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NYT ‘Connections’ Hints, Clues and Answers Today, Monday, June 8, 2026
You'll solve today's NYT Connections puzzle in no time if you love geology. 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 #1093 on Monday, June 8, 2026.
Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Monday, June 8, 2026 / New York TimesIf 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, June 8- Like the Darien Gap.
- La cabeza.
- Can also be known as prickly.
- "I am not an elephant! I am not an animal! I am a human being! I... am... a man!"
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, June 8:1. LANDFORMS BY WATER: DELTA, ISLAND, ISTHMUS, PENINSULA
2. SLANG FOR HEAD: COCONUT, DOME, MELON, PATE
3. THINGS THAT CAN BE SPIKED: MOHAWK, PUNCH, SEA URCHIN, VOLLEYBALL
4. "THE ____ MAN" MOVIES: ELEPHANT, INVISIBLE, OMEGA, RUNNING
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: I Ranked 14 Ice Creams From Aldi From Worst to Best—and the Winner Won by a Landslide
Today’s Wordle Hint, Answers for #1815 on Monday, June 8, 2026
Today's NYT Wordle is a no-brainer if you're used to scrolling on your phone. 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 #1815 ahead.
Let's start with a few hints.
There are three 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 double letters in today's Wordle.
Can you give another hint about today's Wordle?A hint for today's Wordle is: "Say hello to my little friend!"
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 #1815 on Monday, June 8, 2026.Today's Wordle answer on Monday, June 8, 2026, is MAFIA.
-If you missed it, catch up with the answer to yesterday’s Wordle.
Related: I Ranked 14 Ice Creams From Aldi From Worst to Best—and the Winner Won by a Landslide
The Complete Winners List from the 2026 Tony Awards
Radio City Music Hall in New York City was filled with tons of Broadway legends for the 2026 Tony Awards. And with that, numerous honors were handed out, celebrating this year's incredible slate of plays and musicals that dominated the stages.
Here are all the winners from the 2026 Tony Awards:
Best PlayWINNER: Liberation
The Balusters
Giant
Little Bear Ridge Road
WINNER: Schmigadoon!
The Lost Boys
Titaníque
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
WINNER: Ragtime
Cats: The Jellicle Ball
The Rocky Horror Show
WINNER: Death of a Salesman
Becky Shaw
Every Brilliant Thing
Fallen Angels
Oedipus
WINNER:Joshua Henry, Ragtime
Nicholas Christopher, Chess
Luke Evans, The Rocky Horror Show
Sam Tutty, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
Brandon Uranowitz, Ragtime
WINNER: Caissie Levy, Ragtime
Sara Chase, Schmigadoon!
Stephanie Hsu, The Rocky Horror Show
Marla Mindelle, Titaníque
Christiani Pitts, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
WINNER: John Lithgow, Giant
Will Harrison, Punch
Nathan Lane, Death of a Salesman
Daniel Radcliffe, Every Brilliant Thing
Mark Strong, Oedipus
WINNER:Lesley Manville, Oedipus
Rose Byrne, Fallen Angels
Carrie Coon, Bug
Susannah Flood, Liberation
Kelli O’Hara, Fallen Angels
WINNER:Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
Michael Arden, The Lost Boys
Lear deBessonet, Ragtime
Christopher Gattelli, Schmigadoon!
Tim Jackson, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
WINNER: Joe Mantello, Death of a Salesman
Nicholas Hytner, Giant
Robert Icke, Oedipus
Kenny Leon, The Balusters
Whitney White, Liberation
WINNER: Alden Ehrenreich, Becky Shaw
Christopher Abbott, Death of a Salesman
Danny Burstein, Marjorie Prime
Brandon J. Dirden, Waiting for Godot
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone
Richard Thomas, The Balusters
WINNER: Laurie Metcalf, Death of a Salesman
Betsy Aidem, Liberation
Marylouise Burke, The Balusters
Aya Cash, Giant
June Squibb, Marjorie Prime
WINNER: Ali Louis Bourzgui, The Lost Boys
André De Shields, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
Bryce Pinkham, Chess
Ben Levi Ross, Ragtime
Layton Williams, Titaníque
WINNER: Shoshana Bean, The Lost Boys
Hannah Cruz, Chess
Rachel Dratch, The Rocky Horror Show
Ana Gasteyer, Schmigadoon!
Nichelle Lewis, Ragtime
WINNER: Schmigadoon!
The Lost Boys
Titaníque
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
WINNER: Chloe Lamford, Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman
Hildegard Bechtler, Oedipus
Takeshi Kata, Bug
David Korins, Dog Day Afternoon
David Rockwell, Fallen Angels
WINNER: Dane Laffrey, The Lost Boys
Dots, Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show
Soutra Gilmour, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
Rachel Hauck, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
Scott Pask, Schmigadoon!
WINNER: Jeff Mahshie, Fallen Angels
Brenda Abbandandolo, Dog Day Afternoon
Qween Jean, Liberation
Emilio Sosa, The Balusters
Paul Tazewell, August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone
WINNER: Qween Jean, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
Linda Cho, Ragtime
Linda Cho, Schmigadoon!
Ryan Park, The Lost Boys
David I. Reynoso, Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show
WINNER: Schmigadoon!
Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman
August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone
The Lost Boys
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
WINNER: Jack Knowles, Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman
Isabella Byrd, Dog Day Afternoon
Natasha Chivers, Oedipus
Stacey Derosier, August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone
Heather Gilbert, Bug
Heather Gilbert, The Fear of 13
WINNER: Jen Schriever and Michael Arden, The Lost Boys
Kevin Adams, Chess
Jane Cox, Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show
Andre Honoré and Donald Holder and 59 Studio, Ragtime
Donald Holder, Schmigadoon!
