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On this day 60 years ago, a song that would become a landmark rock anthem, The Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations," was officially born in the recording studio.

On Feb. 18, 1966, Brian Wilson reportedly led the first session to record "Good Vibrations," which would be released as a single for the band on Oct. 10, 1966. While the song was basically complete on the first recording, Wilson and the band went on to have many more sessions throughout the year, up until September.

The recording of "Good Vibrations" was historical and impressive even without considering the fantastic song that it created, as it was the first time Wilson used the innovative "modular recording" style, meaning he produced the song by recording short musical fragments that could be endlessly rearranged.

Wilson opened up about the recording process of "Good Vibrations" in a 2011 interview with Harvey Kubernik, who asked him what it was like hearing the final mix of the song for the first time. Wilson recalled, "All the guys said, 'Hey Brian. This is a number one record.’ I said, 'You know what? I agree. I think this is gonna be a number one record.'”

The late music legend also recalled his emotional reaction to hearing "Good Vibrations" on the radio for the first time, saying, "I cried my eyes out. I was in my house in Bel-Air when I heard it on the radio. My God!"

Related: 2004 No. 1 Hit Named One of the "Top Breakup Songs of All Time"

When "Good Vibrations" was finally released in October, it quickly became a hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart on Dec. 10, while it already hit No. 1 in the U.K. the month before.

Originally released as a single with the B-side "Let's Go Away for Awhile," the song was also included on The Beach Boys' 12th studio album, Smiley Smile, released almost a year later, on Sept. 18, 1967. The album release featured the singles "Heroes and Villains" and "Gettin' Hungry."

"Good Vibrations" was one of four Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 songs for the group, with the other three being "I Get Around" in 1964, "Help Me, Rhonda" in 1965, and "Kokomo" in 1988.

Related: On This Day in 1961, a Legendary Rock Band Played Their First-Ever Paid Gig

The day just isn't complete until I've solved all of the free word games from the New York Times, including Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Strands, and Mini Crossword. And, of course, I can’t forget about Wordle, too! If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1705 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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There are two vowels in today's five-letter word.

Today's Wordle begins with a consonant.

There are no double letters in today's Wordle.

Synonyms for today's Wordle would be: "tycoon" or "powerhouse."

OK, that's it for hints—I don't want to totally give it away before revealing the answer!

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

We'll have the answer below this friendly reminder of how to play the game.

SPOILERS BELOW—do not scroll any further if you don't want the answer revealed.

The New York Times

Today's Wordle answer on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, is MOGUL.

-If you missed it, catch up with the answer to yesterday’s Wordle.

Related: Today's Wordle Hint, Answers for #1704 on Tuesday, February 17, 2026

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We’re in that part of winter where spring isn’t too far away, but it’s still cold enough for warm layers. If you’re looking for that perfect transitional jacket, Columbia is always a great choice, and members can save an extra 30% off right now. That means you can get this fleece jacket for over 60% off. 

Normally priced at $65, if you combine the current discount with the extra 30% off for members, Columbia’s Benton Springs Printed Fleece Jacket is now just $23. That price applies to all sizes and colorways, too, so you can get the beige jacket seen here, along with the black rose-patterned and dark red fleeces. 

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Lightweight but still warm where it counts, this fleece is made with 250 grams of plush polyester fleece that keeps you insulated without the bulk, making it easy to wear solo or under a heavier jacket. Zippered hand pockets keep daily essentials secure, and the interior drawcord lets you fine-tune the fit. It’s available in four different patterns, too, so you can shake up the usual look. 

Related: Columbia’s 'Beautiful' and 'Cozy' Down Jacket Is Now 50% Off, and It’s Perfect for Layering

One shopper wrote that this is their first Columbia fleece jacket and that it's “already my favorite” because it’s “very warm and very comfortable.” Another wrote, “Cute for daily use and going to the gym,” and its gym-going capabilities were a big plus for a lot of other reviewers. Another shopper commented on the jacket's versatility, writing, “Perfect fleece to add warmth to any outfit!”

Shoppers love this jacket so much that a handful of them ended up grabbing more than one, like this reviewer who said, “It was so comfortable and affordable I bought three.” The print patterns (there are four different ones to choose from) add a unique twist to the style, and one shopper wrote, “It has the prettiest print of any Columbia I’ve ever seen.”

• Columbia Fire Side II Sherpa Full Zip Fleece, $29 (was $70) at Columbia
• Columbia Panorama Long Jacket, $60 (was $115) at Columbia
• Columbia Winter Warmth Printed Full Zip Hoodie, $35 (was $110) at Columbia

A warm layer that you can truly wear all year, Columbia’s Benton Springs Printed Fleece Jacket can be yours for just $23. This member's sale won’t be around forever, so if you want to double up on discounts, now’s your chance. 

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

When it comes to country music, the sadder the song, the bigger the hit. Earning the title of “Saddest Song in Country Music History” is as good as gold for country singers. Even more impressive is standing out with a sad country song in the 1990s—an era when the genre was defined by tearjerkers. It’s an honor most country songwriters can only aspire to.

Country music news site Taste of Country named the saddest country songs of all time. Landing in the top spot is the surprising former lead singer of ’70s soft rock band Pure Prairie League, country legend Vince Gill.

Earning Taste of Country’s vote for saddest country song of all time is Vince Gill’s "Go Rest High on That Mountain." The gospel-influenced country ballad was inspired by the death of Keith Whitley and Gill’s own brother. Appearing on Gill’s 1994 solo album When Love Finds You, "Go Rest High on That Mountain" is often considered the definitive country funeral song. Though recorded as part of Gill’s solo career, the singer’s years with Pure Prairie League helped shape his vocal style, and his success as a solo artist reflects the ’70s band’s legacy.

