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If you’re always searching for the shadiest, breeziest spot at every summer hangout, Walmart has a deal that could make your backyard feel a lot more comfortable for you and your guests. The Lazzo 3-Seat Convertible Porch Swing is on a flash deal right now in brown and blue, with both colors marked down from $220. The brown version is the best price at $109, while the blue option is on sale for $120.

The outdoor swing measures 79.5 inches by 46.5 inches by 64.2 inches and can seat up to three people. It features a steel frame, a 700-pound weight capacity, and a 45-degree adjustable canopy that can help add shade when the sun is beating down. It also comes with 2-inch-thick removable cushions and a portable 9.4-inch-by-5.6-inch side table board.

Lazzo 3-Seat Convertible Porch Swing, From $109 (was $220) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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It can be used as a shaded seat during a cookout or backyard hangout, and the back reclines into a flat lounge bed by loosening the side knobs. That way, you can sit up with a drink while everyone is outside, then stretch out later when the yard finally quiets down. It’s also a much easier (and less expensive) way to add seating to a porch or small patio than buying a full conversation set with multiple chairs and tables.

Shoppers have called the swing "very nice," with one reviewer noting it offers "outdoor fun for the entire family." Another said it’s “easy to put it together." Something to keep in mind: One shopper mentioned that the swing can shift if you swing too hard, so it may be best for gentle lounging. Placing it on a level surface and adding outdoor weights could also help it feel steadier.

You could place the swing near a small side table for drinks during a barbecue, add an outdoor rug underneath it, or toss on a few weather-friendly pillows to make the space feel cozier. The brown version should be easy to pair with neutral patio furniture, and the blue option could work well if your space has coastal-looking pieces.

Shop More Deals

• Costway Hanging Porch Swing with Canopy, $110 (was $199) at Walmart
• Kingyes Outdoor Hanging Swing Chair, From $210 (was $290) at Walmart
• Costway 3-Person Patio Swing with Canopy, $140 (was $229) at Walmart

Related: Walmart’s $150 Outdoor Pop-Up Gazebo Is Perfect for 4th of July Parties and 'Sets Up Super Fast'

Summer hosting feels much easier when everyone has somewhere comfortable to sit, and the Lazzo 3-Seat Convertible Porch Swing gives you a spot that works whether guests are over or you’re relaxing outside by yourself. Similar three-seat swings at Walmart often cost $200 or more, so be sure to grab this while the flash deal is still live.

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Tensions reached a breaking point on Below Deck Mediterranean when charter guest Josef Rettman approached bosun Nathan Gallagher during anchor watch — but the confrontation took a shocking turn.

After Josef had growled at Nathan and the crew earlier in the charter while they tried to keep him safe following one too many cocktails, both the crew and viewers worried the situation could escalate. Captain Sandy Yawn had already reminded Nathan to remain professional despite the verbal attacks, but he was put in an uncomfortable position when Josef unexpectedly walked into the bridge while Nathan was alone.

Instead of a blowup, Josef surprised Nathan by opening up about his life, revealing shocking details about the fortune he lost and the struggles he’s been facing. After calling Nathan a "prick" and suggesting they arm wrestle, Josef admitted, "It's hard to be a prick in a good way. I don't really like you. I respect you."

Josef then asked for another margarita before revealing that he moved to Miami, Florida, with $5 million in his bank account — only to lose it all. "Two years later, I'm negative $100,000," he confessed, adding that his mother had to bail him out.

Explaining that he lost his money while "trying to keep up with the Joneses," Josef continued sharing his regrets and opened up about wishing he were in a different place mentally.

When deckhand Cooper Dawson arrived on the bridge mid-conversation, Josef somehow managed to take the conversation in an even more unexpected direction.

"I once had six girls pee on me at once," Josef declared, extending his fist toward Nathan for a celebratory fist bump.

"They did what to you?" Cooper asked in a confessional, clearly stunned. "And you enjoyed it?"

Trying to break the awkwardness, Cooper jokes that he hasn't "had a single one pee" on him as he tells Nathan he's ready to take over anchor watch.

"I'm happy to go to bed, but I feel bad for f—king Cooper having to sit there and listen to this guy!" a relieved Nathan says in a confessional.

While Josef has no more peeing stories, he does share with Cooper that his father died when he was 14, before he finally decides to head off to bed.

Below Deck Mediterranean is on Monday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo.

Cody Johnson is opening up about his past struggles and their impact on his latest album in a recent episode of The Kelleigh Bannen Show.

"I've been to jail, stuff like that. People don't know that. I've been locked up a few times in jail. Just overnight. I didn't get sentenced or anything,” the country singer revealed.

Johnson just released his latest studio album, Banks of the Trinity, on June 26.

“There are parts of my life that people don't know about and I'm like, ‘Y'all look at this Cody Johnson guy like I'm some kind of saint.' I'm not. I am just like you," the 'Til You Can't” singer  said.

"I have daily struggles with things that you do too. I have to really work up here a lot to get my brain disciplined to where I don't think like that guy," he continued. "Let's be a better version of that guy. That kid's got to grow up eventually."

The 39-year-old explained the meaning of his new song "Time Bomb." In the track, he states he’s "been through hell" and "locked up in jail."

"Now I've got three children / And I've got one loving wife," Johnson sings. "That still choose to love me / In spite of my life."

He also revealed the inspiration behind the track "I Have.” He wants the song to reach younger artists who think, "Man, I want what Cody's got."

"Dude, there was a lot of very dark times to get to this sunshine and rainbow experience that I'm having now," he said. "Sleazy hotel rooms and no money and tinkering with alcoholism or drug problems or whatever, anger issues, whatever it was."

Adding, "It's like I wanted people to know, ‘Hey, when you look at me, please don't put me on a pedestal. I'm doing the best I can just like you. I've got parts figured out. I've got parts that I don't have figured out."

Some books never lose their power to move readers.

More than 100 years after Willa Cather published "My Ántonia," two bestselling novelists independently selected the 1918 classic as one of America's greatest novels when Barnes & Noble asked contemporary authors to name their pick for the Great American Novel.

