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One of the most beloved computer games of the '90s just stepped back up to the plate.

Backyard Baseball, the cartoon kids' sports series that a whole generation grew up playing, returned on Thursday, July 9, with a brand-new installment, nearly 30 years after the original first landed on home computers in 1997.

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The original Backyard Baseball came from Humongous Entertainment and became a fixture on family desktops, built around a colorful cast of cartoon kid ballplayers. The franchise went quiet for years before Playground Productions acquired the Backyard Sports name in 2024 and started reviving it. Re-releases of Backyard Baseball '97 and Backyard Baseball '01 hit Steam over the following months, setting the stage for the first all-new entry in the series.

Related: Iconic ’90s Trading Card Craze Turns 30 as Its ‘Holy Grail’ Sells for a Record $16.5 Million

The new Backyard Baseball sells for $39.99 on PC and packs in four gameplay modes, 11 remastered stadiums, 24 teams and 30 playable characters. Longtime fans get the reunion they were hoping for, too. Pablo Sanchez, the fan-favorite neighborhood kid nicknamed the 'Secret Weapon,' returns rendered in 3D.

It marks a real milestone for the brand. After two years of re-releasing the classics and putting out a free demo this past April, this is the first ground-up Backyard Baseball built for a new era rather than a polished port of an old one.

For the fans who grew up on the series, the timing could not be better, landing right in the heart of baseball season. The game is available now.

Next: Popular Mobile Game Suddenly Shutting Down After Nearly 7 Years — For Good

Today's NYT Wordle answer is all about the navigation of water and where it flows. But 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. If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1847 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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There is one vowel, but it's the repeated letter in today's five-letter word.

Today's Wordle begins with a consonant.

There are double letters in today's Wordle.

A hint for today's Wordle is: artificially constructed waterway designed for navigation, water transport or drainage and irrigation management.

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 Friday, July 10, 2026, is CANAL.

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

Related: Every 5 Letter Word Wordle Hasn't Used Yet (Updated Daily)

Reba McEntire has built a remarkable five-decade career, with songs that have shaped generations of country music fans. One of those songs is a motivational anthem titled “I’m a Survivor.”

On July 5, the track marked the 25th anniversary of its release, and McEntire made sure to celebrate, pointing out how much of an impact the lyrics have had on many of her fans. 

“This week marks 25 years since we released ‘I’m A Survivor,’” McEntire, 71, often referred to as the ‘Queen of Country Music,’ captioned a video post on Instagram on Thursday, July 9. “It touches my heart that all these years later it still connects with listeners. I had no idea what a life this song would have!”

Lyrically, the country song shares an uplifting message as McEntire sings about moving forward despite any hardships that may have set her back. She tells the story through the eyes of a single mother who nearly lost her life at birth and now holds down two jobs to stay afloat and provide for babies of her own. 

Though today fans still resonate with “I’m a Survivor,” McEntire actually wasn’t the one who wrote the song. That credit goes to lauded Nashville songwriters, Shelby Kennedy and Phillip White, who penned the tune in a quick 30-minute session. 

While “I’m a Survivor” became the theme song to McEntire’s hit TV sitcom,Reba, which ran for six seasons from 2001 to 2007, the inspiration for the tune was actually drawn from a different show — Survivor.  

During a 2022 interview with The Tennessean, Kennedy and White shared how the song came about, with White noting: "It was Phillip's idea… thinking about the Survivor television show, it was just kind of one of those things that he kinda mentioned. Then we said, 'Do you ever wonder if somebody that was born prematurely, is their whole life out of sync because they came too early? So everything's out of time?' And then Phillip being Phillip, he came up with 'I was born three months too early / The doctor gave me 30 days.'"

"The television show was pretty popular, but I always felt like survivors were more than what was kind of being seen as survivors during that time,” White added. “I know Shelby has too, but I've always tried to be a man of integrity. And I've also tried to write songs with integrity. And I think this song was full of integrity."

“I’m a Survivor” appears on McEntire’s album entitled Greatest Hits Volume III: I’m a Survivor. The track peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and at No. 49 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Related: 1980 No. 1 Hit, Lasting 19 Weeks on the Charts, Ranked ‘Greatest Country Song of All Time’

One of the Rolling Stones' biggest hits was a huge risk.

Sixty years after "Paint It Black" was released, Mick Jagger reflects on the track and his legendary career.

In a recent interview with Apple Music’s ZaneLowe to promote the band’s new album Foreign Tongues, the rock star shared his thoughts on the song.

“That's not a classic rock track,” he said. “I don't know what you call it. What kind of music is that?”

"Paint It Black" was released in 1966 and saw major chart success. It was on the US Billboard Hot 100 for 11 weeks, with two of those in the number one spot. The song still attracts listeners. It is currently the number one most-streamed song by the band on Spotify with 1.7 billion streams.

Jagger continued that the band “has a very large repertoire of styles,” with blues being at the forefront of their sound.

“It's not just a blues band, but however, most of what the Rolling Stones do, having said all that, is rooted in some way in blues style, has blues notes, has blues in it somehow,” he said.

He added that the band values exploring genre and style, even though it is more difficult with age.