Related: '90s Country Music Legend Shares Exciting Update to 2026 U.S. Tour

"Go Rest High on That Mountain" was released as a single in 1995 and peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The song won Song of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards and earned Gill the Best Male Country Vocal Performance award at the 1996 Grammy Awards.

Every performance of "Go Rest High On That Mountain" has it's own story. Listen to the 30th anniversary extended version now!

Vince Gill took more than five years to complete "Go Rest High on That Mountain," citing the song’s deeply emotional nature. The song is a tribute to someone who has lived a faithful life and is now at peace in heaven. "Go Rest High on That Mountain" offers a message of comfort and hope, making it one of the most requested and respected memorial songs in country music history.

Now, the song is also considered the saddest.

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We'll take Recent Reading Recommendations for 1000, Ken!

Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings is letting viewers in on some of his favorite books he's read lately—and fans are already adding these titles to their reading lists.

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In a new clip posted to the Jeopardy!Instagram page, Jennings, 51, was asked to name his top titles from 2025, sharing three books he believes will make the perfect addition to any reader's bookshelf.

Here are some of the book titles Ken Jennings has been loving lately:

"I liked the new Ian McEwan book," Jennings said, referring to the author's September 2025 release, What We Can Know.

McEwan's dystopian story "spans the past, present and future to ask profound questions about who we are and where we are going," according to Goodreads. It was even nominated for the site's Readers' Favorite Fiction in 2025.

Up next, Jennings named Samin Nosrat's latest cookbook, Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love.

"Her new book is a cookbook but it's so much more," he said of Nosrat's September 2025 release, while adding that fans of her 2017 book, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, will definitely like this one, too.

For his third title, Jennings named Will There Ever Be Another You by Patricia Lockwood, calling it "the best book" he read in 2025.

"Nobody writes like her," he said of Lockwood, who is also known for No One Is Talking About This (2021) and Priestdaddy (2017).

Jennings further gushed, "She has the most astounding brain where you can't understand where these sentences and these viewpoints are coming from...It's like a miracle every page."

"I cannot recommend Tricia Lockwood more strongly," he added.

Fans loved some of Jennings' recommendations so much that now several users are calling for Jennings to start up his own book club.

"A Ken Jennings Book Club might save 2026," one user wrote in the comments on Instagram.

"Ken always has the best taste!" someone else applauded, while one user said Jennings' ability to select great books is "elite."

"Logging onto my library account pronto," another fan chimed in.

Related: Jeopardy!'s Ken Jennings Sends Clever, Not-So-Subtle Political Message

When people think of '90s music, the first thing that comes to mind is often the massive grunge explosion...or, at the other end of the spectrum, the rise of pop queens like Britney Spears and the Spice Girls. But the decade is also known for its chart-topping ballads, which came from artists and acts of every genre (after all, everybody needs a slow song sometimes).

Decades later, music lovers are still listening to so many of these sentimental songs...and when Ranker asked readers to vote on the "best ballads of the 90s," they had plenty of opinions.

Kicking off the top 10 picks was Duran Duran's "Ordinary World" (1992), which represented a huge comeback for the band (whose massive popularity from the '80s had waned at that point). At #9 was "Truly Madly Deeply" (1997) by the Australian pop duo Savage Garden, which shot to the very top of the charts in the U.S., Canada and Australia.

Ranked at #8 was Toni Braxton's "Un-Break My Heart" (1996), which won the singer a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance (and stayed at the #1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 for a whopping eleven weeks). Seal took the #7 spot with his emotional trademark tune "Kiss From a Rose" (1994), which got a huge boost on the charts when it was re-released in 1995 on the Batman Forever soundtrack. Shania Twain's country pop crossover "You're Still the One" (1998) was placed at #6...and all these years later, it's apparently still the one, considering it's been streamed over 700 million times on Spotify.

Kicking off the top 5 was another absolutely enormous hit, Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" (1992), a Dolly Parton cover that went on to become the best-selling single worldwide by a female artist. Another iconic chanteuse, Mariah Carey, took the #4 spot with "Hero" (1993), followed by yet another legendary female singer, Celine Dion, in third place with the 1996 hit "Because You Loved Me" (spoiler alert: This won't be the last time you see Dion's name on this list).

Coming in second was Dion's biggest hit of all time — associated with one of the most popular movies in history — "My Heart Will Go On" (1997), which was of course the theme for Titanic. So what song could possibly beat such a blockbuster tune?

Voted the #1 best ballad of the '90s was another song released on a movie soundtrack: Bryan Adams' "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You." The sweeping power ballad was both the lead single for the Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves soundtrack album and Adams' sixth studio album, Waking Up the Neighbours, the song went on to hit #1 on the charts in at least 19 countries, making it not just Adams' biggest song ever but one of the best-selling singles of all time, according to ChartMasters.

Related: This 1977 Hit Was Ranked 'Best Rock Love Song' of All Time

Country music legend Hank Williams Jr. has added seven new stops to his 2026 tour, nearly tripling the number of shows on his calendar. 

The 76-year-old star shared the news directly with fans on Instagram, confirming that he will return to the road this summer with a lineup of special guests.

“New dates announced! Excited to be getting back on the road this summer and bringing along some new friends,” Williams wrote in his caption. “Pre-sale starts tomorrow at 10AM local time. Use code ROWDYFRIENDS at hankjr.com to get your tickets. General sale starts Friday at 10AM local time.”

Tickets officially go on sale Friday, Feb. 20, at 10 a.m. local time through Live Nation.

