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You likely know you need to work your lower body, including your quads, hamstrings and glutes—the large muscles that make up your backside. Squats are leg-day mainstays, which may explain why you have avoided strengthening your lower body at all costs. You also may be surprised to learn that a trainer completely empathizes with people who don't like squats.

"Squats are just genuinely hard," says Denise Chakoian, a trainer and the owner of Core Cycle and Fitness LaGree. "They demand more from your body than most exercises and can cause your legs to burn. Some people have knee or hip issues that make squats uncomfortable or even painful, which naturally kills any motivation to keep doing them."

In other words, sure, squats can help build and restore glute strength fast, but the best (and fastest way) to get your butt in gear is to perform moves you actually enjoy. So, if you don't like squats, trainers say you'll strengthen your glutes faster using other exercises.

Speaking of speed, does the time of day you work out matter for restoring glute strength? We asked Chakoian, and she said "not really," but exercising the glutes in the morning has some specific benefits.

"Morning glute work is actually really smart because your hips and lower back tend to be stiff after hours of lying still, and activating your glutes early helps reset everything," Chakoian tells Parade. "It essentially wakes your nervous system up and tells your body the right muscles are in charge before you start loading your spine with daily life."

Plus, you'll get the mental perk of knowing you checked your lower-body workout off of your to-do list before you clocked into work—and didn't do a single dreaded squat. To help you optimize your time, trainers share five morning exercises that build glute strength faster than the squats you despise.

Related: Feel the Burn! 26 of the Very Best Leg Exercises, Straight from Trainers

Why Building Glute Strength Matters

Doing glute exercises is about so much more than achieving a certain aesthetic, often dictated by the workout trend of the moment (hi, Pilates!). When you build and maintain glute strength, you can live a happier, more painless existence.

"The glutes are the largest muscle group in the body," explains Marwa Ahmed, CPT, the CEO of The BodyMind Coach and a NASM-certified personal trainer.

Ahmed says we use our glutes in nearly all of our daily functional movement, including:

• Walking
• Stair climbing
• Getting up from a chair/the floor
• Picking things up
• Balancing ourselves

"They are the primary hip extensors and are responsible for stabilizing our pelvis," she says. "Without strong glutes or weak glutes that are not firing up properly, your body starts to compensate by distributing the load of your bodyweight or any external weight on smaller muscles and joints, primarily your lower back and knees."

As a result, she says people can develop chronic lower back and knee pain—no thanks! Plus, Ahmed points out that glutes help you maintain proper posture, even when you're sitting on your butt.

"As a muscle, the glutes are designed to handle large loads, which helps prevent injury and maintain proper alignment," she says. "Having strong glutes helps you maintain your independence, movement quality and mobility as you age."

Related: The Most Overlooked Pilates Exercise for Better Posture, According to Instructors

5 Best Morning Exercises That Build Glute Strength Faster Than Squats

If you don't like squats, you'll likely avoid them—and may neglect your glutes altogether. Instead, trainers suggest these five morning exercises that can restore and build glute strength and aren't squats.

1. Glute bridge

For this move, Chakoian notes you'll get to lie on your back (ahh) and won't put stress on the joints. "It's pure glute activation," she says, noting that this exercise works the glutes, hamstrings and core. Aim for 3 sets of 12 to 15 reps, and rest for 45 seconds in between.

How to do it:

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor
2. Drive your hips to the ceiling, squeezing at the top of the move for 2 seconds
3. Repeat

Progression: Do a single-leg hip bridge by lifting one leg off the ground.

2. Clamshells

Amy Kiser Schemper, MS, CPT, a BowFlex fitness advisor, recommends clamshells, as these exercises can restore hip stability and strengthen the glute medius (the thick muscle between your gluteus maximus and gluteus minimus). Squats often miss these muscles. Aim for 2 to 3 sets of 12 to 20 reps per side, with a rest time of 30 to 45 seconds rest between sets.

How to do it:

1. Lie on your side with knees bent.
2. Stack your hips and shoulders so they are aligned
3. Keep your feet together.
4. Lift the top of your knee while keeping the pelvis still.
5. Pause briefly at the top.
6. Lower slowly.

Progression: Pause for longer at the top or add a resistance band around your knees.

3. Bird dog

Schemper loves that bird dogs build glute strength, core stability and spinal control. "It’s often more functional and gentler than squats," she adds. "It can feel like a strength while also activating the glute and low back muscles."

Bird dog works the core, lower-back stabilizers and shoulders, and you should aim for 2 to 3 sets with 8 to 12 reps per side, with 45 seconds of rest in between.

How to do it:

1. Start on your hands and knees.
2. Brace your core.
3. Extend one leg straight behind you.
4. Extend the opposite arm forward.
5. Keep your hips level.
6. Pause briefly.
7. Return slowly and switch sides.

Progression: Add ankle weights or hold the extension for longer.
Modification: Ditch the arms and move only your legs.

Related: Goodbye, Crunches and Sit-Ups—This Is the Move Pilates Instructors Use To Sculpt Deep Core Muscles

4. Good morning

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9prcXIdXev0

Nicole Davis, CPT, a certified personal trainer at Garage Gym Reviews likes this move more than squats because it's a great way to wake up the glutes—pun intended? Maybe. Still, she says this move "isolates the posterior chain, including hamstrings, glutes and erector spinae." Aim for 2 to 3 sets of 10 reps, with 45 seconds of rest in between.

How to do it:

1. Start with your feet hip-width apart and lace your fingers together behind your head. 
2. Take a breath, engage your core and push back in your hips, shifting your weight into your heels.
3. Keep your back and neck neutral and lower your upper body until you feel a stretch in your hamstrings. 
4. Pause slightly.
5. Lift to return to the start.

Progression: Add a barbell (but only after you feel stable with bodyweight good mornings).

5. Hip thrusts

"Hip thrusts isolate the glutes way better than squats," Ahmed says, noting that your quads often take over in a squat, especially if you're working with knee or mobility limitations. "Hip thrusts are designed to have your glutes do the work, so your knees are less likely to compensate." Aim for 3 sets or 12 to 15 reps, with 60 to 90 seconds of rest in between.

How to do it:

1. Sit on the ground with your upper back against a bench or elevated surface (your shoulder blades should rest on the edge).
2. Place your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart, with your knees bent at 90 degrees.
3. You can do this bodyweight or place a weight (dumbbell, barbell, or plate) across your hips.
4. Brace your core and drive through your heels to lift your hips until your body forms a straight line from shoulders to knees. Make sure not to overextend your back.
5. Squeeze your glutes fully at the top for 3-5 seconds.
6. Lower your hips back down with control (don't let them drop)

Progression: Add weight or resistance bands once you can do 15 reps easily.

Related: We Asked 3 Trainers About the Best Move for Lower Belly Fat and They All Said the Same Thing

How Often Should You Exercise Your Glutes Each Week?