Novelist Mary Beth Keane praised the book's portrait of immigrant life on the Great Plains, writing that she first encountered it in college after reading authors like Edith Wharton and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

"In 'My Ántonia' I met people I knew," Keane wrote. "They were 'Bohemian' (Czech), Norwegian, Russian. They were homesick, mired in poverty, and suddenly in a place that was alien to them, with only stories of home to comfort them."

Related: Barnes & Noble Just Crowned Its 2026 Discover Prize Winner

She concluded that the novel's lasting appeal comes from its deeper message.

"The true heart of the story is about possibility," Keane wrote. "What's more American than that?"

Fellow novelist Patricia Finn shared an equally personal connection to the novel, recalling that her father first introduced her to it by reading aloud when she was a child.

Years later, she returned to the book with a new appreciation.

"I love it for Nebraska," Finn wrote. "As much a character in this novel as any of the two-legged ones."

She added, "I envy those reading it for the first time."

Related: One of Barnes & Noble’s Most Popular Events Returns This Week

Why 'My Ántonia' Still Resonates More Than a Century Later

Published in 1918, "My Ántonia" follows orphaned Jim Burden after he moves from Virginia to the Nebraska prairie, where he befriends Ántonia Shimerda, the daughter of Bohemian immigrants. As the two grow up together on the frontier, the novel explores immigration, hardship, friendship and the promise of the American West through memories that shape both of their lives.

Today, the novel is widely regarded as Cather's first masterpiece and one of the defining works of American literature. Critics have long praised its lyrical prose and vivid depiction of pioneer life, with H.L. Menckenfamously writing, "No romantic novel ever written in America, by man or woman, is one half so beautiful as 'My Ántonia.'"

Related: This $20 Strategy Game Is Barnes & Noble’s Game of the Month

The novel also reflects Cather's own childhood. Born in Virginia, she moved with her family to Nebraska when she was 9 years old, an experience that profoundly shaped her writing. Many of her best-known novels explored the lives of pioneers and immigrant families who settled on the Great Plains, with landscape becoming as memorable as the characters themselves.

More than a century after its publication, "My Ántonia" continues to find new readers while remaining a touchstone for celebrated writers. The fact that two contemporary novelists independently chose it as one of America's greatest novels is another reminder that Cather's portrait of hope, resilience and the immigrant experience still feels remarkably fresh today.

Related: Best-Selling Thriller Author Picks This Epic Western as the Great American Novel

It seems impossible to think that any music made by David Gilmour, widely considered to be one of the greatest guitarists of all time, would ever fall into the category of overlooked or even obscure. But strangely enough, when Gilmour released his self-titled debut solo studio album in 1978, it wasn't exactly a chart-topper.

To be fair, David Gilmour wasn't a flop, either; it peaked at #17 in the U.K., #29 on the Billboard Album Charts, and ended up being certified Gold, according to PowerPop. Still, all these years later, it's safe to say that most casual Pink Floyd fans don't know any of the music from the record...except, perhaps, the album's only single, "There's No Way Out of Here."

The haunting, beautiful track is classic Gilmour, but it's actually a cover. Written by Ken Baker, "There's No Way Out of Here" first appeared on the 1976 album Too Many Crooks by the British band Unicorn...which Gilmour happened to produce. Gilmour liked the song as soon as he heard it, and immediately expressed an interest in recording his own version.

While Gilmour's take on "There's No Way Out of Here" unfortunately didn't make much of an impact in the U.K., it did get a bit of traction on some rock radio stations in the U.S., where many of the guitarist's devotees developed a deep appreciation for the song. Today, new fans are still discovering the unsung classic.

"It’s not as if Gilmour breathed new life into Baker’s song with Floydian creativity," wrote Tom McDonald on the blog That's a Cover?

"Instead, the guitarist simply traces the original’s structure, mood, and timing almost entirely. The one imaginative step beyond Unicorn’s original conception is the addition of soaring female vocalists on the choruses and on the outro. Of course, it’s also true that Gilmour’s voice and guitar artistry are improvement enough; no need to reinvent an excellent piece of music."

David Gilmour

Photo by Erica Echenberg on Getty Images

Earlier this year, in an interview with Uncut, Gilmour reflected on the process of making his first solo album, which started six months after the legendary Animals tour wrapped up.

“I don’t think it was to counteract some sort of frustration I was feeling within Floyd," he said, adding, "If anything, I thought it would be nice to have a bunch of guys in a room, play some tunes, knock ‘em down and put out a record."

"Maybe there was some yearning for a simpler way of being as a musician," Gilmour continued. "That’s not what I want. I’m very happy with more complex and time-consuming methods. It was a little door opening for me into a slightly different world which, I guess, would happen again at occasional points in my life.”

Indeed: After David Gilmour, he would go on to release four more solo studio albums, with the most recent being 2024's Luck and Strange.

Related: How Pink Floyd's David Gilmour Turned This 15-Year-Old 'Schoolgirl' Into a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee

Father-and-son horror authors Stephen Kingand Joe Hill have collaborated twice, writing two novellas, the 2012's In the Tall Grass, and Throttle, published in 2009.

During a June 2026 interview on the horror and true crime podcast, Last Podcast on the Left, alongside King, Hill got candid about co-writing with his father. He compared King's writing abilities to the energy of a Looney Tunes character.

"The times I've written with dad, [have] you ever see in like the Warner Bros. cartoons when Wile E. Coyote climbs on an Acme rocket and lights the fuse, and then suddenly it takes off under him? That's what it's like writing with my dad," said Hill during the interview. "I feel like I'm just kind of hanging on for dear life, you know?"

He explained that his father can write rather quickly and seemingly without much effort.

"I'd sort of like sweat and pull my hair out over like three pages or something, and then I'd email it to him, and like 45 minutes later he'd be like, 'It was great. Here's five more pages,'" said the Horns author.

Tabitha King Helps Better Her Husband and Sons' Manuscripts

While recording the Last Podcast on the Left episode, Hill noted that his mother, Tabitha King, who wed her husband in 1971, is the family's trusted editor and advisor.