Adam Honoré, Cats: The Jellice Ball
WINNER: Mikaal Sulaiman, Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman
Justin Ellington, August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone
Tom Gibbons, Oedipus
Lee Kinney, The Fear of 13
Josh Schmidt, Bug
WINNER: Kai Harada, Ragtime
Adam Fisher, The Lost Boys
Kai Harada, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
Brian Ronan, Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show
Walter Trarbach, Schmigadoon!
WINNER: Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
Christopher Gattelli, Schmigadoon!
Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Cree Grant, The Lost Boys
Ellenore Scott, Ragtime
Ani Taj, Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show
WINNER: Doug Besterman and Mike Morris, Schmigadoon!
Ethan Popp, Adrianne “AG” Gonzalez, Gabriel Mann and Kyler England, The Lost Boys
Lux Pyramid, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
Andrew Lloyd Webber, David Wilson, Trevor Holder and Doug Schadt, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
Brian Usifer, Chess
This '60 Minutes' Competitor Just Hit a Milestone Amid CBS' Major Shakeup
Scott Pelley remains in the spotlight following his controversial termination from CBS News.
After looking carefree in a sailing photo posted to his Instagram on Saturday, June 6, the former 60 Minutes correspondent 68, just made notable comments about his former network in a just-published New York Times interview.
The piece went live on Sunday, June 7, in which Pelley told the newspaper things like, "CBS News is on fire," amid the gutting of the newsmagazine’s senior staff.
“We need adult supervision, and at the moment we don’t have it. We have people who’ve been installed in these jobs who through no fault of their own have no experience in television. They don’t know what they’re doing,” Pelley also said in the NYT interview. “And there’s a subtle political bias that I’ve never seen at 60 Minutes before, or at CBS News before. So that is my hope: a return to sanity.”
Pelley became a legend at 60 Minutes over the years, a program that garnered competitors ever since its launch. Speaking of, this weekend marked exactly 48 years since ABC News' 20/20 debuted on the rival network, currently anchored by David Muir and Deborah Roberts.
Having debuted on ABC June 6, 1978, 20/20 is still going strong today. Here's the newsmagazine's breakdown on the network's website: "A proven leader as a long-form newsmagazine for over 40 years, "20/20" features unforgettable, character-driven true crime mysteries, exclusive newsmaker interviews, hard-hitting investigative reports and in-depth coverage of high profile stories."
60 Minutes premiered 10 years earlier, in 1968. Pelley was fired from the renowned program on May 30, coming shortly after the anchor butted heads with the show’s new executive producer, Nick Bilton. The incident went down publicly in a staff meeting, only exacerbating the existing conflict between CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss and the longtime staff of the iconic newsmagazine program. During the meeting, which was captured on audio, Pelley accused Weiss of “murdering” 60 Minutes, per The New York Times.
1971 Hit Breakup Anthem, Considered One of the 'Best Songs of All Time,' Has Over 500 Cover Recordings
In 1970, incredibly influential singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell penned "A Case of You" for her fourth studio album, Blue. The song is a quintessential breakup song detailing being in the throes of heartbreak and borrow references not only from Mitchell's own life, but also Shakespeare.
Mitchell wrote the song inspired by her own breakup with fellow musician Graham Nash. The iconic line "I could drink a case of you, darling / Still I'd be on my feet" is inspired by something Nash would say regularly to Mitchell. The opening line of the song, "I am as constant as a northern star," is borrowed from the Shakespeare playJulius Caesar.
When asked about the song, Nash went so far as to call it "one of his favorites" saying:
"There are so many brilliant songs. I tend to go towards a simple song, and one of my favorites is 'A Case Of You.' I think it's an unbelievably beautifully recorded, simple folk song. It's beautiful."
Over the years "A Case of You" has been lauded by numerous of Mitchell's peers. Notably, Prince was a huge fan of the song and wrote Mitchell fan mail to say so. Many, many musicians have put their own spin on the song since its release. A whopping 537 covers exist of "A Case of You" according to Mitchell's website. Some of the most famous covers include ones by Connie Champagne, Ana Moura, and James Blake, Tori Amos, k.d. lang, and, of course, Prince.
While the song never charted, it went on to be considered by many to be one of the greatest songs of all time. The song was ranked number 26 for Rolling Stones' list of the "Top 500 Best Songs of All Time." As mega-fan Prince said of Mitchell and in relation to "A Case of You":
"Joni’s music should be taught in school, if just from a literature standpoint."
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1970 Rock Classic, Which Saved a Band From Breaking Up, Became a Generational Anthem
In 1970, Alice Cooper released a song that not only launched its career, but may have saved the band from breaking up.
"I'm Eighteen" became the group's first major hit, transforming a struggling act into one of the most important hard rock bands of the 1970s and creating a generational anthem that still resonates today.
At the time, Alice Cooper was far from a household name.
The band's first two albums had failed to achieve significant commercial success, and members were beginning to wonder whether their unconventional blend of hard rock and theatricality would ever find an audience.
"After our first two albums came out in 1969 and early '70, they bombed," Cooper told The Wall Street Journal. "We lived in Los Angeles then and were running out of cash. We never considered quitting, but we started to worry. Shep Gordon, our manager, suggested we relocate to the Midwest, where we had a larger fan base."