Ahmed shares that you can—and should—exercise your glutes three to four times per week. It sounds like a lot, but your butt is built for the challenge—promise!

"Our gluteal muscle complex is the largest muscle group in your body, which means it can handle more training volume and recover relatively quickly compared to other smaller muscle groups," she says.

Consistency in training is key to restoring and maintaining glute strength. It's not a one-glute-bridge-and-done type of thing.

"Training your glutes multiple times per week keeps them adapting and growing," Ahmed tells Parade. "This is much more preferred compared to going all out in one session and staying sore and unable to train for another week."

Ahmed recommends mixing it up with days of lower-rep counts with added resistance (like heavy dumbbells) and higher-rep (15 to 20 reps) days using bodyweight or with lighter weights. She also advises targeting all three glute muscles—maximus, medius and minimus.

Related: 6 Unconventional Balance Exercises That Challenge Your Brain, Too

3 Tips for Building Glute Strength Safely

When building glute strength, you want to keep safety in mind. Trainers share three general tips to build glute strength without getting injured.

1. Focus on the mind-muscle connection

Trainers understand you may want to get your glute workout over with, especially if you're doing it in the morning. Your to-do list is long. Still, it's important to get the form down pat and focus on actually working the glutes.

"If you’re rushing through each exercise without really feeling your glute muscles work, you won’t be getting all of the benefits," Davis states. "Make sure you feel your glutes engage with each rep, and soon it will become second nature."

2. Activate the glutes first

After sleeping for seven to nine hours (we hope!), your glutes may need some reminding of how to contract and fire properly.

"This is often referred to as 'glute amnesia,'" Ahmed says. "If you jump right into heavy lifts or exercises without proper activation of your glutes, your quads and lower back will dominate the movement since they are much tighter."

She warns that when this happens, your exercises are much less effective—and your injury risk is higher. She suggests doing some glute activation exercises, like lateral band walks, for five to 10 minutes before working the glutes, as this warm-up can make it easier to focus on the aforementioned mind-muscle connection.

3. Use progressive overload

Ahmed says progressive overload is the foundation for muscle building.

"Progressive overload can mean doing extra reps, working toward a deeper range of motion, using bigger weights or doing more exercise movements targeting the same muscles," she tells Parade.

The key is progressive: start slow, master your form and then add load.

"Without progressive overload, your muscles will adapt to the current demand on them and stop growing," she notes.

Up Next:

Related: This 1 Arm Workout Could Be Your Best Bone Density Hack Yet

Sources:

• Denise Chakoian, a trainer and the owner of Core Cycle and Fitness LaGree
• Amy Kiser Schemper, MS, CPT, a BowFlex fitness advisor
• Nicole Davis, CPT, a certified personal trainer at Garage Gym Reviews 
• Marwa Ahmed, CPT, the CEO of The BodyMind Coach and a NASM-certified personal trainer

Federal health officials are investigating another foodborne illness outbreak involving cyclospora, a parasite that can cause serious intestinal illness. The announcement comes as health officials continue looking into other cyclospora outbreaks across the country, including one linked to shredded iceberg lettuce that has sickened thousands of people.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says this latest outbreak is still in the early stages of investigation. Officials have not yet identified the food product connected to the illnesses or announced where the cases occurred. Consumers should continue following food safety guidance while investigators work to learn more.

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What to Know About the New Cyclospora Outbreak

The FDA added the new cyclospora outbreak to its active outbreak investigations on July 22. The agency says 72 people have reported illnesses connected to this outbreak.

At this time:

• The source of the outbreak has not been identified
• The FDA has started a traceback investigation to look for a common source
• No specific food product has been named
• No recall has been announced for this outbreak

Viktoriya Skorikova / Getty Images

A traceback investigation allows officials to follow the path of a potentially contaminated product through the supply chain. Investigators use that information to determine where illnesses may have originated.

This new outbreak is separate from the FDA's ongoing investigation into cyclospora illnesses linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. That outbreak has been associated with thousands of illnesses across several states, including Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

While both investigations involve the same parasite, health officials have not said that the outbreaks are connected.

Related: A Food Safety Expert Is Begging You To Stop Making This Mistake When Washing Your Fruits and Vegetables

What Are Cyclospora Symptoms and How Can You Stay Safe?

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can spread when people consume food or water contaminated with the parasite. It is most commonly associated with fresh produce because contamination can happen during growing, harvesting or handling.

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis may include:

• Frequent watery diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Vomiting or low-grade fever in some cases

One challenge with cyclospora is that symptoms can last for weeks without proper treatment. Health officials say the illness requires a specific stool test for diagnosis and can be treated with prescription medication.

Consumers can reduce their risk by following food safety practices, including:

• Washing hands with soap and water before preparing food
• Washing fresh produce before eating
• Avoiding food or water that may be contaminated

Health officials say washing produce alone may not always remove cyclospora because the parasite can be difficult to eliminate.

The FDA says it will provide updates as more information becomes available. Consumers who develop symptoms of foodborne illness should contact a healthcare provider and share details about foods they recently ate, which can help investigators identify possible sources.

Related: Taco Bell Is Selling a Fan-Favorite for Just $1 After Parasite Outbreak

Kim Kardashian is poking fun at herself in a new campaign for the entrepreneur’s new energy drink, Update. 

The KUWTK reality star-turned-lawyer gets one question a lot: “Did you pass the bar?” She did take the exam in 2025, but (as she posted on her Instagram Stories in November of that year): “Well..I’m not a lawyer yet. I just play a very well-dressed one on TV. Six years into this law journey, and I’m still all in until I pass the bar. No short-cuts, no giving up - just more studying and even more determination.”

Kardashian reportedly made the decision to take a tiny step back from her budding legal career in 2026, with sources saying that she would wait until 2027 to retake the bar. 

Of course, even without studying for the bar, Kim is busy running her mini empire. And the latest addition is a caffeine-free energy drink that, per the brand’s website, is “powered by paraxanthine.” 

If you’re wondering what an energy drink has to do with Kim K’s legal career, just watch her new Update campaign video. 

The superstar celeb debuted the clip on InstagramThursday morning, and fans can’t get enough of the satirical "press conference." Standing behind a podium, Kardashian begins her speech by removing stylish sunnies (could they be the Meta glasses her little sis Kylie Jenner reps?) to reveal a bookish pair of glasses hidden underneath. 

“People are always asking about all of the work I’ve gotten done. Not that type of work.” And yes, we get it. By work, she means plastic surgery. But the joke doesn’t end there. 

View this post on Instagram

Kardashian continues, “They always ask, ‘Kim, how do you do so much? Kim, how do you keep going? Kim, are they really real?’” And again, yes, we all know what “they” means. Just in case you weren’t entirely sure, the camera pans down to her very low-cut top and hovers over her chest.