Photo by Frederick Breedon IV/FilmMagic

The newly announced dates begin June 5 in Tampa, Florida, at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheater. The tour will then move to West Palm Beach, Florida, on June 6. Later stops include Virginia Beach, Virginia (June 19), Birmingham, Alabama (June 26), Clarkston, Michigan (July 17), Grand Rapids, Michigan (July 18) and Bangor, Maine (Aug. 1).

The Birmingham concert will take place at the Coca-Cola Amphitheater at 6:30 p.m., according to event details released Tuesday.

Williams will not be alone onstage. Special guests joining select shows include Joe Nichols, Sammy Kershaw and The Marshall Tucker Band. The mix of artists promises a blend of classic country, Southern rock and blues.

Before this announcement, Williams had only four performances listed for 2026. With these seven added dates, fans now have more chances to see the Country Music Hall of Famer live. More shows are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks and months.

Williams, born in Shreveport, Louisiana, is one of country music’s most recognized names. He is the son of country pioneer Hank Williams and has built a career that spans more than six decades.

Over the years, he has sold an estimated 70 million albums worldwide. His catalog includes six Platinum albums and 20 Gold albums. Fourteen of his albums have reached the top of the charts, and he has scored 10 No. 1 country singles.

Among his most famous songs are “A Country Boy Can Survive” and “Family Tradition.” His 1984 hit “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight” became widely known as the theme for Monday Night Football, earning him multiple Emmy Awards.

In 2020, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, cementing his place as one of the genre’s most influential voices.

Williams’ most recent album, Rich White Honky Blues, was created with Grammy-winning producer Dan Auerbach. The project debuted at No. 1 on the Current Country, Americana/Folk and Blues Albums charts, showing that the singer remains a strong force in the industry even in his 70s.

The 2026 dates will mostly feature outdoor amphitheater venues across Florida, Alabama, Michigan and Maine. His next scheduled performance before the summer run is an April date at the Cajundome in Lafayette, Louisiana.

For longtime followers and newer country fans alike, the expanded 2026 tour signals one clear message: Hank Williams Jr. is not slowing down anytime soon.

Related: Hank Williams' Grandson, 28, Reimagines His Iconic Hit Song

There are just some songs you know from the first note. These are undeniable, instantly recognizable songs that leave an impression. These songs are catchy, and in the 2000s, there is one pop star who reigns supreme: Lady Gaga.

That is what a study at Manchester’s  Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) determined in a year-long study. MOSI’s website had a game called Hooked on Music, which contained clips from 1,000 hit songs, the top-selling 40 tracks of each decade since the 1940s. The game included multiple modes, including Time Trial, in which users had to identify as many songs as possible.

More than 12,000 people participated, and the data indicated that Lady Gaga’s 2008 hit, “Just Dance,” was the catchiest pop song released after 2000. It took players just 2.66 seconds to identify her 2008 hit.

That wasn’t the most recognizable—aka “catchiest”—song. The Spice Girls’ “Wannabe” was the most recognizable, with users needing only 2.29 seconds to identify it. Lou Bega’s “Mambo No. 5” was No. 2 at 2.48 seconds, while Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” came in at No. 3 with 2.62 seconds.

But "Wannabe" came out in 1996, “Mambo No. 5” was out in 1999 and “Eye of the Tiger” is from 1982, making “Just Dance” the then most recent earworm and catchiest pop song of the last 25 years.

Related: This Is the Worst Song Ever, According to Science: ‘It Is Atrocious’

"I work within a group that studies music cognition in general -- any way in which the brain processes music -- and we were particularly interested in music and memory and why exactly it is that certain pieces of music stay in your memory for such a long time," Dr. Asley Borgoyne, University of Amsterdam computational musicologist and designer of the survey, told the BBC.

"You may only hear something a couple of times, yet 10 years later, you immediately realize that you have heard it before. Yet other songs, even if you have heard them a lot, do not have this effect,” said Dr. Borgoyne.

The study had some legitimate medical significance. Understanding how musical memory works can inform research on the treatment of dementia. "There has already been some research that shows that if you can find the right piece of music, something that had a very strong meaning, playing that piece of music can be very therapeutic,” said the doctor. “But the challenge is figuring out what is the best piece of music."

Of course, there are some caveats for this study (something to keep in mind before going to the comments section).

The most glaring issue here is that this study—released in November 2014—is slightly outdated. Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off’ was just three months old when the findings were shared, and if the study were replicated today, we’d see plenty of Ms. Swift on it (along with Chappel Roan’s “Hot to Go!” or “Pink Pony Club,” as well as Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” and Bad Bunny’s “Mía.”)

Second, this is strictly pop music. Dolly Partonis absent from the list. Metalheads know “Enter Sandman” like the back of their hands, the same way country fans can recognize Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places” from the opening strums.  

01. "Wannabe," Spice Girls - 2.29 seconds
02. "Mambo No. 5," Lou Bega - 2.48 seconds
03. "Eye of the Tiger," Survivor - 2.62 seconds
04. "Just Dance," Lady Gaga - 2.66 seconds
05. "SOS," ABBA - 2.73 seconds
06. "Pretty Woman," Roy Orbison - 2.73 seconds
07. "Beat It," Michael Jackson - 2.80 seconds
08. "I Will Always Love You," Whitney Houston - 2.83 seconds
09. "Don't You Want Me," The Human League - 2.83 seconds
10. "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing," Aerosmith - 2.84 seconds
11. "Poker Face," Lady Gaga - 2.88 seconds
12. "MMMbop," Hanson - 2.89 seconds
13. "It's Now or Never," Elvis Presley - 2.91 seconds
14. "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet," Bachman-Turner Overdrive - 2.94 seconds
15. "Billie Jean," Michael Jackson - 2.97 seconds
16. "Karma Chameleon," Culture Club - 2.99 seconds
17. "Baby One More Time," Britney Spears - 2.99 seconds
18. "Devil in Disguise," Elvis Presley - 3.01 seconds
19. "Rivers of Babylon," Boney M - 3.03 seconds
20. "Candle in the Wind," Elton John - 3.04 seconds

Related: 1976 No. 1 Hit Voted 'Worst Song of the '70s'

Emma HemingWillis has spent the past several years acting as a caregiver for her husband Bruce Willis—but she makes sure that she's taking care of her own mental health too.