“When we were young, we would try all those things, you know, and as you get older, you get, I think, you get a bit more conservative. You don't want to try as many things, you know. You want to stick to what you know,” Jagger explained.

The rocker acknowledged that without these risks, many of the most popular Rolling Stones songs would not exist.

“Whereas when you were 21 or 22, you do ‘Paint It Black’ and you don't think about it. It's just done,” he shared. “And then you don't know if anyone's going to like it. It sounds crazy. No one’s going to listen to that.”

Foreign Tongues is the Rolling Stones' 25th studio album. It is set to be released on July 10 and features Paul McCartney, The Cure’s Robert Smith, The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith, and Steve Winwood.

Some novels build momentum through glowing reviews. Others become must-read books through word of mouth.

Liz Moore's The God of the Woods has managed to do both. The bestselling literary mystery is currently ranked No. 33 among Goodreads' most-read books of the year, a list based on the titles readers have marked as finished over the past year. The recognition underscores the novel’s remarkable staying power months after its release.

Published in 2024, The God of the Woods quickly emerged as one of the year's breakout literary thrillers. Blending family drama, psychological suspense and mystery, the novel earned widespread praise from critics while finding an enthusiastic audience among book clubs and online reading communities.

Set in the Adirondack Mountains during the 1970s, the story begins when 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar disappears from her family's summer camp. Her disappearance comes 14 years after her older brother vanished under similarly mysterious circumstances, setting off an investigation that uncovers long-buried secrets, shifting family dynamics and decades of unanswered questions.

"The theme of grief, I would say, is a strong motivating factor: people seeking to heal their grief or to heal themselves in ways that are both healthy and damaging," Moore told Chicago Review of Books. "When somebody seeks to heal their grief in a way that's unwise, that can become a domino effect and have outcomes that they didn't predict, which I do think is the case in this book." 

Readers have embraced the novel for its richly drawn characters, atmospheric setting and carefully layered storytelling. Moore's ability to balance literary fiction with page-turning suspense has helped The God of the Woods appeal to fans of both character-driven novels and traditional mysteries.

"It's a fun exercise for me to never outline a novel," Moore told NPR. "That's my practice because it lets me discover things at the same time that the reader does. Of course, I go back and draft and redraft and redraft. But I love hearing from readers that certain twists were a complete surprise to them, but that they felt earned or that they didn't feel implausible."

The book's success has also translated into industry recognition. The God of the Woods became a New York Times bestseller and was selected for Reese's Book Club, introducing Moore's work to an even broader audience and helping fuel its continued popularity.

Its placement among Goodreads' most-read books is especially notable because the ranking reflects books readers are actively finishing rather than simply adding to their want-to-read lists. As a result, it offers a snapshot of the stories that continue to keep readers engaged from beginning to end.

As The God of the Woods remains among Goodreads' most-read books of the year, it continues to attract new fans through recommendations, book clubs and social media. For Moore, the novel has become both a critical and commercial triumph, cementing its place as one of the standout literary mysteries of recent years.

Related: Best-Selling Author’s Novel Ranked Among ‘Most Read Books’ on Goodreads

Martha Stewart has officially declared Lancôme's newest beauty launch "a really good thing."

In a new Instagram video for the French beauty brand, Stewart puts her signature spin on her iconic catchphrase while introducing the Lancôme Teint Idôle Ultra Wear Shape Stick, a new take on one of the company's best-known complexion products. The launch reimagines Lancôme's bestselling Teint Idôle Ultra Wear Foundation, which first debuted in 2005, as a convenient foundation stick designed for on-the-go application.

"It's a really good thing," Stewart says in the video, a playful nod to the phrase that has become synonymous with the lifestyle icon over the course of her career.

The new Shape Stick expands on the Teint Idôle collection by transforming the longtime liquid foundation into a multiuse stick that can be worn as foundation, contour, blush or highlighter. The makeup-skincare hybrid was made to simplify daily routines by delivering buildable coverage and a natural-looking finish.

"I use it to quickly perfect my complexion without any fuss," Stewart told InStyle. "I apply it where I want a little extra coverage, then use a slightly deeper shade along my cheekbones and jawline for subtle definition. Everything blends beautifully, so the result looks polished and natural."

One of its standout features is a unique 19-degree angled tip, which is designed to hug the contours of the face for more precise application. The lightweight formula is also intended to blend seamlessly without looking cakey or powdery, making it a versatile option for a variety of skin types.

Stewart isn't the only familiar face highlighting the launch. Actress Angela Bassett and entrepreneur Camila McConaughey have also partnered with Lancôme to showcase the new collection on social media, reflecting the brand's focus on a wide range of beauty routines and ages.

Originally introduced more than two decades ago, Teint Idôle has long been one of Lancôme's signature complexion franchises. By reimagining the formula in stick form, the brand is updating one of its most recognizable products for shoppers who prefer portable, multitasking makeup.

"I love products that are both beautifully designed and practical," Stewart said.

The Lancôme Teint Idôle Ultra Wear Shape Stick is available now for $46 through Lancôme and major beauty retailers. And if Stewart's verdict is any indication, the reimagined beauty favorite has earned one of the highest compliments she can give.