The group was facing a pivotal moment in its career and needed a breakthrough. That breakthrough arrived in the form of "I'm Eighteen."
The song emerged after Cooper and the band began thinking about a universal experience: the awkward transition between adolescence and adulthood.
"[Guitarist] Mike Bruce had this idea for a song called 'I'm Eighteen,'" said drummer Neal Smith in a 2011 interview. "At first it was almost like a Pink Floyd kind of thing. We'd always been two guitars, bass, drums and the lead singer. Michael was well versed as a keyboard player, so we got a Farfisa organ and he wrote the song on that. The intro was kind of a melodic, haunting tune that built and built. Since we wrote everything for the stage, it wound up being an eight minute song."
Rather than writing about romance or rebellion in the traditional rock-and-roll sense, the group focused on the uncertainty of being caught between childhood and maturity.
The result was a lyric that connected with listeners almost immediately.
"I'm eighteen and I don't know what I want," Cooper famously sang, perfectly capturing a feeling that countless young people recognized.
Musically, the song combined a heavy guitar riff with a raw, stripped-down sound that helped distinguish it from many of the more polished rock records of the era. Released on the album Love It to Death, the single became the band’s first significant chart success, reaching No. 21 on Billboard Hot 100, and brought national attention to a group that had previously struggled to gain traction.
Its impact went far beyond chart performance.
The success of "I'm Eighteen" gave the band the confidence and industry support needed to continue, paving the way for future classics such as "School's Out," "No More Mr. Nice Guy" and "Billion Dollar Babies."
Many rock historians consider the song a turning point not only for Alice Cooper but also for hard rock itself. Its heavier sound and outsider perspective helped lay groundwork for generations of rock and metal artists that followed.
More than five decades later, "I'm Eighteen" continues to resonate because its central theme remains timeless. Every generation experiences the uncertainty of standing on the threshold of adulthood, and the song's honesty has allowed it to endure long after its original release.
For Alice Cooper, it was more than a hit single. It was the song that kept the band together, launched a legendary career and gave rock music one of its most enduring generational anthems.
Related: 1970 Rock Classic, Lasting Nearly 11 Minutes, Became a Timeless Power Anthem
Costco's Pretty New Comforter Set Makes Your Bedroom Feel Instantly More Expensive
Fresh bedding makes you feel like you've gotten your act together, even if the laundry pile in the corner says otherwise, or maybe that's just me. A bedroom refresh doesn't have to mean buying all new furniture or spending an entire weekend reorganizing your closet. Sometimes, changing up your comforter and making the bed with something new is enough to make the whole room feel different.
And bedrooms do a lot these days. They aren't just where you sleep, but also very possibly where you watch TV, answer emails, scroll for way too long before bed, and occasionally hide out for a little peace and quiet. So when your room starts feeling a little stale, a bedding swap can be one of the easiest ways to make it feel cozy and new again.
Jennifer Adams 3-piece Yarn Dyed Comforter Set, $62.99 - $72.99 at Costco Jennifer Adams 3-piece Yarn Dyed Comforter SetCostco
The best part is that it's instant gratification. New bedding can change the mood of a room in about five minutes flat, making it feel more designer and inviting. Like Costco's new Jennifer Adams 3-piece Yarn Dyed Comforter Set, which costs $62.99 for the Queen size and $72.99 for King size.
This set comes with everything you need for an easy bedroom glow-up, including one comforter and two matching shams. It has a lovely medium weight construction and down alternative fill that gives off a cozy feel but also works across seasons. Available in two versatile color options—Oat and Blue yarn-dyed finishes—it's made to blend easily into a variety of bedroom styles.
Related: World Market's 100% Cotton Bath Towel Adds a Splash of Color to Your Bathroom
If you're wondering what the heck a yarn-dyed finish is, it just means the threads are colored before they're woven into fabric rather than dyed afterward. This technique gives the material more depth and dimension. In bedding, that usually translates to a richer, more textured look with subtle color variation instead of one flat shade. It can also help colors stay vibrant over time, giving the comforter a more woven appearance.
Costco is a hot spot for stylish finds right now. From cute but super comfy sandals to gourmet gifts for Father's Day, there's so much newness available. There's also the prettiest rainbow-inspired patio rug if you're looking to give your outdoor area an update too. After all, bedrooms aren't the only spaces tat deserve a little love.
Walmart’s $10 Flip-Flops With 'Great Arch Support' Feel 'Like Walking on Pillows'
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Sandals are a warm weather staple, but not every pair of slip-ons is as comfortable as they are convenient. Sure, throwing in a pair of flip-flops when packing for a trip is easy, but many don't offer the type of support needed for long travel days or all the walking that comes with exploring a new place. Footwear that balances style and comfort is key, and for that, we absolutely love the Ecetana Flip-Flops at Walmart.
Normally $20, these adorable, supportive sandals now start at just $10 thanks to a limited-time Walmart flash deal. The best discount is on the pair with white straps, but you can also score tan pairs with black or khaki straps for just $13, which is still a fantastic deal.
Ecetana Flip-Flops, From $10 (was $20) at Walmart Shop at WalmartA step up from basic flip-flops, these feature straps made of a flexible cloth adorned with a chic knot where the straps come together just above the toes. Shoppers said the straps felt soft against their skin and didn't rub or cause blisters, even when walking long distances.
These sandals prioritize wearable ease with ergonomic construction. Made of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), the footbed is designed to deliver premium comfort. EVA is a flexible, durable material with a lightweight feel, so it bends along with the natural movement and shape of your foot. The base mimics the spring and cushioning of a squishy yoga mat, which one reviewer raved made wearing them feel "like walking on pillows."
