For the past five summers, the best tight ends from around the NFL have gathered in Nashville, Tennessee, for Tight End University — an event hosted by the Kansas City Chiefs‘ Travis Kelce, the San Francisco 49ers‘ George Kittle and retired Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen.
At this year’s event, Kelce’s girlfriend, pop star Taylor Swift, gave guests a surprise performance.
And this time, she wasn’t dancing on her own.
She took the stage at Brooklyn Bowl with country music singer Kane Brown to perform her hit song “Shake It Off” in her first live performance in six months since her Eras Tour ended.
After her one-song performance, she said she dedicated the song to “our favorite players who are going to play and these are the tight ends.”
Swift has fully embraced her “tight end era” since TEU started on June 23. Swift and Kelce — who have been dating since the summer of 2023 — used the event’s opening night celebration to quietly make their red carpet debut as a couple.
The two went viral on social media with their hand-in-hand entrance and snapped a photo with Kittle, Olsen and their wives.
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If the mere thought of a jacket is making you break a sweat, you’re not alone. Some people just run hot, even during the cooler months. However, there are some products that would make your life easier, especially if you’re always complaining about how hot you are. Of course, a fan is an absolute must, but that’s only scratching the surface. There are so many unique items that will help you feel cool, calm, and collected at all times.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is “in denial” about the scale of Labour MPs’ welfare rebellion writes the Guardian. Some cabinet ministers “are now said to believe the welfare reform bill has no chance of passing in its current form”, it adds. Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte grins at US President Donald Trump in a photo captioned “who is the daddy?” with the paper describing the pair’s “budding bromance” – Rutte called the president a “daddy” after the US bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Trump and Starmer look stony-faced as other world leaders grin around them in a group photo from the Nato summit splashed across the FT’s front page. Each country in the group has pledged to “meet Donald Trump’s demand” to spend 5% of its GDP on defence. In other front page news for the FT one “leftwinger’s bid to be New York mayor” has spurred a “Wall St hunt for a moderate rival”. Democratic candidate Zohan Mamdani has “unexpectedly clinched the party’s nomination” and financiers were “discussing who to back as a centrist candidate” within hours.
Starmer is “set to back down on benefits”, reports the Daily Telegraph, “as Labour rebellion grows”. More than 120 Labour MPs have now signed an amendment to block the cuts to disability and sickness-related payments. The Labour government also “wants to call time on adverts for alcohol” ahead of the watershed. Further from home, “Trump vents his fury at ‘scum’ who leaked Iran bombing intelligence”. A report from the US Defense Intelligence Agency “suggested Iran’s nuclear programme had not been destroyed, but set back by only a few months”.
The PM is “ready to retreat on benefit cuts to end rebellion” writes the i Paper, echoing the Telegraph. In an exclusive for the paper, it also carries an interview with Leon Panetta, the former head of the CIA. “I ran the CIA – Trump is making scary mistakes,” he is quoted as saying.
The Times runs with “rebel MPs want ‘regime change'”. An MP the paper describes as a “ringleader” tells the Times they “hoped the revolt would lead to a clear-out of staff in Downing Street”. The unnamed source added they think the PM “needs fewer over-excitable boys on his team”. Also on its front page, “US officials to visit Iran for talks on nuclear programme”. Trump announced the talks at the Nato summit.
The Sun’s lead story headlines on “from Russia with shove”, reporting the claim Vladimir Putin “is pushing migrants to the UK to overwhelm border defences and sow division”. The claim comes from an unnamed security source. Security Minister Dan Jarvis is quoted saying “national security is the first duty of any government and that means securing our borders”.
In a showbiz exclusive, the Daily Star says “it’s call over” for Call the Midwife as the programme ends “after 15 years with blockbuster film”.
The Daily Mirror reports “ten people have died after they reported a severe side effect of weight loss injections”. A new study will be led by Prof Matt Brown, who tells the Mirror “like all medicines, there can be a risk”.
