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In 1975, country music legend Loretta Lynn released what would prove to be the most controversial song of her career. Despite becoming her highest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, Lynn's "The Pill" has been banned from country music radio for more than 50 years.

The song — which was penned by Lorene Allen, Don McHan, T. D. Bayless, and Loretta Lynn — is an ode to the sexual revolution of the decade.

"This incubator is over-used because you've kept it filled / But feeling good comes easy now since I've got the pill," Lynn sings.

Country radio stations refused to play the song due to its focus on the taboo topic of birth control.

"If I'd had the pill back when I was havin' babies I'd have taken 'em like popcorn," Lynn previously told People. "The pill is good for people. I wouldn't trade my kids for anyone's. But I wouldn't necessarily have had six, and I sure would have spaced 'em better."

Following her death in 2022, "The Pill" was played by a country radio station for the first and only time, according to Luminate (formerly Nielsen Music), Time reported.

"It's just a wife arguin' with her husband," Lynn explained to People. "The wife is sayin', 'You've kept me barefoot and pregnant all these years while you've been slippin' around. Now you straighten out or I'll start, now that I have the pill.'"

Despite its radio ban, "The Pill" was "selling 15,000 copies a week" simply through word of mouth, the outlet reported.

You'll find today's NYT Connections puzzle easy if you understand semantics. There's nothing quite as exhilarating as the feeling of completing the daily New York Times Wordle, Strands, Mini Crossword and Connections Sports Edition word games in one fell swoop. But sometimes that can be easier said than done. If you need help with today's Connections puzzle, keep reading.

Spoilers ahead! We've warned you. We mean it. Read no further until you really want some clues or you've completely given up and want the answers ASAP. Get ready for all of today's NYT 'Connections’ hints and answers for #1072 on Monday, May 18, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Monday, May 18, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

If you've been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Monday's puzzle, you're not alone, and these hints should definitely help you out. Plus, I'll reveal the answers further down.

Related: The 26 Funniest NYT Connections Game Memes You'll Appreciate if You Do This Daily Word Puzzle

Hints About Today's NYT Connections Categories on Monday, May 18

1. "Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo."
2. What might happen to a gasket.
3. Baseball pro.
4. Smoothie scramble.

Related: 300 Trivia Questions and Answers to Jumpstart Your Fun Game Night

Ready for the answers? Scroll below this image (the image that represents your very appreciated patience!).

iStock

Today's Connections Game Answers for Monday, May 18:

1. HOMOPHONES: PAIR, PARE, PEAR, PERE
2. RUPTURE: BLOW, CRACK, POP, SPLIT
3. MLB PLAYER: PADRE, RED, ROYAL, TWIN
4. FRUIT ANAGRAMS: CHEAP, EARP, LUMP, WIKI

How'd you do?

Up Next:

- 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day
- Hints, Clues and Answers to the NYT's 'Mini Crossword' Puzzle

Did You Miss a Few Days? Let's Catch You Up With Recent Connections Answers

Related: 8 Discontinued Breakfast Cereals From Your Childhood You Completely Forgot About

When they're not screaming at each other in their own private yachts, mansions, and waterfront patios, the Real Housewives of Rhode Island cast brings the fire to some of the Ocean State's most scenic bars, restaurants, and hot spots. Here are some of the RHORI stars' favorite places to eat and hang out!

Audrey's View this post on Instagram

Audrey's will likely be the first RHORI restaurant to come to fans' minds as it's a huge topic of conversation on the series. Ashley Iaconetti and her husband Jared Haibon own the South Kingstown cafe, and it's a major bone of contention in their relationship.

Despite the on-screen drama, the coffee shop itself was ranked the second highest-rated celebrity owned restaurant in the United States, so it's very much worth a visit.

RELATED: Bachelor’s Ashley Iaconetti Thought She Knew Reality TV — Then She Joined ‘Real Housewives’ (Exclusive)

Pizza Mamma View this post on Instagram

Iaconetti and Haibon aren't the only ones on the cast that own a restaurant. Alicia Carmody's fiancé Billy has several eateries, but her "favorite" is Pizza Mamma in Cranston, where she shares "her love for authentic, expertly crafted pizza and creating a space where every bite feels like something special," according to the website.

Newport Vineyards Newport Vineyards Entrance

Newport Vineyards

This beautiful vineyard and winery in Middletown is the perfect spot for a serene afternoon with friends, as long as you don't break out the truth box like the housewives did on an episode of the show!

Matunuck Oyster Bar

South County Tourism

When we first meet Jo-Ellen Tiberi and her husband, Gary Tiberi, they're suggestively sucking down oysters at this beloved bayside spot in Wakefield, along with extra dirty martinis with blue cheese-stuffed olives.

Rail Explorers Rail Explorers Rhode Island

Rail Explorers

The girls got adventurous at this unique New England activity, and fans can do the same! Rail Explorers is located in Portsmouth, and allows riders to coast along the scenic railroads in the sunshine.

While they don't serve food, the carts have plenty of space for backpacks and coolers, and guests are encouraged to bring their own picnics!

Check back for new hotspots as the season continues!