The self-effacing jabs continue, as a faux reporter asks, What’s your secret?” The busy mom of four replies, “Just an update…Update formulated by a team of leading experts, none of whom are me.”

But wait, there’s plenty more to see in this quietly genius video. 

The clip cuts to Kardashian seated on a chair next to a pile of papers. This isn’t just any chair in just any office. Like art, she’s inside a glass box in what looks like a gallery. Props to whoever made the video, as they totally nail the museum setting — including the security devices on the glass and a nameplate on the pedestal. 

Museum-goers mill around taking in the Kim-themed art, classical music plays, and…enter the iconic attorney, Gloria Allred. 

Allred looks up at Kim (in her artsy enclosure) and says, “Did she even ever pass the bar?” The operatic background track stops suddenly, the camera pans out, and Kim curtly says, “No, I didn’t pass the bar. I raised it.” Now that’s a pretty savage clapback!

It's been seven long years since we last hung out with Sheldon, Penny, Leonard and the rest of The Big Bang Theorycrew, as the hugely popular sitcom ended its run on CBS after 12 seasons and 279 episodes in May 2019. But you devoted "Theorists" will get to return to the Big Bang universe—well, sort of—with the upcoming spinoff series Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, which premieres on HBO Max on July 23.

The 10-episode sci-fi comedy sees original Big Bang Theory actor Kevin Sussman reprise his role as comic book store owner Stuart Bloom—who has the not-at-all-daunting task of restoring the order of the universe after accidentally breaking a multiverse-creating device built by Sheldon and Leonard—with appearances by several other TBBT characters, including Lauren Lapkus as Denise, Brian Posehn as Bert and John Ross Bowie as Kripke.

As for whether other OG Big Bang Theory stars will make cameos in the hotly anticipated spinoff, that remains to be seen. ("If Chuck [Lorre]calls me, I'll be there," star Kaley Cuoco, who portrayed Penny in all 12 seasons of the original sitcom, previously told Parade.) In the meantime, let's see whatJim Parsons, Johnny Galeckiand the rest of The Big Bang Theory cast has been up to since the beloved comedy ended.

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'The Big Bang Theory' cast: where are they now?Jim Parsons Jim Parsons led The Big Bang Theory cast as Sheldon Cooper for twelve seasons.

Photo by Theo Wargo on Getty Images

Jim Parsons turned in an instantly iconic performance as Sheldon Cooper, a theoretical physicist who share an apartment with friend and fellow nerd-genius Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki), a role which earned the performer four Primetime Emmy Awards and made him one of the highest-earning actors in television. Since The Big Bang Theory ended in 2019, the 53-year-old star has appeared in films like The Boys in the Band, Spoiler Alert, Animal Farm and this year's The Leader; executive produced the FOX sitcom Call Me Kat, starring his old Big Bang buddy Mayim Bialik; and is presently starring as Ruth DeWitt Bukater in the Broadway production of Titanique.

Related: ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Star Jim Parsons Reveals He Was ‘Miserable’ at the Height of His Fame

Johnny Galecki Roseanne star Johnny Galecki continued his sitcom success as Leonard in The Big Bang Theory.

Johnny Galecki already had a very successful sitcom under his belt—ABC's Roseanne, in which he portrayed Darlene's boyfriend David Healy in the series' last six seasons and later reprised the part in The Connersspinoff—well before he took on the role of Leonard Hofstadter in The Big Bang Theory, which earned him nominations at the Primetime Emmys and Golden Globes. Since saying goodbye to Leonard, Galecki took a bit of a professional hiatus to focus on his family (he married wife Morgan in 2024 and welcomed a daughter, Oona, that same year), but will soon return to acting to play legendary playwright Tennessee Williams in the Chicago production of Kowalski beginning this September.

Related: ‘Big Bang Theory’ Stars Filmed Their On-Screen Breakup Only Weeks After Their Real Breakup

Kaley Cuoco Kaley Cuoco's next post-TBBT role is as mom to her second child with fiancé Tom Pelphrey.

Getty Images

After her twelve-season tenure as Big Bang's bubbly girl-next-door Penny, actress Kaley Cuoco starred in several high-profile TV series. She played the title character in the HBO Max comedy-thriller The Flight Attendant, which ran for two seasons from 2020 to 2022 and scored her Emmy and Golden Globe nods; acted opposite Chris Messina in the 2023 dark comedy series Based on a True Story on Peacock; and led this year's MGM+ mystery miniseries Vanished with Sam Claflin and Matthias Schweighöfer. Her next role is a big one: mom to her second daughter with her fiancé, actor Tom Pelphrey; Cuoco announced her pregnancy to the public this past June.

Simon Helberg  Simon Helberg has popped up in Poker Face and The Audacity since Big Bang ended.

AMC

Actor-comedian Simon Helberg took home the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for playing aerospace engineer Howard Wolowitz in The Big Bang Theory, of which he was a main cast member from 2007 to 2019. Helberg later reprised the role on TBBT prequel Young Sheldon and also showed up in popular series like American Dad!, Poker Face and The Audacity. The 45-year-old funnyman has also kept busy on the big screen, with roles in 2021's Annette, 2022's Space Oddity and As They Made Us, and last year's For Worse.

Related: Simon Helberg Reveals How He Really Feels About the ‘Big Bang Theory’ Ending

Kunal Nayyar Kunal Nayyar was last seen leading the holiday flick Christmas Karma, a Bollywood retelling of The Christmas Carol.

Getty Images

British-Indian actor Kunal Nayyar gained international notice for playing astrophysicist Raj Koothrappali through all twelve seasons of the CBS sitcom. (Fun fact:  The asteroid 8627 Kunalnayyar is even named after him.) Post-TBBT, the 45-year-old London native appeared in the Netflix police procedural Criminal: UK—for which he was BAFTA-nominated for Best Supporting Actor—and the Apple TV thriller Suspicion; his recent big-screen credits include animated flicks Trolls World Tour and Trolls Band Together, comedy films The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry and How to Date Billy Walsh, and the holiday dramedy Christmas Karma.

Related: 2012 ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Episode Ranked the Funniest in the Entire Series Had an Iconic Guest Star

Melissa Rauch Melissa Rauch followed up The Big Bang Theory as the star of NBC's Night Court.

Michael Buckner/Deadline via Getty Images

Melissa Rauch's Big Bang character, waitress-turned-microbiologist Bernadette Rostenkowski, was initially supposed to be a simple recurring role as one of Penny's coworkers at The Cheesecake Factory in the third season. However, when Bernadette became a love interest for Howard Wolowitz, she was promoted to series regular from season four through the show's end, earning a Critics' Choice Award nomination in the process. Rauch followed up that TBBT run with the NBC revival of Night Court, in which she starred and executive produced all three seasons from 2023 to 2025.