Related: Olivia Rodrigo Gives Beauty Secrets Ahead of 2026 World Tour

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When summertime heat waves roll in, even celebrities aren't immune to the swelter. And as the temperatures have climbed this season, many celebrities have turned to Shark's ChillPill. The stylish, portable 2-in-1 personal cooling system has become the season's must-have accessory for stars like Justin Bieber, Kevin Hart, tennis sensation Aryna Sabalenka, and pop icon Rachel Stevens. 

Just a few months after its March launch, you can now score the ChillPill at its lowest price ever on Amazon. The little cooling system is just $100 right now, a cool 23% off the regular $130.

Courtesy of Amazon

The Shark ChillPill has gained tremendous popularity among celebrities and everyday individuals alike because of its unique features. This portable device combines a potent fan with a dry misting system to provide immediate relief from hot weather, whether you're relaxing by the pool, watching a game, or on the move. Its elegant rose gold appearance is not only attractive, but also practical, blending style with functionality.

In contrast to bulky traditional fans, the ChillPill is small and convenient to transport, fitting easily into a bag or even your back pocket. By simply pressing a button, you can switch between using the fan alone or activating the mist. The device's intelligent design ensures you stay cool and refreshed without any mess, making it ideal for makeup enthusiasts, athletes, and anyone who desires to remain comfortable and photo-ready.

Amazon shoppers are taking notice as well, praising the ChillPill for its efficient cooling power, impressive portability, and long-lasting battery. Shoppers said it's "worth every penny," and it makes the perfect companion for outdoor concerts, beach days, or running errands on a hot afternoon.

"This thing is awesome! I wasn't sure what to expect, and honestly I was blown away," a reviewer noted, adding that it's "super easy" to swap out the attachments.

"From someone who always runs hot, this is a life-changing purchase," another shopper stated. "The chill plate is my personal favorite, and feels amazing on my face, neck, and palms where I usually radiate heat. The fan is pretty versatile, and I've been able to use it both at my desk and while cooking."

• Shark PowerBoost Cordless 2-in-1 Handheld PowerVac, $100 (was $180) at Amazon 
• Shark Freestyle Max Cordless Upright Vacuum, $150 (was $200) at Amazon
• Shark Navigator Robot Vacuum, $180 (was $300) at Amazon

Related: Martha Stewart's 'Beautiful' $13 Stainless Steel Kitchen Essential Is ‘Great for Everyday Baking’

If you've been searching for a stylish way to beat the heat, or just want a taste of celebrity luxury, now's the perfect time to shop the Shark ChillPill before the deal disappears. Snag your $100 Shark Chill Pill at its lowest price ever and enjoy the lightweight tool celebs know is the coolest accessory of the season.

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Badlands may have been just another short-lived powerhouse band, but the hard rock quartet continues to earn recognition after being ranked among the greatest supergroups of all time.

BBC Music Magazine unveiled its list of the 23 greatest supergroups, recognizing bands whose members had already found success as solo artists or members of other established bands before joining forces.

While well-known supergroups like Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Asia, Cream and UK dominated the top five, Badlands claimed the No. 22 spot, thanks to the remarkable musicianship and the powerful vocals of Ray Gillen.

Krasner/Trebitz/Redferns

Formed in the late '80s, Badlands was founded by Jake E. Lee, the former guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne, and Gillen, who had a brief run as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath. They were joined by Steeler bassist Greg Chaisson and drummer Eric Singer, who later joined KISS.

Badlands made its debut with the release of its self-titled album in 1989 under Atlantic Records.

The four-piece band's debut attracted attention with the singles "Dreams in the Dark" and "Winter's Call" which helped introduce the band to a wider audience.

With the public's positive response, Badlands' debut album reached No. 57 on the Billboard 200.

Rolling Stone magazine even named the album one of the greatest hair metal albums of all time, ranking it at No. 35.

The band's growing success led it to secure opening slots on major tours with Great White and Tesla.

Two years after its debut, Badlands released its sophomore album, Voodoo Highway, in 1991.

During this period, Singer was replaced by Jeff Martin from the heavy metal band Racer X, joining Lee, Gillen and Chaisson in the lineup.

Despite the lineup change, the band continued to showcase its evolving sound through notable tracks including "The Last Time," "Whiskey Dust" and "Fire and Rain," a cover of James Taylor's hit.

Unfortunately, the second studio album did not achieve the same commercial success as the band's debut.

Around this time, Gillen's worsening health cast uncertainty over the band's future.

In 1993, the iconic vocalist passed away at the age of 34 due to complications from an AIDS-related illness.

"He never told me," Lee said in an interview with Dean Delray's "Let There Be Talk" podcast as transcribed by Blabbermouth and recalled how Gillen's health had noticeably deteriorated. "But in between the first and the second [Badlands] record, he started getting really thin and didn't look quite as healthy. And I never asked him about it.”

Larry Busacca/WireImage

Shortly afterward, they officially disbanded after just four years together.

The band's first two albums eventually went out of print after Atlantic Records dropped the group, according to the Dig Me Out Podcast.

Five years following Gillen's death, Badlands released the posthumous demo album Dusk in 1998 under Pony Canyon Records.

Featuring Jake E. Lee, Ray Gillen, Greg Chaisson and Jeff Martin, the record contains 10 studio demo tracks recorded between 1992 and 1993 before the band's disbandment.