The Daily Mail’s front page is taken up with the launch of a new campaign to keep the Legacy Act in place, legislation brought in by the last Conservative government. The law relates to the Troubles in Northern Ireland and offers conditional amnesties for some participants in the conflict. It has been criticised by unionist and nationalist parties in Northern Ireland, and Labour has committed to repealing it.
The Express leads on a story about a group of nurses in Darlington challenging their health trust’s policy over allowing a trans colleague to use the female changing rooms at work.
President Trump on Wednesday called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be pardoned and his corruption trial canceled.
“I just learned that Bibi has been summoned to Court on Monday for the continuation of this long running, (He has been going through this “Horror Show” since May of 2020 – Unheard of! This is the first time a sitting Israeli Prime Minister has ever been on trial.), politically motivated case, ‘concerning cigars, a Bugs Bunny doll, and numerous other unfair charges’ in order to do him great harm,” Trump said in a Truth Social post late Wednesday.
“Such a WITCH HUNT, for a man who has given so much, is unthinkable to me. He deserves much better than this, and so does the State of Israel. Bibi Netanyahu’s trial should be CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero,” he added.
In the trial, according to The Associated Press, Netanyahu is accused of taking tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of cigars and champagne from a Hollywood billionaire for personal and business help. The Israeli prime minister, in an effort to secure positive coverage for himself and his family, allegedly pushed beneficial regulations for powerful individuals in the media, the outlet reported.
According to the AP, Netanyahu has denied the allegations of misconduct.
Trump’s post also comes after recent U.S. involvement in a conflict between Israel and Iran, with American forces participating in a strike against Iran over the weekend.
The president went after the Israelis and Iranians on Tuesday, expressing his displeasure at fighting that went on between the regional rivals after the president had announced the parameters of a ceasefire Monday.
“We basically — we have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the f‑‑‑ they’re doing,” Trump told reporters at the White House Tuesday.
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The U.S. has carried out strikes on three of Iran’s key nuclear sites. President Donald Trump recently claimed the facilities were “completely and totally obliterated,” while Iran vowed to CNN that America will “pay” for its attacks “directly.”
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Iran retaliated by firing missiles at a U.S. military base in Qatar — and the threat of escalation is real. On the night of the initial U.S. strike, Trump warned on social media platform Truth that “any retaliation” by Iran against the U.S. would be met with “force far greater than what was witnessed tonight.”
While Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran on June 23, it’s now in question — just hours later. Both countries have since violated the agreement, according to Trump.
“We basically have two countires that have been fighting for so long and so hard, that they don’t know what the f— they’re doing,” he told the press as he left for the NATO summit.
For investors, the uncertainty is unsettling as the U.S. becomes further entangled in the Israel-Iran conflict. While geopolitical experts continue to weigh in, legendary investor Warren Buffett has offered a timeless perspective on what investors should — and shouldn’t — do during times of war.
“The one thing you can be quite sure of is if we went into some very major war, the value of money would go down — that’s happened in virtually every war that I’m aware of,” Buffett told CNBC in 2014, the last time Russia invaded Ukraine.
“The last thing you’d want to do is hold money during a war.”
In times of heightened uncertainty — when markets swing on every headline — it can be tempting to retreat into cash for safety. But Buffett’s warning highlights a crucial point: War often fuels inflation. It typically brings a surge in government spending, reduced production of consumer goods and supply chain disruptions — all of which can drive prices higher.
What should investors own then?
“You might want to own a farm, you might want to own an apartment house, you might want to own securities,” he said.
Let’s take a closer look at these assets.
To illustrate how stocks can perform during conflict, Buffett pointed to World War II.
“During World War II, the stock market advanced — the stock market is going to advance over time. American businesses are going to be worth more money, dollars are going to be worth less, so that money won’t buy you quite as much,” he told CNBC.
“But you’re going to be a lot better off owning productive assets over the next 50 years, than you will be owning pieces of paper.”
Buffett has long championed a straightforward way for everyday investors to put this principle into action — no stock-picking skills required.
“In my view, for most people, the best thing to do is own the S&P 500 index fund,” he once famously stated. This approach gives investors exposure to 500 of America’s largest companies across a wide range of industries, providing instant diversification without the need for constant monitoring or active management.