Related: ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Almost Made Sheldon a ‘Womanizer’

Mayim Bialik Mayim Bialik starred in her own sitcom, FOX's Call Me Kat, following her time on Big Bang.

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Image

Already well-known to TV lovers for playing the title character in the '90s NBC sitcom Blossom, Mayim Bialik joined the cast of The Big Bang Theory as Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler, a potential love interest for Jim Parsons' Sheldon, in season 3. She was upped to series regular in season four and remained with the comedy series through its finale in 2019. The role earned her four Emmy nominations as well as two Critics' Choice Award wins for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy series. In the years following the sitcom, Bialik remained a regular TV fixture as the star Call Me Kat, which ran for three seasons on Fox from 2021 to 2023, and as a host of Jeopardy!, trading off episodes with Ken Jennings from August 2021 to December 2023. She also wrote and directed the 2022 dramedy film As They Made Us and acted in last year's Like Father Like Son and Father Mother Sister Brother.

Related: ‘Big Bang Theory’ Star Sparks Nostalgia After Sharing Rare Photos

Kevin Sussman  Kevin Sussman played comic-book store owner Stuart Bloom in The Big Bang Theory

Emma McIntyre/WireImage

The Big Bang Theory diehards definitely know what Kevin Sussman is up to these days: He's the lead of the TBBT spinoff Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, in which he reprises his role as comic book store owner Stuart Bloom, which was a recurring character on the original comedy until season six when Sussman became a series regular. In an interview with PEOPLE, Sussman—who's also had recent roles in The Dropout, Call Me Kat, Better Call Saul, Lessons in Chemistry and FBI—said that the spinoff will be a rare "opportunity to see Stuart sort of taking a leadership role in any kind of situation because normally he’s just happy to be invited to something...to see him trying to lead a group of people through something, let alone a multiverse apocalypse, I think is gonna be exciting for people.”

Next, From 'I Love Lucy' to 'Schitt's Creek,' These Are the 30 Best Sitcoms of All Time

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Drew Barrymore's Beautiful collection has become a favorite among Walmart shoppers for bringing designer-inspired style to everyday home essentials. From colorful cookware to furniture, the collection combines elevated design with budget-friendly prices. If your kitchen tools have seen better days, Drew’s bestselling utensil set is a simple way to give your cooking space a refresh. 

The Beautiful By Drew Barrymore 6-Piece Silicone Kitchen Tool Set is currently on sale at Walmart for $30 in the hydrangea floral print, down from $40. The set comes with five cooking utensils stored inside a matching ceramic crock. It's available in four additional finishes —black, buttercream, taupe, and sage green — which aren’t on sale but also priced at $30.  

Beautiful By Drew Barrymore 6-Piece Silicone Kitchen Tool Set with Ceramic Crock, $30 (was $40) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

This six-piece silicone set includes a spoon, slotted spoon, turner, slotted turner, spatula, and a pretty ceramic crock that keeps your most-used tools neatly displayed on the counter. Each utensil is heat-resistant up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can confidently stir, sauté, and flip your food without worrying about damaging the tools. 

Because the tools are made from silicone, they're gentle on nonstick cookware and help prevent scratches. They're also free of the BPA and BPS chemicals commonly found in plastics. In addition, the pieces are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

Beyond the practical features, shoppers said the set brings a decorative touch to the kitchen. Many praised the gold-accented handles, with reviewers calling the utensils "gorgeous" and "very aesthetic." One customer even said the tools "still look like new" after repeated trips through the dishwasher. 

The quality has also earned high marks. One shopper said the longer handles and heavier weight make the utensils more comfortable to cook with, while another shared that they "feel substantial," clean up beautifully, and don't stain. Several reviewers also mentioned that the ceramic crock keeps everything organized while adding a stylish touch to the countertop.

Shop More Deals

• Beautiful Drew Side Table, $55 (was $115) at Walmart
• Ktaxon Get Ready With Me Makeup Vanity Desk, $99 (was $165) at Walmart
• Jioabl 3-Tier Side Table Set, From $45 (was $69) at Walmart

Related: Walmart's 'Gorgeous' Reversible Comforter Set 'Feels Like Butter,' and It's Just $32

For anyone looking to replace an old utensil set or give their kitchen a quick refresh, the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 6-Piece Silicone Kitchen Tool Set is a stylish buy at just $30. Since only the hydrangea floral design is currently discounted, it's worth grabbing before the rollback ends! 

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Burger King's slogan has long been "Have it your way," with the phrase "You rule" added to the fast food giant's latest jingle, and now, the company is making good on that promise with a brand-new initiative offering free burgers.

The new initiative, named the "Whopper Guarantee," is Burger King's latest move to improve customer satisfaction. Beginning on July 20, customers who are not satisfied with their Whopper can not only have a new one made then and there but also will be offered a free Whopper in the future.

To get the free burger, guests need only to scan a QR code inside of their Whopper box, at which point they will receive a six-digit code that will allow them to redeem a free classic Whopper in the future.

In addition to the Whopper Guarantee, Burger King also announced the new "Your Way Champion," a role that will offer guests an in-restaurant point of contact who will resolve issues in person, in real time. According to Burger King, the ability to speak to someone in the restaurant when an issue arises was a direct request from guests. Along with directly addressing guest concerns, this "reimagined restaurant manager role" will involve double checking orders and creating a welcoming environment.

In the press release announcing these changes, Burger King highlighted that both of these initiatives are part of the company's ongoing "brand transformation" efforts to live up to their slogan and prioritize customer satisfaction. Among the other updates that have been part of these efforts was the Listening Initiative, which gave fans the phone number of Burger King President Tom Curtis in order to share their feedback.

This news comes on the heels of several other changes for the royal-themed fast food chain, including with various recent menu updates and innovative collaborations, such as the previous collaboration with Star Wars for The Mandalorian and Grogu.

Daniel Durant and Britt Stewart marked a major milestone in paradise.

Nearly one year after exchanging vows, the couple finally took the honeymoon they had been waiting for, celebrating their first wedding anniversary with a romantic getaway to Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

After a busy year that included a whirlwind season and tour with Dancing With the Stars, Durant, 36, and Stewart, 36, traded rehearsal rooms and packed schedules for tropical views, quiet moments and plenty of time together.

BUCCAMENT BAY, SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES - JULY 14: Daniel Durant and Britt Stewart celebrated their first wedding anniversary with a long-awaited honeymoon at Sandals Resort on July 14, 2026 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for Sandals Resorts)

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The couple stayed in a beachfront one-bedroom suite featuring a private plunge pool, giving them a relaxing home base surrounded by the natural beauty of Saint Vincent. From ocean views to lush landscapes, the Caribbean destination provided the perfect backdrop for their long-awaited escape.

During their stay, Durant and Stewart spent their days enjoying the resort’s amenities, including lounging by the pool, biking around the property and taking time to relax at the spa.