Following Willis' diagnosis with frontotemporal dementia in early 2023, Heming has been open about their journey as a family as they've experienced such a life-changing event. In a new interview with People published on Tuesday (Feb. 17), Heming reflected on how she's caring for both her husband and herself.

"I think that 40% of caregivers aren't making their own medical appointments and caregivers can sometimes pass before their loved ones," Heming told the outlet.

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She continued, "So that’s a reminder to keep me on track and hopefully educate people, caregiver or not, just about the importance of caring for yourself. It's really vital."

For Heming, that's means making time to check in with herself and working to balance her family's schedule with doctor's appointments as well as personal time.

“It's really easy to get bogged down with our to-do lists and our calendars. I try to have a ‘brain break’ on my calendar," Heming said. "So I remember to step away from the screen, getting outside, making sure that I am checking the boxes on my brain health journey because that's sort of how I care for myself now."

Heming added that by thinking about her brain first, the rest of her "body benefits." That's also part of the reason why Heming launched her women's brain health brand, Make Time Wellness, which produces supplements that focus on issues like brain fog, low energy and skin concerns.

“I think as women in society, we tend to put ourselves last, and we put everyone's needs above our own," Heming said. "And what I've realized is that if you are not caring for yourself, if you are not finding ways to make time for your health, your hobbies, it's impossible to be able to care for the people that we love."

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If your under-sink cabinet is the one space you keep pretending doesn’t exist, spring cleaning season is the perfect excuse to fix it — especially with a budget-friendly under-sink organizer on flash sale at Walmart. The retailer’s bestselling Taimasi Pull-Out 3-Tier Organizer Set is currently $24, down from $47. It’s available in both white and gray and designed to help maximize tight cabinet spaces without interfering with plumbing.

Each organizer measures 12.44 inches long, 8.78 inches wide, and 13.62 inches high, with drawer heights of 2.56 inches. They’re made from high-hardness plastic and reinforced with thickened stainless steel support tubes. Each set includes two pull-out basket drawers with hollowed handles, six removable dividers per organizer for customizable compartments, anti-slip rubber feet, and opaque drawers that conceal contents. The top-tier covers can also double as storage trays and help prevent dust buildup.

Courtesy of Walmart

What makes these especially useful for spring cleaning is the stackable design. The trays can be configured as a single-tier, two-tier, or full three-tier system, depending on available height and pipe placement. The pull-out drawers also mean you won’t need to reach into the back of a cabinet to grab a single bottle anymore, which helps keep cleaning supplies, toiletries, and household items organized and accessible.

Reviewers have described the organizers as “easy to assemble” and “space-saving.” One shopper shared, “It holds lots of cleaning supplies, and the pull-out shelves make them easily accessible.” Another wrote, “I used these under my bathroom cabinets and cannot believe how much open space I have now.” A third buyer even called the set “one of the best things I have ever bought.”

Related: Walmart's 'Perfect, Beautiful, and Spacious' Bathroom Storage Cabinet Is Now on Sale for Just $68

Adding tiered under-sink storage can separate backup products from everyday items, keep bottles upright, and prevent any pileups that may form over time. The removable dividers make it easy to create designated sections for cleaning sprays, skincare, or kitchen supplies.

• Best Choice Hyacinth Storage Basket Set, $50 (was $134) at Walmart
• Phancir Clear Under-Sink Organizer Set, $20 (was $47) at Walmart
• Sterilite 3-Drawer Medium Storage Cart, $16 (was $37) at Walmart

With adjustable tiers, pull-out drawers, and a compact design that fits around pipes, the Taimasi Pull-Out 3-Tier Organizer Set is a practical upgrade for anyone tackling spring cleaning this season. If under-sink organization has been sitting on your to-do list, now is a smart time to finally check it off.

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More than 50 years after its release, one 1971 rock anthem is still casting a long shadow over the genre.

According to rankings compiled by TheTopTens, the greatest classic rock song of all time is none other than Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven." The eight-minute epic, which famously opens with the line about "a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold," continues to captivate listeners with its slow-burning build and explosive finale.

Released in 1971 on the band's untitled fourth album, often referred to as Led Zeppelin IV, the track was written by frontman Robert Plant and guitarist Jimmy Page. Plant once said that the lyrics came to him in "a flash of inspiration."

"I was holding a pencil and paper, and for some reason I was in a very bad mood. Then all of a sudden my hand was writing out the words, 'There’s a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold/And she’s buying a stairway to heaven.' I just sat there and looked at the words and then I almost leapt out of my seat," Plant recalled.

The song's reputation has only grown over time, though it hasn't been without controversy. In 2014, Led Zeppelin was sued for copyright infringement over claims that the song's opening guitar passage borrowed from "Taurus" by Spirit. After years of legal proceedings, the band ultimately prevailed in 2020, with the decision upheld on appeal, as reported by Rolling Stone.