The beauty of this approach is its accessibility — anyone, regardless of wealth, can take advantage of it. Even small amounts can grow over time, and some apps even let you invest in an S&P 500 ETF with your spare change, making it easier than ever to build wealth alongside the world’s financial elite.
Read more: This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here’s how to buy the coveted asset in bulk
In that 2014 interview, Buffett named “apartment houses” as one of the assets you might want to own during wartime. He has repeatedly pointed to real estate as a prime example of a productive, income-generating asset.
In 2022, Buffett stated that if you offered him “1% of all the apartment houses in the country” for $25 billion, he would “write you a check.”
Why? Because no matter what’s happening in the broader economy, people still need a place to live and apartments can consistently produce rental income.
Real estate also provides a natural hedge against inflation. When inflation rises, property values often increase as well, reflecting the higher costs of materials, labor and land. At the same time, rental income tends to go up, providing landlords with a revenue stream that adjusts with inflation.
The best part? You don’t need to be a billionaire to start investing in real estate today.
One option is Homeshares, which gives access to the $30 trillion-plus U.S. home equity market — a space that has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors. With a minimum investment of $25,000, accredited investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.
Another option is First National Realty Partners (FNRP), which allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.
With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.
Simply answer a few questions — including how much you would like to invest — to start browsing their full list of available properties.
Buffett’s comment that “you might want to own a farm” during wartime reflects a simple truth: Come what may, people still need to eat.
Even in times of peace, farmland has proven to be a valuable asset. According to the USDA, U.S. farmland values have steadily climbed over the past few decades, driven by increasing demand for food and limited supply of arable land.
These days, you don’t need to buy an entire farm or know how to grow crops to get in on the opportunity.
FarmTogether is an all-in-one investment platform that lets qualified investors buy stakes in U.S. farmland. The platform identifies high-potential agricultural properties and then partners with experienced local operators to manage the land effectively.
Depending on the type of stake you want, you can get a cut from both the leasing fees and crop sales, providing you with a cash income. Then, years down the line after the farm rises in value, you can benefit from the appreciated land and profit from its sale.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Amazon’s next Prime Day event hasn’t officially kicked off yet, but in classic Amazon fashion, the retailer has already dropped a selection of early deals ahead of its four-day sale. While steeper discounts are not likely to arrive until next month, many of the current offers are already worth considering, especially if you’re a Prime member looking to score a deal on one of Amazon’s own devices or services.
From record lows on security gear and power stations to a solid deal on what was already an affordable streaming device, these early discounts offer a great chance to save before the real deluge arrives on July 8th. And while most of these offers are exclusive to Prime members, in some cases, other retailers are price-matching Amazon, meaning non-members can still take advantage of some of the same savings.
We’ll be updating this guide over the next week or two as new deals drop, so be sure to check back often if you want to stay on top of the latest deals and discounts. We also suggest bookmarking our main Prime Day hub for additional tips, tricks, and insight into what is likely going to be one of the biggest shopping events of the year.
Amazon-owned Blink is offering steep discounts on a number of security devices ahead of Prime Day. Right now, for example, you can buy the latest Blink Outdoor security camera for just $39.99 ($39.99 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, or two Blink Outdoor 4 XRs — which is the same camera but with a Sync Module XR — for $89.99 ($90 off) at Best Buy. The outdoor security camera offers person detection and a wider field of view than the third-gen Blink Outdoor, while retaining support for motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio. The Sync Module XR just extends the range by up to 400 feet.
The best deals, however, are on bundles. For instance, you can grab a Blink Outdoor 4 alongside Blink’s latest Video Doorbell for just $69.98 ($70 off). Alternatively, you can pick up a Blink Video Doorbell with a Blink Outdoor 4 XR for $89.98 ($109.99 off). Blink’s updated doorbell improves on its solid predecessor with a wider 150-degree field of view, sharper 1440p resolution, and a better 1:1 aspect ratio that allows for a head-to-toe view of your porch. It also offers IP65 waterproofing and support for two-way audio / night vision, not to mention an impressive two years of battery life. It even supports person detection, though only with a $3/month Blink subscription plan.
