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'60s Rock Band Fleetwood Mac Played Its First Show 59 Years Ago Today
Years before Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham became part of Fleetwood Mac, the band made its live debut on August 13, 1967. Peter Green led the early lineup, which also featured Mick Fleetwood, Jeremy Spencer and bassist Bob Brunning.
The band was brand new, barely a few weeks old at that point. Green had recently left John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, ready to go out on his own. Fleetwood, who had also played with the Bluesbreakers, sat in on a few early sessions with Green's new group and liked what he heard enough to follow him.
Green also wanted bassist John McVie to join the group and even used the name Fleetwood Mac to help sell him on the idea. McVie wasn't ready to commit, though, so Brunning stepped in as the band's original bassist.
“[Spencer] was something to see, a tiny chap, pretty quiet offstage, who became a whirlwind of raw power once he plugged in,” Fleetwood recalled in his autobiography Play On. “Our fledgling band developed a handful of instrumentals anchored by Jeremy’s slide playing and Peter soloing in the Chicago electric-blues style he loved and tossed off effortlessly.”
Going by the name Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac at the time, the group made its live debut at the Windsor Jazz and Blues Festival in England after only a short period of rehearsals.
They shared the bill with John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, Cream, Jeff Beck, Small Faces and Donovan. Pink Floyd had been scheduled to appear too, but pulled out at the last minute when Syd Barrett couldn't take the stage.
The band’s first set included seven songs, among them an instrumental named “Fleetwood Mac” and three covers by Elmore James. Melody Maker gave them a favorable review, noting that they “made an impressive debut.”
Watching from the side of the stage was McVie, who was still performing with the Bluesbreakers. Fleetwood remembered knowing McVie was there and feeling as though the new band was “auditioning for him.”
There was another future Fleetwood Mac member at the festival too, though nobody knew it yet. Christine Perfect, who would later become Christine McVie, was performing with Chicken Shack on another stage.
“In a tent playing on another stage was a band called Chicken Shack, featuring a singer and pianist named Christine Perfect,” Fleetwood wrote. “Christine would go on to join our band in 1970 after she married John McVie.”
By late 1967, John had finally joined the group, replacing Brunning on bass. Around the same time, the band dropped Green's name from its title because he “never wanted his name up front and center like that,” according to Fleetwood.
The group continued to go through lineup changes over the next few years. Then, on New Year’s Eve in 1974, Nicks and Buckingham officially joined the band.
A few months later, they made their live debut with the group on May 15, 1975. The band would go on to release Fleetwood Mac later that year and Rumours in 1977, with the latter reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Joseph and Kendra Duggar's Child Endangerment Case Diverted for 1 Year
Joseph and Kendra Duggar's child endangerment case will be diverted for one year following pleas entered Monday, Aug. 10, in an Arkansas district court.
According to court records obtained by local outlet KNWA/FOX24, the Duggars' attorney, Travis Story, submitted a plea by order on July 10, meaning the case will be placed under advisement for one year.
If the couple complies with a list of conditions during that period, the charges will be dropped. The conditions include not committing any new criminal offenses, remaining in good behavior, following all court orders and any directions from the Arkansas Department of Human Services, and paying $1,850 in fines and costs before the end of the advisement period.
Joseph and Kendra are scheduled for a review hearing on Aug. 4, 2027, at 1 p.m.
RELATED: Kendra Duggar’s Parents Break Silence on Son-in-Law Joseph Duggar’s Arrest
News of the plea by order emerged Monday after the couple were allowed to skip their scheduled court hearing. This gave the judge overseeing the case the opportunity to accept the plea and determine whether the couple will face any penalties.
Joseph, 31, was previously arrested and charged with lewd and lascivious behavior involving unlawful sexual activity with a minor in Florida in March.
Two days later, Joseph and Kendra, 27, were hit with additional child endangerment charges in Arkansas that are unrelated to Joseph's Florida case. The couple face four counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of second-degree false imprisonment.
Kendra was released from jail shortly after her arrest after posting a $1,470 bond. Joseph, meanwhile, was released from custody in Florida after posting a $600,000 bond on March 31.
In April, Kendra's lawyer submitted a motion to dissolve a no-contact order involving her alleged victims. Per the documents, the unnamed victims “have expressed a desire to have contact” with Kendra after she “complied” with the order's terms.
Later that day, a judge approved the request and dissolved the no-contact order.
“It is further ordered that the Arkansas Department of Human Services is authorized to supervise, communicate and facilitate reunification between the Defendant and the individuals previously covered in the no contact order,” the judge's ruling read.
Joseph and Kendra have been married since 2017 and share four young children.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org.
NFL Preseason Is Back—Here’s How to Watch Every 2026 Game Without Cable
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The official NFL football is about to start! With the official start of regular season games happening on Wednesday, Sept. 9, fans don't have to wait that long to catch a game. Preseason games begin this week. Read on for more about how and where to watch the 2026 NFL Preseason games.
When Does the 2026 NFL Preseason Start and End?The 2026 NFL Preseason began with the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, Aug. 6. The three-week exhibition schedules begins on Thursday, Aug. 13 and runs through Saturday, Aug. 29 with the the regular season kick off on Wednesday, Sept. 9. The schedule is as follows:
Hall of Fame Game: August 6, 2026 (Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals)
Preseason Week 1: August 13 – August 15, 2026
Preseason Week 2: Begins August 20, 2026
Preseason Week 3 (Finale): August 27 – August 29, 2026
The first regular season game will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 9 between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. After that, the first regular-season game to take place Melbourne Australia will see a matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers with the Jonas Brother headling the halftime show.
What TV Channels Are Showing NFL Preseason Games in 2026?Most of the NFL presason games will be on NFL Network and your local broadcast television stations. Select games will be broadcast nationwide on networks such as ESPN, FOX, CBS, NBC, and Prime Video with streaming options on NFL+, Peacock, ESPN+, and Paramount+.
Related: Hallmark’s Latest Football Romance Just Got a Major Casting Update
How to Stream Live Preseason Games on NFL+, ESPN, Paramount+ and YouTube TVTo stream 2026 NFL preseason games live, you can use NFL+, ESPN App and Paramount+. Check out the game availability for each app or streamer below:
YOUTUBE TV: New subscribers can currently get $75 off YouTube TV’s Base Plan ($15 off per month for five months) through Aug. 31, 2026. The service includes 100+ live channels, including sports, news and entertainment.
NFL+ - Live out-of-market and local preseason games
ESPN App - Stream up to 32 NFL preseason games with access to broadcast coverage for 19 out-of-market preseason games carried by NFL Network, plus additional selections like ESPN's featured national matchups.
Paramount+ - Stream live local preseason broadcasts that fall under CBS’s regional television schedule.