Carl Fredricksen perfectly embodies today's NYT Wordle puzzle answer. 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. 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 #1794 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

How many vowels are in today's Wordle?

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

What kind of letter does today's Wordle start with?

Today's Wordle begins with a consonant.

Are there any double letters?

There are no double letters in today's Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today's Wordle?

A hint for today's Wordle is: unwilling or reluctant.

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 for #1794 on Monday, May 18, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Monday, May 18, 2026, is LOATH.

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

Related: 8 Discontinued Breakfast Cereals From Your Childhood You Completely Forgot About

Four decades ago, a music legend continued to dominate the scene with her debut album as another of her singles topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Whitney Houston made history when "Greatest Love of All," which was released as an official single from her self-titled album on March 18, 1996, was a major success soon after its release.

The emotional ballad about self-love immediately started climbing the charts, following in the footsteps of other singles on the album, including No. 1 hits "Saving All My Love for You" and "How Will I Know." On May 17, 1986, "Greatest Love of All" finally took the top spot.

With this achievement, Houston became the first female artist to have three singles from the same album reach the No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It wasn't just a U.S. success either, as "Greatest Love of All" was Houston's second No. 1 hit in Canada and topped charts in other countries as well.

"Greatest Love of All" is a cover of the original song from artist George Benson, written by Michael Masser and Linda Creed. It was the album Whitney Houston's seventh official single. Others were "Hold Me," "You Give Good Love," "All at Once," and "Thinking About You."

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The official Instagram account for the late Houston commemorated the special anniversary with a clip from the music video and a list of the song's accomplishments. Along with its chart-topping success, "Greatest Love of All" also earned a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year.

Related: 1982 Classic Song Inspired by Iran’s Ban on Rock Music Became The Band’s Biggest U.S. Hit

Fans paid tribute to Houston and the song in the comments, with replies like, "This song always bring so many emotions," and "The voice heaven sent the greatest and it's not even close!"

Another declared, "Whitney was truly one of the greatest artists of all time. This song brings such positive memories," while someone else noted that although the song is technically a cover, Houston "made it her own."

Related: 1985 Rock Hit Was Originally Hated by the Legendary Band That Recorded It

Released in 1985, a musical-comedy film that cemented the Hollywood status of then-rising star Blair Underwood was named among the best movie soundtracks ever made.

Krush Groove, a movie directed by Michael Schultz, was based on the real-life experiences of Def Jam Recordings co-founder Russell Simmons, who created the iconic record labels at a time when the hip-hop music scene was largely ignored.

Written by the renowned television producer Ralph Farquhar, who was celebrated for his notable Black sitcoms like The Parkers, Moesha and the Disney animated series The Proud Family, the movie centers on the early days of the record label, following Simmons, who was a young music producer at the time, struggling to navigate the rise of the New York rap scene while balancing his career ambitions amid challenges in his personal life.

The movie stars Underwood as Russell Walker, who was then an ambitious young manager who launched his new hip-hop record label named Krush Groove.

Blair Underwood photographed in 1991

Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

After one of his talents secured a massive hit record, he found himself grappling to keep his business afloat. To address the fast-paced financial pressures, he took a bold risk to keep the business afloat.

Beyond the rocky stage of his business, Walker was also dealing with romantic rivalry within his family and at the same time seeking out new talent.

Joining Underwood in the lead cast are LisaGay Hamilton as assistant Aisha and Richard Gant, who played the notorious neighborhood loan shark Jay B.

Since Krush Groove focuses on music as the background, the film featured a mix of R&B, old-school hip-hop, dance-pop and rock.

With this, Rolling Stone ranked the movie at No. 76 on the list of “best movie soundtracks” of all time as it proudly showcased the work of music legends such as Chaka Khan singing "(Krush Groove) Can't Stop the Street" and influential musicians like the Beastie Boys’ track "She's on It,” LL Cool J’s breakout hit "I Can't Live Without My Radio,” Blondie vocalist Debbie Harry for "Feel the Spin" as well as the all-star collaboration from Fat Boys, Run-D.M.C., Sheila E. and Kurtis Blow with "Krush Groovin.”

Director Michael Schultz poses behind rap group The Fat Boys on the set of the film Krush Groove. The Fat Boys from left to right: The Human Beatbox, Prince Markie Dee, and Kool Rock Ski.

Nick Elgar/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images

During the celebration of the movie’s 35th anniversary, Underwood recalled the fondest moment he had on set and playfully mentioned his co-star’s name.

“Being able to kiss Sheila E,” he joked during an exclusive interview with Black Film and TV, adding, “No, seriously, because the first time we kissed we had already done a love scene, but that wasn’t until later in the shooting. So there’s a scene when Run comes off the elevator. I come off the elevator and we meet in the hallway. And Sheila’s there. Michael Schultz, the director, said, ‘Because you guys already made love together in the story, continuity-wise, I think when you greet each other, you should kiss.’”

The actor then revealed that it wasn't part of the script but happened spontaneously during filming.

Related: 1967 Hit Film Ranked Among ‘Best Movies of All Time’

In 1963, a rock hit the airwaves that would go on to cause mass confusion, outrage and accidental comedy. That song was "Louie Louie" by The Kingsmen. Within two years of its release, the FBI was investigating it for possible "pornographic" lyrics.