"Everyone in the family takes the manuscript to her first," said Hill, whose brother, Owen King, is also an author.

King explained that his wife also has published several books.

"I met her in a poetry seminar, and so we come by it quite naturally. We're both writers, and she's as good as I am or better in some ways," said King during the June 2026 interview.

After King said that his wife has convinced him to make changes to several of his books, Hill suggested that his father isn't always happy about the comments about his manuscripts.

"I've seen Dad gnash his teeth for 48 hours because Mom said something didn't work. But then he always makes the changes," said Hill. "You've really always felt in the end that actually she was probably right and that was the right direction to take stuff in. So, there's been a 50-year collaboration of ideas there."

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Versatile earrings make accessorizing for the day effortless. A pair that you can wear for fancy occasions and just as easily throw on for casual outings is a must-have for your jewelry collection. These Cate & Chloe Jessie Swarovski Crystal Drop Earrings are a fantastic choice, and you can currently score them on sale for a whopping 85% off at Walmart! 

Normally retailing for $124, these stunning drop earrings are now marked down to just $19 for a limited time with a Walmart flash deal. They’re available in three finishes, including rose gold, white gold, and yellow gold. Whether you’re attending a fancy summer wedding, a Fourth of July party, or simply going through the rhythm of your everyday life, these earrings are fit for the occasion and will elevate your look with elegance and sparkle. 

Cate & Chloe Jessie Swarovski Crystal Drop Earrings, $19 (were $124) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Adorned with dazzling Swarovski crystals, these earrings bring on the glitz and glam in an understated way. They feature simple studs with a 3-millimeter round-cut crystal. The studs are connected to a delicate cable chain, which is fixed with a 6-millimeter round-cut crystal on the other end. 

Lending themselves to the drop style, these earrings gracefully dangle down and will sway along with your movements. Measuring around an inch long, they’ll frame the upper portion of your face, drawing attention to your features. Reviewers love the style of these earrings, describing them as “strikingly gorgeous,” “absolutely beautiful,” and “elegant.” 

All the crystals are prong-set, ensuring that they remain securely in place. While they’re not diamonds, these crystals look like the real deal, mimicking their brilliance and clarity. Faceted with numerous flat surfaces, the crystals are designed to catch and reflect light from every angle. Multiple shoppers attested to this, noting that these earrings “sparkle beautifully.”

Cate & Chloe Jessie Swarovski Crystal Drop Earrings, $19 (were $124) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Striking a balance between subtle and understated, these earrings will complement both dressy and casual outfits. From glamorous looks like gala dresses and sparkly ensembles to laid-back attire like streetwear and even athleisure, these earrings will add elegance to your aesthetic and make any outfit look intentional. 

Made of brass and plated with 18-karat gold, these earrings have a polished finish that gives them additional shine for an extra touch of luxury. They’re hypoallergenic and free of lead and nickel, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin. 

For easy insertion and wear, the studs have a simple post backing and a push-back closure to keep them securely fastened. Dainty and lightweight, these earrings will sit comfortably in your ears and won’t weigh down your lobes but will still stand out. Shoppers raved about how durable and comfortable these earrings are. Customers mentioned that they were able to wear them all day long and even sleep in them without any issues. 

Shop More Deals 

• Cate & Chloe Sloane Crystal Y-Necklace, $20 (was $125) at Walmart
• Cate & Chloe Juliana Halo Drop Earrings, $20 (were $150) at Walmart
• Cate & Chloe Olivia Tennis Bracelet, $30 (was $125) at Walmart

Related: JCPenney’s 'Classic' $25 Freshwater Pearl Necklace Is an 'Elegant' Addition to Summer Outfits

Make any outfit feel luxurious and glamorous with the Cate & Chloe Jessie Swarovski Crystal Drop Earrings. Head to Walmart and snag them while they’re still on sale for 85% off at just $19! Be sure to hurry because this is a limited-time sale! 

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Country music star Riley Green has officially been announced as one of the featured artists for Rock the South 2026, joining an expanded lineup for the annual Alabama music festival.

Festival organizers revealed the full lineup on Instagram, confirming that Green will perform on Oct. 4, alongside fellow country artists Brantley Gilbert, Avery Anna, Graham Barham, Austin Snell, Tyler Nance, Ava Hall and Emmy Moyen.

The 2026 edition of Rock the South will now run four days, from Oct. 1 through Oct. 4, after organizers rescheduled the festival from its original June dates because of heavy rainfall leading up to the event. 

The festival will also debut at its new home, The Fields at Decatur in Decatur, Alabama, marking the event's first year outside its longtime location in Cullman.

Riley Green at The 52nd American Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 25, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Photo by Gilbert Flores/Dick Clark Productions via Getty Images

More than 30 artists are scheduled to perform throughout the four-day festival, which also introduces a new fair featuring carnival rides, games and traditional fair food. Organizers said it will be the first fair held in Decatur since 2018 and the first time Rock the South has incorporated a fair into its annual event.

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Tickets are currently available as single-day passes, weekend passes and four-pack options. Fans who purchased tickets for the original June dates can use them for the October festival. 

Single-day ticket holders will also receive access to additional festival days at no extra cost, while campers who reserved June campsites will have access to the campground throughout all four October dates.

Country newcomer Jessie Murph was elevated to headliner status and will close out Oct. 3. The festival also added several artists to the lineup, including Kameron Marlowe, Stella Lefty, Avery Anna and The Band Perry.

Green's Rock the South appearance adds another major event to an already active 2026. The Alabama native recently announced his Cowboy As It Gets Tour, which will visit arenas across the U.S. during the year. He also recently made his acting debut on the CBS series Marshals, portraying Garrett, a former Navy SEAL.

Green is also preparing to release his fourth studio album, That's Just Me, on Sept. 18, 2026.

During a recent conversation with TODAY, Green discussed honoring the late Toby Keith on his new single, "Think As You Drunk."

“We did sit down to write a Toby Keith kind of song. So we sent it to his manager,” Green said.