The trip was especially meaningful after the couple’s honeymoon plans were delayed following their wedding. Instead of rushing away immediately after saying "I do," Durant and Stewart waited until they could fully enjoy the experience.

The couple first connected through Dancing With the Stars, where Durant competed as the show's first Deaf contestant during Season 31 and Stewart served as his partner. Their partnership on the dance floor eventually grew into a relationship, and they married in 2024.

RELATED: ‘DWTS’ Alum Nev Schulman Says Female Celebrities Have a Slight Advantage

Actress Sadie Sink is revealing how her time starring in the hit Netflix series, Stranger Things, got her ready for appearing in the upcoming MCU movie, Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

In a July 2026 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Sink explained she feels prepared to navigate the Marvel fanbase because she's interacted with dedicated Stranger Things fans.

"I'm used to very passionate fanbases. So it's cool," said Sink, who joined the Stranger Things cast as her character, Max Mayfield, during its second season, which premiered in 2017.

While speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Sink, whose role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day has been kept secret, also shared that Tom Holland, who plays the film's titular role, AKA Peter Parker, gave her some tips about being an MCU star.

"He definitely kind of prepped me for like the press element of it and like the spoilers and how top secret everything is," said Sink.

She clarified that there are a few individuals, including some Stranger Things stars, who know who she's playing in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which premieres on July 31.

Sadie Sink Revealed Why She Wanted to Star in 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day'

During a July 2026 interview with Access Hollywood, Sink confirmed that she agreed to take on her mysterious MCU role before even reading the Spider-Man: Brand New Day script. She explained that she was immediately interested in having a role in a Spider-Man movie.

"I think I just really wanted to play the character and to join the world of like the Spider-Man universe is amazing, as I'm such a fan," said Sink.

Sink also shared that she had previously worked with Spider-Man: Brand New Day director Destin Daniel Cretton for the 2017 film The Glass Castle.

"I'd worked with Destin, our director, when I was younger. So, he, you know, talked me through the character and what he had in mind, and is, obviously, someone that I'd worked with before, so I was very comfortable with. So that kind of made it a no-brainer for me," said Sink during the Access Hollywood interview.

Many different celebrities have routinely spoken about the benefits that come with aging, allowing them to take greater stock of all the most important things in their lives.

Mick Jagger is assuredly not one of these celebrities.

In a recent interview with the New York Times’The Interview, the legendary 82-year-old rocker didn't hold back in his honest assessment of aging and the reality of getting older.

“There’s nothing good about it,” said Jagger.

“Nothing. You don’t get wisdom. You forget everything. Forgot all my wisdom," he continued.

While Jagger did mention that he might have acquired a few important life lessons along the way, he's largely “forgotten what they are.”

“It’s not particularly pleasant and, of course, you can’t do things as quickly as you want to, and physically you can’t do things that you would like to do,” he continued. “You can still do them, but you have to be more careful.”

Elsewhere in that same interview, the iconic Rolling Stones frontman also spoke about the difficulties that come with his celebrity status, which has subsequently affected his view of the world around him.

“Obviously, it’s not normal,” said Jagger. “It is not like most people’s lives. It does affect you. You can become disassociated. From other people.”

To that end, Jagger said that he typically tries to do "normal things" that help connect him with other people. "You go out and walk on the street on your own and do normal things," the singer said.

In spite of his negative view of aging, the 82-year-old Jagger has nevertheless remained hard at work on the Rolling Stones' creative output, as evidenced by the band's most recent album, Foreign Tongues.

The band's 25th British album and 27 American studio album, Foreign Tongues has received largely favorable reviews from critics, with many calling it a welcome return to form to one of the most beloved musical groups of the past century.

Jimmy Buffett's beloved "Parrothead" fans collectively mourned their favorite musician when he passed away from a rare form of skin cancer in September 2023.

However, his Coral Reefer Band lives on and is still touring, though there's an obvious gaping hole in what used to be a force of nature at the tropical, cocktail-themed concerts that made him a legend.

The man known for his signature hit "Margaritaville" — so huge he turned the idea into real resorts — has more music to share. His former bandmates have been listening to the new album nonstop before its official release, with Mac McAnally saying it's like being in the room with him again as "you can tell he's smiling".

One Last Toast to 'Frozen Concoctions'

It often seems like when our favorite artists pass away, there's a Fort Knox-level vault of hidden songs waiting for a posthumous release with the likes of Biggie Smalls, The Beatles, Elvis, and now Jimmy Buffett.

In Buffett's case, they're excited to share a mix of songs that never made the cut on prior albums, spanning more than 20 years and into the last couple of years of his life, before his last performance at Snapper's Sea Grill roughly two months before Merkel cell carcinoma led to his passing.

There's no official word if this is truly his final album, but fans should treat it as one last toast to the icon who carved out his own category in music, a daydreaming escapist who made paradise feel attainable, belting out tunes that carried listeners from the Caribbean to Corpus Christi.

McAnally added, “The oldest of these tracks is, like, 2003, and the newest is maybe four years ago or so. None of those things have ever been on a Jimmy Buffett album. We’re pretty excited.”

One song Parrotheads may be familiar with is the previously unreleased "Workin' 'n' Playin'," a track the band has played live but never put on an album.

"It's really good, so it's on this album, and we do it now as sort of a duet between the band and Jimmy."

There is no official release date as of yet.

Just days ago, it was revealed that Malcolm-Jamal Warner's widow, Tenisha Warner, had filed a lawsuit against his family's trust for $1.2 million. However, days before the news broke, Tenisha sat down with Gayle King on CBS Mornings to discuss the day Warner died a year ago and how she's learned to live with her grief.

"Time feels slower in terms of what my life looks like now," she said. "Because it's without him. So every moment feels very slow. And so I go, 'Wow, I'm 48, I have so much life.' You know, as opposed to, I think before, you're thinking about, 'Oh my gosh, she's going to 12, she's going to be 14...'"

She explained how, even a year later, his death is "still a shock."

The Day Everything Changed

Tenisha, Warner, and their 8-year-old daughter were on vacation in Costa Rica when the unthinkable happened. While swimming with his daughter in the ocean off the Limón Province, the two were caught in a strong rip current. While she was rescued, Warner drowned.

"Worst day of my life," Tenisha told King. "It feels unfair. And all I could think about was my daughter and what I needed to do to continue to be her mother, and be her only parent."

However, when it comes to the events of that day and whether she feared for her daughter's life as well, Tenisha has trouble remembering details. "I think my body went through shock," she said.

She admitted that they still live in the same house, and that she feels the Cosby Show star is always with her.

"I don't think about moving because all of our memories are here," she confirmed. "And it hurts. I can't be in my own home without feeling the loss, but I can't walk away."