According to the History Channel, The Kingsmen’s chaotic 1963 recording of the garage-rock anthem became one of the biggest hits of the decade, but it also triggered a bizarre federal investigation after parents and politicians became convinced the song’s garbled lyrics were secretly obscene.

Sixty-one years ago today—May 17, 1965—after months of analysis, the FBI laboratory officially concluded that the lyrics were simply “unintelligible.”

The investigation began after complaints flooded the U.S. Department of Justice accusing the song of containing hidden pornographic content. Concerned parents circulated supposed “real lyrics” among teenagers, while some radio stations banned the song entirely.

Even Indiana Governor Matthew E. Welsh publicly condemned the record and pushed for restrictions on airplay.

Ironically, the actual lyrics of “Louie Louie” were relatively innocent.

Originally written and recorded by Richard Berry in the 1950s, the song told the simple story of a sailor speaking to a bartender named Louie about wanting to return home to his girlfriend.

Everything changed when Portland garage band the Kingsmen recorded their now-legendary version in April 1963.

The session was famously rushed and chaotic. Lead singer Jack Ely had to stand on tiptoe and shout into a microphone hanging from the ceiling while competing with loud guitars and drums. Ely was also wearing braces during the recording, further slurring his already frantic vocals.

Rolling Stone later ranked “Louie Louie” No. 54 on its list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” describing the track as “a blast of raw guitars and half-intelligible shouting recorded for $52.” The magazine noted that the Kingsmen accidentally made the lyrics indecipherable by crowding around a single microphone during the session. “I was yelling at a mike far away,” singer Jack Ely told Rolling Stone. “I always thought the controversy was record-company hype.”

The result sounded raw, distorted and nearly impossible to understand, which only fueled the hysteria.

As rumors spread about hidden obscene lyrics, the FBI launched a formal investigation that reportedly lasted more than two years. Agents interviewed the band, analyzed recordings at different speeds and repeatedly attempted to decipher the vocals.

According to the FBI lab’s final assessment, however, the song could not be understood “at any speed.”

The controversy only made “Louie Louie” more popular.

The Kingsmen’s version climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually became one of the defining songs of garage rock. Over time, critics and musicians would credit the recording’s rough, unpolished energy with helping inspire punk rock and grunge decades later.

Music critic Dave Marsh later called it “the most profound and sublime expression of rock and roll’s ability to create something from nothing" in his book "The Heart of Rock & Soul."

The song’s legacy only grew with time. “Louie Louie” became one of the most-covered songs in rock history, with versions recorded by artists ranging from Otis Redding and the Beach Boys to The Kinks and Motörhead.

Despite all the years of controversy, one small detail eventually emerged that made the story even funnier.

Decades later, drummer Lynn Easton admitted that after fumbling a drum fill during the recording, he accidentally shouted the F-word in the background of the song at around the 54-second mark, according to Marsh's book "Louie Louie: The History and Mythology of the World's Most Famous Rock 'n Roll Song."

The FBI never noticed it.

Actor Russell Andrews — perhaps best known for his roles in Grey's Anatomy and Better Call Saul — revealed he has been diagnosed with ALS.

"I am a person living with ALS," Andrews, 64, said during an appearance on CNN's The Story Is With Elex Michaelson on Saturday, May 16.

"I was diagnosed in the late fall of last year," he added. "It's been humbling. But there's also something in the fact that I walked into a family of very caring people. People I did not know a year ago."

Andrews, who appeared on the segment with his fiancée, Erica Tazel, explained that he believed he had suffered a stroke during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"It was a stressful time," he explained. "There were moments. There were twitches. There were things that I thought I was having pinched nerves in my neck. And they were quite frequent. But then I was not able to do things I was normally able to do."

According to Andrews, his diagnosis may have been caused by CTE from his college football career. However, it won't be clear until after his death when doctors can study his brain.

Andrews' public announcement comes just three months after fellow Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane lost his battle with the same disease.

ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that "often begins with muscle twitching and weakness in an arm or leg," according to The Mayo Clinic.

Dane — who played Dr. Mark Sloan on the long-running medical drama — died in February, just 10 months after publicly announcing his diagnosis.

"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," Dane’s family told People. "He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world."

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If you're looking for a simple way to declutter your yard or deck for spring, Walmart's bestselling storage find can help you get organized without overcrowding your space. The Yodolla Outdoor Storage Shed is now on sale for as low as $120, down from $190, in the 5- by 3-foot size. It offers ample room to stash snowblowers, holiday decorations, gardening tools, pool supplies, and more. 

At 67 inches long, 37.4 inches wide, and 72.5 inches inches high, the shed is compact enough to fit in small yards, decks and other tight spaces while still providing plenty of space to stow outdoor gear. It comes in five colors, with the brown style marked at the steepest discount, and you can also shop it in 10 larger size options at varying prices. 

Yodolla Outdoor Storage Shed, From $120 (was $190) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Made of heavy-duty steel and aluminum, the Yodolla shed is designed to stand up to wind, rain, and other tough weather conditions. Its sloped roof helps prevent water accumulation and rust, while the overlapped wall panels are waterproof and moisture-resistant, ensuring your items stay protected in all weather conditions. The 72.5-inch entrance is taller than that of most sheds, allowing easier access and more headroom as you step in and out. 