How to Watch Out-of-Market NFL Preseason GamesFor out-of-market NFL preseason games, you can stream games with NFL+ or the ESPN App. You can also watch games airing on NFL Network through a cable provider or a live TV streaming service such as YouTube TV. Preseason games are not included with NFL Sunday Ticket.
Can You Watch NFL Preseason Games for Free? (Antenna & Free Trial Guide)Yes. You can watch select preseason games with a digital TV antenna for local broadcast station-televised games. You can also take advantage of any free trials offered for live TV on the various streaming service.
Related: ‘Super Fan’ Eva Longoria Finds the Best Gameday Eats With NFL Stars in New Foodie Series
Why Are Local NFL Preseason Games Blacked Out and How Do You Avoid It?Your local NFL preseason games are blacked out due to exclusive broadcast rights that belong to local regional TV affiliates. When a game is blacked out on a national level, it is to honor the contract rights held by the local affiliate.
To watch any local preseason games, you'll have to watch them through your local television station airing the game by using a digital antenna or through your cable or satellite provider.
Related: Nicolas Cage’s Stunning Transformation Into Football Icon John Madden Has Fans Doing a Double Take
2026 NFL Preseason National TV Schedule & Marquee MatchupsThere are several marquee matchups and nationally televised preason games. Check out the schedule below:
- Las Vegas Raiders at Houston Texans: Thursday, Aug. 20 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.
- Seattle Seahawks at Tennessee Titans: Sunday, Aug. 23 at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
- New England Patriots at Cleveland Browns: Thursday, Aug. 27 at 8:00 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime Video.
- Cincinnati Bengals at Philadelphia Eagles: Friday, Aug. 28 at 8:00 p.m. ET on CBS.
This 'Nostalgic' 1980s Calvin Klein Perfume Is Perfect for the Fall-to-Summer Transition and Now 75% Off
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Some scents seem to come with their own time machine. Launched in 1985, Calvin Klein's Obsession became a defining scent of the decade — one you might have spritzed before heading out to a party, worn on a first date, or kept on your dorm-room vanity alongside your hairspray and jewelry box. For anyone who remembers getting ready with friends before a night out, Obsession carries the kind of nostalgia that goes beyond the bottle — it smells like an entire era.
@bunnysemmy#obsessionbycalvinklein #perfumetok #perfume #90sfashion #90sperfumes
♬ original sound - tunaDecades later, the fragrance is still on shelves, and this deal at Walmart makes the price feel like a throwback, too. The $97 Calvin Klein Obsession Eau de Parfum is marked down 75% to just $24, making it an especially fun find for anyone who wants to reminisce or simply loves the idea of wearing a piece of the ‘80s. Additionally, with summer giving way to fall, its warmer profile feels right at home alongside the seasonal switch from sandals to boots and T-shirts to cardigans.
Calvin Klein Obsession Eau de Parfum, From $24 (was $97) at Walmart Shop at WalmartDubbed as “timeless” and “captivating,” Calvin Klein’s Obsession opens with a bright burst of citrus and fresh green notes before settling into the warmer, spicier character that has made the fragrance so recognizable. Mandarin and bergamot give the opening a lively quality, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and coriander bring in a distinctly spiced layer. That contrast keeps the fragrance from feeling overwhelmingly heavy right away, giving the initial spray some brightness before the deeper notes begin to emerge.
As it develops, the fragrance takes on a richer, more sensual profile through a blend of amber, sandalwood, patchouli, and musk. The warm amber adds depth, while sandalwood gives the scent a creamy woodiness and patchouli brings an earthy edge. Musk rounds everything out with a soft finish, creating the kind of lingering warmth that feels particularly fitting when you want a fragrance with more presence than a light citrus or floral.
The combination makes Obsession especially versatile for transitioning between seasons and occasions. The citrus and green notes keep the opening from feeling too dense, while the cinnamon, amber, woods, and musk give it enough warmth for crisp evenings, dinners out, or getting dressed up. It also has the staying power and richer composition you expect from a classic Eau de Parfum, with shoppers complimenting the “super strong sillage” as “long-lasting,” making it a good choice for anyone who wants a signature scent that doesn't disappear after the first few sprays.
Shop More Deals- Calvin Klein Eternity Eau de Parfum, $29 (was $69) at Walmart
- Calvin Klein Euphoria Eau de Parfum, $36 (was $59) at Walmart
- Calvin Klein CK One Eau de Toilette, $30 (was $83) at Walmart
The vaporizer-style bottle gives Obsession a polished presentation, with an ovaline design shoppers have called “luxurious” and “beautiful.” Its spray dispenser makes it easy to apply an even mist of fragrance, while the decorative bottle looks just as at home displayed on a vanity or countertop as tucked on a shelf.
Walmart shoppers were reminiscing over this “rich amber” and “spicy scent that lasts all day long” in the reviews section. “I've been wearing this fragrance for over 30 years, and it always brings back so many memories. Whenever I spray it, I feel so nostalgic for the 80s and 90s,” one shopper wrote.
Related: 35 Years Later, the Scent That Changed Perfume Forever Is Getting a New Version
A fragrance this iconic deserves a second spritz. Shop the Calvin Klein Obsession Eau de Parfum for $24 at Walmart and save 75% while this deal lasts!
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.
NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Thursday, August 13, 2026
To solve today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle, you'll be exploring things you paint, social media, island paradises, colors and places you might serve breakfast.
Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can’t forget about the NYT’s The Mini Crossword, too!
Although the NYT is known for "The Crossword," a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.
So, if you're working on today's Mini Crossword on Thursday, August 13, and need some help (I've been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both "Across" and "Down" words, followed by "Across Answers" and "Down Answers," so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!
Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Thursday, August 13, 2026Here are additional clues for each of the words in today's Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Hints1 Across: Like flamingos and cherry blossoms — HINT: Starts with the letter "P"
5 Across: Hawaiian island visible from Maui's west shore —HINT: Ends with the letter "I"
6 Across: Planet's path — HINT: Starts with the letter "O"
7 Across: Short Instagram video — HINT: Starts with the letter "R"
8 Across: Break off, as a relationship — HINT: Ends with the letter "D"
Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours
NYT Mini Down Hints1 Down: ( or ), for short — HINT: Starts with the letter "P"
2 Down: Where Mother's Day breakfast might be served — HINT: Ends with the letter "D"
3 Down: Tiny thing to paint — HINT: Starts with the letter "N"
4 Down: First-aid container — HINT: Ends with the letter "T"
5 Down: Origin stories, e.g. — HINT: Ends with the letter "E"
Don't go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today's Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Answers1 Across: Like flamingos and cherry blossoms — PINK
5 Across: Hawaiian island visible from Maui's west shore —LANAI
6 Across: Planet's path — ORBIT
7 Across: Short Instagram video — REEL
8 Across: Break off, as a relationship — END
1 Down: ( or ), for short — PAREN
2 Down: Where Mother's Day breakfast might be served — INBED
3 Down: Tiny thing to paint — NAIL
4 Down: First-aid container — KIT
5 Down: Origin stories, e.g. — LORE
Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Wednesday, August 12, 2026
1983 Hit Ballad, That Always Makes Stevie Nicks Cry, Proves 'Real Love Never Dies'
Since the days of Fleetwood Mac and beyond, Stevie Nicks has been making fans cry with songs like "Landslide," "Silver Springs," and so many others. But there are plenty of tunes that make Nicks get all choked up, too...like Dan Fogelberg's 1983 soft rock hit, "Same Old Lang Syne."