If you don’t need a doorbell, Amazon is also selling a Blink Outdoor 4 with a Blink Mini 2 starting at $64.98 ($75 off), or with the Blink Outdoor 4 XR for $79.98 ($99.99 off). The Mini 2 is a relatively compact 1080p camera that offers motion alerts, two-way audio, and other core features. It’s also a meaningful upgrade over its predecessor, thanks to improved low-light performance, a wider field of view, and USB-C support. You can even use it outdoors given it carries an IP65 rating, though you will need to purchase Blink’s optional Weather-Resistant Power Adapter ($9.99) to do so.
Amazon’sFire TV Stick 4K is on sale for $24.99 ($24.99 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, which is its lowest price of the year. The Fire TV Stick 4K is an excellent streaming device that supports Dolby Vision and HDR10 Plus, allowing you to enjoy sharp, vibrant picture quality on compatible 4K TVs. It also offers support for Dolby Atmos, DTS, and other HDR and surround sound formats, so you can experience more immersive audio whether you’re watching movies or gaming. It integrates well with Alexa and comes with an Alexa Voice Remote, too, so you can search for shows or adjust the volume using your voice.
If you’re looking for better sound than your TV’s built-in speaker can provide, Amazon’s Fire TV Soundbar Plus is down to an all-time low of $174.99 ($75 off) at Amazon. At 37 inches wide, it’s small enough to fit under most TVs, making it a good option for apartments or smaller living rooms. Inside, it features three speakers, three tweeters, and two woofers, along with a dedicated center channel designed to enhance dialogue clarity. It also supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS True Volume, allowing a more immersive listening experience. It features four different listening modes as well — Movie, Music, Sports, and Night — which adjust the sound profile to match what you’re watching, whether you’re after loud, booming sound or a quieter, late-night vibe.
Whether you’re juggling smart devices inside or working in the backyard, the Eero Max 7router and new Eero Outdoor 7 deliver reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi wherever you are on your property. And right now, you can buy both at Amazon as a part of a bundle starting at $699.99 ($300 off), which is a new low price.
The Eero Max 7 is designed for high-performance streaming, gaming, and future-proofing your smart home setup. It features Wi-Fi 7 support and speeds up to 10Gbps, with coverage suitable for homes up to 2,500 sq. ft. per unit. For those looking to extend their reliable Wi-Fi signal beyond indoor walls, the Eero Outdoor 7 offers the same high-speed performance but is designed specifically for outdoor environments. It carries an IP66 weatherproof rating — ensuring it can withstand rain, dust, and extreme temperatures — while delivering coverage across up to 15,000 square feet.
If you don’t want to buy a Blink security camera, Ring also sells some great security devices that play well with both Alexa and other Ring gadgets. A few of these are on sale right now — including a notable deal that pairs a Ring Doorbell Battery with a Ring Indoor Cam 2, all for $69.99 ($70 off) at Amazon.
The battery-powered Ring Doorbell Battery is a basic 1080 buzzer that borrows a couple of features from the Battery Doorbell Plus, which is one of our favorite video doorbells. While it doesn’t have a removable battery, it improves on the older Ring Video Doorbell 2 with a 1:1 aspect ratio and a 150-degree field of view, giving you a full, top-to-bottom view of who or what is at the door. Like the Plus, it also supports color night vision and uses a PIR sensor for motion-activated recording.
The Ring Indoor Cam 2, meanwhile, is a basic 1080p camera that supports motion-activated recording, color night vision, and a built-in siren that can be triggered manually from the Ring app. One of its most notable features is the physical privacy shutter, which allows you to block the camera’s lens and disable the microphone. If you pay for a Ring Home subscription, which starts at $4.99 a month, you’ll also gain access to a host of other features, including an in-app SOS button that allows you to request police, fire, or medical help.