Related: Walmart's Spring-Ready $18 Solar Sunflower Lights Look 'Beautiful at Night'

The Yodolla shed is a Walmart bestseller for a reason, earning over 700 five-star reviews online. Shoppers praised its "sturdy" yet compact build, which is versatile enough for any outdoor setup no matter how big or small. One reviewer called it "just the right size," while another said it offers "fantastic storage."

With its impressive storage capacity, durable construction, and an ultra-affordable price, this outdoor storage shed can help streamline your spring cleaning. This flash deal won't last long though, so pick one up while it's still on sale for $70 off at Walmart.

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.

It's one X-rated film to the next at Cannes.

As the controversial horror-drama The Devils (1971) is celebrated at the France festival with a 55th-anniversary screening, new details surrounding The Brutalist director Brady Corbet's juicy new project were just revealed.

Variety reports that Cate Blanchett and Selena Gomez are set to star in the new X-rated movie alongside Michael Fassbender.

During a masterclass at the France film festival on Sunday, May 17, Blanchett, 57, reportedly said she is "about to work with Brady Corbet on a film." Variety confirmed that she has indeed been cast.

Corbet, 37, previously said in interviews that he was looking to make an “X-rated” feature set in the ’70s.

“The film spans from the 19th century into the present day — it’s just predominantly focused on the ’70s. The film is really, really genre-defying,” he told The Hollywood Reporter in an interview article published last November 24.

Variety also noted on Sunday that at the Storyhouse Screenwriting Festival in Dublin last month, Corbet teased that the new film will be lengthy — saying it has a 200-page script. Fans of The Brutalist, which stars Adrien Brody and Felicity Huffman, might recall that the script was 165 pages, with the film totaling three and a half hours in duration.

Blanchett made headlines last month when Variety confirmed she'll be portraying Martha Stewart in an upcoming biopic reportedly titled Good Thing about the TV personality’s life and career. Filmmaker Janicza Bravo, best known for 2020’s critically acclaimed film Zola, has also been confirmed to direct the project.

Most famously, the 56-year-old Blanchett won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2004’s The Aviator, in which she portrayed Golden Age of Hollywood legend Katharine Hepburn. She went on to win her second Oscar for Best Actress in 2013’s Blue Jasmine.

Five years have passed since Bob Odenkirk had a life-threatening experience while on the set of Better Call Saul, the prequel to Breaking Bad. In summer of 2021, he woke up in a medically induced coma and learned he had survived a widowmaker heart attack. Now, fully recovered, Odenkirk is reflecting on the experience.

In an interview with The Times of London, Odenkirk shared what others later told him about the incident.

“I went down and Rhea [Seehorn] and Patrick [Fabian] grabbed me and they were screaming, but [the crew members who noticed] thought they were laughing,” Odenkirk said to The Times. “So there were delays in reacting because we were all so far apart from each other. I was gone. I turned grey. Eventually the on-set medic showed up and he didn’t know what to do. He’d never done CPR.”

Odenkirk said he doesn’t remember the experience, only waking up in the hospital seven days after his heart attack. He was “ecstatic to be alive, appreciating every moment,” The Times said.

“That was such a gift, to experience a few weeks where I felt that way about my presence in the world,” Odenkirk said. “I felt just very, very delighted and engaged.”

According to The Times, Odenkirk’s heart attack was caused by built-up plaque that blocked an artery. He has since cut back on sugar and takes statins, aspirin, and a beta-blocker to reduce blood pressure.

In April, People spoke with the actor, who said that his health is in a good place, and he’s “still able to do everything he needs to take on action roles.”

"And I'm still going to the gym for stunt fighting,” Odenkirk said. “I go twice a week with my same trainer, Daniel Bernhardt."

Odenkirk’s latest action-comedy film, Normal, finds the actor in a Midwestern town playing Ulysses, the town sheriff. Odenkirk said that the film wasn’t a challenge since he had just finished filming Nobody 2.

“I was up to speed when we rolled into this film,” Odenkirk said to People.

In celebration of his upcoming film, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, Pedro Pascal surprised fans with a once-in-a-lifetime Disneyland experience.

As guests neared the end of the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run queue at Galaxy’s Edge, Pascal stood dressed in Din Djarin’s Mandalorian costume. The outfit included a helmet, leaving fans guessing that it was just a cast member. As Pascal took off his helmet to reveal his identity, guests cheered and screamed.

“Mandalorian, do you have anything to say before we send our travelers on their journey?” A cast member asked Pascal.

Taking off his helmet, Pascal joked, “Now you all have to die because you’ve seen my face.”

Pedro Pascal at Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland
Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort via Getty Images

Brent Simmons, a Star Wars fan and Instagram content creator, was among the guests Pascal surprised. He posted a group photo with Pascal on Instagram, captioning it “the biggest surprise this galaxy has ever seen.”

“Meeting Pedro himself as Mando in the most iconic of spots,” Simmons posted. “This was a night to remember for sure. We are so lucky to have these incredible people care about this franchise and fandom so much. So grateful for @starwars 🫶🏼 These pictures will be forever cherished.”