He continued, “He played it for the family, and they loved the idea of him being a part of the song, and having that little line ‘As Good As I Once Was’ at the end.”

Reflecting on the tribute, Green added, “Well, it's cool too, because you've got something that you know is a moment that'll kind of pull at you a little bit, but it's also in a moment that's very happy.”

Earlier this month, Green also co-hosted the CMA Fest television special with television personality Laura Spencer.

With Rock the South expanding to four days, introducing a new venue and adding more performers, Green's scheduled appearance on the festival's closing day is expected to be one of the featured performances of the October event.

Related: Country Star Releases Hit Song, Written in 20 Minutes, Amid 2026 Tour

Jock Jams are defined in two ways: a) as the ’90s phenomenon of music compilations released by Tommy Boy Records and ESPN, or b) in the broader sense of music played at sports venues. No matter which definition you rock with, the hits are all the same. 

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From Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle” to ESPN’s “Jock Jam Megamix,” the Jock Jams canon spans genres and generations, but only one can be the ultimate champion. And according to Billboard, that honor goes to a certain enduring 1970s-era rock band led by the greatest frontman of all time.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives on Getty Images

That’s right, when it comes to Jock Jams, Queen is king. More specifically, the band’s clap-stop anthem, “We Will Rock You,” was ranked the greatest Jock Jam of all time.

The 1977 track is “still the song at the very epicenter of your brain’s Venn diagram of sports and music,” the outlet wrote, adding, “You’re already mentally stomp-clapping, aren’t you?” 

Originally released in October 1977 as a double A-side single with “We Are the Champions” and reissued on this day (June 29) in 2015 as the official anthem for the inaugural Asteroid Day, “We Will Rock You” is a primal, pulsing gem that transcends language barriers, unifies crowds, and ultimately gets the heart pounding.

It rallies the homers, intimidates the visitors, and gets everyone in earshot going—which was exactly the goal songwriter and legendary Queen guitarist Brian May had intended.

Taking inspiration from the old Boston Garden, May wrote the song in three stages, each one highlighting a facet of life: childhood (“Gonna be a big man someday”), adulthood (“Gonna take on the world someday”), and seniorhood (“Gonna make you some peace someday”). 

According to American Songwriter, May recalled the thunderous sound fans made on the venue’s wooden floors and beams. That experience, coupled with another band-changing moment that happened during a Queen concert at Bingley Hall in Stafford, England, when fans began chanting “You’ll Never Walk Alone” at the band, birthed May’s “We Will Rock You” and its companion anthem penned by frontman Freddie Mercury, “We Are the Champions.”

“We were just completely knocked out and taken aback," May told BBC Radio 1 about the Bingley Hall moment, "it was quite an emotional experience really, and I think these chant things are in some way connected with that.”

Both anthems appear on Queen’s sixth studio album, News of the World. Together, they reached No. 2 on the U.K.’sOfficial Singles Chart and No. 4 on the U.S.’s Billboard Hot 100.

Nearly five decades later, the song remains a timeless power anthem, rocking everything from stadiums and arenas, to natatoriums and clay courts. 

“‘We Will Rock You’ will always work because at its core it’s just BOOM BOOM CLAP—which stadiums would probably find some way of doing anyway,” Justin Baker, the Memphis Grizzlies’ click effects operator, said, per Billboard. “Add to that the majesty of Queen’s legacy … and you have what is probably an immortal anthem.” 

Related: 1970 Supergroup Hit, Featuring a Legendary Classic Rock Cameo, Became a Timeless Anthem

Singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson came up with "Me and Bobby McGee" after being inspired by a 1954 film. While covered by multiple artists, Janis Joplin recorded a version of the track before her death that was released posthumously and skyrocketed to No. 1.

The title for the hit track comes with an interesting backstory, as Bobby McGee isn't necessarily a real person. Producer and Monument Records founder Fred Foster had called Kristofferson one night with an idea to title the song "Me and Bobby McKee" after Boudleaux Bryant's secretary, Barbara "Bobbie" McKee. In a moment of misheard words, he thought Foster said "McGee."

Beyond the track's title, "Me and Bobby McGee" was inspired by Federico Fellini's 1954 film La Strada. It's often been considered one of the most influential film classics and is included in Rotten Tomatoes' list of the "Best Movies" of all time. The Italian road tragedy starred Giulietta Masina and Anthony Quinn, as it follows a simple-minded woman bought from her mother by a brutish man and accompanies him on the road.

Kristofferson has previously explained that the heartbreaking lyrics of the track were inspired by the last scene of the film. According to Performing Songwriter, he had the rhythm of Mickey Newburn's "Why You Been Gone So Long" when he thought of the film.

“For some reason, I thought of La Strada, this Fellini film, and a scene where Anthony Quinn is going around on this motorcycle and Giulietta Masina is the feeble-minded girl with him, playing the trombone. He got to the point where he couldn’t put up with her anymore and left her by the side of the road while she was sleeping," he explained.

In the film, Quinn's character hears a woman singing a melody while hanging up clothes outside. He asks where he's heard it before, with the woman revealing it was from an unknown young girl who had come to town and later died.

"That night, Quinn goes to a bar and gets in a fight. He’s drunk and ends up howling at the stars on the beach. To me, that was the feeling at the end of ‘Bobby McGee.’ The two-edged sword that freedom is. He was free when he left the girl, but it destroyed him. That’s where the line ‘Freedom’s just another name for nothing left to lose’ came from," said Kristofferson.

While many other artists recorded and released their own versions of "Me and Bobby McGee," Joplin's was the only one to have a profound impact on Kristofferson. He remembers walking around L.A. "just in tears" after hearing her version after her death. Joplin's version topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart when released as part of her album Pearl, and became the only No. 1 hit of her career. Heartbroken about her death, Kristofferson and Donnie Fritts wrote a track titled "Epitaph" about her.

Ella Langley is having a big year. The 27-year-old breakout country music sensation has one of the year’s biggest singles to date with “Choosin’ Texas,” a track that has helped turn a wider audience toward country music. Her second album Dandelion, released in 2026, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Now Daily Variety, the entertainment industry trade publication, is adding to the accolades. Halfway through 2026, Ella Langley has one of the best albums of the year so far.