Designed to wear safely on various terrains, these flip-flops have a high-traction serrated bottom that keeps each step stable. Their lightweight, water-resistant nature makes them a reliable choice for all sorts of activities, from beach trips to everyday errands.
Multiple comments in the reviews section mentioned that these "stylish" sandals are "good for a vacation" because they "go with just about any summer outfit." One reviewer called them "perfect beach flip-flops," while another shared that they feel "so comfy in the summertime."
To further illustrate how stretchy and comfortable these flip-flops are, one shopper explained that even with foot swelling from lymphoedema, they felt "amazing" and had a "great fit." Another customer wore these flip-flops "as poolside footwear for aquatic physical therapy" because the bottoms have plenty of grip on slippery surfaces, and said that they offer "great arch support."
Several shoppers loved these "comfortable and cute" sandals so much that they purchased multiple pairs in different colors. They come in whole sizes from 6 through 12, and reviewers with wide feet noted that the footbed was plenty spacious.
You won't want to miss the chance to snag the Ecetana Flip-Flops for just $10 ahead of summer. Hurry and add a pair (or two!) to your Walmart cart before this flash deal ends.
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Marlon Wayans Reveals He's Already Pitching Ideas for 'White Chicks 2'—With One Major Catch
MarlonWayans opened up about his family and career in a recent interview with GQ.
The actor, writer, and director spoke about how important his siblings are to him.
“I was fortunate. I grew up in a house with five legends. Who can say that? Besides maybe Michael Jackson,” he said. “I literally grew up in a house with everybody I dreamt to be like was living or sleeping in the bunk bed above me, or was in the room across from me.”
His siblings, Keenen, Damon, Kim, and Shawn Wayans, were featured on the Emmy Award-winning 1990 comedy In Living Color, which Keenen and Damon created.
Marlon, Shawn, and Keenen went on to create Scary Movie in 2000, which would result in a six-movie franchise, but they aren’t calling it Scary Movie 6.
“Oh, we're just saying Scary Movie. It’s a rebranding. It's the rebootiquel. It’s a reboot and a sequel,” Wayans shared. “We only made two. This is our third one. We forget the other three.”
While it’s the sixth installment of the horror/comedy film, the Wayans family didn’t work on the third, fourth, or fifth. Miramax and the Weinstein brothers owned the property and let others work on the franchise.
“They didn't want to make the deal and they didn’t want to pay for the jokes and so we was like, Okay,” he said. Adding, watching other people make the films “was like watching your child become a crackhead.”
Despite it being difficult to see the franchise continue without him, the 53-year-old admits it allowed him to work on other projects.
“I had to do nothing except me and my brothers walk away and go create new things like White Chicks and Little Man and I created A Haunted House, which wound up rivaling Scary Movie 5 and burying it.”
White Chicks became one of Wayans most popular movies, and he’s not ruling out a sequel.
“Oh, definitely. I mean, I was talking to Keenen about ideas about White Chicks 2 this morning. So I think it is possible, but I just want to know if the world wants to laugh.”
2000s Rock Band Announces New Album for the First Time in 15 Years
Fans of one of the defining British indie rock bands of the 2000s won't have to wait much longer for new music.
Hard-Fi has officially announced Sweating Someone Else's Fever, the group's first studio album in 15 years.
The long-awaited record marks the band's first full-length release since 2011's Killer Sounds. It follows their 2024 EP Don't Go Making Plans, which ended a lengthy gap that saw the group largely step away from recording while remaining a beloved name among fans of 2000s British rock.
Alongside the announcement, the band unveiled the album's title track, giving listeners their first substantial preview of the new project. The return is a significant moment for Hard-Fi, which emerged as one of the most successful British guitar bands of the mid-2000s.
Formed in Staines, England, the group broke through with its debut album Stars of CCTV, which spawned hits including "Hard to Beat," "Cash Machine" and "Living for the Weekend." The record earned widespread critical acclaim and established the band as part of a generation of U.K. acts that helped define indie rock during the decade.
"Whether I like it or not, [Stars of CCTV's] become my identity," frontman Richard Archer told Songwriting Magazine. "What it means to me is, it was a really exciting time in my life. It changed my life. There were difficult times as well, but I got to go travel the world, play gigs, and it was really incredible."
Over the years, Hard-Fi developed a reputation for combining sharp social observations with infectious hooks and anthemic choruses. Their music often explored themes of working-class life, ambition and modern British culture, helping the band connect with a devoted audience.
The announcement of Sweating Someone Else's Fever comes amid a broader resurgence of interest in 2000s indie rock, with many bands from the era reuniting, touring and releasing new music.
For Hard-Fi, however, this isn't simply a reunion victory lap.
A new album gives the band an opportunity to add another chapter to a catalog that has remained influential long after its commercial peak.
"For years, we'd tour and do promo, with no days off – all of which was exciting but exhausting," Archer told The Guardian in 2025. "The whole time I thought: 'We can't stop, we can’t screw it up.' There was so much pressure that I didn't get a chance to stop and soak it in."
Since then, the pressure has faded, replaced by excitement and joy. The group's return also arrives after years of speculation about whether another Hard-Fi album would ever materialize. While the band reunited for select live performances in recent years, a new full-length project remained uncertain.
Now, fans finally have confirmation that fresh music is on the way.