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Pascal’s The Mandalorian and Grogu is set to release exclusively in theaters and IMAX on May 22. The Mandalorian started as a TV show streaming on Disney+, and Pascal recently opened up to Good Morning America about what it was like to bring the show to the big screen

“I love that it had beautiful seasons for people to see it at home, but now Jon Favreau, our director, knows a big screen experience puts all of his love of Star Wars, all of his love of movies, into this one on the biggest screen possible,” Pascal said. “It's a thrill ride."

Later in the interview, Pascal teased that he likes that his character wears a helmet.

“Thank God he wears a helmet,” he said. “I get to age all I want in this role.”

In 1987, a film that explored the complications of wealthy Los Angeles teens hit theaters nationwide and made millions at the box office.

Less than Zero, which stars Andrew McCarthy, Jami Gertz and Robert Downey Jr., follows Clay (McCarthy), a college freshman returning home to Los Angeles for Christmas break to spend time with his ex-girlfriend Blair (Gertz) and his friend Julian (Downey Jr.), who both have become drug addicts.

The film's soundtrack, which includes songs by Aerosmith, Roy Orbison, LL Cool J, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, The Bangles and more, was ranked by Rolling Stone among the "best movie soundtracks of all time" in September 2024. Produced mostly by Rick Rubin and released in November 1987 through Def Jam/Columbia Records, the soundtrack features songs across various genres, including rock, contemporary pop, hip-hop and R&B. In addition, the album peaked at No. 31 on the Billboard 200.

The Less Than Zero soundtrack ends with a popular cover of a signature Simon & Garfunkel hit

Not only did the Less Than Zero soundtrack make it onto the Billboard 200, but four of the 11 tracks made it onto the publication's various charts. One of them was the Bangles' rock rendition of Simon & Garfunkel's "A Hazy Shade of Winter," which peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100, which tracks streams and radio airplay for songs in the United States.

Originally written by Paul Simon, "A Hazy Shade of Winter" was released as a single in 1966, then added to the duo's 1968 album, Bookends. The original song peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 13, and the song dates back to when Simon was experiencing gloomy weather while living in England. He sings about a hopeless poet who is unsure of his achievements in life.

Pop duo Simon and Garfunkel, comprising. singer, Art Garfunkel and singer-songwriter, Paul Simon, performing on ITV's 'Ready, Steady, Go!', July 8, 1966.

Hulton Archive/Getty Images

In 1987, the Bangles were approached to record a cover of this song for Less Than Zero. They approached it in a hard rock style and renamed it "Hazy Shade of Winter." In an interview with Vulture, Susanna Hoffs, the frontrunner of the all-female pop group, admitted that their rendition is the group's best song.

"We did a more rock-and-roll version of ['A Hazy Shade of Winter'], and I like how our voices are all layered together," Hoffs explains. "It’s one of those Bangles songs that stands out, because it has a weird history to it, but also it never fails to be fun to play live. We often open our set with it."

View the original article to see embedded media.

As for what Simon thinks of the Bangles cover, he thinks "it's great" and "better than us." The singer also mentioned that the cover was performed at his Grammy tribute in December 2022.

"Hazy Shade of Winter" by the Bangles plays over the opening credits of the film, and appears in the music video, which features the band performing against a wall of television screens that play scenes from the movie.

The Bangles posing for a photo on November 24, 1988.

Fryderyk Gabowicz/picture alliance via Getty Images

The author of the Less Than Zero novel originally didn't like the film

Less Than Zero is actually loosely based on the 1985 novel written by Bret Easton Ellis. When the film came out two years after the book's publication, Ellis was originally "unhappy" with the adaptation.

"Who was happy with it? I don't know anyone who was happy with it. The director wasn't happy with it, and it was this compromised movie for many, many reasons," Ellis told Movieline in 2010. "I don't think it began that way. I think that Scott Rudin and Barry Diller, who were the ones who brought it to 20th Century Fox, had a very different movie in mind."

But as time went on, Ellis grew a deeper appreciation for the film, and doesn't mind that the film comes up instead of his novel when you type in "Less Than Zero" into search engines.

"It's aged well. I suppose that if there was no novel, we'd probably be even fonder of it, but there's that novel that keeps messing everything up," Ellis cleared up. "I think that movie is gorgeous, and the performances that I thought were shaky seem much better now. Like, Jami Gertz seems much better to me now than she did 20 years ago. It's something I can watch."

When Less Than Zero was released in theaters in November 1987, it received mixed reviews from critics, but ended up making three million dollars on its opening weekend. In total, the film made $12.4 million during its theatrical run.

Less Than Zero can be rented or bought on Amazon Prime Video and Fandango at Home.

Related: 'The Running Man' Remake Pays Tribute to '80s Star Arnold Schwarzenegger

Rebecca Yarros’ emotional romance novel The Last Letter has been ranked #23 out of 50 on Goodreads Most Read Books This Week in the United States, bringing fresh attention back to the 2019 standalone title that continues to stay popular with readers across platforms.