Daily Variety Names Dandelion One of the Best Albums of 2026 View this post on Instagram

In a ranking just released by Daily Variety (commonly referred to as Variety) naming the best albums of 2026 so far, Langley’s Dandelion is one of the outlet’s top picks. Sharing “best of the year so far” status with Kacey Musgraves, RAYE, and Paul McCartney, the young country star is in good company. Here’s what Variety’s Chris W. said:

“You have to love an album that can include a song brilliantly questioning the existence, or at least nature, of God (“Speaking Terms”), and then follow it up with a cover of one of the great country spirituals, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels.” Welcome to the celestial pantheon of modern country masters, Ella.”

A blend of traditional country storytelling and commercial appeal, Dandelion is Langley’s follow-up to her 2025 debut Hungover. One of the most successful streaming country albums of 2026, Dandelion has been a critical darling, with high praise for its songwriting and production. The buzz around Dandelion has helped make Ella Langley one of the breakout country stars of the year.

If it seems like just about everyone is a country music convert thanks to Langley’s commercial appeal, she has become one of the most talked-about artists of the year. Langley even counts country star Miranda Lambert as a fan and has been covered by actor Kevin Bacon and his wife Kyra Sedgwick.

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One of the brightest young stars in country music, Ella Langley’s Dandelion tour is also one of the hottest concert tickets of 2026. The singer has just announced a second leg of her current tour, with stops from Wisconsin to California and beyond.

Related: Thylane Blondeau, the 'Most Beautiful Girl in the World,' Wows at Her Romantic Paris Wedding

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Metallica's latest stop on the M72 World Tour came with an unexpected twist—one that had fans in Wales singing along to a song that's technically off-limits at the venue.

During the band's Sunday, June 28, concert at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo performed a surprise rendition of Tom Jones' 1968 hit "Delilah" as part of their nightly "doodle," a tradition where the pair pay tribute to a local artist in each city they visit.

It’s safe to say the crowd enthusiastically joined in, despite the song's complicated history at the venue.

“I was there last night and it was absolutely incredible,” one fan commented on a video of the performance.

Another said, “the song is not allowed to be played there lol i wonder what the fallout will be.”

“Genuine defiance to totalitarianism is always welcomed,” a third said.

Why is ‘Delilah’ banned at Principality Stadium?

The choice of song raised eyebrows because "Delilah" has been banned from official performances at Principality Stadium since 2023.

For decades, the classic served as an unofficial anthem for Welsh rugby fans and was regularly performed before international matches. However, the song's lyrics (which tell the story of a man killing his unfaithful partner) eventually drew criticism over their depiction of domestic violence.

“Delilah will not feature on the playlist for choirs for rugby internationals at Principality Stadium…Guest choirs have also more recently been requested not to feature the song during their pre-match performances and throughout games,” a Principality Stadium spokesperson said when the policy was introduced, per BBC. “We are respectfully aware that it is problematic and upsetting to some supporters because of its subject matter."

Metallica's tour rolls on

The Cardiff performance comes just over a week after Hammett gave fans an unexpected scare during Metallica's Dublin show.

While performing "Seek & Destroy," the guitarist stumbled off the edge of the stage after stepping onto a stage cover that reportedly gave way beneath him. Fortunately, he quickly returned to finish the song and later laughed off the mishap on social media by renaming it "Slip & Destroy."

Despite the brief scare, the M72 World Tour continues uninterrupted. After wrapping up its Cardiff stop, Metallica heads back on the road for the remainder of its 35-date summer run, which concludes August 1 in Nashville.

Related: ‘80s Metal Legend Falls Off Stage Mid-Show

Love Island USAhas a fascinating process since it releases new episodes six days a week. Islanders are constantly watched so viewers don't miss a game-changing conversation or even a cuddle before bed.

A new book, Enter the Villa, has behind-the-scenes details about the hit franchise. A producer told the author that a special group of producers call themselves "the manipulators."

'The Manipulators' of 'Love Island USA' Interrogate Islanders Aniya Harvey and KC Chandler in 'Love Island USA'

Peacock

Anna Peele interviewed producers, cast members, and hosts for the tell-all book. Fans know producers are involved in casting and what happens on the show. But it's unclear how their jobs work.

One of the facts revealed in PEOPLE is that field producers called themselves "the manipulators" because they question the islanders at length about who they do and don't like throughout the season.

We see some of their answers to those questions in the confessionals. Love Island USA Season 6 producer Simon Thomas explained what producers do and don't do to make great TV.

He claimed the public's perception that producers work while thinking, "I'm going to paint you into a corner where you can only behave badly." Thomas claimed they put temptations around that could cause drama, but it's up to the islanders to fall into the trap or make a better choice.

Related: ‘Love Island USA’: Aniya Harvey Asked to Quit, Fans Say It Was ‘Hard to Watch’

Why 'Love Island USA' Season 8 Fans Loved the Casa Amor Twists Megan Thee Stallion (Photo by: Ben Symons/Peacock via Getty Images)

Season 8 switched up the start of Casa Amor. The men and women put on costumes for the heart-rate challenge. But the men got a text to sneak out of the villa and go to Casa Amor.

The women were left dressed and nowhere to go. They did have a huge present in the yard, which was a big-screen TV for them to watch the Casa Amor girls do the heart-rate challenge with their partners.

"Props to production for Casa Amor week," fan wrote, starting a Reddit thread. "They really tried their best to shake things up with the heart-rate challenge live feed twist, dropping a surplus of options (12 men), extending the length of Casa Amor, and trying to drive a further wedge with the postcards tonight. But I fear the majority of the girls are way too loyal and are not even trying to explore at this point.. which is becoming incredibly boring to watch." The thread has over 300 replies, and its full of positive comments about production.

The women in the villa tend to stay single and recouple with their original partner, while the men take the risk of bringing back someone new. It makes the show predictable, but having the women know what the men are up to could encourage them to explore a new connection.