"Definitely Led Zeppelin’s best song," said TheTopTens of "Stairway to Heaven." "Jimmy Page made the guitar sound amazing. The way he took the slow beginning and turned it into a wailing solo and outro is incredible. John Bonham’s drums make my heart stop. Robert Plant's vocals are probably the best ever. It's the song to end all songs. The best song in existence.”

In a 2021 interview, Page was asked how much value he places on legacy, to which he replied, "Somebody once asked me if I was intimidated by my past and I wasn't being flash when I said this, but it was actually an immediate response. I said, "No, it inspired me."

More than half a century later, the track still reigns supreme and so many others continued to be inspired by band, just like Page himself.

Related: 1971 Best-Selling Record Ranked No. 1 ‘Classic Rock Album’ of the '70s

Bic Runga, the music sensation behind the hit song “Sway,” is back in the spotlight following the release of her new album, Red Sunset.

Millennials and listeners alike fell in love with her signature melodic sound and crystalline vocals, along with her heartfelt and introspective songwriting.

Now, the renowned New Zealander musician has given fans a long-awaited return, marking her first album in over a decade.

In an Instagram post, Runga announced the release of her sixth studio album.

According to her, the new album was recorded in Paris last year during the winter and was completed in Auckland over the summer.

The post also includes a heartfelt message to her fans who have been patient and supportive throughout her long hiatus.

Dave Simpson/WireImage via Getty Images

“My new album, Red Sunset, is finally out in the world! I’m so excited to share these songs with you. The record began in a winter in Paris and was finished in an Auckland Aotearoa summer. This is my first album of new songs in 15 years. Massive thanks to August Avenue, Sony Music Publishing Australia, The Orchard AU/NZ, and NZ On Air for making me feel like it matters to write again. Most importantly, thank you for still being here! And for listening! I hope you find a new favorite among these tracks,” the caption reads.

The post sparked a wave of congratulatory messages from fans who were  thrilled and eagerly  waiting for her return and new music.

“Love it! Special mention to the outro/end of It's Like Summertime,” one wrote.

“So great to hear some new music from you. The wait was worth it,” a commenter said.

“@bicrunga, we have been waiting for this!!” a follower noted.

“Beautiful record, congrats Bic!” a fan echoed.

Runga’s new album was co-produced by the singer herself along with Kody Nielson, the New Zealand singer-songwriter, musician and the former vocalist of the art punk band The Mint Chicks.

Red Sunset represents an emotionally rich and thoughtful phase in her career.

“After such a long time between albums, I didn’t want to rush this one,” the award-winning singer shared as cited by The Rolling Stones. “These songs came together slowly, in a very particular place and time, and that space really shaped how the record sounds and feels.”

As mentioned, the sixth studio album was a follow-up to her 2011 album Belle.

In a separate interview, Runga shared that she stepped back from 15 years to focus on her family and embrace motherhood.

“I haven’t made a record in a really long time,” she told Rova. “I’ve been putting myself second to all that motherhood stuff and now I'm just like ‘Man, if i don’t get a life.. What am I going to do?’”

Following her breakthrough song that dominated the late ‘90s, Runga is considered one of the most decorated musicians in New Zealand's history.

She took home 20 recognitions at the Tui Awards (Aotearoa Music Awards) for Best Female Vocalist, Best Producer and Album of the Year.

On top of this, the 50-year-old singer was inducted into the NZ Music Hall of Fame, becoming the youngest-ever inductee.

Related: ‘90s Metal Band Issues Statement After Canceling Show Amid 2026 Tour

If you're anything like me, the day is not complete until I finish all of the free word games from the New York Times. Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can't forget about the NYT's The Mini Crossword, too!

Although the NYT is known for "The Crossword," a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.

So, if you're working on today's Mini on for Today's Mini Crossword on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, and need some help (I've been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both "Across" and "Down" words, followed by "Across Answers" and "Down Answers," so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!

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Here are additional clues for each of the words in today's Mini Crossword.

1 Across: ___ Glenn, Olympic figure skater who’s a three-time U.S. national champion — HINT: Starts with the letter "A"

6 Across: Popcorn size that might come in a bucket — HINT: Ends with the letter "E"

7 Across: “Lies and the Lying ___ Who Tell Them” (Al Franken book) — HINT: Starts with the letter "L"
8 Across: Close-up map — HINT: Ends with the letter "T"

9 Across: Prepares a home for a new baby — HINT: Starts with the letter "N"

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

1 Down: Bold poker declaration — HINT: Ends with the letter "N"

2 Down: Only U.S. state with a one-syllable name — HINT: Starts with the letter "M"

3 Down: Orchestra section with trumpets and horns — HINT: Ends with the letter "S"

4 Down: "Great" or "Snowy" wading bird — HINT: Ends with the letter "T"

5 Down: Some sheet music squiggles — HINT: Starts with the letter "R"

Don't go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today's Mini Crossword.

1 Across: ___ Glenn, Olympic figure skater who’s a three-time U.S. national champion — AMBER

6 Across: Popcorn size that might come in a bucket — LARGE

7 Across: “Lies and the Lying ___ Who Tell Them” (Al Franken book) — LIARS

8 Across: Close-up map — INSET

9 Across: Prepares a home for a new baby — NESTS

1 Down: Bold poker declaration — ALLIN

2 Down: Only U.S. state with a one-syllable name — MAINE

3 Down: Orchestra section with trumpets and horns — BRASS

4 Down: "Great" or "Snowy" wading bird — EGRET

5 Down: Some sheet music squiggles — REST

Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Isabella Strahan, the 21-year-old daughter of Good Morning America's Michael Strahan, is enjoying life in style, showing off her natural beauty while wearing a sheer black dress in new photos.