The book, written by best-selling author Rebecca Yarros, is known for its strong emotional story, military themes and family-centered plot. 

On Goodreads, The Last Letter has a 4.48 rating, with 612,597 ratings and 82,931 reviews, showing its long-lasting reader interest even years after release.

The Last Letter tells the story of Ella MacKenzie, a single mother raising twins in Telluride, Colorado, while dealing with deep family loss. Her brother Ryan is a soldier who later dies in action. Before his death, he connects Ella with his best friend, Beckett Gentry, also known as “Chaos.”

Rebecca Yarros signs autographed copies of "Fourth Wing" prior to a game between the Cleveland Guardians and Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images

Beckett is a battle-hardened soldier who carries his own trauma and past struggles. After Ryan’s death, Beckett follows his final wish written in “the last letter.” He leaves the military and goes to Telluride to quietly help Ella and her children. At first, he does not reveal his true identity.

The story also uses letters written in the past to connect characters and events, building the emotional flow between grief, healing and love.

According to publication details, the novel is a standalone romance and women’s fiction title, published in 2019 by Entangled: Amara.

It is widely known for heavy emotional themes such as grief, PTSD, military death and childhood illness.

A published review by Medium also described the story as extremely intense, pointing out that the emotional weight builds through major life events affecting the main characters. Readers often mention the bond between Ella, Beckett and the children as one of the strongest parts of the book.

The author, Rebecca Yarros, is also known for other popular works such as Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, which have reached major bestseller lists and expanded her global readership.

In recent industry updates, The Last Letter has also entered Hollywood development. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Amazon MGM Studios acquired the rights to adapt the novel in November 2025 after a competitive bidding process. The project is in early development, and screenwriter Anna Klassen is attached to write the adaptation.

Producers Brian Grazer and Jeb Brody are also involved through Imagine Entertainment. At this stage, there are no confirmed cast members or a release date.

Related: Best-Selling Author’s Classic Novel Ranked Among ‘Most Streamed Audiobooks’ of All Time

Today's Mini Crossword is easy to solve if you've got a good hand. And 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 Monday, May 18, 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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Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Monday, May 18, 2026

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

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: Questionable — HINT: Starts with the letter "I"

5 Across: Country that's about 25 times longer than it is wide —HINT: Ends with the letter "E"

6 Across: iPhone setting that reduces distractions — HINT: Ends with the letter "S"

7 Across: Magnum ___ (masterpiece) — HINT: Starts with the letter "O"

8 Across: Get-together, slangily — HINT: Ends with the letter "H"

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

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: "Fingers crossed!" — HINT: Ends with the letter "E"

2 Down: Indoor plant whose name is one vowel off from 6-Across — HINT: Starts with the letter "F"

3 Down: A❤️ 9❤️ 6❤️ 4❤️ 2❤️, e.g. — HINT: Ends with the letter "H"

4 Down: What "aye" means — HINT: Ends with the letter "S"

5 Down: Corp. money managers — HINT: Starts with the letter "C"

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Monday, May 18, 2026

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

NYT Mini Across Answers

1 Across: Questionable — IFFY

5 Across: Country that's about 25 times longer than it is wide —CHILE

6 Across: iPhone setting that reduces distractions — FOCUS

7 Across: Magnum ___ (masterpiece) — OPUS

8 Across: Get-together, slangily — SESH

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: "Fingers crossed!" — IHOPE

2 Down: Indoor plant whose name is one vowel off from 6-Across — FICUS

3 Down: A❤️ 9❤️ 6❤️ 4❤️ 2❤️, e.g. — FLUSH

4 Down: What "aye" means — YES

5 Down: Corp. money managers — CFOS

Related: 8 Discontinued Breakfast Cereals From Your Childhood You Completely Forgot About

He may not have the superstar status of other pros like Scottie SchefflerorRory McIlroy. But the new PGA Championship winner, Aaron Rai, is a rockstar. At least in his wife’s eyes! The Brit isn’t just the winner of this major PGA tournament. He’s the first English-born golfer to take the title in more than a century. 

Who Is Aaron Rai? NEWTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 17: Aaron Rai of England prepares to play a shot on the ninth hole during the final round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 17, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The 31-year-old golfer was born in Wolverhampton, England, on March 3, 1995. He went pro in 2012 and now lives in Jacksonville, Florida. Rai’s father, Amrik Singh, is the son of Indian immigrants, and his mother, Dalvir Shukla, is originally from Kenya. 

Rai is known for a few somewhat unconventional golf habits: The GPA pro wears two gloves and keeps the covers on his irons. Reportedly, Rai started wearing gloves to keep his hands warm while practicing in the chilly winter weather, and continues to cover his clubs as a reminder of where he came from. 

According to fellow players, Rai is well-liked, well-respected, and deserves this win. Rory McIlroy told the PGA, “You won’t find one person on this property who’s not happy for him,” and Xander Schauffele called him an ”All-world gentleman, no doubt.”

Who Is Aaron Rai’s Wife? NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA - MAY 17: Aaron Rai with his wife, Gaurika Bishnoi, after winning the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on Sunday, May 17, 2026 in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Darren Carroll/PGA of America via Getty Images)

Aaron isn’t the only golfer in the family. His wife, Gaurika Bishnoi, is also a professional. Bishnoi has eight wins in India’s Hero Women’s Pro Golf Tour and went viral for her Masters’ swing during the tournament’s Par 3 Contest.