Seeking What She Says He Intended

In Tenisha's lawsuit, she alleges that she and Warner signed a prenuptial agreement in May 2022, and that he agreed to a $1 million life insurance policy with her as the beneficiary. Because he never got the policy before his death, she wants the family trust to pay her. She is also seeking additional compensation for unpaid salary, anniversary payments, and a Roth IRA. Warner's mother, Pamela, is the trustee of the Warner Family Trust.

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“For the last year, I have attempted to privately settle my beloved husband’s complicated estate and honor his last wishes,” she said in a statement to PEOPLE. “Malcolm had every intention to provide for our 9-year-old daughter and me.”

“I have been struggling to care for our daughter as a single mom and now as her sole provider,” Tenisha continued. “Legally, I had no choice but to take action to protect our rights before any potential statute of limitations expired.”

Whatever the legal outcome, the case underscores how outdated estate planning can complicate a family's grief, leaving Tenisha to fight for the support she says her husband intended for her and their daughter, even as she continues to process a loss she describes as still feeling like "a shock" one year later.

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A colorful wreath may be one of the easiest ways to brighten up your home without changing anything else. Right now, the Sonoma Goods For Life Everyday Decor Artificial Lemon Blueberry Wreath is on clearance at Kohl’s for $14 instead of $50, and using the code 40SHOP brings it down to an unbeatable low price of just $8, making it a must-see deal while it’s still in stock.

The wreath is filled with sunny yellow lemons, tiny blueberries, and plenty of leafy greenery, giving it a cheerful look that works especially well during the summer. It’s 22 inches high by 22 inches wide and 4 inches deep, weighs 1.6 pounds, and comes with a 3.5-inch jute rope for hanging. It’s made from polyester with a plastic vine base that helps it hold its shape.

Sonoma Goods For Life Everyday Decor Artificial Lemon Blueberry Wreath, $8 (was $50) at Kohl’s

Courtesy of Kohl's

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At under $10, this wreath costs much less than many seasonal accents. Similar fruit-covered wreaths often cost several times more, especially in this larger 22-inch size. The mix of lemons and blueberries also makes the design feel a little more playful than basic greenery, and you can bring it back out every summer, so it isn’t something that’ll only get used once.

One shopper said it’s “very well made” and noted that the “colors are vibrant.” Another shared that it “adds a beautiful pop of color to the front door for summer,” while a third wrote, “It’s gorgeous” and “even prettier in person.” Other reviewers also mentioned how realistic the lemons are and how rich the greenery is, which are especially notable at its low price.

Related: Kohl's Has 'Very Cute and Summery' Wicker Fruit Solar Lanterns on Sale for Just $9

Although the wreath would look very cute on a front door, Kohl’s recommends indoor use, and there are plenty of other places where it could work. You could hang it somewhere in the kitchen or in an entryway, or the fruit theme would fit very naturally in a dining room. You could even lay it flat around a vase or candleholder and use it as a centerpiece on a table.

Shop More Deals

• Celebrate Together Summer Strawberry Artificial Wreath, $15 (was $50) at Kohl’s
• Forsythia and Daisy Artificial Wreath, $8 (was $50) at Kohl’s
• Puleo International Artificial Daisy Floral Wreath, $114 (was $190) at Kohl’s

The Sonoma Goods For Life Everyday Decor Artificial Lemon Blueberry Wreath packs plenty of color into a full 22-inch design without the price tag you’d expect from similar styles. Be sure to head to Kohl’s site to get it for just $8 with code 40SHOP while it’s still available.

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Taco Bell is trying to win customers back after a recent parasite scare.

According to a report published by The New York Times last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention linked a recent outbreak of cyclosporiasis—a parasitic illness that can cause severe diarrhea—to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms that was supplied to Taco Bell.

On July 17, the fast-food chain addressed the situation on Instagram, sharing a notes app apology and confirming it had removed the affected produce.

"We want you to hear it from us," the apology read. "We take your health and safety very seriously and have removed all affected Taylor Farms lettuce from Taco Bell stores. So go ahead and enjoy your Taco Bell today."

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) later announced that the Taylor Farms lettuce had falsely tested positive for Cyclospora. Even so, the company said it is voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market.

Now, Taco Bell is offering customers another reason to come back: a $1, lettuce-free Enchirito for one day only. The fan-favorite menu item—a cross between an enchilada and a burrito—is available at a steep discount as the chain looks to reassure customers following the outbreak.

Here's everything to know about the deal—and how to claim yours before the offer ends.

RELATED: Dunkin’ Donuts Is Giving Away Free Drinks on July 23 for 1 Hour Only

How to get a $1 Enchirito from Taco Bell

On Wednesday, July 22, the fast-food chain announced it will offer Enchiritos for just $1 on Friday, July 24. The deal will be available while supplies last at participating locations through the Taco Bell app or website from 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. PT.

Enchiritos typically cost between $3.99 and $4.29, depending on the location.

The Taco Bell app is available to download on the App Store or Google Play.

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Foreignerhas been touring the world for more than 50 years now, and the band is still going strong. But in 1977, one song almost didn't happen, and without it, the band might never have made it out of those early days.

That track was "Feels Like the First Time," and before it became one of the biggest hits of the decade, it was almost the reason Foreigner never got a record deal in the first place.

Label after label passed on the band, including Atlantic Records, which would eventually become its home. According to vocalist Lou Gramm and keyboardist Al Greenwood, Foreigner came close to calling it quits without ever releasing an album. 

Before Foreigner came together, guitarist and founder Mick Jones already had the idea for "Feels Like the First Time." He kept the song to himself at first.

Related: 1978 Rock Classic, Band’s Third Blacklisted Single, Became a Defiant Anthem

“The first rehearsal of Foreigner was Mick Jones, myself, Stan Williams on drums and Jay Davis on bass, just the four of us. We'd come in and jam every day and this would go on for a while,” Greenwood recalled in 2024. 

After a couple weeks, Greenwood was ready to walk. "I don't know if this is for me," he remembered thinking. "There's no songs, we're just jamming. It's fun to jam, but I thought we'd have some songs put together by that point."

Just as he was about to tell Jones he was done, something changed his mind.

“I went in [the next day] and I'm about to go to Mick [to give him the news]. He turns to me and says, ‘I have this song’ and he started playing ‘Feels Like the First Time’ on guitar. So I thought, ‘Okay, now I think we've got something here.’”

But having a great song didn't guarantee a record deal. Gramm recalled shopping the demo from label to label and getting turned down every time.

“We brought that demo tape to every label and they all rejected us,” he said. The rejections took their toll, and two members, Williams and Davis, left the group.

Related: 1965 Motown Classic, Once Mocked as ‘No-Hit,’ Became Part of Chart History 61 Years Ago

That's when Bud Prager, the band's manager, decided to take one more shot at Atlantic Records. “Bud Prager said, ‘Look, I really think Atlantic Records is the [label] you should be on. They've got Led Zeppelin, the Stones, it's a great label,’” Gramm recalled. “So he says, ‘I'm going to bring it back up there.’”

