to fix their marriage.

"I came home a week after that happened [to reconcile with Frank]. There's not a day that goes by that somebody doesn't come up to me and say, 'I just want you to know I had separated from my husband, and I went back. We went for counseling. We healed our marriage,'" she explained.

Since Frank's death, she reveals that her focus has been on her five grandchildren, and recently filmed a documentary about her life and wrote her latest book, Nero and Paul.

Food Network's Busiest Star Launches New Cooking Series Ahead of Another Highly Anticipated Show Premiere

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 12:11pm

Just weeks before the debut of her new Food Network series Kitchen Undercover, chefAntonia Lofaso is adding another project to her packed summer schedule.

Food Network and TikTok LIVE announced Tuesday, June 30 that they're launching a new interactive cooking series pairing popular TikTok creators with Food Network chefs for hour-long livestreams from the Food Network Kitchen.

The first installment, TikTok LIVE x Food Network Presents: Tomato Season, streams Wednesday, July 8 at 8 p.m. ET across the @foodnetwork, @jose.elcook, @tiktok and @tiktoklive_us TikTok accounts.

Lofaso will be joined by creator Jose El Cook, whose energetic cooking videos and practical kitchen tips have helped him build a massive following on TikTok. During the livestream, the pair will prepare several tomato-focused recipes while sharing cooking techniques, answering viewer questions and interacting with fans through live polls and chat.

According to Food Network, the new collaboration builds on the success of the companies' Future of Flavor LIVE event earlier this year and is designed to bring viewers directly into the Food Network Kitchen through real-time conversations with chefs and creators.

The announcement comes during one of Food Network's busiest summers in recent years.

Earlier this month, Parade exclusively revealed the network's ambitious July lineup, which includes Guy's Grocery Games: Global Games and Kitchen Chaos premiering July 8, Pitmasters hosted by Andrew Zimmern on July 13, Restaurant Impossible: Last Call with Aarón SÔnchez on July 23 and a new season of The Great Food Truck Race with Tyler Florence beginning July 26.

Lofaso is also front and center in that lineup. Her new hidden-camera restaurant rescue series, Kitchen Undercover, premieres Tuesday, July 28, and follows the chef and sous chef Nestor Milian as they secretly investigate struggling restaurants before attempting dramatic turnarounds.

Already one of Food Network's most recognizable personalities, Lofaso recently won season 6 of Tournament of Champions and regularly appears on Beat Bobby Flay, Chopped, Guy's Grocery Games and Wildcard Kitchen. Away from television, she owns several acclaimed Los Angeles restaurants and is the author of "The Busy Mom's Cookbook."

The new TikTok LIVE partnership gives fans another opportunity to cook alongside Lofaso before she returns to primetime later this month, while also expanding Food Network's growing slate of digital programming alongside its busy television schedule.

Related: Beloved Food Network Star Announces 'Powerful' New Partnership

ā€˜Orange Is the New Black’ Star Hospitalized After Freak Pool Accident, and It Was All Caught on Video

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 11:59am

Ruby Rose was rushed to the hospital after a freak accident in her backyard swimming pool.

The Orange Is the New Black star, 40, first gained notoriety as a model before hitting it big on the popular Netflix series alongside Natasha Lyonne and Taylor Schilling from 2015 to 2016. She went on to roles in films like Pitch Perfect 3 and The Meg. But all the fame and the world won't save you from the classic freak accident, and Rose shared her own version this week.

In a video captured at Rose's home, the star was attempting to work on her swimming pool at home with a hose in her hand. Wearing a bra and sweatpants, Rose misjudged the ledge of the pool and went plunging into the water, slamming into the ledge before falling in. She clutched her ribs in pain as she made her way out of the water.

ā€œRIP to my ribs, and to the rest of my summer,ā€ the star wrote on the video, which was captured by her outdoor camera and shared to her Instagram Stories on Monday. ā€œThey are broken, multiple.ā€

Check out a screenshot of the video below, which shows Rose shocked to be in the water after the fall.

"That's your girl!" she laughed at herself.

(Instagram/Ruby Rose)

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Rose Found Herself in the Hospital

On her Threads page, Rose elaborated on the accident, which resulted in two broken ribs and a trip to the hospital.