Why Did  Gaurika Bishnoi Call Aaron Rai a ‘Rockstar’?

There’s a long history of rock stars signing their fans’ t-shirts (and other things). But musicians aren’t the only celebs asked for an autograph. During the 2026 PGA Championship, Rai was photographed signing a baby’s onesie! Bishnoi later posted the pic on her Instagram Stories, adding the caption, “Married a rockstar.” 

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As it turns out, the feeling is mutual. In a post-win interview, Rai said of his wife, “She’s been incredible. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I wouldn’t be here without her, both as a companion, as a friend, as someone I’m sharing my life with, but also as a real support system for my game.” He continued, “She’s a professional golfer, so her mindset, her advice, her thoughts when she looks at whether that’s technique, whether that’s the way I’m holding myself, are absolutely invaluable.” 

In 1981, a legendary British rock band was born in London and eventually became one of the best supergroups ever formed.

Asia, the band that comprises members from three notable bands from the progressive rock scene of the ’70s, delivered chart-topping hits and top-selling albums.

The original lineup featured lead vocalist and bassist John Wetton from King Crimson, Roxy Music and U.K., guitarist Steve Howe from the famed band Yes, keyboardist Geoff Downes from The Buggles and Yes and drummer Carl Palmer from Emerson, Lake & Palmer.

Amid the rise of new wave, arena rock and hair metal, Asia kept the progressive rock scene alive by blending it with radio-friendly and arena-ready pop-rock hooks that made the band stand out.

Decades after their debut, Asia joined a slew of great talents, completing the top 23 list of the greatest rock supergroups of all time as cited by BBC Music.

Progressive rock group Asia members Carl Palmer (drums), John Wetton (1949-2017) (vocals and bass), Geoff Downes (keyboards), Steve Howe (guitar).

David Tan/Shinko Music/Getty Images

Ranking at No. 3, the quartet was accompanied on the list by fellow supergroups like the Canadian folk-rock band Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young at No. 2 and ‘70s prog-rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer, which topped the rankings.

What Was Asia's Biggest Hit?

With the release of their self-titled debut album, Asia, in 1982, the band immediately stole the spotlight after launching their lead single "Heat of the Moment.”

Written by Wetton and Downes, the track took the music world by storm after peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking their highest placement on the U.S. singles chart.

The song eventually reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock / Top Tracks chart, securing the spot for six non-consecutive weeks.

Beyond its popularity in the U.S., "Heat of the Moment” also took over the U.K. airwaves, entering at No. 73 and eventually climbing to No. 44, almost making it to the Top 40 chart.

While the track became the band’s signature hit, Downes previously revealed that it almost didn't make it onto their debut album.

“It was an afterthought,” he told Prog in an interview, as cited by Louder. “We were going to lead off with ‘Only Time Will Tell,’ but the label said, ‘Do you have anything else?’ So John [Wetton] and I came up with ‘Heat of the Moment’ in one morning. Literally, the bones of the song were written in maybe a couple of hours.”

Thankfully, they decided to include it, as the song became their ticket to breakthrough success.

Related: 1971 Hit, Originally a Classic Country Anthem, Was a No. 1 Hit 55 Years Ago Today

The Bold and the Beautiful star Katherine Kelly Lang once again stunned audiences as she attended the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.

Lang appeared on the red carpet in promotion of the 2026 film El Ser Querido (The Beloved), directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen and written by Isabel Peña and Sorogoyen. The feature film stars Javier Bardem and Victoria Luengo.

CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 16: Katherine Kelly Lang attends the "El Ser Querido (The Beloved)" screening during the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 16, 2026 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage)

The actress wore a shimmering, mermaid-style look with a sculpted silhouette. The bodice featured intricate gold beading in a shell-like pattern.

Lang took to Instagram to thank Alessio Filippelli for making the moment possible and Campari for inviting her to the event.

She then shared her thanks for the team that made her mermaid look come to life. The dress was styled by La Sélection Privée and Jamila Sangare in Le Catou with jewelry by Francesca Salvati.

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Fans immediately took to the comment section to share their praise for Lang's stunning appearance. One fan wrote, "So radiant and glowing...absolutely amazing❤️❤️🔥🔥 and moreso all the time😍😍🥰🥰"

A second user added, "There she is there's the queen 👑👑👑👑 you are the heart and soul of B&B." While a third shared, "Timeless beauty and unmatched elegance. Cannes is always more beautiful whenever you walk the red carpet! 👑The definition of Hollywood glamour and sophistication. You just raised the bar so high for red carpet fashion!✨💙"

In addition to attending the movie premiere, Lang previously announced she would receive the “Longevity Icon Award” at the Longevity Code Gala Dinner at the Hôtel Martinez on May 17.

The Bold and the Beautiful streams new episodes weekdays on CBS, with episodes streaming weeknights on Paramount+.

Viewers can watch The Bold and the Beautiful from the beginning on the official The Bold and the Beautiful streaming service, BBTV, which features exclusive content, including Lang’s original 1987 audition tape.