The young model shared a few new snaps on Instagram on Feb. 17, looking stunning as she posed outside underneath a tree. Isabella wore a simple yet daring black halter dress featuring an open back, wearing her hair in a sleek updo while she added a few necklaces, a bracelet, and a watch as accessories. She looked relaxed as she took the photos, sharing a big grin in the third snap.

Isabella let the photos speak for themselves, leaving the caption empty, and fans and friends quickly filled the comments with compliments for her.

Her twin sister, Sophia, cheered her on, writing, "HOT" and "LOVE," while her mother, Jean Muggli, shared a sweet reply as she said, "Isabella🩷, you’re looking so gorgeous. I love it that your hair can fit up in a ponytail. I love how beautiful that dress looks on you. I love that big gorgeous smile. Nothing makes your mother happier than to see you happy."

Others called the look "insane" and "physical spiritual and literal perfection," while someone else joked, "I just shed a tear." Another said the snaps left their "jaw on the floor."

The praise kept coming, with other supportive comments including, "My heart j skipped a beat," "You are stunning!" and "Beautiful. I love the dress too 🔥."

Related: Michael Strahan Provides Insight on How Daughter Isabella Is Doing After Brain Cancer Battle

Isabella seems to be thriving in the wake of her cancer battle, traveling the world and working as a model. She and Sophia celebrated their milestone 21st birthday last October, enjoying a special party surrounded by their friends to mark the occasion.

Hard at work, Isabella has recently partnered with Skims, Kenneth Cole, Coach, and more, while a documentary about her health journey called Life Interrupted: Isabella Strahan's Fight Against Cancer came out last February.

Related: Michael Strahan Gushes Over Twin Daughters Sophia and Isabella Strahan's 'Gorgeous' New Modeling Photos: 'So Proud'

After four weeks of competition, the Star Search finale took place tonight as the eight final acts  -- H3rizon, Janine Harouni, TJ Salta, Harry Merlin Piper, Spud Howard, Duo Vespertillio, Madison Lauren, and Movement 55 – competed for the grand prize of $500,000, and the results of the international vote were revealed with Star Search’s Season 1 winner announced at the end of the star-packed night of performances.

Hosted by Anthony Anderson, with judges Jelly Roll, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Chrissy Teigen, the 2026 reboot featured competitors in several categories: music, variety, dance, juniors and comedy.

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What makes tonight’s episode different than previous episodes is that 100 percent of the final vote is being cast by viewers.

Here is the breakdown of the talent for the finale:

Duo Vespertilio (Variety, Acrobat/Aerialist)
H3rizon (Music, Group)
Harry Merlin Piper (Variety, Juniors)
Janine Harouni (Comedy)
Madison Lauren (Music, Juniors)
Movement 55 (Dance)
Steven “Spud” Howard (Music, Solo)
TJ Salta (Variety, Magician/Mentalist)

The episode began with four head-to-head challenges between the eight champions advancing from Episodes 7 and 8. Viewers scored each performer on a five-star scale. From there, the four top-scoring champions moved on to a final multiple-choice vote. Viewers made one last selection to determine the winner.

Related: How to Vote for Star Search 2026 — Every Vote Counts!

Photo Credit: Kit Karzen/Netflix

Madison Lauren, 11, Dublin, CA vs Harry Merlin Piper, 15, Salou, Spain

Madison’s song: “You Say” by Lauren Daigle

Jelly said: “I didn’t realize how nervous I was going to be and how big the finale was going to feel until she started, but you killed it. I can’t wait to see what you do in the future. I can’t wait until you start writing songs. Just keep singing, girl.”

Harry Merlin Piper

Sarah Michelle said: “You are incredible. We all know it but your little backstage stuff, you are so kind. You are magic.”

Worldwide scores:
Madison:  3.79  
Harry: 4.3

Harry moved on to the Top 4.

Duo Vespertilio, Denver, COvs Movement 55, Los Angeles, CA

Duo Vespertilio

Sarah Michelle said: “That was equal parts absolutely beautiful with absolutely terrifying. You have managed each week to up your game. That’s how you do a finale.”

Movement 55

Chrissy said: “The faces, the form, everything. I think in one of my interviews, I said I was ready for you to give some body movements and you did tonight.”

Worldwide scores:

Duo Vespertilio: 3.95
Movement 55: 3.67

Duo Vespertilio moved into the Top 4.

Steven “Spud” Howard, 33, from Houston, TX vs H3rizon from Sydney, Australia

Spud’s song: Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M.

Jelly said: “I got to stand up for Spud. You got wild. There is a richness in your voice that is like a waterfall, a raging river rampage. It’s almost as if it is effortless for you to sing. It is God given.”

H3rizon’s song: “Leave (Get Out)” by JoJo

Sarah Michelle said: “I can’t wait for the H3rizon tour. I will be in the pit. I will be dancing in the break. I ‘m ready to cheer you guys on.”

Worldwide scores:

Spud: 3.98
H3rizon: 3.70

Spud moved into the Top 4.

Janine Harouni, 38, Staten Island, NY vs TJ Salta, 24, Norwalk, CT

Janine Harouni

Chrissy said: “What I love so much about comedy is you are right, you are up there alone. It is so quiet in here. People are waiting on your every word. I love that you are fearless, your cadence, the way you deliver a joke is so beautiful. You are so fun to watch.”

TJ Salta

Sarah Michelle said: “We have seen you week after week. You are a magician, you are a performer, you are a storyteller. That’s all I can say. I never rewatch anything and last week, I must have watched 20 times how you were in front of me and then you were there.”