Released as a single in 1980 and included on Fogelberg's 1981 album The Innocent Age, “Same Old Lang Syne” has become a beloved classic over the years, particularly around the holidays, as it tells the tale of a pair of former high school sweethearts who happen to run into each other at the grocery store on Christmas Eve.
In the song, the reunited couple part ways after catching up over a six-pack of beer in the woman's car:
The beer was empty, and our tongues were tired / And running out of things to say / She gave a kiss to me as I got out / And I watched her drive away
Just for a moment, I was back at school / And felt that old familiar pain / And as I turned to make my way back home / The snow turned into rain
As someone whose breakups inspired some of the most moving songs of all time, Nicks once cited "Same Old Lang Syne" as a song with the ability to bring her to tears every time.
“To this day, when that song comes on, it makes me cry," Nicks said in an interview with the BBC's Tracks of My Years. "Because I think that we have all run into somebody that we absolutely loved a long time ago."
“And you meet them and you're older, but that's when you go ‘Real love never dies,'" Nicks continued. "Because it doesn't matter that they're older and it doesn't matter that they don't look exactly like they did when they were nineteen. They still have that light that attracted you in the beginning, and you feel that."
As the late Fogelberg explained in a Q&A on his website, “Same Old Lang Syne” was inspired by a real-life experience.
Related: 1979 No. 1 Soft Rock Ballad That 'Wrote Itself' Became an Anthem of Everlasting Love
“In 1975 or 76 I was home in Peoria, Illinois visiting my family for Christmas. I went to a convenience store to pick up some whipping cream to make Irish coffees with, and quite unexpectedly ran into an old high school girlfriend. The rest of the song tells the story,” Fogelberg said.
Though she waited until after Fogelberg's death from prostate cancer in 2007, the real woman in the song, Jill Anderson, confirmed the Christmas Eve encounter in an interview with the Peoria Journal Star.
“It’s a memory that I cherish,” she said.
Like Nicks said, real love never dies.
Related: 1987 Soft Rock Classic, Just Reimagined 39 Years Later, Was Iconic Band's Last Top 10 Hit
The Only Artist to Win Grammys in 10 Different Categories Turns 72
Pat Metheny has spent more than five decades proving that a guitar career does not have to fit neatly into one genre.
The celebrated jazz guitarist and composer turns 72 on Wednesday, Aug. 12. Born in Lee's Summit, Mo., in 1954, Metheny has built an unusually varied career through his work as a solo artist, collaborator and leader of the Pat Metheny Group.
Metheny has earned 20 Grammy Awards from 39 nominations. Even more impressively, his official awards page notes that no other artist has won in 10 different categories. His victories have extended beyond jazz into rock, pop, new age and instrumental composition, reflecting the range that has shaped his music from the beginning.
Raised in Missouri, Metheny began playing trumpet at 8 before switching to guitar at 14. He quickly became involved in the Kansas City jazz scene, later receiving a scholarship to the University of Miami. His time there as a student was brief, but the school soon hired him to teach. By 19, he had joined the faculty at Berklee College of Music.
Metheny's 1976 debut album, Bright Size Life, featured bassist Jaco Pastorius and drummer Bob Moses. Two years later, the Pat Metheny Group released its self-titled debut, beginning a run that brought jazz to a much wider audience. The group's follow-up, American Garage, reached No. 1 on the jazz chart and crossed over to the pop charts.
His first Grammy came in 1983 when Offramp won Best Jazz Fusion Performance. More awards followed as Metheny continued experimenting with new sounds and working with artists including Joni Mitchell, David Bowie and Ornette Coleman.
Metheny remains just as active at 72. In February, he released Side-Eye III+, his first major studio album in six years and the inaugural release from his Uniquity Music label. The project began with keyboardist Chris Fishman and drummer Joe Dyson before expanding to include 15 additional musicians.
"The music I had written was asking for something bigger," Metheny explained of the album's expanded sound.
More than 50 years after his career began, Metheny is still exploring new musical ideas. His unmatched Grammy record is only one reflection of the curiosity and versatility that continue to shape his work.
Related: Founding Member of Legendary '60s Rock Band, Who Co-Wrote 'American Woman,' Turns 83
Sean 'Diddy' Combs Counter Sues His Accuser
This legal saga just added another twist worthy of the docuseries it's actually tangled up with.
According to Rolling Stone, Sean 'Diddy' Combs has countersued music producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, accusing him of defamation and of taking footage from a documentary about Combs and providing it to Netflix. The footage allegedly appeared in Sean Combs: The Reckoning, the four-part documentary series produced by 50 Cent that premiered on Netflix in December 2025 and was recently nominated for three Emmy Awards.
Jones previously sued Combs for $30 million in February 2024, alleging that he witnessed disturbing incidents while working with the music mogul on his album The Love Album: Off the Grid. Jones also accused Combs of drugging and sexually harassing him. Combs has denied the allegations. Now, Combs' legal team is challenging statements Jones made in the Netflix documentary, describing them as defamatory and accusing Jones of waging a campaign to profit from and seek revenge against Combs.
The lawsuit also alleges that Jones improperly accessed computer drives containing footage filmed for a separate documentary about Combs' life and career while the pair were on a yacht in St. Barts in 2022. Combs' attorneys claim some of that footage was later used in the Netflix series without authorization.
There's an intriguing legal question at the center of the dispute: When does an allegation become legally defamatory? A statement generally isn't defamatory simply because someone disputes it; the question of whether it is false (and whether the other legal requirements for defamation are met) can become central to such a case.
The countersuit arrives as Combs is currently serving a 50-month sentence stemming from prostitution-related charges following his summer 2025 criminal trial, meaning this particular chapter of the story is far from its final act.
‘The Challenge’ Star Brad Fiorenza Reveals 103-Degree Fever Before Brutal Elimination (Exclusive)
The Challenge Season 42 is here! Throughout the season, Parade.com will speak with the challengers who were eliminated from Cutthroat.
Sixteen years ago, Brad Fiorenza entered the 20th season of The Challenge, which was given the theme of Cutthroat. Put on a team alongside close allies, including his then-wife Tori Hall, he was able to dominate strategically, never going into elimination all season. By the end, he helped make up a fierce foursome that dominated the final, giving him his highly-coveted first win.