Normally $139.99, you can currently buy a refurbished Fire HD 10 tablet at Amazon with 32GB of storage and ads for $69.99. With its 10.1-inch HD display, octa-core processor, and 3GB of RAM, the Fire HD 10 is a solid budget slate for entertainment purposes. While it’s not as powerful as an iPad, it handles casual web browsing, reading, and light gaming well enough. Its 1080p screen is one of the best in Amazon’s lineup, too, while built-in stylus support and handwriting recognition mean you can also use it to take notes (though you’ll have to buy the optional Made for Amazon stylus separately).
If you’re looking for a portable power station for outdoor adventures or that inevitable power outage, the Jackery Explorer 1000 V2 is available for an all-time low of around $448.99 ($350 off) from Amazon and Jackery. The 23-pound power station is relatively lightweight and portable, with three AC outlets that can output up to 1,500W. It also boasts a pair of USB-C ports, a single USB-A port, and a DC car port, allowing you to charge phones, laptops, cameras, and even small appliances (including your mini fridge). It also charges significantly faster than prior models and boasts a handy LED light, making it a versatile companion for camping, road trips, and emergencies at home.
You can buy a Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam with a Ring Pet Tag for $44.99 ($44.99 off) at Amazon, which is a new low price. Ring’s Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam rotates 360 degrees on a motorized base, which you can control via the Ring app. The wired 1080p camera also offers a physical privacy cover — just like the second-gen Ring Indoor Cam — along with support for video and color night vision, two-way talk, motion detection, and a built-in siren. The Ring Pet Tag, on the other hand, attaches to your pet’s collar and links to a digital profile anyone can access via a QR code.
The Alexa Voice Remote Pro is now available for just $24.99 ($10 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, marking its lowest price to date. The backlit remote features a built-in remote finder, allowing you to quickly locate it using either Amazon’s Fire TV app or a compatible smart speaker. It also features customizable shortcut buttons that you can program to instantly launch your favorite apps, as well as compatibility with most Fire TV streaming devices and smart TVs. Read our review.
Amazon is selling the Eero 6 mesh router for $64.99 ($15 off), which is one of its best prices to date. While it lacks Wi-Fi 7 support and isn’t as fast as the newer Eero 7 models, it still delivers up to 900Mbps and covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. It’s a solid, budget-friendly choice for basic streaming, browsing, and smart home use.
You can buy an Echo Glow at Amazon for $19.99 ($10 off), which is $3 shy of its lowest price to date. The 100-lumen LED lamp is designed primarily for children, and as such, it can cycle through multiple colors with just a tap, function as a visual timer, and automatically dim when it’s time for bed. It’s also compatible with Alexa, meaning you can control it with your voice when paired with a compatible Echo device.
Right now, Amazon is offering a free month of Kindle Unlimited, which normally runs $11.99 a month. The subscription gives you access to more than four million e-books, along with thousands of audiobooks and digital magazines. Just remember to cancel our subscription before the trial period ends if you don’t want to be automatically charged at the end of the limited window.
Amazon’s Luna Controller is on sale for $39.99 ($30 off) at Amazon, which matches its best price to date. Although it was built primarily for Amazon’s cloud-gaming service, the gamepad offers support for both Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity, rendering it compatible with Android phones, Apple products, Fire TV devices, and PCs. It also integrates with Alexa, allowing you to issue voice commands directly through the controller when paired with a Fire TV device.
Dr. André Snellings is a senior writer for men’s and women’s fantasy basketball and sports betting at ESPN. André has a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Michigan. He joined ESPN in 2017 after a 16-year career as a neural engineer, during which time he was also a writer and analyst for Rotowire.
The Cooper Flagg era in the NBA is officially underway. As expected, the highly touted rookie forward out of Duke was drafted No. 1 by the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, and is considered by many to be among the best prospects of this millennium.
So what kind of production can we expect from him as a rookie?
First, we’ll look at how he fits with the Mavs’ roster as it is currently constructed. Then, we’ll do a quick historical dive into players with some similarities in terms of skill set. Finally, we’ll go over where Flagg should be taken in fantasy drafts this fall.
Flagg could therefore be called upon as a key part of the Mavs’ offense from day one, and should have the opportunity to earn as many minutes and handle the ball as much as he can from the opening tip. Match that opportunity with Flagg’s talent, which ESPN NBA analyst Bobby Marks says would have allowed him to be productive in the NBA as a 16-year-old, and Flagg has a great opportunity to produce impact numbers immediately.