Worldwide scores:

Janine: 3.49
TJ Salta: 4.32

TJ Salta moved into the Top 4.

Then it was time for the world to vote a second time, selecting one of the Top 4 as the winner of the $500,000 prize. Was it Harry Merlin Piper, Spud Howard, Duo Vespertilio or TJ Salta.

The act finishing in fourth place was Duo Vespertilio, third place was Spud Howard, second place was Harry Merlin Piper, which means the winner was TJ Salta.

Star Search airs only on Netflix.

Next, Everything to Know About Netflix’s Star Search Reboot—Judges, How to Watch and How to Audition

Isn’t it funny how the tiniest things can cause the biggest organizing headaches? The chunky sweaters and oversized blankets are easy—fold, stack and done. But the little stuff never seems to want its own home. Your favorite lip gloss, tiny perfume bottles, mini plants, collectible trinkets—those are the pieces you actually use or want to admire daily. Shoving them in a drawer feels wrong. But lining them up randomly on a dresser somehow looks … chaotic.

The tricky part is finding something that keeps those small essentials within reach and makes them feel like they belong in that spot. You want accessible, not hidden. And it needs to be styled but not stodgy. We're not talking about your grandma's china cabinet here. Rather, it should be something that brings a smile to your face when you walk past it.

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Meet Five Below's pink arched plastic shelf. It's $10, has three tiers to place stuff, and also comes in a clear colorway (hey, pink isn't everyone's thing). Just look at it below. It's practically begging you to line those shelves with your nail polish collection or skincare products (or both). Or maybe you have some little figurines that need a spot to hang out together.

Five Below

Playful storage can be such a game changer. A piece with personality instantly takes your little odds and ends from clutter to curated, without feeling overly styled. And the arched shape of this shelf gives it a touch of whimsy, too.

Related: Marshalls' Chic Printed Nightstand Rivals an Anthropologie Piece That's 4x the Price

Five Below has some really great new items lately—some for organizing, some just too cute to pass up. Like, for instance, there's a flower-themed serving platter that could actually also work to organize small craft supplies like beads and whatnot. There's a multi-compartment storage system that would work for DIY supplies, too. But if you want to go really cutesy and functional, there's a bear-shaped trinket jar that might actually make you squeal.

Because organizing shouldn't feel like filing taxes. It should feel fun. And sometimes, all it takes is the right small-but-mighty shelf to turn your everyday bits and bobs into part of the décor. Or a need-to-have bear trinket jar to keep your jewelry tidy by your bedside.

Related: IKEA Is Selling a Vibrant 2-Pack of Serving Bowls That Will Brighten Up Your Kitchen Counter

The men's curling competition at the Milan Olympics between Team Canada and Team Sweden resulted in an unexpected controversy.

Team Sweden threw numerous accusations of cheating at Canadian curler Marc Kennedy during their match on Feb. 13. The interaction between the two teams quickly became heated with Kennedy denying the accusations and telling Sweden's Oskar Eriksson to "F*** off."

According to NPR, The Swedish team accused Kennedy of "double touching" a stone after it went over the hog line. Per curling rules, players must release the stone before crossing the hog line and any contact after that point is a violation.

Curling officials stated they couldn't call the alleged violation from Kennedy because they didn't see it. However, World Curling did issue a verbal warning to Canadian curling officials over Kennedy's use of profanity. Team Canada ultimately won the match against Sweden with a score of 8-6.

Team Sweden alleges that Kennedy released the stone handle but the poked the heavy granite rock itself. They claim he kept on finger on it as it crossed over the line.

"You don't touch 20kg of granite with your fingertips without feeling it, it's completely impossible," Swedish curler Niklas Edin said following the match. "We, in the sport, know how very few grams of pressure can change the speed when it already has a movement forward. You can move some degree of the angle [too]."

Kennedy pushed back on the claims from Team Sweden, telling reporters, "I've curled my whole life, never once with the intention of getting an advantage through cheating."

He continued, "So when [my integrity] gets attacked, I get my back up and get a little bit aggressive."

Eriksson and Kennedy both expressed how they believe their verbal altercation was not a good representation of curling culture.

"Curling should be a gentlemen's sport," Eriksson said. "But perhaps it's come to a stage of professionalism where we drift away from that as some people think it's too important to win."

Kennedy shared his own sentiments with reporters, expressing disdain for, "trying to catch people in the act of an infraction and [doing] anything to win a medal," and claimed that "the whole spirit of curling is dead."

The day after the match, World Curling announced that, "touching the granite of the stone" would result a player to be "removed from play." However, this new policy was shortly reversed that same day.

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When it comes to heavy metal, fans have very different (and usually very strong) opinions about all the different metal sub-genres. Some bands are straight up heavy metal, others are hair metal. Some are speed metal, still others are thrash metal. Then there's black metal, death metal, nu metal...the list goes on.

Still, many of the most bestselling metal albums from over the years fall into the plain old heavy category. And as Ranker found when readers voted on the "top metal album of all time," it seems the most iconic records from that group are still just as popular as ever.

Dio's 1983 debut album Holy Diver kicked off the top 10 picks on the list, which was singer Ronnie James Dio's first album after his stint in Black Sabbath. Another album from 1983, Iron Maiden's Piece of Mind, took the #9 spot — no surprise considering it went platinum in the U.K. and North America. Interestingly (since Piece of Mind was Iron Maiden's fourth studio album), the same band's fifth studio album, Powerslave (1984), was ranked just above at #8.

Black Sabbath made their first appearance on the list at #7 with their third studio album, Master of Reality (1971), while Megadeth made their only showing at #6 with Rust in Peace (1990).