This year, Brad Fiorenza entered the 42nd season of The Challenge, which was also given the theme of Cutthroat. Unfortunately, he was not able to replicate his team's success whatsoever, drafted into a mishmash of seasoned vets and fresh-faced rookies. The group lost each of the first three dailies, with emotions running high and even building to a fever pitch when he and Nelson Thomas got into a fight while trying to figure out the cause of one of their numerous failings. And Brad was far from safe from seeing the arena, as Johnny "Bananas" Devenanzio was eager to put him into elimination. It wasn't done out of mal intent, however, as the fellow vet thought he would be the best fit to try to weaken the Grey team and take out Keanu Soto. However, the Big Brother standout proved his worth immediately, dominating the elimination and even getting physical at points. Keanu had Brad's number that day (literally), ensuring the fifteen-time competitor would not see another Cutthroat win.
Read on for our full interview with Brad. New episodes of The Challenge: Cutthroat drop Wednesdays on Paramount+.
Let's start with that elimination. I had no idea climbing a wall would be a contact sport, and I'm sure you didn't either. Walk me through what you were thinking throughout your time in the sand, especially when things got physical.
All I can say is Keanu is an absolute beast. Hats off to him. I mean, that was his day. And when I pulled up to that elimination and I saw that it was climbing, I felt like this was going to be my night. And I thought there was no other option other than taking the W back to the house and trying to reverse the energy of losing on our team. We lost three challenges; this was our third elim. And as it started to unfold, the contact started to get heavier and heavier.
And Keanu's a big boy. I'm roughly just under 200 pounds, 195. He's got to be pushing about 260, and he's fast. He's not just a heavy set guy. He's got a background in football. When he started to put those hits on me, the game got a lot more intense real quick, and it all happened so quick.
One of the things that most viewers probably wouldn't know, Mike, is that Keanu wasn't feeling well. I ended up catching whatever was going around the house a little bit later. But I spiked 103-degree fever the night before I even went in. I hadn't had a fever in like over 10 years, and I'm under my covers, just shivering. I had to reschedule my interviews. And I know he was going through something similar leading up to it, but we went out there and we left it all on the field.
And I kept seeing the moments where I missed the point by a fraction of a second, and the mistake that I made by not fully understanding that there were buzzers. I thought we were supposed to hit the numbers. And that first point I lost when I actually beat him to the number, I tried to shake that off the best I could. And I had some close points with him, but I just couldn't get it done. When I watched him and I compete, I was kind of thinking, "God, who would play harder in a physical elimination?" I don't have an answer for that. I'd rather go against CT three times in a row than that guy again. He's an absolute beast. He's a force to be reckoned with. It was a hell of an elimination. I'm sorry I couldn't get it done.
Well, let's talk about what got you on that wall in the first place. You had mentioned that you hoped Bananas wouldn't send you in based on being a fellow vet. But you also knew Josh had a relationship with him outside the show. So how surprised were you when you put you into elimination?
So honestly, whenever I'm even remotely up for elimination, I feel like in my mind I'm already going in. I feel like it's the safest play. You don't want to get caught off guard. Even when Johnny went in on the first one, I was waiting to be thrown in for some reason, so this was a lot. I was waiting to hear my name, but hoping that I didn't. And when I did, I was already mentally checked in.
I had a feeling Johnny would go in this direction. I had heard that his objective was to weaken the Grey team as much as possible. And I saw the climbing, and I felt like, "Alright well, if I do go in, this is this is something that I'm comfortable with." And then I also thought Johnny's probably thinking the same thing. And after hearing his his interview clips, it sounds like he was, and that was that was my fate.
We need to get into the argument you had with Nelson after the Blue team DQ'd during the heights daily. How did that build to such a fever pithc?
Well, the emotions were definitely high on our team. We had Cara saying she wasn't even going to do the challenge leading up to it, which meant we were automatically DQ'd. We tried talking her into just staying positive and giving it a shot. She told us that she would be willing to go in, and no matter what, she wasn't going to do it. So we didn't even know we were going to get the chance to compete.
Then we did get the chance to compete. Mike, I stood on the edge of that building for about 40 minutes. So you can kind of tell that we got DQ'd and they brought out another group. But you didn't really know if you were going to get dropped. So I'm kind of just hanging on for like 40 minutes. My legs are starting to cramp. I don't even know how they or why they were starting to cramp. But you're like waiting for this fall that never happens. It goes on for like 40 minutes.
Then we find out we were DQ'd twice, and then Nelson starts to yell at the girls on the team. And as I'm listening to him yell, I'm thinking to myself, "What is his objective? There is no objective. This is just chaotic emotional venting towards the females on our team." I'm extremely frustrated that this is taking place. So then I start to yell at Nelson. He tells me not to cuss at him. I get where he didn't want me to cuss at him. But at the same in that moment, I'm like, "You're not going to tell me who I can and cannot cuss at. You were just yelling at the females on our team with no objective!" So the frustration levels were super high. Then he starts telling me he's not afraid of me.
I did have a little bit of a daydream where I slapped that helmet out of his hand. [Laughs.] But I'm glad that I didn't on the show. And I immediately apologized afterwards to him, and he apologized to me as well. And I think that if anything, that was a good opportunity to take the chaotic venting on the the female players on our team. At least it brought Nelson and I eye to eye, and then we were able to squash it quite quickly. So in a weird way, that kind of that was probably our best case scenario. Because as he was yelling at the girls, I just felt very uncomfortable about it, and I didn't see the objective. So at least we were able to divert that and then kind of squash it as quickly as possible.
After your elimination, Josh says that one of the reasons Blue is struggling is because there was no leader. Did you have any authority at all, considering you were the most-tenured vet on the team?
Honestly, Mike, I would say not. I don't feel like the team was looking for a leader. I feel like we were on a team with a lot of chiefs and no Indians. In our planning, there was a lot of people that were sharing their ideas without listening to other people's. So what I realized is, in my opinion, the best role that I could have played, unless I knew that I had whatever's in front of us mastered, less noise is better. I was listening to different people's ideas, and I would try to mediate who should be talking by not doing it myself.
For example, if I got three people trying to say they have it figured out, and we're all talking over each other, which was pretty much what we were dealing with, I would, as a listener, say, "I want to hear more of what Anna Leigh's saying. I agree with what she's saying on this." And then probe for some more information and try to model what listening looked like in the deliberations, because there really wasn't much. It was "I think this, I think that," and there was no resolution. It was more argumentative. And I just felt like by trying to model what listening looks like, and by trying to ask questions in the direction of the person that I thought had the most figured out, that that was the most helpful role that I could play at that time.
In honor of the infamous "S—t They Should Have Shown" episode of the old-school days of The Challenge, what's one moment from your time on the show that you wish you had made the edit?