After 15 years between albums, Sweating Someone Else's Fever represents one of the most anticipated releases of Hard-Fi's career and a welcome return for a band that helped soundtrack the indie rock boom of the 2000s.
Related: 1971 Rock Classic, Lasting Nearly 13 Minutes, Became a Timeless Road Trip Anthem
'70s Music Legend Who Sang Some of Yacht Rock's Biggest Hits Debuts New Soft-Rock Song With Keith Urban: 'Sounds Amazing'
If Country King Keith Urban has anything to say about it, Summer 2026 is the summer of Yacht Rock.
The country crooner has a soft spot for the ’70s-inspired music genre and is set to release a new album on June 12, 2026, containing almost exclusively Yacht Rock covers. Urban gave fans a preview of his breezy, stripped-down takes on some of the best-known soft-rock tunes of the 1970s at CMA Fest in Nashville this weekend, but it was a duet with a ’70s music legend that completely stole the show.
Keith Urban’s new album Flow State includes new interpretations of iconic soft-rock tunes like "Summer Breeze," on which the country star dives into the song’s lush harmonies in his reimagined cover. Flow State contains one original song titled "We Go Back," performed with Doobie Brothers frontman, and the unofficial king of Yacht Rock himself, Michael McDonald.
Keith Urban and Michael McDonald Steal the Show at CMA Fest @nashvillemusicAll fools should believe this - Michael McDonald joins @Keith Urban at #cmafest in Nashville to debut a song from Urban’s new album. #countrymusic #nashville #cmafest #newmusic
♬ original sound - nashvillemusicMcDonald took the stage this weekend alongside Keith Urban at the venerable Nashville music festival, sharing a live performance of the pair’s original tune with fans. If there’s anyone who could steal the spotlight from Keith Urban in his hometown of Nashville, it’s Michael McDonald. The singing icon did just that.
The Doobie Brothers frontman may have been performing in country music territory, but fans enthusiastically made him feel right at home.
“Brilliant collaboration,” shared one fan.
Another offered a ringing endorsement for the only original tune on Keith Urban’s new album Flow State, writing, “Love this song! It’s been on repeat in my car.”
Michael McDonald’s Voice Continues to Resonate With Fans @nashvillemusicKeith Urban closes an electric set at #cmafest with Long, Hot Summer #countrymusic #nashville #newmusic #CMAFest
♬ original sound - nashvillemusicMore than just an endorsement of Keith Urban and Michael McDonald’s recent collaboration for Flow State, reaction to the pair’s Nashville performance speaks to the enduring talent and popularity of Michael McDonald, one of the most unique voices of the 1970s and one of the decade’s most prolific songwriters.
Urban’s take on some of Yacht Rock’s biggest hits introduces the songs, and the genre itself, to an entirely new generation of music fans and establishes the crossover appeal of soft rock with the enthusiasm and support of Urban’s country music audience.
“Yacht Country Summer 2026,” suggested one fan, echoing the sentiments of many.
Ultimately, what made Urban and McDonald’s performance so special was the enduring talent of the Doobie Brothers frontman. Less a tribute album or performance focused solely on nostalgia, Michael McDonald’s contribution to Flow State, and his performance in Nashville, represent an expansion of his career, not a reflection on it.
“Brilliant collaboration,” gushed one fan.
Another noted, “Still has an amazing voice.”
We couldn’t agree more. Maybe next up, Michael McDonald covers his favorite country tunes? That would be another brilliant collaboration.
’90s Metal Band Announces Exclusive Update Amid 2026 Tour
Obituary, the '90s death metal band, surprised fans with an unexpected announcement as they geared up for a highly anticipated tour with Megadeth.
Known for their blazing-fast heavy grooves and unique style of death metal, the band will be joining one of the "Big Four" of American thrash metal as a supporting act.
Currently on a farewell tour, Obituary announced that it was expanding the run with two more dates set for July and August in Wisconsin.
“MEGADETH & OBITUARY live in Wisconsin this Summer. 2 Special shows direct support to the Thrash Legends. July 31 La Crosse, WI @ Oktoberfest Grounds and Aug 01 Green Bay, WI @ Capital Credit Union Park,” the caption reads, adding that tickets are currently available.
Megadeth at the launch event 'Youthanasia' album, London, United Kingdom, October 12, 1994.Fans in the comments section couldn't wait to see the two iconic bands on one stage.
“Sick lineup,” one wrote.
“Killer combo,” a commenter added.
“That would be a sick show!” a follower echoed.
“2 of my favorite bands…” a fan remarked.
The same sentiment was shared by another fan, who wrote, “F--k yeah, Obituary still has it all these years later. They were one of the best shows I’ve ever gone to in ‘24.”
Apart from Obituary, the event also includes an illustrious list of heavyweights in the music industry.
View this post on InstagramMegadeth has also tapped thrash icons Anthrax and Exodus to join them as special guests.
This Was Our Life Tour DetailsThe upcoming tour, This Was Our Life, is Megadeth’s multi-year global farewell tour led by frontman Dave Mustaine. It is also a celebration of their final self-titled record, Megadeth, released on Jan. 23, 2026.
The lead vocalist hinted that the farewell tour, which kicked off this year, could span multiple years.
"We're easily talking about touring for another three to five years,” Dave told Kerrang!. "And if we're going to be doing it for that long, then, s---, I'll be looking at the (70th) birthday I don't even want to think about!"
According to Mustaine, he doesn't want to keep performing until he is in his 80s.
“I'm not caught up in longevity and stuff like that, and being one of those guys who can play until he's in his 80s,” he explained, adding, “I have to remember that people live and they die, and I need to take good care of myself.”