We will learn more about Flagg as the summer progresses, most notably what the Mavs roster will look like around him after free agency. And we probably will get to see Flagg play his first professional competition in the NBA summer league in Las Vegas.
All of this information will help shape our official projections for Flagg’s rookie season, which will go live in a few months.
But based on what Flagg showed us in college, we already have a pretty good idea of what might be expected of Flagg. They’re the expectations of an instant impact player in fantasy hoops.
Like Hill, Flagg enters the NBA as a big wing with excellent size and the versatile skill set to contribute across the board on both offense and defense. Hill was a more mature prospect than Flagg, having played four years at Duke and entering the league as a 22-year-old rookie. But Flagg’s numbers from his freshman season at Duke were very comparable with Hill’s senior season, so despite being much younger at 18, Flagg appears to be similarly ready to transition to the NBA game.
Tatum is another big wing with the size of a combo forward but the game of a perimeter player, and he is a bit more shooter and less natural playmaker than Hlll. Flagg, in many ways, splits the stylistic difference between his Duke brethren. While not as natural a point forward as Hill, Flagg is a better creator and distributor than Tatum was when he entered the NBA. Similarly, while Flagg would need to develop to become the shooter that Tatum has become, Flagg is a better shooter coming out of Duke than either Hill or Tatum were.
Here is a comparison of each of these players’ final season at Duke:
And this chart shows the rookie numbers for Tatum and Flagg, with projections for Flagg’s rookie season based upon his numbers having a similar college-to-pro transition as his predecessors:
Where Flagg should be taken in fantasy drafts
Flagg’s 3-point total projection above was modified, since it is unlikely in today’s game that his 3-point volume decreases when he joins the NBA. If anything, this might still be conservative for his 3-point rate, but on the whole these numbers are illustrative for the type of production might be expected of Flagg as a rookie.
These numbers support him being a top-40 fantasy option as a rookie.
In points leagues, these averages would rank Flagg No. 28. Among small forward-eligible players, that would slot him between Jaylen Brown and Franz Wagner.
In category leagues, Flagg’s projected combination of all-around production with good percentages and relatively low turnovers was good enough to get him into the top 25, slotted among small forwards between Kevin Durant (16th) and Jalen Williams (30th).
This would suggest he should also come off the board in the first four rounds of fantasy hoops drafts.
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Michael and Emily Eavis opened the gates to Glastonbury on Wednesday morning
Last year, in an unlikely development, I was booked to DJ at Glastonbury Festival. When I arrived on Thursday afternoon, one thing struck me straight away.
There was a very particular atmosphere. I’d best describe is as a sense of release – of a wait being over. I’d never seen or felt anything like it.
That Thursday feeling stayed with me. I kept thinking about it in the months afterwards
Though the main stages open on Friday and run all weekend, Glastonbury is a five-day festival.
To its organiser, Emily Eavis, the first two days are special. The festival was started by her parents, Michael and Jean, and her memories are intertwined with family life.
“Traditionally, it would be me and my dad who go down to open the gates on Wednesday,” she says.
“It’s like letting people into Christmas in a way, you know? It’s sort of like musical Christmas, because they’re in the best state of mind.”
Over the next two days, the site fills up. And, at some point, almost everyone is in.
“Normally Thursday afternoon is when we reach capacity,” Emily tells me. “I get a message when we know that the site is full.
“I love the Thursday. I love energy of the Thursday.”
She then describes the same phenomenon I noticed last year.
“There’s a palpable feeling of excitement, anticipation. People want to see everything and touch everything and be there together. It’s a feeling of community, and big gangs of friends all reuniting.’
“A palpable feeling of excitement,” is the perfect way of putting it.
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BBC presenter Ros Atkins has a side hustle as a drum and bass DJ
The opening of the festival is something Emily has been witnessing her whole life – although it predates her by 10 years.