Ooh, maybe a little bit more of Tori's birthday party. That was really a fun night. We had so many good times, just making the little outfits and everything, and trying to surprise Tori with the party. We really did have an amazing night. I know they show some of it, and it does still look pretty incredible in my opinion. But I wish they would have shown a little bit more from that night. It just kind of felt like the old days where everybody hung out and truly celebrated the moment. And that was definitely one of my favorite memories for sure.
Country Star Colt Ford Injured in Tour Bus Crash, Rescued by First Responders
Colt Ford is lucky to be alive!
The country star and rapper took to social media on Wednesday, Aug. 12, to reveal that he and some of his crew were involved in a serious road accident while traveling in their tour bus. According to Ford, the group was en route to a show in Germany when the unexpected accident occurred.
RELATED: Country Star Jelly Roll Announces Break From Touring Following Divorce to ‘Heal’
Luckily, no deaths were reported, but Ford and his team didn’t escape the crash unscathed. The 56-year-old Georgia native shared that he suffered a broken shoulder and had to be pulled from the wreckage. He also revealed that other passengers were “a little banged up.”
View this post on Instagram“One minute you’re headed to Germany for a show and prepping for a single release; the next thing you know your bus is in the ditch, and you’re getting pulled through a windshield with a broken shoulder by First Responders,” Ford captioned a photo of his wrecked bus on Instagram. “The crew is a little banged up, but we’re all still here.”
The image shows the tour bus sitting in a grassy area on the side of the road, with a window missing from the front. The front bumper is also heavily smashed, along with one of the side wheels, while someone appears to be inside the bus positioning a stretcher through the opening where the windshield has shattered. Friends and fellow artists took to the comment section of Ford’s post to share their heartfelt words and stunned reactions.
“Dang, brother. Glad y’all are OK, but a broken shoulder, not the break you needed. Prayers for a quick recovery, hang in there, bud,” Tracy Byrd commented while Drew Baldridge added, “Dang, man. So glad y’all are OK.”
“Glad y’all are OK, dude. You have endured some life. Love ya,” Jake Owen wrote.
George Birge, LoCash, Josh Ross, Meghan Patrick, Tayler Holder and many others also shared messages of support and prayers as Ford continues to heal from his injuries.
The accident comes just two years after Ford suffered a near-fatal heart attack in April of 2024 following a performance at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row in Arizona.
At this point, it is unclear exactly where the bus accident occurred and whether it will impact any of Ford’s upcoming concerts. According to Ford’s official website, his next show is scheduled for Aug. 15 in Ballenstedt, Germany. For more information on upcoming shows, visit Ford’s website.
I’ve Waited 16 Years for ‘Camp Rock 3’—Here’s What It Has to Get Right
Is it just me, or does 2026 feel particularly nostalgic? Hilary Duff is touring. Robert Downey Jr. andChris Evans are returning to the MCU. The Jonas Brothers are bringing back their "Burning Up Tour." And Camp Rock is about to be back in session.
As someone who is fully embracing nostalgia this summer, re-watching Full House and visiting spots from my childhood, I'm eager to return to a place I first experienced the summer before my senior of high school: Camp Rock.
The original Camp Rock, released in 2008, is, in the words of Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television, "an important part of the Disney Channel Original Movie legacy, with unforgettable music, energetic storytelling, and characters that live in the hearts of fans to this day."
Kevin Jonas, Joe Jonas and Nick Jonas reprised their roles for Camp Rock 3Disney/David Astorga
According to Disney, the first movie and its sequel, 2010's Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam, are among the Top 10 Disney Channel Original Movies of all time, with each film also becoming the No. 1 cable movie premiere in its respective premiere year.
Related: Who Is the Richest Jonas Brother? Ranking Kevin, Joe and Nick by Net Worth (2026)
As someone who grew up watching classic Disney Channel Original Movies like Halloweentown, Quints, Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century, Motocrossed, Smart House and Johnny Tsunami, I'd agree that Camp Rock ranks among the channel's most memorable films, certainly one of the most memorable of the later 2000s, following High School Musical. Now, 16 years after Camp Rock 2, Disney Channel is preparing to rock once again with a third installment, coming to the Disney Channel on Thursday, August 13 at 8 p.m. ET/PT and streaming on Disney+ the following day on Friday, August 14.
But after all this time, will Camp Rock 3 hit the right notes?
When the film was officially announced in September 2025, I was naturally excited with the news that Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas and Kevin Jonas would all be reprising their roles as members of Connect 3: Shane Gray, Nate Gray and Jason Gray.
Related: ‘Camp Rock 3’ and Carvel Team Up for a Nostalgic Lineup of Campfire Treats
At the time,Demi Lovatowas not announced as a cast member. She was only listed as an executive producer.
Is it really Camp Rock without Mitchie Torres? I think not.
Thankfully, much to the relief of fans, Disney confirmed less than a week before the premiere that Lovato did in fact return to the franchise for Camp Rock 3. With our favorite OG campers back, the third movie is shaping up to be a must-watch for those of us who first tuned into the original flick back in the day.
Camp Rock 3 premieres Aug. 13 on Disney ChannelDisney/David Astorga
The new film has been described as a "Music-Packed Disney Channel Original Movie." And we already know that the film is going to revisit several fan-favorite songs, including "Brand New Day," "Start the Party," "Play My Music" and "We Rock."
No surprise, Camp Rock 3 will also feature new original songs. I'm just hoping there are a few that are as catchy as "This Is Me," "Wouldn't Change a Thing," "Gotta Find You" and "Play My Music"…the kind of songs you find yourself singing and playing over and over, long after the credits have rolled. A duet between Mitchie and Shane like we've gotten in the previous movies would be the cherry on top!
Related: Was This the ‘Camp Rock 3’ Reveal Joe Jonas Never Meant to Share?
Of course, music aside, the story has to make sense. Let's face it, nostalgia can only take a project so far (but that's certainly working in its favor). That being said, Connect 3 returns to Camp Rock in the new film in search of an opening act for their reunion tour. So, let's see what kind of talent awaits them and whether another summer at Camp Rock was actually worth revisiting.
At the end of the day, if we're going back to camp, then Camp Rock 3 should feel like we’re exactly where we're supposed to be.
Camp Rock 3 premieres Aug. 13 on Disney Channel at 8 p.m. ET and will be available to stream on Disney+ starting Aug. 14.
What are you hoping happens in the movie?
Related: Who’s Returning for ‘Camp Rock 3’? Full Cast and Demi Lovato Details
Bachelor Nation's Joe Amabile Confirms Brain Tumor Diagnosis After Surgery
Bachelor in Paradise star Joe Amabile has received a diagnosis following his recent brain surgery.
On Wednesday, Aug. 5, the reality TV star and podcast host underwent a craniotomy to remove a brain tumor and determine whether it was cancerous.