It worked on Kenzie Annis, who was previously coupled up with Corbin Mims. She saw him say he was going to bring another girl back, and she vowed never to talk to him again. She brought Dylan Wrona to the villa.

It's unclear if the twists will continue after the season. But it's a good example of what the producer said about temptation.

Related: Alannah Keyser of ‘Love Island USA’ Speaks Out After Exit for Racial Slur Video

Hungry Howie's has announced their newest crust flavor, which will only be available for a limited time.  

The popular counter-service and delivery pizza spot has debuted the Spicy Sesame Flavored Crust. 

The chain described the crust in a press release as a combination of “a bold blend of toasted sesame and savory spices, delivering a nutty richness with a satisfying kick of heat.” It is baked directly onto the pizza's dough and is perfect for customers who enjoy “bold flavor elevated with heat.” 

The new crust will be available at Hungry Howie's from June 29 until the end of September, or while supplies last. The Spicy Sesame Flavored Crust is also only available at participating locations. Visitors can order online, in the app, or in-store. 

"At Hungry Howie's we love taking the flavors our guests already crave and innovating new ways to enjoy," said JeffRinke, Vice President of Marketing and Product Development at Hungry Howie's. "Spicy Sesame Flavored Crust takes one of our most popular crust flavors and gives it a kicker. It's the perfect option for guests looking to add a little heat to their favorite pizza."

The company has been around for over 50 years and claims to be the originator of flavored crusts. The restaurant operates in 18 states with close to 500 stores across the country. The classic flavor options for crust include: Butter, Asiago Cheese, Cajun, Butter Cheese, Sesame, Garlic Herb, Ranch, and Italian Herb.

The S.W.A.T. franchise is growing with the addition of S.W.A.T. Exiles, a new spinoff series reprising Shemar Moore in his role as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, but with a new team of SWAT officers and a fresh approach.

Sony Pictures TV Studios president Katherine Pope, in an interview with Variety, described the spinoff as “a bit of a take on the culture generation clash of Gen X versus Gen Z. Where Hondo is all about duty, hierarchy, and chain of command, the Gen Zers are a little more like, 'I might need to take a mental health day. I want to talk about it. I want to understand it.' It's kind of our take on Top Gun Maverick. How do you actually learn from each other? How do we build bridges around not just generational divides, but all forms of divide? There's a lot of division going on in our world. If we just took some time to listen and to try and be part of a team, and what that really means, it would probably be better for all of us."

Here's what we know so far about the spinoff S.W.A.T. Exiles, including plot and cast.

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What is the S.W.A.T. Exiles release date?

The premiere date for S.W.A.T. Exiles will be September 25 on STARZ.

Shemar Moore confirmed the news, saying, “S.W.A.T. Exiles is coming in hot! I couldn’t be more excited that STARZ is bringing this next chapter to audiences in the U.S,” Moore said. “A huge thank you to Sony Pictures Television for believing in this franchise and continuing to invest in what we’ve built together. What makes this moment even more special is that we’re reaching audiences in all major territories worldwide. Fans everywhere will get to experience this epic new ride together.””

View this post on Instagram View this post on Instagram What is S.W.A.T. Exiles about?

The official description is: “After a high-profile mission goes sideways, Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson is pulled out of forced retirement to lead a last-chance experimental SWAT unit made up of untested, unpredictable young recruits. Hondo must bridge a generational divide, navigate clashing personalities, and turn a squad of outsiders into a team capable of protecting the city and saving the program that made him who he is."

Who are the new characters inS.W.A.T. Exiles?

TVLine shared this character info,  but not which actors would be playing which role: A charismatic, Black former Marine from South Central; an undercover cop with a questionable shooting in his past; an amputee who was at the top of her class at the academy and refuses to ride a desk; a tactical prodigy with a disruptive lack of social skills; and a former beauty queen who now works as a law enforcement 'influencer.' "

The fact that former La Brea star Zyra Gorecki is an amputee, who lost her left leg below the knee in a logging accident at age 13, means she will be playing that role, Cassidy Han. That means that Lucy Barrett, who is playing Samantha “Sammy” Bishop, is most likely the former beauty queen as she is the only other female series regular in the cast.

Who’s in the cast of S.W.A.T. Exiles?Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson Shemar Moore

Photo by Bill Inoshita/CBS via Getty Images

Lucy Barrett as Samantha “Sammy” Bishop Lucy Barrett

Photo courtesy: Barrett_Maya Iman

Adain Bradley as Malik Henderson Adain Bradley

Photo courtesy: Ryan Orange

Zyra Gorecki as Cassidy Han Zyra Goreck

Photo courtesy: George Papadakis

Freddy Miyares as Ethan Cole Freddy Miyares

Photo Courtesy: Sony Pictures Television

Ronen Rubinstein as Jude Reddick Ronen Rubinstein

Photo courtesy: Jonathan Shoer

View this post on Instagram

Related: Shemar Moore Returns for More S.W.A.T. in New Spinoff

Lenora Crichlow Lenora Crichlow

Photo by Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for WarnerMedia

According to Variety, Lenora Crichlow has joined the cast in a yet unnamed recurring role.

Which S.W.A.T. stars are returning for S.W.A.T. Exiles?

Jay Harrington and Patrick St. Esprit are confirmed to return in the first episode, reprising their roles as Sergeant David ‘Deacon’ Kay and Commander Robert Hicks, respectively. Harrington is also set to direct an episode.

And Variety just reported that David Lim,  who played Officer III Victor Tan, will return for the first season’s penultimate episode.

Who is guest starring on Season 2 of S.W.A.T. Exiles?

To date, Selma Blair and Jerry O’Connell have been named by Variety as guest stars.

Is there a trailer for S.W.A.T. Exiles?