This time, the tape landed on legendary A&R executive John Kalodner's desk. “When he listened to it, he said, ‘I think this is something,’” Gramm said.

Kalodner brought it to executive Jerry Greenberg, who wasn't sold at first. “Jerry says, ‘We already passed on these guys,’” Gramm recalled. But Kalodner pushed back. "’No, this is going to be something. It's going to be big,’" he insisted.

The band finally had a record deal, but by then, there was barely a band left to sign. “We didn't have a band, because two of the members left,” Gramm said. 

“So now we had to audition for a drummer and a bass player and that's how we got Dennis Elliott and Ed Gagliardi. That's [how we completed] the band.”

Foreigner released its self-titled debut in March 1977, and it sold five million copies in the U.S., spent a year in the top 20 and peaked at No. 4. It also cracked the top 10 in Canada and Australia, and hit No. 1 in Norway.

Three songs from the album became hits across North America, including "Feels Like the First Time." It landed at No. 4 in the U.S. and No. 7 in Canada. 

"Cold as Ice" hit No. 6 in the U.S. and No. 9 in Canada, while "Long, Long Way from Home" reached No. 20.

Related: 1963 Folk Classic, Banned by Some Radio Stations, Became a Generational Anthem

Wild stories of partying and drugs have been well documented with Mötley Crüe drummerTommy Lee, who opens up about the night he and Nikki Sixx injected whiskey into their veins during the worst time of their addiction.

The drummer appeared on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast and looked back at the lowest point of his rocker years with Mötley Crüe, especially the night he and Sixx ran out of heroin. At the height of the band's fame in the 1980's, Lee admits that they were “just doing a s---load of heroin."

He recalls an instance during an early-morning binge, "probably 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning," where he and Sixx ran out of the drugs they were using and thought "F—k what are we going to do?"

Chasing the high, Lee remembers filling a cap from a Jack Daniel's bottle with the whiskey, and they “pulled a couple of syringes." They ultimately injected the alcohol into their veins to replicate the same high as heroin.

“It was at that moment where I went, ‘Okay, what is happening? We could just drink this, but we’re shooting it,’” recalled Lee. “‘This is f---ing wrong. And somebody’s going to die.’”

The drummer remembers getting more intoxicated from shooting the whiskey than drinking it, and being able to taste it the same way “you can taste heroin." He admits that the feeling was "okay," but the moment was just one of many battles they faced at the height of their addictions.

Sixx revealed in his 2007 memoir, The Heroin Diaries, that he estimated having overdosed "about a dozen times" throughout his career. One instance even led Sixx to be declared clinically dead for two minutes in 1987. Lee even admits the band would "eat handfuls" of sleeping pills and go out partying. After many years chasing a high and close calls, the band made a decision.

“In 1989, we all decided we needed to go to rehab or someone was gonna die. We were zombies and people weren’t waking up. We were like someone’s going to die soon," said Lee.

Lee also added that a therapist was brought in to help, and “We’d all get together and talk about how everybody’s dealing with this new arrangement. Then that opens up a whole other thing. Once you start getting into therapy with the people that you work with that are also going through the same thing, you’re learning all these other things about them and all of a sudden it’s becoming really complicated at the same time.”

Despite getting help, the vice never left when, in 1990, Lee and his lead singer, Vince Neil, celebrated the last concert of their Mr. Feelgood World Tour at the strip club with alcohol. The drummer reveals the longest he's been sober is three years, but his need to celebrate an accomplishment would end up being "the f—ing problem."

Lee has battled with his sobriety on and off for years, with his last rehab stay having been in 2019.

Related: Jerry O’Connell Addresses Brutal Breakup with Giuliana Rancic and Infidelity Claims

Joy Behar isn't convinced America is ready to elect a woman president. During Thursday's episode of The View, the longtime cohost argued that no female candidate—including Democratic frontrunner Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez—could win the White House, then challenged her fellow panelists to "tell me one woman" who could.

The conversation began with a discussion about a new poll showing Ocasio-Cortez as the Democratic Party's leading prospective 2028 presidential candidate. While former Trump staffer Alyssa Farah Griffin predicted Republican Marco Rubio would defeat AOC in a general election, Behar took the debate a step further, arguing that Donald Trump's victories over Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris prove the country still won't elect a woman president—a claim that prompted pushback from Sara Haines and further discussion around whether gender remains a decisive factor in presidential politics.

When Haines suggested that gender didn't have anything to do with why a woman couldn't win, Behar replied, “Think of a woman that could win. Tell me one woman.”

Behar said while she likes Ocasio-Cortez, "the only time that Donald Trump ever won is when he’s running against two women. When he ran against a guy [Joe Biden], he lost.”

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But Haines dug in, saying that the American public votes based on character and integrity. “People are looking for people with character and integrity, and policy, to me, is almost third, and I mean that deeply,” she said. “The policy, almost everyone agrees on. The primaries? Pick the most extreme candidates because of how our system works. They won’t win general elections.”

But Behar doubled down, saying she believes America would elect a gay man before a woman as president.

This debate isn't new. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer rejected Michelle Obama's belief that America isn't ready for a woman president, arguing voters are willing to elect a woman despite Kamala Harris' 2024 loss. The debate has resurfaced as Democrats look toward 2028, with potential candidates including Ocasio-Cortez and Harris. While some worry sexism could again hurt a female nominee, others argue that fear could become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The View is on weekdays on ABC.

KISS was one of the biggest bands of the 1970s, known for their hard rock hits, iconic makeup, and larger-than-life stage theatrics.

But decades later, lead singer Paul Stanley revealed there was one song the band didn’t get quite right.

During a recent appearance on the Track Star podcast, Stanley, 74, admitted that KISS made a misstep when they recorded the song “Then She Kissed Me.” The song, a cover of the Crystals classic “Then He Kissed Me,” appeared on KISS’s Love Gun album in 1977.

“It's a great song, and somehow we managed to f--- it up, you know,” Stanley said on the podcast after making a face and holding his nose.

“Really, you know, there's certain things that can be redone, and given their own twist, so to speak," he noted. "And then there's us doing ‘Then She Kissed Me,’ which you know, it was misbegotten.”

Bandmate Gene Simmons added that the vintage song was an “interesting cultural reflection of the times” in the same way as the Beatles' “I Wanna Hold Your Hand.”

“I want to hold your hand. Or he walked up to me and asked me if I wanted to dance,” he said of the lyrics.

Simmons noted that there was an “etiquette” to older songs that was much different than, say, the Love Gun single “Christine Sixteen.”

For “Then She Kissed Me,” KISS swapped the Crystals' Top 10 doo-wop classic for a heavier hard rock sound featuring Stanley’s swaggering vocals. Stanley once shared that he was the one who pushed for a cover of the song because he loved the original.