In July, Amabile revealed that doctors had discovered what appeared to be an early-stage brain tumor after he underwent a Prenuvo scan, a proactive full-body MRI.
On Wednesday, Aug. 12, Amabile shared the results of his procedure in an Instagram video, saying the surgery went well but that he experienced difficulty speaking and significant pain following the operation.
"I was diagnosed with a very low grade astrosytoma," Amabile wrote in the caption. "So I will be undergoing treatment which included a daily pill that will put any remaining tumor cells to sleep, as well as regular MRIs. Staying positive baby."
Amabile also said his prognosis was "fairly good" and that his tumor is "very low grade." Doctors were able to remove the entire tumor, though he said that because it was malignant, he will have to take a pill for the rest of his life.
According to the American Brain Tumor Association, an astrocytoma is a tumor that develops from astrocytes, star-shaped cells that make up the supportive tissue of the brain.
RELATED: Bachelor Nation’s Joe Amabile Reveals Ambitious Goal After Brain Surgery
"Recovery has been better than even I expected and I’m a pretty positive person. A big thank you to Dr. Golfinos and his team @nyulangone. They really have been wonderful," Amabile added. "I know a lot of you have reached out with so much love and support and it means a lot ... I love you guys, I’ve just been very overwhelmed and focused on rest/recovery but the support means so much."
Amabile met his wife, Serena Pitt, while filming season 7 of Bachelor in Paradise in 2021. The couple tied the knot in an intimate courthouse ceremony in New York City in October 2022 before celebrating with a larger wedding in Charleston, South Carolina, the following year.
Magnificent Seven Star, With Two Skills Named After Her, Built an Extraordinary Life After Olympic Gold
Amy Chow’s story is one of the most remarkable among the Magnificent Seven, not just because she won an Olympic gold medal, but because of the extraordinary things she accomplished after leaving gymnastics. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team’s team gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, six of the seven Magnificent Seven team members reunited in Phoenix, AZ, at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships. There, Amy Chow gave insight into her life after gymnastics and why she’s “loving it.”
Amy Chow was just 18 years old when she competed at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta as a member of the Magnificent Seven. The seven young women won the United States’ first-ever Olympic gold medal in women’s team gymnastics, a historic moment for the U.S. Chow also earned an individual silver medal on the uneven bars.
Amy Chow’s Life After the Olympics View this post on InstagramAt the Magnificent Seven Phoenix reunion, Chow gave insight into her life after the Olympics and what life looks like for her now. While preparing for the Olympics, Chow played piano and took up other sports like diving. Following the Olympics, she took up pole vaulting in hopes of competing at a high level, but didn’t find the nature of the sport intense enough for her.
Amy Chow also pursued competing in platform diving, but an injury derailed her effort. In 2005, she became a Stanford medical student and became a successful pediatrician in Northern California. Chow has since paused her medical career to serve as her two children’s “chauffeur” and revealed to fans in Phoenix that she’s loving her life as a mom.
How Gymnastics Prepared Amy Chow for Medicine @teamusaGolden now and forever ✨ 30 years ago today, the Magnificent Seven made history and are still inspiring the women of @USA Gymnastics to achieve greatness.
♬ original sound - Team USAChow told Stanford University that gymnastics prepared her for a career as a doctor. Her ability to transition from sports to medicine was unique, but the focus and determination to pursue an Olympic medal are not different from the skills needed to pursue a career in medicine.
What makes Chow’s story so special is the ease with which she attempted each new thing. Born out of curiosity and boredom, Amy Chow has always challenged herself to excel at something new, whether it be gymnastics, pole vaulting, medicine or motherhood.
Amy Chow Was Known as “The Trickster”That drive is part of what made her such an exceptional gymnast. Known as “The Trickster” within the gymnastics community, Amy Chow was known for the difficulty and creativity she put into every performance.
While being a part of the Magnificent Seven was one of the highlights of her gymnastics career, Chow wasn’t finished with Olympic gymnastics after the Atlanta Games. She returned to competition and qualified for the 2000 Sydney Olympics. She was one of only two members of the Magnificent Seven, alongside Dominique Dawes, to compete at a second Olympics.
Amy Chow’s Extraordinary Life After Olympic GoldIn honor of the 30th anniversary of the Magnificent Seven’s gold medal in 1996, Amy Chow may be looking back, but it’s safe to assume that the star gymnast, diver, pole vaulter, doctor and mother has only just begun.
Related: Tara Lipinski Was Just 15 When She Delivered an Olympic Performance That 'Stopped Time'
Skechers’ Cushiony Mules Are So 'Lightweight,' They Feel Like 'Walking on Air'
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Nothing can improve your day quite like a pair of comfortable shoes. The opposite is also true, because trudging around in footwear that doesn't fit right or that isn't supportive can really throw you off track. Luckily, shoppers looking for a casual everyday option have found the solution in a pair of Skechers On-the-Go Encore Ellie Mules.
Simultaneously sporty and laid-back, the shoes are currently on sale at Amazon, reduced from their usual $73 to just $43 in select sizes in your choice of olive or black. Just like the brand's sneakers, these are built for comfort — and they're so versatile that you could easily wear them while running errands, going out to lunch, walking the dog, or strolling the boardwalk.
Skechers On-the-Go Encore Ellie Mules, From $43 (were $73) at Amazon Shop at AmazonThat kind of well-rounded adaptability is unusual for a shoe that's not a sneaker, but Skechers intentionally created these to fit right into your routine. They feel so good that shoppers said they're "very comfortable right out of the box" and like "walking on air." People also noted that the toe box is particularly roomy.
At the heart of it all is Skechers' signature layered construction. The air-cooled Goga Mat insole is specially designed to provide cushioning without losing its shape or integrity no matter how frequently you wear them. Ultra Go cushioning absorbs shock, helping you stay light on your feet with every step. The final element is a thick and flexible outsole with plenty of traction to keep you stable on any surface.
The mules are also attractive, making them a cute addition to your everyday outfits. With a quilted upper, they have distinctive stitching that adds subtle detail to the design without feeling overwhelming. That makes it easy to wear them with nearly any outfit, whether you're sporting jeans and a tee or leggings and a chunky cardigan.
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‘MasterChef’ Reveals Shocking Double Elimination in Chaotic Tag Team Challenge — See Who Went Home
MasterChef: Global Gauntlet was down to its Top 10 home cooks as the competition to win the grand prize of $250,000 and the trophy awarded by host/judge Gordon Ramsay, judge Joe Bastianich and judge Tiffany Derry continued tonight.
As this is the Global Gauntlet season, the teams are divided up into regions of the world: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and The Americas.
Tonight, the remaining home cooks competed in pairs, which they chose themselves, as they raced to recreate dishes inspired by the judges’ most cherished culinary memories. In the end, one team’s journey came to an end with a double elimination in the classic "Tag Team" episode.