From May to mid-July, the farewell tour will perform across Europe and the U.K., followed by a North American leg running through August.
Related: '70s Rock Band, Disbanded After Two Years, Ranked Among 'Greatest Supergroups' of All Time
’90s Alternative Rock Band Announces Special Guest for 2026 Tour
Fans of alternative rock have a brand new reason to get excited about Dogstar's upcoming tour.
The band just announced that New York rock group The Backfires will join them as a special guest on their 2026 All In Now Tour. Dogstar shared the news on Instagram, writing, "We're excited to have @thebackfires join us on the road for our North American Tour."
The tour kicks off Aug. 1 in Austin, Texas, and will make stops across the United States and Canada before wrapping up Sept. 3 in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is supporting Dogstar's latest album, All In Now, which was released in May.
View this post on InstagramOriginally formed in Los Angeles in the early 1990s, Dogstar built a following by balancing alternative rock with post-grunge influences and melodic songwriting. The group stands out for featuring actor Keanu Reeves as its bassist alongside drummer Robert Mailhouse and guitarist-vocalist Bret Domrose.
Although Dogstar never achieved the commercial heights of some of its contemporaries, the band developed a loyal fan base through constant touring and a string of well-received releases. Following a peaceful breakup in 2002, the group reunited more than two decades later, returning to the stage and studio with renewed energy.
In a 2024 interview on the Inside of Youpodcast, Mailhouse explained their reunion.
"We made a conscious decision to try to do something … after the pandemic," the drummer shared. "The timing just sort of came together, and we got together and played, and it sounded good."
That long-awaited return sparked renewed interest in Dogstar's music, introducing the band's catalog to a new generation of listeners while reconnecting longtime fans with a group that had largely disappeared from the spotlight.
The addition of The Backfires brings another layer of excitement to the tour. The rising band has gained recent attention for its energetic live performances and modern take on guitar-driven rock, making it a natural fit alongside Dogstar.
For fans attending the upcoming shows, the pairing offers an opportunity to see both a revived alternative rock group and one of the genre's emerging acts on the same stage.
More than three decades after Dogstar first formed, the band's latest tour announcement demonstrates that interest in its music is still as strong as ever.
Related: '90s Rock Legend Announces Massive Show With Special Guests
Jessica Alba Honors Teen Daughter With 18th Birthday Tribute
Jessica Alba's eldest daughter reached another major milestone just days after graduating from high school.
Honor — whom Alba shares with ex Cash Warren — celebrated her 18th birthday on Sunday, June 7, and the proud mom shared a touching tribute.
"Happy 18th Birthday to my Honor 🤍 My sweet girl, my brilliant girl, my shining light," Alba wrote alongside a montage video of Honor's childhood. "As I reflect on the last 18 years, I can honestly say they have been the most profound of my life. You opened my heart and expanded my understanding of love in ways I never knew were possible."
Alba added, "You have always lit up every room you enter. You are kind and considerate, yet feisty and witty. Your humor is quick, sharp, and unexpected. You are wildly intelligent, endlessly curious, and I could not be more proud of the young woman you have become."
Honor — who is heading to Yale University in the fall — graduated high school just days ahead of her 18th birthday.
View this post on Instagram"As you step into adulthood, part of me wants to hold you close forever and keep you safe. But an even bigger part wants to watch you fly - to explore this world and discover everything that calls to your soul," Alba continued. "And through it all, I will always be here. Whether you need comforting when your sink, a hug, or miss home, I’ll jump on a plane to see you- I’m here. Always."
1978 Soft Rock Classic, the Band's Only No. 1 Hit, Remains a Beloved Anthem 48 Years Later
In 1978, Exile released what would become their only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100—and it remains a classic 48 years later. Decades after "Kiss You All Over" blended pop with rock, disco, and other musical influences, it is still widely played on streaming services like Spotify (over 56 million streams at the time of writing), proving its timelessness.
The band—comprising Jimmy Stokley (Lead Vocals), J.P. Pennington (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Buzz Cornelison (Keyboards), Marlon Hargis (Keyboards), Sonny LeMaire (Bass), and Steve Goetzman (Drums) at the time—was formed in Kentucky in 1963, originally going by The Exiles.
According to founding member Pennington, “There were a lot of Cuban exiles coming across … The word [exiles] was in the news, and we felt we were also somewhat ostracized from the local society. We had long hair back then,” per Kentucky Monthly.
After a name change—which they famously said took place due to The Exiles sounding 'dated'—“Kiss You All Over” reached No. 1 the week of Sept. 30, 1978, and topped the charts for four weeks. It was also ranked the No. 5 top song of the year by Billboard.
Written by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn, it was included on the group's album, Mixed Emotions. A sensual, romantic song about passion, infatuation, and physical desire, the track—inspired by Barry White's 1977 hit "It's Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next to Me," according to Chapman—was an "instant hit in over 60 countries. In 2010, Billboard ranked the song ninth on its list of The 50 Sexiest Songs Of All Time," according to a Facebook post shared by the band.
While a fusion of sounds defined them from inception, the band officially crossed over from rock to country in 1983, finding massive success and notching their first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart with "Woke Up in Love" in March 1984. During the height of their country era, between 1983 and 1987, the band recorded ten consecutive No. 1 singles on the Billboard country charts.