Related: '80s Rock Band, Formed by Accident, Ranked Among 'Best Supergroups' of All Time

It's truly no exaggeration to say that Laura Nyro wasn't just one of the most influential female singer-songwriters of the '60s and '70s, but one of the most significant musicians of the era, period. Elton John "idolized" her. According to Todd Rundgren, once he heard Nyro's music, he stopped trying to write songs like The Who and started following in her lead. Joni Mitchell said she started playing piano again because of Nyro. But, strangely enough, Nyro's songs were only hits when they were performed by other people.

One of those songs was the classic "Eli's Comin,'" originally released on Nyro's critically acclaimed 1968 album Eli and the Thirteenth Confession. As producer and arranger Charlie Calello told Rolling Stone, he first heard the songs on the album before they were recorded, when Nyro played them on her piano for him (per a young David Geffen's request).

"I had tears in my eyes," Calello says. "I had never heard anything like this in my life." 

A former child prodigy from the Bronx, Nyro was discovered at the age of 18 when her piano tuner father introduced her to record exec Artie Mogull, who thought she could be the "female Bob Dylan."

According to Nyro's friend, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Janis Ian, all the musicians in NYC during 1968 bought three albums, and Eli and the Thirteenth Confession was one of them (the other two were Dr. John's Gris-Gris, and the Band's Music From Big Pink).

"You basically have Christ singing doo-wop on a street corner," Ian recalled. "That album is severely unrecognized. Dr. John and Robbie Robertson got all these accolades, but Eli is the late-to-the-party stepchild. It's not a surprise. God forbid women be recognized for orchestration or arranging."

As popular as Eli and the Thirteenth Confession was with Nyro's contemporaries, it barely cracked the Billboard 200. Other musicians, however, were finding success with covers of her songs. The 5th Dimension had hits with "Stoned Soul Picnic" and "Wedding Bell Blues," while Blood, Sweat & Tears turned "And When I Die" into a chart-topper.

The members of Three Dog Night had heard Nyro perform "Eli's Comin'" live, and were "intrigued" by the song's format, according to American Songwriter. Their version of the song ended up being one of the band's biggest hits, peaking at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spending 14 weeks on the chart overall.

"That was our forte, basically," Cory Wells, who sang lead on the track, said in Soul Picnic: The Music and Passion of Laura Nyro by Michele Kort. "We would take songs that either were not palatable to the public, like Randy Newman stuff, and change it and make it commercial, or we'd do it in a completely different direction to sort of give it another character."

While Three Dog Night clearly made "Eli's Comin'" more commercial, decades later, Nyro's original is still revered. In a 2024 interview with Songfacts, renowned songwriter Desmond Child praised the track as "cinematic and epic."

"It would speed up, it would slow down — it was very dramatic. It stirred something inside of me that felt very personal," Child said, adding, "At that time, when I was 15 years old hearing her music, I felt like I knew her, and I felt like I wanted to have that effect on the world. That motivated me to write songs seriously and to find my own path in music."

Related: Grammy-Winning Singer Says She Never Got Credit for Writing 'One of the Biggest Songs in Rock History'

Country music superstar Kenny Chesney has announced his next major appearance as excitement continues to build around his upcoming album, Silver Sands Marina.

The singer shared the news directly with fans on Instagram, writing, "Excited to share that I’ll be performing LIVE on TODAY Show September 17."

Chesney will perform live in New York City on Sept. 17, as part of the Citi Concert Series on TODAY. The appearance comes just days before the release of his new studio album, Silver Sands Marina, which arrives on Sept. 25.

The performance gives fans one of only a few remaining opportunities to see the country star perform live this year after the conclusion of his Sphere Las Vegas dates.

Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images

The announcement marks another major moment for Chesney, whose career includes 23 No. 1 songs on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart and more than three decades as one of country music's biggest touring acts.

The event will take place at TODAY Plaza in Rockefeller Center, located at 35 West 48th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues in New York City.

The TODAY appearance arrives during a busy season for Chesney as he prepares to release his 21st studio album.

Last month, the singer revealed that Silver Sands Marina would be released on Sept. 25.

"This album was built with human emotions that make us feel alive," Chesney wrote while announcing the project on social media. "Cheers to new music."

The album takes its name from Silver Sands Marina in Gilford, New Hampshire, a family-owned marina that has operated since the 1950s. The location also appears on the album cover.

The lead single from the record, "carry on," is already climbing the charts and currently sits at No. 12.

The project also marks another chapter in a career that has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and produced some of country music's most recognizable songs.

Among Chesney's 23 Hot Country Songs chart-toppers are hits including "The Good Stuff," "There Goes My Life," "Summertime," "Don't Blink" and "American Kids."

His longest-running No. 1 singles, "The Good Stuff" and "There Goes My Life," each spent seven weeks at the top of the chart.

The live television appearance also comes as fans prepare for another major Kenny Chesney event this summer. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will open a new exhibit dedicated to the singer on July 23.

Titled Kenny Chesney: Living in Fast Forward, the exhibit will remain open through June 2027 and will feature memorabilia from throughout his career.