Check out our spoiler-filled recap below to find out who went home on MasterChef tonight.
Photo credit: Geoff George/FOX
Aishu ChallaRepresenting: India
Current Residence: Georgetown, MA
Representing: Malaysia
Current Residence: Los Angeles, CA
Basia Newman
Representing: Poland
Current Residence: Asbury Park, NJ
Julia Cili
Representing: Italy
Current Residence: Miami, FL
Foo Nguyen
Representing: Vietnam
Current Residence: Irvine, CA
Peter Egede
Representing: Nigeria
Current Residence: Dallas, TX
Dave Patera
Representing: Morocco
Current Residence: Chicago, IL
Heidi Muston
Representing: South Africa
Current Residence: Plantation, FL
Related: MasterChef’s Tiffany Derry Reveals the Biggest Mistake Contestants Keep Making (Exclusive)
TEAM AMERICASTkaiya Dryden
Representing: Jamaica
Current Residence: Jamaica Queens, NY
Jake Kelley
Representing: Mexico
Current Residence: Mount Pleasant, MI
For the iconic Tag Team challenge, the 10 home cooks paired off in teams, but they were able to select their own partners rather than have them assigned. The dish selected by Gordon for the teams to replicate was an iconic Shepherd’s Pie, Tiffany chose Striped Bass and Dirty Rice, and Joe went with Veal Milanese. The ingredients for each entrée was laid out for the teams so there was no guessing.
Grey team: Peter and Tkaiya
Pink team: Dave and Jake
Blue team: Heidi and Julia
Yellow team: Baisa and Foo
Red team: Jaime and Aishu
The top two teams were the Grey Team and the Pink Team with Dave and Jake of the Pink Team winning the challenge.
“It feels so incredible to finally get my win in this competition,” Jake said. “We are feeling on top of the world right now.”
Who was in the MasterChef: Global Gauntlet bottom this week?For the bottom teams, Gordon called down all three remaining teams, but he told the Blue Team that they did just enough to survive, so Heidi and Julia were spared to cook another week.
The losing team was the Red Team, meaning Jaime and Aishu had to turn in their aprons.
“This experience has filled a void in my heart I didn’t know I needed, so I really thank you for the opportunity,” Jaime said.
And Aishu added, “Even though today was not my best, I am so grateful for you believing in me, so thank you so much.”
MasterChef airs Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX. Streams next day on Hulu.
Next, MasterChef Returns With an International Theme for Season 16 in 2026 — What to Know
Best-Selling Author Meghan Quinn’s New Novel Just Became One of Amazon’s Most-Sold Books
Meghan Quinn’s steamy new title,Just for the Plot, has been out for a couple of weeks, and already it’s making moves on the Amazon Charts. Ranked at No. 11 on the Most Sold tally, the steamy sports romance is in some very good company, with Allen Levi’s Theo of Golden, Matt Dinniman’s Dungeon Crawler Carl, and Kathryn Stockett’s The Calamity Club dominating the top three spots.
Dubbed an "age-gap, sister’s best friend, neighbors, one-bed, baseball romance” by the author herself, Just for the Plot is a slow-burn love story centered on a baseball hot shot named Bennett Brinkman and his sister’s best friend, Bower, whom he is in love with. Bower, for her part, knows Bennett is off-limits, but once she moves into his apartment building, the boundaries become blurrier than watching a baseball game from the cheap seats.
View this post on InstagramSet in San Francisco, the novel leans into the deep-seated yearning and sexual intensity that has become Quinn’s signature. Elevating her prose with humor, banter, and razor-sharp wit, her story of platonic pals with undeniable chemistry has proved to be a home run.
The second book in her Bay Area Playersseries, Just for the Plot has already amassed strong early reader enthusiasm, pulling in an impressive average rating of 4.3-4.75 stars across platforms including Goodreads and Amazon, as well as glowing praise from book communities like BookTok and those who have listened to the full-cast audiobook with Samantha Brentmoor and Teddy Hamilton leading the cast.
Quinn is a USA Today, New York Times, and No. 1 Amazon bestselling author of more than 30 novels, including Bridesmaid for Hire, How My Neighbor Stole Christmas, and Just for the Cameras, the first book in the Bay Area Players series.
Speaking with Swoon about her first BAP book, she shared her inspiration for the series.
“I tend to write a lot of side characters, and my readers love them, and they’re always asking for their stories,” she said. “So I’ll hold on to them until I’m ready to have an actual story for them.”
Elaborating that she had two male sporty characters—one in hockey, the other in baseball—along with a female zookeeper, she thought about ways to bring their stories together on the page.
“[I came up with] what if it’s an all-sports series, and there’s a PR crisis, so all the sports teams in San Francisco become friends because they have to try to make their teams seem better to the people of San Francisco," she said. "This all stemmed from the lack of a storyline for side characters, and I just pulled it all together.”
It worked. So far, Just for the Plot seems to be in a league of its own.
Related: Best-Selling Author Joseph Heller’s 1961 Novel Ranked Best Book of All Time by Readers
'Matrix' Director Lilly Wachowski Finds Hollywood Hesitant to Finance All-Trans Cast Thriller
LillyWachowski is ready to make her next thriller, The Hunted, but is struggling to find someone to finance the film.
The Matrix and Bound director believes the large trans cast in the movie is keeping it from receiving the $10 million she's requesting. Wachowski spoke about her experience on KCRW’s “The Business” podcastFriday, August 7.
“People like it, but they really don’t want to make it because it’s [got a] wall-to-wall trans cast,” Wachowski said. “I have to get creative and figure out different ways that I can get this in front of people.”
“This is a script that was extremely important for me to write,” she continued. “It was a response to what is happening in the world for trans people, and it gave me a hugely cathartic receptacle to dump all of my anger and rage and frustration into.”
The filmmaker wrote the script alongside her partner, MickeyRayMahoney. While the duo has struggled to get The Hunted made, it is currently in development through Anarchists United and Ariadne banner. Wachowski planned a live table read in Los Angeles on August 7 and 8.
“I’m just going to go out and I’m going to grab that trans joy with all of my friends,” Wachowski shared. “It’s not the thing that I had imagined it was going to be, but the end result is the same.”
The Hunted is set in a dystopian American society where trans people are degraded and pushed out. The political thriller follows two trans women searching for the culprit behind crimes against trans people, which leads them to the highest levels of government.
Wachowski is best known for the sci-fi films she worked on with her sister, Lana Wachowski. They directed The Matrix in 1999, followed by The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. The duo is also behind the beloved films Speed Racer, CloudAtlas, and JupiterAscending.