Not yet, but check back. We will post as soon as it’s released. In the meantime, here are the first-look photos:

Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson

Photo credit: Kit Karzen/Sony Pictures Television

Ronen Rubinstein as Jude Callan, Lucy Barrett as Sammy Bishop

Photo credit: Kit Karzen/Sony Pictures Television

Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson

Photo credit: Kit Karzen/Sony Pictures Television

Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, Zyra Gorecki as Cassidy Reed, Lucy Barrett as Sammy Bishop, Freddy Miyares as Ethan Cole, Adain Bradley as Malik Anderson

Photo credit: Kit Karzen/Sony Pictures Television

Shemar Moore

Photo credit: Kit Karzen/Sony Pictures Television

Related: ‘Fire Country’ Spin-off ‘Sheriff Country’ Renewed For Season 2

How many episodes are in Season 1 of S.W.A.T. Exiles?

The show was picked up for 10 episodes.

How to watch S.W.A.T. Exiles

Even though S.W.A.T. Exiles is in production, no deal has been struck with a network or streamer, so it is unclear at present where it will be broadcast.

Related: Shemar Moore’s Adorable ‘Daddy-Daughter Day’ on ‘S.W.A.T.’ Set Has Fans Gushing

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Great dinnerware can help elevate any meal, whether you're making a muliti-course dinner from scratch or simply warming up leftovers. If you want to upgrade your kitchen with dishware that's stylish, functional, and dinner party-ready, Anthropologie has a new deal you won't want to miss. The top-rated Latte Stoneware Bowl Set comes with four versatile bowls, and it's currently on sale for nearly 30% off. 

The popular dishware is now available for just $34, down from $48. It comes in two gorgeous color options that will spruce up kitchen cabinets, counters, and dining tables. The multicolor style features bright red, blue, green, and yellow bowls, while the pink pattern option comes with more muted shades of pink, red, cream, and white. 

Latte Stoneware Bowl Set of 4, $34 (was $40) at Anthropologie

Courtesy of Anthropologie

Shop at Anthropologie

Each bowl measures 2.3 inches high and 7.8 inches in diameter and has a 22-ounce capacity, making it perfect for serving pasta, salads, desserts, and other meals. Crafted from high-quality stoneware with a glossy glazed finish, the dishware is smooth, sleek, and designed to stand up to daily use.  

The clean, elegant design is versatile enough to complement any home, no matter your preferred style of decor. Whether you're working with a lot of storage or a compact kitchen, the set is easily stackable, making it easy to store even in tight spaces. It's also microwave- and dishwasher-safe, allowing convenient heating and hassle-free cleaning after every meal. 

Related: Walmart's 'Pretty' $89 Reeded Accent Cabinet Adds 'Simple Storage' to Small Spaces

Multiple shoppers praised the set for its superior craftsmanship and stylish look. One reviewer called them "beautiful, versatile, and so cute," writing, "The colors are gorgeous, and they are the perfect size for everything from big salads to pasta dishes." Several noted that they "hold up so well" even after daily use, with one calling them the "most-used dishes in my kitchen." 

Shop More Deals

• Latte Stoneware Mini Bowl Set, $14 (was $20) at Anthropologie
• Amelie Latte Stoneware Cereal Bowls, $22 (was $32) at Anthropologie
• Plaid Portuguese Stoneware Dessert Plate, $13 (was $18) at Anthropologie

If you're looking for nice, solid stoneware bowls to help dress up your dining room table, now's the time to score this top-rated four-piece dish set at a great discount. Grab one for yourself while it's on sale for just $34 at Anthropologie. 

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Is BB26's Angela Murray returning for season 28 of Big Brother?

Ahead of the show's return next month, fans are speculating online that the upcoming season will feature returning houseguests, with fan favorites like Murray, Tucker Des Lauriers, Morgan Pope, Keanu Soto, and Danielle Reyes among the top theorized contestants.

Now, one Big Brother alum believes they've found proof that Murray is actually on the season.

In a post shared to X on Monday, June 29, Big Brother legend Janelle Pierzina claimed that the Utah-based realtor is no longer responding to her text messages. The cast for Big Brother 28 is currently sequestering in a hotel without their phones ahead of filming.

"I cannot get ahold of Angela," Pierzina wrote. "We have a good relationship, talk sometimes and it’s been crickets."

"Her phone used to show delivered when I would text her, and now it’s not saying delivered," Pierzina added in a separate post.

In the replies, BB27 alum Jimmy Heagertyadded, "I was thinking the same thing!!! She's usually so quick to text back."

RELATED: ‘Big Brother’ Legend Danielle Reyes Addresses Rumors She’ll Be on Season 28

Earlier on Monday, Murray appeared to post a photo of her meal at a restaurant to her Instagram Story. However, fans aren't entirely convinced the snap wasn't posted by a friend or family member on her behalf.

Murray previously placed sixth on BB26 in 2024 and finished in the top three for America's Favorite Player, ultimately losing to Des Lauriers, her ally in the game. She also appeared on the Amazing Race 38 in 2025, which featured Big Brother alumni and their loved ones, and was eliminated 2nd alongside her daughter Lexi.

Big Brother returns to CBS and Paramount+ on Thursday, July 9.

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Yes, Megan Thee Stallionwalking (okay, more like slo-mo sauntering) into Season 8’s Episode 23 of Love Island USA was surprising to say the least. And while fans have plenty to say about Aniya’s mini breakdown, Trinity telling Kenzie ‘french fry,’ and all the rest of the drama, one part of the show truly stood out—Megan’s amazingly over-the-top outfit. 

Fans can’t stop talking about the look that takes the cake! Just in case you were hiding under a rock with no Internet service last night, here’s a quick recap of the absolutely jaw-dropping ensemble. A totally blinged-out purple thong body suit, matching lilac lace gloves, pearls, bubblegum pink hair, and baby doll pink lace-up ballerina heels.

While there’s no info on who made that crystal lingerie look for Megan, some sleuths did spot her supercute shoes online. The strappy stilettos are the Steve Madden Larina style and also come in ivory, tan, red, dark brown, champagne rhinestone, and black satin!

View this post on Instagram What did fans say about Meghan Thee Stallion’s ‘Love Island USA’ Bombshell moment? 

When the official Love Island USA Instagram account posted a clip of the ‘Savage’ singer with the caption, “Thee ULTIMATE Bombshell has arrived,” they weren’t overstating her entrance. Based on the amount of online applause for the celeb, the fans seem to agree. One commented, “Megan thee bombshell,” and another said, “thee body has entered the villa.”