In 1970, her farmer parents organised the Pilton Pop, Folk and Blues Festival, with glam rocker Marc Bolan, ’60s pop star Wayne Fontana and singer-songwriter Al Stewart playing in his back garden.
“I think this is the quickest way of clearing my overdraft,” said Michael, when asked why he was staging a concert in the field where his dairy cows typically grazed.
With a few fits and starts, that event went on to become the UK’s most recognisable music festival.
And while it has changed over the years, some things have stayed the same.
‘When I was little, it was very different to how it is now because it was so much smaller, it was a very few people,” says Emily.
“But they still had the same look in their eyes which they have now, which is cheer, determination and commitment and joy and excitement and kind of magic.
“The look of, like, they’re going to make this five days the best five days of their life and it’s an amazing thing to witness.”
WATCH: ‘It’s absolutely ideal. It’s a kind of a euphoria down here, away from the awful realities of life’.
It was an amazing thing to witness first-hand last year. And as Emily once more sees the valley fill up, to my delight, I’m one of those who’s pitching their tent.
I’ll be DJing at Stonebridge on Thursday night and doing my best to capture the sense of expectation and possibility.
To do that, I’ve been getting some help from Radio 1’s Greg James and his listeners – and from Drum & Bass DJ and producer Crissy Criss.
Last week, I took the lift from the BBC newsroom all the way to the top of London’s Broadcasting House and joined Greg on his show.
We talked about Glastonbury – and Greg asked his listeners to send us voice notes describing the way they feel as the festival kicks off. A good number of them did.
We then sampled some of those messages – alongside my interview with Emily Eavis.
Crissy Criss has scattered those samples across a track that’s a celebration of what Thursday at Glastonbury is all about.
Greg will introduce the track at the Stonebridge venue where I’m DJing.
As you can probably tell, that Thursday last year had quite an impact on me.
As one of Greg’s listeners put it: “You set yourself up, you’ve got your drink. Life is good. You are where you’re meant to be.”
Or in the words of Emily Eavis: “They’re going to make this five days the best five days of their life.”
The BBC has extensive coverage of the festival over the next few days on TV, iPlayer, radio and BBC Sounds.
House Republicans cleared their first funding bill for fiscal 2026 on Wednesday, approving more than $450 billion to fund the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), military construction and other programs.
The House voted mostly along party lines on Wednesday afternoon to approve the funding plan, with only two Democratic lawmakers, Reps. Jared Golden (Maine) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Wash.), joining Republicans in backing the legislation.
House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) touted the bill Wednesday as fully funding “veteran health care and benefits, marking enhanced investment under President Trump.”
“It strengthens quality of life for troops and their loved ones through housing and childcare resources,” he said. “And it reaffirms our commitment to peace through strength by providing for base infrastructure and readiness efforts.”
However, Democrats have voiced strong opposition to the funding plan.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (Conn.), top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, said on Wednesday the bill would transfer “billions of taxpayer dollars to private hospitals and clinics, leading to longer wait times, poor communication and coordination, a diminished quality of care for our veterans, and higher costs for taxpayers.”
“This is a step toward privatization of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Because if you hollow out the VA, if you make it impossible for people to be able to access their benefits, then they will say, ‘Well, we cannot trust the VA.’ And they will move in the direction of privatization, and that is where this administration wants to go.”
The bill calls for about $152 billion in discretionary funding for fiscal 2026, marking a 3 percent increase compared with current levels. Overall, the bill would provide about $453 billion for the VA, including $300 billion for mandatory programs.
Among the increases Republicans have highlighted in the measure are boosts to the VA, military construction and family housing, along with funding for a new homelessness program. Democrats, on the other hand, have railed against the plan and needled Republicans for not including advanced funding for the Toxic Exposure Fund in the proposal, which they also said falls nearly $1 billion short of the funding needed for military construction.
Senior GOP appropriators have acknowledged that further changes are possible during the annual process as they await more information from the Trump administration about the president’s vision for government funding for fiscal 2026 and beyond.
So far, House GOP appropriators have approved a third of their funding bills for fiscal 2026, as top Republicans push to have all bills passed out of committee before the August recess.