"One second I'm here talking to you. The next I'm in the ho[s]pital with two broken ribs. What a bloody Monday," she noted, adding that she now has "to breathe into a machine lol" after landing "perfectly on the right side of my ribs. Breaking the bottom two."

"Not bloody worth it is it!," Rose noted in the comments after someone else shared they had been through a similarly painful pool incident, Entertainment Weekly pointed out. "Holy fire of hell!"

We're wishing her a speedy recovery!

Related: Katy Perry Posts FaceTime Photo With Daughter Daisy Amid Ruby Rose Drama

This Sturdy and Sleek Backpack Cooler Will Be the Best Money You'll Spend All Summer

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 11:55am

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Whether you're heading out for a weekend adventure or simply spending the day away from home, having the right gear can make all the difference. Convenience and accessibility are two things I never take for granted when I'm traveling. The last thing I want is to carry multiple bags or constantly search for something I packed. Having one dependable bag that keeps everything organized makes the experience much more enjoyable.

As someone who loves spending time outdoors, I'm always looking for products that make my adventures easier. From fishing at my favorite lakes to hiking scenic trails and mountains or attending summer cookouts and sporting events, I appreciate anything that simplifies the day. Whether it's a quick day trip or an overnight getaway, having a reliable bag has become just as important as packing the right supplies.

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Dometic Unrestricted 24-Liter Cooler Backpack, $269.99 at Dometic

Dometic

One product that has impressed me is the Dometic Unrestricted 24-Liter Cooler Backpack. At first glance, it looks like a stylish everyday backpack, but after using it, I realized it's much more versatile than that. It combines the functionality of a traditional backpack with the convenience of an insulated cooler, making it useful for just about any outing.

One of my favorite things about this backpack is how much it can hold. If I'm heading to a tailgate party during football season, it easily keeps my drinks cold while still leaving plenty of room for snacks and other essentials. Instead of carrying a separate cooler and backpack, I can fit everything into one bag, making it much easier to transport from my vehicle to wherever I'm setting up.

Related: I Went to Dollar Tree To Shop for Dinner and Came Back With These 4 Easy Meals

What surprised me the most was how practical it is beyond keeping beverages chilled. I regularly carry my 16-inch laptop inside, and it fits comfortably with room to spare for charging cables, notebooks, sunglasses, a portable battery pack and other everyday accessories. Having dedicated space for both work and recreation makes it incredibly versatile. Whether I'm working remotely from a coffee shop before heading out on an adventure or packing for a weekend road trip, this backpack adapts to whatever I need.

The backpack also feels durable enough to handle outdoor use while still looking modern enough for everyday travel. That's something I really appreciate because I don't want to switch bags depending on where I'm going. It transitions seamlessly from work to recreation without looking out of place.

After spending time with the Dometic Unrestricted 24-Liter Cooler Backpack, I can honestly say it's become one of those products I find myself reaching for more often than expected. It helps me stay organized, keeps my drinks cold and carries everything I need without feeling bulky. If you're someone who enjoys outdoor adventures, sporting events, road trips or wants one bag that can do a little bit of everything, this backpack is definitely worth considering.

Related: Target's Stylish Cooling Waffle Blanket Is Lightweight, Breathable and Perfect for Hot Sleepers

Best-Selling Author’s Classic Novel Ranked Among ā€˜Best Books’ of All Time on Goodreads

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 11:53am

Richard Adams had never written a novel before Watership Down.

The story famously began as a series of tales Adams invented to entertain his two daughters during long car rides. What started as an improvised adventure about a group of rabbits searching for a new home eventually became one of the most celebrated novels of the 20th century, recently earning 78th place among Goodreads' user-ranked list of the best books of all time.

"When you're little you don't distinguish between fiction and reality," Adams told The Guardian. "It's all reality. And thank goodness for that. IĀ do not believe in talking down to children. Readers like to be upset, excited and bowled over. I can remember weeping when I was littleĀ atĀ upsetting things that were readĀ to me, but fortunately my mother and father were wise enough to keepĀ going."

Watership Down's road to publication was anything but easy.

After completing the manuscript, Adams faced rejection from seven publishers before Rex Collings agreed to take a chance on the novel in 1972.

The gamble paid off. Word of mouth quickly transformed Watership Down into an international bestseller, introducing millions of readers to Hazel, Fiver, Bigwig and the unforgettable community of rabbits whose quest for survival became the heart of the story.