Of course, the comments didn’t end there. Other Love Island USA viewers bowed to her bedazzled bodysuit and cotton candy updo: “It’s giving let them eat cake, and I’m obsessed,” while another went with a simple, “yesss megggg.” 

Megan Thee Stallion on Love Island USA Season 8 Episode 23. Photo: Ben Symons/Peacock

Meanwhile, on Reddit, the comments kind of say it all: “Her entrance was insane! Shout out to the cameraman for some of the slowdown scenes of her. Not only did she look amazing, but she got the boys together on their nonsense and rode hard for the girls while making the episode fun!”, “This look is eating! The bikini with the draped bling and this pink wig are perfect!” and “She looks so intergalactic.”

This is Megan’s second appearance on the reality dating show. And yet again, her cameo definitely left fans wanting more. Her Season 8 drop-in included a messy ‘Hot Girl Bakery’ cake-themed (take both ‘messy’ and  ‘cake’ literally and figuratively if you want) musical chairs-esque challenge. 

The very special guest star also, much to fans' enjoyment, had some words for KC: “Do you feel like the way you went about it, do you feel like the things you said and did were respectful towards Aniya? Because you could have pursued Titi without being disrespectful to Aniya.” 

Putting KC in his place and wearing what might just be the outfit of the season? As this fan says, “Me to my husband, Do you see her? She is your hall pass.” Yeah, she's probably not the only one who agrees!

It's not uncommon for a rocking song to be repurposed for a car commercial: Think Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll," which helped sell more than a few Cadillacs, or Mötley Crüe's "Kickstart My Heart," which gave the Kia Optima a fast-paced edge. But one classic ode to the open road, Bachman-Turner Overdrive's "Roll on Down the Highway," actually started out as the soundtrack to a Ford campaign...even though it didn't end up that way.

It all started when Randy Bachman and Fred Turner were asked to write a song for a Ford commercial. The guitar-driven tune they came up with seems like it would have been perfect for any automotive ad (apart from the fact that it sort of encourages speeding):

We rented a truck and a semi to go
Travel down the long and the winding road
Look on the map, I think we've been there before
Close up the doors, let's roll once more

Cop's on the corner, look he's starting to write
Well, I don't need no ticket so I screamed out of sight
Drove so fast that my eyes can't see
Look in the mirror, is he still following me?

Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately, for the band), Ford didn't want the song.

“It’s like getting an assignment: Write a new commercial for Ford and you’ll get paid $100,000," Bachman recalled in an interview with PowerPop.

"Well, I’d sit down and I’d write a commercial for Ford, ‘let it roll down the highway.’ Ford never picks it up and I have a song called ‘Roll on Down the Highway,'" he continued.

BTO released "Roll on Down the Highway" in January 1975 as the second single from their album Not Fragile, which also featured the band's biggest hit of their career, "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet." While "Roll on Down the Highway" wasn't quite as successful as "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet," which shot all the way to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, it did break the Top 20, peaking at #14.

"Roll on Down the Highway" was well received by critics at the time: Billboard called it a "driving rocker combining simplicity of sound with vocal and instrumental skill," while Cash Box praised the tune as "gruff and gritty," declaring it a "great car radio tune."

Bachman-Turner Overdrive

Photo by Jorgen Angel on Getty Images

Decades later, "Roll on Down the Highway" is still one of BTO's most popular tunes with fans old and new. As Bachman explained in a 2024 interview with Goldmine about BTO's 50th anniversary tour, "There's been no BTO around [for] quite some time, so to come back, we have a very active fan base that are sending in requests. 'Would you play this from the second album?' 'Would you play this from the third album?' We've never heard these before onstage, so we're having fun doing that."

"It's quite amazing to me that these fans are still out there," he continued. "It seems as though there are a lot of 18 to 20-year-old kids there that are just learning guitar and they're totally sick of everything that's on classic radio, because it's so repetitive, and then they discover BTO. We haven't been around that much like a Bon Jovi or Aerosmith, or anything like that. So they're finding this music which is kind of real heavy pop. So, it's going very well right now."

Of course, one can't help but wonder how many speeding tickets "Roll on Down the Highway" has caused over the years, but as another classic rock band sang, that's life in the fast lane.

Related: 1968 Classic Rock Hit, Inspired by a Spontaneous Riff, Remains a Timeless Road Trip Anthem 58 Years Later

The 4th of July ranks high on just about everyone's list of favorite holidays. Parades fill the streets, barbecues take over backyards, families gather, and fireworks cap off the night; there's celebration everywhere you look.

But all that fun comes with a catch: someone has to handle the prep first. And that’s exactly when Costco comes into the picture. The chain's deli case has long been a refuge for the time-crunched, packed with meals that go from cart to table in minutes and featuring numerous crowd-pleaser options. With its latest offering, it aims to make hosting even simpler with a stacked BBQ tray built for a crowd, one that does nearly all the work for you.

What You Get in Costco's BBQ Platter View this post on Instagram

Open the tray, and you'll find chicken wings, barbecue meat, cold potato salad, corn on the cob, pickles, and pickled onions. 

According to the website, Costco has priced the platter at $6.23 / lb., so a 9-pound package comes to roughly $56.88.

That covers a family-sized holiday meal with room to spare.  Just by throwing in a few bags of chips, some dips on the side, and a grab-and-go dessert from the long list of selections from the bakery aisle, your table will look like you spent the morning on it.

If you want to go the extra mile, a bag of soft rolls and some fries turn the meat into quick BBQ sliders. Or pull the meat apart, fold in the pickles, onions, and corn, and spoon it over a pan of cheesy nachos for a completely different plate.

If you want everything (sides, meat, toppings) in a single box with zero recipes to track, Costco's platter takes all the stress of prep and more off your shoulders. 

As for folks who plan to fire up their own grill this weekend, even they can agree on one thing: when it's time to buy the meat, Costco's counter is almost impossible to beat, easy on the wallet, and reliably good.