Several displays highlight his roots, including the football jersey and varsity jacket he wore while attending Gibbs High School and the Fender Concord guitar he played while studying at East Tennessee State University.

Other featured items include the cassette tape containing his 1992 demo of "When She Calls Me Baby," the rocking chair that inspired "Old Blue Chair" and the handwritten chord chart used during the recording of "You and Tequila."

With a live national television performance, a new album on the way and a career exhibit opening this month, Chesney's latest announcement adds another milestone to a career already defined by decades of success.

Related: Country Star Announces New Song With Special Guest Amid 2026 Tour

Grammy winner Duffy, who is most well-known for her breakout hit from the late 2000s, "Mercy," finally played her first full show in 15 years on Sunday, July 5. She held a secret concert in London, England, at Hoxton Hall, and the location was only revealed on the day of the event.

She performed for a small group of fans after teasing the show at the start of June. She wrote on her Instagram Stories last month, via Billboard, "I’m doing a secret intimate gig in London on the 5th July, next month, and I would love nothing more than for some of you to attend. It’s only small capacity so we can only select a few, but really looking forward to it."

Duffy then casually shared the exciting tease, "I will sing some new songs," getting all of her fans extremely hyped up. When the concert finally came around, the lucky fans in attendance got to hear her perform both old and new music.

The singer stepped away from the spotlight years ago after going through an extremely traumatic assault. She will reportedly talk about the experience publicly for the first time in an upcoming documentary from Disney+.

Related: ’60s Rock Band Nearly Scores New No. 1 Hit 64 Years After Forming

Duffy's London concert, although small and private, was one of her first major steps in returning to the public eye and the music industry. She also gave fans a peek at her process of making new music on Instagram earlier this year.

Alongside a photo of herself in a music studio, she wrote in a May update, "If only I could find the right words to explain how much I’ve missed you all. Working on coming back to you ❤️. Duffy x."

Fans were thrilled about the news and personal message from Duffy, with one writing in a comment, "I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS DAY FOR 15 YEARS."

The last music Duffy released was in 2010, when she came out with her second album, Endlessly. She is most well-known for her award-winning debut record, Rockferry, which came out two years earlier.

Related: ’90s Rock Band Announces First New Album in 28 Years

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Sometimes the smallest touches can make your backyard feel like a completely new space. If you plan to spend a lot of summer nights on your patio and want to perk up the ambiance, solar lights are a fantastic addition. They’ll brighten up your space with their warm glow and turn it into a cozy retreat. Having racked up over 700 five-star ratings, this Excmark 2-Pack of Hanging Solar Lanterns at Walmart is definitely worth checking out. 

Right now, you can score this solar lantern set on sale for 50% off. Normally retailing for $40, it’s now marked down to just $20 in four styles. This is a deal you don’t want to miss, considering that you’re getting each lantern for just $10. You can choose from a hummingbird design or a butterfly style in either a white or a bronze finish.  

Courtesy of Walmart

Boasting a nature-inspired design, these solar lanterns will undoubtedly bring some cottagecore energy into your backyard. The surface of the lanterns is adorned with cutouts featuring decorative shapes, flowers, and either hummingbirds or butterflies, creating a buzzy scene that’s full of life. 

These cutouts allow light to pass through and cast beautiful shadows all around, filling up your space and bringing it to life. The shadows are magical and whimsical, transforming your backyard into a dreamy storybook garden. 

You can place these solar lanterns anywhere outdoors and either hang them up or set them on a surface. If you keep the lanterns on a patio table or on the ground, they’ll create sharper silhouettes. Alternatively, if you hang it up using the included top handle, these shadows will cover a larger area. You can dangle it from your patio or porch overhang, or hang it from a shepherd’s hook in the middle of your garden or walkway. 

Courtesy of Walmart

Fixed with a solar panel on top, these lanterns are a sustainable and low-maintenance choice as they don’t require batteries or electricity. Just place them in direct sunlight so they can charge up during the day. The solar panels have an IP44 waterproof rating and are able to withstand splashes and light rain. 

The lights will automatically turn on when it gets dark and illuminate your space with a warm glow for eight to 10 hours. Shoppers attested to this, noting that their lights stay on all night long. They also mentioned that the lights are really bright. 

Made of metal, these solar lanterns are rust-resistant, ensuring that they remain in pristine condition. Both the white and the bronze-style lanterns have a weathered finish, giving them a rustic appearance and vintage-inspired charm. Measuring 5.5 inches wide and 6.3 inches tall, these lanterns will stand out wherever you put them. During the day, they double as a decorative accent and will grace your home’s outdoor space with their antique-like look. 

“They cast wonderful patterns of light and add an enchanting and magical ambiance to our garden,” one reviewer raved. Another shopper described these lanterns as “stunning and gorgeous.” A third customer said that they provide “just enough light to enhance summer nights on the patio.”

• Rirool Watering Can Solar Light, $25 (was $35) at Walmart
• Diigabo 2-Pack of Flame Solar Lanterns, $28 (was $40) at Walmart
• Fohil Colorful Light Solar Lantern, From $16 (was $20) at Walmart

Related: Walmart’s ‘Adorable’ $5 Flower Shop Doormat Brings Anthropologie-Inspired Charm to Your Front Porch for Less

Brighten up your space and bring some cottagecore energy with the Excmark 2-Pack of Hanging Solar Lanterns. Head to Walmart and grab them while they’re still on sale for just $20! 