View this post on Instagram

Although often mistaken for a children's book because its central characters are animals, Watership Down tackles remarkably mature themes. Friendship, leadership, courage, environmental change and the struggle for freedom all play central roles, while Adams created an intricate mythology and language that gave the rabbits' world an extraordinary sense of depth.

The novel's success launched an entirely new chapter in Adams' life. Before becoming an author, he worked as a civil servant in the British government. Following the runaway success of Watership Down, he left that career behind to write full time, eventually publishing numerous novels while remaining forever associated with his remarkable debut.

"It was rather difficult to start with," he explained. "I was 52 when I discovered I could write. I wish I'd known a bit earlier. I never thought of myself as a writer until I became one."

Over the decades, Watership Down has inspired multiple film, television and stage adaptations, including the acclaimed 1978 animated feature that introduced the story to another generation of fans. Its influence has continued to grow through schools, book clubs and online reading communities, where new readers continue discovering the novel's timeless themes.

"I've always said that Watership Down is not a book for children," Adams told BBC. "I say: it's a book, and anyone who wants to read it can read it. And I've had fan letters not only from kids who can hardly hold a pencil but the oldest one came from a man aged 85 who said how much he enjoyed the book."

Its recent appearance among Goodreads' best books of all time reflects that enduring appeal.

More than 50 years after its publication, readers continue to embrace Adams' unforgettable blend of adventure, mythology and emotional storytelling, proving that Watership Down is far more than a novel about rabbits, it's one of literature's most enduring modern classics.

Related: Best-Selling Author’s Classic Novel Ranked Among ā€˜Most Read Books’ on Goodreads

1973 Soft Rock Hit, Ranked Among 'Best Songs' of All Time, Became a Timeless American Anthem

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 11:41am

Paul Simon released a single titled "American Tune" that wasn't meant to be a political statement, but became a generational anthem about America.

"American Tune" was a soft rock track that was released during Simon's solo career from the musical duo as part of his third studio album, There Goes Rhymin' Simon. It had moderate success on the charts at No. 35, but received higher praise among critics for its "beautiful melody wrapped around meaningful lyrics." Rolling Stone even ranked it at No. 262 on their list of the "Best Songs of All Time."

Many may notice that the inspiration behind the track's tune is somewhat familiar. Its melody line is based on Johann Sebastian Bach's chorale from "St. Matthew Passion" that's also a reworking of an earlier secular song, "Mein G'müt ist mir verwirret", composed by Hans Leo Hassler.

"American Tune" gained traction among listeners due to the political landscape in America at the time of its release. Simon would admit in an interview that the song was written after Richard Nixon was reelected president in a landslide victory against George McGovern.

At the time, it was seen as a significant low point for the Democratic Party as Nixon was in the spotlight over the Watergate scandal. Nixon also oversaw the final years of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, and it would later end due to the Paris Peace Accords ending direct American combat operations and the military draft ending in 1973.

Simon once told Tom Noon in an interview that, "I don’t write overtly political songs, although ā€œAmerican Tuneā€ comes pretty close, as it was written just after Nixon was elected. Writing good political songs or so-called ā€œprotest songsā€ is its own art form. When I write about politics it’s usually part of a song, maybe a verse or two rather than the whole thing. Many of the songs, the ones that aren’t story songs, change subjects as often as any internal conversation does. Our minds flit from topic to topic all the time. I write like that."

"American Tune" would cement itself as a longstanding anthem among fans and politics. Simon would later sing the track at the pre-inaugural concert for Jimmy Carter in 1977, and it was later used in 2008 by the progressive advocacy group Progressive Future. They used the song in a TV ad in support of Barack Obama for his presidential campaign.

It was also featured in the series The Wonder Years and covered by multiple artists since its release. The song became a concert favorite for Simon, and he would also perform the song on The Colbert Report and one of the final shows for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Related: 1979 Rock Track, Featuring a 112-Piece Marching Band, Became an Experimental Classic

Rod Stewart Reveals Brutal Accident Is Behind Iconic Raspy Voice

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 11:36am

Rod Stewart has one of the most recognisable voices in rock, but it's not totally natural.