In an interview posted by music journalist Carl Linnaeus, Stanley said of the cover song, “I'm sure it was my suggestion, and honestly, I don't necessarily think it was the best suggestion. I don't think we did the song justice, and I think it was, you know, not a great success as far as I'm concerned.”

The KISS legend added that at the time of their recording, the band had been “very focused on the parameters” of how far they could go outside of their genre.

“So I think it limited us,” he added.

“Then She Kissed Me" song remains an interesting part of KISS's history— even if Stanley feels they missed the mark. Nearly 50 years later, the Love Gun track is a reminder that the band wasn’t afraid to step outside of the box to pay tribute to a song that they loved.

Related: 1976 Anthem for Fans Just Ranked Among ‘Top Rock Songs of All Time’

For nearly three decades, one detail about Conan O'Brien has stayed constant even as networks, time slots and formats changed around him. That's right, the hair. So when the comedian showed up on the July 20 episode of his podcast, Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, with his signature red pompadour slicked flat against his head, longtime fans noticed immediately, and they had plenty to say about it.

The episode featured a full conversation with fellow comedian Molly Shannon, but according to viewers, almost nobody was paying attention to what was actually being said. Comments flooded the video comparing O'Brien's new look to a member of the T-Birds from "Grease," with one fan joking that "Greaser Conan isn't real. He can't hurt you," and another asking if the transformation needed a gold chain to complete it.

Related: Conan O'Brien Finally Says What Losing 'The Tonight Show' Taught Him

Even more weirdly, O'Brien addressed none of it during the interview itself. Neither Shannon nor his co-hosts, Sona Movsesian and Matt Gourley, mentioned the hair on air, leaving fans to fill in the answers themselves across YouTube and Instagram for the better part of two days.

O'Brien eventually broke his own silence with a characteristically self-deprecating explanation. He revealed that the episode had been filmed roughly a week after he suffered a sunburn on his scalp, and that he had been working oil into his hair to help it heal, which flattened his usual volume in the process. He described the result bluntly, joking that he had become "a grease ball" until his skin recovered. He also acknowledged the reaction directly, posting new photos from the episode to Instagram with a caption that referenced his conversation with Shannon rather than his hair, letting fans connect the dots on their own.

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The whole episode is a reminder of how attached O'Brien's audience has become to a look that has followed him from his first night behind the Late Night desk in 1993 through his current run as a podcast host. It is a small, almost incidental detail in the scope of his career, but for a comedian whose public image has leaned on the same silhouette for over thirty years, even a few days of some heavy hair oil was enough to dominate the conversation before he ever said a word about it. Fans got their answer eventually, and in true Conan fashion, it came with a joke attached.

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You have a sizeable amount of summer celebrations coming up — weddings, birthdays, baby showers — the list goes on and on. That's why you need upscale styles that are fashionable, comfortable, and dependable. Thanks to Walmart, you can find incredible wardrobe pieces for considerably less. The Scoop Maxi Godet Dress is 25% off right now, and it's offering designer vibes without the hefty price tag.

The clothing originally cost $36, but has been reduced to just $27 during a limited-time rollback deal. The dress is being offered in three floral patterns: black detailed with orange and green flowers, flowers in different shades of yellow, and peony champagne (which features a slew of multi-colored peonies over a beige hue). The sizes range from 0 to 26 Plus, and run on even sizing, with shoppers saying the piece is true to size. 

Scoop Maxi Godet Dress, $27 (was $36) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The dress is made of a rayon shell and a polyester lining, so it's machine washable. You can place it in the washer in cold water with like colors and then line dry it for best results. Ahead of your events it's okay to iron the dress on a low heat. The sleeveless style further features standard straps, a back zipper closure, a V-Neck, and a slightly open back (also reminiscent of a V-Neck). 

Scoop Maxi Godet Dress, $27 (was $36) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The dress is slightly fitted until it goes past the waist and then flows like a pleated maxi skirt. Therefore, you can easily wear it with a gorgeous pair of sandals, flats, or even sneakers if you're on vacation and planning to walk long hours in it. The piece is marked as a bestseller and is already in over 50 customer carts, so you'll want to shop for it sooner rather than later. 

Related: Walmart's $36 2-Tier Side Table Is the 'Perfect Size' for Displaying Books, Plants, and More

Reviewers described the "very pretty" dress as "fancy," "beautiful," "stunning," "very flattering," "comfortable," and "feminine."  Another customer noted that the style is "perfect for a luncheon, bridal shower, baby shower, or even a daytime wedding." Shoppers love the plus size options, as one said that "it looks really good on [a] curvy figure and hangs nicely without clinging to those curves." 

Shop More Deals 

• Fantaslook Tank Top, $12 (was $23) at Walmart
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This Walmart design was even compared by one reviewer to a similar dress at Nordstrom that's three times the price, so you know this deal is a steal. You'll likely own it for years, too. Add this sleek maxi dress to your closet while it's just $27 at Walmart! 

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After 25 years of nonstop laughs, thrills and literary chills, best-selling novelist Jasper Fforde is officially wrapping up his long-running Thursday Next series with the release of his new book, Dark Reading Matter.

The eighth and final novel in the Thursday Next series, Dark Reading Matter once again offers readers a heartfelt exploration of Fforde's literary influences, featuring plenty of homages, callbacks and subtle references to some of the most famous novels ever written.

"Ex-Literary Special Ops agent Thursday Next is embarking on her eighth and final fictional adventure, and she is well aware of the fact. The problem is, others are aware of it, too," the book's official description reads. "Old foes and new are plotting a terrible revenge: to disrupt the narrative and make the last Thursday Next novel, Dark Reading Matter, not just unreadable but unpublishable. Thursday can’t let that happen, and needs to use all her guile and narrative trickery to unmask the antagonists.

"With Reality Field Distortion experiments going haywire, a partially redacted donkey, a BookWorld on the brink of losing its imaginative energy to Big Tech and a murderous stamp collector with philaticide on their mind, Thursday has to navigate a tightrope of borderline unusable narrative devices to bring the series to a satisfying conclusion," the description goes on to tease.

As nostalgic readers are sure to remember, Fforde's Thursday Next series officially began with 2001's The Eyre Affair, which saw the author's literary detective transported to the world of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre.

Following its warm reception, Fforde ended up crafting several more sequels to The Eyre Affair, each of which has earned largely favorable remarks from critics and readers alike.

“Reading a truly good book, the page opens like a trapdoor and you simply fall through," deemed The Guardian. "The Eyre Affair takes that feeling, the moment you lose the sense of yourself and become engrossed in the story, and creates high adventure and wild drama around the porous boundaries between fiction and real life.”

"It’s not hard to see what this enthusiasm is about," remarked The New York Times. "It’s easy to be delighted by a writer who loves books so madly.”

Dark Reading Matter officially arrives on bookshelves on October 6, 2026.