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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! Today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle features a mix of everyday objects, yummy foods, holiday references and more. There’s even one that refers to a modern internet term involving personal information.

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

So, if you're working on today's Mini Crossword on Friday, July 10, 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: Org. trying to catch Frank Abagnale in "Catch Me If You Can" — HINT: Ends with the letter "F"

4 Across: [Bzzt!] —HINT: Starts with the letter "W"

6 Across: Unit of weight whose abbreviation ends in "z" — HINT: Ends with the letter "E"

7 Across: [Ding, ding, ding!] — HINT: Ends with the letter "T"

8 Across: Everest and Kilimanjaro: Abbr. — HINT: Starts with the letter "M"

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

1 Down: Lemon or lychee — HINT: Starts with the letter "F"

2 Down: Glassware for pot smokers — HINT: Starts with the letter "B"

3 Down: 1/2 of a foot — HINT: Ends with the letter "H"

4 Down: Dance move done on the ground, with "the" — HINT: Starts with the letter "W"

6 Down: Acquire — HINT: Ends with the letter "T"

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

1 Across: Org. trying to catch Frank Abagnale in "Catch Me If You Can" — SPOT

4 Across: [Bzzt!] —WRONG

6 Across: Unit of weight whose abbreviation ends in "z" — OUNCE

7 Across: [Ding, ding, ding!] — RIGHT

8 Across: Everest and Kilimanjaro: Abbr. — MTS

1 Down: Lemon or lychee — FRUIT

2 Down: Glassware for pot smokers — BONGS

3 Down: 1/2 of a foot — INCH

4 Down: Dance move done on the ground, with "the" — WORM

5 Down: Acquire — GET

Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Thursday, July 9, 2026

Boston post-metal band Junius will celebrate the release of Sotera, their first full-length album in nearly nine years, with a special appearance.

The record marks the group's first studio album since 2017's Eternal Rituals for the Accretion of Light and signals a new chapter for the longtime underground favorites. 

Junius is set to perform at Somergloom Fest in Somerville, Massachusetts, while also launching a summer U.S. tour in support of the release.

For vocalist and guitarist Joseph E. Martinez, the album represents more than simply ending a lengthy gap between releases.

“Sotera feels like a rebirth for the band” and “is an act of devotion as much as it is a piece of music.”

The long wait between albums was not planned. According to Martinez, Junius spent years attempting to write new material following the COVID-19 pandemic but struggled to move forward creatively.

“Well, after Covid we were working on an album, but there was no progress. I wasn’t feeling inspired,” he said, per Distorted Sound.

That changed after Martinez listened to an interview with classicist author Dr. Ammon Hillman discussing figures from Ancient Greece and the origins of medicine.

“I heard this interview about the Ancient Greeks, where there was this woman, Medea, who was performing miracles, healing people. She was ‘christing.’ I realized this was the origin of modern medicine. I was floored,” he said.

“Even though we live in a male dominated society, our medicine and technology came from a woman. These things came from women.”

The discovery pushed Martinez into months of research through books and lectures, eventually providing the concept that would shape the band's newest album.

The title Sotera comes from the Greek feminine form of savior or protector. The album explores themes centered on the divine feminine and figures from mythology and spirituality.

The release of Sotera also signals a major move for the group as Junius returns to the road for a summer run of U.S. performances.

The tour includes appearances in Baltimore, Youngstown, Detroit, Chicago, Indianapolis, Brooklyn, Philadelphia and a hometown-area appearance at Somergloom Fest in Somerville, Massachusetts.

Ahead of the album release, Junius introduced fans to the new era with the singles "Initiatrix" and "The Oracle."

Discussing "Initiatrix," Martinez said:

“Initiatrix distills the album into 3 minutes and 23 seconds, and it captures the heart of the record. It’s about willingly stepping into a ritualistic transformation, asking to be changed and accepting the consequences of that choice.”

The album contains eight tracks:

• “Disciple”
• “The Oracle”
• “Summon Her”
• “Initiatrix”
• “Darkwater”
• “Serpent”
• “Lucifera”
• “Scythian”

Despite periods of inactivity during the band's nearly 20-year history, Martinez said Junius never truly disappeared.

“We’ve broken up a couple of times. We just didn’t tell anybody,” he said.

Martinez added that songwriting has remained a constant part of his life throughout the band's quieter years.

“I’m always writing, whether it is for Junius or under a different name,” he said.

For fans who waited almost a decade for new music, Sotera marks the beginning of Junius' next chapter rather than the end of a long silence.

Related: Popular Rock Band Announces New Album Nearly 30 Years After Forming

It turns out Big Brother 28 almost had a different houseguest this season.

After CBS unveiled the newbie cast for Big Brother 28 on Tuesday, July 7, fans noticed that contestant Levi Banks, who had appeared on an earlier leaked cast list, was nowhere to be found. It was later revealed that Yash Patel joined the cast instead, sparking speculation that Banks had been replaced at the last minute.

Now, Banks is setting the record straight.