Black Sabbath returned to nab both the 5th and 4th spots with their 1970 eponymous debut album and their second studio album, Paranoid (1970), respectively. Metallica achieved a similar feat when they took the next two consecutive spots with Ride the Lightning (1984) at #3 and Master of Puppets (1986) at #2.

At the absolute top of the list was Iron Maiden again, this time with their 1982 classic The Number of the Beast. It's a notable album for a variety of reasons; not only did it see the debut of vocalist Bruce Dickinson and the final appearance of drummer Clive Burr, it also features such iconic hits as the title track and "Run to the Hills." The Number of the Beast was the band's first album to hit #1 on the U.K. charts and break the Billboard top 40.

What do you think? Does Number of the Beast deserve the "top metal song of all time" crown?

ActressSarah Chalke said that she had an interesting experience with a Roseanne fan.

During an appearance on a February 2026 episode of Jesse Tyler Ferguson's podcast, Dinner's On Me, Chalke noted that she took over the role of Becky Conner-Healy during Roseanne's 6th season, which premiered in 1993, after Lecy Goranson's exit. She recalled being at a Freedom Tibet rally as a college student when a Roseanne viewer began heckling her.

"They like yelled at me and they were like, 'I like the first Becky way better!' And I was like, 'Okay. Yeah, she was fantastic. I agree. She was great,'" said Chalke in the interview.

She said that the individual almost immediately apologized for his comment.

"Then he came back and he was like, 'Hey, I just want to apologize. I've always just like wanted to yell at an actor and you were here. And so, I'm sorry. And I didn't mean it.' And I was like, 'Oh, okay. Oh, thank you for clarifying,'" said Chalke during the podcast episode.

In addition, Chalke explained that she was just 16 when she was cast as Becky. She said her inexperience allowed her to successfully film for Roseanne because she wasn't fully aware of how high-pressure the job was.

"I think the only reason that I was able to actually even go and do the job was because I was so naive and I didn't actually get it. I mean, I got it a little bit," said the Scrubs actress. "I didn't really get it in the same way that I would now. In terms of like potentially the pressure cooker that that situation was. I think I didn't fully comprehend. I think it's the only reason I was actually able to even go and audition and be in that room and be present and have a conversation with them"

Goranson, who began playing Becky during the first season of Roseanne, explained why she left the series following season 5 in a 2019 interview onLive with Kelly and Mark. She shared that she wanted to have a normal college experience away from the entertainment industry. She also suggested that she felt isolated from peers her age, with the exception of her Roseanne castmate, Sara Gilbert, because she grew up as a child actor.

"I'm like a Chicago girl. I love my friends and family. And I love school and I love normalcy," said Goranson in the interview.

In addition, she shared that she was able to focus on writing and playing rugby while she studied at Vassar College.

"I wanted to read and write and and explore. And I think that's the age where you really can do it. That's kind of what college is for, more than the degree. It's that exploratory time of who am I? I just thought I'm not just the girl from Roseanne. Which is what everyone says, 'You're that girl from Roseanne.' I have a lot more to me than that," said Goranson in the 2019 interview.

Goranson returned to play Becky for some episodes in the show's 8th season, per IMDb. In addition, Goranson reprised the role for the spin-off series, The Conners, which had a seven-season run until 2025.

Fans are feeling the weight of Baylen Dupree's Tourette's syndrome after the TLC star shared a video showcasing a particularly active tic day.

Dupree and her fiancé, Colin Dooley, taste-tested Starbucks' protein lattes in a new clip on her TikTok, but she struggled to read off the list of ingredients in her drink between tics, asking fans, "Bear with me," before ultimately accepting Dooley's offer to read the label for her. She even had to set it down in the cupholder so he could pick it up after one of her tics had her thrusting it forward.

As Dooley picked it up, Dupree shot a defeated look at the camera, quietly admitting either, "It's been a day," or, "It's a bad day." But her smile returned as Dooley finished reading off both their orders—a grande iced vanilla protein latte with vanilla protein cold foam, four pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup instead of regular vanilla syrup and a Splenda for her and a venti iced caramel protein latte with banana protein cold foam and six pumps of white mocha or him, in case you're wondering—and she lifted her drink again to "cheers" him before taking a sip.

"Wow, that's yummy," Dupree said quietly after trying hers, while Dooley seemed surprised to admit that the banana cold foam is "actually pretty good."

Related: 'Baylen Out Loud' Star Bechnir Dupree Shocks Fans With Sudden Style Switch-Up

Fans debated the way Dupree described the day, but, either way, it was clear that "🥺 she looked so exhausted in that moment," which left fans feeling heartbroken for the 23-year-old.

"Ugh her sweet look when she said that was so tired. 🥺," one wrote, while another said it "broke my heart 😭."

“…it’s a bad day…” another quoted. "oh sweetie. My heart 🥺❤️."

Her followers also appreciated how "patient" Dooley was—and always is—with her tics, with one quipping, "CAHLIN is our supportive, unbothered king 👑."

It made many of them feel better to see that he was "taking good care of her 🥹🫶🙌," praising the way "he just goes with the flow ❤️" and knows when to sit back and let her work through it and when to step in and offer to help.

Dupree got her start documenting her journey with Tourette's on social media, and eventually signed on to star in a reality series with her family on TLC. Baylen Out Loud's second season wrapped up on Dec. 30, and, so far, there's no word on a potential Season 3. No matter what happens with TLC, though, it's clear Dupree will continue to spread awareness and keep fans updated online.

Related: TLC Fans Send Support to Baylen Dupree as She 'Pops Off' Against 'Rude' Follower: 'Proud of You'