Walmart’s 'Top-Quality' 13-Piece Dorm Essentials Set Takes the Stress Out of College Move-In
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College move-in season is officially getting underway, which means students and parents everywhere are probably staring at dorm checklists wondering how all those little necessities add up so quickly. Instead of buying bedding, towels, storage, and bathroom supplies separately, Walmart has a set that bundles a surprising amount of it together. And right now, the bestselling Virtu Back to College 13-Piece Dorm Room Essentials Set is just $65 in sage green, down from $100, while the linen-colored version is $75.
The set includes a reversible twin XL comforter, fitted sheet, flat sheet, two pillowcases, a pillow sham, and a mattress protector. It also comes with a bath towel, hand towel, and washcloth, along with a collapsible laundry hamper, shower caddy, and an underbed storage container
Virtu Back to College 13-Piece Dorm Room Essentials Set, From $65 (was $100) at Walmart Shop at WalmartThis set knocks out a good portion of a college packing list with one order, and everything has a coordinated look once it’s unpacked. The underbed storage is especially helpful in a small dorm, where every bit of unused space matters, while the collapsible hamper and shower caddy are items students will likely use constantly.
Shoppers have called the set “perfect for any dorm room,” with one reviewer noting that the bedding is “so comfortable.” Another wrote, “It's a great starter room set for anyone going into college or moving out and starting off on their own.” One reviewer was especially impressed by how much comes with it, sharing, “This kit just has everything you need for college, and it all looks and feels top quality!”
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Buying a twin XL comforter and sheets alone can eat up a decent portion of a back-to-school budget before you even get to towels, storage, and laundry supplies. With this set, the entire sage green bundle comes to about $5 per piece. Not every item would necessarily cost the same if purchased individually, of course, but having 13 coordinated essentials together for $65 makes the overall package much easier to justify.
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Buc-ee’s Is Opening 2 New Locations This Week—Is One Near You?
Buc-ee’s fans have two reasons to celebrate this week.
The beloved chain officially opened its newest location in San Marcos, Texas, on Wednesday, August 12, bringing its famous brisket and Beaver Nuggets to another stretch of the Lone Star State.
The 74,707-square-foot travel center along I-35 features 128 fueling stations. San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson said the location will also create more than 300 jobs and bring over $50 million in capital investment to the city.
READ MORE: Buc-ee’s Announces 15 New Store Locations: Is One Opening Near You?
Texas Governor Greg Abbott joined Buc-ee’s founder and president Arch “Beaver” Aplin III for the grand opening, where the pair even got behind the counter to chop some of the chain’s famous brisket. “I'm proud of the type of business that Buc-ee’s runs,” Abbott said, perCommunity Impact. “Buc-ee’s lives up to the pioneering spirit of the Lone Star State.”
Greg Abbott, governor of Texas, chops brisket following a ribbon-cutting ceremony during the opening of a Buc-ee's supersize location in San Marcos, Texas, US, on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. Arkansas is getting its first Buc-ee’sNext up is Benton, Arkansas, where the state's first-ever Buc-ee’s will open Monday, August 17.
Located at 1400 Highway 229, the 74,000-square-foot store will open at 6 a.m., followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. The 24-hour location will feature 120 fueling pumps and is expected to create more than 200 jobs.
More Buc-ee’s locations are on the wayAnd the expansion is far from finished. Buc-ee’s previously revealed plans for 15 new locations over the next several years, adding to the 55 stores it currently operates across 12 states.
Following San Marcos and Benton, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is scheduled to get a new store on November 16.
Another six locations are currently planned for 2027, including Ruston, Louisiana; Kansas City, Kansas; Gallaway, Tennessee; Fort Pierce, Florida; Boerne, Texas; and Monroe County, Georgia.
The Buc-ee’s map will keep growing in 2028, when new travel centers are expected to arrive in Mebane, North Carolina, and Lafayette, Louisiana. Then comes another round with locations in Ocala, Florida; West Memphis, Arkansas; and Oak Grove, Kentucky, currently slated for a 2029 opening, while Hardeeville, South Carolina, is expected to welcome its Buc-ee’s in 2031.
Exact opening dates haven't been announced for the locations beyond 2026, so travelers still have some waiting to do.
Related: Buc-ee's Fans Blast the Chain Over 'Comically Bad' and Controversial Mistake
1977 Rock Concert, Preserved by the Library of Congress, Still Holds a 'Near-Mythical' Status
The Grateful Dead played more than 2,300 concerts over the course of their career, but one performance has taken on a life of its own.
On May 8, 1977, the band took the stage at Barton Hall on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, delivering a concert that would eventually become one of the most celebrated live recordings in rock history. Nearly five decades later, it remains so significant that it is preserved in the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry.
By the spring of 1977, the Grateful Dead were firing on all cylinders. Already known for turning every concert into a unique musical journey, the band had cultivated a passionate fanbase that eagerly recorded and traded live tapes. The Barton Hall show quickly stood out, thanks to both its exceptional sound quality and a performance many fans considered the pinnacle of the band's legendary 1977 tour.
"Jerry wore dark sunglasses, and I was standing at his feet, so I could see right underneath them," recalled attendee Stu Zimmerman. "He leaned back for one jam and went into some electronic bliss, wailing away one of his incredible guitar solos. I just remember my jaw dropped, in sheer awe of what I was experiencing. It changed my life forever. The crowd that went to the Dead shows really inspired me to consider how I could be living my life. It was this vibe of a tribe. We were copacetic."
The concert's reputation only grew over the years. When the Library of Congress selected the recording for the National Recording Registry in 2011, it recognized the performance as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant," placing it alongside some of the most important recordings in American history.
Its legacy has also been shaped by the stories surrounding it.
“Something happened in that gym that cannot be extrapolated or appreciated by those who were not in attendance," concert attendee Rick Bleier told Scott W. Allen, author of the Library of Congress' registry essay. "I believe the near-mythical reputation of this show
originated from those who were there, rather than from those who heard the tapes."
Whether fans consider it the Grateful Dead's greatest show or simply one of their finest, few concerts have inspired as much discussion, analysis and admiration. The recording continues to introduce new listeners to the band's improvisational brilliance while serving as a touchstone for longtime Deadheads.
"I knew that we played well that night," drummer Mickey Hart told Entertainment Weekly. "It was a good show. I don't remember any bad shows on that tour. Obviously, this was one of those nights when everybody was in sync. The synchrony of it is really the story here: How many bodies can actually play like that and how in sync and intuitive [can they be]? It becomes a mystical thing after a while. You're dealing with a whole other consciousness once you get to that place. It's telepathy."
Forty-nine years after that unforgettable night in Ithaca, the Barton Hall concert remains far more than a bootleg favorite. It's a piece of American music history, one that has earned a permanent place in the nation's archives while continuing to live up to its near-mythical reputation.
Related: 1975 Rock Song, With 19-Year-Old Singer, Became a Generational No. 1 Hit