“The Exile sound is, perhaps, a mixture of R&B, gospel, old-style rock, with country and bluegrass touches,” Hargis explained in 2018, according to Kentucky Monthly. “We’ve given up trying to figure it out; it’s just a distinctive mix that’s us. The best way to describe our sound, in my opinion, is that it’s a combination of strong vocals, funky rhythms and lots of soul.”
In 2025, "one of America's longest-running bands" was honored with a PBS special entitled Exile: 60 Years of Music.
"Explore the history of Exile, one of America's longest-running bands. From their rock 'n' roll roots in Richmond, Kentucky, to their 1978 pop hit 'Kiss You All Over' that topped the Billboard charts to their reinvention as a hit-making country band - this documentary chronicles Exile's story, more than six decades in the making," the synopsis reads.
Related: 1983 Soft Rock Song, Originally a Flop, Remains a Timeless Classic 43 Years Later
How Being a Dad Inspired Daniel Radcliffe’s Broadway Performance
With the Tony Awards in full swing, Daniel Radcliffe spoke to E! News on the red carpet about how his son inspired his performance in Every Brilliant Thing.
The solo show opened at the Hudson Theatre on March 12, starring Radcliffe as an unnamed narrator. The 70-minute show follows the narrator as he chronicles his journey with suicidal depression, beginning with his mother’s suicide attempt. Radcliffe closed out his run on May 24, with Mariska Hargitay taking over on May 26.
“Honestly, I found doing a show that is about saying something … my son’s a real inspiration in wanting to say that,” Radcliffe said. “And when I was thinking about certain things in the show, I would think about him a lot. So he was actually quite energizing.”
Although his son wasn’t able to attend any of the showings, E! News asked what he hopes his son will think about them in the future.
“If he likes any of them, that will feel like a victory as a parent,” Radicliffe said. “I don’t know, I feel like nothing your parents do is cool. So he’ll probably just watch me [and] be like ‘What are you doing?’ And God forbid he ever watches the film where me and his mom, who’s here tonight, met on, because it’s just going to be an awkward watch for a variety of reasons for him.”
Radcliffe met his partner, Erin Darke, on the set of the 2013 indie film Kill Your Darlings. Us Weekly reports that the two made a strong connection while filming a love scene, which led to a real-life romance. In April 2023, they welcomed their baby boy together.
“Honestly, if I could stop [my son] from ever knowing I was an actor or famous, I would do that,” Radcliffe said with a smile. “I’m in this beautiful phase right now where I’m just his dad to him and nothing else. And I’m just going to hang on to that for as long as possible.”
Check out the full interview here:
View this post on Instagram'90s Punk Rock Band Reunites With Iconic 1999 Arcade Classic as It Makes Long-Awaited Return
One of the most chaotic games of the arcade era is making a comeback.
Sega revealed Crazy Taxi: World Tour, a brand-new entry in the long-dormant franchise, at the Xbox Games Showcase on Sunday, June 7. It is the first new Crazy Taxi game in years, and it brings back the series' beloved high-speed, fare-grabbing chaos.
The Offspring Are Back, TooThe reveal trailer confirmed two things nostalgic players were hoping for. Axel, the original game's iconic driver, is back behind the wheel, and so is The Offspring, the punk band whose music helped define the franchise.
The 1999 original was as famous for its soundtrack, anchored by The Offspring's "All I Want" and tracks from Bad Religion, as it was for its frantic gameplay, in which drivers raced the clock and pulled off reckless stunts to rack up bigger tips. As the new title hints, World Tour takes that formula global, sending players to pick up and drop off passengers in cities around the world.
A Sega Classic ReturnsCrazy Taxi first hit arcades in 1999 before becoming a defining hit on the Sega Dreamcast, spawning sequels and a devoted following. The franchise had been quiet for years, so an official new installment is a major moment for longtime fans.
When It Comes OutCrazy Taxi: World Tour is set to launch sometime in 2027 on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC.
For a generation that grew up feeding quarters into arcade cabinets or wearing out their Dreamcast, the return is a full-circle moment more than 25 years in the making.
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NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Today, Monday, June 8, 2026
Solving today's NYT Mini Crossword puzzle is as easy as playing UNO. 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, June 8, 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!
Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Monday, June 8, 2026Here are additional clues for each of the words in today's Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Hints1 Across: What someone may attempt to explain in a long, drawn-out description — HINT: Ends with the letter "M"
6 Across: Back in style —HINT: Ends with the letter "O"
7 Across: Remnants in a recently used fire pit — HINT: Starts with the letter "A"
8 Across: Sheds tears — HINT: Ends with the letter "S"
9 Across: Animal in need of adoption — HINT: Starts with the letter "S"
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NYT Mini Down Hints1 Down: Takes a card from the deck — HINT: Starts with the letter "D"
2 Down: The Great Meme ___, movement to purge social media of "brain rot" — HINT: Ends with the letter "T"
3 Down: Thin air, so to speak — HINT: Starts with the letter "E"
4 Down: Colombian food cart dish — HINT: Ends with the letter "A"
5 Down: Green and fuzzy, as a rock — HINT: Ends with the letter "Y"
Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Monday, June 8, 2026Don't go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today's Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Answers1 Across: What someone may attempt to explain in a long, drawn-out description — DREAM
6 Across: Back in style —RETRO
7 Across: Remnants in a recently used fire pit — ASHES
8 Across: Sheds tears — WEEPS
9 Across: Animal in need of adoption — STRAY
1 Down: Takes a card from the deck — DRAWS
2 Down: The Great Meme ___, movement to purge social media of "brain rot" — RESET
3 Down: Thin air, so to speak — ETHER
4 Down: Colombian food cart dish — AREPA
5 Down: Green and fuzzy, as a rock — MOSSY
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1968 Rock Classic That Flopped Initially Became a Cross-Generational Anthem
When a song about feeling terrible somehow makes people feel great, you know you have a winner. But it would take Dave Mason, the singer-songwriter and guitarist behind Traffic’s “Feelin’ Alright?,” a while to reap the rewards of what would become one of classic rock’s most enduring songs.