In an Instagram video shared Thursday, July 9—the same day as Big Brother 28's premiere—Banks confirmed that he was originally set to enter the house but ultimately made the decision to step away from the game.

"What is up, Big Brother fans?" Banks began. "My name is Levi Banks, and I just wanted to give you all a quick update and let you know that I am doing great."

"I was all set and ready to move into the Big Brother house this season," he continued. "As we got closer and closer and closer to move-in day, I just kind of realized that this was not the right fit for me personally."

Banks admitted walking away wasn't easy.

"I kind of wanted to let you know that was probably the hardest decision of my entire life," he said, adding that he is now back home in North Carolina. "I am on good terms with CBS, Big Brother, and everyone, and I just wanted to let them know, and you all know, that I am so, so, so thankful for this opportunity. It has been very life-changing."

RELATED: ‘Big Brother’ Fan Favorite Officially Joins Season 28 Cast

Although he won't be competing this season, Banks said he'll still be tuning in from home and cheering on the cast, especially Patel.

"Oh my gosh, I am pumped! It's gonna be a little bit of a different POV than going in the house as to being on my couch, so I will take that one thing at a time," he joked. "But I want to say thank you all so much for your support. I appreciate each and every one of you, and let's go, Yash!"

A CBS spokesperson confirmed to Entertainment Weeklythat Banks voluntarily withdrew from the show before the season began. However, the network declined to confirm whether Patel was brought in as Banks' replacement.

Along with the 14 new houseguests, Thursday's Big Brother premiere unveiled BB26's Angela Murray and Survivor 50's Rick Devens as houseguests this season. One more "reality icon" will also be joining the season at a later date.

The premiere of Big Brother28 aired on CBS and Paramount+ on July 9. The live feeds will begin after the Friday, July 10 episode of Big Brother: Unlocked.

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Country music singer Morgan Wallen is continuing his success in the genre with his latest single, "Don't We," which is his eighth single from his album I'm the Problem that originally came out over a year ago in May 2025.

The song has followed many of his other tracks and dominated the country music charts, but this single stopped just shy of becoming his 21st No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart — at least for now.

The song is currently fighting for the top spot on the chart against Jason Aldean with his song "Don't Tell on Me." While "Don't We" hasn't yet become a No. 1 hit, it still could reach the summit. It has been charting higher and higher, recently moving from No. 4 to the second position.

If the song becomes his historic 21st No. 1 song on the Country Airplay chart, he will officially pass Brad Paisley and Luke Combs, with whom he is currently tied with 20 career No. 1s. If he moves up a spot, Wallen would find himself tied with two other country music legends, Keith Urban and Thomas Rhett, who each have 21 No. 1 hits in their career.

Related: Fans "Beg" Morgan Wallen After He Teases Major Career Announcement

Even then, Wallen is still a far cry from the top spots. Aldean currently has the fourth-most No. 1 songs on the chart, with 27 No. 1s. But with Wallen's current career trajectory, it might only be a matter of time before he reaches the same milestone.

Some of Wallen's past hits that have topped the Country Airplay chart include "Sand In My Boots," "20 Cigarettes," "Thinkin’ Bout Me," "Whiskey Glasses," and "Love Somebody." But there's also another main country music Billboard chart, the Hot Country Songs chart, and Wallen has had similar success there as well.

His first No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart was "Whiskey Glasses" in 2019, followed by "Chasin' You," "7 Summers," "Wasted on You," and quite a few more over the past several years.

Related: On This Day 20 Years Ago, a Future Country Queen's Debut Single Hit No. 1

The Wonder Years star Danica McKellar welcomed her longtime co-star Fred Savage into the over-50 club with a heartfelt message on his birthday.

"From someone I had a huge crush on nearly 40 years ago (!) and had my first kiss with, to someone more like a brother who taught me (the hard way) what 'pull my finger' meant... Fred, you've been many things to me, and I'm grateful we got to go on TheWonder Years ride and grow up together!" McKellar captioned a carousel of photos and a video from the show on Instagram.

She also relayed a bit of a fun fact when it comes to the show that aired from 1988 to 1993.

"As of today, the ENTIRE main cast of The Wonder Years is 50 or older. Crazy, right??"

While tons of fans took to the post's comments to wish Savage a happy birthday, plenty also commented on how the cast seemingly hasn't aged.

"Just awesome, and you guys still look great," one said.

"Amazing how time flies," added another. "I used to enjoy watching this show in the UK growing up, you're all the same age as me now!"

Related: 1993 Series Finale of Beloved Coming-of-Age Classic Ranked Among 'Best Fourth of July TV Episodes of All Time'

Savage, who played protagonist Kevin Arnold, has spoken about his "first kiss" with McKellar, who played Winnie Cooper, and how the nerves on screen were most definitely real

"I can't imagine I was a very good kisser," he told CBS in in 2014. "But we were very nervous and excited."

The two have continued to act with McKellar becoming mainstay in Hallmark Channel TV holiday movies and Savage starring in Working and Friends From College. He's also known as a director, having worked on shows like Modern Family,2 Broke Girls, and Black-ish.

As for the actors ever reuniting on screen, McKellar told People in 2019 that there's no chance for a reboot of their beloved sitcom, but when it comes to starring together in a Hallmark romance movie together she said, "There's some hope here actually, I may have to convince Fred, but there's hope."