The British singer revealed in 2024 that a painful accident may be the cause of his iconic husky vocal style.

Speaking toĀ Nick GrimshawĀ and Annie Macmanus on a 2024 BBCĀ Sounds Sidetracked podcast, the 'Maggie May' singer shared the secret to his unique-sounding voice and recounted how doctors urged him to have it fixed.

"Doctors have said it's because I broke my nose playing football, which has given me this huskiness. They actually said that 'if you straighten your nose out, you'll breathe better, but you might lose your voice'. And I said 'no way'. But no, I got an elbow across the nose playing football," he admitted, per the Express.

The 81-year-old admitted that the "raspiness" to his voice is "purely by accident and obviously maybe God's gift".

The singer also explained how he warms up for a show. "Tons and tons of water, and if I lose my voice at a concert, because I’ve overstretched, the next day I have to wear a sign which says I can not talk to anybody, and I have voice rest for eight to ten hours. It works miracles. My voice always comes back. It really is the crown jewels."

He also addressed the incident on a February 2024 episode of CBS Sunday Morning. The 'Stay With Me' star was asked how he developed the sound of his voice.

Stewart explained, ā€œI didn’t … try to make it really raspy. It’s just the way it came out. It’s something to do with my nose and my throat, and it’s just a big accident.ā€

The vocalist also pointed out that early in his career, he wanted to sing like ā€œSam Cooke and all the great R&B singers,ā€ but ā€œthis is how it came out.ā€

Rod recently had to stop a live show to receive oxygen after struggling on stage. Last week, per the Independent, he admitted he shouldn't have gone to see his beloved Scotland play Haiti in the World Cup in California. ā€œYou know, I had to cancel a show the night before because I just had no voice left. But the truth is I wasn’t going to let my two sons down.ā€

Clive Davis's Son Didn't Know One of His '60s Folk Rock Artists Was Famous

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 11:35am

The strange thing about being the kid of the rich and famous is that you don't realize the people around you are also rich and famous. That seemed to be the case for legendary music executive Clive Davis's loved ones.

The father had four children named Fred,Lauren, Mitchell, and Douglas. One of them spoke at his funeral and revealed that he didn't know a singer-songwriter was famous because he was just a family friend to him.

Douglas Davis Didn't Know Paul Simon Was Famous View this post on Instagram

The record producer died at 94 years old on June 22, 2026. Douglas, 54, spoke at his funeral on June 29, giving a peek into his childhood.

"Beautiful moments happen when someone passes, if you can see them. One of those was reconnecting with that neighbor, Paul Simon," he said, according to TODAY.

"I hadn’t spoken to Paul in 40 years," the entertainment lawyer explained. "He and I have been able to speak every day this past week to reminisce and for me to receive some needed paternal advice and love."

That included telling the "You Can Call Me Al" singer how clueless he was for years. "I finally had the chance to say something I’d wanted to say to him for 40 years," he said. "I told him when I was kid, he was just Harper’s dad. I had no idea the whole time he was Paul Simon."

Related: Why Alicia Keys’ Manager Was ā€˜Livid’ After Her First Clive Davis Meeting

Paul Simon Was Always Grateful for a Clive Davis' Single Choice

Simon, 84, and Art Garfunkel met in school as they grew up in Queens. They eventually signed with Columbia Records in 1963. Davis became chairman of the company in 1967.

Paramount+ released a miniseries called Clive Davis: Most Iconic Performances. Davis talked to Simon about performing in his home neighborhood. Simon revealed an important decision the executive made when it was time to choose a single from Simon & Garfunkel's Bridge over Troubled Water.

"You were the person who picked 'Bridge Over Troubled Water.' You came into the studio, we played the album for you. And you said, 'What do you think the single is?'" Simon said in an episode.

He had a different opinion. "And I said that I think it is probably 'Cecilia.' And you said, 'No, it has to be 'Bridge Over Troubled Water.'"

Simon thought the folk rock song was too long, and the first minutes relied on very few instruments. He said he was always grateful to Davis for that. Davis said it was important to break away from the norm to make music history.

Simon couldn't attend Davis' funeral. He recently released Paul Simon: The Quiet Celebration Concert on Disney+. It's a two-hour concert, and Simon talked about losing his hearing in his older age. He explained that he's adjusting to using a softer band to continue performing.