Just 21 at the time, Mason wrote “Feelin’ Alright?” while on hiatus from Traffic in Hydra, Greece. When he reunited with bandmates Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood, the group recorded the song’s first version — a subtle folksy track — and released it on their self-titled second album. But it flopped, barely registering with listeners. That is, until Joe Cocker got hold of it.
In 1969, Cocker released his own rendition of the song on his debut album, With a Little Help From My Friends, transforming it into a soulful rock anthem complete with congas, piano, and his signature growl. He also had a little help from his friends, namely Ray Charles’ session musicians and backup vocals from The Raelettes. For the final touch, Cocker tweaked the song title, adding a “G” and dropping the question mark: "Feeling Alright."
“A lot of people miss the nuance of the question mark in the title,” Mason shared in his 2024 autobiography, Only You Know and I Know, per American Songwriter. The punctuation matters because the song isn’t a declaration of confidence. Rather, it's a sarcastic exchange with the narrator asking, "Are you feeling all right?" Answering his own question, the narrator admits, “Not feeling too good myself.” Remove the interrogative, and the meaning shifts entirely.
That emotional ambiguity came from Mason's real-life failed love story. Penned about his own painful romance with Vogue model Linda Keith, whose past relationships included legendary musicians Brian Jones, Keith Richards, and Jimi Hendrix, the song was Mason’s way of coping.
“I was young; she was experienced and worldly,” he said. “My emotions could not handle it.”
His heartbreak fueled lyrics like, “Imprisoned by the way it could have been / Left here on my own or so it seems / I’ve got to leave before I start to scream / But someone’s locked the door and took the key.”
With or without the question mark, though, Mason loved Cocker’s interpretation.
“Oh, my God, this is great,” Mason reportedly said after hearing the kinetic cover. Later, he explained, “I think it’s because the song’s so simple but also because Joe Cocker’s version is so damn good!”
“Feeling Alright” charted twice on the Billboard Hot 100: once in 1969, peaking at No. 69, and again in 1972, peaking atNo. 33 as a re-released live version from Cocker’s Mad Dogs & Englishmen album. It also became a staple of classic rock radio, boosted by Cocker’s iconic Woodstock performance in 1969. More importantly, it launched a life far beyond the charts.
Over the decades, “Feelin’ Alright?” has been covered more than 50 times by artists spanning rock, soul, blues, and pop, including Three Dog Night, David Ruffin, The Jackson 5, The Black Crowes, Grand Funk Railroad, and even a 2020 all-star rendition featuring Sammy Hagar, Mick Fleetwood, Michael McDonald, and members of The Doobie Brothers.
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Today the shapeshifting hit is widely considered a classic rock favorite and cross-generational anthem, with its themes of resilience, heartbreak, and perseverance allowing the song to transcend genres and eras.
After leaving Traffic for a successful solo career, Mason borrowed Cocker’s piano and conga lick for his own performances. The song, which became the most-covered composition of his career, has since appeared on most of his live releases and remained a set highlight until he passed away this year at age 79.
Related: 1973 Blues-Rock Classic, Covered by Legends, Became a Driving Anthem
A Shocking Recoupling! Who Went Home on ‘Love Island USA’ 2026 Tonight?
The arrival of Bombshell Corbin Mimis on Love Island USA Season 8 sent a shockwave through the villa and set in motion the season's first recoupling. Filled with tension, the event hosted by Ariana Madix ended in chaos as the first Islander of the season went home.
Check out spoilers about tonight’s episode below and find out who was eliminated from Love Island USA Season 8 in 2026.
Who went home on Love Island USA Season 8 in 2026 tonight?Sean ReifelThe day 1 Islander was left single and vulnerable after bombshell Gabriel Vasconcelos stole Beatriz Hatz with the first twist of the season. Since then he attempted to explore a connection with Kenzie Annis but when bombshell Corbin Mimis entered the villa and set his eyes on Kenzie, danger was set his way.
Unfortunately for Sean, Ariana Maddix arrived in the villa and immediately caused chaos as she announced that despite the women getting to choose during the recoupling, Corbin was given the opportunity to pick who he wanted to couple up with first.
Corbin had the strongest connection with Kenzie and chose her. The women one by one chose each boy, ultimately leaving Sean single and vulnerable. As he was single, Ariana announced that he was dumped from the villa and immediately went home.
Who are the new couples on Love IslandUSA Season 8 in 2026?Corbin Mimis & Kenzie AnnisAniya Harvey & KC ChandlerMelanie Moreno & Sincere RheaKayda Bosse & Zach GeorgiouBeatriz Hatz & Gabriel VasconcelosTrinity Tatum & Bryce DettloffWho is left in the game on Love Island USA Season 8 in 2026?Aniya HarveyBeatriz HatzBryce DettloffCorbin MimisGabriel VasconcelosKayda BosseKC ChandlerKenzie AnnisMelanie MorenoSincere RheaTrinity TatumVasana MontgomeryZach GeorgiouRelated: ‘Love Island USA’ Producer Reveals How Far Their Matchmaking Can Go
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