Related: Katherine Kelly Lang, 63, Turns Heads With First Cannes Appearance

In 1975, a song built on soft disco beats and breathy vocals pushed boundaries so far that some radio stations refused to play it. That track, “Love to Love You Baby” by American singer Donna Summer, later became one of the most talked-about and influential recordings in music history. 

Despite early bans and controversy, it grew into a global hit and is now recognized as one of the songs that helped shape modern rock and dance music.

The song was released during a time when disco was still finding its place in mainstream music. It quickly stood out not just for its sound, but for its long runtime and sensual vocal style, which some broadcasters considered too explicit for airplay. 

American soul-disco singer Donna Summer arrives at Heathrow Airport for a three day visit to London.

Photo by Keystone/Getty Images

Even with limited radio support in certain areas, the record gained momentum through clubs and word of mouth, eventually becoming a major international success.

“Love to Love You Baby” was released from Summer’s 1975 album of the same name. It was produced by Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte, who helped shape its electronic disco sound. The song was also co-written by Summer herself, marking an important moment in her early career development.

At over 16 minutes long in its full album version, the track broke traditional radio rules. Most stations preferred short songs under four minutes. This one went far beyond that. It was later edited for radio play, but even the shortened versions still carried the same bold sound and suggestive vocal delivery.

The song’s production used slow, looping beats, layered guitars and early synthesizer work. These elements later became a blueprint for future disco and electronic music. Because of its length and style, some radio stations refused to play it at all, while others only aired edited versions.

Even with restrictions, the song performed strongly on the charts. In the United States, it reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed at No. 1 on dance charts for multiple weeks. It also became Summer’s first major crossover hit, reaching pop, soul and club audiences at the same time.

The controversy surrounding “Love to Love You Baby” came mostly from its vocal performance. The track featured sensual vocalizations that some broadcasters at the time considered too provocative for mainstream radio. As a result, parts of the United States and Europe limited or rejected its airplay.

Despite that, the song continued to grow in popularity through dance clubs, where DJs played the extended version in full. This helped shape the rise of disco culture, where long-form tracks became the standard for nightlife music.

Its influence extended far beyond disco. The song was later named by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll, placing it alongside major rock and pop recordings that changed music history.

Music historians also point out that the track helped push the idea of the extended single format, which became important for 12-inch vinyl releases in later years. This format became a key part of DJ culture in the late 1970s and 1980s.

Donna Summer later became one of the most successful disco artists of her era, but this song remained her breakthrough moment. It showed how a controversial track could still succeed commercially and influence global music trends at the same time.

Related: 1972 Hit, Written in 20 Minutes, Became a Soft Rock Classic

Bob Saget's widow, Kelly Rizzo, penned an emotional tribute, including a personal video, to her late husband on what would have been the Full House star's 70th birthday.

On Sunday, May 17, Rizzo, 46, took to Instagram to mark Saget's big day. The actor behind the iconic TV dad, Danny Tanner, died suddenly at 65 at an Orlando, Fla., hotel room in 2022. His cause of death was blunt head trauma after suffering a fall.

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"Happy heavenly 70th birthday. Wow… 70," Rizzo began her length update. "I always think about what Bob would be doing and what he’d be like if he were still here. First of all, he would absolutely want everyone to know he was the youngest-looking, youngest-feeling, and youngest-acting 70-year-old on the planet. (1000% true) And he’d still be going full steam ahead."

The widow went on to explain that Saget "didn't believe in retirement" and that his "greatest joy right now would've been being a grandpa."

"It would be so fun to watch him still out there absolutely killing it in the comedy world," Rizzo pointed out. "... And while my mantra since losing Bob has always been that I wasn’t robbed, because I’m so lucky I got to experience the gift of him for six beautiful years… damn, I really do wish we all got to see what he’d be doing today."

To conclude her birthday tribute, Rizzo declared, "We love you, we miss you, Bob. And we’re so excited to celebrate you today and every day. And I am so honored to continue to share all the Bob love."

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Related: Dave Coulier Shares Honest Health Update Amid Cancer Battle After Fans Express Concern

In the comments, Saget's onscreen daughter, Candace Cameron Bure (DJ Tanner), wrote, "Happy heavenly 70th birthday to one of my favorite humans in the world ❤️. I miss you 🥹."

Dave Coulier's (Joey Gladstone) wife, Melissa Coulier, shared, "Love you so much. ❤️❤️ Happy heavenly 7-0!"

Another follower commented, "Happy heavenly birthday to my generation’s TV dad 💕🙌🏼.✨ @kellyrizzo don’t ever stop sharing and spreading the Bob love. 💗 He is soo very missed 😢."

Someone else echoed, "Happy Heavenly birthday, Bob. You will always be the GOAT. 💙 You are so loved and so missed."

Meanwhile, yet another fan wrote, "So beautiful, Kelly, ❤️ Wishing Bob the best heavenly 70th birthday ever!!! I know it will be with you and everyone who loved him celebrating! Cheers to Bob and hugs for you xx."

Next: Candace Cameron Bure & All 3 Kids Pose for Super Rare Photo to Mark Special Occasion