Related: How Neil Young and Funk Legend Crossed Paths Before Solo Fame

'Indiana Jones' Star Dead at 82

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 11:34am

Actor Michael Byrne — perhaps best known for his role as Vogel in 1989's Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Gellert Grindelwald in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 — has died at the age of 82.

The tragic news was announced by The Sunon Tuesday, June 30.

The British actor was born in London in November 1943 and began a storied career in his 20s.

In addition to starring alongside Harrison Ford and Sean Connery, Byrne was well known for his role as Gail Platt's long lost father Ted Page on the ITV soap opera Coronation Street.

Fans from around the globe sent their condolences following the devastating news.

"Rest In Peace Michael Byrne. Played a Hell of a Villain." one user shared via X.

"So sad to hear about the death of Michael Byrne who played the glorious Gay Ted in #Corrie," another wrote.

His iconic resume also includes roles in Braveheart alongside Mel Gibson, Tomorrow Never Dies with Pierce Brosnan, and Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York.

Dollar General's $20 Kitchen Staple Turns Home-Cooked Meals Into Restaurant-Worthy Dishes

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 11:30am

Whether you're stocking your kitchen with cookware essentials for the first time or adding a new piece to elevate your culinary game, few tools can match the reliability and versatility of a good cast iron skillet. From easy one-pan dinners and hearty breakfasts to scrumptious baked treats and perfectly seared meats, there's really no shortage of creative ways to put one to use.

So if you're on the hunt for something exciting to take home and cook with, you'll want to stop by your local Dollar General for the Lodge 9-Inch Cast Iron Frying Pan. Designed by one of the most trusted names in cast iron cookware and retailing for just $19.50, this irreplaceable mealtime workhorse is ready to level up your game with a naturally seasoned surface that's perfect for nearly all your favorite recipes.

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Lodge 9-Inch Cast Iron Frying Pan, $19.50 at Dollar General

Dollar General

While cast iron cookware isn't hard to find, there are a few brands shoppers reach for time and time again, and Lodge is one of them. Voted the No. 1 cast-iron skillet of 2025, Lodge has built a reputation for cookware that's easy to acquire, stands the test of time and performs like a pro.

Ideal for a wide range of culinary uses, Lodge's 9-Inch Cast Iron Frying Pan can handle just about anything you throw at it. It comes pre-seasoned with 100 percent natural vegetable oil, so it's ready to cook right out of the box, and it delivers unparalleled heat retention and even heating with every use. Even better, it's compatible with all cooktops, including induction, and can be used in the oven, on the grill or over a campfire without risk of damage.

Related: Target's 4-Piece Stoneware Set Is a 'Beautiful' $20 Kitchen Upgrade

As for size, this pan measures 13.75 inches in length, handle included, with a 9.68-inch cooking surface and 1.87-inch side walls. Its spacious design makes it roomy enough to sear steaks, whip up one-pan pasta dishes, roast veggies and bake desserts, while its durable construction and long handle make it easy to move from stove to oven and kitchen to table. And considering it's made in the U.S. without forever chemicals, you can cook confidently knowing exactly what's going into your food.

How to Care for and Use a Cast Iron Pan

Dollar General

While cast iron cookware is built to last, a simple care routine can go a long way in keeping your piece performing at its best. With proper cleaning, drying and seasoning, your pan will not only look incredible over time but also develop a naturally nonstick surface that improves with each use. To get the most out of your cast iron pan, the following tips are a great place to start:Ā 

  • Wash with warm water and a small amount of mild soap after each use.
  • Avoid soaking the pan, as excess moisture can lead to rust.
  • Dry it thoroughly right after washing.
  • After cleaning, rub a light layer of cooking oil over the surface while the pan is still warm (or warm it over low heat first) to help maintain the seasoning.
  • Store it in a dry place to protect the seasoning and prevent rust.

Whether you're cooking at home, over the campfire or at your next summer cookout, the Lodge 9-Inch Cast Iron Frying Pan is ready for the job. Don't miss your chance to snag one while it's still in stock, and while you're there, check out Dollar General's Cheerful 4-Piece Bowl Set and Dolly Parton Drink Pitcher.

Related: The Costco Frozen Aisle Is Hiding Restaurant-Quality Dishes—Here Are the 10 Worth Buying

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