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The Hunger Games Saga is heading back to the big screen in anticipation of Sunrise on The Reaping, due out this fall.

Variety reports that all five Hunger Gamesmovies will lead up to the release of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The upcoming prequel expands on the history between Haymitch Abernathy (played by Woody Harrelson), who played a pivotal role in mentoring Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in the original series. The new film follows Abernathy in his youth (played by Joseph Zada) as he competes in the Second Quarter Quell, giving fans a cinematic adaptation of Suzanne Collins' exploration of the fan-favorite character's heart-wrenching origin story.

Related: Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio Reunite in Highly Anticipated New Thriller

Whitney Peak stars opposite Zada in Sunrise as Lenore Dove Baird, with Elle Fanning joining as young Effie Trinket (Played by Elizabeth Banks in the main movies) and an ensemble that includesStranger Things star Maya Hawke as young Wiress, Jesse Plemons as a younger Plutarch, Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle, and Kieran Culkin as a younger Flickerman. Main franchise helmer Francis Lawrence returns to the series, having directed all but one of the series entries.

This September, before dropping into the Hunger Games of yore, fans of the 2014 YA dystopian film franchise can revisit the harrowing journey Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) undertake during the 74th and 75th games before an all-out revolution in its epic conclusion. Additionally, the Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth-starring The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes will also screen as part of the lead-up to Sunrise on The Reaping, with all screenings offering a preview of November's release.

Related: ‘Hunger Games’ Star Admits He Was Angry and Resentful Over His Sudden Fame From the Hit Films

Here's the release schedule of the release rollout from Lionsgate and Fathom Events to watch the marathon at a theater near you:

• The Hunger Games - September 3
• Catching Fire - September 4
• Mockingjay: Part 1 - September 5
• Mockingjay: Part 2 - September 6
• The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes - September 7

For more information, visit here.

At the age of 75, Bonnie Tyler died on July 8. In a statement released on her website, the “Total Eclipse of the Heart” singer passed “unexpectedly.”

“Bonnie’s family and team are heartbroken to announce that Bonnie unexpectedly passed away last night in hospital in Portugal as a result of the illness that she was being treated for,” the statement said. “We will issue a further statement shortly but for now ask for privacy to deal with this tragedy.”

After the statement was released, Kevin Bacon paid tribute to Tyler in an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly.

Tyler recorded “Holding Out for a Hero” for the 1984 film Footloose, a film that starred Bacon. He called Tyler “one of the great voices of rock.”

Referencing a scene from the film, Bacon said during the interview, “I could not imagine chicken racing a tractor to any other song. RIP.”

Rod Stewart, another ‘80s icon, took to social media to pay tribute to the singer.

“We shared similar styles of vocalising,” Stewart wrote on Instagram. “She was a good pal, a true soul stirrer. I sing ‘It’s A Heartache’ every night on tour. I’ll miss you darling Bonnie.”

Catherine Zeta-Jones, known for her Academy Award-winning performance as Velma Kelly in Chicago, also paid tribute to Tyler on Instagram.

“My heart is broken with the news that our dearest Bonnie Tyler has passed away,” Zeta-Jones posted, along with a photo of her and Tyler. “Bonnie was married to my cousin and has been such a part of my life. We are photographed here together the night before my wedding. She sang and rocked it at my wedding.  An extraordinary woman with vocals to match. A one of kind artist, who so easily could have been a comedian  because she was one of the funniest people I ever met.”

Tyler passed away months after being put into a medically induced coma following severe abdominal pain and a burst appendix in May that led to emergency intestinal surgery. In June, her team reported that she was out of the coma, but was still “very unwell.”

Tyler is survived by her husband of over 50 years, Robert Sullivan.

The Backstreet Boys are giving fans one more chance to see them perform at Sphere Las Vegas this year.

The iconic boy band was announced as the headliners for the official Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix afterparty on Saturday, November 21, taking the stage inside the cutting-edge venue following the race.

The news comes as the popular 1990s group winds down its "Into the Millennium" residency at Sphere, with its final shows scheduled for next month.

"Las Vegas is the only place in the world where Formula 1, the Backstreet Boys and Sphere can come together for one unforgettable night,” Emily Prazer, President and CEO of Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc., said in a statement on Thursday, July 9. "F1 Afterparty reflects what makes the Las Vegas Grand Prix so distinctive, giving fans the opportunity to see an iconic group like the Backstreet Boys perform at Sphere as part of a race weekend experience you can’t find anywhere else.”

Fans can purchase tickets to the one-night-only show through a limited number of race ticket packages and add-on options.

"As Las Vegas welcomes visitors from around the world for Formula 1 weekend, Sphere will once again deliver entertainment at a scale unmatched by any other venue," said Jen Koester, President & Chief Operating Officer, Sphere. "F1 Afterparty will feature the Backstreet Boys, whose critically acclaimed, sold-out Sphere performances exemplify our commitment to bringing iconic artists together with groundbreaking technology to create experiences only Sphere can deliver."

For Backstreet Boys fans, the newly announced performance offers one more opportunity to see the group take the stage at Sphere during one of Las Vegas' biggest weekends of the year.